A guide to planning unforgettable family adventure vacations

For thrill-seeking older children and teenagers, a family adventure vacation might be just your vibe. From wildlife safaris to surf lessons to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a faraway place, an unforgettable family adventure can be a treasured family memory. Like any vacation, planning is key – but let excitement lead the way. To get your trip underway, here are a few ideas to get your vacation started.

Every family is different: Everyone has different interests, skills, and energy levels. Add to that your family’s interest in trying boundary-pushing activities, like zip-lining or scuba diving, and you can carve out a family adventure. 

While expenses can vary, an adventure-based vacation will likely require more research and planning than vacations closer to home. With our guide, you’ll be able to let excitement guide you through the process, exploring those activities and destinations that light up your family’s eyes.

Africa is an immense continent with many countries to explore. From Morocco’s blue city to the great migration in the Serengeti to South Africa’s penguins, an African adventure is a big trip.

Best African destinations for families

• Morocco is home to the Sahara, Mediterranean beaches, and lively souks
• Egypt is where families walk through history, with the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and a Nile River cruise
• Kenya is home to the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, perfect for a classic safari experience 
• Mauritius features the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters, white sand, and family-friendly resorts 
• Seychelles, Mozambique, and Zanzibar offer an idyllic combination of crystal blue water, swooping palm trees, and undiscovered coves 
• South Africa is a popular gateway for its international flight availability and natural spectacles like endangered penguins on Boulder Beach

Top tip: when exploring the continent, apply spray-on insect repellent for clothing that lasts after washing.

Planning tips for an African adventure vacation

• Research the rainy season to avoid unexpected weather conditions
• Find accommodations that welcome families, since some have age requirements
• African safaris are available in several regions, such as Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, or South Africa’s Kruger National Park
• Families can arrange guided bush walks, game park drives, and stay in a safari camp

North and South America offer adventure-based vacations for families. Taking cues from your family’s interests, you can plan a trip to see endemic wildlife, experience an erupting volcano, or hop a helicopter for glacier hiking.

Best family adventures in the Americas 

• Alaska is a great spot to experience glaciers, national parks, and wildlife
• Costa Rica is home to volcanoes, cloud forest hiking, and beaches
• Ecuador is most known for the Galapagos Islands, volcanoes, and the Amazon rainforest 
• Hawaii is one of the world’s most remote island chain with an erupting volcano, colored sand beaches, and unique history and culture

Alaskan adventure vacations

Alaska offers families a unique summertime destination with bald eagles, whales, and bears. Best explored by a cruise ship, much of the best scenery is on the water. 

Families can arrange a float plane ride over the vast wilderness, a dogsled excursion, or glacier hiking with the help of a helicopter. A pre- or post-trip to Denali National Park is popular since families can see the tallest peak in North America. 

Teens calling for a trip to Costa Rica 

Costa Rica offers the trifecta of family adventure: Wildlife, beaches, and the Arenal volcano. Your teenager might develop a birding habit or learn to surf on this trip. 

Why families flock to Costa Rica:

• Beautiful beaches with optional surf lessons and seasonal turtle nesting
• Tropical wildlife, from sloths to toucans
• Cloud forest hiking and hot springs swimming 

Costa Rican accommodations for families:

Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodation options, allowing you to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. From an ecolodge that aims to keep tourism sustainable to beachfront accommodations and treetop resorts, here are some of the best places to stay:

• La Tigra Rainforest Lodge in Fortuna is where families sleep in the treetops, listening to the sounds of the rainforest
• Totobe Resort combines a pool and the beach, with some rooms even featuring bunk beds, offering the perfect spot to relax after an adventure  

Hawaii for families 

As one of the most isolated island chains in the world, Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many travelers, families included. The Hawaiian Islands offer a distinct culture and history, greeting visitors with leis (traditional Polynesian garlands) and sharing traditional dances and food. 

Why families flock to Hawaii:

• Beaches boast colors, like pink, green, and black 
• Kīlauea is a natural wonder that intermittently erupts 
• A unique culture, history, and food 

Top Hawaiian stays for families:

• Volcano Rainforest Retreat blends outdoor tropical spaces and a spa with indoor comfort
• Waikoloa Beach Marriott Spa & Resort features pools overlooking the ocean with nearby snorkeling for a more refined stay

Top tip: rent a car to explore the Hawaiian Islands and visit more than one island with an inter-island flight.

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands 

There's more to Ecuador than the Galapagos Islands. Families can travel through a country with many active volcanoes, such as Cotopaxi, and visit the Amazon rainforest at the Yasuni National Park. 

Cuenca and Quito are both historic cities recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ecuador has five UNESCO sites, including the Galapagos and Sangay National Park with its active volcano.

Top tours in Ecuador for families:

• Mindo Ziplines Tours takes riders through a cloud forest and over the tree canopy in Mindo for 11,810 feet on ten different cables
• Birding watching with an ornithologist to see birds of every color, like toucans and hummingbirds 
• Galapagos Island Cruise this seven-night cruise takes you on the outer loop of the islands, past volcanic formations and unique wildlife

Top tip: Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar and has moderate year-round temperatures.

Your family might want to embark on a European family adventure. Best of all, with world-class rail and air connectivity, you can explore several countries in a week or a fortnight. Like many destinations, summertime travel is popular, and reservations are a must, including major train routes.

Ideas for European family adventures 

• The Swiss Alps glow in the Alpine light, making them a premier destination for hiking. Best of all, many trails are accessible on Swiss Rail, the SBB, and its Post Buses.
• Croatia blends stunning scenery with family-friendly outdoor activity, especially on the Dalmatian Coast. Best of all, it might be a new country for your family – and an easy one to reach. 
• Tenerife is often known as a package-vacation destination, but its northern shore offers black-sand beaches, cloud-forest hiking, and a volcano you can visit. Its year-round moderate temperatures are a bonus, too. 

Top tip: When traveling between countries, compare the timing and pricing of train versus air travel. Overnight trains are also an option if booking a sleeping compartment. 

Since each family is different, your idea of an adventure is unique. Some families might want to take several flights to get to a remote location, whereas others might want to explore the outdoors together. From camping to road trips to backpacking, find an adventure which suits your style.

Family camping vacations

Your family might want to spend time outdoors, enjoying hiking and campfire cooking. The popularity of outdoor-based adventures has increased in recent years and with popularity comes demand. 

Reservations are essential for the best campsites for both camping and road trips. Campsites can be found in official parks, such as national parks and in gateway communities that offer more developed campsites or glamping. 

Look for equipped campsites:

When researching your campsite, look for a few necessities:

• Hot water showers 
• Flushing toilets 
• Running water for washing dishes, or a utility sink outside the shower block

Top tip: A tent isn't required these days, as many commercial campsites offer furnished cabins with bunk beds for children and an outdoor BBQ. Families can load up a cool box, packed with their provisions. 

State vs. commercial campsites:

State, provincial, or national park campsites offer more space between sites and might include an outdoor water tap and a nearby loo. The campsites are often more economical than commercial campsites. 

Whereas commercial campsites often offer a range of camping options for different equipment, such as campervans, caravans, and motorhomes. They often include resort-like amenities and activities, such as large pools with waterslides, a lake for water sports, like kayaking, mini golf, and more. 

Family road trips

A family road trip can be easier than flying to an area, all you need to do is rent a campervan or 4x4, and head out on the open road. 

Some road trips require advance planning for the best experience. From reserving vehicles and lodging or campsites to planning the route and the activities, an extended road trip can be an unforgettable family vacation.

Best road trip destinations for families: 

• The Canadian Rockies feature majestic scenery with opaque turquoise lakes, granite peaks, and hot springs
• Utah’s Mighty Five packs five national parks in a week-long road trip with epic parks like Zion and Arches
• The Florida Keys are a string of islands connected by the Overseas Highway, a 112-mile highway connecting the mainland to Key West

After picking an area to explore and the timing of your trip, it's time to lay out the route. In the U.S., the interstate system, or the largest freeways starting with an "I" in their designations, are often featureless routes featuring flat terrain, making them great for fastest travel.

For a scenic route, you can consult a paper atlas and find official scenic routes designated with a green dotted line. These routes often connect points of interest for memorable driving. 

Top tip: Research quirky roadside attractions along your route for unique pitstops. 

Backpacking as a family 

Long-distance trails are more popular than ever, and families are joining in on the adventure. Many families with teens are tackling a European Camino or a North American long-distance trail, such as the Appalachian Trail. 

One of the highlights of these types of trails is the ability to hike just a section. Then, families can come back at another time to hike another. 

Top tip: Find a trail with hostels or inns to use at comfortable hiking intervals. 

Top long-distance trails:

• Walk through Wales or the Cotswolds in summertime for thatch-roofed villages and moderate temperatures.
• Appalachian Trail (AT) offers a section in Shenandoah National Park with inns.
• Iceland is home to unique volcanic scenery with waterfalls and lava flows. Hiking trails range from the multi-day Laugavegur trail to day hikes, a bus ride from Reykjavík. 

Considerations for a backpacking adventure

• Research a luggage forwarding service or tour operator that will move heavier luggage
• Start with shorter hikes to gauge endurance and interest 
• Consider weather patterns when planning and always pack rain gear

If your family is heading out on a multi-week adventure, start packing early and with intention. If possible, consider traveling with only a carry-on bag and a personal item, ideally a daypack. 

You can stash a collapsible duffel bag into your carry-on and check dirty clothes on the way back. Then, you can carry on more fragile souvenirs from your travels. 

1. Consider washing as you pack 

When packing, you can ask your family to pack clothes in a neutral color palette, so they can be washed together. If you have time, you can research hotels with an on-site or nearby launderette.

In cities, the hotel front desk staff should know of a drop-off launderette with same-day or next-day service. If doing your own washing, a detergent pod or two are easy to pack.

2. Layer up for a flight

You can save a lot of space by wearing your bulkiest items on board. You can also purchase lightweight compression bags and use your puffy jacket as an in-flight pillow.

The same goes for shoes, wearing the bulkiest, such as your hiking boots. After you are airborne, you can slip them off. 

3. Divide and conquer your carry-on

Travel pros, like flight crews, swear by compression bags to pack and organize. You can use a bag for different types of clothing, like undergarments and socks in one.

You should research luggage allowances by weight and volume. This is a moving target and varies by airline, class of service, or ticket category.  

Top tip: If your case is over the weight limit, weigh your toiletry kit as it can be surprisingly heavy.

Just in case tips 

• Track your stuff even if you are carry-on-only with a GPS tracker.
• Give a trusted person back home your complete itinerary if you’re traveling remotely.
• Register online with the U.S. State Department if traveling somewhere off-the-beaten track. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program will send your notifications if an emergency arises at your destination, like a typhoon.

After researching, planning, and packing, your family is ready for a family adventure together. Seeing monuments is great, yet the time spent together might be your most cherished memory.