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An update from Evaneos

The Top 10 Ultimate Family Travel Destinations

By Evaneos' Inspiration Team, on

Planning a family holiday with children or teenagers isn't easy, but it's our job to help you make the all-important decision to kick-start your next adventure: choosing a destination.
Best travel destinations for familiesBest travel destinations for familiesBest travel destinations for familiesBest travel destinations for families

While at first glance the idea of travelling with children seems daunting, taking a trip as a family can be a life-changing experience, filled with great learning moments and unforgettable memories you can share with each other in the years to come!

Choosing the right family holiday destination will ensure that you and your kids are safe and entertained throughout your trip, that you experience a range of activities suited to every age range, that there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation with not too much boring travel time. To help you work out where to go, here are our top ten kid-friendly destinations for your next family holiday:

1. Costa Rica: for nature and wildlife lovers

Ecological capital of the world, Costa Rica is not only a stunning country with a rich history and a warm, welcoming culture, but is also an extremely varied country in terms of its child-friendly activities and experiences on offer.

Exploring the hanging bridges in Costa RicaExploring the hanging bridges in Costa RicaExploring the hanging bridges in Costa RicaExploring the hanging bridges in Costa Rica

Why kids will love it:

On a family adventure in Costa Rica, children get to encounter some of the rarest and most exciting animal species in the world. Along the cloud forest canopies of Monteverde they can spy keel-billed toucans and jewel-toned resplendent quetzals, or keep their eyes peeled for sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and other tropical mammals surrounding the trails through lush national parks. Costa Rica is home to a range of outdoor activities for families in search of both down-time and adrenaline; kayaking through mangroves, hiking to hidden waterfalls, zip-lining through the jungle, or white-water rafting down the Balsa River.

Our local family specialist recommends:

Veronika and her team recommend going to lesser-known Cahuita, a charming town on the east coast with brightly-painted houses and a distinctly Caribbean flavour. It’s a gateway to the forests of Cahuita National Park and offers snorkelling opportunities for little ones around the coral reefs found in nearby waters.

2. Mexico: for history buffs and little explorers

Wherever you decide to go in Mexico; city or countryside, ancient ruins or seaside, you won’t be sorry for choosing to come here. Flavoursome cuisine and fascinating history that's jam-packed with fun family-friendly activities all contribute to making this country a great choice for your family getaway.

Exploring ruins in MexicoExploring ruins in MexicoExploring ruins in MexicoExploring ruins in Mexico

Why kids will love it:

Your little ones’ imaginations will run wild amongst the astonishing sights and attractions of Mexico. Explore Mayan ruins hidden in dense jungles, snorkel with brightly-coloured fish among the corals, and take a boat down mystical subterranean rivers in Yucatan. Break up all the activity with slower days spent relaxing on beautiful beaches. Be sure to sample the most beloved Mayan innovation: chocolate. Spend half a day at the chocolate museum in Campeche, your kids will thank you for it.

Our local agent recommends:

Harriet and her team recommend Uxmal for an off-beat exploration of Mayan ruins, far-less frequented than the famous Chichen Itza.

3. Galapagos Islands: to follow in Darwin's footsteps

For nature and animal-loving families The Galapagos Islands are a natural choice. Nowhere else can you see such a range of wildlife up close, in its natural habitat and surrounded by incredible scenery such as dramatic rock formations and turquoise blue waters.

Galapagos IslandsGalapagos IslandsGalapagos IslandsGalapagos Islands

Why kids will love it:

As well as being an incredibly safe travel destination, the indigenous creatures of the Galapagos aren’t afraid of humans, which means you and your kids will be able to get a proper look at a wide variety of species up-close. See the famous Galapagos Tortoises and marine iguanas on land, for example, and observe fur seals and penguins sunning themselves on the beaches. Take a boat trip to spot whales and go snorkelling alongside dolphins, seals, turtles and many other species that frequent these bio-diverse waters.

Our local agent recommends:

For families with teenagers, Vanessa and her team recommend a thrilling hike up Sierra Negra, one of the largest active calderas in the world.

4. Sri Lanka: for elephants, tea plantations, and beaches

Sri Lanka truly offers something for everyone in the family, from the palaces of ancient civilizations to dainty colonial towns perched atop tea plantations. Here, idyllic beach days intersperse action-filled days of open-top jeep safaris to see herds of wild elephants, and treks through verdant hill country.

Sri LankaSri LankaSri LankaSri Lanka

Why kids will love it:

Sri Lanka is a world away from day-to-day life in a first world country. Your kids will go wide-eyed in wonder as they experience travel by tuk-tuk, watch monkeys dart across the tops of buildings, and sample their first, authentic South Asian curry. The island boasts a range of responsible elephant sanctuaries where kids can observe fostered elephant calves. Kids will also love the tropical beaches, with plenty of opportunities to surf and snorkel, and maybe spot some sea turtles if they’re lucky!

Our local agent recommends:

Jessica and her team highly recommend a laid back beach day at Arugam Bay, the perfect spot for surfing, yoga, or just lazing about and building elaborate sandcastles.

5. Vietnam: a headlong dive into Southeast Asia

From tuk tuk rides through the bustling markets of Hanoi to lantern-lit walks along the ancient streets of Hoi An, Vietnam remains a gateway to the distinctive culture of Southeast Asia.

Family travel in VietnamFamily travel in VietnamFamily travel in VietnamFamily travel in Vietnam

Why kids will love it:

If your children love history and culture, they will love exploring the ancient history of this part of the world which often doesn’t make it to textbooks. Travelling through the Trang An complex of limestone caves and peaks, for instance, can spark conversation about the people who lived there 30,000 years ago. More adventurous children will enjoy sampling the local cuisine, and testing their palates against the startling flavours of Bun Cha and Banh Mi. Try a home-stay in the mountainous Sapa, and learn to harvest rice along with the locals.

Our local agent recommends:

Tuan and his team recommend a fun morning lesson of Taichi aboard a ship, as you cruise down the iconic Halong Bay.

6. Iceland: for access to nature’s greatest laboratory

The alchemical nature of Iceland's geology means that its landscapes are in a constant state of shifting and transforming. Feel humbled by the forces of nature as you and your family watch geysers erupt several metres high, take a soak in a geothermal hot spring, and watch the mighty Gullfoss waterfall hurl itself off cliffs.

Family travel in IcelandFamily travel in IcelandFamily travel in IcelandFamily travel in Iceland

Why kids will love it:

Iceland is home to many wildlife species, none quite so adorable as the puffins you will see on the basalt formations in the Westfjords. Children over the age of ten will also enjoy going for rides on Icelandic horses, which are more like ponies in truth. Iceland is full of great, kid-friendly hiking opportunities. Hike to Reykjadalur valley, at the end of which the entire family can enjoy a soak in a natural hot river.

Our local agent recommends:

Gunnar and his team say Vestmannaeyjar island is the one of the best places in the world to see puffins up-close in their natural habitat.

7. Morocco: to experience an entirely different culture

Morocco's mild climate throughout the year and its proximity to Europe (often with cheap flights) means that this is a great choice for families looking for an easy sunny getaway full of adventure and culture.

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Why kids will love it:

The cities of Morocco offer fascinating culture, the kind you and your kids might’ve read about in childhood books. The souks of Marrakech are packed with tantalising spice stalls, fine silks and carpets, and a thousand interesting curios and bric-a-brac. Spending a day on the beautiful beaches of Agadir or Essaouira, the kids might enjoy trying some beginners' kite-surfing and windsurfing, or just taking a charmingly blue-painted dingy out into the waters.

Our local agent recommends:

Brahim and his team highly recommend an overnight stay in Sahara Desert. In a tent equipped with all the necessary modern facilities, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the starry night skies and shifting sand dunes.

8. Australia: for a land of big thrills

Swapping your dreary winter months for the sun-kissed shores of Australia should be a no-brainer. From dazzling coral-reefs and forests teeming with wildlife, to beaches perfect for water-sports, Australia has plenty to offer families of all ages.

Family travel in AustraliaFamily travel in AustraliaFamily travel in AustraliaFamily travel in Australia

Why kids will love it:

If you don’t want to stray too far from the big cities, you can still cover a lot of ground. Sydney is jam-packed with incredible beaches, from Manly to the lesser-frequented Watson Bay. Blue Mountains National Park is an easy drive out of Sydney, and you can choose to trek easy trails while enjoying spectacular views. Melbourne is another buzzing, modern city known for its art and gastronomy scene. It is also a stone’s throw from some great wildlife conservation centres. At Moonlit Sanctuary, your children will love seeing kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas. Take a boat out to Phillip Island in time to see the penguins come ashore and waddle along in a proud march.

Our local agent recommends:

Lucy and her team recommend the picture-perfect Bruny Island, off the coast of Tasmania. A huge national park bursting with indigenous ecology, a historic lighthouse, and well-maintained coastal walks make this island perfect for a day’s worth of exploration.

9. Peru: to play Indiana Jones for the day

Not only is Peru a stunning country with endless family-friendly day trips, activities and destinations, it also offers an experience of a totally unique culture which is sure to amaze and excite even the toughest of critics.

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Why kids will love it:

Spending a day or two exploring the Machu Picchu complex can be exhausting, and the northern coast of Peru is the perfect place to relax afterwards. Las Pocitas is a beautiful white-sand beach, with warm waters all year-round. For older kids who love a bit of adventure, take them zip-lining over the treetops of Sacred Valley. For a bigger adrenaline rush, white water raft down the Urubamba River.

Our local agent recommends:

Jonas and his team recommend exploring the Peruvian Amazon in the Madre de Dios region, to see brightly coloured macaw parrots and pink Amazon river dolphins.

10. Tanzania: in the heart of the Serengeti

Home to the most iconic land mammal species on the planet, Tanzania is an incredible and joyous adventure for families with slightly older children. Watching the hordes of wildebeest stampede across vast plains, or the proud lioness stalk through tall grass is bound to capture your child’s imagination.

Family travel in TanzaniaFamily travel in TanzaniaFamily travel in TanzaniaFamily travel in Tanzania

Why kids will love it:

Safari drives through Serengeti National Park offer easily one of the best game-viewing experiences in Africa. Watch the sun rise from the deck of your tent in the middle of the Serengeti and go on a hot air balloon exploration of the surrounding landscapes. Drive over the rim of Ngorongoro Crater to be met with even more wonders: the rare black rhino, flocks of colourful flamingos, leopards, cheetahs and many more. Everywhere you look is an indigenous animal species straight off Animal Planet.

Our local agent recommends:

Vera and her team recommend spending a few days in Zanzibar Island, a part of Tanzania that is often ignored when planning a safari holiday. Spend your days lounging on beautiful beaches or exploring the historic Stone Town.

Looking for more inspiration?

Still haven't found what you're looking for? Head to our dedicated Family Travel Page to browse the best child-friendly destinations, tours, and experiences curated by our carefully-selected local agencies around the world.

Family travel inspiration