Family travel is a great way for families to bond and build memories that will last a lifetime. This is especially true when the trip includes family-friendly activities that are fun for all ages.
In addition to creating lifelong memories, family vacations also teach children and adults a valuable lesson – to appreciate experiences rather than possessions.
1. Visit Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a natural wonder, with 97% of the park still pristine wilderness and an incomparable range of wildlife including bison, elk, moose and grizzly bears. From the soaring peaks of Old Faithful to the multicolored travertine hot-spring terraces that look like the mountain is turning itself inside out, there’s plenty to see and do.
Although Yellowstone is a year-round destination, spring and fall offer smaller crowds and more pleasant weather. Plus, all roads inside the park open on a staggered schedule during these seasons and you’ll have more opportunities to spot wildlife since the canines are easier to find without competing with grazing elk herds for their dinners.
This is an ideal time for multigenerational trips to Yellowstone since many lodges have kitchen facilities so that grandparents can make meals while kids and parents explore the sights.
2. Go on a Safari
One of the most magical travel experiences is a safari, a wilderness adventure that can be done in Africa, Asia or South America. A safari is a truly transformative experience, and it’s one that you can do as a family or with friends. It’s the kind of trip that will give you a greater appreciation for nature and for all the little things we take for granted. It can be a great way to teach kids about the animal kingdom and the environment.
While safaris can include a lot of activities, including city stays, cultural interaction and beach getaways, they are primarily wildlife encounters. They are also a wonderful opportunity for families to bond.
A good safari guide can make the difference between a dull tour and an unforgettable one. They can tell you all about the animals that you’ll see and they can help to make your safari one to remember.
3. Go on a Cruise
Traveling as a family offers the unique opportunity of teaching your kids about the big wide world while also connecting you all. It can be challenging however to find the right mix of places, cultures and activities.
Cruises offer an ideal mix of destinations and experiences. Your luggage is packed once and unpacked once, you stay in the same room for the duration of your trip, meals and entertainment are included, and you access destinations that would be difficult or time consuming to reach by land.
Cruising is all about what you make of it and can be as relaxing or as active as you like. To enjoy the best of both worlds, skip a port day and spend it onboard the ship instead.
4. Go on a Tour
Going on a tour is a great way to meet people and make friends. The people you meet on tours tend to be like-minded and you will have a lot in common with them. They will also love to share the same passion for travel so it can be easy to bond and create epic memories with them.
Tours are a great option if you want to see as much of a country as possible in a short amount of time. They will allow you to soak up the culture, explore the treasures and big sites, and enjoy the cuisine.
Plus, you can sit back and relax knowing that the local experts who lead the tours have your safety and comfort in mind. It will be the most hassle-free vacation of your life!
5. Go on an Adventure
Many people dream of a relaxing vacation with their family, but taking a more adventurous trip can actually bring the whole group closer together. This is because the shared experience of hiking up a volcano or snorkeling in the coral reefs helps encourage open communication and creates a stronger sense of solidarity.
Plus, the physical activity of these adventures helps you break a sweat and releases feel-good hormones that improve your mood and boost your immune system. These benefits are particularly important in our modern culture, where most of us spend too much time indoors and behind a screen.
So, why not plan a few outdoor adventure travel experiences before your next big vacation with the family? You’ll be glad you did! Just remember, “keep close to Nature’s heart and never forget to wash your spirit clean.” John Muir.