Traveling with a family can be stressful enough, let alone going to a destination that views your kids as a liability. After all, your vacation should be effortless, fun, and relaxing.
The world is a big place and there are so many fabulous and family-friendly places to visit. Whether you’re chasing the sun or high-stakes adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our pick of the six best family holiday destinations in the world.
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Phuket, Thailand
- Paris, France
- Hawaii, USA
- Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Queenstown New Zealand
Tucked away in the Southern Alps mountain range on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a wonderland in both summer and winter. There are a range of accommodation options to suit your family’s needs. From five-star hotels to camping in an RV, Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital.
In winter, New Zealand’s best snowboarding and skiing destinations come to life. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are large family-friendly ski sport options and they’re owned by the same company, which means that you can ski both mountains for a good price.
There is a great mixture of green, blue and black level trails with a freestyle park at The Remarkables.
Lake Wakatipu is the center of the town where you’ll find lively buskers, lake cruises, and shops and restaurants. If you want to go further, you can cruise to Milford Sound from Queenstown’s center.
Ben Lamond, a towering mountain close to town, provides the perfect backdrop vista. Here you can take a gondola up the mountain to enjoy traditional Maori cultural shows and luges down the mountain.
The entertainment and adventure options for your family are endless in this beautiful New Zealand town.
Gold Coast, Australia
When you think of Australia, it’s likely that you think of the Sydney Opera house, golden Bondi Beach and koalas. It’s worth your time venturing a ten-hour drive north of the Opera House or just one hour south of Brisbane. Here is where the local Australians come to holiday on the sub-tropical Gold Coast.
No matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy the beaches, as the Gold Coast’s white sand coastline is 35 miles long. In the city center of Surfers Paradise, you can enjoy many tourist attractions such as Infinity, the Surfers Paradise Markets, Ripleys Believe It or Not or Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
On the southern end of the Gold Coast, you can cuddle a koala, hold a snake, and pet kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. To the west, the Gold Coast hinterland areas include Mt Tamborine and Springbrook for awesome Aussie hikes.
Towards the north, enjoy your choice of five theme parks offering thrill rides, stunt shows, water slides, and animal shows.
Whichever activities your family enjoys, the Gold Coast has something for everyone.
Phuket, Thailand
Are you looking to immerse your family in another culture on holiday? Phuket is just the ticket. Full of culture, adventure, and great food, you’ll love that there’s enough luxury you won’t feel like a backpacker again.
With the never-ending honks of tuk-tuks and frequent calls of “sunset price handbag,” you’ll get the feel of real South-East Asia while enjoying luxury hotels at reasonable prices.
If you’re adventurous you can hire mopeds for the road, and jet skis for the water. There are plenty of beach activities and island tours to enjoy. Nearby paradise islands, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi boast white-sand beaches and crystal clear snorkeling.
Although the noise can be overwhelming at first, you can score yourself a bargain through traditional barter at the local markets.
It’s close to elephant, tiger and monkey sanctuaries if you’d like to enjoy the local wildlife. Phuket is a unique and diverse cultural experience with all the pad thai you can eat at fabulous prices.
Paris, France
Are you ready to experience one of the world’s romantic cities with the ones you love the most? Oui!
Paris provides culture, cuisine, and exploration. It’s a city packed with historical sites such as The Louvre, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Montmarte, and Arc de Triomphe. It’s worth investing in guided tours in large museums such as The Lourve as you’ll learn the secrets of notable figures through the ages.
The cuisine in Paris is among the world’s best. Similar to other European countries, Parisians eat dinner late and enjoy a siesta in the mid to late afternoon. Food is often cheaper at lunch.
Allow the waiters to match a French white wine for you. If you’re on a budget, grab some bread and cheese from the local market and enjoy a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Paris also has its very own Disneyland which is 40 minutes by train from the city center. There are luxury and budget accommodations. Paris is well-connected with an efficient Metro, so getting around to different attractions is effortless with your family.
Hawaii, USA
The tropical archipelago is a volcanic hotspot and an iconic travel destination worldwide. Hawaii has something for everyone from adventure to relaxation and sports.
On the big island, you can visit the harsh volcanic landscape by helicopter or foot. On the western side, there are rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.
Is your family surf-crazy? The best surf spots are on O’ahu, Maui, and Kauai, with the famous pipeline on the north shore of O’ahu. Waikiki Beach on O’ahu is the most popular spot for families thanks to it’s proximity to Honululu airport and main attractions.
There are a range of hotels, the famous Waikiki beach, and both high-end and premium outlet shopping options. There are some great hiking and snorkeling options for the avid adventurers.
If you’d prefer to go off the beaten track, Maui and Kauai are beautiful quiet getaways. On Maui, you’ll find surfing, rainforests, and zipline. Kauai is renowned for its hiking, rugged mountain lines and secret beaches. No matter what type of traveler you are, there is a Hawaiian island for you.
Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Fiji is home to iconic family resorts, local markets, and traditional island dance. If you need a slow-paced holiday, the Mamanuca Islands are ideal. With stress-free connections from the airport, you’ll enjoy rest and relaxation on this slice of paradise.
Some of the best Fijian hotels and resorts are here with many specifically catering to families with kids activities, pools and slides.
There are local craft market tours where you can test your haggling skills. The Mamanuca islands are also a great spot to snorkel or scuba dive year-round with tropical water temperatures. You might even find Nemo! If you prefer a luxury experience you can request private island tours.
Whether it’s lazing by the resort pool with a cocktail in hand or engaging with stallholders at the local markets, there’s something for every family to enjoy.
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