Travelling with kids
Isn’t suitable for those who are easily intimidated – but it can turn into a joyous (if somewhat tiring, let’s face it) journey if you pick a location that matches your child’s age.
Regardless of whether you have a young adventurer, a school-aged kid, or you’re vacationing with teenagers, Maria Belfort suggests
Rickshaw Travel
She has shared her views on ideal locations tailored for various age brackets.
And she might shock you with some of her favorite selections.
Shall we jump right in?
For kids aged 1-5
Top choices: Greece, Portugal, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia.
Belfort stated, “This era is all about maintaining equilibrium; you’ll desire hassle-free logistics, brief traveling distances, and ample time for lounging in a pool or building sandcastles at the seaside. However, this does not imply overlooking cultural experiences.”
She said
Greece is an excellent choice
for families with little ones as it offers “a dreamy blend of clear, shallow waters and picturesque villages”.
“She mentioned that on the Cyclades islands like Naxos and Paros, you can immerse yourself in local culture through activities such as boat tours, donkey rides, and dining at traditional tavernas,” she said.
Another welcoming choice for families is Portugal.
As it offers sun-drenched beaches along with cozy cities such as Lisbon and Porto, “complete with tram rides, castles, and abundant gelato.”
And yet another ideal European destination spot for
Young families looking for a place to visit can consider Italy.
Ponder “strolls fueled by gelato through iconic piazzas, picturesque rural retreats on farms, and kid-friendly dining options around every corner.”
While Thailand and Malaysia might sound adventurous, Belfort insisted they’re “surprisingly doable with young children” as you can combine beach time with gentle jungle adventures, floating markets and elephant spotting. Just make sure you pack plenty of snacks for the plane journey!
For kids aged 5-10
Top choices include: Thailand, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Borneo, Canada
When elementary-school kids grow more inquisitive and competent, Belfort recommends choosing extended journeys filled with excitement.
Belfort stated: “These locations provide an ideal blend of fauna, natural beauty, and fresh activities – complete with plenty of familial enjoyment.”
She suggested the “wildlife paradise.”
Borneo
— particularly river safaris in Sarawak and encountering orangutans in their natural environment. The addition of kayaking, firefly viewing, and rainforest hikes makes this an “incomparable paradise,” she noted.
Similarly,
Costa Rica
It’s akin to diving into a David Attenborough film and is sure to captivate children. “Observe sloths clinging to tree tops, investigate volcanoes, and soar through rainforest canopies via zipline,” stated Belfort.
Canada is also a great shout for slightly older adventurers. “Explore the Rockies, paddle crystal lakes, and spot bears from a safe distance,” said Belfort. “The
west coast route
especially suitable for children who enjoy spending time outside.
For something a bit more relaxed,
Bali
provides family-oriented shores, paddy fields for cycling, and traditional arts to experiment with, maintaining a laid-back pace. Meanwhile, destinations like Sri Lanka and Thailand present tuk-tuk journeys, historical shrines, and mild fauna explorations that combine learning with excitement.
For kids aged 10-15
Top choices include: Vietnam, Thailand, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Borneo, Canada, Peru, India
According to Belfort, these destinations offer “the right balance of education and adventure – from ancient ruins and jungle hikes to hands-on experiences with local communities”.
In Vietnam, she recommends sailing across Halong Bay, wandering through the vibrant streets of Hanoi, and gaining insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta.
India presents bustling metropolises, grandiose fortresses, and thrilling tiger tours, whereas Peru offers an exciting expedition through the Sacred Valley to the iconic Machu Picchu. “This extraordinary experience of exploring ancient civilizations against vast landscapes makes it a trip they will remember forever,” she noted.
“Borneo, Sri Lanka, and Costa Rica remain exceptional choices for this age group, offering an array of physical activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and short hikes, along with captivating ecosystems to explore,” she stated.
In the meantime, Canada and Indonesia offer spectacular natural settings for extended excursions.
For teens aged 15+
Highlighted choices: Vietnam, Peru, India, Borneo, Indonesia
Teenagers are eager for a genuine adventure – an expert mentioned that traveling can serve as an excellent means for boosting self-confidence and broadening one’s viewpoint.
She suggested
Vietnam
serves teenagers effectively with its vibrant urban centers, rustic homestays, and picturesque shores, “providing a rite-of-passage type adventure that will stay with them for many years”.
The Inca Trail in Peru or alternative routes such as the Lares Trek can offer a significant feeling of achievement, while exploring the nation’s indigenous cultures may “broaden teenagers’ perspectives on different lifestyles.”
She went on: “India provides a complete sensory journey—from exploring street food stalls to visiting spice bazaars and historical landmarks. This makes it perfect for older teenagers to start contemplating their role as global citizens and their responsibilities.”
And in
Borneo
, older kids can delve deeper into conservation work, jungle trekking, and learning about the fragile ecosystems of the rainforest.
Last of all,
Indonesia’s Sumatran rainforests
Bali’s lesser-known areas provide the perfect blend of escape and substance, offering chances for independent and thoughtful exploration.
Happy holidays!
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