Here are 10 places I’ve either taken the kids, or plan to take them. Some of them, like London – are obviously kid-friendly places to go. But others, like Muscat, Oman (where they love children) and Rio de Janeiro (where there is fantastic music and wonderful food everywhere) aren’t such obvious choices.
1. Paris, France
Upside: Cafes, museums, carousels everywhere. Standing alone in a room at L’Orangerie surrounded by Monet’s Water Lilies. Downside: Don’t take the boat tour on a bateaux mouche – the Seine has high walls so children can’t easily see anything, and it’s crowded. Walk or take the Metro instead of the boat tour.
2. London, England
Upside: Hamley’s toy store, a boat trip to tour the macabre Tower of London, hop-on/hop-off double-decker bus tours, riding on the Tube, street entertainers, Covent Garden at night, taking a pedi-cab to see a kid-friendly show at the theater. Downside: Aside from jet lag, there isn’t any!
3. Venice, Italy
Upside: A city built on water, which is apparently sinking so take your kids to see it now while it’s still there. Riding gondolas, eating great food. Violins playing everywhere, sitting in St. Mark’s square at a cafe listening to violinists. Downside: Try not to go in summer, when it’s crowded with tourists.
4. Dublin, Ireland
Upside: Friendly people speak English and love the attention they get from Americans, good food and music in pubs everywhere – kids can go in most places. It’s an easy city to get around in on foot or by bus. Go see the petrified rat in the basement of St. Patrick’s cathedral. Downside: I would’ve said cigarette smoke but they’ve banned smoking now in pubs and restaurants so this is a big improvement. The weather can be rainy, grey, and wet depending on when you go.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Upside: Beautiful music and delicious food everywhere, gorgeous beaches, shopping galore, you can take little trips to Buzios and boat trips to go island hopping, people are very friendly and open. Downside: Be prepared to buy and wear a Brazilian bikini which is basically the equivalent of using dental floss to cover your behind – otherwise you will stand out like a sore thumb, I’m sorry to tell you. Huge difference between the “haves” and the “have-nots” who live in shocking conditions in hillside favellas or slums. It can be dangerous at night.
6. Rotorua, New Zealand —> and then all over NZ.
Upside: In my opinion, the most beautiful country in the world, very outdoorsy, lots to do in nature including exploring the hot, natural mud pools at Rotorua, trekking on horseback, white water rafting, bunjee jumping (or just watching), skiing. Experiencing Maori culture and seeing the Haka performed by real Maoris. Rugby games. Downside: 24 hour plane ride from US so you’d want to go for at least 3 weeks.
7.The famous blue train in South Africa – from Pretoria to Cape Town
Upside: Luxury train trip through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Downside: South Africa is dangerous so you would need to take precautions and travel wisely.
8. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Upside: If you don’t know how to scuba dive, or don’t want to – you can snorkel and still see the most amazing fish! Downside: Pay attention to the crocodile warning signs. It’s a long-assed flight to Australia from the US. Although I loved seeing the Great Barrier Reef I have never in my life met so many overtly racist people as I did in Cairns – just a head’s up. I’m not saying that all people who live in Cairns are racist, but I was shocked and in fact had to ask a taxi driver to pull over and stop, and got out in protest after telling him he was a racist and I did not want to ride in his cab!
9. Muscat, Oman
Upside: I was shocked at how much the Omani people adore children and babies. Men, boys, women, young and old would all rush up to me to ogle the baby – once a taxi driver even pulled over to coo at the baby while I was walking on the sidewalk! The food is delightful, and the architecture a feast for the eyes. Downside: Don’t go in the summer when temperatures can climb to 110/120 degrees. It’s a Muslim country so you need to dress modestly, and don’t forget to take your shoes off when entering someone’s house.
10. Petra, Jordan
Upside: I haven’t been to Petra yet but I want to go and see the 2,000 city dug into the side of a cliff. It is near the Dead Sea and I would love to experience the sensation of floating in the Dead Sea. Downside: As an American I am still somewhat wary of traveling in Muslim countries so I don’t think I’d have the courage to spend the night in a Bedouin camp in the desert.
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You had me at Paris, France. I cannot wait to take my son to see the Eiffel Tower and eat crepes at sidewalk cafes. Sigh…
Gorgeous photos!
Twitter: letters4lucas
Thanks Tonya. (-: PS: All we ate in Paris, every day almost – were crepes. Sooo yummy.
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Wow – you definitely make me wish I traveled more with my kids, my oldest especially since she loves to travel. Great list!
Twitter: euregirlsandboy
You are amazing! You went to all those places with your kids … you are a rockin’ mom and your kids are lucky.
Twitter: PerfectingParen
Well thank you for the compliment Alex but I’m not as rockin’ as you think…if you read the fine print you’ll see I haven’t taken my kids to *all* the places…I haven’t been to Petra yet, or on the blue train either. I do love to travel though and I think we’ve definitely passed on a love of travel to our kids. (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
In that case, please rewrite my comment: You are somewhat interesting. You went to some of those places with your kids … you are a 7 out of 10 mom, maybe 8 if you can get on the Blue Train, and your kids are probably not unlucky.
Twitter: PerfectingParen
Ado I am impressed you traveled like you did with your little ones. It looks like you have some memorable experiences. Hopefully someday you can make it to #10!
Twitter: notwifezilla
I always have to travel with my kids so I don’t know what you all are going on about. Just kidding! I haven’t gone anywhere exotic with them, that’s for sure.
Twitter: JenAnnHall
Wow, I am in awe of you and your family! I’ve only ever been to Canada, and the kids haven’t been outside the U.S. My husband and I were trying to plan a trip to Italy this past winter, but my doctor wouldn’t let me because I was too pregnant. Someday, we will. Although, now I really want to visit London!
Twitter: gfunkified
Go, go! Except maybe not when your baby is a tot – I really found the toddler phase extremely challenging on long-haul airplane rides. The best time to travel is actually with a newborn because they sleep all the time and are so portable. After the toddler years though it’s a piece of cake – except for the jet lag.
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Only Canada! Nice. I’ve been to only the US a few times from Canada. It was ok. A few too many heads carved into the sides of mountains for my liking. We don’t have any mountain heads in Canada
Twitter: PerfectingParen
New Zealand IS the world’s most beautiful country, which is why we hope to move there in a few years. I want my children to grow up there.
You’ve been to some wonderful places!
Twitter: MamaWantsThis
Alison, I forgot to put Malaysia!
Twitter: Adothemomalog
I may or may not be seething with jealousy right now. Not just because of all the fabulous vacations you’ve had with your family…but because a four-year-old Ella would think of such a great plan to get what she wants. And I, being slightly older than four, didn’t think of it first.
Twitter: chicktuition
911 is an excellent travel incentive. (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
I am so impressed with all of those wonderful places you’ve taken your children too. I’m not sure my nerves could take travelling so much with my boys. We took a plane ride with Adrian once – for 2 hours – and I almost lost my schmidt. It was NOT FUN. So, we’ll wait until they’re a little older. My husband says NZ and South Africa are 2 of the most beautiful countries in the world (and he’s been EVERYWHERE)…and he happens to be in OZ right now. Lucky bastard.
Twitter: januarydawn1
Ado, I agree with you completely for putting Paris on #1, and London on #2. They are my all-time favorites. I really have left 3/4 of my heart in Paris, and the rest, in London. lol.
I have been to Florence and Rome, but have never been to Venice. So that should be next on my list… not that I think it’s going to sink in my lifetime (I sure hope not!).
Hmm… maybe next time we should go on all-girls trip only. You, Fiona, Ella, me and Miss Chatterbox. Hahaha!
Twitter: dosweatthesmall
Sweaty —-> be careful what you wish for. Seriously, I bet Fi and Ella would love to travel with Ms. Chatterbox.
(-: And I’m big into all girl trips too as D. works a lot so we tend to sneak off with or without him – hopefully with, but often without since he has to work…so you never know.
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Goodness, I’m so impressed with your travels! I LOVE London.
Twitter: literalmom
I love this list! Growing up I never left my parents side until I was a teen. There are no babysitters and kind strangers taking care of your kids while you vacation as a couple. I think that is why it is so easy to travel to Europe as a family. Kids are always present.
My son has always tagged along. I am excited to show him the world. My only trouble is WA is so stunning I have no need to leave.
I hope soon you travel to Petra. You and your family will love it! I might even join you
Twitter: NorthWestMommy
Stasha let’s organize a mommy bloggers overnight trip to Petra – then I might sleep in the Bedouin camp under the stars, within the safety of a herd of mom-bloggers. (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Oh. New Zealand and Australia. On my list for sure. *sigh*
Twitter: DHousemommy
Wow! My plan is to follow you around for the next 10 years. I’m two years behind on getting passports for everybody, but it’s on my list. Great post!
Twitter: yhwriteme
OK it’s a deal, we’ll meet you on the Grand Canal in Venice Erica! (-; I hate to tell you this but you will need passports…! (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
This is where hubs and I differ. he wants to leave the kids behind, I want to show them the world! He doesn’t get that we can have the best of both — it’s called Kids Club dear!
some amazing places and pics!
Twitter: rorybore
I love to bring my kids w. me everywhere – I think I’d miss them too much if I was far away, and I’d probably feel guilty about doing fun stuff without them (but I’m sure I’d get over it…) I don’t like the idea of getting on an airplane and leaving our kids w. someone as we don’t have family over here so that’s another reason we bring ‘em. Also – once you do it, it’s easy. The hardest travel phase is the toddler phase on airplanes.
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Ella’s quote is too funny! LOL…I’m gonna print this out and file this in my ‘Places to go and things to do’ folder.
Twitter: http://twitter/yjune
What a cool list! Your kids are so lucky that they get to travel. My families idea of a family vacation was 3 weeks in a semi truck delivering goods to 11 western states. I slept through 10.5 of them.
Well it was probably a big adventure for the kids. (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Oh my goodness! You have been to some amazing places!! I LOVE that you take your kids with you to experience it all.
Those are some great pictures.
The quote about Ella calling 911 is priceless
*sobs* Why isn’t Malaysia on your list?!
I would love to go to NZ one day. It’s near enough to Malaysia and as I’ve heard, the most beautiful country to visit, and some say, stay too.
That was so funny what Ella said about getting herself to Venice. That reminds me, I have to get my kids there before it goes underwater.
Twitter: kiddothings
Oh my God —> it SHOULD be! Major oopsie. Yes, I want to go to Malaysia for sure. (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
I need to see more pictures from Dublin and New Zealand to finish talking myself into the plane rides. Those are the only two places I’ve ever really wanted to go.
You are well traveled, my dear. Lucky girl!
Twitter: TheMamamash
The only one of those I’ve done is London (and several other parts of England, including York and Litchfield), but it was wonderful! And I agree – no downside! The others look fantastic…
Twitter: normalmomally
Wow! That’s a lot of great information. Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: Twinisms
Love what Ella said about Venice! It’s so nice you have such lovely places to visit with the family.
oooh this list. Love it. The NZ/Aussie bits are on the list (so is Malaysia!) and we’re totally heading to Oman soon – and Petra! I’m told that the combo of Big Ruins and the Dead Sea is a pretty wild one-two punch for kids (and not half-bad for grownups). Have you BEEN to south africa on that train, you lucky woman, you? I was in Rio when I was first pregnant with #1, which meant…no capirinhas for moi, but we loved walking and exploring. I’m told by friends who were just in Rio that there doesn’t seem to be as huge a chasm between rich & poor anymore… which would be nice. Great list. Lots of room to dream, here!
Twitter: mannahattamamma
Hi Deborah, no I haven’t been on the Blue Train…yet. I think it’s allegedly so luxe I’d wait til the girls were old enough to enjoy that aspect of it – maybe when they’re in HS? And have taken an etiquette class? (-: I think things in Rio are changing since they’re hosting the Olympic games or something so I heard they are finally putting in the money to build a tramway up to the favellas (finally!) so people don’t have to hoof it up and down those hills carrying the water etc. The disparity there between rich and poor IS huge – huge and has a long way to go. I am v. jealous of your impending trip to Petra – I hear foating in the Dead Sea is just incredible. I expect to read about this in your blog Deborah. (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Well now I definitely have the travel bug! I hope to explore most of these places with my boys some day. Love the way you presented this – great tips!
Twitter: SJM_CookiesMom
Thank you kindly Cookie’s Mom. (-:
Twitter: Adothemomalog
Wow! I’m so jealous! I love to travel, but have not done much venturing out of the U.S. with my kiddos. It is mostly the long plane flight that I am scared of… When I do get the guts, my first trip with the kids would be either to London (lived there – LOVED it!) or Australia (never been there and would love to go!)
Twitter: katefineske
Once you get over the initial “how can I do it” fear of taking kids on a long flight and “succeed” you’ll want to go again so do it, do it!! (-: Since you lived in London and are familiar with it start with London. (-: You will have a blast with your kiddos.
Twitter: Adothemomalog
You have the luckiest kids ever!! I bookmarked this post so that I can remember that every vacation doesn’t have to be Florida!
Twitter: Chosenchaos
Those are some amazing places and kids or no, I’d like to go to them! Thanks for sharing!
Twitter: AnnHolly
STFU! You basically have photo proof that you’re KID(S) have already been to over half of the place on my bucket list! Petra… Really?! That’s it!! What’s your address?? I’m packing my shit and moving in with you.. so make room!!
Twitter: Mommy2cents
I just found this gem of a post, and am so glad I didn’t miss it. Elijah and I travel often without the kids (8 and 2) but we’re now looking into doing more with them, internationally speaking. You gave me a great list of pros and cons, and places to start. Thanks!
Twitter: MissMarinaStar
You should also consider visiting Cyprus (Agia Napa, Fig Tree Bay, Paphos or Limassol) It is a “kid friendly” environment. The majority of restaurants have a play area for children. Friendly people, great food, beautiful beaches, etc. There is quite a history attached to this tiny island.
I would LOVE to go to Cyprus!
I’m happy to see you have my native country (New Zealand) as one of the ten best countries to take kids, but it isn’t a 24 hour plane trip from the U.S. It’s 11 to 12 hours non-stop from LAX or SFO – and the majority of the flights leave the U.S. in the evening and arrive in NZ in the morning….which makes the trip even easier for kids!
Oh thanks I’ll correct that – it feels like a 24 hour trip for me b/c from the EC I go to SF, then spend the night, then go. (-: Thanks
10 Surprising Places to #Travel with #Kids http://t.co/AEjEgqa9oW via @sharethis