Yes, it IS possible to travel with kids! One of the best ways for kids to learn about life, culture, destinations, history, geography, ancient cultures and potential careers – is to travel with them. Get them inspired by the exotic sights and sounds of the world.
We’ve put together a list of 10 Fantastic Family Vacation and Holiday Ideas that cater to the interest of your kids: from archaeologists and cowboys to princesses and sailors. Save time and money by finding out where you and your kids can experience the best of these adventures all over the world.
10 Fantastic Family Travel Ideas & Destinations for Every Kind of Kid:
Dig for Dinosaurs, Be Cowboys in the Wild West, Go Fairytale or Adventure in Safaris!
1) Dig for Dinosaurs
Neuquen, Patagonia, Argentina
Here in the Valley of Dinosaurs in and around the city of Neuquen in Patagonia, you can visit the museums that house the Giganotosaurus Carolinii (largest carnivore) and the Argentinosaurus (the largest herbivore). You can also take part in a dinosaur dig, the only dinosaur dig sites in Argentina that are open to the public. While you’re there, take a side trip to the wine regions in Patagonia!
2) Explore Egypt!
Cairo, Luxor, Giza, Egypt
There’s more to pyramids and archaeological sites in Egypt – but the sight of the great pyramids are enough to get anyone interested. Take side trips to the pyramids at Giza, Luxor and Aswan, but take your time to delight in Cairo, take a cruise on the Nile, or even take a side trip to see Petra in Jerusalem (one of the most popular Indiana Jones Aventure Destinations!).
3) Mysterious Mayan + Inca Adventures
Peru, Mexico
From one set of pyramids to another, you can see and learn about the mysterious Mayan pyramids and culture in Mexico. Visit Peru to get a glimpse of the Inca and the ruins built so long ago, including one of today’s most popular destinations, Machu Picchu.
4) Adventure through the Wild Wild West
Texas or Arizona, USA
Admit it, you’ve always wanted to wear a cowboy hat and try to lasso a cow. Here’s your chance – for you and your kids! Visit Tucson, Arizona or Bandera, Texas for your share of dude ranches, rodeos and wild west adventure. Check out the dusty ghost towns left behind from an age of cowboys, bandits and standoffs. Find out more about how to Discover Arizona: 5 Highlights of the Wild West.
5) Cruise through Ports of the World
Europe, Alaska, Caribbean
Cruising is one of the best ways to travel with kids while getting to taste and experience a variety of destinations. Most cruises also have staff that can take care of the kids during the day – so you can take a break. European cruises are great to give your kids a taste of many places. Visit Alaska for something completely out of the ordinary. Or visit islands in the Caribbean for some sand, surf and sun!
6) Discover Diversity in the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The home of Darwin’s evolutionism, cruise through the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador to discover the amazing diversity of all kinds of plants, animals, wildlife and ocean life. Discover Amazon jungles, indigenous villages and peoples, wildlife reserves and relax on the beach all at the same time!
7) Safari in the Australian Outback
Central Australia
You can find a ton of wildlife and wilderness destinations in Australia: the land of imminently known for bouncing kangaroos. From Uluru or Ayers Rock to White Cliffs, Flinders Ranges, Broken Hill and more – small safari tours & accommodations are available through these areas. Take in the scenic deserts, mountains, reddish hues, cattle stations, and of course, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, possums, the Tasmanian devil, crocodiles, emus, dingos and more.
8) Through the Heart of Africa
Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya
There’s no better place to see stunning wildlife in its habitat than in Africa. Botswana safaris take you through the Okavango Delta where you can see the best of river-dwelling animals. Go to South Africa for the best of wildlife and tourist attractions, natural reserves, hippos, whale + shark watching. Visit Tanzania to watch wildebeest migrate, climb Mount Kilimanjaro and safari through the Serengeti. Uganda is best known for its gorillas and apes. Finally, Kenya is the most popular safari destination in Africa where you can see rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, leopards and lions.
9) There’s No Place like Disney World
Orlando, Florida
We weren’t able to resist putting this on our list – since Orlando, Florida is the land that dreams are made of for kids. From Disney World’s parks to Universal Studios and the like, no childhood is complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom. New features this year include the New Simpson’s Krustyland Ride and the upcoming the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2009 at Universal Studios Orlando.
10) The All Inclusive Vacation
Caribbean, Mexico, Cuba, Hawaii
Like cruises, all inclusive vacations are one of the best and cheapest ways to get the family away with the least amount stress since accommodations and meals are paid for. Many tour operators offer such packages to resorts in Cuba, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Many resorts also offer programs for kids during the day – so you can relax on the beach or take a side trip to surrounding attractions. The perfect fairytale vacation for you!
Family Travel in Today’s Growing Industry – It’s All About Kids!
As a parent, it’s easy to be intimidated by the idea of traveling with kids – long flights, restless kids, airplane food mishaps, sleepless and cranky from jet lag. While these are definitely real concerns, relax!
Travel agencies and tour operators realize that offering perks for the kids causes adults to consider traveling with their kids more. Hotels offer “kids stay free” and “kids eat free” deals. This year, Royal Caribbean Cruises will offer a Nickelodeon-theme cruise that will feature Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. Some airlines in the past have offered deals like “buy 1 adult ticket and 1 kid flies free.”
The key to getting cheap and fun family travel deals is stay on top of family travel deals and being flexible with your time and destinations.
So, have fun and enjoy! Don’t forget to write about your adventures and post your pictures on tripatlas.com/new’s Member Blogs – let us know where you went, where you’re going, and more!