Embark on a Bucket List Family Adventure This Summer

These luxury tour operators offer bucket list alternatives to typical family vacations for the summer – Wilderness Safaris, CW Adventures, Nomadic Expeditions and Big Five Tours and Expeditions. These operators also offer a myriad of additional trips catering to every type of traveler – from biking through coastal seascapes, to thrill-seeking adventures like watching sharks off the Coast of Seal Island in South Africa or riding camels in the Mongolian desert – new experiences are constantly being unveiled across the world for travelers to embark on their next bucket list adventure.

All Aboard: Family Train Travel through Mongolia (pictured above)

Push into new territory with Nomadic Expeditions' newly-launched and luxurious collection of Trans-Siberian Railway trips. This bucket list adventure offers families nine new exclusive train trips on two different train lines, spanning Russia, Mongolia and China. Select routes even offer a Gobi Desert extension, where families stay in Nomadic Expeditions' luxury ger camp, the Three Camel Lodge. Available May through October. Tours starting at $9,195 per person.

Wild Australia

Explore the various traditions, customs and corners of the world with an alternative safari from Big Five Tours and Expeditions and discover Australia on the 14-day Wild Australia tour. Perfect for families traveling with teens, this adventure leads guests through the Ningaloo Reef encountering exotic South Pacific wildlife like giant whale sharks and turtles and adventures through ancient aboriginal sites. Tours starting from $19,590 per person.

African Adventure: The Heart of Botswana

Embark on an African adventure with Wilderness Safaris 11-day Great Wilderness Journey Itinerary. On this journey, families can partake in a Chobe Riber Boat Cruise in Kasane – famously known for its vast herds of elephants – a guided tour of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World at Victoria Falls in Livingstone and spend two days at the newly-launched Gomoi Tented Camp, among other activities. Situated in the heart of Botswana's 6,000-acre community, the Gomoi Tented Camp provides families with exotic accommodations, interpretive day and night drives, guided bush walks led by experienced Explorations guides and the opportunity to view a multitude of grazing animals in the grassy surrounds. In the evenings, paraffin hurricane lanterns and warming campfires provide rest and relaxation after a busy day of exploring. Tours starting from $9,414 per person.

South Africa Family: Cape and Garden Route

Explore the enchanting coastal seascape of South Africa with the 12-day, 11-night South Africa Family: Cape and Garden Route from CW Adventures. Families searching for an adrenaline-filled adventure can watch great white sharks soar sky-high off of Seal Island or surf on the stretches of beaches surrounding Plettenberg Bay. Tours starting from $6,248 per person.

Family Time at Lake Hovsgol: Kids, Kayaks, & Horses

Families that love the outdoors will love Nomadic Expeditions' Family Time at Lake Hovsgol: Kids, Kayaks, & Horses. Explore the pristine beauty of Mongolia's northernmost province by horseback, boat or kayak. Families will also have the opportunity to interact with local nomads. Tours starting from $4,790 per person.

Costa Rica For All

Outdoor families will thrive in the rugged terrain of Big Five Tours and Expeditions' sustainable, 8-day, 7-night Costa Rica Adventure for All tour journeying through San Jose, Pacuare River, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Tours starting from$1,940 per person.

Iceland Family: Reykjavik & National Parks

Leave the world behind and discover new territory this summer in Iceland on the 8-day, 7-night Iceland Family: Reykjavik & National Parks adventure from CW Adventures. Paddle amongst icebergs on the small island, explore active lava fields and the land of fire and ice. Tours starting from $5,998 per person.