Luxury travel is always a welcome break for parents, but it is a different story when you are with tweens. Planning a trip for the entire family is more complicated than, let’s say, planning a holiday for two.
So, where should you go on a family holiday? Here are five destinations ideal for luxury adventures with tweens.
Known for its vast savannahs, Tanzania is the perfect destination for families who love exploring nature and wildlife. The most famous attraction in the country is the Serengeti National Park. In this safari mecca, you can witness the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes arrive from Kenya in search of wide-open grasslands.
Another famous destination in Tanzania is the Kilimanjaro National Park, where you can climb Africa’s tallest mountain. A drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact, unfilled caldera on earth, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Inside the crater is an extensive range of bird species and wildlife, including the big five. In the farming community of Mto Wa Mbu, you can bike through banana plantations, sample local fruits, and buy rare souvenirs, such as wooden animal carvings.
Longing for some sun and sand? Head to Zanzibar, a tropical archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Here, you’ll find swathes of gleaming white sand beaches fringed by swaying palm trees and lapped by the turquoise-blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Don’t forget to visit the historic Stone Town, known for its architecture, bustling markets, and delicious street food.
Who doesn’t love Japan? With its neon-lit cities, bullet trains, ancient palaces, and breathtaking countryside, the country is one of the perfect destinations for families looking for a mixture of the old and new. Tokyo is a must-see as it offers numerous engaging activities for parents and kids. Explore the serene Meiji Shinto Shrine and its surrounding woods, go on a guided tour of the Imperial Palace, or wander around Shibuya. Then, there’s Tokyo Disneyland, Disney Sea, Legoland, and Fuji-Q Highland for the obligatory theme park visit.
Head out of the capital city and visit the Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka, where you can discover the rich marine life of the Pacific Rim regions. The city is also home to Universal Studios Japan and the Nagai Botanical Gardens. Want to learn more about Japanese culture? Explore Kyoto, the country’s cultural centre. With its temples, shrines, gardens and palaces, Kyoto makes a lovely place for scenic hikes. Kids can visit a dojo and take a ninja or samurai lesson.
With so much to do and see, planning a vacation to Japan with tweens can be a little stressful. But don’t fuss because you don’t have to DIY it all. You can find excellent luxury holiday packages in Japan tailormade for families traveling to the country with tweens.
A bucket list destination for many nature and wildlife lovers, the Galapagos is an exotic and secluded sanctuary 1000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. Unlike a typical tropical paradise, the islands are generally devoid of vegetation. But they shelter thousands of animals and bird species.
One of the best places to visit in the Galapagos is Tortuga Bay, a remote part of Santa Cruz Island, where the popular Galapagos marine turtles and marine iguanas live. Head to La Loberia on San Cristobal Island to spot wild iguanas, lava lizards, various rare birds, and swarms of adorable sea lions lounging on the sand. The star of the Galapagos animal world, however, is the massive tortoise that can grow up to 500 pounds and live for over 200 years. One of the best places to meet these gentle giants is the El Chato Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island.
Other activities in the Galapagos include snorkeling, birdwatching, and volcano hiking. If you want extra luxury, you can book a cruise and stay on board a ship.
Argentina is an incredibly breathtaking destination, full of natural wonders, rich culture, and good food. However, it is usually not the first place that comes to mind when you think of traveling with your family. After all, the country can be intimidating due to its sheer size. Fortunately, you can find many great tours in Argentina perfect for families who want to see the country’s top attractions with tweens. A trip to Patagonia provides an excellent opportunity to see the natural beauty of Argentina.
To start your trip, spend at least two days in the capital city of Buenos Aires to enjoy its attractions, including the Carlos Thays Botanical Garden, the rose garden Paseo del Rosedal, the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, and Malba, a unique art museum. Outside the capital, you can go whale watching at the Valdes Peninsula on the Patagonian coast. In the Lake District, you can rent a kayak or a boat to explore the pristine lakes surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains. If you want to experience Argentina’s gaucho way of life, head to Pampas, where you can ride horses, watch polo, and stay in an authentic ranch.
For a dose of wildlife viewing, explore Misiones Rainforest and spot native birds and animals on a guided nature walk. Nearby is the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls, the world’s largest waterfalls.
Dubbed the Garden Island, Kauai is best known for its natural beauty, which encompasses white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. But what makes Kauai the perfect destination for families is it is compact and easy to travel.
Going to the beach is one of the most popular activities on the island for visiting families. There are dozens of beaches to choose from, but the best ones, based on safety and kid-friendliness, are Lydgate, Poipu, and Hanalei. These locations are known for their calm, shallow waters and protected pools.
The spectacular Na Pali Coast is perhaps the most beautiful place in Kauai. Spanning 17 miles on the island’s north shore, it boasts towering sea cliffs, plunging valleys, and rugged ridges. You can cruise along the coastline on a catamaran to see all the lovely scenery. For thrill-seekers, you go mountain tubing or kayaking to the enchanting Fern Grotto. Are you a fan of Disney’s Lilo and Stitch? Head to the Kilauea Lighthouse, a 52-foot structure featured in the film.
