March 22, 2019 - Kate
Last Updated on 4/11/2023
Ahh, family travel. At times, one of the most enriching experiences a parent can have with their children. And at other times…pure chaos. The good news is, there are tons of things you can do to make it a bit more likely that you’ll have the former experience on your next family adventure. Family vacation requires more preparation and research, but it’s well worth it.
If you’re traveling with school-age kids, one way you can make sure the vacation is a success is by selecting a destination that has a fun learning opportunity —emphasis on the fun for them, learning opportunity for you. Intrigued? Here are some of our favorite family-friendly international destinations that will make your kids smarter than they already are:
Angkor Thom, or the “Great City”, is a slightly lesser-known but equally incredible neighbor to Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat. You may have heard about it because of its famed face temples that sit at the front of its gates. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s time you get acquainted and plan a visit…especially if you have kids.
The architecture and history of the ancient city of Angkor Thom are incredibly interesting for adults, but it offers an extra amusing activity for children they won’t want to miss: a treasure hunt. While gaining knowledge about the city’s history and construction, your family will be on the hunt for hidden carvings, clues, and images that will lead you to treasure when you put them all together to solve the puzzle. It’s an enjoyable and enriching way for you and your kids to understand this stunning piece of Cambodia’s past while keeping your family’s energy high.
If you ask us, one of the best ways anyone can learn –kids, adults, and families included– is through service. REI has a number of adventure vacation packages in which you can sign up for a pre-planned excursion to destinations all over the world for anywhere from 3 to 23 days. The itinerary and activities vary depending on where you’re going and what the trip entails.
While there are tons of surprising adventures available out there, the ones we think you and your family will gain the most from are those that fall under volunteer vacations. There are endless options when it comes to using your family vacation to help volunteer whether that be for international community projects, dolphin research, or teaching. Plus, your children will gain a better understanding of the world by doing hands-on work to help others or the earth.
No matter what your kids are into, we’d be willing to venture a guess that seeing wild animals up close and personal in their natural habitats is sure to capture their interest–and yours too. While there are tons of amazing opportunities when it comes to selecting an African safari, the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia has a program specifically built for kids.
If you go for the lodge’s WILDChild Program, the kids in your crew will get a backpack full of educational and exciting goodies. Your children will have access to kid-friendly activities like making traditional bow and arrow sets, fishing, crafting, and more. Plus, the lodge has Namib Sky Balloon Safaris for those who want to take the adventure to the next level. Whatever your family chooses, they’ll be sure to have a great time!
Need some other trip ideas for a family vacation? Costa Rica is another great destination that caters to all kinds of adventure-related experiences. Another country that could be family-friendly is Portugal. If you only have a weekend, here’s our 72-hour itinerary if you visit Lisbon.
If you’re planning to travel with your family, we offer insurance options tailored specifically to your needs. With kids, you never really know what could happen. Having cancellation insurance is a wise choice in case your kids get sick or injured prior to departure, allowing you to recoup those lost funds from your trip.
Don’t forget to tell us how the vacation went (and what you gained!) after.
Kate's authoritative voice in travel writing is backed by years of extensive travel experience, allowing her to infuse her writing with the tips and tricks she has gathered over time. This wealth of experience enhances her ability to write authoritatively on travel-related topics.
If you're traveling to multiple countries, select the country you're spending the most time in.
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