Great Family Vacation Spots

If you are looking for some great family vacation spots, stay here. In this article we share with you a list of five best family-friendly vacation destinations in the world: from the Caribbean and Central America to the South Pacific Ocean.

Each of these destinations is family-friendly and safer than most bigger American cities. We chose places which are famous for well developed tourism infrastructure, great weather and which provide activities interesting for children. All of these great vacation spots are listed in alphabetical order.

1. Aruba

Aruba is a small Caribbean island which belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Because of semi-arid climate of the island, it’s a very popular tourist destination (visitors can almost always except warm and sunny weather).

Aruba is one of the most developed Caribbean islands. Thanks to this, it’s one of the safest places in the Caribbean and a very family-friendly vacation destination. Your children will surely love Aruban beaches and incredible rock formations! Its beaches are so incredible that we had to put this island on our list of great beach vacation spots.

Most popular tourist attractions

• Beaches – Aruba is a paradise for beach lovers. Your children will surely love Baby Beach (it’s rarely more than five feet deep).
• Natural bridges – Aruba is famous for numerous interesting rock formations including natural bridges.
• Arikok National Park – it takes up approximately 18% of the island. This national park is home to arid landscapes (yes, there are cactuses in the Caribbean!) and a few endemic species.

Prices

Cheap accommodation: $50-60
Moderately priced accommodation: $100

Cheap food (street stalls, local restaurants): $10
Moderately priced restaurants: $20

2. Cook Islands

Cook Islands is a small country which lies in the South Pacific Ocean. Because it has a very small population (only about 20 000 inhabitants), it’s one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in the world. Moreover, it’s English-speaking and since it’s quite remote, it isn’t very popular with tourists.

Cook Islands boast one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Moreover, every island of the Cooks is free from mass tourism so you won’t have to share the beach with hundreds of other people.

Most popular tourist attractions

• Beaches – beaches in the Cook Islands are unreal! If you’re a beach lover, you’ll love this place.
• Snorkeling and diving sites – Cook Islands have great diving and snorkeling sites. Even if you or your children are beginners, you can still enjoy this aspect of the islands because you can see many tropical fish even in shallow water.
• Island tours and hiking – Cook Islands not only have beautiful beaches, but also beautiful rainforests with well protected fauna and flora.

Prices

Cheap accommodation: $75
Moderately priced accommodation: $150-200

Cheap food (street stalls, local restaurants): $10
Moderately priced restaurants: $20

3. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the “greenest” country in the world. Consequently, it’s very popular with ecotourists. It’s one of the most developed countries in the Americas and if you’re going to stay in one of the hotels located in tropical rainforests, you can expect extreme tranquility.

Costa Rica’s outstanding biological diversity amazes everyone. Your children will surely love to hike through tropical rainforests, see volcanoes or play at pristine Costa Rican beaches.

Most popular tourist attractions

• National parks – Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful national parks. Be sure to visit parks such as Corcovado, Arenal Volcano and Tortuguero.
• Beaches – Costa Rica is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Both coasts are famous for beautiful beaches.
• Canopy tours – canopy tours are one of the most popular tourist activities in Costa Rica. Your children will love them!

Prices

Cheap accommodation: $50
Moderately priced accommodation: $100

Cheap food (street stalls, local restaurants): $5
Moderately priced restaurants: $30

4. Hawaii

Hawaii should be on top of everyone’s list of great family vacation spots. It’s famous for perfect weather, it has well developed tourism infrastructure and outstanding diverse natural scenery. Because it’s very easy (and cheap) to get there from the mainland US, Hawaii is one of the most popular among American tourists destinations.

If you don’t want to leave the country, Hawaii is probably one of the best choices for family vacation in the tropics. Thanks to well developed tourist facilities and many attractions to choose from, your children will be in heaven.

Most popular tourist attractions

• Beaches – Hawaiian beaches are unquestionably one of the prettiest beaches in the world. You can’t visit Hawaii without spending a few days at the beach!
• Hiking – Hawaii is an incredibly beautiful place. Make sure to explore it on foot and try at least a few hiking trails – that’s the best way to enjoy its natural beauty!
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Mauna Loa, the most massive volcano in the world, are located in this park. A must-visit place!

Prices

Cheap accommodation: $50
Moderately priced accommodation: $100-150

Cheap food (street stalls, local restaurants): $10
Moderately priced restaurants: $50

5. Thailand

Exotic Thailand is one of the most popular with tourists countries in Southeast Asia. It’s a very diverse place which offers something for everyone: pristine tropical beaches on the islands in the Andaman Sea, bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, small towns and tribe villages in the mountains, delicious and cheap cuisine – choose what you like!

Why should you consider Thailand for your family vacation? First and foremost, it’s very affordable (and choosing a cheap destination is one of the most important tips on how to save money on your vacation), yet has very well developed tourism infrastructure suitable for families. Moreover, it offers an enormous range of tourist attractions. Last but not least, it’s a very safe country and locals love children. If you want to take your family on a more exotic vacation, Thailand is a great choice.

Most popular tourist attractions

• Thai islands – Thailand has one of the most beautiful tropical beaches in the world. Islands such as Phuket, Ko Samui or Ko Phi Phi are one of the best beach family-friendly vacation destinations in the world.
• Temples – Thai temples (wats) are among the most fabulous historical sites in the world. Your children will definitely enjoy them.
• Protected areas – Thailand is renowned for biological diversity and numerous protected areas such as national parks and animal sanctuaries. These places are very family-friendly.

Prices

Cheap accommodation: $10
Moderately priced accommodation: $30

Cheap food (street stalls, local restaurants): $3
Moderately priced restaurants: $15

Thank you for reading this article. We hope that you visit one of these great family vacation spots soon!