To make a successful family trip, it is essential to choose your destination carefully. Only a few hours by road or plane for the most reluctant to long trips. Or on the other side of the planet for the more adventurous.. (read my article “10 tips for traveling with children serenely“). Rather country than city for families with young children who need to reconnect with nature, with the world around them. And above all, choose trips that will please everyone, young and old alike!
Here is a small summary of our favorite nature and culture destinations to choose from according to your desires!
Small or large, volcanoes and other geothermal phenomena always impress. We had the chance to visit several countries with still active volcanoes.
First in Italy, in the Bay of Naples, we visited Pompeii and climbed the volcano that caused the disaster:Vesuvius. It is a destination that lends itself well to a family trip.
Pompeii, this gigantic ancient Roman city will fascinate the older ones with its history and will allow the little ones to simply play at exploring its corners. Then set off to attack Vesuvius, a still active volcano which offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples.
The Bay of Naples is an easy destination for a trip with young children. Located just a few hours by plane from France, it is full of treasures to explore. Count a short week to make the most of your stay.
Nicknamed the "Land of Fire and Ice", Iceland is a perfect contrast between the omnipresent, wild, mysterious nature, its waterfalls and its glaciers. But also by its volcanoes, geysers, fumaroles, bubbling pots and other geothermal manifestations. We went there three times. And whether in spring or in the middle of winter, we loved the landscapes in every season.
Iceland is an ideal destination to explore with the family. Only 3h30 flight from Paris, Iceland can be discovered in just a few days by traveling the Golden Circle or around the island, so count 2 to 3 weeks to fully enjoy it.
Find my articles on our trips to Iceland:Our must-sees in Iceland. Where to swim in the hot water lagoons? Where to observe the most impressive geothermal phenomena in Iceland? How to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
If you are looking for preserved, calm and rejuvenating destinations, I can only recommend one of our Nature getaways.
In the Dales, you will count more sheep than human beings. Crossed by rivers, green valleys and pastures, this region of the North of the United Kingdom is absolutely magnificent. You can go on lovely hikes with the children, visit old abbeys or go crabbing in Whitby. Located about 6 hours drive from the port of Dover, allow around a week to explore the Dales.
All our advice for organizing your road trip in the Yorkshire Dales can be found on the blog.
A few years ago we went in a van to explore the Norwegian fjords. We spent 2 wonderful weeks there, under a magnificent sun. Without any prior reservation, we went along the fjords from campsite to campsite. All perfectly equipped to accommodate families and young children.
If you want to know more about our road trip by van through Norway, you can take inspiration from our trip and do not hesitate to ask us your questions! Count 1200 kilometers from Lille to reach Hirtshals, the northernmost port of Denmark which will allow you to reach the South of Norway after 3 hours by ferry.
In recent years, the girls growing up, we can do longer and longer hikes. If they walked from very small short distances, we discovered that they were able to cover ten kilometers without great difficulty during our trip to Madeira.
Madeira is an island located 3h30 by plane from Paris. We spent 10 extraordinary days there, between swimming, hiking and visiting this jewel lost in the middle of the Atlantic.
Children thrive in the middle of Nature and this is our secret for successful family holidays! But if you add animals in total freedom in a country where the motto is "pure vida" then you will live an exceptional family experience!
It's one of my favorite countries. The one I recommend for those who want an exotic nature destination to discover with the family.
Costa Rica is renowned for its incredible fauna and flora since 6% of the world's biodiversity is found there while the country represents only 0.03% of the land mass in the world. A quarter of the country is occupied by nature reserves or protected parks, thanks to the country's policy. Indeed, since 1948, Costa Rica is the first nation to have suppressed its army and thus to reinject the money into health, education and environmental protection.
Monkeys, macaws, coatis, raccoons, dolphins, sunfish, sloths, crocodiles… We have never observed animals so closely and so easily. The girls were amazed every day! In our video retracing our trip to Costa Rica, you can observe no less than 11 different species of animals!
For a change from the Baie de Somme and the Opal Coast, we crossed the English Channel to explore other horizons...
It was therefore in Whitstable, in the United Kingdom, that we had settled down for a weekend. Only 45 minutes from the port of Dover, it is a popular seaside resort for Londoners. We had rented a small fisherman's house on Airbnb full of charm, tasted the famous oysters of Whitstable and the girls played hide and seek between the small wooden cabins by the sea.
Its Buddhist temples, its postcard landscapes, its street food, Asia makes you dream as much as it can frighten families. And yet, we feel so good there that we have chosen to spend 6 months there soon.
For a first trip to Asia, I can only recommend Thailand. It is so easy to travel in Thailand with family. The Thais love children and take great care of you, always smiling, always attentive.
Find my articles to help you organize your trip to Thailand with your family, there is nothing easier than buying your flight and preparing your itinerary by yourself!
Have a good trip!
