Going on vacation with your children can sometimes turn into a headache. However, if you choose your destination wisely, a family trip represents a wonderful opportunity to experience strong moments and create lasting memories together.
There are many challenges when it comes to satisfying the whole family on vacation: avoiding days spent on cultural visits, limiting transport so as not to have to repack too often, planning break times without boring the youngest… Not easy, especially when rhythms, interests and energy levels differ depending on age! And yet, when it is well thought out, the family trip becomes an extraordinary experience. Looking at the world through the eyes of your children, passing on to them a taste for discovery and sharing moments of connection, far from screens, creates unforgettable memories. And so that parents can also benefit from it and enjoy a truly relaxing break, it all starts with the choice of destination.
Kenya
All the emblematic animals from The Lion King seem to have found refuge here, and for good reason: Kenya largely inspired the sets of the famous animated film. The mythical rock where Simba is presented to the kingdom by his father Mufasa is said to be located in the Borana concession, while the gorges of Hell’s Gate recall the cult scene of the wildebeest stampede. In your safari vehicle, you will have the feeling of entering the heart of the cartoon, and young and old will have fun spotting the lions, rhinoceroses or giraffes roaming freely just a few meters from the vehicle. The support and explanations of a guide-driver bring an educational touch to the adventure, while guaranteeing a stress-free tour.
Reunion Island
A French department located on the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is reached after a night’s flight and has only a slight time difference, a major advantage when traveling with children. Consequently, adaptation to the local rhythm occurs smoothly, formalities are simplified, parents can therefore start the vacation with peace of mind. In addition, the intense island constitutes an exceptional playground thanks to the numerous activities it offers. As for swimming, the choice is vast, between the pools of the East coast and the waterfalls of the cirques which shape the territory. With the little ones, we will favor the coastline, its safe beaches and its kid-friendly residences, particularly around the Ermitage or Saint-Leu, protected by the lagoon. Far from being an exclusively seaside destination, Reunion also offers many hiking options and adventurous and fun visits around the Piton de la Fournaise.
Croatia
Croatia has something to appeal to children of all ages and backgrounds. Accessible by car and with an area equivalent to that of a French region, the country is particularly welcoming for the youngest travelers: cycle paths, accessible beaches, hiking trails for all levels, pretty villages, the options are numerous. Families particularly appreciate the Mljet National Park, a true haven of peace, where you can glide by canoe on the peaceful waters of Lake Veliko Jezero, in the heart of unspoiled nature. Your teen series fans won’t want to miss the ramparts of Dubrovnik, whose ramparts served as the setting for Game of Thrones. A very complete journey, between sea, nature and heritage, ideal for a family vacation.
Thailand
The Thais have a special affection for children and welcome families with infectious kindness: at the theater, in the restaurant… Thailand is also nicknamed the land of Smiles! Children’s curiosity is awakened when they visit local markets or take a cooking class. Meals shared using chopsticks and grilled insects sold on street stalls will not leave anyone indifferent. And it’s hard to resist the emotion when visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, where young and old approach the majestic pachyderms while respecting their well-being… For the youngest, we’ll take care to combine cultural visits to Bangkok, gentle adventures in the jungle of Khao Sok and the beaches of Koh Samui. For parents, this trip promises a real change of scenery in a very secure context.
South Korea
If you have teenagers, you probably won’t have escaped the hallyu wave. The destination is gradually replacing Japan in the hearts of 10-15 year olds, and choosing South Korea will probably arouse general enthusiasm. On site, numerous immersive exhibitions allow you to immerse yourself in the tremendous energy of k-pop musicians. The children then become guides fully involved in the travel project. In the evening, let yourself be tempted by family karaoke to share friendly moments and laughs. Add to that efficient transportation, Wi-Fi everywhere on the streets and ultra-trendy themed cafes, and the whole family will have something to fuel their Instagram feed.
United States
The USA remains a great classic for family vacations, but you should carefully choose the region to which you wish to take your tribe. Thus, Florida and its legendary theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios Florida attract travelers of all ages, who will have the opportunity to board the Hogwarts Express or meet Elsa and Anna, the princesses from Frozen. However, the Sunshine State doesn’t just offer entertainment: take advantage of your stay to visit the Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s launch center. Enough to awaken vocations in budding astronauts… Elsewhere, from Los Angeles to New York, older children will recognize the filming locations of their favorite films and series. The United States also lends itself to a road trip through breathtaking landscapes, from Yellowstone to Yosemite, benefiting from the autonomy and flexibility that self-drive provides.
Lapland
Lapland probably ranks as the most enchanting destination in this top 10. Everything is done so that little ones, but also older ones, let themselves be won over by the magic of Christmas. The Finnish village of Rovaniemi welcomes Santa Claus, his reindeer and his elves into a magical atmosphere. Your children can even post their greeting letter to Santa’s Main Post Office. Snowy surroundings with a magical feel contribute to this storybook atmosphere, and it is possible to travel through the boreal forests aboard a dog sled and stay in an igloo. Between October and April, you can also see the Northern Lights lighting up the northern skies.
Mexico
If your children have an explorer’s soul, offer them a trip to Mexico. Venturing into the jungle in search of buried temples becomes a real expedition worthy of an adventure film. Comic strip fans will recognize in Chichén Itzá the pyramid mentioned in “Tintin and the Picaros”; it is also one of the seven new Wonders of the World, just like the Great Wall of China or Machu Picchu. Here again, one of the strengths of the destination is its diversity: after cultural discoveries, it’s time to relax on the white sand beaches of Tulum or Holbox, particularly suitable for family stays. The region is also full of eco-aquatic parks like Xcaret or Xel-Há, where you alternate between swimming in natural rivers, snorkeling and fun activities in the great outdoors. Finally, Mexican gastronomy generally has a wide consensus among all members of the family, and you will have no trouble getting your children to taste new flavors, even the most picky ones.
Costa Rica
Often cited as an example for its ecological commitment, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for traveling as a family while awakening children’s curiosity and sensitivity. Here, nature is a real open-air classroom: the little ones will learn about biodiversity through walks and visits designed for them. Lodges and reserves frequently offer educational workshops around fauna, flora or even volcanic activity, because the country is home to more than a hundred volcanoes – including 5 active! Teenagers will find their share of thrills and gentle adventures: surfing the Pacific coast, rope bridges suspended in the heart of the jungle, zip lines above the canopy…
Singapore
Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. The city-state has established perfectly maintained and well-monitored public spaces. Everything is designed to make everyday life easier for families, with omnipresent changing tables, spacious elevators, ramps for strollers… In addition, each site can be reached in less than an hour by transport, thanks to an ultra-efficient, clean and easy-to-use metro network. In addition to the practical side, there is no shortage of activities to arouse the interest of young people: beaches, amusement parks, 4D cinemas, tropical forests crossed by suspension bridges, etc. Children also love KidZania, an immersive space reserved for under-18s, where they discover the adult world while having fun. As for accommodation, the hotels are even more imaginative with ingenious kids clubs and rooms decorated on the theme of the Far West, space exploration or archeology.
