Our Top Picks for Family Travel
Our favourite family holidays live on long after we've made it back home.
Every trip and every traveller is unique, so with the world at your feet here are some of our favourite starting points to please the whole family.
Safaris to suit: Africa
For many people, a trip to Africa is the dream. Days spent tracking animals through the landscapes followed by evenings watching burnt orange sunsets, time trekking through breath-taking scenery or sipping an ice-cold drink in the shade of an ancient tree… the continent gets under your skin and calls you back again and again.
If you’re looking for an experience the whole family will enjoy, Kenya should definitely be near the top of your list. The locals are friendly and welcoming and there are incredible accommodation options to suit all kinds of tastes. Plus, many areas are malaria free, which means you don’t have to worry about the youngest in your party having to take medication.
Many of the safari lodges here and across the continent are also geared towards families and have activities especially for children. Places like Arijiju in the Borana Conservancy even have a special dining menu for young guests, a kit room with outdoor shoes in a variety of sizes, and a games room.
Visiting South Africa as a family you’re spoiled for choice. From river rafting or horse riding, to whale watching, relaxing on the beaches, or visiting wine farms – there’s something for everyone. Get a taste for the vibrancy of city life, head to the coast for water sports, or venture into the bush on safari.
If you’re looking for a truly exclusive experience, removed from other holiday makers, then consider booking an exclusive stay for your family at somewhere like the fantastic Little DumaTau in Botswana‘s Linyanti. Back in South Africa, Singita Castleton in Sabi Sands is also ideal for multi-generational groups. Or stay at Morukuru Ocean House and watch the southern right whales in the bay.
Where will you venture?
Whatever you want your luxury tour or safari itinerary to include, we’ll create something fully bespoke for you… and only you.
Adventure and exploration: New Zealand
Staying in the southern hemisphere, head on over to New Zealand where there are lots of activities for families. Put on your explorer gear and visit volcanoes and beautiful islands, or go in search of the fascinating wildlife. Take some time to learn about Maori culture. There are also lots of adrenaline-pumping activities to keep your pulse racing – like the Rotorua Luge, kayaking and jetboat rides.
And how about a visit to the Shire? Take a tour of Hobbiton and see the houses nestled in the hillside as you relive parts of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. Or head to Waitomo where you can bob along an underwater stream through a cave twinkling with the light of thousands of glow worms.
Wildlife and Islands: the Galapagos
If you’re looking for an island getaway the whole family will enjoy, book a trip to the Galapagos. Wildlife is abundant, and the cruises are well organised and safe. Hop between islands where you can get to see creatures like sea lions and iguanas up close, discover amazing marine life while snorkelling and visit fields of lava.
With dreamy beaches and animals unafraid of humans, this is a paradise for kids and adults alike. A stop in Santa Cruz will give you the chance to see giant tortoises in the wild, have fun scuba diving or go adventuring on a mountain bike.
Culture and cartoons: Japan
If your family loves learning about other cultures and hands-on experiences, visiting temples, drinking tea and hunting for small cartoon characters, then a visit to Japan will be right up your street. In a country so rich in both history and contemporary culture, there’s plenty to appeal to all generations.
Kids and adults alike will love to see Japan’s magnificent alps steeped in autumn leaves or iconic cherry blosssoms. Or head towards the cities to join in on a taiko drumming lesson, enjoy a tea ceremony, learn about samurais and geishas, and spend time at the impressive Pokémon mega-store.
Families with older children & learning lovers: Vietnam, Greece & Iceland
Adventurous families travelling with slightly older children should consider a trip to Vietnam which is rich in culture and history. Explore the country’s famous waterways, stopping to visit floating markets and fish farms, or go diving and caving together.
Greece is also great for families. The cities are full of history, there are beaches for those who enjoy lounging in the sun, interesting boat trips and fun tours through various neighbourhoods. Young and old alike will delight in learning about the legends, mythological creatures and gods and goddesses that make Greece unique.
A visit to Iceland is ideal for families looking for travel at different paces. Enjoy the peace and quiet and soak up the breath-taking scenery, or get stuck in and explore it by land or sea. Iceland is a real-life geography lesson for the whole family. See active volcanoes, trek across glaciers, spot whales in the icy waters and marvel at the geysers and powerful waterfalls.
Our top family trips...
Whatever you want from your perfect family vacation, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.