18 Family Vacations-Exotic Destinations

 Eighteen summers… 936 weekends… at first it sounds like a lot of time, but as the saying goes the days may be long, but the years are short.

It can feel a bit like one day you are buckling them into a car seat before you go anywhere and the next you are loading the car full of things to move them into their dorm room as they start college and wondering where the time went.

Making the most of those 18 summers with family vacations is one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds and create memories they will treasure long after you are gone.

This article completes our series on 18 of our favorite destinations to visit before your kids fly the nest. In the first article we listed six options in, or departing from, the US.   And in the second, our top recommendations for European vacations you won’t want to miss.

 In this article we’ll share our favorite exotic vacation destinations to add to your list…

Australia – Great Barrier Reef and Uluru

Australia is popular for its unmatched wildlife… cuddly koalas, the many species of kangaroos, and dangerous predators like the thorny dragon and the inland taipan snake. The wildlife, however, cannot compare to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you choose to dive, snorkel, or even experience the Reef on a semi-submersible tour, you won’t want to miss this underwater adventure. The outer reef may be more popular, but for families with children, consider visiting the Low Isles. You’ll still get the “wow factor” of the reef, but this area is shallower and gentler and even has sandy beaches on which to relax.

You should also consider visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, The park is home to the largest sandstone monolith in the world, called Uluru or Ayers Rock. Kids will be enchanted by the Aboriginal myths, legends and traditions of the area.

Peru – Machu Picchu

While it may not be the typical vacation that comes to mind with young kids, with so much to do and see in Peru, a trek to Machu Picchu definitely makes our list!

The ancient ruins of the Incan civilization had been hidden for centuries before they were discovered and later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No one knows the origin and purpose of these ruins. Was it a religious site, or the famed lost city of the Incas? Let your children wonder and marvel at the possibilities.

If you want to make your vacation educational as well as fun, this is one trip you shouldn’t miss, and it’s perfect to combine with the our next suggestion…

Galapagos Islands

Machu Picchu is not the only adventure South America has to offer. Nature is at its prime on the Galapagos Islands, where animals roam freely and interact with humans with zero fear. You can get up close and personal with giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies who can change your children’s relationship with wildlife.

 It doesn’t matter what month you travel in; due to its location on the equator, the weather is perfect year-round in Ecuador making this one destination that is easily fit in during various school holidays.
A small ship cruise is a popular option for getting around to see as many different islands as possible. There are a limited number of land-based hotels and tours as well. We’ve carefully curated a list of family-friendly cruises and tour guides to make your Galapagos experience the perfect mix of education, adventure and fun!

A Safari in Africa

An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be truly life changing. Seeing animals like lions, hippos, zebras, and elephants up close in their natural habitat is awe inspiring. Our experience and relationships with family-focused tour operators will help explore the local culture and arrange unforgettable experiences for your family.

 The memories you make hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara, having a picnic lunch among the giraffes, and watching a family of elephants gather at the watering hole steps away from your safari camp will be absolutely priceless. We can also arrange for you to adopt an orphan elephant and you can visit them in Nairobi.

China

From the bustling city and skyscrapers of Shanghai to the beaches of Hong Kong there are so many great experiences awaiting your family in China. Explore the Summer Palace and take a dragon boat ride in Beijing. Climb the most child-friendly portion of the Great Wall in Mutianyu where you can even take a toboggan ride down one section of the wall.

Take in the spiky peaks of the karst countryside of Yangshuo on a bicycle tour. Be enchanted by the adorable chubby pandas at the Chongqing Zoo or the Chengdu Panda Base. See the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Or spend a fun-filled family day at Hong Kong Disneyland. There is definitely no shortage of fun and exciting activities in China to create an unforgettable family vacation.

Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand

If you would like to visit several countries over a small period of time within a single vacation, you can sail your boat to South East Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are full of such wonder and adventure for you and your family.

In Thailand you can interact with elephants or relax at one of the many serene islands. Cambodia will take you through its jungles to discover the mysteries of Angkor Wat or you can scuba dive at Koh Rong Island on an underwater adventure. The historical connection is strong with Vietnam for American visitors and your children will enjoy learning about it while exploring the culture and landscape. One extra perk: the food is to die for!

Be sure to check out the first two articles in the series to uncover our top US based destinations, and our favorite European destinations to visit with your kids before they fly the nest.

The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat [<<- LINK]. We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

5 Hot Cruise Destinations for 2015

       The cruise industry is booming again.  From a record number of passengers taking a cruise globally in 2014, to an explosion of new and larger ship building; the trends are clear and the popularity of taking a cruise will continue to grow for the feasible future.  With this surge in the global popularity of cruising, the cruise line are expanding their capacity into new areas around the world that have a growing demand for cruising, and also returning to areas that traditionally where popular for cruising, but may have slowed down  in recent years because of economic slowdowns.  What this means for you, is if you want to go on a cruise in 2015, but want to try sailing to cruise destinations other than the Bahamas or Alaska, then you have never had more options.  Based on where the cruise lines are scheduling their ships in 2015 and on industry surveys, here are a few new cruise destinations that are growing in popularity around the world, but still are new enough to not be over crowded then here are some great ideas.

Aruba
       More cruise lines are adding Aruba to their Caribbean itineraries by extending cruise length; and the reasons are obvious.  Aruba is like a Las Vegas in the Caribbean, but Aruba has something Vegas will never have; some of the best beaches and water sports in the world.  Add to that a fun and friendly population who like to have a good time, and what more would a cruiser nee

China
       More than a million people will take a cruise in China in 2015.  The nation has built state of the art ports and terminals in cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai, and Beijing and the Great Wall can be reached within an hour by high speed train from your cruise ship.  To meet the surge in demand in the region, the cruise lines are keeping their newest state of the art ships, like Royal Caribbean's new Quantum of the Sea, home ported in the region.  With a great mix of the past and the future, you can see many of the highlights of China as you travel in comfort and convenience along the coast of this spectacular country.

Norway
       Stunning natural sites; including breathtaking fjords, sky high cliffs, and some of the friendliest people in the world has made a cruise to Norway a growing popular destination.  Plus sailing from ports near major cities like London means means you get to enjoy even more of Europe, from its history to its natural beauty.

Australia/New Zealand
       The cruise companies have added more exotic spots to their itineraries. And what can be more exotic than Australia and New Zealand?  The word is out, with cruises to and from these two nations expanding rapidly.  For those fortunate to explore these lands they will find breathtaking natural wonders that are second to none; with its glaciers and hidden beaches to the warmest people who love to show visitors a great time.

French Riviera
       After some slow years, cruises to the Mediterranean Sea are exploding in 2015.  The region has far too many offerings to attempt to narrow them down, but why chose the French Riviera?  Two locations: France's Cannes and  Monte Carlo and the areas around them offer some of the most exciting and beautiful attractions, both natural and man-made, in the World.