Epic Family Adventure Holidays

Hi, I'm Chani.

Growing up my parents believed life's lessons were learnt through experience, so my little sister & I were regularly bundled into the back of a converted high-ace with seat belts fashioned from trouser braces pinned to the ceiling, and off we'd go, for months at a time on epic road trips across Ireland, Europe and even into Africa.

I never lost the thrill of stepping into a new smell, so I continued travelling into my adulthood, living in all 5 continents and visiting more than 50 countries. After 14 years as a travel consultant with Trailfinders, I took the leap to capture by dreams by becoming a professional photographer & blogger.

As mum myself to three wonderful bambinos, I believe my parents had the right idea and I have continued to explore the planet & Capture the Adventure with my own ducklings in tow.

For me the perfect family holiday balances culture, exploration, new experiences and relaxation. It's important to me that my children don't just see the tourist attractions but get off the beaten track to meet the real people and understand the impact our travel makes on their lives & the environment, both good & bad.

If you are ready to take your gang on an epic adventure of your own, and are looking for some encouragment & inspiration then you've come to the right place. Read on to discover my personal favourite long haul destinations to get the juices flowing.

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My Top Ten

Epic Family Adventure Holidays

1. The Canadian Rockies

2. Ecuador

3. Mexico

4. New Zealand

5. Peninsular Malaysia

6. Egypt

7. Belize

8. Sri Lanka

9. Borneo

10. Thailand

1: The Canadian Rockies

If you are looking for epic, well it doesn't get any grander than The Canada Rockies. Snow-capped peaks, glittering lakes, cosmopolitan cities and a plethora of activities, make this one incredible family adventure holiday destination.

Starting in Calgary you might spot some real cowboys in action at their famous rodeo, or take a detour to see some Jurassic fossils at the Dinosaur Provincial Park.

The Driving distances can be long and it is relatively expensive which is why renting a campervan is the ideal way to see the country, it also means you can make the most of the National Park campsites.

My gang loved the nightly smores by the campfire, with the possibility of spotting bears or even a moose in the shadows.

After action packed days spent mountain biking, skiing, rafting, zip-lining, horse-riding or hiking you can visit one of the many hot springs and soak your tired muscles, or take a ride in a Gondola for a family selfie against one of the most scenic backdrops you will ever experience.

2: Ecuador

South America is an awesome continent but distances are vast and the travel can be arduous so if taking your family for a limited time I recommend sticking to one country.

For me Ecuador is perfect, despite its compact size it is ecologically diverse, meaning you can have breakfast in a sparse Andean plateau surrounded by Volcanos, llamas & hot springs, lunch in the hummingbird filled Mindo Cloud forest and dinner deep in the Amazon Rainforest.

Thrill seekers will love rafting through the Amazon jungle in Tena or surfing the pacific waves in Montanita.

For some culture explore the colonial centre of Quito, a UNESCO world heritage site or sample a grilled Cuy (guinea pig) at the colourful indigenous market in Otavalo.

Wildlife lovers shouldn't miss the chance of spotting a speckled bear or Andean Condor in Podocarpus National Park.

All that and I haven't even mentioned the Galapagos Islands for the bucket list tickers, but that's a whole other blog!

3: Mexico

Mexico is alive with a rich history, vibrant festivals such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and colourful traditions like piñatas & parties which revolve around the most wonderful food, (you have not experienced drool until you have tasted a ripe Mexican avocado). Family is so important to Mexicans that doors open and the Bienvenidos are plentiful when you are travelling with little ones.

Tourists flock to the beaches and the hotels which line the Mexican Riviera, while not usually my cup of tea I have to say Mexico's All Inclusive resorts are fairly impressive and great value.

However the Yucutan peninsula is also home to thousands of archeologic sites including the unmissable Tulum and Chitzen Itza.

For submersion in a natural wonders the cenotes offer a completely unique swimming experience, or just off the coast the second largest barrier reef in the world. Islands like Cozumel are a diving paradise, time it right and you can find yourself swimming with hundreds of migrating whale sharks.

Further south the Bacalar lagoon offers a much quieter experience where you can kayak in the mangroves and for the chilli in the salsa, I definitely recommend a few days in Mexico City, where you can visit the vast Teotihuacán pyramids & the impressive Museum of Anthropology.

4: New Zealand

I think I'm cheating a bit including New Zealand as I lived there for 2 years rather than visiting it on holiday, but I couldn't bring myself to preclude middle earth from my list.

First & foremost New Zealanders are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, parents & children alike will feel at ease in this safe and friendly country.

The North Island is rich in culture. learn about the country's indigenous people through cultural experiences such as haka performances in Rotarua, where you visit also visit the bubbling sulphur pits of Hells Gate & cover your loved ones in stinky mud.

Moving south everyone will be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes. From towering mountains to crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, rivers, dormant volcanos and lush forests, New Zealand has it all.

Kids can explore the country's many national parks and reserves and learn about the unique flora and fauna, like the near extinct Kiwi bird.

The coastal waters are home to a diverse range of marine wildlife, including penguins, dolphins, and seals.

When everyone has had enough of the learning, then there are plenty of activities to push the limits for every level of adventurer and in every session, from hiking and kayaking to water-skiing and snowboarding.

Exploring New Zealand properly means covering lots of ground and like Canada it is also relatively expensive, so I recommend considering making this a campervan adventure.

5: Malaysia

Often overshadowed as a destination by its more popular neighbours North & South, This Southeast Asian gem is bursting with natural wonders, cultural marvels, and heart-pumping activities that will leave families awe-inspired and craving for more.

From the lush rainforests of Taman Negara to the breath-taking undulation of the Cameroon Highlands, mainland Malaysia offers a wealth of opportunities for families to embark on thrilling treks, spot exotic wildlife, get the adrenaline pumping with some river rafting, and even embark on a canopy walk to get a bird's eye view of the stunning scenery

The history of Malaysia is as unique & captivating as the landscape, and inhaling the cultural heritage with its diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. is as easy as eating when visiting Kuala Lumper or the UNESCO heritage listed cities of Malacca & Georgetown.

For those seeking aquatic adventures, the stunning islands of Langkawi and Tioman are a paradise for snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports.

Families can also embark on a thrilling boat tour to witness the mesmerizing fireflies of Kuala Selangor or take a river cruise to spot wildlife in the mangroves. There are also world-class theme parks like Legoland and Sunway Lagoon for some thrills & spills of the manmade variety.

Oh and did I mention the hotels are out of this world and very affordable, its no wonder this was where I spent my honeymoon back in 2016 (with a toddler in tow!)

6: Egypt

If ever a country was rich in awe inspiring ancient monuments then it is Egypt. For any budding historian it is an absolute must see, but you might be surprised by the diversity of activities this warm and welcoming country has to offer both adults & children alike.

Firstly, let's talk about the iconic Pyramids of Giza. The pyramids are one of the most famous landmarks in the world, explore the ancient structures early in the day before the crowds arrive or even better try a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids and witness a breathtaking sunrise from the sky.

My kids aren't lovers of museums but the mummies in Egyptian Museum in Cairo held them spellbound for an entire afternoon.

The journey is as exciting as the destination in Egypt as you travel across the Giza Plateau by Camel, by overnight train to Luxor, where Karnak Temple & the Valley of the Kings can be explored then on to Aswan by felucca or cruise boat down the Nile.

For an adrenaline rush, go sandboarding in the desert, or quad biking over the dunes, and finish up in a Red Sea resort for beach time or some world famous snorkelling & diving.

7: Belize

Belize with its welcoming English-speaking locals and relatively small size, is easy to navigate and enjoy, making it a wonderful destination for a family adventure holiday (my husband's favourite!)

Spend time in the Cayes, lounging on pristine beaches with rustic Caribbean vibes. diving in the world's second-largest barrier reef, or snorkelling in the safe, shallow waters of Shark Alley where you can mingle with colourful fish, sharks, and sea turtles in crystal clear waters.

Then head inland to the Cayo district to explore ancient Mayan ruins & climb to the top of ancient pyramids at sites like Xunantunich or pretend you are Indiana Jones at the ATM Cave.

For thrill seekers don't miss zip-lining through the jungle, cave tubing in the underworld & sinking into the abyss with your scuba gear at the Blue Hole!

8: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with stunning beaches, lush green hills, and abundant wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. Families can step through the ages by visiting the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa with its hundreds of resident monkeys. Then onto Kandy to marvel with the locals at Buddha's tooth.

A beautiful train journey through tea plantations will eventually lead to the coast, where the waves are perfect for surfing & the whale watching is pretty awesome too. Visit the picturesque town of Galle or just relax in one of the many boutique beach hotels.

If wildlife is your bag you can go on a safari in one of the National parks, perhaps even spotting some wild elephants or an allusive Leopard in Yala National Park.

On top of all that Sri Lanka is one of the most affordable countries on my list making it great value for families on a budget.

9: Borneo

Borneo is a giant, rugged island in Southeast Asia, yet travelling through the Malaysian territories of Sabah & Sarawak is relatively easy. It’s known for its beaches and ancient, biodiverse rainforest. It is home to fascinating Indigenous Tribes including the notorious Head-hunters and endangered wildlife including orangutans, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hornbills.

Stay in a Jungle Lodge in Sabah where you can spend your days floating down the Kinabatangan river or hiking through the jungle trying to spot some of these incredible animals in their natural habitat, or visit one of the many orangutan sanctuaries, where you can see these majestic primates up close.

Hike in the Mount Kinabalu national park and marvel at its towering peak or soak in the nearby poring hot springs. Sample some local Laksa or try a bambagan in one of the local markets. Visit local villages or maybe stay a night on Turtle Island to see the young green hatchlings wobble their way to the ocean

After all that remember to leave enough time to laze on the beautiful beaches and take in the incredible underwater scenery snorkelling in Tunku Abdul National Marine Park

10: Thailand

So I've saved my favourite for last. Thailand for me epitomises all the things that make an ideal family holiday, my difficulty is trying to narrow it down to which 2 or 3 areas you should visit on one trip (which is probably why I have been there 12 times!)

The beaches of the Malay penninsula are a must see, which one you pick is down to how busy you like it and when you are going, I prefer the less touristy islands like Koh Yao-Noi or Koh Lanta but there are great resorts in Khoa Lak & Koh Samui for families, Phuket is convenient & Krabi offers great activities like rock-climbing and Kayaking in the mangroves.

Both Bangkok & Chiang Mai are meccas for cultural wonders like palaces, night markets and more temples than you can shake a stick at. Famous for its food, sampling deep fried crickets at a roadside food stall or doing a family cooking class are both unforgettable experiences (for different reasons!)

For adventure take your pick, elephants & jungle safaris in Khao Sok National park, indiginous tribal villages & hiking in the Golden Triangle, History & the death rail in Kanchanaburi, Rafting & waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, scuba diving in Koh Tao, the choice is endless.

Now it's time to get packing!

So you've read my list, it's by no means definitive, and there are plenty of places that I am yet to visit. Jordan, Japan & Costa Rica, to name just a few,. But The aim of this blog is to give you some inspiration and hopefully encouragement that travelling to far flung destinations with little ones is not just possible but hugely rewarding and enjoyable for everyone if planned properly, just remember to always check up to date government advise on travel & safety for specific countries before confirming any plans!

I would love to hear your own experiences and favourite destinations in the comments below.

Over the next few months I will be publishing an individual post on each country, with a suggested itinerary and ideas on where to stay. I will also be launching 'Capture the Weekend' & 'Capture the Day' blogs with ideas for breaks in Europe & Ireland.

If you would like the heads up each time I publish a new blog subscribe below.

And come follow me on Instagram @captures.the.adventure to be part of my adventures as they unfold!

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