Holidays are a great time to spend time with the people you care about most. Whether it’s celebrating the savoury flavours of the season with friends and family, or escaping to a faraway place for a relaxing getaway, there’s something for everyone during the holidays.
Give the gift of an epic adventure. If your loved ones want to explore the great outdoors, or they just want to feel a little pampered with a getaway, a family-centred destination can do that for you. In fact, travel experts say that in order to keep your loved ones happy and healthy, taking them somewhere new and exciting is the best gift of all.
But, it’s never easy to make the right decision when it comes to where to spend the holidays. Where do you go? What do you do there? And how do you do it all without killing your family’s stress levels?
In order to make the most of the season, we’ve pulled together a list of the best places to take your family for a great holiday. We’ve put together a list of the top destinations for a great family vacation. If you’re looking for last-minute ideas, keep reading.
Family Holidays: Top Places to Go for a Great Time
#1 Rome, Italy
Italy’s capital city is one of the most visited cities in the world. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect place to spend the holidays with your family. The city is home to a wealth of museums and sights, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Spanish Steps, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a piazza. Italy’s capital is also a fantastic place to eat, with a vast array of markets, restaurants and cafes to choose from.
#2 Disney World, Florida
Disney World is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. The park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Head to Downtown Disney for a day of water parks, shopping and family-friendly dining, and to Downtown Disney Marketplace for an array of food options. The most popular times to visit are during the spring and summer when the crowds are lower.
#3 Barcelona, Spain
This Mediterranean city is famous for its beautiful architecture, laid-back atmosphere and world-class eating options. Barcelona is an excellent city to visit during the holidays, as it is home to many religious monuments and festivals, such as the Columbus Day celebrations, which usually take place in October. Barcelona is also known for its fantastic cuisine, with restaurants offering everything from tapas to tapas con salsas.
#4 Whistler Blackcomb Resort, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most sophisticated ski resorts in North America. With a stylishly modern atmosphere, the resort is renowned for its great snow and icy climate. There are numerous activities and attractions to keep guests entertained at the resort, including snowboarding and skiing, outdoor adventures such as hiking and glacier hiking, and cultural events such as an opera festival and jazz festival.
#5 Southern India: Coorg, Kerala
Coorg and Kerala are the most visited southern Indian states. The former, in Karnataka, is known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations. Coorg is also home to the Chateaux de Covel, where guests can stay in restored colonial-era cottages, with beautiful gardens and swimming pools. The other southern state, Kerala, is famous for its ancient architecture, beaches and world-class seafood. If you’re in southern India during the holidays, you won’t want to miss the Thrissur Pooram, a Hindu temple festival that takes place every year during the second week of February.
#6 Oia, Greece
Located in Crete, Greece is the most popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean. This whitewashed village is home to a dizzying array of restaurants, where you’re sure to find something you love. The lively nightlife in the village makes for an excellent way to spend time with your family and friends, and the quaint whitewashed houses are a sight to behold.
#7 Antalya, Turkey
There’s no better place to celebrate the Holidays than in Turkey. Antalya is a favourite spot for both domestic and international travellers, with its warm weather and rich history. With nearly 2,000 years of history to explore, Antalya’s Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history is readily evident. From the legendary “Cradle of Kek,” the ancient city of Side, to the bustling port city of Alanya, you’re sure to find something to inspire your family’s creativity. Additionally, Turkey offers unique attractions like the Ephesus Heritage Museum, the Kaleidoscope World Theme Park, and the world’s first underwater mosque.
#8 Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great place for family travel due to its vast array of family-friendly activities. From theme parks like Wet ‘n Wild and Silver Dollar City to exotic animal exhibits at the National Zoo, there’s plenty to do in Sin City. One of the best ways to experience the city, however, is on a family escorted tour. These tours feature guides who are more than happy to show you around the city, as well as provide insight into the fascinating history Las Vegas has to offer.
#9 Norway
Norway is a great place to escape the cold and rainy weather of the winter and spring. With numerous ski resorts, family-friendly towns, and stunning forests, Norway makes a great year-round destination. In addition to skiing or hiking in the winter, Norway is home to the Arctic Park in Tromsø, which is an ice-covered playground for all ages. Spring offers a wide range of activities for families, from exploring the world’s northernmost art gallery in Tromsø to hiking in the spectacular mountains of Lofoten.
#10 Bhutan
Bhutan is a wonderful place to escape the stresses of life, at least for a while. Located in South Asia, this Buddhist country is less travelled than other holiday destinations in Asia. With a strong Buddhist culture, Bhutan is a peaceful and spiritual place. In addition to the Buddhist philosophy, Bhutan is home to the world’s second-highest mountain, the Dru-La Pass. This mountain pass is the gateway to many high-altitude treks and, once you reach the top, the view is breathtaking.
#11 Fiji
When it comes to tropical destinations, there are few better than Fiji. With a tropical climate, vibrant culture, and exotic underwater life, Fiji is a one-of-a-kind destination. The underwater life in Fiji is a huge draw for tourists, but for families, there are multiple options for divers. From scuba diving in live coral reefs, diving with whale sharks, and exploring shipwrecks, families will find plenty of options to explore.
#12 Paris, France
Paris is a wonderful city for all ages and stages of life. It is renowned as Europe’s most romantic city and is also a favourite with families. From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, the attractions of Paris are endless. Paris is also home to numerous museums, parks, and gardens. You’re sure to find something that inspires your family’s creativity. Another great aspect of this city is its affordability. While there are many beautiful places to take your family, you can’t go wrong with Paris.
#13 Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is home to a number of incredible attractions, including the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is a must-do while visiting Iceland. Another great aspect of Reykjavik is its history. The city is home to the oldest parliament building in Europe, as well as a number of museums, which are free on weekdays. Finally, if you’re looking for a unique experience, try visiting during the university summer vacation. This is a great time to meet young families from around the world.
#14 Capri, Italy
If you’re looking for a unique Italian experience, try Capri. Located off the coast of Naples, Capri is a favourite for travellers. The tiny island is home to some of the most romantic spots in Europe. To experience the island, book a yacht charter and sail to the most beautiful places on Capri. In addition to sailing, if you can’t wait until your return trip, there are a number of charter boats that go to the most popular spots on the island.
#15 Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a great family vacation destination. With a number of family-friendly activities, from theme parks to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a unique family experience, try one of LA’s many theme parks. If you’re looking for something less intense, but still enjoyable, there are a number of family-friendly attractions near the city.
#16 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is the perfect place for a family holiday. It’s got so much to offer, from stunning architecture and canals to lively nightlife. The Dutch capital is also renowned for its tolerant attitude towards LGBT travellers, which has made it a popular destination for LGBT families, who can safely travel without fear of discrimination.
#17 Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is a great place for a family holiday for many reasons. Firstly, it’s nice and easy to get to, being only a short distance from both St Petersburg and Stockholm. It’s also a very easy-going place, friendly and relaxed, with a welcoming atmosphere and lots of family-friendly activities, such as visits to Santa’s workshop.
#18 Venice, Italy
The Italian city of Venice is world-renowned for its canals and historic sights, with UNESCO-listed St Mark’s Basilica at its centre. It’s also a great place for LGBT families, being known as one of the most tolerant cities in Europe.
#19 Singapore
Singapore is an exciting, modern city that also has a lot to offer families. It’s a great place for a family holiday, being both easy to get to, and full of interesting attractions, including sea safaris and theme parks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer trip, these places have something for everyone. These destinations will offer you everything you’re looking for. From the rich culture and incredible architecture to skiing and snowboarding, there’s plenty to do and see in each of these places.
With plenty of activities to do during the day and fun things to do at night, the places on this list are sure to suit any traveller’s needs.
