Traveling With the Kids: Great Holiday Destinations You May Not Have Thought Of
Family vacations can either go very well or very wrong, and there’s a lot of nuance to be had so far as where on that spectrum your own may land. Many families attempt to play it safe with traditional water parks or theme parks, all-inclusive hotels, or even kid-specific destinations like Disney World or LEGOLAND, but the reality is that there are a number of exciting holiday destinations filled with fun for the whole family that you probably haven’t considered. In this article, you’ll learn all about them!
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Japan: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity
If you’re living in the US or most of Europe, Japan is pretty far away, but it most certainly should be on your radar as a family holiday destination. Japan is unique for its blend of traditional attractions, such as ancient temples and beautiful gardens, to the most hi-tech spots in the world – like robot-run cafes and the incredible transport system.
Here are some types of attractions you and your family may enjoy:
Unique Cultural Experiences
Japan has an incredibly rich culture to experience. You can visit one of the many Ninja villages, for example – the kids will get a feel for what the life of a spy was like. You could also explore a traditional Japanese park to give them a run about.
A Special Type of Theme Park
Even if you think you’ve had your fill of theme parks, nowhere does them like Japan. Japan has its own special variation of Disneyland in Tokyo and Universal Studios in Osaka: they differ considerably from their Western counterparts. There’s also the newly developed Super Nintendo World, which for any video game-loving kid is sure to be a winner!
Animal Cafes and Zoos
Anyone with kids knows that they can be at their most rowdy during mealtimes, and animal cafes can make for the perfect antidote. Japan has a ton of these right across the country: animals like cats and dogs roam free while you eat, keeping the kids entertained so you can enjoy a well-earned sit-down.
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Iceland: A Wintery Wonderland
Iceland is the perfect location if you and your family love outdoor adventuring. Unfortunately, the place is often overlooked compared to other European destinations. Here are the reasons you’ll learn to love the Land of Fire and Ice:
Jaw-dropping Glaciers and The Nothern Lights
Iceland’s incredible glaciers and the spectacular Nothern Lights should be on anyone’s bucket list. The country has some incredible natural scenery that will amaze both adults and children, and there are plenty of guided Iceland tours available to narrow down the vastness into its most special parts.
Geothermal Pools
Iceland is full of thermal pools, with popular spots being Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Sky Lagoon. The kids will love the experience of basking in the hot water, and you never know – it might even calm them down a touch!
The Golden Circle Trail
Iceland is in part famous for a trail called The Golden Trail: it’s a 300-kilometer scenic route around some of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks, including the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. All will be awestruck by the stunning natural beauty on display.
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Scotland: Myths and Magic
With a magical setting and excitement around every corner, Scotland makes for one of the most memorable holiday destinations available. There’s something for everyone here: natural beauty, enticing myths and legends, and old-world towns and cities. Here are some ideas for your trip:
Castles
Castles are always a great choice for a family day out – the adults can bask in the deep history of the place, and the kids can indulge their fantasy of kings, queens, and knights. Scotland is something of a castle capital: you have Edinburgh Castle which sits proudly in the center of Scotland’s capital city, of course, but there are many more dotted about the country in remote locations.
Harry Potter
There’s a lot to love in Scotland for Harry Potter fans. Loch Arkaig, Clachaig Gully, and Glencoe each represent special filming locations for the movies, and fans even have the opportunity to ride the real-life Hogwarts Express, otherwise known as the Jacobite Steam Train. J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh during the time that she wrote the original books, so there’s no better place to soak up the magic than Scotland!
Loch Ness
Every kid is fascinated by the idea of the Loch Ness Monster, so why not visit the real-life location of Loch Ness and have your kids take up the hunt for the creature themselves? Visitors can take a boat tour of the supposed location, making for a great day out for the kids, and a serene coast along the waters of one of Scotland’s most idyllic spots of natural beauty for you.
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Some Final Tips for a Stress-Free Trip
There are plenty of things to do to keep the kids busy in each of these locations – far more than there was space to cover in this article – so use the above as a springboard to start exploring. Even with a guide, though, having a successful holiday with your children can still be a challenge. Here are a few tips to leave off on:
Plan for Breaks
You’ll know by now that kids can get tired pretty quickly, so always plan and account for breaks with whatever activity you’re doing. This is particularly important for trips to places like Iceland, which can involve a lot of trekking.
Take Provisions
Don’t pack heavily so as to overburden yourself, but make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks with you. With some of the biggest tantrums thrown being due to hunger and thirst, you’ll be glad you took some provisions.
Expect Delays
If you and your partner are seasoned travelers, but this is your first time traveling to holiday destinations with kids, know that things are going to take longer than you’ve become accustomed to. Stay flexible and keep positive.
Involve the Kids as Much as Possible
One of the best ways to keep children engaged is to keep them excited about each trip. Do your best to involve the kids as you plan the itinerary and make them feel part of the team. This will help everybody stay on the same page and, ultimately, have the most fun!
