While Canadian families aren’t travelling abroad right now, we can certainly create a list of the best destinations for future family holidays 2021. Be inspired for next year’s family vacation with this list of ideas for cheap family vacations, all-inclusive package holidays, fascinating cities that’ll capture your teen’s attention, adventurous destinations for active families, and countries that are easy to navigate with young kids.
As always, please check local government guidelines before booking your family vacation.
Destinations for active families
Hiking in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a fantastic cheap family vacation destination. This island nation has remote villages like Meemure to explore and places like Ella Rock, Adam’s Peak, and Horton’s Plains where you can make unforgettable memories hiking with the family. Rolling tea plantains (where Ceylon tea comes from), ocean, jungle, and wildlife can all be seen during the various family hikes. The best part is that there are plenty of beaches nearby to unwind at after a day of exploring. Sri Lanka offers a delicate blend of wildlife, adventure, and culture for your family vacation.
Diving in Belize
With more than 400 islands and the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere (and the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere), Belize is a world-class scuba diving destination. Your family will obviously want to visit the Blue Hole but you can also scuba dive with white sharks, dive through caves and spot coral gardens, reef sharks, and sponges at the barrier reefs. If you have more time on your trip, plan a getaway to the dive sites along the cays on the southern coast for some offbeat explorations.
Family holidays with young children
Sunny Southern Spain
A great mix of culture, culinary delights, and beach vibes can be found in the south of Spain. Having personally explored the cities of Málaga, Granada, and Seville with two kids under five years of age, I’m here to tell you that this was one of our best holidays with kids and a relatively cheap family vacation at that, too. The locals love seeing young families exploring and enjoying the attractions and beaches. Your family may even be invited to join along with the street celebrations! It’s time to start planning your road trip through Southern Spain.
Adventurous Dubai
Skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and desert safaris may not sound kid-friendly, but the city of Dubai is truly a unique spot for your family holiday in 2021. Home to Legoland, Dubai Parks and Resorts is perfect for those with young kids. Families with tots will also enjoy a relaxing day at La Mer, a beachfront culinary destination with resort vibes. Even the malls have attractions like KidZania and some Dubai hotel restaurants even offer child care while you enjoy a lavish weekend buffet.
Relaxing Thailand
For a cheap family vacation in Southeast Asia, Thailand should be at the top of your list. There’s no shortage of beautiful scenery and adventurous escapes in Krabi, or you can take a boat and relax with the family for an island getaway in Koh Chang, Koh Samui, or Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta is an excellent choice for a Thai island if you’re looking for a calm boutique resort with low-key vibes. Plus, they have an ethical elephant park called Following Giants, where you can take the kids for a morning trip to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. If you’re looking for a break from the beach scene, fly up to Chiang Mai and soak up the spiritual history and get lost in the night markets of northern Thailand’s biggest city.
City destinations for families with teens
New York City
Teens are sure to love the New York City beat. Skip the popular attractions and opt for immersive experiences such as hip hop history tours, live theatre shows, or a pizza tour. Teens can even take an on-location tour with stops at popular filming sites or catch a taping of a live TV show in Times Square. There are more exciting tours than those of the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty in the Big Apple and your teens will be excited to plan ahead for your family vacation.
London thrills
If you have a teen who is a fan of horror or literature, London is the place to be. Scary spots like Tower of London, Clink Prison Museum, and London Dungeon are only a few of many spooky attractions in London. Literary lovers will have a fabulous family holiday by visiting Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4, the Globe Theatre, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. There are also many London hotels, taverns, and pubs filled with ghost stories and patroned by many famous authors and poets.
Impressible Morocco
For an off the beaten path family vacation with teens, take a look at Morocco. Spend a week exploring the desert where you can visit film studios, spend a night glamping and take a thrilling drive through the Atlas Mountains. This country is filled with stark contrasts between beach towns, bustling souks, and green vistas overlooking towns. This transformative trip will impress teens looking to explore somewhere new and unknown. Not only will this be a cultural experience for many, but it’ll also be an easy history and geography lesson.
All-inclusive family holidays
Playa del Carmen
When it comes to package holidays, Playa del Carmen offers something for every budget. All you have to do is book your flights and choose your hotel, the rest is handled for you. Sip fancy drinks by the poolside while the kids spend their days at the kids club or go exploring Mayan Ruins as part of the all-inclusive holiday package. One of our favourite resorts is Hotel Xcaret Mexico because the adventure park access is included along with all the food and drinks! For more tips, check out this packing guide for an all-inclusive vacation.
Curacao
The beautiful Dutch island of Curacao is known for its stunning beaches. Pristine gorgeous blue waters can be found at most all-inclusive resorts such as Sunscape Resorts. Their Unlimited-Fun Inclusions provide everything needed for a kid and parent-approved getaway in the sun. Everything is included for this future family holiday in 2021: food, drink, entertainment, water sports, and kids club!
Croatia
A true Mediterranean family holiday awaits you in 2021. Croatia is a travel destination known for family-friendly seaside getaways, delicious food, and a rich history witnessed by the many ancient walled towns. For an all-inclusive family vacation, check out Family Hotel Amarin near Rovinj. Families will enjoy the many sports facilities, welcoming pools, warm beach, and Amarin Kids Club.
As you start thinking about your family holiday for 2021, we hope these family vacation suggestions will inspire you. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a luxury getaway with toddlers or seek adventure with teens, there’s plenty of destination waiting to be explored during your holidays with kids.
Want to read more?
- Our Coronavirus Travel Advice Hub is updated every day with the latest news and information
- What’s new in the world of travel? Read this Travel Checklist for 2020.
- For those looking to escape this winter, here are the best winter vacations
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