Summer is right around the corner, which means that it’s time to start making travel plans for you and your family. And one of the most important things to consider when planning a trip (especially when you have little ones) is choosing a safe destination. Safety is of the utmost importance, and you want to ensure that you feel secure and comfortable, particularly if you are considering visiting somewhere you haven’t been before. Fortunately, there are many travel destinations that are not only safe but are sure to be a whole lot of fun for your entire family. From Rome, Italy, to Paris, France, and more – here are the safest family travel destinations in 2023:
Safest Family Travel Destinations
Orlando, Florida: One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, sunny Orlando is an excellent place to visit with your family. While here, be sure to check out some of the city’s well-known theme parks ( Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld), spend the day relaxing poolside, and so much more.
Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto is a fantastic destination for families seeking to learn about Japanese culture, history, and tradition, as it boasts numerous temples, shrines, and gardens to explore. You and your children will love participating in tea ceremonies and origami workshops, and trying out the unique foods that Kyoto has to offer.
London, United Kingdom: If you’re planning a family trip, London is a fantastic destination with a variety of attractions to choose from. The British Museum, the Tower of London, and the London Eye are some places you can visit, and if you’re looking for something your kids will enjoy, check out the Harry Potter Studio Tour and hands-on exhibits at the Science Museum.
Rome, Italy: Rome is an ideal destination for the whole family as it offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. You’ll have a great time exploring iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican, and you will also enjoy the numerous parks, museums, and gelato shops throughout the city.
Gold Coast, Australia: The Gold Coast is famous for its stunning beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and popular theme parks such as Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld. If you’re looking for other things to do while visiting the Gold Coast, spend some time at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or check out the SkyPoint Observation Deck.
Paris, France: Paris is a beautiful and safe place for families. While here, you should check out the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Disneyland Paris. Additionally, there are plenty of parks and gardens, such as Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries, where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic or a peaceful walk.
Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is one of our favorite family-friendly destinations, with plenty of things to do and see. Once you arrive in Barcelona and have settled in, get ready to visit Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia, the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, and the fascinating Barcelona Aquarium.
Costa Rica: Not only is Costa Rica breathtaking, but it’s also a very safe place for your family to visit. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or try something a little more adventurous, this country has it all. Some things we recommend trying out include ziplining through the rainforest, exploring national parks, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, and so much more.
Reykjavik, Iceland: If you’re interested in checking out a unique destination that’s also very family-friendly, look no further than Reykjavik, Iceland. Though there are many things to do while here, you should make a point to see the incredible Northern Lights, as this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Other activities to try include whale watching and exploring geothermal pools and geysers.
Singapore: Singapore is very safe and an incredible place to vacation. Your family will love visiting attractions like Universal Studios, the Singapore Zoo, and Gardens by the Bay. And if you have some free time, stroll through the streets of Singapore, shop at local stores, and sample local delicacies.
5 Tips For Traveling With Your Family
Traveling with your children can be a hectic process, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips that you can follow to make your family vacation go as smoothly as possible:
- Check That Everyone in Your Family Has a Valid Passport: If you plan on traveling internationally, check immediately that everyone in your family has a valid passport. Passport processing times are taking longer than usual, and you may miss out on your trip if you don’t apply as soon as possible. If you need a new passport, passport renewal, or child passport, visit the Swift website to get your application started.
- See if Your Destination Requires a Visa: Some countries require you to obtain a visa to enter. So if you plan on traveling internationally, check if your family will need to get visas. Luckily, if you need an eVisa or visa, we can help! Simply visit our website to get the process started.
- Bring Entertainment For the Plane: Be sure to pack a lot of entertainment for your child, especially if you will be flying for a long period of time. This will distract them and make the plane ride go much more smoothly. Take along an electronic device that contains their favorite TV shows, coloring books, their favorite stuffed animal, etc.
- Schedule Some Time to Relax: It’s easy to want to try and cram in every single activity possible while away on vacation, but this isn’t always the best option. You and your little ones will get tired, and the last thing you want is cranky kids at a theme park or while touring a museum. Schedule some time during the day to relax at the hotel and enjoy the scenery.
- Be Patient: Traveling together as a family can sometimes be hectic, so you’ll need to practice patience. The airport is going to be busy, your destination may be crowded, and you may run into some unexpected problems along the way. But instead of letting any of that get you frazzled, take a deep breath and go with the flow.
Traveling with your family is one of the most incredible things you can do. You get to spend quality time with one another while also making memories that will last a lifetime. No matter where you decide to go, stay safe, have fun, and don’t forget to take a few pictures along the way!
