Family Adventure Travel Ideas That Bring Culture to Life

Family adventure travel is a great way to spend some quality time together while exploring the many wonders of our fascinating world. It is an experience that will thrill the adults, keep the children interested, and make learning both fun and exciting.

When planning a family vacation, your first instinct may be to book a week at a kid friendly resort in the heart of an area created specifically for tourists. But, the world is a fascinating place, and it is possible to experience history, venture into various cultures, and interact with nature - even if you have young children.

Children love adventure, and exposing them to the authentic lifestyles and traditions of a country's people will allow you to see the world through their eyes. Suddenly, everything will become more awe inspiring and amazing. A fast moving river becomes a torrent of excitement, a lush rainforest becomes a kingdom to discover, and archaeological ruins become a playground of possibilities. Family adventure travel requires some careful planning so you can choose activities that are age appropriate and interesting for everyone. And you will need to make some adjustments from the typical vacation. Your swimsuit may have to share suitcase space with hiking shoes, a commercial flight may be followed by a kayak or camel, and five star restaurants may split time with camp fire cuisine. But, the excitement is unequaled, and at the end of the trip, you will have a scrapbook of memories that your family will cherish for years to come --not to mention all the stories of adventure and intrigue your children will be able to share with their friends.

Plan a visit to Africa where you can walk with the elephants, take a bike ride through local villages, and get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, or hippos. Experience first hand the diverse culture and traditions of the various remote tribes, and spend your evenings watching for nocturnal wildlife while camping out under the stars.

Take a Latin American trip to Belize where you can investigate the Mayan ruins, explore caves by water tube or canoe, and marvel at the fascinating Barrier Reef while snorkeling with fish and other marine wildlife. Plan a boat safari or walk through the rainforest to admire toucans and parrots. You can study unique archeology, hike in the mountains, or simply relax and enjoy untouched nature.

China provides all the mysterious allure and exotic landmarks expected from one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Imagine the thrill of walking the Great Wall or visiting the Forbidden City where you can be transported back to a time of palatial architecture and powerful dynasties. You can even take in an opera or a famous acrobat performance followed by a meal of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Relive history by experiencing Ancient Egypt. Visit the tombs of great kings and Pharaohs, explore archaeological sites, or be astounded at the architectural wonders of the Great Pyramids and Sphinx. Take a camel ride through the desert or a diving excursion in the Red Sea. And, there is no better way to see the blend of past and present than to take a hot air balloon ride where you can observe the Land of the Nile from a bird's eye view.

A visit to India will allow you to experience a unique culture and bring textbook history to life. In a land where architecture is derived from religious influences and mystic beliefs, there is an abundance of fascinating palaces and temples. Be awe struck by the Taj Mahal and the Great Stupa of Sanchi or take a reverent walk through the now silent ancient markets. Of course, no trip to India would be complete without an elephant ride, a Jeep safari in search of tigers, or a sampling of real Indian food.

Alaska is the perfect destination for the back-to-nature adventure seeking family. Hike through the wilderness, walk on a glacier, or white water raft along the powerful rivers of this beautiful land. Take a kayaking excursion to spot seals and sea lions, or journey out into deeper waters to watch whales and porpoises. Get your land legs back by backpacking through the vast wooded areas in search of bears, moose, caribou and other wildlife.

Family adventure travel will allow you to touch history, experience diversity, and interact with the people of various nations and cultures. Whether you want to investigate ruins, visit landmarks, search for wildlife, go skydiving, parachuting, or rock climbing, an adventure vacation will provide the excitement you have been craving.




About Author

Patrick van der Meer is an adventure traveller who chronicles exciting destinations around the world at www.adventure-travel-tales-and-tips.com and provides tips and information for family adventure travel.