Where To Go in 2018: Your Family’s Travel Guide for the New Year
Whether you’re ready to take the kids on their first international trip, or you simply want to plan a couple weekends away, we’ve got you covered. From Anchorage to Oman, there is an adventure for everyone. Here’s your family’s travel bucket list for 2018.
1. SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
If you want to give your kids a travel experience that they’ll never forget, take them to Siem Reap in Cambodia. The ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat is fascinating for both children and adults alike. Kids will love climbing around the temple ruins while parents will revel in the history there. Cambodia also happens to be one of the most affordable destinations in Asia, so it’s one to consider if you’re on a budget.
Photo by Tara Molloy
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2. TORONTO, CANADA
While Canada is well known for its beautiful mountains and plentiful outdoor activities, its cities are also worth exploring. Dinosaur-obsessed kids will love the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, and parents will appreciate its world-class dining scene.
4. BURKINA FASO
While South Africa and Botswana have exploded in popularity in the past few years, less has been said about West Africa. Burkina Faso is a fascinating country that’s relatively free of tourists and full of natural beauty. Check out the Sindou Peaks and Karfiguela Waterfalls in the southwest, then head to Bobo-Dioulasso. This city offers a glimpse into the culture of Burkina Faso, from the Grand Mosque to the open-air Grand Marché.
5. TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES
While the coasts of the USA tend to get the most attention, there are plenty of places in the middle of the country that are worth checking out. Tennessee is a particularly fun spot for families, with country music–loving cities like Nashville and Memphis and the majestic beauty of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This state also has a fairly temperate climate, so you can visit year round.
6. BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA
If the hustle and bustle of Seoul sounds like too much to handle, head down to Korea’s more relaxed city in the south. Busan is a beach town that’s also filled with Buddhist temples and opportunities for gorgeous hiking. While there’s a decent expat population there, it’s still relatively untouched by Western tourism.
Photo by Tara Molloy
Have you been to South Korea with your kids? Become a contributor and share your travel tips with other parents!
7. HAMPI, INDIA
India is such a massive country that it can be daunting to plan a family trip there. Make it more manageable by choosing a region to explore, like South India. Here you’ll find the city of Chennai, tropical rainforests and the ruins of Hampi. While India can be overwhelming, the Vijaya Vittala Temple and nearby Tungabhadra River are well worth braving the crowds.
8. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Anchorage is a great launching point for exploring the rest of Alaska, but it’s also a destination in itself. Kids will love the Alaska Zoo and Eagle River Nature Center, which offers hands-on workshops for children of all ages. And the whole family will appreciate the stunning beauty of Anchorage, from Reflections Lake to Byron Glacier.
9. OMAN
Oman is a tiny country in the Middle East that boasts every type of terrain imaginable: secluded beaches, rugged mountains and mesmerizing sand dunes. It’s a safe country that remains off the radar for most tourists, making it a great place to consider visiting in 2018.
10. ICELAND
Iceland may be filled with glaciers, but it’s quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations in the world for families. Bursting with steaming lagoons and crystal clear crater lakes, its natural beauty is unlike anywhere else in the world. The best part? It’s such a small country that it’s easy to manage a trip here with little ones.
