Sam
It can be challenging to get your teens excited about family holidays. And then there’s the pressure of getting the holiday right – ensuring the right amount of family time while giving everyone the freedom to enjoy at their own pace. More importantly, choosing the destination that appeals to everyone in the family can add to the challenge.
To give you a hand, here’s a list of the best places to go for a wholesome family trip.
Iceland
Iceland is an ideal destination for a wholesome family trip, with its dramatic landscapes of amazing geothermal pools, volcanic mountain ranges, and magnificent Northern Lights. Most family holidays begin in Reykjavik. The modern capital city has numerous child-friendly attractions and museums to entertain the whole family.
For those who love the wildlife, you should go for a whale-watching tour in Iceland. Whale watching season is from April to October, and most tours depart from the Old Harbour of Reykjavik. It will take you to Faxaflói Bay, where you can spot humpback whales and dolphins. Horseback riding is another fun activity to enjoy in Iceland with the family. You’ll be riding an Icelandic horse with a local leading the way, taking you through Iceland’s picturesque countryside.
If you’re visiting Iceland between September and April, you must not miss the opportunity to witness the magnificent Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis. You can view this natural phenomenon of dancing lights from various locations all over Iceland, and almost every tour company in the country offer excursions to places where the Northern Lights are visible.
South Africa
South Africa is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations for a wholesome family trip, especially if you’re a family of adventurers. It’s a predominantly outdoor country, which means the main attractions and activities are outdoors. The highlights of your trip will include visiting beaches, wildlife spotting, and hiking. There are also opportunities to do some volunteering and internship programs in South Africa, a great way for the whole family to come together and do some good.
If you want to visit as many places as possible, consider renting a car and going on a road trip. For instance, Cape Town is a massive city you can best explore on a road trip. Drive to Table Mountain, which you can hike for 3 to 4 hours, or take a gondola ride to the top. Cape Town is also home to some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches. The beaches along the Garden Route are famous for surfers, but when you drive further to the Eastern Cape, you’ll find secluded beaches with almost no one around.
For families who want to discover the wildlife, visit Kruger National Park. It’s the top destination for a safari in South Africa, although you’ll find many other game reserves to enjoy wildlife safari in the country. At 19,000 square km, Kruger is massive and has more species of large mammals than any other wildlife park in Africa.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, making it a great destination to consider for a wholesome family trip. No matter where you are in the country, there’s always something for the whole family to enjoy.
Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous city and a great place to kickstart your holiday. It’s home to many great museums and historic sites. It’s also within travelling distance to some of the country’s most stunning natural attractions, such as Rotorua Island, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, and Muriwai beach. While in Auckland, climb the Sky Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, visit the Auckland Zoo, home to over a thousand animals, and explore Wynyard Quarter, a beautiful area with bustling markets and great restaurants.
Be sure to visit Hamilton, where you’ll find the Hobbiton Movie Set. Drop by the Hamilton Gardens, and marvel at the incredible array of themed gardens. Venture into Waitomo Caves, an underground wonderland of stalagmites, stalactites, and caverns. The Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is also an ideal place for families, where you can get up close and personal with native birdlife in their natural habitats.
Georgia
Georgia does not often top the list of places for family holidays. But if you’re looking to explore a new country on your wholesome family trip, you should visit this beautiful country, which lies at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Brimming with gorgeous natural beauty, Georgia has tons to offer for adventurous families.
Tbilisi is most likely the first place you’ll visit when coming to Georgia. The capital city is also an ideal base for exploring some of Georgia’s famous destinations, such as the Kakheti wine region and the Kazbegi region. Wander around the streets of the Old Town of Tbilisi and marvel at the gorgeous architecture, visit historic churches and museums, and sample Georgian cuisines at the various traditional restaurants lining the Old Town.
Of course, there are many more great places to discover in Georgia than its bustling capital city. If you’re here during the winter, go skiing in the Caucasus Mountain range. But if you’re here in summer, head to the seaside resort town of Batumi, which has national parks ideal for hiking and some Roman fortifications worth exploring. Although this is one of the more undiscovered destinations in Europe, there are several great adventure tours for small groups in Georgia, perfect for the whole family.
Croatia
Croatia is the perfect place to enjoy a wholesome trip with the family. This gorgeous European country is home to charming towns, beautiful natural parks, stunning beaches, and majestic islands.
If you don’t like the touristy vibe of Dubrovnik, escape to the island of Split, where you’ll find the Diocletian Palace, a 4th-century palace with an exciting labyrinth of passages and alleyways. Take the kids on a fun sailing adventure at the Adriatic Sea, and visit as many islands as possible. Head to Vis, which you can reach on a day trip from Split.
For families who love to stay outdoors, you should make a stop at Croatia’s magnificent national parks, such as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which has a stunning landscape of majestic lakes and waterfalls. An equally beautiful park is the Krka National Park, also home to gorgeous waterfalls flowing into swimming holes where you can take a dip to cool off.
