The world is full of extraordinary places where children can discover the pleasure of travel. But, depending on their age, we always face the same question: What place to choose?
We know that many of you the doubts about travelling with young children because some journeys are long and involve intercontinental flights. We know — it happens to us too. Who doesn’t remember those endless road trips as children, listening to the same cassette for hours?
From Viajes Tuareg We want to tell you... Don't think about it, do it.! Don’t wait until children are older to travel together: by then they may be less keen to go with you. Starting young can create a lasting habit, making the family trip a tradition they look forward to as they grow.
Although the idea of traveling with children can be overwhelming, above all, remember one thing: everything will pass, you will reach your destination and You'll survive.
How many of you still remember a family trip When you were little. Travel leaves its mark on all of us, especially children. However young they are, memories emerge as they grow, reminding them of those first Family travel.
And the benefits of travelling as a family are many.
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You'll arouse their curiosity about the unknown.
Travel means discover other ways of life that may surprise them at first (culture, food, rituals, wildlife, plants and so on). They will surely have many questions, but as they find answers, the different ways of life they discover will begin to feel familiar.
Travel is not without a school on the move, where they can learn geography, history, art, and about plants and wildlife and first-hand, too. Even maths, as every country has its own currency and children can practise calculating exchange rates and comparing prices.
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You will strengthen family bonds
Everyday routines, after-school activities and meetings leave us little time together as a family, so a family trip is a great opportunity to spend the maximum time togetherand learn about ourselves.
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You will discover other cultures
An African saying goes: “Travel brings encounters; encounters bring knowledge; knowledge brings trust.” Travelling introduces children to other cultures and helps them grow more tolerant.
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They will learn to respect nature and the environment
You do not need to travel for children to learn this, but travelling gives them the chance to see animals in the wild that will leave them speechless. It is a wonderful opportunity to teach them to care for the environment and respect living things.
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Languages
Children are said to learn languages more easily, so let them pick up new words while travelling and put them into practice: they will surprise you. Travel makes it easy to see how useful languages are for communicating with people from other countries and cultures.
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More leisurely trips that will surprise you
Their slower pace lets us enjoy each place more fully. Children are easily amazed by even the simplest things, giving us a chance to rediscover that wonder and enjoy details many of us had forgotten existed.
Do you want some suggestions?
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Austria and Germany – Special trips for families with children
The classic Passau-to-Vienna route adapted for families with children. We move between the Danube’s banks by bicycle and ferry, surrounded by castles, palaces and monasteries, selecting the most beautiful and interesting sections for an unforgettable journey. Daily stages cover 25 to 35 kilometres, with train and ferry transfers.
Photo: Danube with children
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Thailand
Children can travel to faraway destinations too. Thailand, for example, is a magical place for families, with varied itineraries. Our trip combines Bangkok and Chiang Mai, an adventure in the northern mountains with activities and time among ethnic minority communities, then a well-deserved finish: relaxing days on the beach!
Photo: Yolanda Guzman
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Costa Rica
Play Tarzan in the jungle, see Arenal Volcano up close or admire amazing flowers and wildlife… children’s dreams can come true in amazing Costa Rica. This country is perfect for family travel: safe, full of fun and in the heart of the tropics. The endless adventures it offers include options with child-friendly difficulty levels.
Costa Rica is the best family destination in Latin America!
Together, you can enjoy an Indiana Jones-style adventure: crossing walkways along rivers and viewing areas, exploring the canopy on hanging bridges, platforms and zip lines, paddling peacefully through mangroves or heading out in search of tropical frogs.
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Sri Lanka
Travelling as a family Sri Lanka is an unforgettable experience; a door open to the world, new cultures and different ways of seeing the world. Sri Lanka has good infrastructure and services, with routes and activities adapted to the whole family. Rides by elephant, tuk-tuk, canoe and ox cart.
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Kenya / Tanzania / South Africa
Renowned safari destinations where many animal species roam freely, leaving children in awe. Maasai guides add a magical touch to the experience. The large reserves in southern Kenya (Masai Mara, Tsavo and Amboseli, with Kilimanjaro in the background), offer the best conditions for wildlife viewing, which is why they are the most visited.
Tanzania is another destination with plenty to inspire wonder: incredible wildlife in the national parks, lakes as big as seas, magnificent Indian Ocean beaches and the dazzling island of Zanzibar.
As well as the Big Five, you can spot thousands of wildebeest and zebras and swap an SUV for a hot-air balloon.
Another destination of safari with children and family holidays is South Africa with a lot of natural parks, beaches, trails and enough amenities to make the trip with children without too much trouble.
In their parks and national reserves children have more possibilities than anywhere else to see the Big Five.: rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion.
Another option is watching southern right whales from beaches or cliff paths in Hermanus between June and December, or seeking proud ostriches and adorable meerkats in Oudtshoorn.
