Family vacations are special. Your kids are only young for a short period of time, so you’ve got to make the most of it each time you vacation. Vacation repeats should be avoided, with each new trip to a new destination providing unique and unforgettable memories. But how do you make each vacation stand out from the last? The answer is to go on once in a lifetime family vacations each time. This article will highlight some bucket list locations that you may not have thought of that are perfect for the whole family!
Rent a castle in Ireland
Kids love the idea of Ireland – or, rather, they love the stereotypical idea of Ireland. You can easily keep this impression alive by hiring out a castle in the Irish countryside, to totally immerse yourself in the world of kings, queens, knights, and leprechauns! Many castles throughout Ireland have been renovated with contemporary appliances, making them comfortable for all. Some of the most magical castle stays in Ireland include Dromoland Castle, perched on the cliffs of Moher, and Ashford Castle, in Lough Corrib.
African safari
If your kids are into exotic animals, heading out on an African safari is one of the best once in a lifetime family vacations you’ll likely find.
As long as your kids are over the age of six, you’ll be able to find various different tour companies that’ll take you out on the plains and up close and personal with lions, zebras, and tigers. Most countries in the African Bush will have appropriate accommodation for families, with certain tour companies offering glamping and wild camping experiences. It’ll be difficult to find a trip so memorable as it is educational.
Kenya is one of the best countries for African safari holidays. With plenty of junior safari excursions running regularly, Kenya also has a Giraffe Manor where you can interact and feed resident giraffes!
Dude ranch
A must-do for all young Americans, a Dude Ranch vacation authentically keeps the America of a bygone era alive.
Taking place on an old cattle ranch in such states as Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado, Dude ranches offer an infinite amount of activity for young and energetic families, from horseback rides into the great outdoors, water rafting over great lakes, evening campfires and cookouts, and lots of line dancing!
As entertaining as it gets, dude ranches get you and your family of your devices and back to old school means of entertainment. A week spent on the ranch is the perfect way to detox.
The Amazon rainforest
Another one for wildlife lovers, the dense Amazon Rainforest is one of the biggest once in a lifetime family vacations for the sheer amount of activity that it offers.
Kids can make an animal and birdwatching checklist as you traverse through the great jungles, seeing animals you’ve never seen and may never see again! Take a boat downstream to avoid long walks and spend evenings in jungle huts and tree houses.
For kids with a big imagination, the Amazon Rainforest can be an endless resource for fun adventures into the unknown!
Iceland – the most unusual of once in a lifetime family vacations
The Icelandic people are very welcome to tourists, especially younger adventurers, making Iceland one of the most unique, unusual, and safest places to take your kids.
The limited sunlight should not put you off, especially since the native population are so accustomed to doing activities in the dark. Such kid-friendly activities include exploring the wide-open resplendent plains and intriguing caves, taking a dip in the hot water springs, and spectating the northern lights.
The best way of exploring Iceland’s diverse countryside is on the back of an Icelandic horse. If your kids have a thing for history, they can learn a thing or two at one of the many Viking museums which can be found on the island. Iceland has a lot more to it than meets the eye, making it perfect for once in a lifetime family vacations.
Paris
Your kids are no doubt going to embark on heaps of traveling when they’re older, so why not get the biggest tourist city of Europe of their lists early?
Paris still carries a magical air about it and is the best way to introduce your kids to the European way of life. Whether visiting the main attractions or just meandering through the ancient streets and parks, Paris will be a profound experience for every member of the family.
Although expensive, Paris offers free entry to a lot of its main attractions to children, including the Musée du Louvre and the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie.
Experience another way of life in Tokyo
Tokyo can be lifechanging, even for your kids.
Seeing another side of the world at such a young age will definitely impact them, making Tokyo one of the most perfect once in a lifetime family vacations. A
lthough the crowds may overwhelm both you and your kids at first, it can be very easy to get into the Tokyo way of life, with plenty of affable locals who will help you through this mind-expanding experience.
The Studio Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for family vacations, however, if you need more of a taste of home, head to Tokyo Disneyland.
Swim with dolphins in Mozambique
Not only is Ponto da Oura, Mozambique home to idyllic, sandy white beaches, but it is also the perfect place to swim with dolphins.
There are several hotels as well as budget campsites that will make your stay in Mozambique welcoming, giving you perfect access to the azure ocean.
This makes the list of once in a lifetime destinations due to how many people claim this trip to swim with dolphins changed their lives. Perfect for kids who have an affinity for animals, this southern African destination definitely deserves your consideration!