Planning a family getaway that suits everyone’s needs and interests is a challenge. While most parents want to relax and unwind, children have a whole different idea of what a holiday should be. The good news is, there are plenty of destinations that are both luxurious and family-friendly. What are these places? We have narrowed down our list to the top five.
Tanzania
Home to 22 national parks and game reserves, Tanzania is a sure hit for children and adults alike. One of the country’s most well-known attractions is the Serengeti National Park, where you will find the big five – lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard – on a wildlife safari. For unforgettable views of the savanna, get on a sunrise hot air balloon ride and float over the vast African plain. The towering Mount Kilimanjaro makes the perfect backdrop. If you want beaches, Zanzibar is merely 4-1/2 hours from Serengeti by ferry. You can soak up the sun while watching the kids swim or play on the shore.
Alaska
Families are rediscovering the charms of road trips, and one of the best places for a scenic drive is the vast and beautiful Alaska. Discover the breathtaking splendor of Alaska’s wilderness on a luxury road trip. Head to Denali National Park, where you will see bears, elk, reindeers, lynx, and wolves roam free in the untouched landscape. Take a trip to the Kenai Peninsula, south of Anchorage, and marvel at the 700-square-mile expanse of ice called Harding Icefield. The Kenai national park is also home to abundant wildlife, various birds, glacial fjords, and archeological sites.
Japan
Japan has ninjas and Nintendo, robots and Hello Kitty for kids. It has luxury shopping and fine dining, cultural experiences and excellent food for parents. Indeed, Japan is a country that intrigues people of all ages. But not only that. The county is safe, child-friendly, and easy to get around even if you don’t speak Japanese. Tokyo has cultural and historical wonders, including the Imperial Palace, Sensō-ji Temple, and the buzzing Ginzo district. On the other hand, children will love Sanrio Puroland, Fuji Q Highland, and Studio Ghibli. You can board the world-famous bullet train, meet the snow monkeys in Jigokudani, explore the aquariums of Okinawa, and learn to make sushi in Kyoto.
Croatia
With its beautiful beaches and picturesque parks, Croatia captivates anyone who visits it. What better way to see the fabled Croatian coastline and islands than by chartering a luxurious Croatian yacht? Be sure to customize your cruise itinerary to include destinations that will fascinate kids, including the shape-shifting and color-changing Zlatni Rat beach and Mljet island, where you will find a verdant national park with two saltwater lakes. Other places that you must see on your trip to Croatia are Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, the Old Town in Dubrovnik, the Roman Palace in Split, and the countryside surrounding Zagreb.
Scotland
Whether you’re hunting for Nessie in Loch Ness or hunting ghosts in the undergrounds of Edinburgh – Scotland never ceases to amaze the young and the young at heart. The Highlands is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Want to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing luxury? Scotland offers a wide range of options for memorable glamping in the wild. Be sure to see a castle or five, paddle across lochs, hike the scenic mountain trails, board the Jacobite Steam Train. Discover rare fish at Deep Sea World and rare animals at Highland Wildlife Park. Learn about airplanes at the National Museum of Flight, dinosaurs at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum, and science at the Glasgow Science Centre. Don’t leave without learning a funny word or two.
