The best family-friendly vacation destinations
In the past, it was hard to find a vacation destination that would please the whole family. Now, it’s a different story. There are plenty of family-friendly resorts and destinations all over the world that welcome families with open arms. It just takes a little effort to find the most family-friendly vacation spots.
Traveling with the kids does require preparation and patience, but the destination also plays a big part in the plan. Here are three great – and very different – family-friendly places to visit – and they aren’t too bad without the kids, either!
Paris, France
Who doesn’t want to take a Parisian vacation? The so-called City of Light happens to be one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners, but why shouldn’t the whole family get to enjoy the scene? Whether it is a riverside vista overlooking the Seine, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, or the Louvre, Paris is unsurpassed in its beauty and appeal – even for the kids. There’s simply so much to see and do and families can do it all without having to rent a car – there is plenty of good public transportation in the city.
Visit the place des Vosges and build a sandcastle with the kids in the shadows of 17th century housing developments, thus exposing the children to architecture they may not normally see. Afterward, stop by the Cite des Enfants, one of the best children’s museums in the world – just remember to buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines. And remember, there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Paris, but the spring season is usually a little more expensive.
Yellowstone National Park
When one thinks of exciting places in the United States, the state of Wyoming may not necessarily come to mind. But, it’s possible to get cheap tickets with a bit of planning and then make your way to Yellowstone National Park – but be sure to drive or rent a car as one is required to gain access to the park and campsites. Leave the computers, tablets, and handheld gaming devices at home and let the kids take in this vital experience. The park is awe-inspiring and enormous – and the best time of year to visit is late spring and early summer.
Families visiting Yellowstone may want to spend the days boating, camping, hiking, and horseback riding, but those are just a few of the activities available. Take a ranger-guided walk and tour the park – and don’t forget the camera for a cool snapshot of Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser. Parents can also arrange for kids to become “Junior Rangers” for a day for an educational and fun experience.
Belize
Sometimes, Mom and Dad just need to get away from it all but they can’t leave the kids at home. Belize is the perfect place to gain a welcome respite from everyday life, even with the children. Splitting time between the beach resort towns and the jungle interior will make for a magical vacation no one will forget. The country is filled with natural beauty that everyone can appreciate. If families plan on staying in one area, no rental car is actually needed, and there are plenty of tour buses for day trips to explore the surrounding areas.
Families won’t have the time or energy to worry about what’s waiting for them back at home since every waking moment will likely be filled with fun and adventure. Scale waterfalls, go rappelling down cliffs, and explore caves laden with ancient Mayan artifacts. Just don’t forget to pack the bug repellent, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing especially when visiting in the summer months.
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