Exotic Family Vacation

Traveling on exotic family vacation destinations is much easier than you’d think, and far more rewarding than parking your family at the beach. In addition to expanding children’s awareness and deepening their curiosity by exposing them to different cultures and parts of the world, family adventure vacations to far-flung destinations strengthen family ties and create memories you’ll share around the dinner table for decades to come.

Family Vacation Destinations

 

Here are a few of our favorite family vacation destinations and family travel experiences:

•Many children are intrigued by Dubai’s impressive indoor ski slopes, but we recommends skipping the lengthy lines and exploring one of Abu Dhabi’s true gem’s instead—the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This is a true landmark of the region and has endless cool corners to explore top to bottom, from admiring the world’s largest (and 24-carat gold plated) chandelier to world’s biggest carpet and refreshing air-conditioned marble floors.

•China wows people of all ages and is an outstanding family vacation destination. From Shanghai’s glittering skyline to the crumbling splendor of the Great Wall, and Sichuan’s Panda Sanctuary, this is a place for a family adventure vacation that will amaze everyone.

 

* Thailand is an endlessly and deservedly popular family vacation destination because it has bright cities, fabulous beaches, thick jungles, and locals who just love children. One particularly rewarding family activity in Thailand is volunteering or staying at an elephant reserve, where you can feed orphaned babies and help them bathe in the nearby river. You will be  allowed to meet the reserve’s founder, and learn firsthand about their efforts.

FAMILY TOUR OF CHINA

People of all ages are wowed by China, whose imperial monuments like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall inspire awe with their size and splendor, and whose iconic Panda bears inspire an entirely different kind of “aww.” On this trip, you’ll explore natural wonderlands like Yangshuo and Longsheng, whose rice terraces are the most intense green we’ve ever seen, modern marvels such as Shanghai’s glittering skyscrapers, and give everyone in your family memories to cherish forever.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO....
With its larger-than-life monuments and rich cultural history, China is a truly exciting destination for the whole family. This tour focuses on activities that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, and all accommodations have been carefully chosen with families in mind. Start in Beijing, where highlights include visits to the remote Jin Shan Ling section of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, as well as a stroll through the old maze-like hutongs for a glimpse at how most urban Chinese families once lived. From Beijing, fly to Chengdu to see the impressive work being done by scientists trying to save the pandas at the famous Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center. After Chengdu, head to leafy Guilin and spend a day sailing down the Li River, which is framed by ghostly limestone karst formations. And though the drive is long, we encourage families to spend one of their days in this area at the Longsheng Rice Terraces, where the hillsides have been painstakingly cultivated into a breathtaking landscape. From Guilin, fly to Shanghai, an ultra-modern city that offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s future. Watch the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats perform their magnificent gymnastic feats, enjoy the view from one of the city’s tallest buildings, and walk through one or two of the charming water towns that lie on Shanghai’s outskirts.

FAMILY TOUR OF JAPAN

WHY YOU SHOULD GO......

If you want to turn your kids into lifetime travelers, take them to Japan—they go crazy for this country, and their interest in seeing the world immediately grows. Futuristic, friendly Tokyo is a feast for the senses. They’ll love slurping up bowls of ramen and taking in the neon wonder of Sega Joyopolis, a video game theme park. Everyone will relish Japan’s historic sites, such as Kamakura’s towering Buddha, and will be thrilled when they explore Kyoto’s ancient castles and temples, and take a cable car ride up Mt. Fuji.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Start this tour in energetic Tokyo. Privately guided family-oriented activities include a ride to the top of the Tokyo Tower, a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and nearby Nakamise-dori, a street selling traditional Japanese toys, dolls, kimonos, and snacks. Stop by Sega Joyopolis video game center on the futuristic island of Odaiba. Excursions include the religious center of Nikko and Edo Wonderland, an educational theme park. Continue to Kamakura to see the imposing Great Buddha, and then tour the Hakone region near Mt. Fuji. There will be a ropeway ride with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), a cruise on the lake, and a walk amid the geysers. Overnight in a Japanese tatami room at a traditional Japanese inn. Journey by bullet train to Hiroshima to visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and its educational museum. There will also be a scenic excursion to nearby Miyajima Island, famous for the huge torii gate rising out of the sea at the 12th century Itsukushima Shrine. Next visit Himeji-jo, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, and then continue on to Kyoto. Enjoy a cultural performance and tempura dinner in the Gion district, tour the major temples, and climb up the Fushimi-Inari shrine, a mountain covered with red torii gates. While in Kyoto, take a daytrip to the ancient capital of Nara.

 

Family Vacation to Dubai & Oman

 

Why You Should Go

Start this exhilarating family vacation in the high-flying skyscrapers of Dubai and set out on a whirlwind adventure through Wadi Wadi Water Park and the glitzy Nad Al Sheba Club, and onto a dhow ride through Dubai’s historic past. Continue on to the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa for 4x4 desert tours and sunsets along the dunes. End your tour seaside in one of Oman’s most elegant resorts along the Gulf of Oman, from which you can visit the local souq, explore Al Alam Palace, and embark on a dolphin-watching excursion

What To Expect: Oman & Dubai Travel Tour Highlights

With high-flying skyscrapers, expansive deserts, and pristine beaches, this tour combines a diverse array of activities that will entrance and exhilarate your entire family! Begin in Dubai, a cosmopolitan city that has risen from the sand to become one of the most important economic hubs in the world. Set out on a whirlwind adventure where your family will discover the modernity of Dubai, with stops at the Wadi Wadi Water Park and the Nad Al Sheba Club, home to the world’s richest horse race. Dubai also has a long history and visits to its monumental mosques and ride on a traditional dhow will provide insights into its fascinating past. Continue your adventure by heading to the desert for a stay at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Here, your family will set out in the resort’s 4WD vehicles for a heart-thumping ride through the desert, concluding with a sunset dinner in the dunes. While the kids take advantage of Sinbad’s Kid’s Club, parents can take in a relaxing treatment at the Satori Spa. End your trip in Oman at Shangri-La’s Bar Al Jissah Resort, right on the Gulf of Oman. The traditional lifestyle of the Omani people is on proud display, and you will have the opportunity to visit the local souq and fish market, Al Alam Palace, and many more impressive sites. Conclude your trip with a dolphin-watching excursion and a relaxing afternoon on the shore.