4 of the Best Adventure Travel Destinations for Young Families
When we think of family holidays, most often all-inclusive resorts with charming onsite kids’ clubs are what comes to mind. Whilst this type of holiday certainly is fantastic and still has its place, travelling with young children doesn’t mean that you must give up on adventure and exploring vibrant cultures. You should provide your little ones with an opportunity to spark curiosity from an early age. And there is no better way for a child to learn about the world than to be immersed in new countries and cultures. Children naturally ask lots of questions as a way of understanding their surroundings and travel helps to spark curiosity whilst encouraging children to interact and engage with their environment. Also, we often feel more connected to our loved ones, and the world around us, when on holiday, as we have less distractions and obligations. And adventure holidays provide great opportunities for families to create long-lasting memories.
Wild Frontiers, a B Corp tour operator specialising in adventure holidays, has seen a rise in families choosing to go on adventure holidays, with sales data highlighting a 27% increase in family bookings over the last 12 months. Taking your child on an adventure holiday has so many social and educational benefits, but the first trip can feel daunting.
Clare Tobin, CEO at Wild Frontiers, shares her destination recommendations for your first adventure trip as a family.
Costa Rica
“Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and is a magnificent destination, encompassed in natural beauty. It is also home to 5% of the planet’s entire biodiversity, making it an ideal destination for children to learn and experience nature in all its glory.
“There are several wildlife-rich national parks situated around Costa Rica, such as Corcovado and Manuel Antonio, where you can spot animals such as jaguars, scarlet macaws, sloths and toucans, amongst many other species. The country is also renowned for its turtle nesting sites and there are several locations across Costa Rica that offer unique opportunities to witness this natural spectacle.”
Tanzania
“Located in East Africa, Tanzania lies on the border of the Indian Ocean and is known for its breathtaking wild landscapes. The country is also blessed with a remarkable diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, making it a great learning experience for children of all ages.
“Tanzania plays host to the greatest animal migration on the planet each year, with the grassy plains of the Serengeti witnessing thousands of wildebeest, zebras and antelope as they cross the Mara River. For those seeking more adventure, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and provides numerous hiking challenges for families with older children.”
Sri Lanka
“Sri Lanka is a vibrant country located in South Asia, just off the southeastern coast of India. There are a variety of exploration activities to take part in during your visit to Sri Lanka, from fascinating wildlife spotting to beach-hopping along the sun-drenched coastline.
“Sri Lanka is an ideal place to visit as a family as it offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and cultural heritage. You’ll find plenty of learning opportunities, such as visits to wetlands where children can find out about ecosystems that are rich in biodiversity, and wildlife sanctuaries where they can learn more about native animals. You’ll also want to enjoy the local food and drink traditions, to fully immerse yourself in the locals’ way of life.”
Namibia
“Situated in southern Africa, Namibia is located on the border of Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. With an abundance of wildlife and spectacular landscapes spanning as far as the eye can see, Namibia will capture the imagination of the whole family. Spend some time engaging with locals and learning about their history and way of life.
“A small-group safari is an unmissable experience whilst you’re visiting Namibia and is a fantastic opportunity for children to observe wildlife, such as lions, elephants and rhinos, in their natural habitat. Namibia is also home to the Cheetah Conservation Fund; an international research and education institution that is committed to protecting cheetahs in the wild.”