Who says a holiday with your children can’t be adventurous? From rafting down the raging rivers of Colorado to cycling through the rice paddies of Vietnam, no one could ever be bored on these 5 active holidays.
Bicycles are an essential part of day-to-day life in the verdant north of Vietnam. So why not hop on a trusty two-wheeler yourself? A lovely route from Hanoi to the picturesque village of Hoi An takes you past rice paddies and towering karst mountains, and along the coast of the azure South China Sea. As far as children are concerned, spending the night on a boat in Halong Bay is naturally an absolute highlight!
The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and if you’ve ever stood at the edge, you’ll know why. But the canyon floor holds its share of wonders as well: a rafting trip on the tempestuous Colorado River lets you see the Grand Canyon from an entirely new perspective. During a two-day trip, you’ll paddle through rapids, hike to the Travertine Cavern Falls and picnic on the river banks. Afterwards, a helicopter will whisk everyone back to the canyon rim, safe and sound.
Glaciers are beautiful even from a distance, but seen up close they’re absolutely stunning. The ever-changing light, creaking ice and infinite shades of blue on display make a walk among the glaciers a unique experience. And in Norway, it’s possible at the peak of summer! You’ll paddle your kayak through the crystal-clear water between icebergs as you make your way to the glacier, where the climb will begin. Children ages seven and up can come along.
While a safari in Africa is spectacular in any case, things get even more adventurous when you set out with your own 4WD vehicle with rooftop tent! Setting up the tent in the evening is easy as pie: you’ll be sitting around the self-made campfire with the whole family in no time. And by the way, there’s no need to fret about uninvited wildlife such as lions or zebras around your tent. Campsites in the national parks (like Kruger, for instance) have sturdy fences along the perimeter. Although you just might see a stray jackal or two running about…
Travelling by train is every bit as adventurous and romantic as it sounds. Pulling into quaint little stations, watching the landscape roll past and enjoying a magical meal in the dining car: it all adds up to a memorable experience, especially for children! Canada is an ideal country to see by rail. The world-famous transcontinental line ‘The Canadian’ takes you from Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest to Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario in the east, with several stops in between. Or vice versa, of course.
