Embarking on a round-the-world adventure is an exciting and enriching experience, and it can be even more special when shared with family. A family-friendly round-the-world (RTW) trip allows parents and children to explore diverse cultures, landscapes, and activities across different countries while creating unforgettable memories. Fortunately, there are several travel companies that specialize in RTW tours designed specifically for families, ensuring both convenience and fun for all ages. Here’s a look at the best options for families seeking adventure around the globe.
1. G Adventures – Family Adventures
G Adventures offers a wide range of family-friendly adventure tours that provide authentic, immersive experiences with a focus on fun, education, and connection. With a variety of destinations, G Adventures ensures that families of all sizes can explore the world while keeping the interests of children and parents in mind.
- Popular Family Tours:
- Thailand & Cambodia Family Adventure: A 14-day tour that combines cultural exploration with adventure activities such as visiting temples in Cambodia, exploring floating villages in Thailand, and trekking through jungle areas. Children can enjoy hands-on experiences like cooking classes and elephant sanctuaries.
- Costa Rica Family Adventure: A 12-day itinerary that includes rainforest hikes, volcano explorations, and wildlife encounters like monkey watching, as well as time on the beach. Perfect for active families, it offers a mix of adventure and relaxation.
- Egypt Family Adventure: A 9-day tour that combines the wonders of Egypt’s ancient sites (like the pyramids and the Sphinx) with a Nile cruise. A great option for families interested in history and archaeology.
- Why It’s Great:
- Small group sizes ensure a more personalized experience.
- Mix of fun activities for kids and informative cultural experiences for adults.
- Focus on education and cultural exchange, making the journey both enjoyable and enriching.
2. Intrepid Travel – Family Trips
Intrepid Travel specializes in providing small-group tours that cater specifically to families. Their family trips are designed with an emphasis on fun, flexibility, and cultural immersion, ensuring that each family member, from toddlers to teens, has a memorable experience.
- Popular Family Tours:
- Best of Thailand Family Adventure: A 13-day journey that combines cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, and relaxation. Visit temples, ride elephants, explore caves, and enjoy water sports in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the island of Koh Samui.
- Kenya Family Safari: A 10-day adventure through Kenya, where families can experience safaris, witness the Great Migration (depending on the season), and interact with local communities. This trip also includes time to relax on the Kenyan coast.
- South America Family Adventure: A 15-day exploration of Peru and Bolivia, visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu, exploring the Sacred Valley, and cruising the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. A perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cultural learning.
- Why It’s Great:
- Family-oriented activities and tours with something for every age.
- Highly engaging, with a focus on educational and hands-on experiences.
- Safe and child-friendly accommodations, with opportunities to meet local families and communities.
3. Trafalgar – Family Experiences
Trafalgar is known for its high-quality guided tours, and their family experiences are no exception. These tours are designed with both children and adults in mind, offering a comfortable pace, fun activities, and easy logistics that make them perfect for families traveling abroad.
- Popular Family Tours:
- European Highlights for Families: A 9-day journey through France, Italy, and Switzerland that covers iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and Lucerne. This package combines sightseeing with family-friendly experiences such as gondola rides and boat cruises.
- Highlights of Australia & New Zealand: A 17-day journey that takes families through both Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Melbourne, Rotorua, and Queenstown. Highlights include animal encounters at wildlife parks, sailing on the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring natural wonders.
- USA and Canada Family Adventure: A 14-day adventure from New York City to Niagara Falls, with stops in Washington, D.C., and Toronto. This trip offers a mix of city exploration, nature, and family fun.
- Why It’s Great:
- Structured itineraries with plenty of downtime and family-friendly activities.
- High-quality service, comfortable accommodations, and experienced guides.
- Offers the flexibility to explore at a relaxed pace while still hitting key landmarks and experiences.
4. Club Med – Family Resorts and Adventures
For families who want to enjoy a round-the-world adventure without the complexity of detailed itineraries, Club Med provides the perfect solution. With resorts in various countries across the globe, Club Med offers all-inclusive packages where families can enjoy adventure, cultural activities, and relaxation in a single location.
- Popular Family Destinations:
- Club Med Bali, Indonesia: Perfect for families looking for a tropical beach escape with cultural immersion. Families can enjoy water sports, cultural workshops, cooking classes, and more.
- Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Canada: For winter-loving families, this resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and fun activities like dog sledding, alongside comfortable, family-oriented accommodations.
- Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: A Caribbean getaway where families can enjoy beaches, water parks, and a variety of activities from archery to sailing, as well as a kid’s club to keep younger travelers entertained.
- Why It’s Great:
- All-inclusive resorts take the stress out of budgeting, with food, accommodation, and activities included in one price.
- Variety of family-friendly activities, from adventure sports to creative workshops.
- Flexible vacation options for families with children of all ages.
5. Adventure Life – Family Customizable Tours
Adventure Life offers customizable family tours that cater to different interests and levels of adventure. With a focus on small-group travel, families can design their own itinerary to explore multiple countries and continents while ensuring their travel experiences meet the specific needs of their children.
- Popular Family Tours:
- Amazon & Galapagos Family Adventure: A 13-day exploration of Ecuador, combining an Amazon rainforest expedition with a visit to the Galapagos Islands, where families can experience wildlife up close, go kayaking, and explore volcanic islands.
- Patagonia Family Adventure: A 10-day tour that offers an incredible mix of hiking, wildlife viewing, and glacier exploration in Argentina and Chile.
- Mexico Family Tour: A customizable itinerary that includes visits to the Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and cultural experiences in cities like Oaxaca and Mexico City.
- Why It’s Great:
- Customizable tours allow families to choose their destinations, activities, and travel pace.
- Focus on active, educational, and immersive experiences.
- Adventure Life offers a high level of flexibility, allowing for a tailored experience based on your family’s interests and ages.
6. Backroads – Family Adventure Tours
Backroads specializes in family-friendly active vacations, perfect for families who enjoy being outdoors and exploring nature. With a focus on biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities, Backroads offers a great way for families to bond through adventure while discovering new destinations.
- Popular Family Tours:
- Europe Family Biking Tour: A 10-day tour through Italy and Switzerland, where families bike through rolling hills, charming villages, and visit famous landmarks. The trip also includes time for relaxation and local culinary experiences.
- California Family Adventure: A 7-day trip exploring Yosemite National Park, the Pacific Coast, and Napa Valley. The tour combines family-friendly hikes, swimming, and sightseeing.
- Vietnam Family Adventure: A 9-day journey through Vietnam that includes biking, trekking, and visiting cultural sites, with opportunities to meet local families and learn about Vietnamese culture.
- Why It’s Great:
- Active tours that are great for families who want to explore the outdoors and stay active while traveling.
- Expert guides ensure that activities are safe, fun, and appropriate for all ages.
- Comfortable accommodations and lots of family-focused bonding activities.
7. Family Adventures Worldwide
Family Adventures Worldwide specializes in providing guided tours designed for families who want to explore new countries and cultures through hands-on activities. Their tours are ideal for families who want a more personal touch, with a focus on cultural exchange, history, and adventure.
- Popular Family Tours:
- Nepal Family Adventure: A combination of cultural discovery and adventure, this 13-day tour allows families to experience Kathmandu, go trekking in the Himalayas, and explore ancient temples.
- African Safari for Families: A wildlife-focused 10-day tour through South Africa, including visits to game reserves, safaris, and cultural experiences like traditional village visits.
- India Family Adventure: A 14-day journey through India that combines cultural exploration, historical sites like the Taj Mahal, and experiences such as cooking classes and camel rides.
- Why It’s Great:
- Focuses on family-friendly activities and cultural immersion.
- Offers an opportunity to engage with local communities and learn about different cultures.
- Guides are experienced in working with children and families, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
