Exciting yet frustrating, fun-filled yet a task of sorts; travelling with your little ones can be all this and so much more. That’s why, when the destination itself is interesting, unique and full of happening activities, half the battle is won right there. So starting with Prague and ending at South Africa, here are the amazing, yet largely unexplored, destinations you can plan for in 2018.
A European hotspot and full of charming little lanes and alleyways, Prague is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, brilliant art galleries, exciting neighbourhoods and unique sights such as the Lego museum, coupled with a quaint fairytale ambience. Here, your little ones can befriend the animals at the famous Prague zoo, explore the Petřín, the classic outdoor play area, with a host of exciting sights for little eyes, go for a joy-ride on one of the many trams, experience kiddie nirvana at the Toy Museum and experience the best of international cuisine.
Moving on to Italy, let your little ones’ history books come to life with a tour of the magnificent Colosseum, the legendary ruins of Pompeii and the awe-inspiring Leaning Tower of Pisa. In this fabulously beautiful country, you and your little ones can explore subterranean ruins, breathtaking seaside scapes and towns, gladiator battlefields, thermal pools, coastal caves and so much more. You can also climb a volacano in Sicily or Naples, go on a behind-the-scenes tour of an authentic pizzeria or enjoy a peaceful Venetian boatride. Complete with cultural riches, endless feasts, spectacular landscapes and an unending style quotient, Italy is definitely a destination you cannot ignore.
If Europe is already off your bucket list though, and if you’re in the mood for something more offbeat and exciting, then check out the other-worldly sights of Iceland. Right from the smoking geysers, bubbling mud pots, gigantic waterfalls, live volcanoes, thermal pools and the amazing Northern Lights, Iceland is the perfect option for some unique family fun.
For little ones fascinated by fairytales and magic, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Florida or Disney World is where you should be. Step into majestic Hogwarts, explore Hogsmeade village, enter the magical Diagon Alley, dine at the Leaky Cauldron, ride the thrilling rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom or have the time of your life at the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Last, but not the least, step into Vietnam and give your kids a chance to experience life as a Viet Cong soldier at the Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy the vibrant fruit orchards, coconut farms and honey bee hives of the Mekong Delta, get a taste of a bygone era at Angkor Wat and explore the charming lanes and quaint shops of Hanoi.
“As parents, the first thing we think about while making travelling plans is what would work best for our little ones,” says Viren Batra, co-founder of Nirvana Travel. “Most of the time, we tend to go with tried and tested options that we know will work, and shy away from experimenting. But when you know the best child-friendly destinations out there, and have a reliable travel firm on hand, there’s really nothing to stop you from ticking the world off your bucket list.”