World

Best Family Travel Destinations Worldwide

25 November, 2022

From ice hotels in Finland to underwater villas in the Bahamas, this list features the world’s most unique hotels and resorts that will redefine how you think of accommodation. Discover all of them right now and maybe book some for your next vacation.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a world leader in eco and adventure tourism, with Monteverde as a first option. About half of this protected area is conserved as the Bosque Eternal de los Niños (“Children’s Eternal Forest”), a huge stretch of cloud forest, rainforest, and evergreen forest threaded with trails and full of wildlife-spotting opportunities.

There are plenty of outdoor activities: hiking, camping, zip lines, and horse riding. Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Reserve offers more pristine forests and adventure activities, while Reserva Santa Elena even has pushchair-friendly trails.

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. While the country’s North Island might not have snowcapped mountains, they don’t disappoint when it comes to the dramatic scenery.

These days it’s impossible to separate New Zealand from the Lord of the Rings, and fans will love the hobbit holes at Hobbiton, as well as Wellington’s Weta Workshop, the center of New Zealand’s film industry, where everybody can learn all about prop building and prosthetics.

Belize

Belize is one of the world’s smallest countries and one of the safest in Central America. Apart from its colorful marine life and beaches, the malaria-free rainforest interior of Belize provides tropical excitement.

At Caves Branch Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio, you can float downriver in an inner tube through forests full of spider monkeys and toucans, then wake up to a dawn chorus of chirping cicadas.

Colorado, USA

You won’t find better views and cleaner air than in Colorado and if you’re looking for a family trip that embraces the great outdoors, this is the state for you.

Start in the mile-high city of Denver, from where it’s a short drive to the alpine lakes and peaks of the Rockies. Further east is Colorado’s answer to the Grand Canyon, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of America’s most overlooked national parks.

Nairobi, Kenya

This city doesn’t seem like one of the most sensible places to go with kids. But Nairobi has access to wonderful child-friendly attractions. Nairobi National Park, where lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebra roam free within sight of the city, is the perfect day trip for wildlife-watching.

For a more hands-on experience, check out the Giraffe Center where you can feed these long-necked beasts from a raised gallery. Alternatively, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and prepared for life in the wild.

Puglia, Italy

Puglia, on the heel of Italy’s boot, is a great choice for a holiday in the sun. With a great number of pristine beaches, the Salento peninsula is a highlight and the seaside town of Otranto, with its hulking castle, also has family-friendly appeal.

Inland Puglia is charming as well. Kids will love spotting pint-sized limestone dwellings with conical roofs, which are dotted throughout the region. Head to UNESCO-protected Alberobello for a town full of Trulli.

Florida, USA

Florida can’t be beaten on theme parks, but if Orlando isn’t your idea of a holiday, don’t discount the Sunshine State. In the Northeast, you can drive on the beach at Daytona, or have your bones rattled on the Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

For something a little more serene, families will be fascinated by gators in the subtropical wilderness of Everglades National Park, or head further up the coast to Tampa Bay and the northwest to swim with manatees in the Crystal River.

Cape Tribulation, Australia

Cape Tribulation in Queensland is an amazing adventure for families. With both lush forests and palm tree beaches, there are plenty of activities on offer.

Take a boat trip from the cape to the Great Barrier Reef or trek through Daintree Rainforest on the lookout for prehistoric cassowaries, avoiding crocodiles, spiders, and snakes along the way. The brave might want to try a night-time rainforest walk or a thrilling tree-top jungle zip wire.

Ko Lanta, Thailand

Ko Samui or Ko Lanta are great options for family holidays, with facilities and lots of distractions for kids. If the thought of resorts makes you shudder, Thailand has a well-developed traveler infrastructure making it fairly easy to head to a more secluded island or part of the mainland.

Thailand is great for kids in January – National Children’s Day (the second Saturday of the month) means free activities and public transport for children throughout the country.

Tobago, Caribbean

Tobago is perhaps the most laid-back place in the Caribbean for families as it provides dozens of activities and wildlife experiences, from horse riding to hummingbird spotting.

Instead of high-rise hotels, you’ll find small guesthouses accustomed to catering to families. Kids will love steel bands and street eats, fresh juice, and safe swimming beaches.