Eighteen summers… 936 weekends… at first it sounds like a lot of time, but as the saying goes the days may be long, but the years are short.
It can feel a bit like one day you are buckling them into a car seat before you go anywhere and the next you are loading the car full of things to move them into their dorm room as they start college and wondering where the time went.
Making the most of those 18 summers with family vacations is one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds and create memories they will treasure long after you are gone.
This article completes our series on 18 of our favorite destinations to visit before your kids fly the nest. In the first article we listed six options in, or departing from, the US, and in the second, our top recommendations for European vacations you won’t want to miss. In this article, we’ll share our favorite exotic vacation destinations to add to your list…
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Australia – Great Barrier Reef and Uluru
Australia is popular for its unmatched wildlife… cuddly koalas, the many species of kangaroos, and dangerous predators like the thorny dragon and the inland taipan snake. The wildlife, however, cannot compare to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Whether you choose to dive, snorkel, or even experience the Reef on a semi-submersible tour, you won’t want to miss this underwater adventure. The outer reef may be more popular, but for families with children, consider visiting the Low Isles. You’ll still get the “wow factor” of the reef, but this area is shallower and gentler and even has sandy beaches on which to relax.
You should also consider visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, The park is home to the largest sandstone monolith in the world, called Uluru or Ayers Rock. Kids will be enchanted by the Aboriginal myths, legends and traditions of the area.
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Peru – Machu Picchu
While it may not be the typical vacation that comes to mind with young kids, with so much to do and see in Peru, a trek to Machu Picchu definitely makes our list!
The ancient ruins of the Incan civilization had been hidden for centuries before they were discovered and later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No one knows the origin and purpose of these ruins. Was it a religious site, or the famed lost city of the Incas? Let your children wonder and marvel at the possibilities.
If you want to make your vacation educational as well as fun, this is one trip you shouldn’t miss, and it’s perfect to combine with the our next suggestion…
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Galapagos Islands
Machu Picchu is not the only adventure South America has to offer. Nature is at its prime on the Galapagos Islands, where animals roam freely and interact with humans with zero fear. You can get up close and personal with giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies who can change your children’s relationship with wildlife. It doesn’t matter what month you travel in; due to its location on the equator, the weather is perfect year-round in Ecuador making this one destination that is easily fit in during various school holidays.
A small ship cruise is a popular option for getting around to see as many different islands as possible. There are a limited number of land-based hotels and tours as well. We’ve carefully curated a list of family-friendly cruises and tour guides to make your Galapagos experience the perfect mix of education, adventure and fun!
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A Safari in Africa
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be truly life changing. Seeing animals like lions, hippos, zebras, and elephants up close in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring. Our experience and relationships with family-focused tour operators will help you explore the local culture and arrange unforgettable experiences for your family. The memories you make hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara, having a picnic lunch among the giraffes, and watching a family of elephants gather at the watering hole steps away from your safari camp will be absolutely priceless.
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China
From the bustling city and skyscrapers of Shanghai to the beaches of Hong Kong there are so many great experiences awaiting your family in China. Explore the Summer Palace and take a dragon boat ride in Beijing. Climb the most child-friendly portion of the Great Wall in Mutianyu where you can even take a toboggan ride down one section of the wall. Take in the spiky peaks of the karst countryside of Yangshuo on a bicycle tour. Be enchanted by the adorable chubby pandas at the Chongqing Zoo or the Chengdu Panda Base. See the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Or spend a fun-filled family day at Hong Kong Disneyland. There is definitely no shortage of fun and exciting activities in China to create an unforgettable family vacation.
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Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand
If you would like to visit several countries over a small period of time within a single vacation, you can sail your boat to Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are full of such wonder and adventure for you and your family.
In Thailand, you can interact with elephants or relax at one of the many serene islands. Cambodia will take you through its jungles to discover the mysteries of Angkor Wat or you can scuba dive at Koh Rong Island on an underwater adventure. The historical connection is strong with Vietnam for American visitors and your children will enjoy learning about it while exploring the culture and landscape. One extra perk: the food is to die for!
Be sure to check out the first two articles in the series to uncover our top US-based destinations, and our favorite European destinations to visit with your kids before they fly the nest.
The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat. We’ll discuss the details and your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.
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Schedule your complimentary consultation today. Click here to request a time for us to chat. We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities are. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.
