Adventure holidays the whole family can enjoy

Michelle Hunter28 Oct 2020
HomeBlogFamily holidaysAdventure holidays the whole family can enjoy

Caravan parks and resorts are great places for relaxed family holidays. But if you’re a parent who’s craving an adventure holiday this year or in 2022, there’s no reason you can’t pack the kids up for an adrenaline-filled escape. 

Local or overseas, there are lots of safe and child-friendly options to explore. They range from a family snowboarding adventure in New Zealand to a Dragon Boat cruise in Vietnam. Ready to get excited?

*While travel restrictions are constantly changing, it’s hard to know what the next few months will look like. We recommend that all Play Travel customers follow the guidelines from the Australian Government, and also read our guide ‘How to Travel Safely During Coronavirus’.

Is an adventure holiday the right fit for your family in 2021?

We honestly believe there’s an adventure holiday out there that’s right for every family. You just need to find yours! 

While you’re browsing the exciting options though, we recommend asking yourselves some important questions…

  • Will my kids actually enjoy this activity?

Sometimes we want our kids to experience something so much that we forget to ask ourselves (or them) if they’ll actually enjoy it. Yes, there’s always got to be some give and take when you book a family adventure activity. But that old adage also rings true: a parent is only as happy as their least happy child. So either be realistic as you book any experiences, or be prepared to work with your kids to get them where they need to be before you leave.

  • Can they participate in the type of activities you want to book?

With all the will in the world, a surfing trip just isn’t realistic if your kids aren’t strong swimmers. And a child who gets carsick on the way to school can’t physically manage a week-long NSW 4WD family adventure holiday. To minimise disappointment, consider these types of things, as well as checking the age restrictions and logistics of any activities you’re considering.

  • Does this holiday have enough scheduled downtime? 

Kids are incredibly resilient and can do so much. But they do tend to hit a wall after too much activity (and it’s not just the kids who do that either!) A child-free snowboarding holiday is a lot less demanding than one that includes three little sidekicks. Make sure you schedule enough time for everyone to have a rest every so often.  Check out our How to Plan a Family Holiday guide if you’re not quite sure where to start. 

But what about safety?

When you’re taking your kids off the beaten track, you always need to consider safety. Even without kids, it’s important to think about:

Adding children into the mix only amplifies these kinds of worries. 

Luckily, some of the safest travel destinations are also home to the most incredible adventure holiday experiences. Take a moment to read our guide to the 10 Safest Places to Travel in the World (spoiler alert, New Zealand’s in there!)

Tip - It’s always a good idea to listen to the official recommendations about the age-appropriateness of activities you’re interested in. But, as a parent, you know your child best. 

Trust your gut, and give yourself permission to walk away if you hear alarm bells. 

Get the right insurance

Before you set off on your family adventure holiday, carefully read the fine print on your travel insurance. If there’s a road trip element, make sure a breakdown won’t leave you stranded or with a huge retrieval bill.

Policies also need to cover repatriation costs if you’re travelling overseas and a range of medical costs - including transfers to specialist treatment centres. 

It’s important to know your policy covers everyone and all your belongings at all times. It’s also essential to understand any excess you’ll need to pay if you ever have to claim on the policy. 

Our top picks for family adventure holidays in 2021

Before you set off, make sure to read our Family Holiday Hacks guide. 

Happy travelling!