When planning a family vacation, many factors come into play. Of course, finding the right destination is essential. It should be a place that pleases everyone and caters to every family member’s preference. But with so many to choose from, deciding where to travel can be difficult. For families who don’t mind the splurge and want to take on unique adventures, here are five incredible luxury family adventures around the world.
1. The Penguins in Antarctica
For families who love wildlife, consider going for an expedition to the Antarctic region to see the penguins up close. Your kids will surely be in awe at the untouched landscapes of the remote continent and the thousands of quirky penguins that dwell in them. You can choose from different tour options when planning a family holiday to Antarctica. Families visiting for the first time should book the Classic Antarctica voyage.
The Classic Antarctica adventure is an incredible voyage taking you to prime wildlife sites within Antarctica and the nearby South Shetland islands. It’s the perfect introduction to the Antarctic, where you will be with a guide who will share some insights about the region and the penguins that have called it home. The journey will begin in Ushuaia before heading to the Drake Passage. Watch out for the dolphins, whales, albatrosses, and different seabirds, as your boat sails.
The main stop will be the Shetland Islands, where you can enjoy a face-to-face encounter with enormous penguins and other wildlife, like fur seals and elephant seals. Your boat will then travel to the Antarctic Peninsula, where you can marvel at the awe-inspiring views of Antarctica’s landscapes.
1. The Temples in Japan
Exploring Japan’s fascinating temples and shrines is a fun adventure that the entire family will love. No matter where you go in the country, you’ll find a temple or shrine close by. While Japan is easy to get around, families can partake in a luxury trip to Japan, perfect for those looking to adventure without the hassles of organizing their trip.
The Japanese temples are a hallmark of the country’s long and rich history. They are as holy today as they were centuries ago and are held in the highest regard by local worshippers. The bustling capital city of Tokyo is where you will find some of Japan’s most renowned temples. The Senso-ji Temple is one of them, which features a massive gate leading you to the temple complex. Dating back to 645 C.E., Senso-ji is one of Tokyo’s oldest standing temples. As you explore the temple’s main entrance, you’ll notice the intricate carvings and details, including the two guardian protectors on either side of the temple’s inner gate.
Another temple worth a visit on your family holiday to Japan is the Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto, also known as The Golden Pavilion. It’s one of the country’s most-visited temples for good reasons. It sits at the edge of a small pond, looking magnificent with its gold-covered facade.
3. The Islands Around the Galapagos
Exploring the islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago is an incredible experience, especially if your kids love wildlife. Located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands welcome all families who love to explore nature and take on fun adventures.
As the largest among the islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela Island occupies over 58% of the entire land mass of Galapagos. It’s also the most populated island, home to many hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities. Isabela is home to some beautiful beaches that you will mostly find in Puerto Villamil, the island’s main port.
San Cristobal is one of those islands you’ll likely visit on your cruise of the Galapagos. It has several diving and snorkelling spots, such as the Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock. Snorkelling in San Cristobal is a fun adventure since you’ll have the opportunity to swim with curious sea lions as they play in the shallow water.
4. The Wildlife in Costa Rica
Given its rich biodiversity, it’s easy to see why so many choose a luxury break in Costa Rica, great for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, boasting a diverse ecosystem, including lush tropical rainforests, mangroves, and cloud forests. In fact, about 25% of Costa Rica’s land is nature reserves and national parks.
Discovering the wildlife in Costa Rica is one of the most incredible adventures you can do with your family. Visit Corcovado National Park, a massive park home to over a hundred species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. On your visit to the park, expect to see incredible wildlife species, such as macaws, jaguars, monkeys, and more.
Manuel Antonio National Park is another place for discovering wildlife in Costa Rica. It’s one of the country’s most famous national parks, with many beautiful beaches and is home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and birds.
If your kids want to see howler monkeys in their natural habitat, visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. It lies north of Costa Rica, home to an active volcano. Aside from monkeys, you can also spot toucans, sloths, and other wildlife.
5. Hiking in Patagonia
Families who love hiking should visit the stunning Patagonia region – the southern portion of South America, comprised of Argentina and Chile – a natural wonderland famous for its scenic hiking trails. As one of the world’s leading trekking destinations, Patagonia offers trails for hikers of all levels, including families with kids.
On your trekking adventure in Patagonia, expect to venture into wide open spaces surrounded by majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and towering granite spires. Patagonia is also home to some of the world’s most stunning rainforests, giving you plenty to explore on your trekking adventure.
Aside from the breathtaking landscapes, you can also encounter incredible wildlife during your trekking adventure. No matter where you hike in the region, you can stumble upon different animals and birdlife. Watch out for the woodpeckers in the forest and an abundance of waterbirds around rivers and lakes. You can also look forward to seeing thousands of guanacos, foxes, and skunks! If you love the wildlife, Patagonia is your paradise.
5 Incredible Luxury Family Adventures Around the World
These 5 luxury family adventures are a good representation of the world of fun and inspiration that awaits when you choose to explore the world. Whether you choose to see the penguins in Antarctica, visit the holy temples of Japan, travel to the Galapagos islands, explore the wildlife of Costa Rica, or go hiking in Patagonia, your family is sure to create memories of an experience that will last a lifetime.