Best Countries In The World For A Family Vacation According To Research

When it comes to travel, a family vacation can be a life-changing experience for children. Travel helps them grow into adults with a global outlook. Moreover, according to the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), a child’s academic performance can also benefit from travel experiences. Meanwhile, SYTA’s research reveals that travel will also “build self-esteem, independence, tolerance, and cultural understanding while breaking down barriers to a child’s personal, educational and social development.” While the study offers reasons for a family vacation, the question arises – where should they go?

Research reveals best countries to visit on a family vacation

African safari experts Go2Africa ran a study to establish the best countries to visit with children. Their study involved details relating to 365,969 family-friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions. Meanwhile, the travel company ranked the countries globally as to their highest percentage of family-friendly and highly rated places to eat, stay, and enjoy with the children.

1. The Seychelles for a family vacation

According to the study, 36 percent of hotels in the Seychelles were family-friendly. In addition, 20 percent of the country’s attractions are considered family-friendly, as are 36.7 percent of its restaurants. That gives the Seychelles an overall family-friendly rating of 29.73 percent, the highest of 20 countries ranked by the report.

“Numerous bays in the Seychelles are shielded by offshore reefs, which not only offer protection from the open sea but also create shallow waters ideal for children,” the study said about the top ranking. “It’s also incredibly safe with no vaccination requirements, no dangerous animals and an absence of natural disasters.”

Meanwhile, the Seychelles isn’t necessarily budget-friendly, but its overall family-friendly rating is 29.73 percent.

2. Samoa, Polynesia with the kids

Next in line is the small Polynesian island of Samoa, where, according to the study, 30.13 percent of the country’s hotels are family-friendly. Moreover, Samoa’s attractions are also good for families, while 35.14 percent of its restaurants are also great for families.

“One of the key features that make Samoa family-friendly is its welcoming and warm culture,” the report read. “Samoan people place a high value on family, and this is evident in the way visitors are treated. Families can expect to feel at home, with locals often going out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable and enjoying their stay.”

Meanwhile, Samoa’s overall family-friendly score is 28.53 percent.

3. Costa Rica, Central America

Green and beautiful Costa Rica is a popular destination among travelers as a sustainable location. However, for many years, the Central American nation has had a reputation as one of the world’s top family-friendly destinations. Meanwhile, 44.93 percent of its hotels are deemed family-friendly. Moreover, its activities and attractions read at 21.76 percent while Costa Rica’s restaurants are ranked at 21.41 percent for families.

“The country is family-friendly due to its diverse natural attractions,” says the report. “Families can explore lush rainforests, stunning beaches, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife.”

Meanwhile, children can see sloths, monkeys and colorful birds up close on Costa Rica’s accessible hiking trails. Moreover, the nation’s beaches are ideal for families with calm waters on the Pacific coast. Costa Rica’s overall family-friendly score is 28.33 percent.

4. New Zealand and the Hobbits

In fourth place, New Zealand scored an overall family-friendly 27.92 percent. Meanwhile, 45 percent of the country’s hotels were found to be family-friendly, while 26.77 percent of its restaurants, and 20.04 percent of New Zealand’s attractions came in as 20.04 percent.

5. Luxembourg for families

The tiny European country of Luxembourg features in fifth place in the list of five family-friendly destinations around the globe with an overall family-friendly score of 26.13 percent. Moreover, around 27 percent of its hotels are considered family-friendly and 33.99 percent of its restaurants were deemed family-friendly. However, only 11.51 percent of Luxembourg’s attractions were found to be suitable for a family vacation.

Read more about the SYTA study and other top destinations for children here.