Travel is a transformative experience, especially for children. It helps them grow into well-rounded adults with a global outlook. According to the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), travel also enhances academic performance. Kids who travel tend to do better in school. Beyond academics, travel boosts self-esteem, independence, tolerance, and cultural understanding.
Given these benefits, you might be wondering: Where should you go with your kids?
African safari experts Go2Africa recently conducted a study to identify the best countries for family vacations. They analyzed 365,969 family-friendly hotels, attractions, and restaurants to create a ranking of the top destinations worldwide. Here’s what they found.
Seychelles: The Top Family-Friendly Destination
According to Go2Africa, the Seychelles ranks as the most family-friendly destination. About 36% of hotels in the Seychelles are family-friendly, 20% of attractions cater to families, and 36.7% of restaurants welcome kids. This gives the Seychelles an overall family-friendly rating of 29.73%.
The Seychelles is ideal for families because its numerous bays are shielded by offshore reefs, creating shallow waters perfect for children. It’s also a safe destination with no vaccination requirements, no dangerous animals, and no natural disasters.
Samoa: Warm and Welcoming
Samoa ranks second with an overall family-friendly score of 28.53%. This Polynesian island offers 30.13% family-friendly hotels, 21.36% attractions, and 35.14% restaurants. Samoa’s warm culture and high value on family make visitors feel at home. The locals often go out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable and enjoying their stay.
Costa Rica: Nature’s Playground
Costa Rica is third on the list with a 28.33% family-friendly score. Known for its diverse natural attractions, Costa Rica offers 44.93% family-friendly hotels, 21.76% attractions, and 24.41% restaurants. Families can explore rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and abundant wildlife. National parks like Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero provide safe, accessible trails for children to see monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds up close. The calm waters on the Pacific coast are perfect for swimming and water sports.
New Zealand: Adventure Awaits
New Zealand is fourth, with a 27.92% family-friendly score. The country boasts 56% family-friendly hotels, 26.77% restaurants, and 20.04% attractions. Known for its stunning landscapes and adventure opportunities, New Zealand is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun.
Luxembourg: A Hidden Gem
Luxembourg rounds out the top five with a 26.13% family-friendly score. This tiny European country offers 27% family-friendly hotels, 33.99% restaurants, and 11.51% attractions. Luxembourg’s rich history and beautiful landscapes make it a delightful destination for families.
Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire
Iceland ranks sixth with a 26.10% family-friendly score. The country is known for its glaciers and ice caves, offering 30.83% family-friendly hotels, 38.64% restaurants, and 19.09% attractions. Iceland’s unique landscapes and natural wonders make it an exciting destination for families.
Belize: Tropical Paradise
Belize comes in seventh with a 25.85% family-friendly score. This Central American country offers 29.20% family-friendly restaurants, 26.75% hotels, and 24.78% attractions. Belize’s beautiful beaches and rich marine life make it an excellent choice for family vacations.
Montenegro: Mediterranean Charm
Montenegro is eighth with a 25.35% family-friendly score. Located along the Mediterranean, Montenegro offers 38.93% family-friendly hotels, 27.18% restaurants, and 12.55% attractions. Its stunning coastlines and warm culture make it a great destination for families.
Vanuatu: South Pacific Beauty
Vanuatu ranks ninth with a 25.34% family-friendly score. Although remote, this South Pacific island offers 52% family-friendly restaurants, 22.01% hotels, and 20.62% attractions. Vanuatu’s welcoming culture and beautiful landscapes make it a hidden gem for families.
Ireland: Castles and Countryside
Ireland rounds out the top ten with a 25.08% family-friendly score. Known for its charming countryside and historic castles, Ireland offers 53.33% family-friendly hotels, 30.80% restaurants, and 15.26% attractions. Its rich history and scenic beauty make it a perennial favorite for family travel.
Traveling with children can be incredibly rewarding, providing them with experiences that enhance their development and understanding of the world. Whether you choose the beaches of Seychelles, the welcoming culture of Samoa, the natural wonders of Costa Rica, the adventure in New Zealand, or any other top-ranked destination, your family is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
For more travel tips and destination guides, visit our blog. Happy travels!
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