Family holidays, for some, mean travel. Whether your looking to book something for Christmas, Spring break or, for that matter SUMMER, you’ll want to read this post. Get some terrific ideas for family holidays or vacations from our guest poster Johanna Cider. She’ll give you tips to make family holidays memorable and FUN, but also full of learning opportunities for your kiddos too!
Yours in PLAY!
Teacher Karen
7 Tips to Make Your Family Holidays Exciting and Educational
Family holidays can be a great learning experience for both kids and parents. With so many captivating cultures, places and experiences out there, travelling is the best way to gain an appreciation for the world around you. It can also open up new opportunities to stimulate children’s minds and awaken their curiosity of their surroundings.
The best family trips combine a mix of education and adventure to deliver a memorable travel experience. Here are 7 ways to make your family holiday both exciting and educational.
Embrace Nature
Fun family holidays don’t have to be all about fancy resorts, theme parks and overcrowded tourist spots. Some of the most exciting family adventures can be had in nature, whether it’s taking a bush walk, visiting a national park, or going on a good old-fashioned camping trip. Nature trips, in general, can provide kids with a greater appreciation of their natural surroundings. One of the best destinations in the world to enjoy the serenity of nature is To Sua Ocean Trench in Samoa. This giant swimming hole is surrounded by lush gardens and breathtaking cliff-top views and is the perfect spot for families to relax in nature.
Learn Some History
Any family educational holiday requires a visit to historical sites, monuments or landmarks. This is a great chance to spark your kids’ interest in history and expand on their knowledge learnt in school. Visiting a place where history was made will no doubt make your trip more meaningful and memorable.
Go on a Wildlife Cruise
There is no better way to learn about animals and how they live than watching them in their natural habitat. Wildlife watching is a fun and educational experience that the whole family can appreciate. Wildlife cruises have become increasingly popular all over the world. These tours allow you to catch a glimpse of marine life like dolphins and whales, getting close enough to take photos without disturbing them. The interesting commentary provided by the expert guides is a bonus.
Go on a Sight-Seeing Tour
Many cities offer day tours where local guides will show you around the city and beyond while sharing interesting facts about the area. These tours are a sure way to gain deeper insight into the place you are exploring, and the knowledge you gain will be much greater than anything you could find on the internet. It’s ideal for families who haven’t got a lot of time and want to fit in a lot of sights on their trip.
Plan Adventurous Holiday Activities
The best family vacations incorporate nail-biting activities that will get the adrenaline pumping. From zip-lining in Costa Rica to riding the luge in New Zealand’s South Island, there are endless opportunities around the world for family thrill seekers. When planning your family trip, do your research to find an exciting activity that the whole family can enjoy. Try to push your family out of their comfort zone to try something new. This is a great chance to both learn a new skill and build lasting memories with your family.
Travel by Bicycle
There is no better way to take in the beauty of your environment than to travel by bicycle. This fun family activity is a great bonding experience as it provides a shared sense of accomplishment when you reach the end of your journey. Most family bicycle tours can be adjusted to suit different age groups so that it is suitable for the kids.
Experience the Local Culture
One of the best parts about travelling to a new part of the world is getting to know the local culture. Cultural travel is all about learning from the local people and exploring the area to the fullest. While on your family trip, make it a point to hunt down the local markets, speak with the local people and try new and unfamiliar foods. Instead of heading to all the overcrowded tourist spots, seek out the places where the locals go. This will provide your family with an authentic cultural experience that will enrich your travels.
No matter where you’re travelling to, you can always find ways to learn something new on your family trip. The most important thing is to make the most of where you’re going and to try new experiences. Once you do this, you and your family will return home with new knowledge, new interests and a fresh perspective on the world.
About the Author:
Johanna Cider is a freelance writer based in Auckland, New Zealand with a passion for writing about Parenting and Kids Activities. You can read more of her work on her Tumblr.
Image Credit: Family Holiday by EvaMospan via Pixabay.com under CC0 Creative Commons
Nature by Julius Silver via Pexels.com under CC0 License
Taj Mahal via Pxhere.com under CC0 Public Domain
Quad Bike Adventure via Maxpixel.freegretpicture.com under CC0 Public Domain
Safari by Amila Tennakoon via Flickr.com under CC by 2.0
Local Markets via Pxhere.com under CC0 Public Domain
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