In our totally unbiased opinion, there’s no better way to get youngsters excited about the world than with a family holiday. Hear us out (we’ve done our research). Along with our friends at children’s party planners, Sharky & George, we set out to find out what most inspired family holidays. With 81% of parents taking a child’s interests and hobbies into consideration, it’s clear that trips are shaped by little ones’ desires. But what if your family getaway could broaden youngsters' horizons, too? Putting the occasional tantrum to one side, they’re the perfect chance to introduce children to different cultures and geographies. So, whether your little ones are most interested in wildlife or prefer history, read on for our guide to the top holidays that will get them interested in the world...
1. Cultural holidays
2. Safari holidays
3. Conservation holidays
4. Community-focused holidays
Cultural holidays
Nearly a quarter of young respondents said that they were interested in learning about a country’s history while on holiday. And what better way to feed this appetite for learning than on a cultural city break? Whether travelling back in time to ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum in Naples or trotting around Paris’ must-see museums and monuments, culture-focused holidays will help bring your children’s history books to life. After all, history – closely followed by geography – was the school subject that children said inspired them to travel the most. Throw in lots of eating out in restaurants and finding the city’s best ice cream (one of the surveyed children’s favourite activities in a city), and you’ve seamlessly married learning with fun. You’re welcome.
Image by Stephanie Rausser/Gallery Stock
Safari holidays
If there’s one type of holiday that’s certain to get little ones interested in the world, it’s a safari. 45% of children said they wanted to see wildlife on holiday, specifically big cats and the Big Five in Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant). We agree with the wee ones on this, there’s nothing quite like seeing your favourite animals in the wild. Safari holidays are also a great way for your children to appreciate the natural world. From watching the circle of life on the plains of the Serengeti to spotting Simba and friends in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, safaris are bound to ignite a child’s passion for animals, little and large. One thing’s for sure: your youngsters’ worlds just got a little bigger (and more exciting). Children can also visit wildlife conservation centres to find out how their beloved animals are being protected. But more on that below...
Conservation holidays
It’s never too early to get youngsters learning about the importance of conservation. Aside from Africa’s big hitters, marine life was a popular answer to what children most wanted to see on wildlife holidays. In the Maldives, while parents enjoy a well-deserved poolside cocktail, budding environmentalists can join a marine biologist on a snorkelling excursion; in between spotting their favourite Finding Nemo characters, they’ll learn all about the importance of reef conservation. Or why not time your family holiday to the Seychelles’ turtle-hatching season for another eye-opening, educational experience? Discovering the underwater world for the first time can only lead to children’s increased fascination with nature and a keen interest in helping it thrive. Whether learning about conservation efforts on the land or in our oceans, there’s no better way to develop their appreciation for our environment.
Community-focused holidays
At Original Travel, we’re big fans of getting under the skin of a destination. The best way to achieve this is with community-led activities, which also happen to be a fantastic way of introducing children to different ways of life and traditions. From learning to make African bush crafts with villagers in Botswana to cooking and dining with a local family in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of opportunities for your little ones to discover something new while on holiday. Along with snippets of a new language, a traditional skill or a recipe handed down through the generations, youngsters will leave a community-led experience with increased empathy, gratitude and an appreciation of others’ lives. Who knew family holidays could be so beneficial for children?
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Claire Guarry
