Busy airports, long flights, never-ending battles with boredom—sure, that might be one version of family travel, but it’s definitely not ours. We know there’s travel fun for the whole family, from babies about to walk and curious eight-year-olds right up to I’m-too-cool-for-this teens. With every little detail taken care of, our trips are designed to educate and nurture children with activities and cultural opportunities that speak to them based on their age. The result? Trips that not only keep everyone entertained but help kids develop a lifelong travel passion. Oh, and happy parents, which is the main thing, right?

Here are three hand-picked family adventures to take next year by our team of experts who have first-hand experience traveling with kids of all ages.

Image credit: Mkombe’s House, Nomad Tanzania

South Africa: Perfect for kids seven and under

Spark curiosity and imagination in little explorers with an unforgettable safari in South Africa. Game drives can be wonderful opportunities for bonding, while the lodges we use provide plenty of downtime and space to blow off steam. At this age, early exposure to different cultures and environments can kick kids’ cognitive development into overdrive—that’s why our itineraries are packed with thoughtful moments. Even babies and toddlers can go on safari; many of our clients and team members have been to Africa with little ones in tow.

Our South Africa highlight: At Marataba Game Reserve, kids learn about the importance of conservation, how to track wildlife, and have fun campouts in the wild.

More reasons to take the kids to South Africa:

• No vaccines required
• Malaria-free zones
• Out-of-this-world wildlife
  

The Galápagos & Peru: Perfect for kids seven to 13

During these formative years, kids are like sponges—they soak up every little detail, and every other thing they say seems to be a question. Nurture their inquisitive nature with living, breathing science and history lessons. In the Galápagos, kids don’t just learn about evolution; they live it through face-to-face encounters with all kinds of curious creatures (snorkeling with seals is one of our favorites). Meanwhile, Peru’s ancient civilization provides endless discussions about how the past has shaped the present—not to mention countless opportunities to interact with people from diverse cultures to broaden their worldview.

Our Galápagos highlight: We hand-pick the guides who know how to talk to kids because meeting a giant tortoise is more fun when someone can answer every question—and there will be a lot.

More reasons to take the kids to the Galapagos and Peru:

• Safe wildlife encounters
• Rich cultural diversity
• Epic ruins and historic sites

Image credit: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

New Zealand: For teens and young adults 13 to 21

New Zealand is the ultimate adventure destination, and our itinerary is packed with epic activities to keep young adult travelers engaged and entertained. They’ll learn to embrace other cultures with a traditional Māori visit. They’ll practice life skills and develop independence by taking epic hikes in some of the world’s most beautiful places (give the kids the map and let them lead the way for a while). And they’ll visit beaches so gorgeous that they’ll be talking about this trip for years to come.

Our New Zealand highlight: A helicopter flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook followed by an exclusive two-hour hiking experience will have even the hardest-to-impress teenager smiling from ear to ear.

More reasons to take the kids to New Zealand:

• Outdoor activities on tap: biking, surfing, and hiking
• English speaking and easy interactions with locals
• Fascinating Māori culture

Image credit: Kaikoura Kayaks, New Zealand