What are the Best Family Holiday Destinations: A Complete 2024 Guide
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What are the Best Family Holiday Destinations: A Complete 2024 Guide

12 August 2024 | Latest News

What are the Best Family Holiday Destinations: A Complete 2024 Guide

Introduction

Post COVID era has seen a massive boost in tourism around the world. Last year, almost 1285.66 million people traveled around the globe, as per Statista. This was the highest number since 2019. Europe, Asia, and the Pacific are the regions that entertained the most number of tourists. On top of that, this number of vacationers is expected to increase by 18% in 2024.

Having said that, an average worker spends 17.2 days on vacation per year, with the total expenses being around $3500 - $6000 per trip. Among them, Generation X (born after the mid-1960s) spends the most on vacation. Howbeit, If you are also looking to book a vacation for your holidays, these best family holiday destinations can be your next shot. These include famous places like Orlando, Greece, Mexico, and Japan.

However, these destinations just scratch the surface of the iceberg. Continue reading to uncover more places for family holiday travel and learn why they are best. Furthermore, you will also acquire knowledge in tips that can take your trip experience to the next level. Let’s dive into it.

Top Family Holiday Destinations by Region

Below are the best holiday places by region for families to visit in 2024:

North America

North America is the third largest subcontinent in the world. The leading countries in this area are Canada, the US, and Mexico. The tourism revenue for FY24 of North America is expected to be $231.02 billion, as per Statista.

If you want to visit North America, the following are the places you can consider:

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is known to host millions of tourists. Almost 74 million people came here in 2022. This makes the city one of the most favored tourist places in the USA. The reason for this city's popularity is its modern and impressive building art.

You'll find Orlando is renowned for the following places:

  • Walt Disney World,
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,
  • Universal Studios,
  • Epcot,
  • Universal Orlando Resort,
  • Universal Islands of Adventure,
  • SeaWorld Orlando.

Coming to food, Orland's cooking is also world-famous. The city offers seafood, Cuban sandwiches, and the iconic Key Lime Pie.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a beautiful 200-mile chain of barrier islands along the coast of North Carolina. It draws about 5 million visitors every year. This lovely area is a popular place for family vacations.

The Outer Banks is known for its pristine natural beaches, like Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This site is also where the Wright Brothers made the first powered flight. You can visit these places in the Outer Banks:

  • Jockey's Ridge State Park
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial

Local foods you can try include tasty Hatteras clam chowder, delicious oyster dressing, and sweet fig cake.

National Parks

North America's beautiful National Parks draw up to 300 million visitors yearly. People love to enjoy the diverse nature and cool landscapes found here. The parks show amazing sights like tall mountains, pretty hot springs, and awesome caverns. These natural gems give families an unforgettable fun time.

Popular parks of the region are:

  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Grand Canyon National Park

There are no special National Park foods. But visitors can try tasty regional foods like smoked salmon, wild berries, and meats like deer or elk.

The Canadian Rockies

The reason for attraction at the Canadian Rockies is their majestic peaks and mint nature. The wild game, Alberta's beef, and artful cheeses are a few things that can attract visitors. The main places of the area include:

  • Banff National Park,
  • Jasper National Park,
  • Yoho National Park.

In this natural wonderland, you can embark on various adventures, such as:

  • Mountain biking,
  • Skiing,
  • Exploring the hiking trails,
  • Catching the diverse wildlife.

The local cuisine in the Canadian Rockies reflects the rich natural resources of the region. You can dine in dishes like venison, elk, bison, and freshly caught trout.

Europe

Tourism in Europe has been increasing at a steady rate after the pandemic. Last year, more than 700 million people visited European countries. Let’s explore the top countries that are the best fit for family holiday destinations in 2024:

Greece

In 2022, Greece welcomed nearly 36 million international visitors. A large contribution to this share was from Germany. Basically, this country has distinction because of its rich history, ancient sites like the Acropolis, as well as islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Discover the following places in Greece:

  • Acropolis of Athens,
  • Santorini,
  • Mykonos,

Greece is such a beautiful city that its nature and roads call you. If you are here, bask in the sun on serene beaches, set sail on a sailing adventure, or explore the ancient ruins in the remote eras.

Skipping the traditional Greek food is like you are missing a great deal. The famous cuisine options are Moussaka, Souvlaki, and fresh seafood. Don’t forget to indulge in the iconic Greek salad.

Italy

Italy has a long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. It was once home to the Pope. Many churches in Vatican City make it a sacred place. This country is also famous for its great art, deep religious roots, and tasty food. In 2023, almost 57.4 million tourists visited Italy. The top spots to see are:

  • The Colosseum in Rome
  • The canals of Venice
  • Florence's Uffizi Gallery

In Italy, you can take tours about culture. You can try wines made there. Moreover, you can also take cooking classes. For fun, ride a Vespa on the Amalfi Coast. Or make your own pizza in Rome!

Pizza and pasta are Italy's most famous foods. But you can also try risotto (creamy rice dish) and gelato (tasty Italian ice cream).

France

If you love spring, consider visiting France to enjoy the blossoming beauty. It is one of the most visited countries thanks to its beauty. Paris alone attracts millions yearly. France is also known for iconic fashion, art, and celebrated cuisine.

Top places to see in France:

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Louvre Museum
  • Palace of Versailles

History fans can explore museums along the Seine River. For culture and romance, wander through Paris. You can also visit Mont Saint-Michel, Chateau de Versailles, or the Normandy D-Day beaches. 

Don't miss trying classic French dishes like croissants, baguettes, coq au vin (chicken in wine sauce), and creme brulee (custard dessert).

Asia

Below are the best family holiday destinations in Asia:

Malaysia

Malaysia is quite famous for exploration due to its traditional culture and beautiful scenery. In 2022, tourism contributed 14% to its overall economy. A plus point of visiting Malaysia is that it is a multicultural society. You can meet and bind with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people. Explore the beauty of Malaysia at these places:

  • Petronas Twin Towers,
  • Mount Kinabalu,
  • Langkawi Islands.

The Best time to visit Malaysia is in summer, When you visit Malaysia, you can dive into the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan. Further, there is also an option to explore the lush rainforests of Borneo. Finally, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the vibrant markets of Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian cuisine is one of the best in the world. Mostly, their food is free of spices, which is quite beneficial for health. The typical cuisines include Nasi Lemak, Satay, and Rendang.

Thailand

Known for its large population of elephants, street food, and beaches, Thailand is a unique mixture of Buddhist traditions and royal heritage. It is one of those countries that saw a large number of tourists, resulting in a large amount of revenue. Last year, the tourism industry produced over 139 139 billion Thai baht. These places have great importance in Thailand:

  • The Grand Palace,
  • Phang Nga Bay,
  • Historic City of Ayutthaya.

Thailand is a haven for tourism due to its range of activities. For adventure lovers, you can go rock climbing, scuba diving, and skydiving. For introverts, you can soak at the relaxing white beaches and lush greenery.

These Thai dishes are fan-favorite in terms of the taste:

  • Pad Thai,
  • Tom Yum Goong,
  • Massaman Curryare.

Japan

A place where the culture meets modernism, Japan is one of the safest places in the world to tour. That’s why a lot of tourists love to visit this country. In March 2024, more than 3 million people visited Japan. Japanese sunshine, beautiful beaches, and culture are the things that you can consider during travel. Set yourself on exploration in these areas:

  • Mount Fuji,
  • Historic Kyoto,
  • Tokyo Skytree.

In Japan, you can experience a range of activities. For example, the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossom viewing, relaxing onsen bathing, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies are highlights of the area.

Japanese cuisine offers delightful Food which is mentioned below:

  • Sushi,
  • Ramen,
  • Tempura,
  • Matcha treats.

Africa

Uncover the most attractive countries in Africa:

South Africa

South Africa is famous for its diverse landscapes, beautiful nature, and rich cultures. People from around the world visit due to its many attractions and adventures. Top places to see in South Africa include:

  • Kruger National Park
  • Table Mountain
  • Robben Island

While in South Africa, you can go on exciting safari tours, hike up iconic Table Mountain, and explore historical sites like the Apartheid Museum.

South Africa is also known for its tasty foods, such as:

  • Biltong (cured meat)
  • Boerewors (sausage)
  • Bobotie (spiced meat dish)

Kenya

Kenya is a hotspot of cultures, with over 40 distinct ethnic groups. Each one of them contributes to the nation's rich culture. It makes the country a truly interesting place. Discover the famous areas of Kenya below:

  • Maasai Mara National Reserve,
  • Amboseli National Park,
  • Lamu Old Town.

In Kenya, you can take part in various adventures, mentioned as:

  • Thrilling wildlife safaris,
  • Cultural tours,
  • Beach holidays,
  • Mountain Climbing.

Kenyan cuisine offers delightful treats, such as:

  • Nyama Choma,
  • Ugali,
  • Sukuma wiki.

 

Central & South America

Do you love Caribbean scenery? Central and South America is a great region with access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has many rainforests, beaches, and mountains. Top tourist spots in this region include:

  • Machu Picchu,
  • Galapagos Islands,
  • Angel Falls.

When visiting, you can explore ancient ruins rich in history, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant local cultures. Famous regional foods to try are empanadas (stuffed pastries), delicious ceviche (marinated seafood), and hearty asado (grilled meats).

Tips to Explore the Best Family Holiday Destinations

If you are going to explore the best family holiday destinations, the following are some tips that can elevate your experience:

  • Plan and book early. You'll get better deals and choices.
  • Research the place thoroughly. Find things everyone enjoys.
  • Pack light but bring needs. Don't forget comfy shoes, sun protection, and medicines.
  • Try new things. Taste local foods, attend events, and do outdoor fun.
  • Schedule free time too. Relax between activities to re-energize.
  • Take photos and get souvenirs. They help you remember great memories.
  • Be flexible if plans change. Go with the flow during your trip.
  • Talk to locals. They share insights about their home.
  • Keep safety in mind. Be extra careful, especially with kids.

 

 

Conclusion

The final say is that the best family holiday destinations are the places that offer an enriched experience to visitors who like to travel with their families. Various places in the world cater family trips. These include Orlando and the Outer Banks in North America. For people who want to explore Europe, you can go to France and Greece. Asia also welcomes tourists to places like Japan. Finally, African lovers can explore Kenya and South Africa.

About the Author

Juli Wagner, a veteran travel writer and advisor, is highly known for her quest to explore the spectacular locales of the globe. Being in the travel industry for years, she has inspired many people with her articles and stories. Her writings not only offer actionable advice but also ignite the spark of adventure in her readers.

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