When traveling with children, do not feel that you have to limit yourself to traditionally child-oriented places like Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida. Children can actually be stimulated by a wider variety of destinations besides children’s theme parks. Kids do not need specialized stomping grounds with cartoon themes on their vacations. All they need are attentive parents willing to stick by them and teach them something on their next holiday. Granted, it will probably be harder to convince a typical child that a trip to China is going to more fun and exciting than a trip to the Magical Kingdom, but you will be rewarded in the end by the child’s more memorable experience. Additionally, you will have a great time too and do not have to get worn out on hot dogs and roller coasters.
A vacation with children can be to many different places. Because young children love animals so much, a safari in Kenya can be an exciting trip for them. Imagine the look on your child’s face when he sees large animals like lions and elephants in their native habitats. The child will want to come home and read every book there is on African wildlife. A safari is much more stimulating than simply seeing these animals captive in a zoo. The thrill of adventure on a safari is infectious and your children will love the experience.
If an African safari is outside the realm of your budget, then consider a trip to China. Airfare can be expensive, but once you arrive you can live fairly cheaply. Time your vacation with a fun Chinese holiday. Chinese holidays tend to be very colorful and child-oriented, involving lots of vibrant kites and dragon decorations. Your child will also be fascinated with the Great Wall of China and the stories of defending China from Mongol armies.
If you think your child would prefer scuba diving to touring the Great Wall, then perhaps a beach vacation is right for you. Beach vacations are ideal for the whole family. Parents can sit on the beach, reading and drinking beer, relaxing with each other and with their friends. Meanwhile children can play in the surf as parents take turns watching them for safety reasons. Children love building sand castles and digging holes on the beach. Beach resorts also tend to have fun activities for kids off the beach, like go-cart tracks, lighthouses, aquariums, and miniature golf courses. Beach resorts can keep children entertained for weeks at a time, especially if the children are old enough to wander around on their own, either on foot or by bicycle. Ideal locations for beach vacations with children include Hawaii, with its pristine beaches and waters, and Jamaica, with its tourist-friendly atmosphere. Kids can participate in activities like snorkeling, and you never have to worry about losing them because the water is so clear. There are also fun activities for adults at most beaches like wind surfing and wind sailing, even bungee jumping or parasailing for more adventurous parents. But the whole family can always take a smooth boat ride together in order to reconnect.