Planning a vacation that satisfies multiple generations of a family can be tricky. These stunning places around the world offer adventures for every age—and the chance to make memories together. Plan your escape to a distant island, soak in new cultures, visit unique theme parks, or surround yourself with breathtaking natural wonders. By Shrimayee Thakur
Beach vacation destinations perfect to visit with your family
Lausanne, Switzerland
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, sunny Lausanne has two rivers running through it. Explore the city with a local guide to learn more about its ancient architecture, offset by sleek modern buildings today. Relax on Vidy, Lausanne’s best beach, or visit Ouchy, the city’s marina, which has plenty of restaurants and a fascinating museum on the Olympics. Organise a scrumptious family picnic on a steamboat on Lake Geneva with a breathtaking view of the Alps, or use one to explore the spa town of Évian-les-Bains, and Montreux across the lake. Fifty minutes away from Lausanne is the city of Broc, where the chocolate museum of Maison Cailler lets you sample an array of delicious Swiss chocolates. lausanne-tourisme.ch
Dubai, the UAE
One of the most modern and popular cities in the world, Dubai is no newbie in the family holiday destination list. It offers a wide range of activities for all age groups, and is a short flight away from India. Relax on beaches with soft white sands and warm water perfect for swimming, or head to the Al Mamzar Beach Park, which offers sheltered public beaches and cabins for hire, along with play areas for children, picnic sites, and myriad food and beverage outlets. Visit Aquaventure for a thrilling ride on one of its 18 water slides, including the Leap of Faith, which has an almost vertical drop; or head to Ski Dubai, an indoor skiing resort, where you can ski, snowboard, and even meet penguins. Home to the Dubai Shopping Festival, The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment, and leisure, and deserves a separate day on the itinerary. visitdubai.com/en
The Maldives
Not just a honeymooners’ paradise, Maldives is also the ideal family holiday destination. Most resorts in the archipelago are now kid-friendly, with clubs for various age groups. Activities range from whale-watching excursions and snorkelling with sea life in crystal clear waters to learning about coral reefs, and partaking in various games and workshops. For instance, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers a semi-submarine to explore the underwater world, and an ice rink; and Soneva Fushi boasts of The Den, the largest children’s club in the Maldives, with fun features like piano keys built into the floor and a pirate ship. visitmaldives.com
Isle of Wight, the UK
Home to serene beaches and historic towns, the Isle of Wight is just off the coast of the UK. Explore what life was like on the island in the 1920s, in the Godshill Model Village, which hosts one-tenth-scale models of the Godshill and Shanklin villages—replete with a functioning steam railway and beach huts. Children will love Blackgang Chine, UK’s oldest amusement park built like a child’s fantasy, with pirates, cowboys, princesses, and life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Visit the charming Steephill Cove, where you can try crab pasties; marvel at The Needles, three chalk formations jutting out of the sea like needles; or visit the 12th-century Carisbrooke Castle, where King Charles I was once imprisoned. visitisleofwight.co.uk
Cape Town, South Africa
You don’t have to choose between mountains and beaches at Cape Town, a gorgeous coastal city hedged by the Table Mountain. Ride a cable car to the top of the mountain for breathtaking panoramic views, or take the family for a sunset cruise at the V&A Waterfront, which has over 80 eateries serving international and local cuisines. Head to Boulders Beach to say hello to South Africa’s penguin colony. Try delicious wine at Groot Constantia, the country’s oldest wine estate, where tasting rooms offer chocolate and wine pairings while restaurants offer al fresco dining paired with the estate’s wines. The lush vineyards make for a stunning backdrop for a family picnic. capetown.travel
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
A vibrant cultural and historical hub, Jeddah has everything from captivating aquariums to lovely beaches lining the Red Sea, and magnificent amusement parks. Visit the Fakieh Aquarium for a look at the creatures that inhabit Jeddah’s coral reefs, or escape to one of its many beaches, such as the Al Saif beach, perfect for camping and a barbeque. Soak in Jeddah’s history and culture at the Tayebat Museum, and explore a man-made forest at the AlShallal Theme Park. Once you’ve had your fill of Jeddah, visit the nearby cities of Mecca, Islam’s holiest city and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad, and Taif, Saudi Arabia’s summer capital and home of majestic mountains, mesmerising fields of flowers, and an ancient market tradition that dates back hundreds of years. visitsaudi.com
Reykjavík, Iceland
If an adventurous vacation surrounded by the beauty of extreme nature is what your family needs, Iceland is the ideal choice. Its dramatic landscapes—with lava fields, volcanoes, waterfalls, and glaciers—give it an otherworldly aura. Natural wonders are a dime a dozen in Iceland, even at the doorstep of the capital, Reykjavík. To explore these, hire a car or join a tour of the ‘Golden Circle,’ a popular route that takes you to three of Iceland’s most visited attractions. Starting in Reykjavík, the tour goes to the southern uplands, through Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Slather yourself in soft white silica mud while taking a dip in the steaming geothermal pool of Blue Lagoon, a spa surrounded by lava fields. visitreykjavik.is
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
This laid-back beach town is perfect for a relaxed holiday. Spend slow afternoons on the white sands and warm waters of Main Beach, considered one of the best in the world. For activities like paddle-boarding, head to the calm waters of Pilot Bay. Trek to the top of the extinct volcano, Mount Maunganui, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the Bay of Plenty. Nearby destinations are equally enthralling, like the bubbling mud pools and active geysers at Rotorua, and the magical lights in the glowworm caves of Waitomo. If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings film series, don’t forget to visit Hobbiton, originally built as a set for the movies and now open to tourists. newzealand.com
Puglia, Italy
Often called the heel of Italy’s boot due to the shape of the region, Puglia is best known for its clean beaches, blue waters, sunny skies, and trulli—tiny, white stone huts with conical roofs that look like they have sprung out of a fairy tale. Set up base at the seaside town of Otranto to explore it’s 15th-century Aragonese Castle. Visit Alberobello to spend a day in one of the famed trulli, or head to Polignano a Mare to discover its ample art and architecture, and to visit the famous Cala Porto, an incredibly picturesque pebble beach with vibrant blue water lined with limestone cliffs. viaggiareinpuglia.it
Abu Dhabi, the UAE
Abu Dhabi is a hub of activity, with year-round sunshine, thrilling theme parks, gorgeous beaches, and endless desert landscapes. Visit Al Dhafra, the emirate’s western region where the desert meets the sea, feel like explorers amid the shifting sands of Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), and witness Al Wathba’s unique fossil dunes, which featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Test your skills at Wadi Adventure, a family-friendly adventure park at the base of the Jebel Hafi t mountain that offers white-water rafting, kayaking, and surfing facilities; or head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari theme park, for a thrilling ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Cycle along the Corniche, a stretch of waterfront land with an array of restaurants and a lifeguarded beach park. Meanwhile, Jubail Island hosts the region’s wildlife and Jebel Hafit Desert Park allows glamping in a historic setting. visitabudhabi.ae
Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India
Just five hours away from Bengaluru, Chikmagalur makes for a soothing escape. Learn the history and workings of India’s iconic coffee plantations, and take home some of the best homegrown beans. Visit awe-inspiring waterfalls like Hebbe or Kalhatti, or head to Hirekolale Lake for a peaceful picnic. If you seek adventure, rafting in Bhadra River is a popular activity, with the added bonus of a mesmerising view of the Western Ghats. Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak, beckons trekkers, while wildlife enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary or head to Kudremukh National Park for birdwatching. chikkamagaluru.nic.in/en/tourism
Amman, Jordan
Start your Jordan vacation in Amman, the capital of the country. Explore intriguing Roman ruins in the area known as the Citadel, or head to the Children’s Museum where your little ones can play and learn, with live simulations of piloting aircrafts, and racing together to learn about the movement of the human body. Once you’ve had your fill of Amman, head south to Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which dates back to 300 BC. Its carved pink sandstone facades made an appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Wadi Rum desert nearby is known for resembling Mars terrain with its reddish-orange landscape and offers glamping and adventure activities. visitjordan.com
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Ranthambore National Park offers young minds an excellent introduction to India’s precious wildlife. Famous for frequent sightings of its majestic tigers, the park is home to 40 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, and 320 species of birds. Graceful chitals, stealthy leopards, wily striped hyenas, and beautiful black bucks, among others, can be seen on safaris. Take in a panoramic view from the top of Ranthambore Fort—built in 944 AD—which sits atop a hill. tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Ideal for a laid-back family vacation by the sea, Phu Quoc is known for its pleasant climate, delectable fish sauce, water sports, and beaches with pristine white sand and turquoise water. Visit one of its traditional fishing villages, Ham Ninh, where you can eat fresh seafood in a floating restaurant, or head to the jetty to enjoy a gorgeous sunset. Hone your skills in squid fishing with techniques used by local fishermen. Lounge on Long Beach, or head to Starfish Beach to see thousands of starfish on the shore. Popular water sports include parasailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and kayaking. vietnam.travel
Doha, Qatar
The historical capital of Qatar, Doha was named one of the Seven Wonder Cities Of The World. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art on the Doha waterfront, a spectacularly designed museum with the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. Shop for souvenirs at Souq Waqif, and interact with champion horses at the Al Shaqab equestrian centre. Head to Baladna Park for an array of exciting activities for children, including bumper boat rides, trampolines, and a petting zoo. Go on a guided kayaking expedition in Al Thakira Mangrove Forest, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Khor Al Udaid (Inland Sea), a lovely family beach where the sea is surrounded by the desert. visitqatar.qa
