World's Best Family Destinations

Going on a holiday with your family, no matter what age or size, means that all members of the clan should have a great time (yes, even you!). Goway’s family tours offer thrilling activities for the kids, plenty of adult relaxation, and a certain "wow" factor that leaves each member of the family with rich and unforgettable memories. Not all family travel destinations are created equal, and after 40 years in the business we’ve seen some clear winners emerge from the map. The following five countries offer top-tier travel experiences that will captivate your little ones faster than than they can say, “Are we there yet?”

Exceptional Ecuador In Ecuador’s eco-rich Galapagos islands, families get up close and personal with rare and endangered animals found nowhere else on the planet. Here on the islands that inspired Charles Darwin, animals have no fear of humans. From land or sea, your family can safely swim with sea lions, cross paths with the world’s coolest lizards, snorkel with sea turtles, visit penguin colonies, and meet enormous tortoises. Where else in the world can your kids get up close and personal with a blue-footed booby? Back on Ecuador’s mainland, the vibrant capital, Quito, is safer than ever. The city’s Intinan (Equatorial) Museum sits directly on the equator, giving families a geography and science lesson while having a blast. Travel deeper into Ecuador and take your family on a tropical cruise adventure to explore the biological wonders of the Amazon rainforest. Suggested Itinerary: 5-Day Cruising the Galapagos - Majestic 10-Day Value Ecuador

Fun-Loving Fiji Simply put, Fijians LOVE children. The warm and delightful interactions that your family will get from Fijian tour guides, hotel staff, and locals alone will elevate your travel experience from pleasant to superb. Fiji’s family-friendly islands, Castaway and Malolo, are highly recommended. Both located in the Mamanuca Islands, these secluded spots are a true tropical paradise. With your nearest and dearest in tow, you’ll relax on white sand beaches, swim in crystalline seas, and explore fabulous coral gardens and azure lagoons. Rest your head in traditionally thatched Fijian-style bures - nestled in lush tropical gardens and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Only 50 minutes from the airport, these islands are the perfect place to unwind and indulge in a tropical menu sourced from local organic ingredients. Suggested Itineraries: Castaway Island - 4 Days Malolo Island Resort - 4 Days

Tranquil Thailand Often called the land of smiles, Thailand is Asia’s ultimate family destination. With opulent palaces, magical temples and bustling markets to explore, along with opportunities to meet elephants and interact with the creatures of the Thai jungle, this place truly has it all. At Elephant Hills, your family will get a unique experience in a luxury jungle camp in Khao Sok National Park, a tropical rainforest in Central Thailand. Wake up to the sounds of nature and birds calling from the bushes close to your tent and sit by the campfire at night to share travel tales of the rainforest. Participate in the "Elephant Experience," where you feed and interact with the camp’s gentle giants, and embark on a jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River. Once your clan is ready for some down time, Thailand’s stunning beaches will seduce you all. The pristine beaches of Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Khao Lak, Phi Phi, and Lanta make the best places for a family beach escape. Whether you swim, snorkel or simply relax, time seems to stand still in this magical land. Suggested Itineraries: 3-Day Elephant Hills Beach and Rainforest Nature Safari 10-Day Thailand for Families

Awe-Inspiring Australia Australia is brimming with jaw-dropping natural gems, thrilling wildlife, and first-rate attractions. Hug koala bears, hop with wild kangas on Kangaroo Island and learn to surf on Bondi Beach. The family travel options in Australia are excitingly endless. On Australia’s stunning Sunshine Coast, family travellers get a behind-the-scenes tour of Australia Zoo, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s living legend. During a day spent at this exotic animal extravaganza, kids can feed kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, and the animals stroll around the grounds with their keepers. Kids and adults will be delighted by the interactive Tiger Temple, Elephantasia and ‘Crocoseum’ exhibits. Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef makes a fabulous trip. Here, kids stay and eat free, and the whole family can take a thrilling helicopter ride over the sparkling reef. In Sydney, kids can do the Harbour Bridge Climb and experience panoramic views atop the Australian icon. The Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Experience is a hit with adventurous kids who want to ride speedy jet boats around Sydney’s scenic harbour. Suggested Itineraries: 11-Day Aussie Adventure 6-Day Kangaroos and Koalas

All Natural New Zealand This gem of a country is a perennial favourite with parents and kids. A land of natural extremes, the New Zealand has mountains and ocean, volcanoes and ice, adrenaline activities, and fantasy fun, all within its island borders. Suggested Itineraries: 11-Day Aussie Kiwi Explorer 9-Day Kia Ora Getaway

By Carolyn Weppler