Whether cruising around Bali, visiting theme parks in Florida or enjoying water sports in Santorini, here are the five stunning destinations perfect for luxury family travel
Planning that perfect vacation with the family can be stressful, especially if you want to add luxury to the mix. But spending quality time in some incredible places with your loved ones is priceless. Discovering new places through your child’s eyes is magical, giving you a chance to bond over extraordinary experiences and have something to talk about when they’re grown up.
Whether cruising around Bali, visiting theme parks in Florida or enjoying water sports in Santorini, here are the five stunning destinations perfect for luxury family travel.
1 Bali, Indonesia
Boasting a mix of pristine beaches, rich culture, and adventures galore, Bali is an ideal destination for luxury family travel. Located in Southeast Asia, Bali is one of the 18,000 islands that make up Indonesia. While it’s renowned for being a honeymoon destination, it has become a favourite for families with kids over the recent years, with the island offering attractions and activities catered to kids of all ages.
While Bali has some great beaches where you can hang out with the kids, Waterbom Bali would be a better alternative. It’s a fantastic waterpark offering water activities and world-class slides, guaranteed to entertain adults and kids. But if you have older kids who prefer a more active sport, enrol them in a surfing school. Bali’s beaches are renowned for surfing, and you’ll find schools offering lessons to all levels. You will also find establishments offering snorkelling and diving lessons if these are the activities your kids prefer.
What’s great about a family holiday in Bali is you’ll find numerous options for accommodations that cater to families. You can stay in luxury resorts with kid’s clubs and kiddie pools or book an upscale villa rental with enough space to accommodate everyone. Some of these villas are a walking distance to the beach, while others are nestled in the middle of rice terraces, offering an incredible holiday experience.
2 Orlando, Florida
Dubbed the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for a family holiday. Of course, there’s more to Orlando than its theme parks. It also has fun outdoor activities, child-friendly attractions, and beautiful beaches.
While both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World are great options, Walt Disney does a better job of catering to little kids with their themed attractions and rides. However, there are also some amazing holidays to Universal Studios Florida, making a planning a trip here easier for families.
Character meet-and-greets will delight your little ones as they meet their favourite Disney characters like Elsa and Mickey Mouse. Be sure to spend plenty of time at the Epcot. Occupying an area of 300 acres, it features many exciting rides like Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Mission: SPACE, and more.
Of course, Universal Studios is worth visiting, especially if you have kids who love thrilling rides. Begin your day at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit before visiting the Revenge of the Mummy. Next, check out the magical land of Diagon Alley and have fun with your little ones at the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
3 Eastern Cape, South Africa
Whether you and your kids are in the mood for a safari or a seaside escape with fun water activities, the Eastern Cape offers the perfect destination for a family holiday in South Africa. The region is most renowned for its scenic diversity, from the rugged wilderness area of Baviaanskloof to the lush and evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest.
Discover the Wild Coast, a land of stunning natural landscapes featuring subtropical forests, craggy sea cliffs, and windswept beaches. Skirting the northern coast of the Eastern Cape, from Mtamvuna River to the Great Kei River, the Wild Coast is a fun place to explore with your kids. For a more thrilling experience, rent a 4WD vehicle and drive along the coast. If your kids are into hiking, consider hiking through the walking tracks, taking you to charming local villages.
Kids love wildlife, so take advantage of the opportunity to go on a safari on your visit to the Eastern Cape. Visit the Addo Elephant National Park, one of South Africa’s largest national parks, home to over 600 elephants and other fascinating creatures, from zebras to antelopes and various bird species.
4 Switzerland, Europe
Dubbed the land of cheeses and chocolates, Switzerland is one of those countries guaranteed to delight your kids. It’s a fantastic family-friendly destination with all the elements of an unforgettable family vacation. Here, you can indulge in delectable regional cuisines and take on active adventures through mountains and lakes. In the winter season, head to the slopes of the Swiss Alps for some skiing and snowboarding sessions. There are also some amazing international summer camps here, providing an excellent opportunity to learn and travel at the same time.
Bern is the perfect base for your holiday in Switzerland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a 12th-century Old Town with picturesque cobblestone streets and stunning views of the Aare River Valley. Visit the Einstein House to explore Einstein’s living quarters. If you come in summer, spend a relaxing day at the Aarebad Marzili pool area and float along the Aare River.
For families that love the outdoors, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Switzerland, especially in the Swiss Alps. When you visit in summer, you can take scenic hikes, swim in lakes, or cycle to the mountains. Of course, your winter season in Switzerland will all be about skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
5 Santorini, Greece
Santorini offers the perfect destination for a Greek island holiday with the family. While others may argue that it’s only a destination for a honeymoon, you won’t regret taking the kids to this gorgeous island. It offers many fun things for you and your kids, from swimming on the beaches to exploring historic sites and hiking through picturesque villages.
Fira, with its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, is perfectly picturesque. You and your kids will enjoy walking through its stone-paved streets, checking out shops, and grabbing ice cream at the tavernas.
Cruising is one of the best activities for families in Santorini. It’s a fantastic way to admire the island’s craters, gorgeous cliffs, and hot springs. You’ll find plenty of options for your cruise. You can explore on a sailboat, catamaran, or kayak if you’re up for some adventures!
