The Best Places to Take a Vacation With Your Dad
Some of the most wonderful childhood memories are the ones that were created with our dads. It could be camping in amazing territories, exploring the cities or just relaxing on the beach. Vacations are great triggers that can help one create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. According to studies, family getaways make people happier, build better relationships and enhance the quality of life.
According to a survey by the Family Travel Association, 58 per cent of families think that travelling helps children to feel less alone, 48 per cent think that it makes them more courageous, and 44 per cent are sure that it helps them to feel comfortable around new people. Travelling with Dad is not just about seeing new places; it is about gaining assurance, developing intimacy, and getting wonderful memories.
Why It’s Important to Vacay With Dad
So if you are looking for the perfect vacation to take a vacation with dad or if you are a dad looking for a holiday with your children, then here is the list of amazing places to choose depending on the type of adventure.
Top Travel Destinations for Dads & Kids
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands are perfect for an adventure vacation with a perfect combination of adventure, history and beautiful scenery. If you are into hiking then you are in for a challenge in the rough terrain, learning about the castles or for the driver, the North Coast 500.
For the dads that enjoy a good drink, the area is also home to the Malt Whisky Trail, which has some of the best distilleries in Scotland. The best time to travel is during the period May to September when the weather is mild and suitable for outdoor activities.
A one week trip will cost between $2,500 and $3,500 per person excluding airfare, accommodations and meals. Learn more about the Scottish Highlands.
Alaska, USA
If you are an adventurous father and you have kids who love nature and wildlife, then Alaska is the place to be. You will be able to stand in awe before glaciers, or watch bears in their natural environment, or even go fishing with your children.
With such places as Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, there is a lot to see and do in the natural world. The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer months of June, July and August when the weather is most conducive for wildlife watching.
A one week trip to Alaska will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 per person including airfare, accommodation and activities.
Kyoto, Japan
If your family has an interest in history, culture and amazing food then Kyoto is the place to visit. The city Center is like stepping back in history as one walks around the temples, tea houses and the preserved historic neighborhoods. Head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, marvel at the Golden Pavilion and take a stroll in the charming Gion district where Geisha can be seen.
The best times to visit Kyoto are in the spring, specifically March to May for the cherry blossoms or in the autumn, specifically October to November for the leaves changing color. A one-week trip to Kyoto will cost $2,000 – $3,000 per person including airfare, accommodation and attraction fees. Learn more about Kyoto [related post=3415].
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a great place for fathers and children to travel to if they want to have a cultural, adventurous and relaxing vacation.
You can enjoy an exciting hike up Table Mountain or witness the spectacular coast of Cape of Good Hope. Families can also visit Robben Island to learn about Nelson Mandela or buy souvenirs at the V&A Waterfront Market. The best time to travel to Cape Town is during the summer months November to February.
For this kind of trip, you can expect to spend anywhere between $2,500 and $3,500 per person for a week, including airfare, accommodation and activities.
Queenstown, New Zealand
For the thrill seekers, Queenstown is an adventure paradise for both dads and kids. This city has gained its reputation as the ‘adrenaline capital of the world’ due to the number of thrilling activities it offers including bungee jumping, jet boating, and mountain hikes.
Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, is nearby and is worth the short drive to see. Queenstown is a great place to visit in the summer period (December to February) for hiking or in the winter period (June to August) for skiing.
The cost of a week’s vacation is between $3,000 and $4,000 per person including airfare, accommodations and other activities.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is a heaven on earth for dads and kids who love nature, wildlife and photography. The park is one of the most beautiful places in the world owing to its breathtaking scenery that include the turquoise color of Lake Louise and the mountains of the Canadian Rockies.
Features like hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching are great for bonding. The best time to visit is June to August for warm-weather activities or December to March for cold-weather activities like skiing.
The price of a week in Banff is between $2,000 and $3,000 per person, including airfare, accommodation and other activities.
Barcelona, Spain
For the history enthusiast, architect or any one who loves the Mediterranean culture, Barcelona is an excellent place for a vacation. Explore the wonderful works of Antoni Gaudí – including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell – while you enjoy some tapas on La Rambla.
The beaches are the ideal place to relax after a day of walking. The best time to visit Barcelona is during the months of May-June or September-October when the climate is quite moderate.
A one-week trip to Barcelona will cost between $2,500 and $3,500 per person, including airfare, accommodation, and other activities.
FAQ – Take a Vacation With Your Dad
The kind of trips that work best are those that involve group activities for example, hiking, fishing or a road trip. Just pick what you both like! I also wrote an article about how to make a long journey more enjoyable for a child, you can check it out [related post=3467].
The cost of a trip depends on the destination and the type of travel but most trips will set you back between $2,000 and $4,000 per person for a week including airfare, lodging and activities.
Let them help choose activities, pick what they want to eat or how to get to the place using a map. This makes them feel like they are a part of the process and thus more excited. You can also read my tips on how to keep a child entertained on a long journey [related post=3467].
Children can start traveling when they are toddlers but the best ages to take them on an adventure are 6-12 years. I also wrote an article about how to keep a child entertained on a long journey, you can check it out [related post=3467].
Both actually! It is ideal to have a rough itinerary, but allow for some leisure time as well as spontaneous activities to make the trip enjoyable for both of you.
Final Thoughts – take a vacation with dad
In the end, it’s not so much the destination as it is the way of the journey. Whether you are fishing in Alaska, ziplining in New Zealand or just having a meal in Barcelona, the time you spend with your dad (or kids) is priceless. These adventures are not just about watching the places; they are about laughing, learning and building the strong bond between the father and child.
So what are you waiting for? Choose a destination, pack your bags and make some wonderful memories with your dad or kids today!
Which destination most appeals to you? Leave a comment and share your dream trip with Dad!