Best Destinations, Blog

19 Best Family Destinations for 2019

Posted on by Keri Hedrick
01
Jan

Where are families actually heading to on vacation in 2019?

You’ve probably seen a real flurry of articles lately claiming to have the “must-see list” of destinations for 2019 – but let’s be honest, family travel is just different!  Our travel goals somewhat change with kids and there are different interests and priorities that need to be addressed during the years of family travel.

If you’d like to see the latest updated list of family destinations for the current year – click here!!

So let’s hear it from the real parents then!

Best Family Destinations for 2019 chosen by real family travelers

(Psst, if you’re struggling to narrow down your choices, check out our guide to narrowing down your overseas travel wishlist)

1. Iceland

This has been topping the must-see lists for a few years now, and it’s great to see so many families now enjoying the Icelandic experience too.  Its a country with distinct seasons and dramatic beauty.

Whilst the capital Reykjavik is actually quite a small city, it provides ample opportunity for day tripping with kids.  The Golden Circle is popular, but it can also be crowded during peak holiday times.  With younger children why not start with the Snรฆfellsnes Peninsula. Driving distances are short and there are far fewer crowds, you will find black sand beaches, volcanoes, lava fields and waterfalls

Learn more about Iceland with kids

 

2. Japan

Tokyo cityspace sunset view

Another hugely popular choice in our travel community over the past couple of years and again coming at the top of family bucket lists this year is Japan.  From the bustling capital of Tokyo through to the much-Instagrammed and beautiful Kyoto, there is a lot of fun family exploring to be had.

Learn more about Japan with kids

 

3. New York City

New York Best Family Destination 2019

New York, New York!  The city that never sleeps really is a family treasure trove of ideas and activities.  From its famous sites and dramatic landmarks to its numerous museums, parks, flagship stores and unique foodie experiences.  It can be a little daunting for some families due to its size, but also means you can return on numerous occasions and experience something new each time!

Learn more about New York City with kids

 

4. London

London Best Family Destination

As iconic as it is fun to explore, another great city stop that you shouldn’t let the size of the city intimidate you.  There really is something for all ages in London. Leisurely parks and playgrounds to explore, day trips to Harry Potters Wizarding World, ride the London Eye, cruise the Thames or visit the Queen!

Learn more about London with kids

 

5. Rome, Italy

Rome | Best Cities for Family Travel | OurGlobetrotters.Com

What is not to love about Rome?  From art to history to food, there is so much going on that family members of all ages will love.  Most kids will no doubt learn about the Roman Empire at school, and what better place to come for some real-life lessons.

It can get incredibly busy in peak seasons though, so it’s one of those places that we recommend you try exploring out of season if you possibly can.

Learn more about Rome with kids

 

6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The epicentre of Middle East tourism, Dubai continues to grow not just as an extended stopover city but as a destination in itself.  If you’ve visited before, there’s no reason not to make a stop again as there are always so many things being added to the tourist agenda.

In the past year alone you will see the addition of the Dubai Frame, La Mer and Laguna Waterpark, Al Seef on Dubai Creek with it’s Museum of Illusions and the new Bluewaters Dubai which includes the world’s largest (of course!) observation wheel and a huge variety of dining and family entertainment options.

Learn more about Dubai with kids

 

7. Fiji

Fiji Best Family Destination 2019

Year-round warmth is a massive drawcard for this tropical South Pacific nation.ย  Probably best known for its incredible resorts and palm-tree-lined beaches, this is a fabulous relaxation destination for families with many resorts boasting spectacular kids clubs allowing all family members to unwind.

There are also many great cultural experiences that can be had with kids – from wandering the local markets, learning crafts, and even attending local schools.

 

8. Hawaii, USA

Hawaii Best Destination

Hawaii is one of those family destinations that has something for everyone.  It can take a bit of research to work out exactly what sort of Hawaii vacation will work best for your family; if you simply want a relaxing resort with kids club and entertainment it’s absolutely yours, but there’s something there for the adventurers too from hiking to kayaking, parasailing to snorkelling. Expect an active, sun-filled vacation.

Learn more about Hawaii with kids

 

9. Bali, Indonesia

Bali Best family Destiantion

Bali continues to be a favourite family destination year after year, particularly with Australians due to its geographic location and cheap prices.

Despite its hustle and bustle in many parts, tourists are slowly realising that you can head beyond the big resorts around Kuta and Seminyak and get further out to explore the true Bali.  Why not try Amed or Munduk for a change?

Learn more about Bali with kids

 

10. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a beautiful combination of sunshine and beaches to culture and food.  Facing the Atlantic Ocean it has the advantage of remaining much warmer than most of Europe year round – and although not actually on the Mediterranean it has a distinctly Mediterranean vibe.

Nearby to Lisbon you will find many smaller cities to explore from the castles of Sintra to the Roman Ruins of Evora, it makes the perfect exploration city and an ideal off-season destination.

Learn more about Lisbon with kids

 

11. Philippines

Best destinations Philipines

With over 7000 islands to choose from, the idea of a Philipines vacation with kids can be a little daunting at first! Once you have narrowed down your location though (this can be restricted by flight and transportation times) it is one of the best value for money locations on this year’s list.  Stunning beaches, friendly service and outdoor adventures aplenty.

Boracay has long been a popular family destination, but our community also highly recommend El Nido, Cebu and Bohol.

Learn more about the Philipines with kids

 

12. Oman

View from Nizwa Fort | How to tour Oman by road | A first-timers guide to visiting top tourist destinations in Oman

This one has been hitting the radar of many of the big travel publications for a couple of years now, but is it a family-friendly country?  You may be surprised to learn it’s one of the best!

Muscat has a fascinating feel of a heritage city lost in time and is well worth exploring, but so much of the country’s beauty lies just beyond the dramatic mountains that hug the city.  Head to the utterly stunning desert dunes of Wahiba Sands, the ancient city of Nizwa and explore one of the country’s many hundred forts.

Learn more about Oman with Kids

 

13. Thailand

Krabi Thailand

Thailand remains an ever-popular family destination, well renowned for its stunning sandy beaches. But there are some newer kids on the block vying for your attention including idyllic beachfront favourite Krabi, closer to Bangkok Koh Chang.

Learn more about Thailand with kids

 

14. Paris, France

Paris Best family destination view over the Sienee

Paris never goes out of style, right? It’s hard to beat what Paris can offer for kids from the iconic Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to the incredible museums, parks and food.

At the time of writing, it’s fair to say Paris has hit a bit of a rough patch though from an internal politics perspective which has unfortunately encroached into tourism. It’s hoped this will not have a prolonged impact and still remains a firm favourite with our family travel community.

Learn more about Paris with kids

 

15. Singapore

Singapore Garden by the bay at twilight Best family-friendly things to do in Singapore

Not just a stopover city but a worthy destination in its own right.  Long gone are the days where you’d simply book through Singapore so you could have a comfortable stop through Changi Airport, the city is busting at the seems for family-friendly activities.

Sentosa is packed full of theme parks, Kidzania and luxury resorts, while Gardens by the Bay continues to wow the crowds day and night with its Supertrees and sensational biodomes, as well as one of the biggest urban water playgrounds you will find in the Far East Organization Children’s Playground.

Learn more about Singapore with kids

 

16. Cambodia

Otres Beach Cambodia | Where to stay with a family | South East Asia Travel with Our Globetrotters - Family Travel & Expat Blog


Still quite a developing country in the tourism scheme of things, but nonetheless a fascinating destination with a long and rich history, aswell as being budget-friendly.

It’s one of the places on our list that we would definitely recommend you get in and see before it changes too much.  Development is starting to overtake particularly the coastal areas.  A hugely eye-opening and educational experience for children of all ages.

Learn more about Cambodia with kids

 

17. New Zealand

New Zealand best destinations Families


Not just Lord of the Rings! Yes, New Zealand has some utterly dramatic landscapes, it also has fabulous wildlife parks, snowy mountains through to white sandy beaches.  It’s the best place to grab yourself a camper and spend several weeks getting to know both the north and south islands.  Adrenaline junkies will want this near the top of their list!

Learn more about New Zealand with kids

 

18. Switzerland

Switzerland best destiantions for family travel this year

Another fabulous choice for outdoor adventures to be had in all seasons.  With its amazing transportation systems to its highest peaks and fresh air- and well let’s be honest Swiss Chocolate, what is not to love!  It continues to be a hugely popular destination with European winter travellers and overseas visitors alike.

 

19. Petra, Jordan

Petra With Kids - walking through the Siq


Last but not least making the final cut for 2019 is our wildcard pick of Petra, Jordan.

This modern wonder of the world is capturing the attention of the family explorer market.  It is easier tackled with slightly older children who are independent walkers, but equally younger kids will still be fascinated by the ancient city.

It is one of the more challenging destinations on our list for 2019, but equally and utterly rewarding experience like no other.  Not too far away you fill find Aqaba and the Red Sea resort town of Tala Bay to the south or head east to the Wadi Rum desert and a nighttime glamping experience of a lifetime.

Learn more about Petra & Jordan with Kids

 

So where will YOU be heading this year? Tell us in the comments or jump on over to Family Travel Inspiration and share your ideas, ask questions and get involved in our family community group.

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Best Family Destinations 2019

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