Where to Travel with Toddlers
Published on: February 22nd, 2018
Last updated: July 28th, 2023
Some parents might argue that travelling with small children isn’t so much a holiday as just a change of scenery.
But when it comes to travelling with the little ones, some destinations are more conducive to young guests than others. With a little forward planning, the whole family can have a memorable holiday.
Here is our round up of where to travel with toddlers.
South Africa
From as soon as they start talking, children learn the noises animals make, so what better holiday for a toddler than a safari. South Africa has a variety of malaria-free reserves, some of which are lighter on predators. With giraffes, zebra and elephants at watering holes, there are plenty of animals to keep travellers of all ages entranced. At Madikwe, near Johannesburg, you’ll find the second largest population of elephants as well as rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, lion and wild dogs. And young children love seeing the meerkats at Tswalu Reserve in the Kalahari. South Africa isn’t just about safari though, head down to Cape Town and spend some time with the penguins at Boulder’s Beach, or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium where the world of marine conservation is brought to life.
Bali
If you’re heading to Bali with toddlers, then your best bet is to choose a villa which has its own private pool. That way, your family can spend the days relaxing poolside away from fellow guests who might not be all that kid-friendly. A villa is also the perfect place to call home when you’re not out discovering the island’s rich culture. Enjoy the quiet beaches in the fishing village of Jimbaran, where you’ll also find fun water-based activities for the older members of your group, and great restaurants.
Switzerland
To make the most of your family’s time in Switzerland, head out into the idyllic countryside. There are numerous options for young families, from panoramic train rides and fun tuc tuc trips, to relaxed boat tours. Avoiding the busy cities in favour of remote areas gives everyone time to relax and the little ones loads of space to run free. Some farmhouses also have animals that young guests can interact with and even feed. And if you’re there in winter, head out on toboggans, or let your little adventurer try some kiddies skiing.
Latin America
This part of the world is slightly more challenging when it comes to travelling with toddlers. Remote areas like Chile and Argentina are best avoided as there are hours and hours of driving involved in getting from place to place. Costa Rica is an option, with monkeys, toucans and other wildlife in areas like the Osa Peninsula, but it’s best to not venture into the jungle with little ones. There are also beautiful white sandy beaches to relax on along the Pacific coast as well as on the Caribbean side in Puerto Viejo. Peru and the Galapagos are definitely destinations you’ll need to wait to visit when your children are older.
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