Top 10 Places For A Family Vacation This Holiday Season
Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.
As the smell of peppermint and hot chocolate fills the air, we know the holiday season is just a turn away! And what does that mean? It's time for a family vacation! The most difficult part about planning a vacation as a family is deciding on the destination (except for the actual planning process, of course). To make things easy, we have come up with the best places you can visit as a family this holiday season.
Top 10 Destinations For A Family Vacation
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has become a tourist hotspot in the past few years, and rightly so. The place is a mix of all the right things you look for when it comes to spending a vacation with your family. From exotic beaches to super-tasty food, this place has it all. The best part about Bali is that it is extremely affordable and inexpensive for almost everyone.
Things to do:
- Uluwatu Temple, which is a clifftop temple, offers stunning vistas and Kecak dancing performances.
- Ubud Monkey Forest gives a chance to meet joyful monkeys in the bush.
- Popular water sports in Nusa Dua include snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing.
- Go to Tegallalang Rice Terraces to see the rice paddies and capture Instagram shots.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
A lover of nature? Then don't think twice because Cape Town is your perfect destination. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Tree Canopy Walkway will surely take your breath away with their aesthetic appeal and natural beauty. If you are up for a South African adventure, then look no further than this.
Things to do:
- Hike or ride the cable car up Table Mountain for city views.
- Visit Nelson Mandela's apartheid jail on Robben Island
- The Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost extremity of the Cape Peninsula.
- Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for outdoor concerts and unique flora.
3. New York City, USA
Who doesn't love New York? This contemporary city buzzing with color and life is one of the best places to visit if you ever wish to have a super-fun family vacation. You will never run out of things to do or places to see because this city is home to places that have become a part of history.
Things to do:
- Take a stroll in Central Park, where you can have picnics, boat rides, and cultural activities. Pay a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art if you get a chance. You can also see the Broadway Theater, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Children will absolutely love Tokyo. The place is filled with cultural monuments and historically significant destinations, making it a fun way to learn and understand the people and culture of Japan. The interactive museums and play centers will ensure that there is no dull moment in the journey. Japan is also famous for its exquisite cuisine of sushi, so while you are in Japan, make it a point to have authentic sushi from the expert chefs of Japan. If your kids are up for it, ask them to have a bite at the chance to try something different as well.
“Live your life by a compass, not a clock.”
Things to do:
- You can visit Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and seafood.
- Tokyo's oldest temple and Nakamise Shopping Street are located in Asakusa. So if you feel like giving it a visit, please do.
- Tech and pop culture fans should absolutely visit Akihabara, the electrical and anime area.
5. Dubai
A visit to Dubai is an excellent idea for a family vacation because this beautiful place has a bit of almost every culture across the globe as a part of it. From mammoth skyscrapers to exotic deserts, the landscape is quite diverse and exciting. The best thing about Dubai is that the weather is always warm, making it perfect for off-seasons as well. There are tons of things to do in Dubai apart from shopping, making it an excellent place to spend a nice vacation with your family.
Things to do:
- See Burj Khalifa: The world's highest structure offers city vistas.
- The Dubai Mall offers shopping, dining, and attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
- Desert safaris include dune bashing, camel riding, and desert sunsets. All of these sound super exciting, so make sure you do all of them!
6. Rovaniemi, Finland
Who doesn't love Santa? Ask your kids how they feel about a trip to Santa’s house, and see how excited they get! Finland has many more interesting and breathtaking places to see, which will make it a truly memorable experience for your family. If you are an outdoorsy person, then there are tons of winter outdoor activities you can do here as well!
Things to do:
- Visit Santa Claus Village for a year-round Christmas enchantment.
- See the Northern Lights: Enjoy the Aurora Borealis in winter.
- See Arctic animals at Ranua Wildlife Park.
7. The Canadian Rockies
Alberta and British Columbia's Canadian Rockies are nothing less than magnificent. They do an excellent job of showing the best of Earth's beauty. The rugged beauty of these North American Rocky Mountains peaks is well-known to all travelers. Sounds like your place?
Things to do:
- Visit Banff National Park for breathtaking views, lakes, and alpine communities.
- Icefields Parkway Scenic Drive: See glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains.
- Visit Lake Louise for turquoise waters, hiking paths, and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
- Discover animals, hot springs, and the dark sky preserve at Jasper National Park.
- Canoe Moraine Lake in the shadow of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
- Take the Banff Gondola for Rockies views from the top.
8. Portugal
Latin America is home to some of the most exquisite locations and the best food. If you are more on the adventurous side, there are specific activities like cycling and kayaking available here. Little old villages present on hilly landscapes make an excellent place for exploration for kids as well.
Things to do:
- Discover Alfama's small lanes, old buildings, and Fado music venues.
- See Belem Tower, a Tagus River stronghold.
- In the fairytale Sintra, visit the beautiful Pena Palace and Moorish Castle.
- The Algarve has stunning beaches, coastal caves, and lovely fishing villages.
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
More of a beach person? Then you will love Phu Quoc in Vietnam. The place is filled with crystal-clear beaches and excellent seafood. If you ever wanted to give snorkeling a try and have fresh squid straight out of the water, then this is your place!
Things to do:
- Relax on Long Beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and pristine seas.
- Visit Vinpearl Safari to learn about tropical island animals and conservation.
- Hike through Phu Quoc National Park's lush jungle to see varied flora and wildlife.
- Visit Dinh Cau Night Market for seafood, local cuisine, and lively night markets.
- A Thoi Archipelago snorkeling: See gorgeous coral reefs and aquatic fauna.
10. Florence, Italy
Simply taking a stroll in the city in itself is a great adventure in Florence, Italy. Italian culture can be seen in their architecture and excellent food, which you will have plenty of time to explore. The locals there are absolutely friendly and will surely guide you to the rolling hills and exotic little towns.
Things to do:
- Uffizi Gallery: See Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci's Renaissance masterpieces.
- Climb the Duomo for panoramic views of Florence.
- Walk over Ponte Vecchio, a famous bridge with shops above the Arno River.
- Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David.
- Explore the Boboli Gardens behind Pitti Palace.
- Explore Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore): See the Baptistery and beautiful architecture.
- Pitti Palace: Explore the spectacular palace and art treasures.
- One of Florence's oldest gelaterias, Vivoli, serves traditional Italian gelato.
Make This Holiday Season The Best One Ever
The holiday season is just almost around the corner, and everyone is making plans to travel. Make sure you book your tickets and opt for travel assistance services because nobody likes to have a stagnant and boring time at the airport. Leave the hassle of airports to AirportAssist.com, as we will take care of everything for you from the moment you enter the airport till the time you depart. So why wait? Get ready to make this holiday season the best one yet!