Your first family vacation abroad is an exciting yet stressful event that can allow you to show your kids the world as well as have a much-needed break for your family. The destination that you choose to visit can have a large impact on whether your vacation runs smoothly or not, as well as whether you will be able to ignite the travel bug in your children for life. If you want to explore the world and yet find a safe and stress-free destination to take your family, here are some of the best options for first family vacations.
Bali
Although Bali has long been a must-see destination for backpackers and teenagers, Bali in Indonesia is one of the best places to take children in Asia due to its family-friendly attractions and relative safety. Lovina and Nusa Dua are great locations for families to visit, with their relative peacefulness and kid’s activities allowing you to keep your children occupied and safe. Many of Bali’s best elements will appeal to kids of all ages, with beautiful beaches such as Kuta Beach, which is known for its surf schools, and thrilling animal and adventure parks, such as Ubud Monkey Forest and Bali Treetop Adventure Park. If the sense of fun that you will find in Bali appeals to you, you should look at staying at villas in Canggu, which gives you the opportunity to take Bali at your own pace.
The Seychelles
The Seychelles is a hotspot for honeymooners. However, the beautiful landscapes and pristine beaches are just as dazzling for families, with its coral reefs and tropical gardens being a great first introduction to Africa for children. As well as activities such as the Tea Factory, where children can learn the origins of tea, you can also explore the islands by boat, with many boat trips traversing the oceans surrounding the islands and allowing your children to get their sea legs from a young age.
India
India contains a wealth of culture for children to marvel at, with areas such as Kashmir providing an array of horse riding, skiing, and boating opportunities for the adventurous members of your family. Everywhere you go in India, there are a great number of activities to do with children, from cycling tours around the state of Kerala to exploring the temples of Gaya and allowing kids to discover more about world history.
Canada
If you are looking for an English-speaking nation a bit closer to home, then you should consider crossing the border into Canada. Some of the best experiences in Canada for kids include experiencing astonishing wildlife and nature in Canadian national parks such as Banff National Park. Alternatively, you could head to the cities and see famous manmade monuments such as the CN Tower, giving you unrivaled views of Toronto.
Spain
If you want to combine beaches with relaxation and culture, Spain is the right option for you, with many of its cities boasting warm climates. Head to Barcelona if you are looking for the traditional Spanish vacation, where kids will wonder at architectural delights such as the gingerbread-like Gaudi designs in the Park Guell. However, if you are looking for beaches, you should head to Spanish islands such as Tenerife and Majorca, where many of the major resort towns and popular beaches are located.