The 8 Best Family Holiday Destinations in 2024

Last updated on November 9th, 2024 at 08:05 am

Are you looking for the best family holiday destinations? We’ve got you covered with 8 of the best vacation ideas for the family below.

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What better way to educate your kids about the world than through Geography, History and Science lessons while you travel? If you’re looking for family travel inspiration, and ways to educate through travel, here’s my guide to some of the best family travel destinations worldwide.

We’ve travelled to all of these holiday destinations with kids, apart from the Galapagos Islands (that’s on my list, I’ve done plenty of research, and I’m determined we’ll head there soon)! So we feel confident that these are some of the very best international destinations for families.

All of these countries offer opportunities for adventure and learning – plus some of the best views and experiences you could hope for. So, from Europe to Central America, from Africa to Asia, here are some of the best international destinations for family vacations.

Short on time? Here are our top family vacation picks:

• South Africa With Kids – best history and culture
• Scotland With Kids – best landscapes and outdoor activities
• Costa Rica With Kids – best wildlife

Family Travel Ideas: Best Destinations for Family Holidays

When it comes to international travel with kids, it’s a sensible idea to strike a balance between educational activities and fun. These unique holidays for families have both education and fun in good measure:

1. Iceland With Kids

Best Time to Visit Iceland: November to February for the Northern Lights

Not only is Iceland one of the best holiday destinations, but it really is an interactive Geography and Science lesson wrapped up into one. It’s the land of volcanoes and earthquakes, geothermal energy and glaciers.

It’ll take your breath away and give your kids first-hand experiences of what they’re learning about at school – making it one of the best vacation ideas for the family.

We loved the Lava Centre, one and a half hours away from Reykjavik and not far from other sights you’ll want to see, such as Selfoss (‘foss’ means ‘waterfall’ in Icelandic).

Not only does it teach kids about the volcanoes and earthquakes in Iceland in a child-friendly way, but it also has a room where you can stand on different spots and experience different types of earthquakes! And it has a fabulous cafe with views to match.

Book early for the Blue Lagoon – it’s arguably the most popular tourist spot in Iceland. Although it’s mainly about relaxation, it’s also a chance to see geothermal energy in action (while slapping on a silicon mud face mask!)

✅ Book HERE for your Blue Lagoon Tickets

Travelling the Golden Circle is a great option for families. There are three main sights: Thingvellir (the oldest functioning parliament in the world), Geysir/Strokkur Hot Springs and Gulfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls.

It’s fairly compact and you can drive it yourself from your base in Reykjavik and see the sights independently. If you’d prefer not to drive in Iceland (and it is a little treacherous in the winter), then there are plenty of organised day trips you can book.

✅ Book HERE for your Golden Circle Tour

Iceland is expensive (eating out in particular is not cheap). Self-catering is a good value choice here.

✅ Book Accommodation with Vrbo HERE

Iceland is a great year-round destination. In Winter, you’ll get frozen waterfalls, the northern lights (possibly!) and a landscape which looks like the moon.

In Summer, you’ll have ease of travel (there’s no getting away from the fact that the roads can be pretty hairy in the winter). You’ll also be able to experience the midnight sun, more wildlife and terrain reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings.

Where to Eat in Reykjavik:

Search for Reykjavik’s famous hot dogs at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur bbp.is. A cheap option in an otherwise expensive location – if you don’t mind a bit of a queue.

2. Galapagos Islands With Kids

Best Time to Visit Galapagos: May to December for good snorkelling conditions

Potentially an expensive holiday, and a long journey (the best route is to fly to Quito in Ecuador and then it’s a two-hour flight onto the main island of Isabela).

However, you’ll likely have a chance to get up close to wildlife you might otherwise never see, making it a great place for a family vacation and also one of the best adventure holidays for families.

Because the animals in the Galapagos have lived for so long without predators, they generally aren’t fearful of humans, allowing visitors an up close and personal experience.

Known as ‘Darwin’s Test Kitchen’, wildlife spots include blue-footed boobies, playful seals, lizards, giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

Choose between an island hopping cruise to experience different islands such as San Cristobal and Santa Cruz (where the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Highlands Tortoise Reserve are based) or a land-based option.

In either case, there are tours which cater to families with kids or teenagers which will keep them engaged. A land-based tour might be better suited to younger children or those prone to seasickness.

An arranged tour is probably the best way to go here, making use of local guides’ knowledge and ensuring the best opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Check out:

G Adventures – Family Land Galapagos – Multi Activities – an exciting 8-night tour for families age 6+, starting and ending in Quito and covering Santa Cruz and San Cristobal.

✅ Book HERE for family-friendly day trips and activities in the Galapagos

3. Thailand With Kids

Best Time to Visit Thailand: November to April for warm and dry weather

Definitely one of the best holiday destinations for families and the perfect entry point to Asia with kids. Beaches, mountains, culture, fabulous food and elephants: there’s something for everyone.

Bath-like water temperatures make this destination a great choice for introducing kids to snorkelling.

There are some fantastic immersive experiences for vacations with kids in Thailand. We loved our stay at Elephant Hills, an eco-friendly resort where kids have an opportunity to learn about, feed and bathe the elephants.

Khao Lak, Phuket or Koh Samui make great bases for family trips. Or, if you have slightly older kids, think about adding multiple legs to your stay. Travelling between locations, whether by train, boat or bus, is all part of the experience in Thailand!

While you’re there, make sure you organise a Thai cookery class (one of the highlights of our stay) and a day trip or two (James Bond Island is a good option). If you’re a family of adrenaline junkies, try one of Phuket’s famous zip lines.

For more information, check out my article on family The Five Best Things To Do In Thailand here.

✅ Book Thai Cookery Class Here

✅ Book James Bond Island Tour Here

✅ Book Ziplining in Phuket Here

Where to Stay in Khao Lak:

Seaview Resort Khao Lak – plenty to keep the kids occupied, on the beach, lots of food options locally and the perfect base for day trips. Our favourite hotel during our stay in Thailand.

✅ Click HERE for the best rates on Seaview Resort Khao Lak

4. United States: New York and Washington DC With Kids

Best Time to Visit New York and Washington DC: April, May, June or September for less crowds

NYC With Kids

While New York and Washington DC might not seem like family friendly holiday destinations, there’s plenty to entertain kids – particularly slightly older ones.

New York and Washington DC are some of the best holiday destinations if you enjoy family city breaks and plenty of history and culture.

Make sure you allocate at least half a day to Central Park. Rent bikes at bikesbooking.com. Their rental options include kids’ bikes, tag-alongs and tandems. There’s plenty to do in Central Park: paddle boats, playgrounds and a zoo.

The American Museum of Natural History (made famous by the film ‘Night At The Museum’) will be a winner for kids as well as a learning opportunity for them.

The High Line, built on top of an abandoned train track, offers space for an easy, family-friendly walk with fantastic views of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District.

It’s a great example of how even the busiest of cities can make room for green space if they think outside the box! Keep an eye out for family festivals on the events page.

Bronx Zoo (and their Treetop Adventure) is a good choice for families if you want some respite from the chaos of the city and you have animal lovers amongst you.

And we loved the New York Food tour we did while there (New York bagels just taste better than anywhere else). Book yours here:

✅ Book HERE for your NYC Food Tour

For more tips on what to do in New York with kids, head to 12 Best Things To Do In NYC With Kids.

DC With Kids

In DC, visit the National Museum of American History (kids will enjoy the Spark!Lab and Wegmans Wonderplace which have plenty of hands-on opportunities for them).

The International Spy Museum (best for ages 7 and up) is another option. Visitors will receive a cover identity at the start and then enjoy an immersive experience through the museum where their spy skills will be tested!

If you didn’t visit the Bronx Zoo in New York, visit the famous Smithsonian’s National Zoo (founded in 1889). If you’ve blown your budget in New York, a bonus is that this zoo is completely free (as are most of the museums in DC).

To learn a bit about America’s history, add visits to some of the memorials, for example, the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial.

Sneaking a peek at The White House should also be on the list – the kids will have seen it on TV, so it’s worth seeing it in real life – it might even trigger conversations about history and politics if you have older kids.

If the weather is good, Rock Creek Park is a great urban outdoor space to replenish your energy.

If you’re interested in arranging a family tour in Washington DC, here are some ideas:

✅ Book Here for family-friendly Washington DC Tours

For more information about Washington DC for families, check out: 12 Best Things To Do in Washington DC With Kids.

Where to Eat in New York and Washington DC:

Joe’s Pizza (several branches in New York) joespizzanyc.com or Ted’s Bulletin (Washington DC) tedsbulletin.com for family-friendly food which adults will also love.

5. Scotland With Kids

Best Time to Visit Scotland – June, July, August for the best weather

There are many ways to explore Scotland. The North Coast 500 (NC 500) has become extremely popular in recent years and it’s a great option. Another is to patch together a multi-based stay and explore several pockets of Scotland during your holiday.

To add a bit of excitement to the trip and minimise time spent driving, consider taking the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland. If you’re driving, Edinburgh makes a great stopping point, but for plenty of space and dramatic views, the Highlands is the place to head.

Oban is a great base to explore the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa (book ahead for ferries with Calmac).

Iona was one of our favourite spots – powder white sand and crystal clear water. I’d love to go back there one day.

Glencoe is picture-perfect and a great option for walks. For a shorter walk suitable for younger kids, try Glencoe Lochan – it offers three trails and some of the loveliest views you could hope to see in Scotland.

Glenfinnan (with its now famous Harry Potter viaduct) has become a tourist hotspot but it is worth seeing – head to one of the viewpoints a short walk from the car park to watch The Jacobite steam train go past, or book tickets to travel on it if you prefer.

Head slightly further north and across to the Isle of Skye where, again, you’ll find lots of walking options and natural wonders to see. The most popular for kids is likely to be The Fairy Pools – bring your swimming costume if you fancy a spot of wild swimming!

Towards the east, Newtonmore and Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park offer some fantastic family activities.

Visit the Rothiemurchus Outdoor Activity Centre for quad biking, segway, kids fishing and hairy coo safaris.

For a bit of history, the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore will show children how earlier highland people lived and worked.

For a fuller sense of what Scotland with Kids has to offer, have a look at The Ultimate Road Trip in Scotland With Kids.

Scotland is one of the best holiday destinations for road trips and you’ll be blown away by the stunning scenery!

Where to Eat in Oban:

The Seafood Hut (Green Shack), Calmac Pier, Oban. Pick up scallops or oysters for dinner or the biggest crab sandwich you’ve ever seen.

6. Borneo With Kids

Best Time to Visit Borneo: March, April, May and September for increased opportunities for wildlife viewing

The third largest island on the globe, Borneo is one of the best holiday destinations for families who love nature and are looking for a unique family vacation.

Consider stopping over in Indonesia’s vibrant capital Kuala Lumpur on the way. Then make your way on to Sandakan in Borneo to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (sun bears are so-called due to the golden crescent on their chest). Both of these centres were trip highlights for us.

A cruise along the Kinabatangan River makes for fantastic bird watching. Look out for flamboyantly coloured hornbills – one of Borneo’s Big 5.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is also a wonderful place to get up close to local troops of proboscis monkeys. Listen out for the entertaining noises they make!

For some rest and relaxation at the end of your trip, Gaya Island is a popular option – not only is it a beach resort, but it also offers further opportunities for spotting wildlife as well as a marine centre, turtle rescue and activities such as watersports.

For a full Borneo family itinerary, take a look at Borneo With Kids And The Perfect Family Itinerary. You’re guaranteed an adventure with your family!

And for some ideas on what to do if you stop off in Kuala Lumpur, go to 12 Best Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur With Kids.

Where to Stay in Borneo

Shangri-La Rasa Ria – one of the best hotels in Borneo for families, it also has its own beach and nature resort on site.

✅ Book Here for the best rates on a stay at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

7. South Africa With Kids

Best Time to Visit South Africa: May or September for fewer crowds and good wildlife viewing

South Africa is one of the best family vacation ideas, particularly if you’re travelling with teens or tweens. It’s an opportunity for kids to think about politics and human and civil rights.

If your kids are old enough to understand and appreciate the impact of South Africa’s apartheid, start with a few days in Cape Town. Take them to Robben Island and the Nelson Mandela Museum to learn more on this subject.

✅ Book Here for the best Cape Town tours

We loved visiting some of the surprisingly family-friendly wine farms in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek after our stay in Cape Town.

Wildlife is also a draw and a safari in South Africa offers a good first experience for families. Choose from Kuzuku Lodge in the Addo Elephant National Park, or Amakhala Game Reserve, 50 minutes from Port Elizabeth – both perfect for families with kids. Kuzuku even offers a Junior Ranger Programme.

The Garden Route is a popular choice for an itinerary – taking anywhere from one week to two to complete. Hiring a car and driving independently offers you the freedom to be able to stop and enjoy some of the sights and stops along the way, such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Where to Stay on the Garden Route in South Africa:

Hog Hollow Country Lodge – a family-friendly hotel in a fantastic setting. Set in the hills just outside Plettenberg, it’s along the Garden route if you’re choosing to travel that way.

✅ Book Here for the best rates on a stay at Hog Hollow Country Lodge

8. Costa Rica With Kids

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: December to April when it’s less rainy

Costa Rica is definitely one of the most cool family vacation spots and has become an increasingly popular family getaway in recent years.

It has a great infrastructure which makes travelling there a joy, loads of thrilling family activities and lots to learn about wildlife, conservation and sustainability. Plus it’s apparently one of the happiest countries in the world! How could a Costa Rica family itinerary not be a contender when it comes to the best family vacation destinations in the world?

Known for its national parks (it has 30 of them!), the ones not to miss include Corcovado (described by National Geographic as “one of the most biologically intense places on earth”), Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Tortuguero National Park (only accessible by boat or plane!) and Arenal Volcano National Park.

All are fantastic destinations for families and there are plenty of reasonably priced places to stay, including eco-lodges, nearby.

Although Costa Rica can work with children of any age, to take advantage of some of the more active options such as river rafting, canyoning and zip wires, a trip to Costa Rica is probably best for families with children aged 8 or over. I’d recommend Costa Rica as one of the best trips for teens and for those looking for active family holidays.

On arrival in Costa Rica, allocate a day or two to explore the Central Valley – a bustling but beautiful area where 70% of Costa Ricans live. We enjoyed visiting the Hacienda Alsace Starbucks farm here, before heading on to Arenal.

If you’d like a few days to relax on the beach before heading home, look at staying on the coast in Montezuma or Santa Teresa – you might need it after all of the activity beforehand. Add a day trip to Tortuga Island to your itinerary for extra relaxation and snorkelling opportunities.

The other activity we loved was our Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour in Pacquera. Magical.

Where to Stay in Arenal:

Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails – for modest but enchanting cabins in the forest offering breakfast and dinner and lots of options for tours.

✅ Book Here for the best rates on a stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails

Best Family Travel Destinations FAQ

Hopefully, our guide to some of the best family vacation spots in the world has given you some food for thought! Here are the answers to a few questions which might occur to you when thinking about taking an international trip with family.

What is the best family travel insurance?

We recommend SafetyWing Insurance. You’ll be covered for travel anywhere in the world outside of your home country, with the exception of any country or area that is sanctioned.

One child (aged between 14 days and 10 years old) per adult, can be included in the insurance without added cost. There’s a maximum of 2 children per group/family that can be included without added cost.

For more information, take a look at SafetyWing’s FAQ HERE.

What are the best family travel games?

We’re fans of taking travel games with us whenever we travel. Our favourites are:

• Bananagrams
• Exploding Kittens
• Randomise
• Dobble
• Uno

Something else to keep you going on a long road trip are these trivia questions for families.

What are the best family travel destinations in December?

December is a great alternative to summer holiday travel for families. Particularly as you’ll have opportunities for winter sun in some destinations. My pick for the best holiday destinations for December from the list above would be Costa Rica or Thailand.

The Best Family Travel Destinations: The Verdict

I hope you found these family trip ideas helpful and feel inspired to pick one of these locations for your next family trip. These vacations with kids are all fantastic choices for families looking for adventure and time spent outdoors.

From amazing wildlife (Costa Rica; Borneo; Galapagos), to history and culture (South Africa; United States) and breathtaking landscapes (Scotland; Iceland), these eight countries have you covered when it comes to the best places to travel to with kids in 2024.