Spending time with your family has become a luxury as we all rush around multitasking our days. With that in mind TravelWizard.com would like to suggest the following collection of outstanding family vacations. These family vacations were designed with ample activities for the children, family time and down time for the parents. Our Virtuoso Family Vacation Specialists will save you time, money and stress in planning the best family vacation ever. Call 1-800-330-8820 to start planning the family vacation of your dreams, today!
Family Vacation in Argentina
8 days priced from $4185.00 pp, do.
South America is a perfect destination for families because of the relatively short plane flight and the minimal time difference in fact, a vacation to South America can typically be fit into school vacation time! Begin this trip in Buenos Aires, where the entire family will explore the city, catch a cruise on the delta, and venture in to neighboring Uruguay to visit the delightful township of Colonia del Sacramento. From Buenos Aires, fly to Iguassu Falls – the thundering falls are easily the equivalent of North America’s Niagara Falls. Enjoy the relaxed walking track on the Argentine side of the falls that provides an outstanding overview of the watery marvel and, the next morning, traverse into Brazil to get even nearer to the action! Fly to Bariloche, the Argentine Lake District, and take a catamaran to Victoria Island, the main island in Nahuel Huapi Lake. Spend another full day enjoying Bariloche and taking advantage of the many recreational activities available, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and rafting. The final day, fly back to Buenos Aires to catch your international departure flight.
Family Vacation in Peru
8 days priced from $4,600.00 pp, do.
Just a small plane ride away lie the numerous wonders of Peru, including the cobblestone attraction of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and, of course, the supernatural beauty of Machu Picchu. Start this family journey in Cusco, where a walking tour will introduce you to places of interest like La Merced Convent and Koricancha as well as arty neighborhoods like San Blas. From Cusco, head to Urubamba, with stops at the Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo on the way. After a night in Urubamba, take the picturesque Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Three nights at Machu Picchu allows you plenty time to discover the “ Lost City” in depth and also enjoy the environment on day hikes. Take the train back to Cusco for a single night and then, the following day, fly back to Lima. Enjoy an afternoon of touring in Lima before transferring to the airport for your international departure flight.
Family Vacation in Oman & Dubai
10 days priced from $3,200.00 pp, do.
Dubai is often described as a playground for adults – with the great restaurants, pretty beaches, and nightclubs – but it is actually astonishingly kid-friendly, too. A desert city that builds an indoor ski slope has to be pretty eye-catching to children, right? Add a few days in the enriching destination of Oman to the end and you have a family journey that will be both enjoyable and educational for all. Start at the Park Hyatt in Dubai, where places of interest include a dinner aboard a traditional boat (called a dhow), a city tour, a visit to the famed horse stables, and an afternoon at the wet and wonderful Wild Wadi Water Park. From Dubai, head into the desert for two nights at the magical Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, where your time if free except for one evening, when you are treated to dinner in the sand dunes. Head back into Dubai and catch a flight to Muscat – though only an hour on the plane, Oman is a world away from bustling Dubai. Take a tour of this charming city and sail into the Gulf of Oman to look for dolphins; the rest of the time, your days are free to enjoy the clear blue-green water and craggy cliffs that surround the lovely new Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort.
Family Vacation in Kenya
10 days priced from $5,300 pp, do.
For children, an African safari is a near perfect vacation: lively days of animal watching, an perfect climate, and an opportunity to learn about other cultures and people. While many lodges discourage children from visiting, we’ve located several Kenyan lodges that welcome children with open arms. This safari has been designed with children in mind but the lodges and activities will appeal to both kids and their parents (and grandparents!). Start with a single overnight in Nairobi before heading to Tortilis Camp at the base of the striking Mount Kenya. Afer two full days of safari activities at Amboseli National Park, head to the Sabuk Lodge in the Laikipia Plateau. The Samburu Maasai are integral to the Sabuk experience, providing a valuable opportunity for children to learn about their rich culture and history. A highlight at Sabuk is a chance to spend one night in a fly camp – to get there, guests ride atop camels as the Samburu guides explain the flora and fauna they see. From Laikipia, head to the Elephant Pepper Camp in the Maasai Mara. The Mara is Kenya’s most famous park and it does not disappoint. Spend the days game viewing and bush walking on the Mara’s vast plains, with its undulating grasses, distinctive acacia trees and, of course, the ever-present grazing animals.
Family Vacation in India
9 days priced from $5,860 pp, do.
The sights, sounds, and scents of India are captivating to adults and children alike; this tour introduces families to the northern highlights for which the country is perhaps most famous. Start in Delhi, where touring of the old and new parts of this bustling metropolis include the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Humayan’s Tomb, and the Birla Temple. A number of special experiences are also arranged to show a different side of India: dinner with an Indian family in their home, an evening outing to see a real Bollywood movie, and a visit to Akshardham Temple, an entertainment complex with rides, exhibits, and an IMAX theater. From Delhi, head to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal; in addition to touring the Taj, you will take a horse-drawn carriage ride and see the other sights of Agra that are sometimes overlooked in travelers’ enthusiasm for the Taj. From Agra, drive to Jaipur, called the “ Pink City” for the rose-colored stone that was used in the construction of many of its buildings. In Jaipur, explore Amber Fort and other important sights; on your second day, take an elephant-back safari in Dera Amer, the foothills of the Aravali Range. Return to Delhi on your final day and enjoy some flexible touring on your last afternoon before catching your international departure flight.
Family Vacation in Japan
8 days priced from $10,625.00 pp, do.
Start this tour in energetic Tokyo. Privately guided family-oriented activities include a ride to the top of the Tokyo Tower, a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and nearby Nakamise-dori, a street selling traditional Japanese toys, dolls, kimonos, and snacks. Stop by Sega Joyopolis video game center on the futuristic island of Odaiba. Excursions include the religious center of Nikko and Edo Wonderland, an educational theme park. Continue to Kamakura to see the imposing Great Buddha, and then tour the Hakone region near Mt. Fuji. There will be a ropeway ride with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), a cruise on the lake, and a walk amid the geysers. Overnight in a Japanese tatami room at a traditional Japanese inn. Journey by bullet train to Hiroshima to visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and its educational museum. There will also be a scenic excursion to nearby Miyajima Island, famous for the huge torii gate rising out of the sea at the 12 th century Itsukushima Shrine. Next visit Himeji-jo, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, and then continue on to Kyoto. Enjoy a cultural performance and tempura dinner in the Gion district, tour the major temples, and climb up the Fushimi-Inari shrine, a mountain covered with red torii gates. While in Kyoto, take a daytrip to the ancient capital of Nara.
Family Vacation in China
13 days priced from $6,320.00 pp, do.
With its larger-than-life monuments and rich cultural history, China is a truly exciting destination for the whole family. This tour focuses on activities that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, and all accommodations have been carefully chosen with families in mind. Start in Beijing, where highlights include visits to the remote Jin Shan Ling section of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, as well as a stroll through the old maze-like hutongs for a glimpse at how most urban Chinese families once lived. From Beijing, fly to Chengdu to see the impressive work being done by scientists trying to save the pandas at the famous Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center. After Chengdu, head to leafy Guilin and spend a day sailing down the Li River, which is framed by ghostly limestone karst formations. And though the drive is long, we encourage families to spend one of their days in this area at the Longsheng Rice Terraces, where the hillsides have been painstakingly cultivated into a breathtaking landscape. From Guilin, fly to Shanghai, an ultra-modern city that offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s future. Watch the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats perform their magnificent gymnastic feats, enjoy the view from one of the city’s tallest buildings, and walk through one or two of the charming water towns that lie on Shanghai’s outskirts.
Family Vacation in Thailand
10 days priced from $5,980.00 pp, do.
Thailand is a perfect destination for travelers of all ages: it has an exciting capital city, rich cultural history amid the dense jungles of the north, and endless gorgeous beaches to the south. Start this family tour at the Peninsula in Bangkok, where highlights include a private longtail boat ride, visits to Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, and a full day of flexible private touring so you can do some shopping or sightseeing at your leisure. Fly to Chiang Mai and settle into the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi for three nights; while here, spend one day bicycling, rafting, and elephant-riding and enjoy the other full day at leisure. From Chiang Mai, fly down to Phuket via Bangkok and spend three blissful nights at the Trisara Resort, one of the finest of Bangkok’s many elegant beach resorts. Phuket epitomizes the tropical Southeast Asia ideal, with miles of white sand beaches, gently swaying palm trees, and warm turquoise waters. Spend two full days relaxing and enjoying the beach before flying back to Bangkok to catch your international departure flight.
Family Vacation in Australia
12 days priced from $7,210.00 pp, do.
We have designed our Family Tour of Australia in the hopes of striking a perfect balance between relaxing “family time” and in-depth exploration of this fascinating and beautiful continent. The trip offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family members while visiting some the magnificent natural wonders of Australia. Begin in Sydney, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city's most interesting cultural highlights, a day of behind-the-scenes touring at Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Aquarium, and a day tour to the majestic Blue Mountains. From Sydney, fly to Ayers Rock for a chance to experience the beauty and unique culture of the Red Centre. Enjoy a base tour of “Uluru” and explore the Olgas, the rounded red rocks that Aborigines consider even more significant than Ayers Rock. From Ayers Rock, head to Port Douglas via Cairns for a relaxing three-night stay. From your Port Douglas base, enjoy a day excursion to Cape Tribulation. After one more day spent at leisure in Port Douglas, make your way to Heron Island to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef for a few days before returning to Sydney for your onward flight.
Family Vacation in New Zealand
13 days priced from $7,320.00 pp, do.
With just under two weeks, families can pack in plenty of activities that will be fun for adults and children alike. Begin in Auckland, where you will be introduced to this ‘City of Sails’ with a harbour cruise and learn about the Maori history and culture on a full day private tour. From Auckland, self-drive to Rotorua for two nights and take a tour that will introduce you to the city, lakefront, and the bubbling mud pools for which the area is famous. Continue on your self-drive to Napier, a drive that showcases the stunning landscape of New Zealand, and enjoy a two-night stay upon arrival. After a full day winery and art tour, continue to Wellington, where a visit to the Te Papa Museum is strongly suggested; the next day, visit the playful resident seals on the Seal Coast and take a gastronomic walking tour of the town. The last stop is Queenstown, the “adventure capital” of New Zealand, where you will spend a full four nights. In Queenstown, cruise down the river at top-speed on a jetboat, take a nature tour, and fly to Milford Sound for a day; these exciting family-oriented activities are the perfect way to conclude your time in New Zealand.
