BBC Travel presents family-friendly destinations for unforgettable experiences.
Pink Lake in Western Australia: A must-see natural wonder for families exploring top travel destinations.
Travel offers incredible opportunities to bond with family, spark curiosity in children, and create lasting memories. From witnessing breathtaking waterfalls in Newfoundland to exploring the majestic Dolomites in Italy, the world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered together. However, it’s also important to be mindful of the impact of travel on the destinations we visit. Responsible travel ensures that our adventures contribute positively, rather than negatively affecting the places and communities we explore.
In this guide, tailored for families, we highlight Top Places To Travel in 2025 that not only offer exceptional family experiences but also prioritize sustainability and community support. These 25 destinations have been selected with insights from travel experts and organizations dedicated to sustainable tourism, ensuring that your family vacation can also contribute to a larger good. We aim to showcase destinations that are welcoming families and using tourism to uplift local communities, protect natural environments, and preserve cultural heritage.
As family travel rebounds and interest in exploring the world grows, it’s more crucial than ever to choose destinations thoughtfully. Consider places where your family’s visit can make a positive difference. From exploring unique landscapes in Bolivia to experiencing Arctic adventures in Greenland, discover our top recommendations for family travel in 2025 and start planning your next unforgettable journey.
Dominica welcomes families in 2025 with new flight options and family-friendly resorts, making it a top place to travel for eco-conscious families.
1. Dominica: Ethical Whale Encounters for Families
Imagine your family swimming alongside gentle giants of the sea. Dominica, a Caribbean gem, offers this unique experience in an ethical and sustainable way. This island is a top place to travel for families seeking meaningful wildlife encounters, as it has established the world’s first sperm whale reserve. This protected marine area ensures the safety of these magnificent creatures, allowing families to witness them in their natural habitat through limited, permitted swims. These encounters are not only unforgettable but also contribute to whale research and support sustainable tourism opportunities for the local community.
For families planning a trip in 2025, Dominica is becoming even more accessible. New digital immigration forms will simplify arrival, and a new cable car system will transport families from Roseau Valley to the stunning Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest thermal springs. Getting there is easier than ever with new United Airlines direct flights from Newark, in addition to existing American Airlines flights from Miami. Family-friendly accommodation options are also expanding with new hotels opening in 2025, including the six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa and the eco-conscious Secret Bay.
World’s First Sperm Whale Reserve in Dominica: A pioneering conservation effort making Dominica a top place to travel for families interested in marine life.
Beyond whale watching, Dominica offers a wealth of family adventures. Explore hidden gorges, discover towering waterfalls, and savor authentic local cuisine at places like the farm-to-table Lacou. Dominica is more than just a destination; it’s an example of how eco-tourism can balance environmental protection with economic growth, making it a top place to travel for families who want their vacations to make a positive impact. Your family’s adventure here will help protect this natural paradise for future generations.
Naoshima Island Art: Family art exploration in Japan, making it a top place to travel for culturally enriching family vacations.
2. Naoshima, Japan: Island Art and Family Discovery
For families with an appreciation for art and unique cultural experiences, Naoshima Island in Japan is a top place to travel. This island, once known for its copper smelting industry, has transformed into a haven for contemporary art and architecture, largely thanks to the Benesse Art Site Naoshima project. Families will be captivated by Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow Pumpkin sculpture and numerous museums and site-specific artworks scattered across this scenic island in the Seto Inland Sea.
Spring 2025 marks the opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, who has already created nine other projects on the island. This new museum, showcasing Asian artists, will be a highlight of the Setouchi Triennale. This art festival, spread across 17 islands and coastal areas, offers families a unique opportunity to explore art in diverse and stunning natural settings. The Triennale, held across spring, summer, and autumn, makes Naoshima and its surrounding islands a top place to travel throughout much of 2025.
Families can also visit the Teshima Art Museum, a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature, and explore the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, housed in the remains of a former copper refinery. For family-friendly accommodation, consider Roka, a modern ryokan on Naoshima, or the minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima. Naoshima and its art-filled neighbors provide a culturally enriching and visually stunning experience, making this region a top place to travel for families seeking art and island adventures.
Dolomites Family Adventure: Italy’s stunning mountain range offers year-round family activities, making it a top place to travel for active families.
3. The Dolomites, Italy: Alpine Adventures for Every Family
While Italy is a consistently popular family destination, consider venturing beyond the usual tourist hotspots to the Dolomites in Northern Italy. This stunning mountain range, a top place to travel for adventurous families, offers a wealth of year-round activities and breathtaking scenery. Known to Italians as a prime destination for family fun and luxury holidays, the Dolomites feature dramatic limestone cliffs, charming villages, and world-class skiing.
Often overlooked by international visitors, the Dolomites are poised to become more popular as Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” co-hosts the 2026 Winter Olympics. Preparations throughout 2025 will bring infrastructure improvements, including expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, benefiting families who enjoy winter sports. New and modernized lifts and cable cars will make accessing the slopes easier and more convenient for families.
The Dolomites are a top place to travel beyond the winter months as well. Spring, summer, and autumn offer excellent hiking trails, such as the new Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), a 170km trail connecting picturesque villages. For family relaxation, the luxury Aman Rosa Alpina hotel, reopening in 2025, will provide a lavish base for exploring the region. With activities for every season and stunning alpine landscapes, the Dolomites are a top place to travel for families seeking adventure and natural beauty before the Olympic crowds arrive.
Cortina d’Ampezzo Skiing: Hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina is a top place to travel for families who love skiing and winter sports.
4. Greenland: Arctic Wilderness Family Exploration
For families seeking a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, Greenland is a top place to travel in 2025. The world’s largest island, with its vast ice cap, majestic fjords, and unspoiled wilderness, offers unparalleled Arctic adventures. Stunning hiking, whale watching in summer, and dog sledding and aurora viewing in winter make Greenland a bucket-list destination for adventurous families.
Previously remote and challenging to reach, Greenland is becoming more accessible with the opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital city, and two more airports to follow in 2026. This improved accessibility makes Greenland a top place to travel for families who appreciate pristine nature and unique Inuit culture. Greenland is committed to sustainable tourism, encouraging mindful travel that respects its environment and local communities.
Greenland Icefjord Family View: Easier access to Greenland’s stunning Arctic landscapes makes it a top place to travel for adventurous families in 2025.
Nuuk itself is a modern town with a historic waterfront, museums, and art galleries, serving as a gateway to Greenland’s Arctic wonders. Further north, Ilulissat offers breathtaking icebergs and the UNESCO-recognized Icefjord. Southern Greenland, once settled by Vikings, features beautiful fjords and green hills dotted with sheep farms. Greenland is a top place to travel for families wanting to explore the extraordinary Arctic and create unforgettable, nature-focused memories.
5. Wales: Welcoming Families to Celtic Culture
For families looking to explore European culture and stunning landscapes without the crowds, Wales is a top place to travel in 2025. This gem within the UK, smaller and less crowded than England, boasts stunning national parks, medieval castles, and a rich Celtic heritage. 2025 is designated as the “Year of Croeso” (“Welcome”) in Wales, making it an especially inviting time for families to visit.
The Year of Croeso celebrates Welsh culture, language, and attractions, inviting families to experience “hwyl,” a Welsh word describing a deep sense of joy and immersion in the moment. Wales is committed to sustainable and culturally focused tourism, making it a top place to travel for families who value responsible travel. Tourism supports the revival of the Welsh language, and funds are being invested to enhance environmental sustainability across the nation.
Welsh Culture for Families: Wales’ Year of Croeso in 2025 highlights Welsh language and culture, making it a top place to travel for culturally immersive family experiences.
Wales is investing in mobility bikes to help families explore its wild side, and it’s home to the Wales Coast Path, the world’s only path that spans an entire country’s coastline. From hiking in national parks to exploring historic castles and immersing yourselves in Welsh culture, Wales offers a diverse and enriching family vacation experience, making it a top place to travel for families in 2025.
Wales Coast Path Family Hike: Wales’ coastal path offers stunning family hiking opportunities, making it a top place to travel for active families.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Rugged Family Road Trips
For families seeking vast, untamed landscapes and outdoor adventure, Western Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada is a top place to travel in 2025. Labrador, the mainland part of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a rugged region known for coastal villages, icebergs, forests, and waterfalls, steeped in over 9,000 years of history. The completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway in 2025, a 1,200km route, makes this remote area more accessible for family road trips.
This new circular route, Expedition 51, connects Labrador to multiple Canadian provinces and offers routes into the US and even France via St Pierre and Miquelon. To promote sustainable tourism, the Canadian government has invested in Parks Canada sites in Western Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2025, Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO site and former Basque whaling station, will unveil a new interactive boardwalk and visitor center. L’Anse aux Meadows, the site of the first Norse settlement in North America, is enhancing its facilities and ecological protections, while Gros Morne National Park will introduce exhibits highlighting its geology and wildlife.
Labrador Highway Family Adventure: The newly completed Trans-Labrador Highway makes it a top place to travel for family road trips and exploring Canada’s vast landscapes.
Western Newfoundland and Labrador is a top place to travel for families seeking outdoor adventures, historical exploration, and breathtaking natural beauty. From exploring national historic sites to driving through stunning landscapes, families can create unforgettable memories in this unique corner of Canada.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US: Gastronomic Family Delights
For families who are foodies and history enthusiasts, Tucson, Arizona, in the US, is a top place to travel in 2025. Tucson celebrates its 10th anniversary as the first US city designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and its 250th city anniversary this year. This city, originally part of Mexico, offers a rich multi-national history and deep-rooted Native American cultures, celebrated with events throughout the year, including a free event on August 23rd featuring traditional Mexican music and dance at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson.
Families can explore Tucson’s desert hiking trails and historic buildings like the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac Mission. The city’s commitment to sustainability is recognized by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement. The gardens near San Xavier del Bac are the oldest continuously cultivated soil in the US, dating back 4,000 years to Tohono O’odham ancestors.
Tucson Culinary History for Families: Tucson’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and its rich food history make it a top place to travel for foodie families.
Tucson’s unique food scene is a major draw, with city-of-gastronomy-certified restaurants and Heirloom Farmers Markets featuring local ingredients like chiltepin chilis, nopales, and prickly pear. For families wanting a blend of cultural history, outdoor activities, and exceptional food, Tucson is a top place to travel in 2025.
8. Western Australia: Family Fun Down Under
For families looking for an Australian adventure beyond the typical east coast destinations, Western Australia is a top place to travel in 2025. Perth, known as the world’s most isolated big city, is positioning itself as Australia’s western gateway with enhanced flight connections, including direct flights to Europe and new links to Asia. A $5 billion redevelopment of Perth Airport will further improve the travel experience.
But Western Australia is not just about Perth. Outside the city, vast landscapes encompass 12,500km of coastline, pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, karri forests, and unique wildlife. Families can explore the Swan Valley Wine Region near Perth or embark on a road trip on the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.
Western Australia Family Road Trip: With vast landscapes and pink lakes, Western Australia is a top place to travel for adventurous families seeking unique natural wonders.
Western Australia champions its cultural heritage through the Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, supporting authentic Indigenous-led experiences. Families can learn about ancient cultures on walking tours or 4WD foraging tours. Murujuga National Park, with ancient petroglyphs, is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status in 2025. With new infrastructure, boutique hotels in Fremantle, and unique stays in the Great Southern, Western Australia is redefining Australian travel, making it a top place to travel for families seeking diverse experiences.
Swan Valley Wine Region Family Outing: While known for wine, Swan Valley also offers family-friendly attractions, making Western Australia a top place to travel for varied family interests.
9. Sri Lanka: Island Wonders for Families
Sri Lanka, with its diverse landscapes from tea plantations to ancient temples and beaches, is a top place to travel for families seeking a variety of experiences. After recent economic challenges, Sri Lanka is focusing on tourism to rebuild, making it a welcoming and supportive destination for families in 2025.
New developments include the opening of the seven-star Aviyana Private Chalets in Kandy and a new family villa at Aarunya Nature Resort with stargazing features. A $1 billion mega-resort is opening in Colombo, and Sri Lanka’s new airline, Air Ceilão, will improve international access. The Good Travel Seal initiative promotes sustainable local businesses, aligning with family values of responsible travel.
Kandy Cultural Family Trip: Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy, is a top place to travel for families interested in history and culture.
Families can enjoy scenic train rides through mountainous interiors, explore Colombo and Galle, and discover the newly opened 300km Pekoe Trail for hiking through tea plantations. For adventurous families, self-drive tuk-tuk rentals offer a unique way to explore the island, directly supporting local owners. Sri Lanka offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and adventure, making it a top place to travel for families in 2025.
Sri Lanka Stargazing Family Vacation: Resorts like Aarunya Nature Resort make Sri Lanka a top place to travel for families who enjoy stargazing and nature.
10. Panama: Canal History and Family Adventures
Panama, celebrating 25 years of sovereignty over the Panama Canal in 2025, is a top place to travel for families interested in history and diverse landscapes. Beyond the canal, Panama offers jungles, islands, and forests to explore. New permanent exhibits at the Museo del Canal highlight Panama’s path to canal control, offering educational family experiences.
The Meaningful Travel Map to Panama, launched with Tourism Cares, makes it easy for families to find locally led travel experiences. Walking tours in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods offer cultural immersion. Families can visit La Pintada to see artisans weaving traditional Panama hats, a UNESCO-recognized practice. In El Valle de Anton, named a top community tourism village by UN Tourism, the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail provides hikes through cloud forests with views of both the Pacific and Caribbean.
Panama Canal Family History Trip: Panama City’s proximity to the Panama Canal and rich history make it a top place to travel for educational family vacations.
This newly opened trail is part of Panama’s 1,000 km of Trails project, promoting sustainable tourism in rural communities and showcasing Panama’s biodiversity. Panama offers a blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a top place to travel for families seeking enriching and adventurous experiences in 2025.
11. Rif Mountains, Morocco: Family Road Trip through Culture
Morocco, with its mountains, deserts, and ancient cities, is a popular North African destination. Following the Al Haouz earthquake in 2023, Morocco is actively rebuilding its tourism infrastructure, making it a welcoming top place to travel in 2025, especially for families looking to support its recovery. Road tripping through the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco offers a less crowded and culturally rich family experience.
The expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network in 2025-2027 will improve access, including a link from Rabat to Fez, a 1,300-year-old walled city in the Rif Mountains with a UNESCO World Heritage medina. From Fez, families can explore Moulay Idriss, an ancient hilltop village, and Ouezzane, a center of Sufism. Talassemtane National Park offers hiking through cedar forests and natural swimming holes, and Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl,” is famous for its blue buildings.
Chefchaouen Blue City Family Visit: Morocco’s “Blue Pearl,” Chefchaouen, offers unique cultural experiences for families, making it a top place to travel in 2025.
The Rif Mountains region offers a diverse family road trip through culture and nature, making it a top place to travel for families wanting to explore beyond Morocco’s more frequented destinations in 2025. Coastal villages like El Jebha and Tetouan offer relaxing stops along the Mediterranean coast.
12. Bradford, England: Cultural City Break for Families
For families seeking a cultural city break in the UK, Bradford, England, named the 2025 UK City of Culture, is a top place to travel. This northern English city is stepping into the spotlight with a year-long program of events, including the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum and celebrations of local cultural icons like artist David Hockney and the Brontë sisters.
Bradford’s program includes digital art, musical performances mixing electronic, folk, brass, and South Asian sounds, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural landscape. Historic enclaves like Little Germany and dramatic moors offer varied exploration for families. Bradford became Britain’s first UNESCO City of Film, serving as a setting for series like Peaky Blinders and films like The Railway Children.
Bradford City of Culture Family Trip: Bradford, UK’s City of Culture in 2025, offers a rich program of family-friendly cultural events and attractions, making it a top place to travel.
In 2025, Bradford offers a diverse range of experiences, from museums and art to music and outdoor activities, making it a top place to travel for families looking for a culturally rich and engaging UK city break. An interactive cookbook project celebrating recipes from local communities further highlights Bradford’s diverse and welcoming nature.
13. Jordan: Adventure Destination for Active Families
Jordan, home to breathtaking desert landscapes and the ancient city of Petra, is a top place to travel for families seeking adventure in the Middle East. Beyond historical sites, Jordan is emerging as a go-to destination for outdoor adventure activities. Despite regional tensions, Jordan is considered relatively safe for tourists, offering families a secure and enriching travel experience.
In 2023, the Wadi Rum Trail, a new 120km hiking path, opened, weaving through the iconic Wadi Rum desert. This community tourism project offers a sustainable way for families to explore the desert landscapes featured in films like Star Wars and Dune, promoting a slower pace of travel and supporting the local Bedouin community.
Jordan Family Adventure Travel: Jordan’s Wadi Rum and adventure activities make it a top place to travel for families seeking outdoor thrills in the Middle East.
Jordan boasts 33 protected land and marine ecosystems. Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve offers canyoning and hiking to waterfalls, while Dana Biosphere Reserve is home to diverse bird and mammal species. Aqaba Marine Reserve offers rich coral reefs and diving opportunities. Jordan is a top place to travel for families wanting a mix of adventure, history, and stunning natural landscapes.
14. Haa Valley, Bhutan: Sustainable Family Seclusion
Bhutan, known for its sustainability and Gross National Happiness, is a top place to travel for families seeking a unique and mindful travel experience. The Haa Valley, a pristine region bordering Tibet, has long been Bhutan’s best-kept secret, untouched by mass tourism. Opening to foreigners in 2002, it remains a secluded and culturally distinct destination.
Haa Valley is now balancing preservation with thoughtful tourism development. Families can explore its beauty through the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, the new Haa Panorama Trail, and the Joy Bay Tsho Trek. Sustainable, locally run homestays and eco-accommodations like Katsho Eco Camp and Sangwa Camp offer immersive cultural experiences.
Bhutan Sustainable Family Trip: Haa Valley in Bhutan offers unique cultural experiences and sustainable tourism, making it a top place to travel for eco-conscious families.
Haa’s commitment to sustainable tourism provides families with authentic glimpses into rural Bhutanese life and Bon rituals. Rare experiences include breakfast in Bhutan’s strict nature reserve, home to red pandas and snow leopards. With Bhutan’s Sustainable Daily Fee halved through 2027, this once-secluded paradise is more accessible while maintaining its low-impact tourism approach, making it a top place to travel for families seeking sustainable and culturally rich experiences.
Bhutan Homestay Family Experience: Locally run homestays in Haa Valley offer families authentic cultural immersion, making it a top place to travel for cultural family experiences.
15. Hawaii, US: Responsible Family Rebuilding
Hawaii, recovering from devastating wildfires on Maui, is a top place to travel for families who want to support responsible tourism and contribute to community rebuilding. More than a year after the wildfires, visitor numbers are down, and local businesses are asking travelers to return responsibly.
The Mālama Hawaii program encourages visitors to “give back” through volunteer opportunities, ranging from forest restoration to helping Maui families. In exchange for volunteering, families receive discounted or free stays at hotels and resorts across the islands, including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
Hawaii Family Volunteer Vacation: Supporting Hawaii’s recovery through responsible tourism and volunteer opportunities makes it a top place to travel for families who want to give back.
By participating in the Mālama Hawaii program, families can make a positive impact while enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty and hospitality, making it a top place to travel for families seeking meaningful travel experiences. This program allows families to combine vacation with contributing to the community’s recovery.
16. Uzbekistan: Modern Culture Meets Ancient History for Families
Uzbekistan, with a young and vibrant population, is a top place to travel for families interested in culture and history along the Silk Road. A new generation is blending modern art and culture with ancient traditions, making Uzbekistan an engaging destination for families. The country is investing in tourism infrastructure, including new hotels, train routes, and cultural attractions.
Uzbekistan will host its first major international biennial, the Bukhara Biennial, in September 2025. Other cultural developments include an expansion of the State Museum of Arts and the restoration of the Palace of Prince Romanov. Visa-free travel for citizens of over 90 countries makes Uzbekistan more accessible than ever.
Uzbekistan Cultural Family Exploration: Uzbekistan’s blend of modern and ancient culture makes it a top place to travel for families interested in Silk Road history and contemporary arts.
Uzbekistan is promoting green tourism and has launched the Silk Road railway tour, connecting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. For families seeking a culturally rich and historically significant destination, Uzbekistan is a top place to travel in 2025, offering a unique blend of old and new.
17. Haida Gwaii, Canada: Indigenous Culture and Nature Immersion for Families
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, is a top place to travel for families seeking profound connections with nature and Indigenous culture. These ecologically rich islands, home to the Haida People for millennia, offer breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.
The groundbreaking Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement in 2025 marks a significant moment for Indigenous rights in Canada, recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation as the governing body. This legislation revitalizes Haida culture and strengthens environmental stewardship, making Haida Gwaii a model for sustainable and culturally respectful tourism.
Haida Gwaii Indigenous Family Travel: Haida Gwaii’s focus on Indigenous culture and environmental stewardship makes it a top place to travel for families seeking cultural immersion and nature.
Families can explore abandoned Haida villages like SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and encounter unique wildlife, including the Haida Gwaii black bear. Visitors are introduced to Haida Laws, including Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid (“everything depends on everything else”), emphasizing shared responsibility for the Earth. Haida Gwaii is a top place to travel for families seeking a deeply meaningful and culturally immersive experience in nature.
18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua: Family Beach and Surf Adventure
Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, with rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and the historic city of Granada, is a top place to travel for families seeking adventure and natural beauty in Central America. The new Carretera Costanera highway, completing in 2025, will link 53 beaches along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, making the Emerald Coast more accessible.
This new highway will improve access from Managua to surf hubs like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, known for world-class surfing. The Costanera aims to boost Nicaragua’s economy through tourism, making it a welcoming and supportive destination for families.
Nicaragua Emerald Coast Family Surf Trip: Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, with new highway access, is a top place to travel for families who love beaches and surfing.
Families can learn to surf at local surf camps, stay in rainforest treehouses, and visit Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor to witness turtle nesting. Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast offers a blend of adventure, nature, and cultural exploration, making it a top place to travel for families seeking an off-the-beaten-path Central American destination.
Granada Colonial Family City Trip: Nicaragua’s historic city of Granada offers cultural and historical family exploration, making it a top place to travel in conjunction with the Emerald Coast.
19. Isle of Man: Unique Island Family Escape
The Isle of Man, located between the UK and Ireland, is a self-governing island with a distinct character, making it a top place to travel for families seeking a unique European island escape. Not part of the Commonwealth, it boasts the world’s oldest continuous parliament, the Tynwald, and is committed to sustainable tourism.
Rich in ancient historical sites like Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen, the Isle of Man was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere in 2016 for its environmental preservation and cultural heritage. In 2025, the new Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre National Reserve offers families birdwatching opportunities. The 175th anniversary of Okell’s Brewery will be celebrated throughout 2025 with tasting tours.
Isle of Man Family Hiking Vacation: Exploring the Isle of Man on foot offers stunning coastal and mountain scenery, making it a top place to travel for active families.
Exploring the Isle of Man on foot is a great way to appreciate its diverse landscapes, from English fields to Irish hills and Scottish-like peaks. Hiking events and trails abound, offering family-friendly outdoor activities. The Isle of Man offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a top place to travel for families seeking an offbeat island destination.
20. Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan Region: Mountain Family Adventure
Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, home to some of the world’s highest mountains, is a top place to travel for adventurous families seeking breathtaking mountain scenery and unique cultural experiences. Despite being one of the world’s most populated nations, Pakistan remains an undiscovered gem for many travelers.
Responsible tourism initiatives and sustainable efforts are making northern Pakistan more accessible to eco-conscious visitors. Salam Pakistan, the national tourism brand, simplifies visa applications and bookings. Gilgit-Baltistan, dubbed “heaven’s gate,” offers lush valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Hunza Valley, Deosai plains, and Shangri-La-esque lakes provide stunning landscapes for family exploration.
Pakistan Mountain Family Trek: Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan offers incredible mountain trekking and adventure opportunities for families, making it a top place to travel for thrill-seeking families.
The Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border will be operational year-round starting in 2025, offering even more accessibility. For families seeking unparalleled mountain adventures and cultural immersion, Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region is a top place to travel in 2025.
21. Azores: Volcanic Island Family Nature Escape
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, are a top place to travel for families seeking unique volcanic landscapes and marine wildlife. Known for hot springs, lakes, and lava tubes, the Azores offer dramatic black-sand beaches and excellent whale watching. In 2025, the Azores will be home to Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary, safeguarding deep-sea corals, sharks, and whales.
This marine protected area enhances the Azores as a top place to travel for families interested in marine conservation and whale watching. Families can participate in sustainable marine research expeditions. Furnas Valley, with active volcanoes, offers hot spring hopping and botanical gardens. Terra Nostra Park and its Garden Hotel, dating back to 1775, provide a green retreat with thermal pools.
Azores Volcanic Family Vacation: The Azores islands offer unique volcanic landscapes and marine life, making it a top place to travel for nature-loving families.
Families can sample cozido das Furnas, a local stew cooked underground using volcanic heat, and visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation, Gorreana Tea Factory. The Azores offer a unique blend of volcanic landscapes, marine life, and sustainable tourism, making it a top place to travel for nature-loving families in 2025.
Azores Marine Conservation Family Trip: The Azores’ commitment to marine conservation and whale watching makes it a top place to travel for families interested in marine ecosystems.
22. Kansas City, Missouri, US: Family-Friendly Cultural Rebirth
Kansas City, Missouri, is rebranding itself as a top cultural destination in 2025, making it a surprising and engaging place to travel for families in the US. Known as “Paris of the Plains,” Kansas City is highlighting its arts scene and barbeque culture, with urban revitalization plans including new museums, entertainment districts, and hotels.
The Museum of BBQ, the world’s first dedicated to smoked meat, will open in spring 2025 at Crown Center, offering an immersive experience into Kansas City’s barbeque culture. The Berkley Riverfront is developing new dining, shops, and apartments. Kansas City International Airport completed renovations in 2023, and upgrades to the KC Streetcar will improve access to city attractions.
Kansas City Cultural Family Getaway: Kansas City’s revitalized cultural scene and family-friendly attractions make it a top place to travel for a US city break in 2025.
The Rock Island Bridge will reopen in spring 2025 as a new entertainment district. Kansas City offers a revitalized cultural scene, family-friendly attractions, and renowned barbeque, making it a top place to travel for a US city break in 2025.
23. Bolivia: Bicentennial Family Celebrations
Bolivia, celebrating its 200th anniversary in August 2025, is a top place to travel for families seeking cultural festivals and unique landscapes in South America. Anniversary events and attractions will be held throughout the year in its nine regional capitals.
The Oruro Carnival, from February 24 to March 5, is a UNESCO Heritage event with folk-dance parades. In Potosí, families can experience bicentennial singani, a local spirit with a rich history. Bolivia has the largest proportion of Indigenous people in South America, and Chuquisaca (Sucre), Bolivia’s prettiest city, is home to many Quechua peoples, with the Museo de Arte Indígena showcasing ancient textile traditions.
Bolivia Bicentennial Family Trip: Bolivia’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2025, combined with unique landscapes, make it a top place to travel for culturally rich family experiences.
Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol offer stunning landscapes and Aymara culture. Community-based tourism networks, like Chalalan Ecolodge in Madidi National Park, provide eco-friendly family experiences in the Amazon. Bolivia’s bicentennial year makes it a top place to travel for families seeking cultural immersion and natural beauty.
24. Botswana: Sustainable Safari Family Adventure
Botswana, known as Africa’s leader in green safari tourism, is a top place to travel for families seeking sustainable and immersive wildlife experiences. With vast wildlife reserves and a focus on low-impact ecotourism, Botswana is increasingly accessible, offering visa-free entry to visitors from many countries.
Botswana is home to Chobe National Park, the “Elephant Capital of the World,” and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta, a vast wetland and haven for diverse wildlife. New openings in the Okavango Delta include the solar-powered Mbamba Camp and Monachira Camp, offering luxury and family-friendly wildlife adventures like walking safaris and mokoro canoe rides.
Botswana Family Safari Adventure: Botswana, known as the “Elephant Capital,” offers incredible wildlife viewing and sustainable safari experiences, making it a top place to travel for adventurous families.
New Air Botswana routes in 2025 will connect Gaborone to Cape Town, improving access. Botswana offers sustainable and luxurious safari experiences, making it a top place to travel for families seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa.
Okavango Delta Luxury Family Safari: Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a premier safari destination, offering luxury and family-friendly wildlife experiences, making it a top place to travel for safari enthusiasts.
25. Oslo, Norway: Sustainable City and Nature Family Blend
Oslo, Norway, a sustainable and walkable capital, is a top place to travel for families seeking a blend of city life and easy access to nature. Oslo is promoting itself as a walkable city with world-class dining and easy access to fjords and islands, contrasting with overtouristed European capitals. Known for modern architecture and green spaces, Oslo is a sustainable city that encourages responsible tourism.
Visit Oslo Responsibly guidelines and the Green Oslo Guide promote sustainable tourism practices. Hotels with green roofs and local businesses like the Norwegian Adventure Company, offering sustainable experiences like fjord kayaking and Northern Lights tours, exemplify Oslo’s commitment to sustainability.
Oslo Sustainable Family City Trip: Oslo, Norway, a sustainable and walkable city with access to nature, is a top place to travel for eco-conscious families seeking a European city break.
Farm-to-table restaurants like Michelin-starred Maaemo highlight local organic produce. Oslo offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a top place to travel for families seeking a sustainable and enriching European city experience in 2025. Explore if Oslo is “even a city” and discover its unique charm for your family vacation.
