Africa & The Middle East | Destination Guides

Planning your first family vacation post pandemic? Here's where to go

Recently updated on July 28th, 2023 at 10:10 am

For many of us, planning a family vacation post pandemic feels like a dream. It’s been almost two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but as restrictions are easing, the world is starting to feel like our oyster again. If you’ve had family trips postponed or cancelled for years, you’re probably itching to get back out there. But it can also be quite daunting to travel with your family again, so we’re here to inspire your next adventure. From natural wonders like Kenya and the USA’s national parks to off-beat gems like the Balkans and the Galápagos Islands, here are some of our top post pandemic travel destinations and family tour ideas. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Family tours

The Balkans

castle in the forest Romania

Prefer to go somewhere off the beaten track for your first family vacation post pandemic? Put the Balkans on your bucket list. This Eastern European region is a true gem where you can avoid the crowds while also exploring some incredible places. Dive into the folklore of Romania at Bran Castle where you’ll walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula. Relax on the stunning Adriatic coastline in Montenegro, lined with golden beaches, enchanting fjords, and ancient villages. And dive into the rich history and culture of Bosnia in Sarajevo, known as the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’. From Albania and North Macedonia to Serbia, Bulgaria and beyond, your family will love these family tour destinations.

GET INSPIRED BY: Balkan Adventure

New Zealand

blue ocean beach green mountains New Zealand

Have all the lockdowns got your family feeling the cabin fever? It’s time to get out into the wide-open spaces of New Zealand. There’s something for everyone here from the adrenaline junkies to the foodies to the nature lovers. Go bungee jumping, skiing or white water rafting in Queenstown. Sip world-class wines or taste olives in the vineyards of Waiheke Island. Or get out into nature and explore golden beaches, glowworm caves, sparkling lakes, wildflower fields, snowy mountains and icy glaciers. And if your family loves the Lord of the Rings, don’t miss the charming Hobbiton village and the Weta Workshop in Wellington.

GET INSPIRED BY: Contrasts of New Zealand

Kenya

giraffe sunset Kenya

If your family wants to go big for your first family vacation post pandemic, it’s got to be Kenya. All your Lion King dreams will come to life as you go on safari in the most extraordinary national parks. Spot the Big Five animals and meet the colourfully clad Maasai warriors in the Masai Mara. See endangered rhinos and support the wonderful work of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Or go on safari in Samburu to spot rarer endemic animals like the Grevy’s Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe. When you travel Kenya with Trafalgar, you’ll even get to spend the night in The Ark Lodge. It’s one of Trafalgar’s most spectacular Stays With Stories, where you can see birds and wildlife from your room. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Kenya

Greece

blue ocean white cliffs Greece

Make your first family vacation post pandemic an epic one with a trip to Greece. You can start in Athens where your kids will love exploring the ancient icons like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Go beyond the capital to find more ancient wonders like the Olympic Stadium and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Once you’ve dosed up on history, head to the Greek Islands where you can relax and soak up the sun. Whether you want to go swimming and sunbathing or wining and dining, a trip to Greece is the perfect way to shake off the pandemic blues.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Greece with Island Hopper

Iceland

Northern Lights over the ocean and snow Iceland

For a country so full of ancient natural wonders, Iceland is sure to make your family feel totally alive. There are so many fun activities for everyone, from soaking in the Blue Lagoon to spotting the dancing Northern Lights. There are magical waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, and black sand beaches to explore. Plus there are lots of quirky foods to enjoy from the famous hot dog made from Icelandic lamb to the delicious ice cream concoctions found in Reykjavik. Whether you want to learn about Vikings, trolls and Huldufólk (‘hidden folk’), or go hiking and swimming, Iceland is a truly memorable destination for your first family vacation post pandemic.

GET INSPIRED BY: Iceland including the Blue Lagoon

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

giant tortoise in forest Galapagos Islands Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands off Ecuador are a spectacular place for your first family vacation post pandemic. International tourism is still picking back up, so you’ll likely explore these awe-inspiring islands with few other people around. Spot sea lions, penguins, iguanas, and giant tortoises as you sail the ancient islands. Or get active and go snorkelling and hiking to see volcanoes, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. 

GET INSPIRE BY: Highlights of Peru with Galápagos Legend East Cruise

US National Parks

panoramic view over Bryce Canyon National Park

If your family can’t wait to stretch their legs on your first family vacation post pandemic, you’ve got to explore the national parks in the USA. You’ll escape the crowds and get active in the great outdoors. Plus, there are tons of things to do for everyone in the family. Whether you love hiking, kayaking, photography, wildlife spotting, scenic drives, or learning about Native American history and culture, you’ll find it all from Yellowstone to Yosemite and from the Grand Canyon to the Grand Tetons.

GET INSPIRE BY: Five Epic National Parks

What are your favourite family vacation destinations? Let us know in the comments below!

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