The Best Child-Friendly Travel Destinations

When you have young kids or teenagers, it can be difficult to plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy. Sometimes it feels so impossible; families decide to boycott heading abroad, settling for a nearby location. While this may make you, the parents, feel safer, you are taking away your chance, and your kid’s chance, of experiencing and seeing the world.

If you want to head abroad, here are the best child-friendly travel destinations.

NIagara Falls, Toronto Canada - Sept. 2018

Edinburgh, Scotland

Sometimes heading to a capital city can leave parents worried, wondering if it’s too big for their kids to handle; however, Edinburgh is big enough to keep you and your children entertained, but small enough so that you do not feel overwhelmed. Edinburgh is notorious for its major festivals throughout the year, including the Fringe festival or the science festival. Other major points of interest include the Museum of Childhood, the Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and the Old Town. For a relaxing day, though, head to Holyrood Park, where you can walk, cycle or simply look at the loch.

Florida, USA

When you think Florida, you will, of course, concoct visions of theme parks and Disney World. You’ll also dream about sunny weather and beaches galore, for both parents and kids to relax and sunbathe on. If you want to explore, though, you can visit the Shuttle Launch Experience which can be found at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or you can grab a vehicle from a trusted car rental and drive to the Everglades National Park so that the whole family can see alligators and the subtropical wilderness.

Disney World Florida

Toronto, Canada

Toronto will wow your kids, with its abundance of child-friendly activities, such as ascending the famous CN Tower or seeing dinosaur bones at the ROM. You can also visit Chinatown and the Kensington Market, or see the glittering skyline from afar when the sun dips. The main attraction, however, is Niagara Falls, which will be a wet and wild experience for all family members to enjoy and remember for years to come.

Niagara Falls

North Island, New Zealand

While the North Island may not have snow-capped mountains, it does still offer dramatic and beautiful views you’ll never forget. Plus, it is difficult to separate New Zealand from Lord of the Rings, so be prepared to recognize rolling, green hills, hobbit houses, and vivid vistas. Popular places of interest include Rotorua, Waitomo, and Wellington.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan itself can seem like a giant playground. With neon lights and anime seemingly everywhere, kids can settle quickly and be kept entertained incredibly easily. If your children are avid gamers or fans of Pokémon, then the Pokémon Center is right up your street – just be prepared to have to buy a few plushies! If you have teenagers, you can take them to Akihabara, the Electric District, where the latest gadgets and geek culture can be found. Mount Fuji and the beautiful Nikko are also only a short drive or train journey away if you’re after a more traditional view of Japan.

How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip

Family trips are great ways to bond, make beautiful memories, and teach your children more about the world and the people within it. They also tend to be very stressful. In some cases, you might just be tempted to go to a destination entirely directed to your kids. However, this is a mistake for several reasons. One, you don’t get to enjoy the trip nearly as much, and two, you don’t get to bond together as a family. Family vacations should be about learning and growing together, and to perfect your next family trip, all you need to do is follow these steps.

Choose Kid-Friendly Destinations

Kid-friendly destinations are not just theme parks or resorts. A kid-friendly destination is anywhere in the world that will accept children. To put this into perspective, everywhere except adults-only entertainment venues, like casinos. Your children will have as much fun exploring a new city as you will, so don’t ever hold back when choosing your next destination. Adult-only venues are geared for adults, and far too many kid-venues today are geared just towards children. To vacation together as a family, choose a middle-ground.

Make Use of Child Discounts as Much as Possible

Wherever you choose to go, whether that is to a camping trip or a theme park or even to an ancient city like Rome, always check in advance what child discounts there are. Doing so can help you prepare your budget accordingly and can help you save a few bucks in return.

Rent Out a Vacation Home

As any parent can attest, renting out a hotel or motel room with kids is a nightmare. They either need to stay on cots on the floor, in bed with you or in another hotel room. It can cause discomfort, and it can hit your travel budget significantly. That is why all families should start skipping the traditional hotel and instead aim to rent a property while they are away on vacation. It can be quite economical, allow everyone to have their own sleeping arrangements, and if you need it, a kitchen to make home-cooked food. Vacation homes can be found around the world on VacationRenter, allowing you to enjoy a home-away-from-home on your next big family trip.

Switch Up Your Schedule and Take Plenty of Breaks

When exploring a city or even having a beach vacation, it is important to switch up your schedule. Having a beach day is fun, but remember to go through a market in the afternoon or go on a tour in the morning. This way your trip can be full, varied, and interesting. When you plan for these big trips, however, remember to take into account your child’s stamina. They might be bouncing off the walls in the morning, but as the day goes on, they might need a nap. By taking plenty of breaks, you can help everyone to recoup their energy to enjoy the highlights of your trip that much more.

Family trips need to be fun for the whole family, and by following this guide, you can make that happen.