As summer approaches, I’ve been thinking more and more about taking a family vacation. As a parent, it can sometimes be stressful to plan trips for my family since we have so many different interests, and it can be expensive! Ultimately, though, the time spent having fun and exploring together is totally worth the cost. No matter what your family loves, here are 5 destinations you should visit at least once in your life.
For the Beach Lovers- El Nido, Palawan
With over 7,500 islands, there are more beautiful beaches in the Philippines than almost anywhere else in the world. The pristine beaches in El Nido are possibly the most beautiful of all. If your family loves the ocean, this is one place you can’t miss. Limestone cliffs frame the sparkling turquoise water, which is home to beautiful coral reefs and hundreds of species of marine life. Grab snorkeling gear and sunscreen, and your family can be entertained for hours by the biodiverse world under the surface. Don’t forget the bug spray! The Philippines has a tropical climate that mosquitos love.
For the adrenaline junkies: Queenstown, New Zealand
There’s a reason that Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”. If you and your family are always looking for the next extreme adventure, Queenstown is the perfect place for you . Here you can dive (safely) headfirst off of bridges or battle white water rapids, and the locals will encourage you to do it again! Bonus: The city is also known for being particularly hospitable to travelers and beautiful, so you’ll enjoy your downtime too.
For budding History Buffs: Athens, Greece
If you’re a member of the Sandwich Generation, it can be hard to find a vacation destination that interests both your kids and your parents. Athens, however, manages to fit that bill perfectly. Grab a gyro for lunch, and then head off to the Acropolis, where you can learn about the cradle of Western Civilization and take in gorgeous views of the city. With more historic ruins than almost any other modern city in the world, people of all ages can get lost in the beautiful and fascinating history of Ancient Greece.
For the family of foodies: Paris, France
Raising a brood that loves good food? Paris is the ultimate getaway for those with good taste (pardon the pun). As the home of French cooking, there is buttery and delicious goodness available anywhere you look. Book a food tour for your family or pop into a corner bakery for a fresh croissant. For the parents, don’t forget to sample a little of the French wine, which is some of the best in the world. We promise you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you check for flight deals before you plan your trip, as flights to Paris can get expensive!
For green travelers: Costa Rica
If you’re raising your little ones to be conscious of their environmental impact, you’ll be happy to see Costa Rica consistently tops the list of most eco-friendly destinations in the world. With so much natural beauty, it is easy to see why! Explore the rainforest or hike an active volcano, all while staying in solar-powered hostels and supporting the local economy. For animal lovers, check out the wildlife preserves to see exotic animals in their natural habitats. There’s so much to do in Costa Rica; it’s hard to pick just one city to visit, so plan for a few weeks to get a little taste of everything!
There are so many beautiful and exciting places in the world. No matter what kind of travel you’re looking for, choose any one of these spots for a trip that you and your family will never forget.