As keen travellers and parents, several team members at The Adventure Connection know very well both the challenges and rewards of a long-haul travel experience spent with the family.
Choosing the right destination and designing a comprehensive itinerary can be a challenging and sometimes daunting task for tour operators, especially when it comes to remote places and foreign cultures. This is also why having a reliable and knowledgeable local partner is crucial for offering a distinctive product that will make you stand out.
We are proud to work with companies spanning Africa, Asia and Latin America that have the necessary expertise to offer itineraries for both adults and families.
Here's a selection of long-haul destinations and the DMCs that you can trust to create engaging and enjoyable family adventures.
In Latin America...
1. Go wild in Costa Rica
A pioneer of both eco-travel and adventure travel, Costa Rica is all about having fun in the wilderness. It is an ideal place for children to experience the magic of the rainforests and learn about the importance of conservation (not to mention getting close up and personal with some interesting creepie-crawlies!).
One of the longest-established DMCs in Costa Rica is locally-based Swiss Travel, offering thrilling adventure activities suitable for families. For active experiences, they recommend visiting the iconic Arenal Volcano National Park, where families can go zip-lining, take a 'hanging bridges' tour or a safari float trip on the Peñas Blancas River. Their top picks for nature and wildlife observation are the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Tortuguero National Park, where visitors can see monkeys and caimans and witness the nesting or hatching of seasonal sea turtles.
Families preferring beach areas will have a great time in the Guanacaste province, known for its stunning beaches and endless swimming, snorkelling and water-sports opportunities.
To learn more about Swiss Travel, visit their webpage or get in touch with our Latin America specialist Amanda Sweeney at amanda@theadventureconnection.com
2. Spend memorable times in Argentina
Argentina, with its diverse landscapes, incredible adventure offerings and friendly locals, is a wonderful place for a family holiday for children of varying age groups. Destinations such as Buenos Aires, the Pampas, Iguazu Waterfalls and the vast lakes and open spaces of Patagonia are ideal for family-friendly experiences, keeping everyone entertained.
ALCHEMY DMC is a local company committed to offering the most exclusive adventure tours in the country. When it comes to memorable family adventures, their top recommendations include treasure hunts among the Patagonian wilderness, horse-riding in the Pampas and spotting Andean condors soaring above the mountains in Los Glaciares National Park. Their distinctive family tours also feature interactive, hands-on activities such as cooking lessons or fileteado (art and lettering) techniques, as well as immersive foodie and cultural experiences.
To learn more about ALCHEMY DMC, visit their webpage or get in touch at amanda@theadventureconnection.com
3. Enjoy a dream trip to Peru
Peru`s outdoors and ancient Inca cities hold endless opportunities for active, educational and awe-inspiring experiences. With landscapes ranging from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest and coastal desert, families can engage in various outdoor activities such as walking, wildlife spotting and sand-boarding.
Family-owned and operated company COLTUR is proud to be the only Peruvian DMC certified by the Family Travel Association (FTA). Family holidays have always been a core strength and they have specifically designed itineraries to include activities and experiences such as horse-riding in the Sacred Valley as well as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing on Andean lakes.
Of particular note is a shorter family-friendly version of the Inca trail highlights which is great for older kids.
To learn more about COLTUR, visit their webpage or get in touch at amanda@theadventureconnection.com
In Africa…
4. Meet the Maasai Mara in Kenya
Kenya`s national parks and reserves offer unparalleled wildlife encounters where children and adults can witness majestic animals in their natural habitats. As well as discovering classic safari landscapes away from the cities, even in Nairobi kids will love the experience of visiting an elephant orphanage where they can watch baby elephants being fed and playing in the mud, or the Giraffe Centre, where they can hand-feed and interact with these gentle giants of Africa.
Operating for more than 25 years, Liberty Africa can craft the most comprehensive family itineraries. Besides tailored safari experiences, you can also fully trust them for multi-activity tours and experiences such as snorkelling, scuba diving and boat excursions on Diani Beach. Another highlight of theirs is a visit to traditional Maasai villages, where families can learn first-hand about the Maasai culture and even try traditional spear-throwing and dancing.
To learn more about Liberty Africa, visit their webpage or get in touch with our Africa specialist Robyn Henry at robyn@theadventureconnection.com
5. Explore Botswana in comfort
Botswana is one of the best playgrounds for thrilling safaris such as in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where families can spot Kalahari lions, brown hyenas and meerkats. Both kids and parents will be excited to witness elephants up close as they gather around the watering hole for a refreshing drink. Besides the standard safari experiences, boat cruises along the Chobe River provide children with a unique perspective and opportunities to spot animals from the water.
When it comes to suitable accommodation and facilities, Bush Ways offers an extensive range of family-friendly lodges and tented camps. The guides on their tours are specialised in engaging children during safari activities and most of their properties cater specifically to families, offering spacious suites, swimming pools and child-friendly amenities.
To learn more about Bush Ways, visit their webpage or get in touch at robyn@theadventureconnection.com
In Asia...
6. Experience the real Maldives
More and more travellers are starting to realise that besides being a resort destination, the Maldives is also an endless playground for adventure experiences for the whole family.
A local company dedicated to showing the `real Maldives` to the world, Secret Paradise always strives to reveal the local islands in the most personal way. The experiences they offer include encounters with dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks to mention a few. But what really sets their tours apart are activities such as snorkelling to find Nemo, beach cleans and enjoying a meals with a local family. Always designed with sustainability in mind, their trips will broaden teenagers' world view and spark the curiosity of youngsters.
To learn more about Secret Paradise, visit their webpage or get in touch with our Asia specialist Miskola Abduloeva at miskola@theadventureconnection.com
7. Discover the cultural and natural riches of Indonesia
Indonesia's natural beauty, cultural richness and friendly locals make it an excellent choice for families looking for a long-haul adventure. From the pristine beaches of Bali to the lush rainforests of Borneo and the volcanic landscapes of Java, there is something to captivate every family member.
Happy Trails Asia is a Travelife-certified DMC with a long record of organising unforgettable trips. For families, they recommend Bali's cultural and natural landmarks, such as Ubud's Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces. For those seeking active experiences, they suggest exploring the Komodo National Park to see the famous Komodo dragons and embarking on river rafting in Sumatra's stunning rainforests.
To learn more about Happy Trails, visit their webpage or get in touch at miskola@theadventureconnection.com
8. Immerse yourself in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a plethora of thrilling outdoor adventures suitable for all ages. From trekking in the scenic mountains of Sapa to kayaking through emerald waters in Halong Bay, families can engage in exciting activities fostering a sense of adventure and discovery.
Footprint is a local company with over 20 years of experience, offering unique experiences with a personal touch and an emphasis on fun and sustainability. They recommend visiting traditional markets like Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan in Hanoi, where children would learn about local produce, try delicious street food and engage in cultural exchanges. Another must-do thing they recommend is a cruise along Halong Bay, allowing families to witness the awe-inspiring limestone karst scenery (great for their next geography exam!), explore hidden caves and participate in various onboard activities like kayaking and swimming.
To learn more about Footprint, visit their webpage or get in touch at miskola@theadventureconnection.com
If you want to get more ideas about DMCs specialised in family adventure holidays, please get in contact: amanda@theadventureconnection.com
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