I often get asked the question, “Where should I go on my first international trip with kids?” Though many factors are involved, picking the location is the most fun!
Determining the type of trip you want is one of the first steps you should take when selecting a destination. And it really comes down to asking yourself these four main questions:
- Do you want an outdoor, adventurous trip?
- Do you like exploring cities?
- Do you want more of a beach-style, relaxing vacation?
- Or is a cultural trip more to your liking?
Depending on your preference, this can help narrow down where in the world to go for that first trip.
Outdoor Adventures in Iceland
If you answered that you want an outdoor, adventurous trip and enjoy visits to locations such as Utah or Alaska in the US, then Iceland would be an incredible destination for your first international trip with kids.
English is commonly spoken. It’s easy to get around (though I recommend renting a car because the driving distances can be rather long). The landscapes are some of the most diverse and impressive scenery you might have ever seen. And there are endless outdoor adventures for the big and little ones (parents included too!).
You can hike glaciers or ride a snowmobile across them if you choose. By boat, you can glide along Glacier Lagoon Bay. Strap on some crampons, and you can even scale up the glacier wall. Or you might choose to explore inside a glacier and witness the mystery of these natural masterpieces.
You’ll pass by black sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls, and rock-filled areas where you’ll feel like you are on another planet. If you wish to relax, you have the natural hot springs. And if you want a mind-blown experience – keep a lookout for the northern lights. There are even Icelandic horses, whales, and puffins. Endless adventures are waiting for you here.
A couple of things to keep in mind when booking a trip to Iceland:
- It’s not as far as, say, a trip to mainland Europe, so flight times from the US aren’t too long
- It is pricey, so you’ll want to plan ahead. Maybe breakfast in, packed lunches, and dinners out
- It can get cold, so pack layers
- Some of the driving distances can be rather long, so have activities for the kids to do on the road-trip
City Explorations in Europe
Suppose your family enjoys exploring city destinations such as New York, San Francisco, Boston, or Chicago. You enjoy visiting famous and historical landmarks and might pop into a museum or two. In that case, a European destination like London, Paris, or Rome might be the best destination for you.
London
If traveling from the US, a visit to London has to be one of the easiest countries to travel to with kids. It’s one of the closest countries to the US, so many direct flight options are available. English is obviously the spoken language, so no stress there. The only thing to keep in mind is they drive on the opposite side of the road. So make sure you look both ways.
London is home to many iconic sites that your kids will know! Stand below Big Ben, then head on over to the London Eye to view from above. Explore the Tower of London and walk the Tower Bridge. If you are theater fans, catch a musical or play.
If soccer is more your thing, see if there is a match when in town. Ride the double-decker bus to explore the side neighborhoods. Parents, not kids, grab a pint. Kids, you can try tea and maybe even have a tea party at Kensington Palace.
London has an extensive metro (the tube) and bus system which can take you to many nearby neighborhoods (think Oxford or even to the Harry Potter Studio)
Paris
If you fancy a trip to Europe but want to try your hand at getting around in a country where English is not the native language, then give Paris a try! The kids will quickly learn to say “oui oui” when asked if they want a macaron. In Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must. While you can explore the different levels of the tower (which I recommend), if heights aren’t your thing, grab a baguette and some cheese and have a picnic on the grass below. Do the picnic thing whether you visit the Eiffel Tower or not. And don’t forget to find time to pause at night and watch the Tower light up for the nightly light show.
If you have art history buffs, head on over to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. If statues and gardens are more your things, try the Musée de Rodin. And if you are willing to brave the darkness of what lies beneath the Parisian city streets, then visiting the Paris Catacombs is a must. If opulent palaces are your thing, head to Versailles to be wowed in its vast beauty.
Rome
If you think you’d prefer to venture a bit further in Europe, then head to Rome. A delicious glass of wine will be awaiting you, and tasty gelato for the kids. Be prepared to immerse yourself in history here.
From walking the abandoned halls of the Colosseum to the religious halls of the Vatican, there is a little bit of something for everyone here. Stop by the Trevi Fountain, enjoy people-watching in the piazzas. And if you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head on over to Villa Borghese to explore. There are numerous trails to walk or even ride with a scooter. Lastly, indulge in the incredible Italian meals Italy is known for.
Whichever of these European cities you choose for your first international trip with kids, you won’t be disappointed.
If planning a trip to one of these destinations, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- These are popular locations, so if traveling in the summer, be prepared for crowds.
- Before you depart on the trip, make sure you make reservations ahead of time
- These cities have excellent transportation options, so use these to your advantage
- Learn a few phrases of the local language ahead of time
Beach Getaways in the Exumas
If you prefer to relax your vacation away on a tropical island and are looking for something similar to a Hawaiian vacation, then try the Exumas in the Bahamas. The Exumas are a part of the 700 islands that make up the Bahamas. It’s about a 2-hour flight from the US East Coast. English is the primary language spoken and US dollars are accepted.
It would be pretty easy to just sit and relax your time away if visiting the Exumas. But if you want a little bit of adventure, you can find that here too. It’s important to note that the entire island of Great Exuma is really only a 1.5-hour drive from one end to the next, so you won’t be traveling too far distances. If your kids love the beach, I recommend going to Coco Plum Beach, Tropic of Cancer, and Hooper’s Bay.
Want to do some island hopping? Then sign up for the half-day tour to explore all Exuma offers. You’ll pass by gorgeous inlets, sandbars, have the opportunity to snorkel within caves, and swim with pigs, turtles, and sharks if you choose. If you are looking for a day to spend at a local beach, try Chat’ N’ Chill on Stocking Island. Here, you can feed the resident stingrays and enjoy your day listening to music, playing beach games, and trying the famous ceviche from the local conch stand.
If traveling to the Exumas, here are some tips:
- Be aware that the hurricane season lasts from July-November, so if you don’t want to run the risk of rain on your trip, plan to visit outside of that season
- You really only need to pack a swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt, sunscreen, hat, and flip flops so packing for this type of trip is a breeze
- If you want to explore the island, I recommend renting a car for at least one day during your trip
Cultural Experiences in Japan
Maybe when you have taken trips within your home country, you have searched out destinations where you are immersed in a culture so different from where you are from. You have tried new cuisines from these neighborhoods, interacted with the locals, and simply enjoyed immersing yourself in a different culture.
If you want to step into a world completely unique from what you are used to in the US, then Japan is where you should go. Japan is an incredibly kid-friendly, safe, and clean country. Though everything is a little bit different here from the food, the spoken language, the written language.
Besides being an extremely kid-friendly country known for its incredible hospitality, Japan offers a glimpse into a culture maybe your family hasn’t quite experienced yet. Kids will love experiencing the Japanese culture by enjoying a cup of tea from a local tea shop. Maybe take in a sumo wrestling match. Or wander the city and view the mixture of temples versus the modern city. Or how about learning the techniques of a samurai or practicing being a ninja? Maybe wander through the local fish market and enjoy some sushi or noodles at the end of the day. Exploring a country with such a mixture of old versus new, familiar versus unknown, can be quite rewarding.
A few tips about Japan:
- There is so much to do in Japan, so definitely plan out your itinerary before you go
- Public transportation is incredibly efficient. If you want to explore other major cities, the bullet trains will get you there fast
- If you want to see the cherry blossoms, visit in Spring. Otherwise, there is so much to do and explore throughout every season in Japan
- Learn some of the customs and etiquette ahead of time
A Little Bit of Everything in Costa Rica
Now, suppose you really can’t decide and want it all – outdoor adventures, city life, cultural experiences, and a relaxing trip to the beach. In that case, Costa Rica might be an excellent destination for you!
You can start by flying into the capital San Jose. Explore the historical sites and the local museums. Stroll through the Central Market and maybe experience a chocolate or coffee plantation tour. Then it’s time for some outdoor adventure. Make your way to Arenal to hike the volcano or view from afar. Walk the hanging bridges, test your fear of heights on the ziplines, and unwind in the natural hot springs.
Maybe make your way to the Monteverde Cloud Forest to be wowed by its beauty. Head to the coast and enjoy the rainforest adventures there. Maybe kayak the mangroves, go wildlife trekking and try to spot the sloths. See how many monkeys you can find. And lastly, enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle by ending with some time on the beach.
Tips for visiting Costa Rica:
- Getting to Costa Rica from the US is relatively easy. It’s not a long flight and can be quite affordable
- Costa Rica offers a wide range of activities, so even if you decide to visit just one or two locations, you can still experience the majority of what makes Costa Rica amazing
- English is widely spoken, and US dollars are readily accepted
***
Once you decide on the type of trip you want, this will help narrow down your options on where to go. While the above is my shortlist of fabulous first-time international destinations for the family traveler, there are still many places in the world that may work for you. Of course, time of year, length of the trip, health and safety concerns, and budget can also influence your decision-making. But use this as a starting point to begin planning your first adventure together. So, where will you go on your first international trip with your kids?
Leave a Reply