Carmel ThomasonWhile the coronavirus pandemic has limited our ability to travel the world, it doesn’t stop us dreaming about all those amazing trips we can take when we can freely explore again. Families travelling with small children have always had to be forward thinking when it comes to travel. As children get older, holidays can become more adventurous, and while it’s possible to be more spontaneous, planning together is part of the fun. At the moment we could all do with something to look forward to. So, in looking forward to when we can all travel again, here are some of our favourite trips for families with children over 12.
An African Safari Holiday
African safaris aren’t ideal for small children, due to hot climate and dusty, bumpy roads. Also, many lodges have age restrictions due to the unfenced nature of the accommodation which has been designed to give the wildlife greatest freedom and allow visitors the best viewing experiencing.
For teenage kids this can be a life-changing experience that is educational and inspiring. Seeing Africa’s big five game – leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceroses – up close in their natural habitat is an amazing experience to remember forever.
African safari holidays are an amazing way to show your children a slice of the world they have never experienced, making memories that will be cherished for years to come.
- New York City
New York City is a challenging place to take small kids who aren’t used to the big city. The noise, crowds and fast-paced lifestyle of New York make it a difficult place to enjoy when you have small children who can easily become overwhelmed by the buzz of a big city. Also, just like with a safari holiday, young kids are unlikely to appreciate the amazing vibes that New York brings. That’s understandable – who could expect a 3-year-old to feel excited about a visit to MoMA!
For teenagers, however, New York is an amazing hub of new ideas and vibrancy. It can introduce them to places they have become familiar with from movies, and help them to experience art, culture, and the exciting pace of city life.
- A Road Trip
The road trip experience is a family classic, but definitely one to be shared with kids who are able to enjoy it without being fussy or uncomfortable in the car for hours!
Road trips are immense fun; you get to see awesome landscapes, stay in motels, eat at roadside restaurants and experience the true on-the-road life.
Older kids can appreciate a road trip because it allows them to relax and watch the world go by. Plus, there is the excitement of the destination. The great American road trip offers so many awe-inspiring stops for teenagers to read and learn about before you go such as national parks, desert and the jaw-dropping expanse of the Grand Canyon.
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Sarah Antonie
