From experiencing different cultures to an abundance of new things to see and do, travel has many amazing upsides. If you love to travel, it makes sense that you’d like to pass this love along to your children. One of the best ways to do so? Offer them first-hand experience.
Of course, traveling with little ones requires different considerations than flying solo – including where to go. If you’re thinking of planning a vacation with your children, read one for a roundup of five of the best family vacation destinations.
1. Paris, France
France may be known for attracting lovers, but it’s also an appealing destination for families. Home
to an abundance of cultural attractions and museums, it offers allures for kids of all ages.
From seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night to the interactive Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, your kids will be amazed and entranced by this remarkable city.
A major bonus? When your kids need a day to just kick back and be kids, there’s always Disneyland, Paris. It may not be as big as Disneyland and Walt Disney World, but there’s still plenty of magic to be found there.
2. London, England
Harry Potter buffs will love the opportunity to visit familiar sites from the books and movies, including Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral, University of Oxford, Platform 9 3/4, Borough Market, the Reptile House at the London Zoo, and the Jacobite Steam Train. Not to mention attractions like the Harry Potter Studio Tour and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
However, London is much more than Harry Potter’s homeland. The London Eye – a massive Ferris wheel overlooking the city – is a must-do, as are other activities like charming afternoon tea, the hands-on Natural History Museum, and riding the tube.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
While it’s hard to argue that anyone wouldn’t love a trip to Hawaii, it’s a perfect destination if you’re traveling with kids. Warm ocean water, endless sandy beaches, and fascinating culture are just a few of the things waiting to be discovered in Honolulu.
Thrill-seeking kids will be delighted by a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – home to the active volcano, Kilauea – where you can hike through the tropical rainforest past smoking crater vents. Surfing lessons, submarine rides, snorkeling, and horseback riding will tire out even the most active kids. Plus, parents can look forward to making lasting family memories during an authentic luau and while noshing on traditional Hawaiian fare.
Honorable mention for best family vacation destinations in the U.S. includes Chicago, Illinois; Jackson, Wyoming; and Sierra Nevada, California.
4. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful cities; it’s also a wonderful destination for families. Darling Harbour is packed with kid-friendly attractions, including jet boat rides, an aquarium, and IMAX theaters. Just outside Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), you’ll find even more to adventure – from trapeze lessons to the Taronga Zoo, which overlooks breathtaking Sydney Harbour.
From the gorgeous golden beaches to the Sydney Tower Eye and its exhilarating SKYWALK, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Centennial Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden, these are all fascinating places guaranteed to spark your kids’ interest – among the many reasons why Sydney makes the list of best family travel destinations.
5. Rome, Italy
One of the world’s most iconic cities, Rome is an unforgettable destination for kids. While museums and churches may be the first things that come to mind when you think of Rome, there’s plenty here for visitors of all ages and interests. From the glistening foundation of Piazza Navona to the awe-inspiring architecture of the Pantheon, your kids will be so transfixed by the spectacular surroundings that they might not even notice all the culture they’re soaking in.
The Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese Gardens, the Colosseum, Janiculum Hill, Via Appia, the Trevi Fountain, and the Tiber River Walk are also excellent spots to explore and enjoy. If your kids do tire of sightseeing, a trip to one of the city’s many playgrounds topped off with gelato is the perfect way to recharge small bodies and brains.
While traveling with kids may involve some extra effort and expense, the experience of seeing the world is priceless – and will continue to pay off in dividends throughout their lives. Plus, you can get there in style and save up to 60 percent with help from the travel experts at Business Class. To find the best deals on first-class and business class travel, search flights today.