Some of the most rewarding family vacations are often to locales that don’t immediately spring to mind. The rule of thumb is that the further you venture off the beaten path, the richer the experience shared together. The trick is finding these lesser-known destinations when you’re brainstorming — they’re considered “hidden gems” for a reason. Trust Backroads to lead you and your family on your most memorable getaway with something that makes everyone happy, no matter their ages. Here’s a smattering of family adventures they offer.
Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands
The sunny Croatian coastline is packed full of history, culture and sunny shores, making for a fun twist on a traditional beach vacation. A trip here sees you biking, hiking and island-hopping from one surreal landscape to the next. Break up your beach days in the sapphire-hued Adriatic with explorations of charming Renaissance spots like Hvar Town or medieval villages like Korcula Town. The grand finale is Dubrovnik: the city’s imposing stone fortress walls are certain to leave quite the impression on your kids.
The Croatian coastline along the Adriatic makes for a splashing good time.
Your family will have big thrills and big smiles white-water rafting on the Yellowstone River.
Yellowstone & Big Sky Country
The rugged beauty of Big Sky Country makes for the perfect outdoor adventure, the ideal Wild West vacation thanks to having something for all ages to love. Paddle through thrilling rapids down the Gallatin River or opt for a (smoother) horseback ride through Custer Gallatin National Forest. Hike the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, witness the eruption of Old Faithful and embark on a scenic cruise through Grand Teton National Park. If at any point the adventure might seem too intense for your kids, there’s always the option to hang back at the range and try on the cowboy life for an afternoon.
Iceland’s Glaciers and Coast
The rugged, Nordic world of Iceland is chock-full of natural marvels big and small — you’re bound to have goosebumps with a trip here, and not because of the temperature. Embark on an ice-walk across Skaftafell, explore the iceberg-filled lagoon Fjallsárlón by Zodiac, take a dip in geothermally heated pools and go off-roading across lava beds and glacial rivers. Cap off your wild week with the many museums and fine cuisine possibilities of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík.
Scenic strolls through the gorgeous Icelandic countryside are the perfect opportunity to meet the locals.
Fresh air has never been as fresh as it is biking through the mountain passes of Switzerland.
Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are nothing but charming — gondolas whisk you up soaring peaks, ferries hum across Alpine lakes and cozy huts dot trail sides, offering hot chocolate and cheese fondue to help you recharge from a breathtaking (in the best way) hike through alpine meadows and pine forests. Your trip through Switzerland is a whirlwind of famed geographic landmarks — Lake Oeschinen, the Blümlisalp and Hohtürli Passes, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain peaks or the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen Valleys — the serene moments that connect them, such as meeting free-range alpine cows in a meadow, cannonballing into a popular swimming spot on the shore of lake Brienz or strolling the glitzy shops of Grindelwald.
Trust a Travel Agent to Make a Difference
Backroads is an adventure tour provider that has established themselves as the go-to for helping families see the world, share big adventures and make memories that’ll be cherished for years by crafting active trips that blend discovery, connection and fun for every age. The only way to elevate your family vacation even further? By booking it all with a travel agent. You’ll enjoy a bevy of additional perks on top of Backroads’ already exciting itineraries. Our agents have access to exclusive amenities and offers, a treasure trove of hard-earned wisdom and recommendations for every locale, and are on call in case of a logistical hiccup. Plus, our agents know Backroads well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your vacation to perfection.
