Your Kids Will Love Desert Glamping
Most families choose all-inclusive resorts or Disneyland for their family vacation. Why not opt for something more interesting, memorable, and adventurous? Most families are spoiled for vacation options if they're willing to think outside the box. That said, you also need to know which family vacations to avoid. Here are 10 unconventional family vacations and 10 that are overhyped.
Xavier Mouton Photographie on Unsplash
1. Farm-Stay Experiences
Vacationing at a farm lets families replace city noise with fresh air and some fun hands-on learning. Kids can feed the animals and collect eggs while creating a deeper connection with nature. The adults will love slowing down the pace of their hectic lives for a week or so.
Land O'Lakes, Inc. on Unsplash
2. National Park Fire Lookout Rental
Replace the traditional campgrounds with a historic fire lookout that's perched high above the trees. These towers offer panoramic views, solitude, quiet, and a sense of adventure without being too dangerous. Kids love the novelty of sleeping in what feels like a treehouse.
3. Canal Boat Trips in Europe
Your family will enjoy a slow-moving canal boat ride. It's filled with a sense of freedom and novelty without dealing with the stress of travel. These boats can go through charming villages, rolling farmlands, and picturesque waterways.
4. Desert Glamping Adventures
Desert glamping is like an upgraded version of camping in the woods, and perfect for more adventurous families. You get an off-the-grid experience and can choose from safari-style tents or eco-lodges while enjoying campfires, stargazing, and guided walks.
5. Historical Reenactment Villages
Take your family for a vacation that immerses them in history. Your kids will have a life-changing experience by participating in daily life from a different era. You can churn butter, craft candles, or play traditional games.
6. Dog-Sledding Lodges
A dog-sledding vacation will give your family an unforgettable winter experience. Learn to harness sled dogs, guide a team, and glide over snowy, icy terrain. It'll be a blast of winter fun.
Rasmus Gundorff Sæderup on Unsplash
7. Eco-Friendly Jungle Lodges
Families that love nature should book a vacation in a sustainable jungle lodge. You can immerse yourself in nature without the annoying crowds. These vacations are a blend of comfort and environmental stewardship with canopy walks and wildlife.
8. Rent a Houseboat
Houseboats turn a lake into a floating playground. These water vessels have sleeping quarters, kitchens, and decks for lounging and relaxation. Spend your days swimming, fishing, and exploring coves.
9. Volcano Adventures
Take your family to explore dormant volcanoes. The dramatic landscape and educational opportunities can be life-changing. Be sure to enjoy a guided hike and visit a nearby hot spring if possible. Children will develop an appreciation for earth science, while adults can take in the pristine natural beauty.
10. Arctic or Subarctic Trip
Most families choose a sun-seeking vacation, and that's all well and good. To switch things up, take your family to explore northern regions to spot polar bears, caribou, whales, and arctic foxes.
Hector John Periquin on Unsplash
1. New York City
New York City is amazing, but it's been done. A lot of the major attractions are overwhelming, and the crowds are intense. Not to mention, it's quite expensive even for a weekend.
2. Los Angeles
While iconic in photos, Los Angeles isn't a very walkable city, and a lot of its popular attractions are overhyped. You won't experience a lot of glamor while journeying along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the street performers are aggressive.
3. Cruise Ship Vacations
Cruises offer all-inclusive fun and entertainment, but families quickly learn that the experience is repetitive and the ships are crowded. Ports only offer a surface-level cultural experience, and onboard activities can be lame. There's also the varying food qualities.
4. Beach Resorts
Large all-inclusive beach resorts offer a trip to paradise, but are generic and fully disconnected from anything cultural. The activities are predictable, the food is inconsistent, and the beaches are filled with tourists from all over.
5. Expensive Ski Resorts
Popular ski resorts charge a lot for lift tickets, rentals, meals, and lodging. The lines can be long, and the slopes are packed with people of varying skill levels. These trips are not the best choice for beginners, meaning the vacation could be stressful.
6. Disney Parks During Peak Seasons
Visiting a Disney Park during peak times of the year is exhausting and beyond expensive. You'll be stuck dealing with long lines, hot temperatures, high prices, and a lot more frustration than magic. You'll spend more time waiting than on rides or posing with Mickey Mouse.
7. Atlantis, Bahamas
Atlantis is an upscale waterpark, but you'll have to accept the high cost, crowded facilities, and lots of additional fees. The beaches and pools are constantly busy, and you might not be able to find a spot to relax and unwind. The food is also expensive, and it's exhausting to traverse the enormous property.
8. Las Vegas
Las Vegas has become much more family-friendly in recent years, but that's not completely accurate. It's crowded, noisy, and it's hard to avoid seeing something you don't want your kids to see. There's also a lot of second-hand smoke to deal with, and you'll miss out on the city's famous nightlife.
9. Mall of America
The Mall of America is a vacation destination in and of itself, but it's really just an impressively large mall. The theme park and aquarium are a lot of fun, but the experience is very commercial and repetitive.
10. Animal Encounter Resorts
Lots of high-end resorts offer activities like swimming with the dolphins, tiger encounters, or animal interactions. While these are bucket list items for many, they can feel staged, and there are questions about their ethics.
