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School Trip Blog

Educational tourism destination – best places for school trips.

There is no better way to learn about the world than experiencing it firsthand. Travel is a wonderful teacher that guides students to destinations with outstanding educational museums, historical relics, impressive architectures, and archeological sites. Educational School Trip guides you to faultless educational trip places that mark wonderful inspirations to students. Ready to make the world your classroom? Read on for our best places for educational tours.

China – The Magical Educational Trip Place

Vietnam – The Timeless Place to Go On A School Trip

Laos – The Enchanting Educational Field Trip Place

Cambodia – The Charming Field Trip Destination

Thailand – The Alluring Educational Field Trip Place

Myanmar – The Mysterious Educational Tourism Destination

Sri Lanka – The Irresistible Place for An Educational Trip

Top Tips and Advice Before School Trips

Learning objectives.

The very first determination that affects how we choose school trips is the learning purposes of the trips. Figure out what you want students to achieve at the end of the journey, what the benefits are and how to organize a trip that fits your intention. Afterward, you may want to do a small survey to gather your students’ opinions, still, their choices must be based on the learning objectives. Find out the traveling destinations are teachers’ decisions but it would be much better when you listen to your students. Remember to mention the assignment of learning outcomes they have to submit after the trip so that they might pay more attention to what they experience throughout the trips. Moreover, you should take a look at the age of the students when planning school trips, because this factor will determine what they can approach and learn.

Behaviour Management

Make it clear that students are the representatives of the school (and also the country). They should realize what they do during the trips can be proof for other people to make some judgment about the whole school. Thus, students need to control and manage their behaviors, especially in public places.

Choosing Providers

Spending time searching service providers is never wasted. A lot of online providers promote customers with impressive information, they promise the lowest expenses for the best experience; however, later they let clients down when they take the trip. Consequently, you had better research carefully and go into details as possible and make any confirmation before booking. One tip for you is to ask the advice and recommendations from friends and colleagues for the most successful school vacation.

If you are looking for a trust-worthy travel agent, please visit our website Educational School Trips. With the valuable experience from making and operating tour aiming to students and teenagers, our company is proud to offer customers the most enjoyable educational tour at a proper cost. With us, you can feel free to ask, customize the trip according to your needs. Safety and insurance may never become a concern to clients because they are strict standards for us to run the company. Check out the website today and see our happy customers’ reviews!

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Wander-Lush

World’s Best Cultural Tourism Destinations: 30 Cultural Trips to Take This Year

Discover the best cultural trips and immersive travel experiences our world has to offer. From Southern India to the High Arctic, here are the top 30 countries and regions for cultural tourism this year .

With many of us now on the lookout for deeper and more meaningful travel experiences , cultural tourism – travel that prioritises learning about and appreciating different ways of life – has never been more appealing.

Immersive cultural experiences give travellers an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, form meaningful relationships, and develop new skills. They can also open the door to a slower, more sustainable type of travel that has benefits for local communities and a lighter impact on the planet.

Whether you’re a seasoned cultural traveller researching for your next trip or you’re interested in getting off-the-beaten-track but aren’t sure where to start, I hope this guide to culture and travel offers you some food for thought!

I also suggest reading these tips for socially responsible travel for advice about engaging with different cultures in a sensitive and mindful way.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

This post may contain sponsored links for which I received compensation.

What is cultural tourism?

Cultural travel is as broad and multifaceted as culture itself – it’s difficult to pin down, and highly subjective. For me, cultural tourism is a kind of travel that prioritises activities and experiences designed to immerse you in a way of life that differs from your own.

It might involve consuming tangible cultural products (museums, archaeological sites, food , tea ) or encountering intangible cultural elements (rituals, performances, processes). As well as art, literature, religious monuments and the like, it also encompasses ways of living, values and beliefs – both historical and contemporary.

It’s almost impossible to avoid local culture when you travel. No matter your motivation, it’s inevitable that you’ll end up experiencing some aspect of local culture, even if it’s something as simple as eating local cuisine or learning a few words of the language.

Apart from these incidental encounters, cultural tourism represents a more concerted effort to engage with local culture through specialised activities. In the same way an adventure traveller might seek out a particular hiking route, for example, a cultural traveller might plan their trip around a festival.

Cultural vacations might involve:

• Learning a new skill, for example through a cooking class or craft workshop
• Attending a local festival or event
• Participating in a ritual or ceremony
• Eating local food
• Staying with a family at a homestay
• Immersing yourself in the local community by teaching English as a foreign language
• Visiting a community-based tourism project
• Visiting World Heritage Sites and immersive museums
• Taking a locally guided tour

There’s lots more to cultural trips (as you’ll soon see), but these are some of the common elements we tend to associate with this genre of travel.

Pros and cons of cultural travel

Cultural travel is almost a guaranteed way to enrich your experience as a tourist. But it’s worth noting that this type of travel has both benefits and downsides for host communities.

Cultural tourism helps to encourage the preservation of culture and heritage by keeping endangered traditions alive. There might be little demand for heritage handicraft skills, for example, but outside interest (and an opportunity to earn an income) could be enough to safeguard a tradition that might otherwise have been lost.

By the same token, cultural tourism can incentivise better protections for physical heritage sites, ensuring that monuments and the like remain accessible for future generations. Cultural tourism can have far-reaching social impacts and environmental benefits when it gives rise to new social enterprises, local businesses and women-led ventures geared towards giving tourists an immersive experience.

On the other hand, there’s always a question mark around authenticity when it comes to cultural travel. If a ritual is performed for the benefit of outsiders, does it lose its meaning? Commodification of culture for tourism is a serious issue that impacts many communities and can be damaging to social and economic development more broadly.

Cultural tourism often involves travelling to more remote areas, which introduces a whole host of other pros and cons. A road constructed for the benefit of tourists is also new infrastructure for the community – but it might speed up globalisation and cultural erosion, while the very presence of tourists can worsen environmental pollution or cause rifts between different social groups.

These are complicated issues. Personally, I think cultural exchange is one of the most important aspects of travel and when managed properly and in a way that actively involves communities, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks.

Top 30 countries & regions for cultural trips

There’s not a town, city, county or region in the world that doesn’t have something amazing to offer in terms of local culture. This makes it very hard to pick the ‘best’ places for cultural tourism.

However, each of these 30 hand-picked destinations stands out for its extravagant festivals and celebrations, rich cuisine and heritage handicrafts that give travellers a window on culture, heritage and the local way of life.

At the end of the list, you’ll find my top tips for having a more culturally immersive travel experience no matter where in the world you go.

Cultural destinations in the Americas

Antioquia Department, Colombia • Cuba • Ecuador • Big Island of Hawaii, USA • Orleans Parish, USA • Oaxaca, Mexico

Colombia’s Antioquia Department – for pueblos, bandeja paisa & Botero

A melange of Indigenous traditions and colonial influences, there are few destinations in the world more culturally vibrant or intriguing than Colombia.

Antioquia Department in the north-west – with the city of Medellin as its capital – has become one of the most popular destinations in the country for tourists, beloved for its exquisite landscapes, colourful small towns and coffee farming heritage.

Along with several other departments, this part of Colombia is home to the Paisas , a self-defined cultural group whose name is derived from a Spanish word meaning ‘countryman’. They speak their own dialect, eat their own cuisine, and pass down their culture through a rich tradition of music and folklore.

Modern-day Antioquian culture is defined by the region’s artists, writers and poets. And then there’s the city of Medellin itself, which has undergone a huge transformation in recent years and is now considered one of the country’s main cultural hubs.

Top cultural experiences in Antioquia

Eat Paisa cuisine: One of the biggest joys of visiting Antioquia is experiencing the food scene. Paisa cuisine is heavily influenced by the topography and way of life in the Colombian Andes – carb-heavy dishes that feature beans, rice and maize are designed to fuel bodies for back-breaking work on the land. Bandeja Paisa is by far the most popular traditional dish and a must-eat in Medellin. The Antioquian version of a ploughman’s lunch, it consists of carne asada (grilled steak), chicharrón (crispy pork rind), rice and red beans served with a slice of avocado, fried plantains, a fried egg and a corn arepa on the side. It’s not for the faint hearted!

Visit a pueblo : Colombia is renowned for its small towns with colourful painted facades and pretty flower boxes. Antioquia is home to some of the loveliest pueblos in the country, including  Jardin , Jericó and Santa fe de Antioquia, to name but a few. Developed during Spanish times, most follow the same basic town plan: A public square, a market, a church, and rows and rows of houses built in the region’s vernacular style. If you’re short on time, Pueblo Paisa in Medellin is a model village in the heart of the capital.

Shop at the San Alejo Handicraft Market: If you happen to be visiting Medellin on the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Colombia’s handicraft traditions on display. Vendors from across the region descend on the city to sell traditional products, including woven Wayuu bags, and artisanal foods. You can chat to the vendors and watch live demonstrations to see how these Indigenous handicrafts are produced.

Visit Comuna 13: A locally guided tour of Medellin’s Comuna 13 will allow you to delve into the city’s tumultuous recent past in a respectful and mindful way. This collection of once-notorious city neighbourhoods has become a symbol for the nation’s transformation and cultural revitalisation. Street art, music and other expressions of local creativity are all on display for visitors to enjoy.

Cuba – for Mambo, classic cars & casas particulares

The native Taino Indians called their beautiful island Cubanacán. When the Spaniards arrived in 1511, they shortened it to ‘Cuba’ and claimed it for Spain, labelling it “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever beheld.”

Ethnically, the country is a vibrant mix of Europeans, Africans brought over as enslaved workers throughout the 1700s, and a large group of Chinese imported as indentured servants. Sadly, the original inhabitants have largely disappeared.

On December 31, 1959 the Cuban Revolution succeeded in converting the country into a communist nation. Since then – and due to the mutually adversarial relationship with the United States – the island nation has existed in semi-isolation, frozen in time.

The cars that roam the streets are the same classic American models from the 1950s, and the frequently crumbling buildings have enjoyed little renovation.    

Despite Cuba’s trying history, the spirit of the people lives on and in its rich and celebrated culture. Before you go, learn the dos and don’t of visiting Cuba . 

Top cultural experiences in Cuba

Dance the night away at a musical venue: Cuba is the birthplace of dozens of musical genres including Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha and Afro-Cuban Jazz. These Afro-European genres have contributed and enriched music categories around the world. Be sure to experience one of Cuba’s world-famous carnivals and Jazz Festivals.

Overdose on art and architecture: With nine UNESCO World Heritage sites and an amazing collection of museums, Cuba is a culture vulture’s paradise. Most are found in the capital city of Havana, but you also find little gems in the second city, Santiago de Cuba, and the perfectly preserved colonial city of Trinidad. Cuba’s architecture ranges from Spanish colonial and French Baroque to 1920s Art Deco. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Havana and the Bacardi Museum in Santiago to start; but don’t miss the quirky Rum Museum or the delectable Museum of Chocolate either.

Stay at a Cuban homestay: These Airbnb-type experiences are called ‘ casas particulares ‘. This is your opportunity to live with a Cuban family and delve into the culture.

Go hiking: Cuba’s national parks, biosphere reserves and 1,500 miles (2,400km) of coastline provide an opportunity to experience the outdoor culture.

By Talek from Travels With Talek

Ecuador – for jungle homestays, festivals & colada morada

A country with just over 17 million people, Ecuador is an extremely culturally diverse nation and a cultural tourism destination that should not to be overlooked.

Retaining a strong influence from Spanish colonisation, with widely-celebrated Catholic festivals and traditions, there is also a diverse mix of Andean Indigenous groups and traditions that dominate the mountainous centre of the country. In the east, the influence of various Amazonian Indigenous groups and their traditions is strong.

The coast of Ecuador, meanwhile, is marked by African influence from the cultures of enslaved peoples brought during colonisation.

With such a diversity of cultures – each with their own festivals, traditional foods and more – there are plenty of immersive experiences to partake in across the country that make a trip to Ecuador a must for any cultural traveller.

Top cultural experiences in Ecuador

Visit a remote community in the Amazon rainforest: One of the most popular and fascinating cultural experiences for travellers to Ecuador is to visit an Indigenous community to learn about and experience the rich traditions. Even a jungle tour of the Amazon on a budget can be tailored to include a visit to an Indigenous community, where you’ll learn to make traditional dishes and beverages such as chicha . Tribes deeper in the Amazon that welcome visitors often offer more in-depth cultural experiences including homestays, ritual cleansings, or even ayahuasa retreats.

Celebrate Easter in Ecuador: In addition to the Indigenous traditions in Ecuador, there are many popular celebrations from the Catholic tradition that travellers can partake in. Easter celebrations during Holy Week include Quito’s parade, known as the Procesión Jesús del Gran Poder, which features thousands of purple-hooded devotes carrying crosses and statues. Make sure you enjoy a bowl of traditional Fanesca , a rich and creamy soup made with 12 grains representing the 12 Disciples.

Dress up for Día de los Difuntos : Another cultural celebration with Indigenous roots is the Día de los Difuntos or ‘Day of the Deceased’, marked on November 2nd. Ecuador celebrates by honouring the dead and visiting cemeteries. Celebrations also include preparing and eating guaguas de pan , bread in the shape of a baby filled with fruit jam, and drinking colada morada , a thick, sweet drink made with berries and fruit and thickened with blue corn flour before being served warm. These delicious treats are sold in bakeries across the country for at least a month prior to the festivities. The largest celebrations are held in Indigenous communities such as Otavalo in Northern Ecuador.

By Carley from Home to Havana

The Big Island of Hawaii – for palm weaving, stargazing & petroglyphs

The natural abundance of the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is nothing short of spectacular. With eight different climate zones, three active volcanoes, and the most mesmerising waterfalls and beaches in different shades, there’s a wealth of diversity to explore on the Big Island .

This unique natural setting is also home to several important cultural sites. After all, this is the Hawaiian island where the first Polynesian settlers arrived, where the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, King Kamehameha the Great, was born, and where the European explorers first arrived.

With such a rich heritage, it comes as no surprise that Hawaiian culture is still very much alive on the Big Island. Here are some experiences that allow you to explore the island’s heritage.

Top cultural experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii

Take a self-guided tour of the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park: Just south of Kailua-Kona, there’s a site where the royal family and their warriors once lived. It’s very well preserved and you can still see the thatched huts, an ancient temple, wooden carvings and fishponds. But this site was more than just a royal retreat: When Hawaiians broke the law or kapu , they were condemned to death. The only option to escape their fate was reaching this sanctuary, known as the Place of Refuge. You can visit this intriguing site on a self-guided tour.

Learn the traditional Hawaiian art of weaving palm fronds: In the Hawaiian craft known as lau niu , the leaves of the coconut palm were used to thatch roofs, create baskets and even hats. There’s a handful of workshops where you can learn this traditional craft from a professional weaver. Not only does it make for a unique experience, it also allows you to craft your own handmade Hawaiian souvenir.

Go stargazing at Maunakea: In Hawaiian culture, the dormant Maunakea volcano, with its unique alpine Lake Waiau, is considered sacred. They believed the summit to be the realm of the gods and the meeting place of earth and sky. To this day, cultural rituals are performed on the slopes of Maunakea. This intriguing volcano is home to the world’s largest astronomical observatory, the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, which hosts a regular stargazing program.

Check out the Hawaiian petroglyphs: Hawaiian petroglyphs tell the stories of ancient times and give a unique inside into the different cultural beliefs on the islands. You can find carvings of canoes, turtles, babies and more at one of the petroglyph sites that dot the Big Island, such as the Puuloa Petroglyph site in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve near the Mauna Lani Resort.

Conquer the ocean in an outrigger canoe: Step aboard a double-hull outrigger canoe and explore the shore in the same way the Polynesian settlers did centuries ago. This type of canoe features lateral support floats or outriggers fastened to one or to both sides of the hull. Learn how to paddle and work as a team as you glide along the Kona reefs teeming with fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins.

By Sarah from CosmopoliClan

Orleans Parish – for jazz, Madi Gras & creole cooking

When it comes to cultural destinations, few cities have as much to offer as New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Located in Southeastern USA, New Orleans is all about tradition and culture. The city’s unique heritage comes from a blend of French, Spanish, Cajun, and Creole cultures.

Combined, these groups have given birth to something truly iconic. The beautiful Mardi Gras celebrations are a remnant of the French colonial era, while the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture in Jackson Square is worthy of a walking tour .

You will also find unique Cajun cuisine served in the city’s most popular restaurants. Add in the many historical museums, southern plantation homes, and distinct architectural styles and Orleans Parish makes for the ultimate cultural destination in the US.

Top cultural experiences in New Orleans

Join a Mardi Gras parade: New Orleans is well-known for its lavish and grand Mardi Gras parades and balls. Visitors can enjoy the festivities for an entire month in the lead up to the big day. Outside of Mardi Gras, there are plenty of other festivals in New Orleans to check out as well. 

Listen to jazz: New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. The city’s Creole population gathered and celebrated in the city’s Congo Square on Sundays and thus jazz was born!

Tour a plantation home: Many southern plantation homes are located along the banks of the Mississippi. These can be seen on a road trip along the Great River Road. On a tour, you will learn about pre-Civil war life in the South and the history of slavery. Learn more about the ethics of visiting plantation homes here .

By Ketki from Dotted Globe

Oaxaca – for Indigenous cuisine, Zapotec rugs & mezcal

The state of Oaxaca is a cultural hub in Mexico. Void of resorts or even big-name hotel chains, Oaxaca is rich in flavourful cuisine, celebrations, and Indigenous revitalisation.

Located in southern Mexico, Oaxaca features a variety of different landscapes, from lush hills and forests, to dry arid deserts and blissful beaches. However, the community atmosphere of Oaxaca is what keeps people coming back, both international visitors and Mexican residents alike.

Oaxaca is known as the food capital of Mexico, with dozens of celebrity chefs. Notably, Indigenous culture is very visible in Oaxaca, with 16 recognised Indigenous groups in the state. Zapotec weaving is one of the most sought-after souvenirs in the area – and Mexico in general – and it comes from Oaxaca.

Top cultural experiences in Oaxaca

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos : Oaxaca City is a top destination for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), with its dazzling parades, intricate family altars and abundant festivities. Dia de los Muertos is a pre-Columbian tradition that honours deceased loved ones with food, drink, and merriment. So, if you happen to visit Oaxaca during a festival like Dia de los Muertos, bring comfortable shoes for fun activities throughout the day. Oaxaca City is an extremely walkable city, and you will want to explore every inch of its mural lined walls.

Eat Oaxacan cuisine: Since Oaxacan cuisine is also central to the region’s identity, sign up for a food tour with a local to learn the origins of some of the most popular dishes and what makes Oaxacan food and flavour so unique and different from other states in Mexico. Or, if you want to take a more hands-on approach, take a cooking class with a world-class chef at Casa de los Sabores and learn how to make mole and other Oaxacan staples.

Visit a Zapotec village: If you’d prefer to focus on Indigenous cuisine, take a day trip out to the Zapotec village of Teotitlán del Valle for a cooking class at El Sabor Zapoteco . After you finish, there are many things to do in Teotitlán del Valle , but you will probably want to get your fill of shopping at the many boutique shops for best quality Zapotec rugs.

Drink mezcal: If you’re a fan of hard drinks, Oaxaca is a great destination for mezcal tasting! Hop on any tour and view the vast agave fields as you taste mezcal throughout the day. Depending on the season, you may even get to try your hand at using the harvesting machete!

By Kay from The Awkward Traveller

Learn more: A local’s guide to the best of Mexican culture and an in-depth guide to Mayan culture in the Yucatan .

Cultural travel destinations in Europe

French Basque Country • Armenia • Sicily • Greece • Bosnia & Herzegovina • Russia • Northern Europe’s Arctic Regions • The Greater Caucasus • Andalusia, Spain

French Basque Country – for frontons , fêtes & espadrilles

The Basque country at the southwestern-most tip of France is one of those regions you might not guess is French – at least not at first.

The half-timbered houses are painted oxblood or green, and the Euskara (Basque) language, Europe’s oldest, is related to no other tongue. The Basques are also among the oldest ethnic groups of Europe.

Basque culture is unique and is spread among seven provinces, of which three are in France (the other four are in Spain). The Basques have their own festivals, music and dances, their own foods, games and folklore, as well as an acute sense of history and heritage.

Top cultural experiences in French Basque Country

Here are just a few cultural experiences to whet your appetite for all things Basque!

Gastronomy: The food is different from your regular French fare. For example, the Espelette pimento is spicier than seasonings you’ll find elsewhere in France, and food itself is taken to new heights here – the region has the highest number of Michelin stars per capita in the world. And let’s not forget the pintxo , the Basque equivalent of the Spanish tapas.

Fronton s: You’ll find one of these walls in every Basque village – it’s what Basques use to play their national sport, Basque pelota (known in some countries as jai alai). It’s played with a racquet-like bat which scoops up the ball. Then, a bit like squash, the players fling it back and forth against the wall, or fronton.

Family-owned businesses: Basque artisanal traditions run deep, whether it’s leatherwork, espadrilles, Basque linen or beret making. This is a region in which hand-made goods thrive and where mass-production takes a back seat. The local government makes sure family businesses are promoted and Basque know-how exported, however stiff the competition – there are special labels for family businesses, and even labels for those businesses that have been around for more than a century (and there are plenty). As a result, hand-made goods from this small region find their way around the world, symbolising not only Basque savvy but Basque determination to hang on to its heritage.

Bayonne Festival: With its one million annual participants, the Fêtes de Bayonne is France’s largest festival. It was ‘borrowed’ in 1932 from not-too-distant Pamplona in Spain, but has grown immeasurably since. Each July, visitors dress up in white clothes and red scarves (and a red beret, of course) and spend five days eating, drinking, singing Basque songs and watching Basque sports. The Festival includes bullfighting, which has a long tradition in the region, although this particular sport might be short-lived given the growing opposition to it.

By Leyla from Offbeat France

Bosnia & Herzegovina – for old bazaars, woodcarving & kahva

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse countries in the Balkans . If you have your sights set on this lesser-visited part of Europe for your next cultural trip, it’s the perfect setting to learn about the region’s different – often competing – influences and how they’ve shaped modern life.

Bosnia is the original cultural melting pot, and Sarajevo is where it all comes to a head. The city is divided into two parts – Ottoman and European – with the sprawling Old Bazaar on one side, and the Austro-Hungarian planned portion of the capital on the other. A plaque on the pavement marks the spot where East Meets West.

But the boundaries aren’t always that clear. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s character is a combination of Bosnian, Serb and Croat, layered with Jewish, Romanian, Albanian and Turkish traditions. The vignette of a mosque’s minaret and a church bell tower rising up side by side is a perfect motif for the country’s diversity.

Top cultural experiences in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Explore Sarajevo’s Old Bazaar: One of the most beautiful Ottoman bazaars in the region (and there are a lot), just wandering the rows of picturesque wooden shops connected by cobbled streets – the sound of coppersmiths beating intricate designs onto plates ringing in your ears – is a completely immersive experience. At the kafane coffeehouses, where kahva and rakia are served with much pageantry, you get a feel for famous Bosnian hospitality.

Take a food tour of Sarajevo: Bosnians are fiercely proud of their national cuisine. Dishes such as burek (filled savoury pastry) and cevapi are a common ground and bring the country together. A food tour of Sarajevo takes you behind the scenes on some of the city’s liveliest markets and busiest restaurants while giving you an insight into the history behind some of the country’s most iconic dishes.

Visit a woodcarving master in Konjic: Sarajevo in particular has an incredibly rich art and literature scene, as evidenced in the many festivals that take place in the city throughout the year. Bosnia’s heritage handicrafts shine a light on the culture of craftsmanship that has bestowed the country with so many beautiful landmarks over the years. Woodcarving has been practiced for generations in the city of Konjic and today, visitors can tour the masters’ workshops for an up-close encounter.

See the Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards: Stećci medieval tombstones were laid during the time of the Bosnian Kingdom. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’re found throughout the territory including in forests close to the border with Serbia . Carved from limestone, the Stećci contain motifs and inscriptions and provide a rare window onto this epoch of the country’s history that’s still shrouded in much mystery.

Greece – for markets, mythology & Orthodox Easter

Greece is a country rich in culture, from the legacy of ancient history and mythology to traditional cuisine and celebratory festivals that still bring people together to this day. Greek nationals tend to be very proud of their history and culture , which can be seen in the well-executed museums, galleries and archaeological sites throughout the country.

Believed to be the ‘birthplace of Western civilisation’, Greece is known for its scholars, medics, architects, philosophers and politicians that shaped the way the world works today. This makes the country an excellent choice for cultural tourism as there are simply so many things to see and do that will both satiate your wanderlust while also teaching you new things.

Whether you’re interested in archaeological excavations, gastronomic tours, local festivals or ancient architecture, Greece certainly has you covered.

Top cultural experiences in Greece

Take a Mythology Tour of Ancient Athens: Athens has a whole host of archaeological sites to explore , from the Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library to the world-famous Acropolis and Parthenon perched on a hillside overlooking the city. One of the best ways to discover these sites is via a Mythology Tour that takes you around the best historic monuments and ruins while also giving you interesting information about the city and country’s history and mythology. This tour , suitable for all ages, gives you skip-the-line access to some of Athens’ most important landmarks along with an experienced guide to give you detailed history about how Greece became the centre of the world.

Visit the Athens Central Market: If your idea of cultural tourism involves food, you might be interested in a trip to the Athens Central Market and a local cookery class. A gastronomic experience allows you to soak up the sights and smells of the city’s biggest market, picking up local produce and souvenirs while also trying some tasty titbits along the way . You’ll then take your purchases back to the kitchen where you’ll cook up a storm using local recipes and techniques. Try classics like Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), Tzatziki and Spanakopita (spinach and feta pies) to give you a real taste of traditional Greek cuisine.

Attend the Epidaurus Festival: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a grand amphitheatre located on the bank of the Acropolis Complex, runs an annual summer festival of art. The festival combines modern and traditional music, theatre and dance with the picturesque Ancient Greek setting, making it a real highlight for any traveller. Over the years, the Epidaurus festival has played host to names like Frank Sinatra, Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti.

Celebrate Orthodox Easter in Greece: Easter is one of the biggest traditional festivals on the Orthodox calendar, so no matter where you are in Greece during this time, you’re sure to come across some pretty exciting celebrations! One destination that always enjoys epic Easter festivities is the island of Corfu. Local Easter traditions begin on Palm Sunday (a week before Easter) and there are different festivities each day leading up to the main event.

Palm Sunday sees a large procession of the Holy Shrine; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday see locals preparing their Easter meals and sweet specialities, going to evening ceremonies and lighting up the town with lanterns; Maundy Thursday is egg-painting day; Good Friday features the mournful marches of the philharmonic orchestra and the procession of epitaphs; Good Saturday features an artificial earthquake(!), bell ringing, the throwing of clay pots and tossing coins into a barrel; and the whole week culminates on Easter Sunday with a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ – fireworks, marches, music and traditional family meals galore!

By Chrysoula from Athens and Beyond

Learn more: 7 awesome cultural activities in Athens .

Russia – for ballet, banyas & borscht

While many may think of Russia as cold and grey, this could not be further from the truth. From the famous colourful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the gilded fountains of the Peterhof Palace, Russia’s beauty is undeniable.

Russia is also a country rich in culture and filled with literature, ballet, painting and classical music.

Top cultural experiences in Russia

To really delve into Russian culture, there are a few experiences you should have whilst here.

Experience a Russian banya : One of the best cultural experiences you can have in Russia is to visit a banya . A banya is similar to a sauna. The biggest difference, though, is that a banya has high levels of humidity, while a sauna usually has dry air. They’ve been a part of Russian life for over a thousand years! You wear funny felt hats to protect your hair and ears from the heat. This also helps to regulate your body temperature, so you are able to sit in the banya for a longer period of time.

Another interesting aspect of the Russian banya is ‘flogging’ using birch twigs ( venik ). This is supposed to benefit your health and improve your immune system, and honestly, if you have someone who knows what they are doing, it does feel really good!

After you’ve gone in and out of the banya a couple times, you then cool yourself off by taking a quick, cold shower, jumping into a cold pool or tub (banyas do have these), jumping into a snowbank (seriously). Or… You can just jump in a frozen lake!

See a ballet at the Bolshoi: Seeing a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre is one of the best things to do in Moscow and all of Russia in general. Even though ballet did not originate in Russia, Russian ballet is world-renowned, and the locals are incredibly proud of the tradition. If you can, try to see a performance of The Nutcracker or Swan Lake on the historic stage. Tickets sell out very quickly, so don’t delay in purchasing them once they go on sale!

Experience NYE: New Year’s Eve is the biggest holiday in Russia. This is because Christmas was forbidden during the Soviet years. Many traditions were moved from Christmas to the New Year, including keeping presents under the Christmas tree and visits from the Russian equivalent of Santa. Celebrations and fireworks take place across the country on December 31 – the biggest and most famous displays are in Moscow’s Red Square and Gorky Park.

Sample Russian cuisine: No trip to Russia would be complete without experiencing the local cuisine. The best Russian food and drinks to sample on your visit are: Pelmeni (a Russian dumpling filled with meat and usually topped with sour cream); borscht (a traditional Russian soup whose main ingredient is beetroot); beef stroganoff (a Russian dish made with sautéed beef in a sauce with smetana ); syrniki (essentially a cottage cheese pancake topped with jam or sour cream – SO good!); kvass (a fermented beverage made from rye bread); and caviar and vodka (alas, you can’t come to Russia and not try caviar and vodka!)

By Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel

Northern Europe’s Arctic Regions – for reindeer & Sami traditions

In Europe’s high northern reaches, you will find one of the continent’s oldest and most distinct cultures, the Sami. Spread across the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, the Sami are Indigenous people who have traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle, known for herding their reindeer between their summer and winter feeding grounds.

The origins of the Sami are largely unknown, and it is believed that they once inhabited grounds much further south. But years of persecution drove them north and forced them to decrease livestock numbers in order to maintain their way of life. 

Against all odds, they have managed to hold onto large parts of their culture, including languages, traditions and ceremonies. As the modern world has encroached further north, there have been clashes over natural resources and land, which has put the plight of the Sami at the forefront of people’s minds in recent years and led to movements to protect the people and the culture. 

Top cultural experiences in the Arctic regions

Head to Tromso for an immersive Sami experience: Today, there are plenty of ways you can learn about and experience Sami culture. During the winter months, there are many Sami experiences in Tromsø, Norway and beyond where you can educate yourself about the Sami way of life, hear stories that have been passed down through the generations, and eat traditional foods.

Shop at a Sami market: Keep an eye out for Sami markets where you can purchase handmade traditional items.

Participate in a Sami festival: Norway is known to have the largest festivals and in various Arctic cities, you will find Sami festivals on National Sami Day (February 6th). In the summer, there are also Sami music festivals, such as the one found near Murmansk in Russia.

A visit to Northern Europe’s Arctic region is one of the most meaningful cultural trips in Europe as it helps bring attention to a group of people who have spent many years marginalised in their respective modern-day societies.

By Megan from Megan Starr

Andalusia – for Moorish architecture, tapas & Flamenco

Andalusia is an autonomous region in Southern Spain, geographically bounded by Spain’s southern coast. It’s culturally vibrant and very distinctive when compared to other parts of Spain such as Catalunya.

This part of the country was ruled by the Moors for centuries, and Moorish influence is evident in the cuisine, architecture and culture. Seville, Cordoba and Granada are all among the best Spain city breaks and each serve as a good base for exploring more of the region.

Top cultural experiences in Andalusia

Marvel at the Moorish architecture: The Andalusian architecture will capture your attention as soon as you land there, and this is probably the easiest way to start digging into the region’s past and cultural evolution. Cities like Seville and Granada have major UNESCO sites that will blow your mind – the style is in no way similar to buildings in France or even northern Spain for that matter. Islamic calligraphy and intricate details are most evident at the Real Alcazar Palace in Seville, the Alhambra in Granada , and the Mezquita in Cordoba.

Go tapas hopping: People in Andalusia are known for being a more little laid back, and generally enjoy food, family and companionship. Popular ‘tapas hopping’ is best experienced in Andalusia. Tapas bars in the south cultivate a cosy atmosphere with rounds of $1 dollar beers, spinach and chickpeas, cheese, and churros. Moorish/Muslim influence can be seen in the preparation of some foods, especially marzipan, and in the use of herbs and spices such as cumin and cilantro.  

Watch a Flamenco performance: After food, flamenco is what defines Andalusia. Flamenco is a dance that is synonymous with Southern Spain and is one of the most energetic and passionate forms of dance/storytelling. Flamenco shows in Seville and other cities in Andalusia are a great way to understand and enjoy this side of Southern Spanish culture.

By Mayuri from To Some Place New

Cultural tourism destinations in the Asia Pacific

Central Australia • Timor-Leste • Sarawak, Malaysia • Cambodia • Japan • Bhutan • Kerala, India • Rajasthan, India • Uzbekistan • The Tibetan Plateau • Taiwan

Central Australia – for ancient landscapes, ochre & bush tucker

The Arrernte and Anangu people have lived in Central Australia for over 20,000 years. From Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to the MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs, they have made their home in one of Australia’s driest and hottest regions.

The landscape, its plants and animals permeate every aspect of their culture. The natural environment is the basis for the Creation (or Dreamtime) stories at the core of their beliefs, ceremonies and traditions.

Their relationship with the land also has a practical aspect as a source of food, shelter and medicine. The Arrernte and Anangu’s land management techniques, native foods and art have all found their ways into broader Australian life.

Today, members of the communities have roles as guides, ranges and managers of major tourism businesses. For travellers, there are many opportunities to appreciate the on-going connection the Arrernte and Anangu people have with the Central Australian landscape.

Top cultural experiences in Central Australia

Visit Uluru (Ayres Rock): You can’t go to Central Australia and not visit Uluru. It is an iconic Australian landmark and when you visit this enormous rock, you’ll find many ways to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture. At Yulara Resort you can join a free session to learn about Indigenous food, crafts and didgeridoo playing.

On your way to Uluru, stop at the Cultural Centre. There are ranger talks about the area’s wildlife, how the Anagu have lived in the area for thousands of years, and how that knowledge is used to manage the park today. There are also galleries featuring local art and craft. For something a bit different, try a Segway tour of the rock . As you cruise around the 10 km base, you get a wonderful explanation of the Creation Stories tied to many of the rock’s features, caves and waterholes.

Ochre Pits: Ochre is a natural clay that comes in a range of colours and has been used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The Ochre Pits are at a site in the West MacDonnell Ranges where ochre has been collected by Arrernte men for generations. The Ochre Pits are an easy and accessible stop as you tour the gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The colourful ochre cliff face is spectacular and it is quite an experience to be in the presence of a site that has been used for so long and continues to play a role in Arrernte life.

Alice Springs Desert Park: With the lives and lore of the Arrernte tied so closely to the environment, this combination of a wildlife park and botanic garden gives you a great insight into their relationship with the land. Besides the fantastic desert animal exhibits, there is a full program of keeper and cultural talks over the day. Learn about surviving in the desert, bush food and the meaning many of the animals have in the daily life of the Arrernte. The park is in Alice Springs with the West MacDonnell Ranges providing a spectacular backdrop.

By Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

Timor-Leste – for sacred houses, tais weaving & Cristo Rei

Asia’s youngest nation, tiny Timor-Leste fought hard for its independence, first from Portugal and later from Indonesia. Holding strong to customs and beliefs is part of the resistance and against all odds, the Timorese have managed to pass down many traditions through music, dance and storytelling.

Fiestas held year-round throughout the country showcases these oral traditions, while in recent years, contemporary collectives have began building on the nation’s heritage of performance arts to process the events of the past and express their visions for the future.

There aren’t many physical reminders of Timor’s time as a Portuguese colony left – most architecture was subsequently destroyed – but the invisible influence is still there, along with the influence of the Catholic Church.

In the more remote regions, ethnic groups such as the Fataluku speak their own language and observe a fascinating array of cultural practices you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

Top cultural experiences in Timor-Leste

Tais weaving: Timor’s ornate national textiles are storytelling objects, filled with symbols inspired by folktales and animist traditions. At the Tais market in Dili you can shop for handwoven tais scarves and tablecloths, while visiting a weaving centre such as Koperativa Lo’ud gives you a chance to see the natural dyeing and weaving process in person.

See the uma lulik in Lospalos: Part of the Fataluku tradition, these sacred houses perched high on stilts symbolise the link between the dead and the living. They are sacred objects that cut an impressive profile as you pass them on the coast around far-eastern Timor.

Make the pilgrimage to Cristo Rei: Standing 27 metres tall on a hill overlooking the capital, Dili, Cristo Rei is the ultimate symbol of Timor-Leste’s piety. More than 99% of Timorese are Christian, and the church has played a huge role in shaping the island’s character post-independence. Walking the 590-step path lined with Stations of the Cross is a right of passage. At the top, views of Dili, Atauro Island and the sparkling coastline.

Sarawak, Malaysia – for ikat textiles, longhouses & forest trekking

The largest of Malaysia’s 13 states , Sarawak envelops much of Borneo. Local culture and way of life is intimately intertwined with the island’s flora and fauna and offers visitors experiences quite distinct from anything you find in Peninsular Malaysia.

Life, history, culture and spirituality is all heavily influenced by the area’s Indigenous peoples, most notably the Iban. Malaysia’s mix of Malay, Indian, Muslim, Chinese and British culture can also be felt in Kuching , the autonomous state’s biggest city and a hub for culture and the arts.

Top cultural experiences in Sarawak

Visit a museum in Kuching: The Tun Jugah Textile Museum, the Sarawak Cultural Village and the Sarawak State Museum – all in or near Kuching – offer immersive exhibits that explore Iban culture. The former is dedicated almost completely to the art of ikat weaving, a time-honoured craft tradition that’s kept alive by artisans and students who learn to dye and weave at the museum workshop.

Stay in an Iban longhouse: Travelling up river into the forest to spend the night at an Iban longhouse is an unforgettable experience. As well as sleeping in traditional quarters, you’ll get to taste home-cooked food and experience various oral traditions, including Renong singing and Ensera storytelling.

Eat Sarawak cuisine: Malaysia is a foodie’s paradise and Sarawak is no exception. In addition to the usual mix of cuisines served up at hawker markets, the state boasts many regional breakfast specialties including Sarawak laksa, kolo mee (Sarawakian noodles) and ayam pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo).

Cambodia – for Theravada Buddhism, apsara & golden silk

It’s easy to think of Cambodian culture as a relic of the past – a crumbling stupa or a cobwebbed museum display. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Khmer culture is a living, breathing thing, and it permeates everything – from underrated Cambodian cuisine to the country’s handicraft industry and the young collectives in Battambang and Kampot who are reviving the arts scene.

Many traditions and art forms almost lost during the 1970s have been brought back from the brink by artists and entrepreneurs determined to keep Cambodian culture alive.

Whether you’re interested in the legacy of the most powerful Golden Age state, the Khmer Empire, or discovering reminders of the Kingdom’s time as part of French Indochina in the beautiful colonial architecture and peppercorn plantations, it’s never been easier for visitors to get a feel for Cambodian culture.

Top cultural experiences in Cambodia

Take a Buddhism tour of Siem Reap: Spirituality plays a huge role in contemporary Cambodian life and there’s no better lens for exploring the country through. After you’ve taken in the Temples of Angkor that blend Hinduism and Buddhism, learn the ins and outs of Theravada Buddhism with an immersive Buddhism tour of Siem Reap . It’s a life-changing experience that teaches you how ancient beliefs coexist with modern society.

Watch an Apsara performance: It wasn’t so long ago that Cambodia’s national dance, Apsara, was considered an endangered art form. Artist and genocide surviver Arn Chorn-Pond has almost single-handedly revived Apsara traditions through his organisation Cambodian Living Arts. Nothing captures the Cambodian spirit like the understated but immensely beautiful performance. Nightly shows are held in Phnom Penh along with hands-on Apsara workshops that teach visitors the basic moves.

Go forest trekking in Mondulkiri: Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri in Cambodia’s far north-east are two of the country’s most remote provinces , known for their thick forests and biodiversity, including wild elephants. Ethnic minority groups including the Tampuan and the Bunong have developed sustainable tourism offerings, hosting guests at homestays and organising guided forest treks. During the tours, you get a glimpse of how people have coexisted with the forest for generations, and learn about the struggles they face today.

Seek out Khmer handicrafts: From Siem Reap’s Golden silk to Takeo cotton and clay pottery in Kampong Chhnang, every Cambodian province has its specialty crafts, many of which are still made by hand according to traditional techniques. In addition to making the perfect Cambodia souvenir , many co-ops offer tours and workshops so you can see the processes up close.

Japan – for ryokans , geisha culture & tea ceremonies

For those seeking an immersive cultural travel experience, Japan offers visitors a unique look at some of the oldest and most beautiful traditions in the world.

From the historic temples and shrines found throughout the country to the many spiritual and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to Japan to learn about the various philosophies and spiritual traditions that underpin Japanese culture. 

Top cultural experiences in Japan

Observe a temple ritual: Consider participating in some of the various rituals at Japan’s temples and shrines. This is especially beneficial if you’re visiting Japan with kids , as it helps to gain a better understanding and appreciation for Japanese customs. Many people in Japan have deep-seated beliefs in symbolism. At the temples and shrines, you can observe and participate in practices that will bring you good fortune, luck, prosperity or health.

Spend the night in a ryokan : To truly embrace Japanese culture, book a stay at a ryokan rather than a hotel. These traditional Japanese inns typically feature rooms with tatami-matted floors and communal onsens or bathhouses. Guests tend to walk around the ryokan in a yukata or lounging kimono and slippers. It is also common for guests to walk around barefoot, as it is considered unclean to wear shoes inside.

Drink matcha : A tea ceremony is another immersive experience that is unique to Japan. Although popular throughout Japan, tea ceremonies are especially prominent in Kyoto, the home of geisha culture. Geishas are treated somewhat like celebrities in Japan, and booking a geisha performance and tea ceremony can be expensive and fairly difficult to arrange. However, you can book a tea ceremony with a maiko , or geisha apprentice, for a more modest price. This one-of-a-kind ritual ceremony is sure to be one of the most memorable travel experiences you’ll have in Japan!

By Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Bhutan – for handicrafts, thangka & fertility symbols

Most people think of the Tiger’s Nest when they think of Bhutan. But this small, mountainous nation has a wealth of cultural history to offer in addition to its ornate monasteries.

Bhutan is a nation of crafters. In every town and city you will find streetwise vendors selling all manner of clothing, kitchenware, homeware and decorations that have been made using techniques that have been taught and passed down for hundreds of years.

Likewise, if you turn your attention to the buildings, you’ll see that many of them are adorned with colourful decals and patterns, especially designs that depict the eight auspicious signs which, among other things, represent wealth, good fortune, purity and harmony.

Bhutan is the only country in the world to measure their country’s wellbeing based on Gross National Happiness as opposed to Gross Domestic Production, which makes it (un)officially the happiest country on Earth.

Best cultural experiences in Bhutan

Attend a Tshechu ceremony: The annual Tshechu ceremonies show off Bhutan’s handicraft history perfectly. Throughout the year, locals gather across the country in regional Tshechus to celebrate Bhutan’s culture by singing traditional songs and performing dances in elaborate, brightly coloured costumes. At the Tsechu celebrations, an enormous religious banner or thangka depicting the country’s founder, Guru Rinpoche, is unveiled. The thangka is the size of a three storey building, hundreds of years old, and has not faded through the centuries due to the tradition of making sure that the light of the sun never touches it, so it’s still incredibly colourful and detailed.

Visit the Choki Traditional Art School: In order to see the historical handicrafts of Bhutan in production for yourself, make sure to visit the Choki Traditional Art School. Located just to the north of the capital city of Thimpu, here you can witness the students being taught how to weave, paint and sculpt masks, clothes, models, tapestries and dioramas from Bhutan’s history. Students’ ages range from elementary through to late teens, with all levels of skill on display. The students’ creations can then be bought from the school craft shop, with the proceeds helping fund the continuation of the institute’s classes.

Spot the phallus in Punakham: Punakham is the former capital of Bhutan, and was the seat of government until 1955. Located in the north of the country, the town is notable to western tourists for one particular reason. In the 15th century, a controversial master named Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the ‘Divine Madman’) popularised the phallus as a means to ward off slander and provide protection for those who lived in houses that displayed it prominently. Yes, it may be taboo for most of the world, but not here – these graphic symbols of fertility and good luck are artistically painted on walls everywhere!

By Jeremy from Cultura Obscura

Kerala, India – for houseboats, tea estates & contemporary art

Dubbed ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is a noodle-shaped state in the Southwest of India on the Malabar Coast. It’s known for its beautiful nature – especially a series of canals known as the backwaters and the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats Mountains.

Kerala people are officially the most literate in India and have the longest life expectancy. It is often said the Keralites have the best quality of life in this part of India, and that things are a lot more advanced. This is conveyed in the increasingly popular field of ecotourism and other initiatives.

The region is a beautiful mix of influences and religions. The spice trade has flourished in the area, which brought about European colonisation. You can feel Portuguese influence to this day, especially in the town of Kochi.

Top cultural experiences in Kerala

Cruise Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat: With the decline of goods being transported on water, Kerala’s trade boats were repurposed into houseboats, and now provide a unique immersive experience on the famous backwaters. The most popular route is between Alleppey and Kumarakom or Kolam. Spending at least one night on the backwaters is necessary for the ultimate houseboat experience.

Soak up the tea heritage in Munnar: Munnar in the Western Ghats is famous for its tea production. You can visit several tea estates in the area and enjoy a tasting. In the village of Munnar, you can also experience the peaceful coexistence of three religions. There’s a Hindu temple, a Catholic church and a mosque all within a few meters from each other. 

Attend the Muziris Biennale in Kochi: A bi-annual international exhibition of contemporary art takes place in Kochi. This is the largest festival of its kind in Asia. When the biennale is on, the whole city lives it. The main space for the festival is a large complex of empty buildings near the port. Here, art installations covering all possible mediums bring the space to life. It’s a wonderful sight and quite a modern undertaking in Kerala.

Watch the artists at work at Kerala Kalamandalam: This is one of India’s most traditional universities of art and culture. Students learn Indian performing arts, especially those typical for Kerala. When visiting, you can observe students practicing unique dances with distinct facial expressions such as the Kathakali or Ottan Thullal, learning martial arts, and playing on unique musical instruments. The school is located in Cheruthuruthy.

By Veronika from Travel Geekery

Learn more: 9 amazing cultural encounters in Kerala .

Rajasthan, India – for folk dance, thaali & camel fairs

Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’, is one of the most historically and culturally significant states of India. Over the centuries, Rajasthan has witnessed many rulers and many epic battles. Each built their own magnanimous fort and helped develop the region’s rich culture of art, dance and literature.

Over the past few decades, the Ghoomar dance from Jodhpur region and Kalbeliya dance of the deserts of Jaisalmer and Bikaner have become famous all over the world. Along with dance, folk music and songs relating the heroic tales of epic battles, these form an essential part of Rajasthan culture.

Against a backdrop of the vast Thar Desert, this has all shaped the culture of Rajasthan as we see it today.

Top cultural experiences in Rajasthan

Rajasthan offers travellers a plethora of unique cultural experiences .

Be a bystander at the Pushkar Camel Fair: The Pushkar Camel Fair, held every year in November, is one of the largest animal trading fairs in the world. This colourful carnival is a great opportunity for travellers to experience the charm-in-chaos of traditional melas (Indian fairs) along with a huge tribal gathering. In 2018, nearly half-a-million people visited this multi-day festival. Pushkar is only 150km from Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, and is easily accessible by road. 

Visit Choki Dhani: A resort village merely 20km from Jaipur, Choki Dhani is the go-to place to experience a collection of Rajasthan cultural experiences. Spread across 10 acres, this uniquely designed resort-village reflects the grandeur of the Rajasthani tradition. Visitors can experience Rajasthani traditional folk dance, watch a puppet show, see skits and sketches depicting important battles, and relish a traditional Rajasthani thaali (set meal), eaten while seated on the floor.

Watch a Dharohar dance performance: The Dharohar dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur is a mesmerising experience in itself. This hour-long show is a combination of many traditional, tribal and folk dances local to the region along with a puppet show. One of the highlights of the show is when an 80-year-old folk dancer performs with more than 10 earthen pots stacked on her head.

By Mainak from Places in Pixel

Uzbekistan – for ceramics, Silk Road heritage & plov

Uzbekistan is an upcoming cultural destinations in Central Asia. With a new visa policy, it is now easier than ever to visit the country – and there are many good reasons to do so.

Uzbekistan was once an important part of the famous Silk Road and has a rich cultural heritage that is still visible in the beautiful Islamic architecture and historic sites throughout the country. 

Uzbekistan’s major cities including Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara were multicultural melting pots where people from all over the world exchanged goods, ideas and philosophies. The Turks, Greeks, Persians, Russians and Mongols all ruled parts of what is now Uzbekistan. Each of them left behind their own influence.

With so much history around, it’s sometimes easy to forget modern Uzbek culture, but this is just as interesting. The Uzbek people are very friendly and will give you a warm welcome to their world of delicious Uzbek food, traditional dance and music, and beautiful handicrafts.

Top cultural experiences in Uzbekistan

Taste Uzbek cuisine: One of the highlights of Uzbek culture is without doubt its food. The best way to learn more about Uzbek food is by taking an Uzbek cooking class. Tashkent is a great place to do so and also has some great restaurants where you can try the country’s national dishes. The Plov Center serves plates of the national dish to thousands of people every day – the huge steaming pots and pans outside are impressive enough to warrant a visit. 

Explore ikat and ceramic traditions: Another great cultural experience in Uzbekistan is to explore the country’s beautiful handicrafts. The Fergana valley is home to several centres of handicraft production where they still use traditional techniques. Margilon is famous for its ikat silk textiles and there are several silk factories that offer free tours to see how it’s done. The Usmanov Ceramic Workshop in Rishton also welcomes visitors for a short visit to see its pottery production and design process. 

Watch a dance performance: Traditional dance and music is an important part of Uzbek culture. Uzbek dance is an ancient art that has been perfected over hundreds of years. In Bukhara, there are almost daily performances in the Nadir Divan Begi madrasah showing the traditional dances from the different regions in the country.

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Learn more: Things to do in Uzbekistan for cultural travellers .

The Tibetan Plateau – for horse trekking & nomadic culture

Sprawled across the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, in the remote northern tip of China’s Sichuan province, Ruoergai town and county do not appear on Google maps. To Google, this locality is known by its Tibetan name, Zoige.

After 12 hours of following your car GPS from Chengdu to Zoige, climbing onto the Tibetan Plateau , Chinese road signs welcome you to Ruoergai, 3,500 meters above sea level.

Top cultural experiences on the Tibetan Plateau

Witness nomadic culture: Remote and isolated, Zoige/Ruoergai is the best place in the world to witness the disappearing Tibetan nomadic culture. All you have to do is drive around this vast, open grassland to catch a glimpse. You’ll see white nomads’ tents with smoky chimneys scattered on the sides of the road, surrounded by herds of domestic yak and protected by the menacing Tibetan mastiffs. The nomads are mistrustful of outsiders, which is not surprising given political tensions in the region.

Go horse trekking: Yet there is a way to experience the nomadic culture first-hand here – by taking a horse-trekking adventure with the local Tibetan Horse Trekking Agency in the nearby town of Langmusi. Tours range from a day hike to the hills – the domain of the nomads – to a multi-day horseback adventure with overnight stays in nomad tents. Guides are local Tibetans, so while you may not be having extensive discussions in English, you’ll be welcome in nomadic households.

Visit the monasteries and mosques in Langmusi: Encircled by forest-covered mountains, the small sleepy town of Langmusi is inhabited by three ethnic groups: Amdo Tibetans, Han Chinese and Hui Muslims. So, even just a visit to the town is a unique cultural experience. There are two large Tibetan monasteries on the hills above the town and a Hui mosque at its centre.

The nearest airport to Langmusi is Gannan Xiahe Airport, 130 km away. From Xiahe, you can take a bus to Langmusi, or arrange a car with a driver via Tibetan Horse Trekking.

By Margarita from The Wildlife Diaries

Taiwan – for night markets, Confucianism & forbidden relics

An island nestled off the coast of Mainland China, Taiwan is fast becoming one of the best cultural tourism destinations in Asia.

Its long history and combination of cultural influences – including Indigenous culture, Mainland China, Korea and even Japan – make Taiwan as intriguing as it is complex. Bustling with life, amazing food and beautiful scenery, this island has it all.

Top cultural experiences in Taipei

Eat your way through the Night Markets in Taipei: The capital city of Taiwan, Taipei, offers a world of things for people to see and do . One of the most popular culturally immersive activities for visitors is to head down to the local night market, the biggest one being the Shiling Night Market. Along with delicious local foods, you can also find clothes, accessories, games, cosmetics and more. Night Markets are significant because they play a huge role in Taiwanese culture . Locals and tourists alike flock to these areas each and every day to shop and socialise.

Observe the rituals at a Taiwanese temple: Taiwan is a very religious country with most people following either Buddhism or Confucianism. Many temples are built around these religions in a very extravagant manner. Visitors can take part in the prayer ceremony, burn some incense, or just sit back and observe. If you’re interested in visiting these temples, one of the best places to start is the Songshan Ciyou Temple, which is conveniently located right next to the Raohe Night Market. 

Visit the National Palace Museum: This museum houses thousands of cultural relics, art and artefacts, including many items that were carried out of the Forbidden City in China and moved to Taiwan to protect them from destruction during the Chinese Civil War. It’s one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. Here, you can learn how the Chinese language was formed, see what kinds of ancient tools and weapons were used throughout history, and witness what life was like many hundreds of years ago.

By Wayne from Daily Tourist

Learn more: The best cultural experiences in Taiwan .

Cultural trips in Africa & the Middle East

Ethiopia • Oman • Mauritius • Morocco

Ethiopia – for coal-fired coffee, churches & injera

Ethiopia is a country like no other. Here in North East Africa, the steaming tribal lowlands of the Rift Valley collide with the cool thin air of the Northern highlands. The fertile lands towards the West produces some of the world’s best coffee, while the wind from the East carries whispers from Arabia. It’s truly a spectacular place to visit.

Ethiopia is even more unique in terms of its cultural treasures. As the only country in Africa never to be colonised, Ethiopia is a truly African country with African culture. If you want to see lions chase and eat zebras, go somewhere else. If you want to see and experience African culture at its purest, then book your ticket to Ethiopia already!

Top cultural experiences in Ethiopia

Visit the city of Lalibela: Situated in the northern highlands, Lalibela is the most important pilgrimage site in the country for the predominantly Orthodox Christian population of Ethiopia. It is here that you’ll find eleven incredible churches completely hewn from the rock. If you see only one place in Ethiopia, make it Lalibela.

Attend Sunday Mass: The UNESCO recognised Lalibela churches still function as churches, and attending a Sunday morning service before sunrise with hundreds of pilgrims is an experience that you won’t forget. Afterwards you can join the crowds eating injera while basking in the morning sun. Be prepared for the fact that everyone will want to come and talk to you.

Hike to a remote mountain community: Hiking into the mountains surrounding Lalibela will take you to small farming communities where time has seemingly stood still. It’s also possible to visit one of these communities for a day and learn how to cook traditional Ethiopian dishes such as injera , tibs or shiro . You’ll also find a few cave churches and monasteries in these mountains. The priests will be eager to show off their ancient treasures for a small tip.

Participate in a traditional coffee ceremony: Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, and man are you in for treat! The best way to drink a cup of buna (Ethiopian coffee) is to attend a coffee ceremony. It starts off with the hostess washing green coffee beans and then roasting them in a pan over an open fire. The coals are infused with natural incense made from tree resin. You’ll see bags of these tree resin for sale in markets all over Ethiopia. Finally the coffee beans are ground and brewed in a special coffee pot called a jebena . It’s expected that guests will have at least three cups of buna, but why stop there?

By De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander

Oman – for dhow boats, frankincense & Bedouin culture

Unlike some of its more glitzy neighbours who’ve traded their souqs for skyscrapers, Oman has approached cultural preservation from a different angle. It’s often called out as the most culturally ‘authentic’ country in the region .

This part of the Middle East has long been a melting pot of Arabian and East African cultures, with a strong South Asian influence. Semi-nomadic Bedouin tribes that paint the desert with their costumes and brightly coloured carpets are less accessible, but a range of tourist-friendly desert experiences allow you to brush with this part of Omani culture.

Contemporary Omani traditions are deeply tied to Ibadism and revolve around an annual calendar of Islamic festivities.

Top cultural experiences in Oman

Get lost in a souq: Perfumed by rose petals and frankincense, Oman’s souqs are a treat for the senses. Roam displays of henna and spices while getting a feel for commerce and culture. Muttrah Souq in the capital, Muscat, and the delightful Nizwa Souq are both must-visits.

Visit a dhow workshop in Sur: Not only are Oman’s wooden boats an impressive feat of engineering, they’re steeped in legend and tradition. In Sur, the home of Sinbad the Sailor, you can watch expert craftsmen fitting the vessels together without glue or nails.

Spend the night at a desert camp. The Sharqiya Sands, Oman’s slice of The Empty Quarter, is the territory of nomads. Bedouin-inspired desert camps recreate the experience of staying with a Bedouin tribe – albeit with a luxury edge! Spending the night in a desert camp involves listening to folk music, eating Omani food, while the very lodgings – the tent lined with carpets you’re sleeping in – is part of the Bedouin tradition.

Mauritius – for street food, Sega & sugarcane

The island nation of Mauritius is normally associated with splendid white-sand beaches and luxury resorts – thus its inclusion on this list of cultural trips might come as a bit of a surprise.

Yes, this is an island paradise incarnate, but it also happens to be one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in the region, with African, Indian, Chinese and South Asian cultures – along with layers of Dutch, French and British influence – all accounted for.

Many elements of Mauritian culture can be traced back to the island’s plantation roots and the legacy of slavery. Mauritians honour this period of history while proudly showing off their culture in everything from the cuisine to the music.

Top cultural experiences in Mauritius

Take a street food tour of Port Louis: Mauritian food, much like Mauritian society itself, combines Chinese, Indian, Creole, East African and European flavours. Must-try dishes include vindaye , an adaptation of West Indian vindaloo, Chatini (chutney) is a popular condiment and traces its roots back to British-Indian origins, briani (biryani) and creations gifted from the island’s Chinese community, such as bol renversé (a layered dish of rice, chicken, shrimp and vegetables). The best way to get a grasp of these edible delights is by joining a guided street food tour of the capital, Port Louis .

Watch a Sega performance: Recognised by UNESCO for its value to Intangible Cultural Heritage, Mauritian Sega is a performance art characterised by music, song, dance and costume. It started out as an expression of pain and loss practiced by slave communities but has morphed over time into a colourful, optimistic expression of local culture. Elaborate Sega costumes moving to the tune of Creole lyrics is a . Many hotels offer Sega performances.

Visit an old sugarcane farm: Mauritius’ history of slavery and plantation farming has left an indelible mark on the island. Visiting preserved plantation homes and crumbling sugar mills is a step back in time to the colonial period, while regenerated cane fields such as those on Frederica Reserve now serve as a sanctuary for the island’s wildlife.

Learn more: 8 ways to experience Mauritian culture .

Morocco – for riads , tajines & mint tea

By all accounts, Morocco is a beguiling destination . The most popular country to visit in North Africa, it stands out for its diversity of landscapes and cultural experiences.

Morocco is an important gateway to the rest of Africa, and has been since Roman times. Its position at the northernmost tip of the continent – with a coast shared between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean – means it’s been at the centre of conquests and various cultural overlap throughout the ages.

Today, Morocco lives with the legacies of various civilisations, including Roman, Phoenician, Jewish, Berber, Arabic, Spanish and French. Morocco has a very hospitable culture, steeped in a refined art of living. When you visit the imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes, or the coastal towns of Essaouira and El Jadida, you will notice a multitude of little details typical of Moroccan life.

This art of living and careful hospitality is very important in Morocco and, as a visitor, you can experience it in many different ways.

Top cultural experiences in Morocco

Try your hand at Moroccan cuisine: Moroccan cuisine is world-famous for its use of spices and mix of sweet and savoury flavours. Every restaurant offers a selection of delicious tajines , a stew of meat and vegetables. Couscous is on the menu every Friday and if you like sweets, you will be in heaven. Sweet biscuits mixing flower, almond and spice flavours make a delicious afternoon treat. If you’re interested in learning new skills, cooking classes are often available in traditional riads in Marrakech. Moroccan cuisine takes time and care, but the results are delicious and quite easy to recreate at home.

Shop for authentic handicrafts at a souq : Another great way to experience the heart of Morocco is to spend time in the souks. Shopping in Morocco is a fun experience and haggling for a good price is the norm. You have to engage with merchants, ask questions, make small talk and, most importantly, have fun with it! Never lose your smile and sense of humour, and it will great fun! The most spectacular shopping experience is in Marrakech due to the volume and intensity of the medina. It’s easy to get lost but that’s part of the experience too!

Sip mint tea, a Moroccan tradition: When you travel throughout Morocco, you will notice that mint tea is served everywhere. This is a pivotal element of Moroccan hospitality. Green tea is mixed with fresh mint leaves and served in little decorated glasses. There is a little bit of theatre in serving mint tea, with the brass or silver teapot held high above the glass… Traditionally, mint tea is served with a lot of sugar, but these days it is common for sugar to be served on the side, so you can dose it yourself. And you can even buy a set of decorated tea glasses in the souk as a souvenir!

By Delphine from Lester Lost

How to have a more culturally immersive travel experience anywhere in the world

It doesn’t matter if it’s a remote community or a popular city – there are things you can do to have a more enriching cultural travel experience no matter where you’re going.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you on your way.

1. Do your research before you go: Familiarise yourself with local customs and learn a bit of the history so you know what types of experiences to look out for. This guide is a great start!

2. Seek out festivals and special events: Many tourism boards feature a calendar on their website, or you can try using Facebook to find local events. Check out my four-part series about the world’s best festivals, starting here .

3. Eat local. Food is one of the easiest routes to culture. Here are my tips for eating local when you travel.

4. Stay at a homestay. Spending time with a local family will give you an invaluable insight into daily life. Here are my tips for using homestays in Vietnam.

5. Participate in a class or workshop . Trying a cooking class, handicraft workshop or any other hands-on experience is one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in local culture. I recommend using Get Your Guide , Airbnb Experiences, Cookly or Backstreet Academy to find opportunities.

6. Learn a bit of the language. Even knowing a few basic words will show you’re interested and can go a long way to forming relationships.

7. Shop local. Support artisans and heritage skills. Here are my tips for finding authentic and meaningful souvenirs .

8. Slow down. The best cultural experiences are often spare-of-the-moment and can’t be planned in advance. Keep some flexibility in your travel itinerary for spontaneous detours.

9. Go your own way. You don’t always have to follow the pack. Venturing away from the crowds will often give you access to unique and meaningful experiences.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If in doubt, ask a local. Remember that cultural tourism is all about exchange – don’t just take, make sure you give something back in return.

Are you a cultural tourist? Which of these destinations is your favourite? What other places would you add to the list? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

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This is a very wonderful article about cultural destinations! Thank you so much for sharing!

One can easily visit India and experience the different kinds of cultures in a particular place. Tourism in India has been much more managed and safe with passage of time. Rajasthan tourism has been the most reliable and safe in India. One can enjoy all the traditional dishes and enjoy living in the palaces as a hotel room in different cities. But, whenever you are visiting to Rajasthan, India travel guide is a must because one can easily lose track of pathways in the puzzle like roads of the cities in Rajasthan. One can easily plan for a Kerala tour packages because of the minimal expenses in the state.

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9 Educational Travel Adventures Around the World

Travel might just be the coolest form of education. You can learn new languages, experience foreign cultures, explore ancient history – and all without any math tests.

Educational travel offers a chance to trot around the globe in the company of subject-matter experts who will shed new light on the places you visit.

Our friends at the nonprofit Road Scholar , which provides learning adventures for adults in all 50 states and 150 countries, helped us curate a list of their nine most popular destinations for learning.

• English lit … literally

England is home to a rich literary history, from Oliver Twist to Sherlock Holmes. Bring that history to life with tours through Bath, Torquay, Dorchester and London. Who wouldn’t want to share a pint at their favorite scribe’s pub? You can go Dickensian without the depressing and even stay at Agatha Christie’s favorite hotel minus the murder mystery.

While you’re at it, see for yourself what helped London take home the #4 spot on our 2017 Travel Hacker list for most popular family destinations and is Road Scholar’s Destination of the Year for 2017.

• Canadian coastline

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, and twice each day they rise and fall, with Mother Nature moving a billion tons of water during every cycle. Walk the coastal trails and see firsthand how the tides reverse the flow of the Saint John River at Reversing Falls.

• Taking flight in Costa Rica

Have an interest in our planet’s feathered friends? Find out what makes Costa Rica a birder’s paradise with a tour of its northern region, including stops at the Caño Negro National Park and Arenal Volcano National Park. You’re bound to catch sight of one of the country’s estimated 894 avian species, such as the spotted woodcreeper. Yes, we enjoyed that name, too.

• Spanish sustenance

Satiate your hunger for travel (and delicious dishes) with a trip through Andalusia, an autonomous region in southern Spain. Gazpacho, cured ham, paella and immersion in one of the world’s most flavorful cultures are all on the menu. Don’t worry, wine is also on the drink list.

• Archeology in Ireland

Dublin isn’t just #8 on our 2017 Travel Hacker list of wallet-friendly flights , it’s also home to a rich cultural history. The rest of the Emerald Isle follows suit. Dive into the coast, countryside and capital of Ireland for an exploration of the country’s past, from prehistoric to medieval to modern. Explore pagan relics and Christian ruins one day, visit the stomping grounds of James Joyce the next.

• Mexican safari

A trip through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is fun for the whole family, taking you from the sea to the jungle. Where else are your little ones going to see whale sharks, spider monkeys and Mayan pyramids all in one go?

• Warming up in Iceland

Sure, you’re likely to see a glacier during your time in Iceland, but the island nation is also home to volcanoes, geysers and hot springs. Take in the best of both worlds by traversing the towns of Grindavik (don’t forget to stop by the Blue Lagoon), Borgarnes, Akureyri, and the nation’s capital, Reykjavik (which came in at #3 on our 2017 Travel Hacker list of wallet-friendly flights ).

• Time traveling in Croatia

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Croatia brings ancient Mediterranean history to life with breathtaking beauty, both natural and man-made. From the gorgeous greenery of Mljet Island National Park to Byzantine art at the Euphrasian Basilica, this Eastern European country has something for everybody.

• Fire and wine in the Azores

Lisbon, Portugal may sit pretty at the #7 spot of our 2017 Travel Hacker list of top trending destinations , but the Autonomous Region of the Azores to its west would give any destination a run for its money. Composed of volcanic islands, this archipelago features stunning coastline and massive craters. It’s also home to some dynamite wine for budding oenologists.

Curious what else is out there? The Road Scholar website features an excellent search tool, allowing you to seek out learning adventures based on destination, date, interest and more. Hey, who said learning couldn’t be fun?

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12 Best Destinations for School Trips

Home » 12 Best Destinations for School Trips

With international travel again on the table, picking a destination for your school trip abroad is exciting and probably a little daunting. There are so many intriguing places to visit that it can be hard to know where to start. 

Here we have compiled a few of our top destinations to inspire you and help you narrow down your options. Through exposure to different cultures, students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and an appreciation for other peoples’ ways of life. Not to mention that traveling with your students can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences you can have as an educator. So enjoy the following list and let your imagination run wild!   

School Trips in Europe

Discover the many wonders of prague.

Known for its diverse architecture and world-class museums, Prague is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The fortitude and determination of the Czech spirit are alive and well, and the city has many options to inspire students to delve deeper into Service Learning. Unfolding among well-preserved castles, Baroque and Gothic cathedrals, medieval squares, and captivating bridges, a visit to Prague is guaranteed to be an eye-opening and enriching school trip. 

Be charmed by the many sides of Edinburgh 

Edinburgh ‘s unique architectural charm is the perfect setting to engage students in history and culture. With a spectacular Gothic UNESCO-listed old town playing host to some of the most dynamic and varied art schools and community projects in the world—Edinburgh is the proud home of many young people seeking to make an impact on the world around them. Here you can discover the ancient art of Scottish storytelling, visit unique local arts projects, kayak through the mountains, dance the night away in a traditional Cèilidh, and get involved with some fantastic charities. 

Go from cosmopolitan bustle to alpine tranquility in Zurich  

Located in an Alpine setting on the northwestern banks of Lake Zurich, the sophisticated metropolis of Zurich is a sight to behold. Constituting the heart of Switzerland and situated in the center of Europe, the Swiss capital is ripe with opportunities for CAS activities and experiences. And for lovers of nature, alpine mountain ranges, rolling hills, and lakes are all just a few steps away from this dynamic and multicultural city.

Soak up the spirit of Lisbon 

For students, Lisbon is the perfect setting for an exciting adventure that includes authentic Portuguese culture, a variety of fascinating neighborhoods, and astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lisbon is an all-year destination, so its laid-back culture and robust sense of history are available to you at any time. The Portuguese people love sharing their unique and fascinating homeland, so be prepared to be greeted by a friendly smile from a local. 

Get sustainability inspiration in Copenhagen 

Well-known for being a multicultural hub, Copenhagen is the perfect city to visit when it comes to getting sustainability inspiration. This fascinating school trip destination is filled with the newest technologies, sustainable solutions, and iconic architecture. Danes are recognized across the globe for their innovative approach to sustainable living – from growing organic produce in their many urban greenhouses to promoting cycling culture across this highly liveable city.

Teach students about the history of Berlin

The stage for many a significant historic event, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Berlin became synonymous with freedom, tolerance, and creativity. As such, Berlin is a particularly interesting destination for subjects like history and cultural and artistic studies. It offers plenty of opportunities for practical assignments and allows pupils to experience the theoretical material firsthand.

Explore the Unique Geography of the Azores 

A school trip to these stunning islands allows students to get out of the classroom and get closer to nature. Created at the junction of three tectonic plates, the nine Portuguese islands of the Azores make the perfect destination for an educational and inspirational geography trip. Here you will have the opportunity to visit natural hot springs and lava tubes, learn about the operations of a tea plantation, and perhaps even spot whale or two emerging from the Atlantic Ocean.

School Trips in the Americas 

Be carried away by the magic of colombia in medellín.

Among the most biodiverse countries in the world, Colombia is bursting with different species of birds and flowers. The locals are known for their cheerful and openhearted demeanor and love of showing off the place they call home. Over the last two decades, Medellín, in particular, has transformed into one of the most sought-after travel destinations in South America. The bustling city incorporates industry and commerce while thriving in agriculture and creativity – making it an exciting destination for your next student trip. 

Feel the rhythm of the city in New York 

A city that needs no introduction, it is with good reason that New York has been immortalized through art repeatedly. From the stunning skyscrapers of Manhattan, the immaculately-preserved greenery of Central Park, and the majestic grandeur of Brooklyn Bridge, few cities on earth stimulate the senses quite like NYC. This city celebrates its multicultural spirit and is the perfect place for students to witness people from all around the world, and from very different walks of life, sharing a city they love. 

Witness a wealth of biodiversity in Costa Rica

When planning your next school trip— Costa Rica offers thrilling adventures, rich cultural experiences, and endless opportunities to learn. In a country with 6 percent of the biodiversity in the world, you’ll find beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, and fascinating wildlife. Explore the possibilities of CAS through animal and conservation projects, experience the delicious local cuisine, and explore the lush Costa Rican jungle by canal, foot, and even zipline. 

School Trips in Asia

Unlock the mysteries of cambodia .

If it is a more adventurous school trip you are after— Cambodia is a fascinating pick. Ancient and modern worlds collide in this stunning location, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. The remains of the Khmer empire can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor, monuments unrivaled in scale and grandeur in Southeast Asia. You can also take in the rhythms of rural life, be dazzled by the shimmering the landscapes of rice paddies, and witness the swaying sugar palms in Cambodia’s countryside.

Experience a rich cultural tradition in Thailand 

Thailand offers students a rich culture and a beautiful landscape. Dive into customary Thai traditions and folklife while experiencing the country’s spectacular temples, extraordinary architecture, ancient cities, and delicious cuisine. There is also an abundance of service project opportunities in Chiang Mai that go towards aiding the local communities. 

Do you think you have found the perfect destination for your next school trip? Find out more about what CAS Trips can do for you by downloading one of our destination brochures or getting in touch with us directly .

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Home » Educational Tourism – Attractions for Students All Over the World

Educational Tourism – Attractions for Students All Over the World

Educational tourism is a combination of pleasant and valuable. Tourist trips are always interesting, exciting, and unforgettable. From each trip, you can bring souvenirs, impressions, and pleasant memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.

But the journey can be not only enjoyable, but also practical, and give tourists new knowledge, skills, or abilities. Such types of travel are called educational tourism, or shortly, Edu-tourism. Educational tourism is a trip to get a specific education. The sphere of educational tourism covers all types of education carried out outside the permanent place of the house. Educational tourism is a trip to get specific teaching.

The sphere of educational tourism covers all types of education and upbringing outside the permanent place of the house. It is noteworthy that training can be both the primary purpose of the trip and take place in your free time.

In educational tours, everyone not only travels around the country. They also exchange experiences, develop language and other skills, and conduct experiments.

What Motivates Students to Choose an Educational Tour?

The motives for the educational travel of students are very diverse.

• Students tend to make good use of their free time.
• They want self-development precisely on vacation outside the familiar environment.
• They want to please their cognitive and professional interests and acquire new knowledge.

Also, many students want to find motivation for essays. Because when you travel you see new things, develop your knowledge. But not all students have appropriate writing skills, but nowadays, it’s not a problem.

There are many sites, like EDUbirdie , where you can find essay writing help. So, students can develop writing while traveling. Just imagine that you do your home assignments sitting near the Roman Colosseum or any other amazing place.

Educational Tourism as an Approach to Education

Educational traveling is professional development. It is also a short-term course for students of varying degrees of preparation.

For many people, education is a rather tricky problem. Thanks to educational tourism, you can get the necessary knowledge in various subjects for the student.

Cognitive tourism has a positive effect on a person . It restores a person’s ability to work. It also helps to get an education in a friendly atmosphere. Allows to use free time, raises the standard of living of the local population, and promotes international communication.

Popular Educational Tourism Destinations

For studying abroad, students most often choose European countries because there is a high level of teaching. Comfortable living conditions complement modern, dynamic teaching methods in these countries.

Do not forget about the rich history and culture, a wide range of excursions and leisure activities. And also, if we talk about other continents, educational tourism in the USA and Canada is in great demand.

Who Is an Educational Tourist

Educational tours are chosen by students who seek to expand their horizons. Students want to get out of their comfort zone and gain new knowledge and unforgettable experiences. Study trips are beneficial for students. Most often, students choose language study tours.

During the educational tour, they improve their understanding of a foreign language. They relax on the beach, go skiing, and go in for sports. Some are engaged in drawing or choose other activities depending on the season and the format of educational tourism.

3 Educational Places to Visit Around the World

There are many places where you can relax and study simultaneously. Here are some of them:

1. Lucerne, Switzerland

It is one of the oldest cities in Europe that has survived. Some historians claim that it is older than the Roman Empire. Here you can visit the remains of an ancient settlement dating back to the 9th century and feel the true spirit of centuries of antiquity.

Despite many restorations, the Old Town in Lucerne has retained its original appearance. Also, the Chapel Bridge is recognized as the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. If you want to know what the medieval city looked like, you should go to the Musegmauer fortress wall.

2. Delft, The Netherlands

This city looks straight out of a medieval painter’s canvas. If you wish to immerse yourself in the old atmosphere of Europe, go to Dutch Delft, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

dEntire blocks of Gothic, medieval houses, Renaissance streets, and graceful canals leave an indelible impression. The city’s beauty was depicted in the masterpieces by the great Dutch artists.

3. Mdina, Malta

This small town was once the capital of Malta and has now completely turned into a museum of medieval history while remaining inhabited by ordinary Maltese. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a typical medieval city and find out how European aristocratic knights lived. Moreover, the town is on top of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls with towers.

Expanding Horizons

Educational tourism is a particular type of tourism, the primary purpose of which is participation in learning, self-improvement, intellectual growth, and development of skills. Furthermore, thanks to educational tourism, the student receives new knowledge.

Thanks to his experience, he has improved his qualifications. Also, he expanded his horizons and became acquainted with the customs and culture of the local population.

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Family Travel , Travel Inspiration

30+ incredible fun and educational vacations for families with kids.

Thirty fantastic educational vacations for families in Europe, the US and beyond. Educational trip ideas kids and adults will love .

I believe travel is hugely educational and all travel experiences can be transformed into learning opportunities.

However, if you have children who are studying a special time in history, a certain ancient civilisation or are particularly interested in a culture other than their own, then some destinations are better than others.

As the name of this site may have already given away (we are called ‘learning escapes’!) we have more than a couple of ideas on what makes a cool educational vacation for families.

We are a very curious family and, when we travel, we like to learn about the place around us: based on our own family trips, on this page you find our top vacation spots for families who love learning through travel!

These trips are based on our experience, we will add to them as we keep exploring, there are still so many things we haven’t even touched up yet!

Pin this image and come back to our educational vacations for families list often to see updates!

Table of Contents

Educational vacations for families in Europe

Immerse yourself in history in rome, italy, and the vatican.

Rome doesn’t need any introduction as an educational destination.

With a history spanning over 2000 years and some of the most famous historical landmarks in the world, the city is a dream for history lovers and a super fun place to explore with kids!

Where else in the world can you learn about the Romans while walking in the sun, eating gelato and pizza?

As cliche’ as this may sound, it truly is hard to imagine a better place for a learning holiday with kids and the fun doesn’t stop there.

There are so many family attractions in Rome, you can mix visits to historical sites with fun classes for kids, time in the park, a visit to the children museum and of course prolonged moment of rest and play in the stunning city’s piazzas and playgrounds.

how I know all this? I am from Rome! So you see, when I tell you Rome is the perfect learning vacation for kids, I know what I am talking about!

Spend at least 3 days in Rome to see the main historical landmarks, a week or more for a more significant learning experience, including sampling Rome’ food and discovering modern Rome.

Rome with kids travel resources:

• Our guide to planning a trip to Rome with kids kids
• 50 things to do in Rome with kids
• How to visit the Vatican with kids
• How to visit Ostia Antica with kids (Ancient Rome’ port, now a wonderful ancient city often compared with Pompeii for beauty and significance)

With this much to see, it simply had to open our list of ideas for educational vacations for families!

Learn about daily life in Roman times in Pompeii and

A wonderful and educational way to see history come to life is to walk along the streets and and peek into the houses of ancient cities, something you can do in two very special places in Italy: Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Ancient cities dating back to Roman times, they are incredibly well preserved examples of ancient architecture and are sure to be interesting and educational for kids.

Pompeii is also rather spooky, something may kids tend to enjoy!

It is also possible to climb Mount Vesuvius while in the area and parents can go wine tasting on the Vesuvius vineyards. A win for everyone!

A trip to Pompeii is easily mixed with additional time in Italy, for instance on the Amalfi Coast.

You can find here:

• How to visit Pompeii with kids
• How to plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast with kids

Explore Paris and Normandy, France

Paris is one of my favorite cities in Europe to visit with kids and one with amazing learning opportunities for kids of all ages.

Whatever type of learning is most suited to your kids, the city delivers.

If they are kinaesthetic learners and interested in science, then the Parc de la Villette is a real treat, full of interactive installations and experience to stimulate the mind and the body.

If they love museums, the Louvre is one of the best museums in the world even for kids (the ancient part is stunning) and a visit to Versailles is the best possible way to feel the inequality that eventually sparked the French Revolution.

Paris and the north of France are also wonderful to learn about the Second World War.

The D-Day beaches and memorials are very touching and powerful and learning opportunities like few others to appreciate the magnitude of the tragedy of war.

Stay at least 3 days in Paris and an additional 3 or more for the Normandy beaches. One of the best educational vacations for history lovers.

Find our guide to Paris with kids here and out selection of the best places to visit in France with kids here.

Learn about Art, the War and the Cold War in Berlin, Germany

Few places in the world bear the scars of the events of the 20th century and embody the resilience of people as much as the city of Berlin.

A place not to be missed at any age, Berlin is wonderful and full of educational opportunities.

In the Museum Island, you can visit stunning vestiges of ancient civilisations and marvel at the lions of Ishtar’s Gate and the immerse Pergamon altar.

Outside of the museum halls, you can see what remains of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the inner city checkpoint separating the American and the Russian sector during the Cold War, the touching memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

More in general, experience and city that has experiences destruction and found the strength and creativity to stand back up.

This is one of the best educational vacations you can take with school age kids with a grasp of history.

Spend at least one weekend in Berlin to see the main landmarks.

You can find here >>> our guide to visiting Berlin with kids here .

Discover Brussels, Waterloo and the I World War Battlefields

If Berlin is one of the best places in Europe to learn about the II World War, Belgium is one of the best to learn about World War I, as well as older history such as the conquest and then the demise of Napoleon.

Places not to be misses in Belgium are Waterloo, now an interesting monument, Ypres and World War I trenches.

Brussels, a city now hosting the European Institutions that preside over peace in the EU block, is also a fun and educational place to visit with children.

I lived in Brussels for over a year so once again, you can trust me when I say there is a lot for kids!

Spend at least 1 week in Belgium to tap into the many learning opportunities in this country.

You can find inspiration in our guide to the best things to do in Belgium with kids and our guide to Brussels with kids here .

Learn about the Greek Civilisation with a road trip in Continental Greece and Southern Italy

Western civilisation as we know it wouldn’t exist without the influence of the Ancient Greek culture, which gave us, among many other things, the concept of democracy.

You can spend a lifetime studying the Ancient Greek world but even if you only have a vacation to devote to it, there is plenty to learn, all wrapped up into one of the most beautiful countries you can ever seen for landscapes and see!

An educational vacation to learn about the Greek can only start from Athens and the Acropolis, but should also include stops in Delphi, home of the ancient Oracle, Olympia , and Epidaurus , some of the most important cultural centres in Greece.

Spend at least one-week road tripping in mainland Greece like we did with our family road trip around the Peoloponnese, or opt for an island vacation in one of the best Greek islands for families , which offer a mix of educational visit and great beach fun.

Don’t forget to also follow the footsteps of the Greeks as they brought colonies in Asia Minor (now Turkey) and Southern Italy.

Ephesos, Syracusa, the Valley of the Temples and Paestum are all localities not to be missed on an educational trip to the Mediterranean region.

Spend at least 7 days in Sicily and one full day in Paestum.

This is one of the best educational vacations for people who love the idea of a family road trip in historically significant locations.

Travel guides to the region:

• Tips for visiting Athens with kids
• Peoloponnese Itinerary for families
• How to visit Paestum, Greek colony on mainland Italy
• How to spend a day in Siracusa, ancient Greek colony in Sicily
• Recommended Sicily itinerary
• Best things to see in Sicily with kids

Learn about art, music and the era of discoveries in Lisbon, Portugal

The era of maritime explorations is interesting and significant and a wonderful place to learn about it is Lisbon, home to may explorers and departing port to many expeditions across the Atlantic and beyond.

A wonderful city with a very interesting history, Lisbon is easy to visit with kids and has plenty of additional learning opportunities about the era and much more.

In Belem, you can visit the monument to explorers, the wonderful Jeronimos monastery, Unesco worldfd heritage site, while in the city you can explore the ancient quarter of Alfama and learn about azulejos (tiles) and fado (music), two of the many artistic wonders of Lisbon.

To top it all, you can visit the many educational museums of Lisbon such as Pavilhao de Conoscimiento and the electricity museum for a European educational trip that is fun for all ages.

Spend at least a weekend to tap into the city’s rich culture

Lisbon Travel resources:

• Our guide to visiting Lisbon with kids
• Where to stay in Lisbon with kids
• How to spend a family weekend in Lisbon

Explore Barcelona and its architecture, Spain

Barcelona is one of our favorite destinations for an educational trip for kids as it is not just interesting but also varied, colorful and immensely enjoyable.

The main attractions in the city for children and adults is the incredible architecture of Gaudi’, world famous.

This visionary architect created buildings in the city that are like no others: round shapes, colors, and unexpected lines come together in creating designs that are unique and easy to appreciate at all ages.

Park Guell, Casa Battlo’ and the Sagrada Familia church usually get all the attention but Recinto Modernista is also worth a visit.

Fantastic museums such as the Picasso Museum and the historical center Barrio Gothic are also beautiful and the Catalan culture of the city will also be a wonderful learning opportunities for kids who will be able to tap into the complexity of this area.

Spend at least a weekend in the city to see the main landmarks.

You can find our guide to Barcelona with kids here.

Explore Madrid, Segovia and Toledo, Spain

If you want to learn about the history of Spain, then you should consider a history filled educational vacation in central Spain.

Madrid, Segovia and Toledo are all close to the each other, well connected by train, and form a powerhouse of historical significance

Segovia has the remains of an impressive Roman aqueduct and a wonderful jewish quarter, Toledo has a beautiful Alzacar (castle) and many interesting churches and Synagogues telling the interesting story of this city, and Madrid is home to some of the most beautiful art museums in Europe.

Blessed with good weather and delicious food, a family trip to Spain is perfect if you are looking for a family destination that is educational and fun.

Spend a week to discover these 3 locations. Central Spain travel resources:

• Visiting Madrid with kids
• Tips for visiting Segovia from Madrid
• How to visit Toledo from Madrid

Explore Andalucia, Spain

Andalucia is a beautiful region in Southern Spain with a distinct character nd a very interesting cultural history, shaped by the influence of the Arabic civilizatin, which used to call this area home.

The result is mesmerising, the architecture and culture richness of Andalucia are inebriating and easy to experience at any age.

Among the best and most famous places to visit there are Seville, Cordoba and Granada, howe respectively to the Alcazar (castle), the Mezquita (Mosque, turned church) and the Alhambra, amongst the best examples of Arab architecture in Europe you can find.

Add the delicious food of the area and you have the perfect educational vacation spot for the whole family!

Spend at least a week discovering the area.

• Our guide to Seville with kids
• Tips for visiting Spain with kids

Visit Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities in Europe to visit with kids and a place with a plethora of learning opportunities for all ages.

One of my closest friends live in Amsterdam and we visit several times per year: we never run out of things to see!

As you walk around Amsterdam, curiosity will let you learn about the city’s canals and teh peculiar history of the struggle to gain land from the sea, which shapes Dutch history and society.

If you enter the city’s museums, you will find the most incredible art, displayed in such as way kids will easily enjoy it and connect with kid (even standard museums here have plenty of kids activities on offer) and older kids will be able to tap into the tragedy of the prosecutions during the II World War visiting Anne Franke’s House.

Nearby, you can also see Keukenhof Gardens and the tulip fields (spring only(, which are steeped in history as the centre of what is usually called ‘Tulipomania’, an economy driving passion for tulips the Dutch exported to the world.

Spend at least one week to visit the city and the tulip fields.

Travel resources for Amsterdam and the Netherlands:

• Amsterdam with kids
• How to visit the Dutch tulip fields with kids

Explore prehistoric Newgrange, Ireland

If your kids are interested in prehistory, then I highly recommend you visit one of the only two Unesco World Heritage sites in Ireland, the prehistoric tomb of Newgrange.

This is a place like no other.

In the middle of the countryside, stands what looks like a domed chamber covered in grass and that is one of the most ancient monuments in the world: a tomb dating to neolithic time, so well preserved we can actually visit inside!

The tomb is famous for its antiquity but also for a peculiar astronomical reason: the one window it has, allows light in only one day of the year ,the day of the winter Solstice!

When in the area, you can also explore the locations and monuments to the battle of the Boyne, of the most significant events in Irish history.

Spend at least a week in Ireland to include this area in your itinerary or plan a full day trip from Dublin if you are local.

Travel resources:

• How to visit the Boyne Valley with kids from Dublin
• Recommended Ireland itinerary for 1 week – 2 weeks in Ireland
• 40+ things to do in Ireland with kids

Discover Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a place full of learning opportunities for kids.

the city center as a whole, Gamla Stan, is Unesco World Heritage Sites thanks to its sheer beauty and the peculiar architecture, reflecting on to the many city canals but the city also has stunning museums that are wonderful for kids and adults.

One of the most impressive is probably the Vasa Museum: here, you can a galleon from the 1600s that sank in Stockholm waters and is not perfectly preserved for us to see!

As well as the Vasa, Stockholm has wonderful art museums and the fun Post Museum, which is educational and great fun for little kids especially.

Canal cruises and organised tours for the whole family also abound, for visitors of all ages to tap into the history of they important and regal town.

Spend at least 3 days in the city to see its main landmarks.

Find our guide to Stockholm with kids here.

Explore Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, Italy

Florence is often described as an open air museum and indeed, it is hard to pint-ion a city with a larger concentration of monuments, all free to enjoy!

Florence was originally a Roman town however, it is its history during the Middle Ages and specifically renaissance times that made it that work of art that the city is now.

Its city center is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a place where you can walk though history and soak up the Middle Ages and visit some of the best art museums in the world. All while enjoying he family frist attitude of the Italians and, of course, while licking gelato!

Spend at least 2 days in the city not to have to rush. Florence Travel resources:

• Our guide to visiting Florence with kids
• Florence city center itinerary for families

Explore Vienna and Salzburg, Austria

Austria is wonderful destination to visit with kids and place where learning happens everywhere.

Two of our favorite places of all are Vienna and Salzburg: home to Mozart, Freud, the opera, the Imperial palace and some of the best museums in Europe (the Albertina is wonderful!), they are beautiful, easy to visit and have something kids are sure to love: cafes with some of the best cakes in Europe!

Find our guide to one day in Vienna here

Educational vacations for families in the USA

Visit muir woods national monument, california.

Muir Woods national Monument is one of the first places we visited in California with kids and one of our favorite.

The Monument has both natural and historical significance and it is stunning to see.

The Woods are home to the Sequoia SemperVirens, the tallest living thing (!) and they are also the place where, in 1945, delgates of the UN Conference then held in San Francisco met to honor F.D. Roosevelt ‘ thirty-first President of the United States, chief architect of the United Nations, and apostle of lasting peace for all mankind ‘ as the plaque in the Woods still recalls.

The place is educational, powerful and so beautiful, it has a magical quality to it both adults and kids will adore.

Spend a day at the monument as a fun and educational day trip from San Francisco.

You can find our guide to visiting Muir Woods with kids here .

Experience the mighty nature of Yosemite National Park, CA

Another place where to experience the beautiful nature of the United States is Yosemite National Park, a park with mountains so beautiful and Unique to be now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Yosemite is a wonderful place to learn about mountain ecosystem, get active, learn about trees and conservation and especially about bears!

Yosemite has a wonderful bear population and the learning center at Happy Isle teaches you all about them.

A wonderful learning opportunity and a stunning American National Park to add to your US travel bucket list !

Spend at least 3 days in the park to experience its hikes, waterfalls, museums and to participate in the park junior ranger program.

Find our guide to Yosemite with kids here .

Learn about the Navajo Nation at Monument Valley, AZ/ UT

The most remote places in the US we have even been to is the wonderful Monument Valley, a place of outstanding natural beauty and perfect for learning about the Navajo Nation.

Located in the border between Arizona and Utah, this is native land and the only guided tours of the are are by Navajo Guides. The experience with them is wonderful!

While Monument Valley is often associated with Western Movies and Forrest Gump (both fun), taking a tour with a Navajo guide allows you to learn about the history and lives of the people of the area and learn what life as a native American in this area means.

Wonderful and powerful for adults and kids.

Spend one of two days in the area to make the most of the learning and hiking opportunities.

Travel guide to Monument Valley:

• How to visit Monument Valley
• Where to stay in and near Monument Valley

Explore the cultural melting pot that is San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the best cities in the world to visit with kids and a wonderfully educational one too.

If you are looking for structured learning, the city has wonderful museums (kids museum but also The Presidio, The Museum of African Diaspora, The Golden Gate Bridge Museums just to name a few) and animal attractions that are excellent for kids, the most famous and exciting of all being the wonderful Exploratorium.

Alcatraz is easy to visit with kids and has programs just for them and the city as a whole is so culturally rich, it is like a trip around the world.

Take your time to experience the different areas and foods and take the opportunity to talk about inequality when faces with homelessness, something kids from other cities may have never seen in this scale.

The have fun enjoy the wonderful landscape of the Bay, cycling on the Golden Gate Brigde (there is a cool visitor center too) and get the kids excited about academic pursuits with a visit to inspiring Berkeley!

Stay at least a week.

Find our guide to one day in San Francisco with kids here.

Visit the many kid-friendly museums of Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is mostly associated with movies and beaches however, there is a lot more to the city than this!

As we discovered during our several home exchanges in the city, Los Angeles is also full of wonderful museums and learning opportunities for kids.

Among the many, our children loved the Tar Pits (prehistory), the outdoor installations at LACMA, the wonderful Getty Center and California Space center as well as the interesting areas of Olvera Street and Old Pueblo Los Angeles and Japan town.

All this is wrapped up in a city with attractions, movie references and beaches so beautiful, kids won’t know where the learning ends and the fun begins!

Find our favorite things to do in Los Angeles with kids here .

Learn the history of Southern California in Old Town San Diego Historic Park, CA

If you are in the San Diego area, then I highly recommend you spend a day or at least a morning in Old Town San Diego historic park.

The park is wonderful for kids and highly educational: here, you can appreciate how the city of San Diego used to be, you can visit old houses, shops and museums and you can do so while enjoying wonderful Mexican foods and learning the history of the area.

Spend a day or a morning. Find how to include a visit to Old Town in your day in San Diego here .

Explore the California missions, CA

If, like us, you went to school in Europe, you may not have been exposed to the history of the California missions, something we discovered only when visiting the area.

The missions are numerous and, in most cases, very pleasant and beautiful to see and are at the center of the history of the area, something European history books do not cover.

With the children, we visited the mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma , the most northern of all, and that of San Luis Rey in Oceanside, different from each other yet both worth seeing.

If in the Sonoma area, spend at least a weekend exploring. Find our guide to visiting Sonoma with kids here.

Learn about geology and the power of nature in Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

National parks are among our favorite educational destinations in the US and one of our most favorite of all is the Grand Canyon.

Mighty, beautiful and so unique to know be UNESCO World Heritage Site as place of outstanding natural beauty, the Grand Canyon is highly enjoyable as a destination for outdoorsy families but it is also a great place to learn about geology, erosion, animals and the nations that call this palce home.

Find our guide to visiting the Grand Canyon with kids here

Learn about deserts and the challenges they face in Joshua Tree National Park, CA

The first desert our kids ever experiences was the dessert of Joshua Tree, in California, or I should probably say the deserts of Joshua Tree, plural, since this National Park is the place where towo different desert systems meet, the Mjabe and the Colorado desert!

Thanks to the excellent Junior Ranger program in the park, this wonderful desert is a fabulous outdoor classroom to learn about deserts in general and the conservation challenges they face.

This is a wonderful educational trip from LA or San Diego. Find our guide to Joshua Tree with kids here.

Admire human ingenuity at the incredible Hoover Dam, NV

if you ever want to get your kids to fully appreciate the scale of some human intervention in nature, then you should bring them to the Hoover Dam, the dam blocking the Colorado rivers and providing energy to the entire South West of the USA, up to Southern California!

The dam is absolutely breathtaking and while it is currently close to visitors, should be high on the list of educational trips for kids and is out of this world interesting.

You can find our guide to visiting the Hoover Dam with kids here .

Explore New York City, NY

The city of New York is a wold of wonders for kids and adults and a place so full of educational activities, you can spend a lifetime here and not run out of things to do!

Out of the very many, we adore visiting the Met, especially the Cloisters that are fabulous for kids too and, of course, visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a place where immigration, with the hope and tragedies connected to it, truly comes to life.

You can find our guide to one day in NYC during our last visit here.

Mix learning and beach time in stunning Mexico

Mexico is another fantastic destination for families who love culture.

It is also a marvellous place for families who want to spend time on the beach so if you want to hit that full family vacation mood and also get some learning done, Mexico is just the spot!

Our favorite area for a learning trip to Mexico is Yucatan. This is the Mexican peninsula that stretched into the Gulf of Mexico and a place with interesting Mayan Ruins worth seeing.

Here the kids can learn about the Mayans, have a taste for the jungle, and also relax and feel adventurous snorkeling in cenotes (freshwater, naturally occurring sinkholes) and the many beaches of the area.

You can find our favorite places to visit in Yucatan with kids here

Explore family-friendly Bali

Bali is one of the most family friendly destinations in Asia and a wonderfl place for culturally curious families.

Blessed with stunning nature and beaches, Bali has wonderful cultural traditions that the locals are happy to showcase and partake with visitors old and young!

This is one of the best learning and educational vacations you can take with children of any age.

You can find a list of the best cultural activities to do in Bali with kids here .

Visit Cuba with kids

Depending where you are from, a visit to Cuba could be easy or impossible at present however, if you have the chance, I highly recommend you go!

As well as being a place with wonderful white sandy beaches and the deepest blue waters, Cuba is an island with aculture so unique, it simply needs to be experienced, somehting that is easy to do thanks to the family friendly attitude of teh Cubans.

if you can, spend several days in Havana, see the museums, the cars, listen to the music and taste all the food.

Then take a drive and explore the rest of the island including Trinidad and the area of Vinales, two of the several Unesco work heritage sites on the island.

With a unique history and wonderful nature, educational vacations don’t get much better than this!

Learn why we would love to go back to Cuba with the kids here

Listen to the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala with kids, India 

One of the most powerful experiences I have ever had as an adult was listening to the Dalai Lama speak in Daramshala, the mountain station him and his people now call home.

A visit to the Himalaya may seem daunting with kids but is actually not hard to plan and enjoy and can stay as an educational experience like no other.

Dharamshala is welcoming, well organized and culturally very interesting and it is a fantastic place to experience Tibetan culture with ease, at any age. You can read about our experience in Dharamshala here .

Learn about Emirati Culture in the glitzy UAE

The United Arab Emirates may strike you as a modern, fun place for a family winter sun holiday more than one to experience culture but, actually, they are a wonderful place to get a taste of Middle Eastern Culture.

Read our guide to Dubai with kids and Abu Dhabi with kids and let these cities surprise you with its interesting historical district and museums!

I hope you enjoyed this selection of educational vacations for families and educational trip ideas for kids. Safe travel planning!

This post was originally written in 2021 and has now been fully updated in 2023 with resources from our most recent trips.

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

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Welcome to Discover the World Education. With over 35 years experience organising worldwide educational and adventure travel, you can trust us to supply safe, quality tours that are informative and enjoyable for all members of your group. Bringing education to life is only limited by the imagination. Our trips not only provide fantastically rewarding and memorable excursions from school, but also enhance the curriculum and ultimately, help inform and motivate students.

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15 Amazing Educational South African Adventures for Worldschooling Families

Few places on earth can compare with South Africa for its sheer variety of incredible educational trip locations. From unbelievable wild African safaris sure to thrill any adventurer to stunningly beautiful vistas where visitors can kick back and relax, there are an amazing array of destinations across South Africa that make it a world schooling family’s dream! 

Chilling with wild penguins at Boulders Beach (Cape Town)

Considering Africa’s reputation for wide open grasslands, dense jungles, and arid stretches of desert dunes, it’s understandable if you didn’t realize that South Africa is one of the prime locations for getting up close and personal with penguins. 

Nevertheless, South Africa is home to two different colonies of wild African penguins, including one of the largest colonies in Africa located at Boulders Beach just outside of Cape Town! 

Our entire family loved getting to see the penguins up close, mostly because of how cute they are. But since they are also an endangered species, going to see them can also be a great opportunity for explaining what it means for a species to be endangered and how we can do our part to make sure these amazing animals stick around. 

You can read more about getting up close with the Boulders Beach Penguins here.

Watching Whales in Hermanus (Cape Town)

Hermanus is a coastal town located a little over an hour away from Cape Town. It’s a beautiful little town, complete with cozy coffee shops, and a great artisan market where you can pick up local, hand-made crafts. That’s all great, and worth visiting on its own, but the real draw for a visit to Hermanus is the whales!

The oceans around Hermanus are shallow, calm, and warm, which make it a perfect location for the mating rituals of several  different species of whale. Each year from June until December, the waters off the coast of Hermanus shelter Southern Right Whales, Bryde’s Whales, and Humpback Whales as part of their yearly migrations. On occasion, you can even spot Orcas!

The best time to visit is near the end of September or early October during the Whale Festival, but whales can be seen along the coast throughout the whale season.

We spotted several different whales within minutes of getting out of the car on the day that we visited, and it was spectacular! However, if I had it to do all over again, I would definitely spring for a boat tour. Watching the whales from shore was great, but I regret not getting as close as we could.  

Surf Lessons for the Whole Family at Muizenberg Beach (Cape Town)

My family is pretty new to surfing, but after getting started on the beaches in Sayulita, Mexico, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try out the waves at Muizenberg Beach! 

South Africa has some of the world’s best surf, with amazing waves for any experience level accessible all year long. However, Muizenberg, in particular, is considered one of the best beaches in the world for beginner surfers. 

There are tons of great surf school options along the beach, and lessons are relatively inexpensive, making this a perfect place to pick up a new skill! 

While you’re there, be sure to check out the Shark Spotter’s Info Center for a little more education on all the ways South Africa is working to protect their sharks! 

Exploring South Africa’s Stellenbosch Vineyards (Cape Town)

While there are a huge number of tourists who visit Cape Town to visit the region’s many natural wonders, just as many make the journey to South Africa to instead explore one of the world’s premier wine-growing regions. 

On the surface, exploring a bunch of vineyards might not seem like a good time for kids, but the vineyards in the Stellenbosch region do an absolutely amazing job of welcoming every member of the family. These ended up being some of my kids’ favorite trips during our time in Cape Town

Highlights for us included watching the birds of prey show at Eagle’s Encounter at Spier Wine Farm and the Wonderdal Children’s Edutainment Center at Hazendal Wine Estate. Both Vineyards also had amazing dining options and wine-tastings, making them perfect locations to visit for a relaxing and educational outing.  

Marveling at Table Mountain, One of the New 7 Natural Wonders (Cape Town) 

Table Mountain was named one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World alongside locations like the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls (the beautiful waterfalls from Marvel’s Black Panther movie).  

Many of the best natural attractions in the Cape Town area are located within the borders of Table Mountain National Park, and its profile can be seen from almost anywhere in Cape Town, but it is still definitely worth it to take a ride up to the mountain’s top. 

Learn more about visiting Table Mountain with kids!

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town)

Amidst the foothills of Table Mountain lie the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. In a city filled to bursting with green spaces, these gardens have some of the most outstanding biodiversity in South Africa! 

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is part of Table Mountain National Park, placing it firmly in the Cape Floral Region, which is the UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with the area. It has tons of beautiful flowers on display year-round, an excellent tea house for when you need a break, and also hosts the trailhead for a hike to the top of Table Mountain.

The gardens feature plants from locations all around South Africa and breaks their collection into smaller, themed gardens like the Aroma Garden and the Medicinal Plants Garden.

My personal favorite was getting to explore the different Proteas.  

Robben Island (Cape Town)

South Africa has a wide array of natural sites to explore and learn from, but there are important cultural lessons that it can teach us as well. 

Just off the coast of Cape Town sits Robben Island, which served as the prison home for a variety of political prisoners from South Africa’s Apartheid past, including Nelson Mandela himself. 

Visitors to the island are given a tour hosted by former island inmates and can see the quarries where prisoners were forced to work as well as the bunkers and cells where they were kept. Places like Robben Island are stark, but incredibly important, reminders of how much we have grown as a human race, and of the dangers we face if we forget that progress. 

Learn more about the Cultural and Historical importance of Robben Island here. 

Taking a Family-friendly Safari in Kruger National Park

My family’s week-long safari in Kruger National Park is easily one of our kids’ absolute favorite trips that we have ever taken! 

During our week in the park we managed to spot all 5 of the Big 5 , as well as monkeys, baboons, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and even seven endangered ground hornbills! 

The park is filled to bursting with amazing animals and is an incredible place to see African wildlife up close and personal. 

The best part? Because we chose to camp and self-drive instead of booking a guided tour, it cost us far less than you would expect. 

Learn more about making the most of a self-guided drive through Kruger with kids 

Mapungubwe National Park 

Located in the far north of South Africa, Mapungubwe National Park was the location of Southern Africa’s earliest known kingdom. The Mapungubwe kingdom lasted for roughly 400 years, from 900 AD-1300 AD, and regularly traded with other major cultural hubs such as Egypt, India, and China. 

Today, families can make the hike to the graveyard of the Mapungbwe kings, located at the top of a hill, or check out the area’s rich cultural heritage at the Interpretation Centre and Museum. Or, if you’re more interested in seeing some wildlife, you can either self-drive the park or jump on one of the park’s guided drives for the chance to see elephants, lions, leopards and more! 

Only 4 of the Big 5 can be found in the park, but there are plenty of other animals to see, including an astonishing variety of bird species. 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park was the first location in South Africa to be chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage site, in large part because of the park’s sheer biological diversity. WIthin the borders of the park visitors can find more than 6500 different species of plants and animals spread across a wide variety of biomes. The park is home to grasslands, wetlands, and forests stretching along the coast, and also includes aquatic protected zones with coral reefs and wild beaches. 

Parts of the park are accessible via self-drive roads, but if you want to have the best possible views of the park, it is highly recommended that you book one of the park’s boat cruises. These boats can get you up close to the huge populations of hippos and crocs that make their home in the Wetland Park, as well as giving you amazing views of the landscape.  

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

South Africa has some of the best safaris in the world, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier park is yet another incredible location for seeing wildlife. The main reason you would visit here instead of one of the other, larger parks in South Africa is for the Kalahari desert feel that you can get there. 

It’s a bit of a drive from the larger cities, like Cape Town or Johannesburg, but if you make the trip you’ll be treated to some absolutely stunning vistas and the chance to see the larger, black-maned lions that are native to the area. 

Other big cats, such as cheetahs and leopards, are also around, as well as a wide array of grazers. 

The Garden Route

More than just a single location, the Garden Route is a roughly 200-mile stretch of road with a huge number of stunning locations along its path. Different stops along the route each have their own appeal, with beautiful lagoons, sleepy villages, world-class surf, and stunning wilderness vistas all making an appearance. 

If you’re looking for a stretch of road that’s absolutely perfect for taking an adventure-focused road trip, this is the route you’re looking for. 

Drakensberg Mountains

UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites only lists 19 sites across the world as having both Global Cultural Importance and Outstanding Natural Beauty and Significance. The Drakensberg Mountains are one of those 19. 

Located an easy day’s drive from either Pretoria or Johannesburg, a visit to the Drakensbergs makes an excellent weekend getaway for those looking to slow down and get into nature. The mountains are riddled with amazing hiking trails and beautiful vistas, including the highest waterfall in the world. 

For those more interested in the area’s cultural significance, the Main Caves offer a glimpse into the past with up close views of San cave paintings and a small museum depicting what life was like for members of their tribe. 

The Drakensberg Mountains make for a much slower-paced trip than taking a safari or visiting South Africa’s large cities, but there’s still plenty to learn!

Read more about educational trips to the Drakensberg Mountains

The Panorama Route

Located just to the west of Kruger National Park, the Panorama route is a perfect stretch of road for those who love amazing geology. This route is home to an astonishing number of waterfalls, family-friendly caves, and one of the world’s largest canyons.

Blyde River Canyon may only be the third-largest canyon in the world, but due to the area’s lush, subtropical climate, it is the largest green canyon around. 

While there’s plenty to see from the road, you can also check out amazing horseback and river tours in the area to see even more stunning vistas. 

Cradle of Humankind (Johannesburg) 

Located only a short drive from Johannesburg, South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind is a region where numerous early hominid fossils have been discovered. Since the first fossil discoveries in the 1920s, several different fossil sites have been discovered including fossils from at least four separate early hominid species. 

Note: Cradle of Humankind focuses heavily on educating visitors on hominid evolution.  

Visitors to the area can begin their trip at the Maropeng Visitors Center in the Sterkfontein Valley. The center hosts several different interactive displays discussing evolutionary theory and displays of the different hominid fossils found in the valley and elsewhere in the world. 

After visiting Maropeng, you could also visit the Sterkfontein Caves for an underground tour of human history, or perhaps choose to follow the Taung Heritage Route where you can see local natural wonders or explore an abandoned Buxton Quarry mine.   

While these 15 amazing locations are a good start on all the outstanding places you can visit in South Africa, they really only just scratch the surface on everything possible there. No matter what sort of adventure you’re looking for, South Africa has something to offer!

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Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad - 2024

Ready to explore the best countries for international students in the world? Find the educations.com rankings of the best countries to study abroad in the world in 2024 here!

• Top 10 Rankings
• Deciding Where to Study

Welcome to our official rankings for the Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad in 2024!

Our own international student survey* reached nearly 24,000 prospective students representing 230+ countries. Using the top reasons for studying abroad, ranked by students who prioritize finding the right destination country over program or school, we’ve created education rankings of the best countries to study abroad in the world** in 2024!

Our rankings of the best places to study abroad are based on multiple statistical indicators for each of these 7 factors:

• High-quality teaching
• Achieving career goals
• Personal development
• Culture and lifestyle
• Opportunities to network or make new friends
• Language learning
• Top 10 Europe Rankings of the Best Countries to Study Abroad in 2024
• Top 10 Asia Rankings of the Best Countries to Study Abroad in 2024
• See the rationale behind our education rankings

#10 - Denmark

🌍 ranked #7 in europe, 💖 personal development ranked #3 in the world, 🎓 high-quality teaching top 15 in the world.

Denmark returns to our Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad list for the first time since 2020. No wonder, ranked as the second happiest country on the planet by the 2023 World Happiness Report, Denmark is also known for high-quality education in a safe, progressive, and friendly environment that prioritizes community and well-being - Hygge, is a way of life in Denmark. The cities are easy to navigate on foot or by bike, and the country has gained a reputation as a foodie destination, especially the capital, Copenhagen, which offers everything from traditional smørrebrød to Michelin-star New Nordic restaurants. The country boasts stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty – you are never more than 50 kilometers from the coast and the 444 islands that dot it. Denmark is also home to many well-preserved historical sites, such as the iconic Tivoli Gardens and the medieval town of Roskilde. Velkommen !

#9 - Switzerland

🌍 ranked #6 in europe, 👨‍💼 achieving career goals ranked #5 in the world, 💖 personal development ranked #6 in the world.

Nestled in the center of Europe and the Alps, Switzerland is a small country known for its discrete banking, long-standing commitment to neutrality, and stunning natural beauty. Switzerland is also a cultural crossroads, with influences from Italy, France, and Germany apparent in everything from its architecture to its multilingual citizens. Switzerland recognizes four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch, a minority language originating from Latin. Studying in Switzerland will give you an opportunity to experience the country’s high-ranking universities, as well as the breathtaking scenery. For outdoor enthusiasts, Switzerland’s mountains, lakes, and forests are never far away, and its cities, towns, and numerous castles offer inspiration for both architects and historians. Bainvegni !

#8 - The Netherlands

🌍 ranked #5 in europe, 💖 personal development ranked #4 in the world, 👨‍💼 achieving career goals ranked #2 in the world.

It is no surprise to see the Netherlands in our Top Ten. This small country is a powerhouse of international education with world-class universities, numerous programs taught in English, and affordable higher education. From the busy cities of Utrecht and Rotterdam to the more peaceful student towns of Groningen and Leiden, you will find that people in the Netherlands are quite diverse, environmentally conscious, and very accepting of others. Dutch cities – and its countryside - are a cyclist's dream, with more than 30,000 kilometers of cycling paths. Hop on a bike to explore the museums, canals, and vibrant nightlife of the capital city, Amsterdam, or venture further afield for all this country’s hidden gems. Welkom !

🌍 Ranked #4 in Europe

💃 culture and lifestyle ranked #3 in the world, 👩‍💼 opportunities to network or make new friends ranked #1 in the world.

Rising two places this year is Spain, a country known for its vibrant and welcoming culture. Spain has a long and storied history of conquest, diversity, and heritage reflected in its art, cuisine, music, languages, literature, and traditions. Even a quick glance at the menu of a tapas bar will give you a glimpse of the eclectic experiences Spain has to offer. The country is a haven for students of art, architecture, and design, with the works of masters like Goya, Gaudi, Calatrava, Dali, Campo Baeza, and Picasso providing inspiration. Spain is also rising as a tech and innovation center – the country launched its Spanish Smart Cities Network in 2011, and Barcelona was named the European Capital of Innovation in 2014. With each region and city offering unique cultural experiences, the most challenging decision about studying in Spain might be which city to choose – and what to study once you get there. ¡ Vamos !

#6 - Canada

👩‍💼 achieving career goals ranked #3 in the world, 💖 language learning ranked #4 in the world, 💬 opportunities to network or make new friends ranked #3 in the world.

Oh, Canada! There’s a reason nearly 900,000 international students chose Canada as their study destination in 2023. This North American country is diverse, welcoming, and offers flexible, high-quality higher education that is recognized throughout the world. For medical and STEM students, Canada offers extensive research opportunities, and international students in all fields will find generous funding options and work schemes. Canada is also a great option for language students. With French and English as official languages, studying in Canada is an excellent way to learn a new language. The country is diverse in more than just language. Stretching more than 5,500 kilometers across the top of North America, Canada is the second largest country by area in the world and features a diversity of climates, landscapes, and cultures. From the maritime and mild east and west coasts to the arctic tundra and mountainous majesty of the northwest, Canada presents awesome natural beauty.

#5 - France

🌍 ranked #3 in europe, 🌊 adventure ranked #1 in the world, 🏰 culture and lifestyle ranked #2 in the world.

For many people, the glamour and charm of Paris sums up the appeal of France, and while Paris is certainly the country’s crown jewel, studying in France is so much more than just a stroll down the Seine. With more than 3,500 public and private higher education institutions – from universities and Grandes Ecoles to specialized schools for everything from art to medicine – your opportunities for excellent higher education are nearly limitless in France. Couple that with France’s cultural clout, and you have the ideal study location for someone looking for a top-ranked degree and an international experience to last a lifetime. Whether you settle in Paris or Provence, studying in France will offer you a wealth of opportunities to explore. Bienvenue !

#4 - Australia

🌍 ranked #1 in oceania, 💬 opportunities to network or make new friends ranked #5 in the world, 🏰 culture and lifestyle ranked #7 in the world.

Australia is a consistent favorite of international students the world over. With a wide range of higher education offerings, highly ranked universities, and a system that is known for welcoming international students, it is no wonder that Australia has been in our Top 10 since the beginning. Australia is known for its laid-back attitude, amazing climate, and incredible natural beauty. With most of its big cities, and therefore, its universities, located along the coastal regions, you are never far from the beach. Each city in Australia has its own identity and distinct personality, so whether you choose the thriving art scene and eco-friendly atmosphere of Melbourne, the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise of Perth, or the glitz and glam of the Gold Coast, you are sure to find a place that suits your style.

#3 - United Kingdom

🌍 ranked #2 in europe, 🎓 high-quality teaching ranked #1 in the world, 🏰 culture and lifestyle ranked #6 in the world.

The UK is never far from the top of our list, and for good reason. As home to some of the most renowned and prestigious universities in the world, the United Kingdom is a go-to choice for international students. Living and studying in the UK gives international students the opportunity to learn and explore in a country steeped in culture and history. The UK may occupy a small area compared to some of the other countries on this list, but it packs a lot into that space. The four countries that make up the United Kingdom boast prehistoric monuments, medieval ruins, modern architectural marvels, bustling cities, quaint villages, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, with each country adding its own unique personality and history to the mix. Whether you go surfing on the coast of Wales, dance the night away at a Hogmanay ceilidh in Scotland, explore geological wonders in Northern Ireland, or stroll in the picturesque Cotswolds of England, the UK will not disappoint.

#2 - The United States

🌍 ranked #1 in north america, 🎓 quality of teaching ranked #6 in the world, 🌊 adventure ranked #6 in the world.

The US has been rising steadily in our rankings since 2019 and now takes the second-place spot for study-abroad locations! Long a popular destination for international students, the US boasts some of the world’s highest-ranked universities, numerous research opportunities, and a higher education culture that is the stuff of Hollywood dreams. Idyllic college campuses awash in autumnal colors, roaring crowds cheering their school’s team at brightly lit football games, and big-city campuses where co-eds can explore the great American metropolises while they study, are actual realities, along with every other kind of school and institution imaginable. With fifty states and one of the largest higher education systems in the world, the US offers almost unlimited choices for study abroad experiences.

#1 - Germany

🎓 high-quality teaching ranked #3 in the world, 👩‍💼 achieving career goals ranked #2 in europe, 🏰 adventure ranked #6 in europe.

Germany made a meteoric rise this year to take the top place on our rankings! And no wonder. Between its incredible reputation as a higher education powerhouse and the low cost of tuition and living, Germany stands out among the countries of the world as a destination for international students. Couple that with the country’s high standards of living, cultural opportunities, and safe, efficient infrastructure, and you have the ideal study location. Use your time in Germany to take in the cultural heritage and diverse natural beauty of the countryside. Enjoy the festive and historic Christmas market in Braunschweig, indulge in some German beer and schweinebraten at a Bavarian Oktoberfest, explore fairytale castles and medieval abbeys in the Black Forest, or dive into the global film scene during the Berlinale, the world’s largest film festival. Enjoy!

* International Student Survey conducted in Spring 2023

**The analysis for the rankings takes into consideration our data, external data sources and current international world affairs where relevant

Keystone Team Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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Discover a new you. Experiential study abroad with Arcos.

You’ve Gotta See These 20 Amazing Destinations with Trips for Teens

by Kendall Dick March 21, 2024

Being a teenager is very much an on-the-job-training experience. As one of the most pronounced times of growth and development as a human being, these years bring many challenges and changes where your ability to adapt, overcome limitations, and pursue strengths are tested. Instead of shying away from this type of learning, lean into it by taking a trip abroad as a teen!

When you think of the word ‘destination’ you’re probably thinking of a place worthy of travel or maybe the end of a journey. But a destination is a not only a physical place. A destination is also the purpose for which someone (*cough*you*cough*) is meant for. Deciding to take a teen trip is an intentional act of proclaiming that you are destined for a life of meaningful travel! Take the leap, embrace the change, and watch your life come alive before your eyes!

Skip cross-country training and go cross-continental!

Popular trips for teens

Trips for teens manifest themselves in a variety of different ways. You can do meaningful community service trips for high school students , immerse yourself in a foreign language , study abroad , or tour some of the world’s most spectacular terrain in the most adventurous of ways . Whichever type of teen trip is calling your name, the most important part is that you’re getting outside of your comfort zone bright and early.

Whether you’re looking for an alternative spring break , a better way to spend your summer break , or a gap year between high school and college, trips for teen abound and there’s a program out there for you. 

So, get started with your search now and check out these 20 amazing destinations for teen trips, for as summer trips for high school students and more!

Trips for teens in great places—our top 20

Oh, the places you’ll go! When you start to get overwhelmed with excitement, and the burden of too many choices, check out our list of the top places for trips for teens.

A destination coveted by millions, Italy is a gracious host of teen trips full of soul-stirring and Insta-worthy scenery. We first fell in love with the idea of Italy watching Lizzie McGuire jet around on the back of a vespa and that love still hasn’t faded. After you leave, Italy will always have a pizza your heart. 

It’s im-pasta-ble not to have a (meat)ball with teen trips in Italy!

Recommended programs:

• Travel for Teens: Read Travel for Teens reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Italy

Practice your Spanish lisp as you navigate the streets of España. Teen trips in Spain are full of unforgettable experiences like ogling original art by Picasso, ordering tapas (successfully) in local cafés, and relaxing along the Costa del Sol. 

You’re in for a Major(ca) personal transformation traveling in Spain.

• Experiment in International Living: Read EIL reviews | Visit their site
• Arcos Journeys Abroad: Learn More | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Spain

Taking a trip to France will be Louvre at first sight. Learn to embrace the luxury of simplicity through the decadence of a fresh croissant or the hypnotization of the piercing blue sea of the French Riviera or the tickling of your ear by the beauty of the language.

We don’t want to be too cheesy, but teen trips in France are seriously life changing.

• Youth For Understanding: Read YFU reviews | Visit their site
• Council on International Educational Exchange: Read CIEE reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in France

Taking a trip across the pond is just about the closest you can get to time travel (or is it?). Teen trips through England are a journey through history. But not dull, dusty, retired-museum-guide history—history you can feel and relive.

What if you just dove(r) right into your Brit-trip?

• Reach Cambridge: Read Reach Cambridge reviews | Visit their site
• Future Foundations: Read Future Foundations reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in England

5. Costa Rica

Teen trips to Costa Rica—the peaceful soul of Central America—is where adrenaline junkies unite. Learn how to sink into the easygoing rhythms of the pura vida before the stress of adulting gets to you first! This is the perfect spot to find service trips for teenagers with a side of espanol.

Ride the wave of teens traveling in Costa Rica and absolutely loving it.

• Maximo Nivel: Read Maximo Nivel reviews | Visit their site
• International Studies Abroad: Read ISA reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Costa Rica

The Irish are perhaps the most welcoming people on the planet, making it an excellent location to get your feet wet in the ways of traveling abroad. Plus, Ireland is a cultural hotspot, so wherever you go you will be sure to get your daily dose of culture. 

Irish Castle, Cong, Ireland

• Global Vision International: Read GVI reviews | Visit their site
• Academic Programs International: Read API reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school abroad programs in Ireland

A teen trip to Vietnam will be something you remember pho ever. Outstanding food, surreal scenery, history that demands self-reflection, and jaw-dropping adventures—Vietnam has it all for teens that want an exotic, outside-the-box trip abroad.

Teen trips in Vietnam are pho’real.

• Projects Abroad: Read Projects Abroad reviews | Visit their site
• Carpe Diem Education: Read Carpe Diem Education reviews | Visit their site  
• See all high school programs in Vietnam

8. New Zealand

Middle Earth may be fantasy, but New Zealand certainly isn’t. Take a walk on the wild side and see what life looks like on the other side of the world where you can enjoy, rather than endure, a teen trip abroad. Just remember that summer trips for teens here are actually in their winter!

If you’re wanting to go on an adventure, New Zealand is the place to do it.

• Pacific Discovery: Read Pacific Discovery reviews | Visit their site
• Institute of Global Engagement: Read Institute of Global Engagement reviews | Visit their site  
• See all high school travel programs in New Zealand

9. Australia

For a koality teen trip abroad, Australia delivers mate! Australia is wildly beautiful in cultural, land, and spirit, and is something every teenage soul MUST experience firsthand. Service trips for teenagers down under almost ALWAYS help our furry friends! 

You’re in for a boatload of fun with teen trips in Australia.

• Rustic Pathways: Read Rustic Pathways reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Australia

You’ll be Havan-a good time when you take a teen trip abroad to Cuba! Practice your Spanish and pick up some sweet dance moves—Cuba is an island full of indefinable magic and trips for teens allow you to marinate yourself in the zest of it.

Every Instagram-able street aside, teen trips to Cuba guarantee improved Spanish and dancing ability.

• Adventures Rolling Cross-Country: Read ARCC reviews | Visit their site
• Global Works: Read Global Works reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school abroad programs in Cuba

If the mountains are calling and you must go, Nepal is likely on the other end of the line. Teen trips to Nepal are full of breathtaking views (not just because of the altitude) and experiences of a lifetime. Take the time to explore eastern traditions and Buddhism, enjoy a warm chai, and really get to know the locals.

Don’t take a nap on Nepal—you’ll regret not going on this adventure.

• Where There Be Dragons: Read Where There Be Dragons reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Nepal

12. Argentina

Check some of the most iconic bucket list items, like Patagonia and the Andes, off your list in your teen years. If nothing else, the intense concentration of passion that resides in Argentina will seep into your soul and will be a souvenir you can carry around for life. Spend your typical beach-going months snowboarding when you sign up for summer trips for teens in Argentina. 

Argentina will only cry for you if you pass up this awesome teen trip.

• See all high school travel programs in Argentina

Chile shelters some of the most pristine parts of our planet, and they shouldn't be missed. Climbing in the mountains of Chile during a teen trip abroad might just be where you reach a new peak in life. Just don’t forget a jacket… you know, in case you get cold.

Between the vibrant cities and idyllic countrysides, you’ll love chilling out in Chile.

• Broadreach: Read Broadreach reviews | Visit their site
• GoAbroad Chile: Read GoAbroad Chile reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school abroad programs in Chile

14. Tanzania

Waka waka , eh eh! It’s time for you to take a trip to Africa! The land of safaris will give you opportunities to get up close and personal with not only assorted animals, but opportunities for getting to know the country's diverse array of people and cultures.

If your only understanding of Africa comes from The Lion King, you’re about to have your mind. Blown. (In the best way.)

• Cross-Cultural Solutions: Read CCS reviews | Visit their site
• Global Leadership Adventures: Read GLA reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school programs abroad in Tanzania

15. Iceland

What’s cooler than being cool? Iceland! Trips for teens to Iceland have a whimsical, quirky, creative spirit that sparkle with life and warmly invite you to be a part of the fairytale-like magic. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet among the lava fields, crystal blue waters, waterfalls, and geysers. Here’s hoping you get a peek at the northern lights, too! 

Contrary to popular belief, chasing waterfalls is exactly what you should be doing in Iceland.

• AFS-USA: Read AFS-USA reviews | Visit their site
• The Road Less Traveled: Read The Road Less Traveled reviews | Visit their site
• See all Iceland teen travel programs

16. Thailand

When you’re wanderlust has been relentless nagging you to take a trip and you finally cave and say, “Phuket let’s go,” Thailand will be waiting to take you on the teen trip your itinerant soul has been craving. Hop on the back of a motorbike, swim in warm, clear water, and enjoy a heaping pile of noodles post-adventure. 

Don’t flip flop around on this—sign up for teen trips in Thailand.

• GoBeyond Student Travel: Read GoBeyond reviews | Visit their site
• Westcoast Connection: Read WCC reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Thailand

Teen trips to India are a reminder—and a beautiful opportunity—to let go of rigid Western schedules and busy-ness and simply live life day-by-day. Explore and learn about all the different regions, religions, languages, and customs of each state and region within this incredibly diverse country.  

Everything about your time in India will be colorful—the sky, the textiles, the food, the personalities.

• Love Volunteers: Read Love Volunteers reviews | Visit their site
• Sankalp Volunteer: Read Sankalp Volunteer reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school programs in India

Udon even know how amazing of a trip Japan will be. There is nowhere else in the world where ancient traditions are still carried on amidst such a modern, high-tech, futuristic society—something you have to see to believe.

Don’t noodle around! Slurp up the opportunity to travel to Japan.

• Greenheart Travel: Read Greenheart reviews | Visit their site
• LanguBridge Education Centre: Read LanguBridge reviews | Visit their site  
• See all high school travel programs in Japan

Set your watch to island time, or just trade it in for the ambling milieu of Fiji. Full of welcoming people and jam-packed with underwater adventures, teen trips to Fiji are a truly immersive experience. You don’t know how far you’ll go (until you actually do… I guess).  

Expect a lot more than just an island getaway with teen trips to Fiji and the South Pacific.

• Putney Student Travel: Read Putney reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Fiji

20. Ecuador

You are going to Ecu-adore the sublime scenery and dazzling diversity of this tiny, but lively country. Whether you’re a future conservationist, botanist, or just looking to break out of the classroom, a teen trip to Ecuador is guaranteed to knock your flip-flops off. 

Galapa-get-up-and-go to Ecuador already!

• A Broader View Volunteers Corp: Read A Broader View reviews | Visit their site
• Ecuador Volunteer Foundation: Read Ecuador Volunteer Foundation reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school programs in Ecuador

Next steps to finding teen trips

Ready to take the next step towards a teen trip abroad? Check out these additional resources to help you get the ball rolling:

• Get matched with awesome trips for teen via GoAbroad’s Online Advisor .
• Compare and contrast trips for teens and get inspired with MyGoAbroad .
•  Don’t have two pennies to rub together? Check out FundMyTravel .
• [INFOGRAPHIC] — Your Roadmap to High School Abroad
•   How to Find Incredible Teen Travel Programs
•   Experiential Travel Advice for Teens

So that was a lot of information thrown at you all at once, huh? Try not to be intimidated or overwhelmed. Take a breath and remember that will all be worth it. 

Teen trips for all!

No matter what you’re into, you know what’s in you—a desire to travel meaningfully. Taking a teen trip to one of these amazing destinations will be an amazing gateway to a future life of traveling abroad with purpose! So what the heck are you waiting for? Get out there and do it!

Find teen trips now

Want to Get Matched with Programs?

Use MyGoAbroad to Save & Compare Programs!

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World’s 30 Best Travel Destinations, Ranked

Best places to visit in the world.

The ultimate ranking of travel destinations aims to solve a serious problem: so many places to visit, so little time.

But even in a world with a trillion destinations, some manage to stand out and rise to the top. From the sleek skyscrapers of Dubai to the emerald-green waters of the Bora Bora lagoon, you’re sure to find at least one vacation that piques your interest (and likely several!).

These are the 30 best places to visit in the world. Which ones have you already been to? And which ones stoke your wanderlust most?

30. Argentine Patagonia

In this region of the Andes, you’ll find glaciers, evergreen trees, deep blue lakes and clear skies everywhere you look. For a trip full of adventure and discovery, there are few better destinations on the planet.

No trip is complete without a visit to the craggy Mount Fitz Roy, the historic (and mysterious) Cave of the Hands, the Punta Tombo wildlife preserve, the Peninsula Valdes marine wildlife refuge and the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. Be sure to bring your camera and your sense of wonder.

* Rankings are based on U.S. News & World Report's " World's Best Places to Visit ," traveler ratings as well as our own editorial input.

What to Know Before You Go to Argentine Patagonia

Where to stay: Cyan Soho Neuquen Hotel

Hot tip: Since springtime occurs in the southern hemisphere in October and November, those months are your best bet when planning a trip.

Fun fact: The largest dinosaur fossils ever unearthed were found in Argentine Patagonia. They belong to the largest-known titanosaur, believed to have weighed about 83 tons. 

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

29. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Set in the Sorrentina Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast has long been renowned for its natural beauty and idyllic coastal towns. During the golden age of Hollywood, it was a preferred vacation spot for glamorous movie stars.

Days here are spent eating Italian food, drinking wine and walking around colorful cobblestone streets. You can also expect to drink copious amounts of wine as you look out into the Mediterranean Sea.

The best way to see the coast is to rent a car and then drive to different towns each day.

What to Know Before You Go to the Amalfi Coast

Where to stay: Hotel Marina Riviera

Hot tip:  If you're planning on using a beach chair to work on your tan, make sure you wake up early, as they are usually first come, first served.

Fun fact:  The Amalfi Coast is featured in Sofia Loren's 1995 Film, "Scandal in Sorrento."

28. Cancun, Mexico

For years, Cancun has been the preferred getaway for East Coast Americans (particularly Floridians) who want an international getaway that's still close to home. But despite the droves of tourists, the area has managed to keep the charm that attracted people in the first place.

The city is known mostly for its luxury hotels, wild nightlife and warm beaches. Definitely indulge in all of these — as well as the Mexican food! — but also consider other activities like visiting Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes and snorkeling. One thing is certain: You won't run out of things to do in Cancun .

What to Know Before You Go to Cancun

Where to stay: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Hot tip:  While you're in Cancun, make a plan to visit one of Grupo Xcaret's six eco-tourism parks, with the best ones being Xcaret and Xelha. The Mexican-owned company is credited with starting the eco-tourism trend in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the parks offer incredible and varied local experiences.

Fun fact:  The Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun is located, was the cultural, political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Many locals have Mayan ancestry and Mayan continues to be widely spoken in the area.

27. San Francisco, California

Everyone should visit San Francisco at least once in their lives. Though tech companies grab all the headlines these days, it remains down-to-earth, diverse and packed with things to do.

Where to start? No matter your style, you’ll want to check out the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, see the sunbathing sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, take a tour of the historic prison Alcatraz and relax in one of the city’s many parks, especially Dolores Park for its epic people-watching on the weekends. 

For dinner, treat your tastebuds and make a reservation at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area .

What to Know Before You Go to San Francisco

Where to stay: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Hot tip: Want similarly beautiful landscapes and rich cultural attractions, but at lower prices and with (slightly) fewer crowds? Head to Oakland just across the Bay Bridge, named one of the most exciting places on earth to travel by National Geographic. 

Fun fact: The fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by a Japanese resident. Random!

26. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world . The power with which water storms down cliffs on the border between the United States and Canada has captivated the imagination of humans for centuries. 

This natural wonder is comprised of three awe-inspiring falls. One of the best ways to experience them is on a boat tour.

What to Know Before You Go to Niagara Falls

Where to stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls

Hot tip: There is some debate about which side of the falls is better, but the general verdict is that the Canadian side offers better views. This is because you can (ironically) get a better view of the American Falls as well as get up close to Horseshoe Falls. 

Fun fact:  Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S.

25. Yellowstone National Park

Located mostly in Wyoming as well as Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is America’s first national park and remains one of the most popular in the country, welcoming more than around 3.3 million people in 2022. With unpredictable geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, craggy peaks, shimmering lakes and tons of wildlife — from elk to boars to bison — it’s easy to see why so many people flock here. 

The park makes for an awesome family trip and is well-suited to budget travelers since it offers so many campsites ( over 2,000! ). 

What to Know Before You Go to Yellowstone

Where to stay: Stage Coach Inn

Hot tip: You’ll never fully beat the crowds at this wildly popular park, but April, May, September and November are your best bets for finding some solitude.  

Fun fact: Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.  

24. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

As the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of marine species. This makes it a paradise for scuba diving or snorkeling. 

The reef system is truly gigantic, with over 600 islands and about 2,900 individual reefs. This is one of Australia's greatest prides, but it's also a planetary national treasure. Seeing it with your own two eyes is an experience that is incredible beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to the Great Barrier Reef

Where to stay: Crystalbrook Flynn

Hot tip: Though going underwater to see the reef is a must, we also recommend booking a helicopter tour to experience the magic of it from above.

Fun fact:  Made of corals, which are animals that live in collectives, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet.

23. Santorini, Greece

With its picturesque blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings and colorful beaches, the island of Santorini is a photographer’s paradise. If you want to snap photos to post to Instagram and make everyone back home jealous, this is the place to go. 

Also make sure to experience some of Santorini’s archaeologically significant sites, like Ancient Akrotiri (an ancient city preserved by volcanic ash) and Ancient Thera (where humans lived as early as the 9th century BC). And don’t forget to visit the smaller islands that surround it, including Thirassia, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. 

What to Know Before You Go to Santorini

Where to stay: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Hot tip: To optimize your vacation, visit in September and October or April and May — when the weather is still warm, but there aren’t as many other tourists milling around.

Fun fact: While it’s difficult to prove, locals like to say there’s more wine than water on this island where it hardly rains (and vino abounds).

22. Florence, Italy

For art and history buffs (and anyone who appreciates delicious Italian food), Florence is a must-visit city. 

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s home to some of the most iconic artworks by the world’s premier artists throughout history — Michaelangelo, Brunelleschi and Donatello, just to name a few. In addition to art museums and architectural wonders, Florence is also home to chic shops, quaint cafes and spectacular gardens. 

What to Know Before You Go to Florence

Where to stay:  NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa

Hot tip: Keep Florence in mind if you want to spend your honeymoon in Europe without spending a fortune, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Fun fact: The city’s famed “El Duomo” cathedral took over 140 years to build .

21. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite, one of the most-visited national parks in America with more than 4 million annual guests, encompasses 750,000 acres of wilderness just waiting to be explored.

It’s home to scenic waterfalls, like the 317-foot Vernal Fall and the 617-foot Bridalveil Fall, as well as iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, two popular spots for the world’s best rock climbers to test their mettle.

Not surprisingly, the wildlife here also impresses. Dozens of species of butterflies, marmots, bobcats and mule deer are just some of the animals that call Yosemite home. And keep your eyes peeled for black bears; some 300 to 500 roam the park . 

What to Know Before You Go to Yosemite

Where to stay:  The Ahwahnee

Hot tip: Summer can get really busy here, so if you want to camp, be sure to book a spot early. Want to beat Yosemite’s notoriously bad traffic? Ditch the car and take advantage of the park’s extensive free bus system.

Fun fact: This is one of the only places in the country where you can catch a moonbow — like a rainbow, but created by the light of the moon instead of the sun. 

20. St. Lucia

Whether you’re visiting on a cruise ship or just relaxing at an all-inclusive resort or boutique hotel, stunning St. Lucia is a clear winner. This Caribbean island offers diverse terrain for vacationers, from its pristine beaches to its lush rainforests to its volcanic peaks, the Pitons, that loom over the landscape. 

Adrenaline-junkies love hiking, climbing and zip-lining, while newlyweds (and soon-to-be-married couples) enjoy the romantic mix of fine dining, adults-only resorts and exotic activities. 

What to Know Before You Go to St. Lucia

Where to stay: Rabot Hotel From Hotel Chocolat

Hot tip: Visit when temperatures are moderate, which is typically in May and June.

Fun fact: St. Lucia is the only country named after a woman: Christian martyr Saint Lucia of Syracuse.

19. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Everything is bigger and better in Dubai, home to one of the world’s largest shopping malls, tallest towers, largest man-made marinas — and the list goes on. 

This Las Vegas-like urban center in the United Arab Emirates has an eclectic mix of activities for visitors to enjoy, including beaches, waterparks, tons of shopping and even an indoor ski resort. Outside the skyscraper-filled city, the vast desert awaits, best enjoyed via quad-biking or sandboarding.

What to Know Before You Go to Dubai

Where to stay:  Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Hot tip: Though you’re likely to pay a pretty penny for a trip to Dubai no matter when you visit, you can save a little cash by visiting during the scalding-hot summer months and by booking your hotel room two to three months in advance.

Fun fact: Dubai’s man-made Palm Islands were constructed using enough imported sand to fill up 2.5 Empire State Buildings . 

18. Machu Picchu, Peru

Many travelers describe their visit to Machu Picchu as life-changing. Why? It’s an archaeological wonder, the remains of an ancient Incan city dating back more than 600 years. No wonder this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most-visited attraction in all of Peru. 

Be sure to visit significant sites like Funerary Rock, where it’s believed Incan nobility were mummified, and Temple of the Condor, a rock temple sculpted to look like the impressive bird in its name.  

What to Know Before You Go to Machu Picchu

Where to stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Hot tip: If you’re planning a trip, be sure to get your ticket in advance, as only 2,500 people can visit Machu Picchu each day. (And a lot of people have this destination on their bucket list.)

Fun fact: The site contains more than 100 separate flights of stairs . 

17. Sydney, Australia

With its iconic Opera House and lively Bondi Beach, Sydney is the perfect spot to vacation if you’re looking for a blend of culture, arts, nightlife and relaxation. 

Spend the day on the water at Darling Harbour, then head to the Royal Botanic garden for even more fresh air. Want to travel like a local? Get a ticket to a rugby match and order a Tim Tam, a popular chocolate-covered cookie that pairs well with coffee. 

What to Know Before You Go to Sydney

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Hot tip: You can make your trip more affordable by visiting during Sydney’s shoulder seasons, which are typically September through November and March through May.

Fun fact: In 2007, Bondi Beach was the site of the largest ever swimsuit photoshoot ; 1,010 bikini-clad women participated, enough to earn it a spot in the Guinness World Records book.

16. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is truly massive (277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide!), which helps explain why so many people feel the urge to see it in person. 

In 2022, 4.7 million people visited, making the Grand Canyon the second-most popular national park in the country (behind Great Smoky Mountain Nationals Park). Established in 1919, the park offers activities for all ability levels, whether you want to do an intense hike down into the canyon and sleep under the stars (with a backcountry permit, of course) or simply want to saunter along the South Rim Trail, an easy walking path with views that wow.

What to Know Before You Go to the Grand Canyon

Where to stay:  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Hot tip: If you’ve wanted to visit the Grand Canyon for a while now, this is the year to do it. The park is celebrating its 100th birthday with musical performances, lectures, screenings and other special events.

Fun fact: The most remote community in the continental U.S. can be found in the Grand Canyon. At the base of the canyon, Supai Village — part of the Havasupi Indian Reservation — has a population of 208. It’s inaccessible by road, and mail is delivered by pack mule. Want to see it for yourself? The village houses a collection of campsites , accessible via a hiking trail.

15. Bali, Indonesia

In recent years, Bali has become a popular expat destination, where groups of "digital nomads" work and play. 

But the island hasn't lost its original charm to this added tourism and continues to be an incredible destination. Divide your time between swimming in the beach, hiking active volcanoes, visiting temples and enjoying views of tiered rice terraces.

What to Know Before You Go to Bali

Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach

Hot tip:  Though shoulder season (January to April and October to November) means fewer crowds and cheaper prices, it also means rain. Tons of it. We'd recommend avoiding the rainy season if possible.

Fun fact: On the Saka New Year, Balinese people celebrate Nyepi. This Hindu celebration is a day of silence when everything on the island shuts down and no noise is allowed.

14. New York, New York

As the saying goes, New York City is “the city that never sleeps” — and you won’t want to either when you visit, lest you run out of time to take it all in. 

Be sure to check out newer attractions, like the High Line (an elevated park) and Hudson Yards (a mega-mall along the Hudson River), but also make time for some New York City classics, like catching a Broadway show or standing under the lights of Times Square. 

Foodies will have a hard time choosing where to eat (the city is home to almost 100 Michelin stars !), which is why an extended trip is always a good idea.

What to Know Before You Go to New York City

Where to stay: The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

Hot tip: Yes, January and February get cold here, but this is also the best time to lock in relatively reasonable hotel rates. You can spend your time eating in the city’s restaurants, exploring its fabulous museums and catching its world-class theater shows without needing to spend much time in the chilly outdoors. 

Fun fact: There’s a birth in New York City about every 4.4 minutes — and a death every 9.1 minutes. 

13. Banff National Park, Canada

Some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery and vistas are located in Banff, the tiny Canadian town located at 4,537 feet above sea level inside the national park by the same name. Banff is the highest town in Canada, and Banff National Park was Canada’s first, established in 1885.

Shred some powder at Banff’s three ski resorts in the winter, then come back in the summer for activities like hiking, biking, fishing and scrambling (scaling steep terrain using nothing but your hands).

What to Know Before You Go to Banff

Where to stay: Fairmont Banff Springs

Hot tip: June to August and December to March are the best times to visit if you want to take advantage of summer and winter activities. 

Fun fact: Banff National Park has more than 1,000 glaciers.

12. Maldives

You can look at picture after picture, but you still really need to visit the Maldives to believe its beauty. If rich sunsets, flour-like beaches and vibrant blue waters are your style, this is the destination for you. 

Though it’s somewhat difficult to get to this small island nation southwest of Sri Lanka, that also means it’s incredibly private and secluded, which makes it the perfect spot for a honeymoon or romantic beach getaway. 

And don’t worry about getting bored, either — explore the water by snorkeling or scuba diving, relax in the spa or wander around the bustling Male’ Fish Market.

What to Know Before You Go to Maldives

Where to stay: Velassaru Maldives

Hot tip: May to October is the island-nation’s rainy season — but that also means it’s the best time to go for fewer crowds and better rates.

Fun fact: In 1153 AD, the nation’s people converted to Islam. Today, the Maldives remains the most heavily Muslim country on earth.

11. Barcelona, Spain

Soccer, architecture, shopping, nightlife, world-class food and wine, arts and culture — is there anything Barcelona doesn’t have? If there is, we honestly can't think what it would be. 

This cosmopolitan Spanish city is home to some awe-inspiring architecture, including several buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, so be sure to book tours of his whimsical creations like Park Guell and the yet-to-be-finished Church of the Sacred Family (La Sagrada Familia). 

For nightlife and shopping, Las Ramblas is always bustling; for an enriching arts experience, follow the progression of famed artist Pablo Picasso at Museo Picasso.

What to Know Before You Go to Barcelona

Where to stay:  Hotel Bagues

Hot tip: It can get really humid here, so it's best to plan your trip in May and June before things really heat up.

Fun fact: In preparation for its 1992 hosting of the Olympics, the city flew in sand from as far away as Egypt to make Barceloneta Beach a place where people would want to go. Though largely man-made, the beach remains a wonderful spot for seaside R&R. 

10. Glacier National Park, Montana

The crown jewel of beautiful Montana, Glacier National Park is every outdoors traveler's dream.

Of course, the most defining natural feature of the park are its glaciers, which provide spectacular views as well as a number of pristine lakes. There are hundreds of trails that will take you up peaks, down through valleys and across some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see.

What to Know Before You Go to Glacier National Park

Where to stay: Firebrand Hotel

Hot tip:  Plan to spend a day or two in the nearby town of Whitefish. This gateway to Glacier National Park is one of the best small towns in America and a destination in its own right. 

Fun fact: During your visit, you're very likely to run into mountain goats, which are the official symbols of the park.

9. Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese capital is one of the most exciting cities on the entire planet. It is notoriously fast-paced, with neon lights illuminating the multitudes that are constantly rushing to their next destination. 

But Tokyo is also a city of temples, of taking time to picnic under the cherry blossoms and of making sure you enjoy the abundance of delicious food that can be found on basically every corner.

What to Know Before You Go to Tokyo

Where to stay: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Hot tip: Visit between the months of March and April or September and November for more comfortable temperatures. Of course, spring is when the city's cherry blossoms are famously in full bloom.

Fun fact: Tokyo happens to be the largest metropolitan area in the world, with more than 40 million people calling the greater metro area home.

8. Phuket, Thailand

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that feels luxurious but won’t break the bank, start searching for flights to Phuket now. 

This island in southern Thailand, which is just an hour flight from Bangkok, is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, so white sandy beaches abound. If a stunning sunset is what you’re after, head to Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on the island and a popular spot for photo-ops. For views of the island and beyond, climb to the top of the massive alabaster statue called Big Buddha.

You can even learn something during your vacation by visiting the Soi Dog Foundation, an innovative animal shelter that’s fighting the meat trade and taking care of the thousands of stray cats and dogs in the area.

What to Know Before You Go to Phuket

Where to stay: InterContinental Phuket Resort

Hot tip: Visit between November and April for the best weather — and ideal conditions for beach activities like swimming and boating. 

Fun fact: The island is not pronounced in the rather colorful way it appears to be. The correct way to say it is “poo-ket” or “poo-get.”

7. Rome, Italy

Though Rome’s historic significance cannot be overstated, don’t assume that this Italian city is stuck in the past. On the contrary, you’ll find posh storefronts and luxurious hotels not far from iconic structures like the Pantheon (built in 120 AD) and the Colosseum (built in 80 AD).

And then, of course, there’s the city’s art. Stroll through Rome, and you’ll stumble upon some of the greatest treasures the world has ever seen — an astonishing collection of frescoes, paintings, ceilings and fountains created by icons like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.

After all that exploration, take advantage of ample opportunities to eat and drink, including at several Michelin-starred restaurants. City staples include suppli (deep-fried balls of risotto, mozzarella and ragu meat sauce) and cacio e pepe (a deceptively simple mix of al-dente pasta, pecorino romano and fresh black pepper). 

What to Know Before You Go to Rome

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Ghr Hotel

Hot tip: Tourists congregate here in the summer when temperatures are also sweltering. Go instead between October and April, when there are thinner crowds, better rates and cooler temps. Just make sure to bring a light jacket.

Fun fact: Each year, travelers throw about $1.7 million worth of coins into the Trevi Fountain. The money is donated to Caritas, a Catholic nonprofit that supports charities focused on health, disaster relief, poverty and migration.

6. London, England

English writer Samual Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” 

From live performances of Shakespeare to truly world-class (and free!) museums like the National Gallery, London will enrich your mind and enliven your senses. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace to see the famous stone-faced guards outside and the 19 lavish State Rooms inside (though, unfortunately, you can’t see the queen’s private quarters). Another must-see landmark is the Tower of London, the historic castle on the north side of the River Thames.

What to Know Before You Go to London

Where to stay: Vintry & Mercer

Hot tip: Many U.S. cities now offer direct flights to London, so set a price alert and act fast when you see fares drop.

Fun fact: London’s pubs are worth a visit for their names alone; fanciful monikers include The Case is Altered, The Pyrotechnists Arms, John the Unicorn and The Job Centre. 

5. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Flavorful French cuisine, top-notch resorts, warm waters — need we say more? Though Tahiti can be pricey, travelers say it’s so worth it. 

The largest of the 118 French Polynesian islands, Tahiti is split into two main regions (connected by a land bridge). Tahiti Nui, the larger region, is home to the island’s capital Papeete and surfing hotspot Papenoo Beach, while Tahiti Iti, the smaller region, offers more seclusion and the bright white sands of La Plage de Maui.

What to Know Before You Go to Tahiti

Where to stay: Hilton Hotel Tahiti

Hot tip: Visit between May and October, Tahiti’s winter, when there are less humidity and rain. 

Fun fact: Overcrowding is not a concern here; Hawaii gets more visitors in 10 days than all of French Polynesia does in a year.

4. Maui, Hawaii

If you’re short on time or you just can’t decide which Hawaiian island to visit, Maui is right in the sweet spot: not too big, not too small, but just right.

There are five regions to explore on Maui, including the popular West Maui and South Maui, home to some of the island’s best-known attractions and beaches (Wailea Beach is in South Maui, for example). But don’t overlook East Maui, where you can travel along the Road to Hana, or the Upcountry, where you can explore the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala. 

What to Know Before You Go to Maui

Where to stay:  Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Hot tip: This is Hawaii we’re talking about, so your trip will be on the pricey side. Be sure to budget for add-ons if you need them (think gym access and WiFi at your hotel), and do some research on insurance before you head to the car-rental counter.

Fun fact: How’s this for a selling point? Maui has more beach than any other Hawaiian island — 60 miles of it, with red, white and black sand.

3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Don’t write off the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora just because of its size. Though it’s a little more than 2 miles wide and just 6 miles long, Bora Bora packs in an abundance of natural beauty. To start, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the island’s turquoise lagoon surrounded by lush jungle.

If you’re looking for more than relaxation on your trip, consider hiking or booking a 4X4 tour of Mount Otemanu, part of an extinct volcano that rises 2,400 feet above the lagoon. You can also snorkel among the coral reef of Coral Gardens, where you might catch a glimpse of reef sharks, eels and stingrays.

Because of its remoteness, flying into Bora Bora Airport will be quite a journey, no matter where you're departing from. But you'll forget everything as soon as you see this Polynesian paradise that is beautiful beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to Bora Bora

Where to stay: Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Hot tip: Though Bora Bora can be wildly expensive to visit, you can cut costs by visiting between December and March (though you should avoid the Christmas holiday) and by bringing your own alcohol and sunscreen with you.

Fun fact: Bora Bora is one of the countries that no longer exists . The Kingdom of Bora Bora was an independent state until it was forcefully overtaken and annexed by France in 1888.

2. Paris, France

Paris has it all — incredible cuisine, legendary landmarks and centuries of history. Those are just some of the reasons it’s the second-best place to visit in the world.

Though you’ll want to spend your time hitting up popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d’Orsay, you should also carve out time to explore other parts of Paris — the city’s 20 diverse neighborhoods, called arrondissements, for instance. Standouts include the 2nd arrondissement, which touts covered passages and some of the city’s hippest restaurants, and the romantic 18th arrondissement, with charming squares, cafes and bars, set apart from the city’s more tourist-packed areas.

What to Know Before You Go to Paris

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal

Hot tip: Yes, summer in Paris is busy, but the weather is also ideal — average highs are in the 70s.

Fun fact: Built for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be temporary , and was almost torn down in 1909. Luckily, local officials saw its value as a radiotelegraph station, preserving the future tourist icon for generations to come. 

1. South Island, New Zealand

South Island, the larger but less populated of the two islands that make up New Zealand, earn this top-spot honor for its gorgeous scenery, adrenelin-pumping experiences and affordability.

The 33.5-mile hike on Milford Sound, which is limited to 90 people at a time, is considered one of the world’s best treks, with stops at Lake Te Anau, suspension bridges, a mountain pass and the tallest waterfall in the country, Sutherland Falls.

For a heart-pumping experience, you can jump out of a helicopter while flying over the Harris Mountains with skis on your feet. Still not satisfied? Roam Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, and explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, two of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

What to Know Before You Go to New Zealand

Where to stay: QT Queenstown

Hot tip: Book your trip for the fall, when South Island is temperate, not overcrowded and offers great rates. Bonus: This is also when the island is at its most stunning.

Fun fact: New Zealand natives, called Kiwis, are among the most hospitable you’ll ever meet. The local saying “He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” translates , appropriately, to “What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people.”

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The 55 Most Beautiful Places in the World

From cloud forests to glacial lakes, these destinations are the world's best sights to see.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

There are never-ending reasons to travel, but many go to seek those awe-inspiring moments that stop them in their tracks, searching for the sights that will stay with them forever. Every day, travelers find those experiences among the ruins of Machu Picchu or at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.  

From sky-blue lakes in Canada to sandstone beaches in Seychelles, beauty abounds in every corner of the Earth. Focusing largely on national parks , mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders , we’ve compiled the world's most beautiful places to inspire your next dream destination. 

Join us for a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, like the red rocks of the Grand Canyon and the abundantly colorful Great Barrier Reef.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

There's no better way to experience Patagonia's rugged natural beauty than in Torres del Paine National Park . The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to its namesake granite towers (the park's name is an amalgam of the Spanish word for “towers” and the Tehuelche word for “blue”), as well as sparkling lagoons and otherworldly glaciers.

Bagan, Myanmar

It's hard to truly grasp the magnitude of Bagan Archaeological Zone , dominated by thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site on a bike (or e-bike to cover even more ground). For an eagle's-eye view, take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise to see the temples scattered across the lush landscape.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica

This magical, misty, and well-preserved cloud forest in northwestern Costa Rica is the ultimate template for sustainable ecotourism. Along with its sister cloud forest, Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is a practically untouched paradise home to thousands of plant, animal, and bird species (including the radiant quetzal), visible from jungle paths and nail-biting steel bridges hanging over the canopy.

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles

Pinpointing the most beautiful Seychellois beach is like splitting hairs, but Anse Source d'Argent gets extremely high marks for its sugar-white sand framed by dramatic granite boulders and sparkling aquamarine water. The sweet shoreline is relatively secluded from the resort crowds on La Digue Island.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, the Grand Canyon truly merits the term "breathtaking." The vast geologic wonderland, one mile deep and up to 18 miles across, displays countless layers of colorful rock and practically hypnotic vistas.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls spans the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders. "The smoke that thunders," as it is known to locals, and its surroundings, are hubs for white-water rafting, helicopter rides, big-game safaris , and other thrilling adventures.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach is arguably one of the loveliest shores in the world. Part of Australia's Whitsunday Coast, the star attraction is remarkable for its amazing combination of pure silica sands and vivid blue-green waters.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

On a dirt road near Madagascar's west coast is a stretch of enormous baobab trees, all that remains of a once-dense forest. The centuries-old giants are especially magnificent cast in the light of a sunrise and sunset.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

The world's largest salt flat covers 4,000 square miles of the Bolivian Altiplano. In the dry season, it's an endless white sheet of salt tiles made all the more dazzling by clear, sunny skies. From December to April, however, regular rains create a mirror effect that merges lake and sky. No matter when you see it, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most captivating sights on earth.

Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam

With hundreds of jungle-covered karsts springing out of emerald green waters, Hạ Long Bay is a photographer's dream. Hop on a boat or kayak to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site 's beautiful islands and surreal cave systems.

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Nicholas Schmidt/Travel + Leisure

Lake Atitlán in the Sierra Madres offers a combination of Indigenous culture, waterside serenity, and yoga bliss. Cross the gorgeous crater lake by boat and explore various pueblos, shop local markets for Mayan crafts, and sleep in treehouse accommodations .

Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius

A freestanding basaltic mountain hulking over a bright blue-green Indian Ocean lagoon certainly makes spectacular scenery. When viewed from above, the surrounding sand and silt form an optical illusion that appears to be a massive underwater waterfall at this mythic place. Thanks to its isolation and near-inaccessibility, Le Morne sheltered people who escaped enslavement during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Acadia National Park, Maine

From rocky shorelines shrouded in mist to conifer-cloaked mountainsides, Acadia is a wild place of sea, stone, and forest. Visitors flock here to hike, fish, climb, camp, and experience the end-of-the-world feel in New England's only national park.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The mighty Okavango, the largest inland delta in the world, is a vast network of winding waterways and animal-attracting lagoons. Navigating through reed-studded channels in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and spotting hippos, leopards, and elephants is one of the world's great travel experiences for nature lovers.

Railay West Beach, Thailand

Dmitrii Guldin / Getty Images

On the Railay peninsula's west side, Krabi's famous karsts meet a simply stunning jade-green lagoon. The vertical cliffs block access from the Krabi mainland, making Railay reachable only by boat, adding to its incredible appeal.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

This famed wildlife preserve (next door neighbor to the Serengeti) is one of the world's most enchanting ecosystems . The Mara's golden grasslands stretch to the horizon, interrupted by graceful acacia trees and rumbling throngs of wildebeest and zebra — and their stalking predators.

Cat Island, The Bahamas

Cat Island is a secret nirvana hiding in plain sight in the Bahamas . Sparsely developed and off the main tourist track, Cat Island is resplendent in miles of nature trails and wondrous pink-sands sprawling under the Caribbean sun.

Zhangye National Geopark, China

Distinct rolling bands of orange, cream, yellow, brown, and russet against jagged mountain peaks make this geological anomaly in Gansu, China look like a psychedelic scene on Mars.

Glencoe, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands are filled with astonishingly scenic glens, but Glencoe is perhaps the most famous (and infamous, due to a brutal 17th-century massacre). Today the valley is a haven for hikers, mountaineers, and whiskey lovers — the 19th-century Ben Nevis Distillery is a short drive away.

Mount Kōya, Japan

The Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded this mountaintop temple town in 819. Today, the sacred and serene place is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and contains more than 100 temples, including head temple Kongobuji, featuring gorgeous gilded sliding doors and ceilings carved with flowers. Within the ancient complex is a mausoleum and cemetery surrounded by a cedar forest with old growth trees up to 600 years old.

Dead Sea, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel

Name aside, the Dead Sea is a lake and one of the world's saltiest, at that (in fact, the saline water has such a high density that it keeps bathers afloat). Set between Jordan, Palestine, and Israel at the Earth's lowest elevation, it's known for its beautiful clear and tranquil waters (nearly 10 times more saline than the ocean) and surrounding mineral formations, sandy beaches, nature preserves, natural pools, and waterfalls.

Zion National Park, Utah

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Glorious Navajo Sandstone cliffs, rainbow-colored canyons, and incredible biodiversity make Zion one of the most popular (and most scenic) national parks in the U.S.

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Dominated by a 3,000-square-mile ice cap of the same name, Vatnajökull is a chilly, Icelandic wonderland of caves, craters, glacier-filled calderas, and waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous falls is Svartifoss, surging over hexagonal lava-rock columns.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale's electric-blue thermal pools and white travertine formations, naturally formed by slowly crystallizing calcium carbonate, make for gorgeous vacation photos.

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaii

Nā Pali translates to "the cliffs" in Hawaiian, a deceptively simple name that might not fully prepare travelers for the epic glory on view. The staggering coastline is too rugged and vertical for road access, so the only way to see it is by boat, air, or seriously intense hiking trails.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Ascending iconic Table Mountain tops the list for most travelers in Cape Town. Adventurous hikers can go on foot, but there's also an aerial cableway that gently sweeps up to the 3,563-foot summit. Either way, the top offers insane panoramic views of the South African capital and the Atlantic.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Built nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel whose engineering ingenuity and head-spinning views rival the extraordinary beauty of its Sacred Valley setting.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Picture a serene alpine lake fringed with soaring Alps. Now add in a walkable medieval town and you've got the setting for this long-popular Swiss destination . Don't miss Mount Pilatus (via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway) and the Rigi for nature trails and a famous viewpoint overlooking three lakes.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway may lack Highway 101's ocean scenery, but it trades Pacific views for peaceful Appalachian beauty. Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park , the 45 MPH, no-trucks route winds past overlook after overlook, letting road-trippers marvel at the mountains' dreamy blue hue.

Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

This isn't a tropical island getaway with a wild party scene or string of upscale resorts. Pulau Tioman is more of a floating nature preserve, with local character and a strong sense of environmental conservation (coral rehab and sea turtle preservation are major focuses for the island's Juara Turtle Project ). The island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea, is popular for its dive sites, shipwrecks, and tropical rainforest.

Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland region is an almost-mystical vision of red-earth desert plains, flat-topped mountains, petrified forest, and well-preserved ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Though it looks like a scene from Mars, Damaraland is rich in wildlife, home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and the critically-endangered black rhino.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Altogether, the 275 cascades on the Argentina -Brazil border form a mind-blowing, panoramic waterfall. The overwhelming sight, combined with the sound and energy of water rushing at up to 450,000 cubic feet per second in the rainy season, is pure magnificence.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

The South Pacific calls up many visions of spectacular beaches . Bora Bora 's Matira Beach gets singled out for its miles of pearly white, flour-fine sand and breathtaking bright turquoise lagoon.

Cirque de Gavarnie, France

Cirque de Gavarnie is a popular hiking destination in the Pyrenees, and one of its most beautiful. Called "the colosseum of nature" by Victor Hugo, the Cirque is a ring of sheer granite mountain walls enclosing a picture-perfect green valley. It's astounding even before you add in three-tier Gavarnie Falls pouring over a 922-foot drop.

Shark Bay, Australia

Shark Bay: where the red earth of Australia's westernmost point meets the teal waters of the Indian Ocean. The bay is home to one of the largest and richest beds of seagrass in the world, as well as stromatolites — rocky-looking, cauliflower-shaped microbial reefs and some of the oldest life forms on Earth.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten archipelago bursts dramatically out of the Norwegian Sea. Between the jagged peaks and steep slopes are quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, scenic backpacking and biking trails, and dreamy white-sand beaches.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, Los Cabos ' symphony of natural features — desert, mountains, sea, and plenty of sunshine — and yes, raucous party scene, have made it one of the most popular vacation destinations in North America. Its cobalt blue waters are a hub for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.

Taormina, Sicily

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Taormina has all the elements for a gorgeous Mediterranean destination : ancient ruins, a charming old town, and a setting backed by Mount Etna, an active volcano you can summit by foot.

Dal Lake, India

The snow-capped Zabarwan Range rise above Kashmir's romantic Dal Lake, a long-time Himalayan escape for Indians fleeing the south's heat. During the summer, veranda-clad cedar houseboats bob along the lake's western edge while floating markets and brightly-painted taxi boats drift by.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest barrier reef is an unrivaled experience for snorkelers and divers. The sensational underwater world is made up of 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands, and a mind-boggling diversity of marine life.

Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan

Near the foot of the world's ninth-highest mountain (Nanga Parbat), Fairy Meadows offers sublime mountain scenery and wildlife, including brown bears, markhor, and Himalayan ibex. Be forewarned: The road to get there has been dubbed the second deadliest road on the planet by the World Health Organization. To get to Fairy Meadows, you’ll have to be escorted by locals, in groups of six people at a time. 

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China

Thousands of tapering quartz sandstone formations spiral skyward in this 100-square-mile stretch of karst terrain. Beneath the towers lie valleys, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural bridges, and dense green forest.

Banff National Park, Canada

Canada's oldest national park showcases the majesty of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Banff is known for its staggering peaks, dense pine forests, hot springs, animals (grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and moose all call the park home), and almost eerily azure glacier-fed lakes, such as the postcard-perfect Peyto Lake.

Wadi Rum Reserve, Jordan

Wadi Rum is a stunning red-desert landscape filled with canyons, dunes, mountains, springs, archeological sites, and stone archways (brave hikers can cross the largest, Burdah Rock Bridge, which is more than 200 feet above the ground).

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, New Zealand

Glaciers carved this awe-inspiring valley , leaving behind craggy peaks with sheer drops into glistening waters. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu , Milford Sound is blessed with waterfalls, rainbows, rainforest, and a diversity of wildlife — everything from black coral to bottlenose dolphins, with seals and even penguins in between.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Blissfully isolated 217 miles off the Brazilian mainland, this lovingly-preserved archipelago offers pristine beaches and clear waters abundant in marine life perfect for world-class snorkeling.

The Algarve, Portugal

Surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and west, Portugal's Algarve region looks and feels like a wild respite. Wind-sculpted cliffs and headlands frame big, sandy beaches popular with surfers and dotted with secret coves and grottoes.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Solitary Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa's most stunning icons, rising more than 19,000 feet from coffee and banana farms up to snowy volcanic peaks. Along the way, hikers trek through distinct climate zones, from rainforest to high-altitude desert to the arctic-like summit (aka "the roof of Africa").

Mount Fuji, Japan

Both an active volcano and an icon of serenity, Mount Fuji is one of the world's most magnificent sights. You can hike to the sacred landmark's summit for sweeping views or simply gape at it from Lake Kawaguchi and elsewhere in the beautiful Five Lakes region . Head to the spa town of Hakone in winter to pair crisp Fuji views with steaming hot springs.

Li River, China

The Li River carves through the lowland farms and jagged karst terrain of northwestern Guangxi, creating some of China's most picturesque scenery (the area is so pretty, it appears on the 20 yuan banknote). A four- to five-hour river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most popular way to experience Li River, though travelers wanting more autonomy can rent bamboo rafts or hike — the natural moon-shaped arch of Moon Hill makes a glorious lookout.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como has been one of Italy's most popular vacation spots since the time of the Roman emperors. This unabashedly high-rolling resort area still attracts a posh crowd with its lush gardens, cinematic palaces and villas, and sun-soaked alpine shores. Take the funicular to the tiny village of Brunate for an amazing panorama.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Like so many of Earth's most stunning sights, Crater Lake is the result of earth-altering, volcanic forces. Its 1,943-foot depth makes it the deepest lake in the U.S. , filled with mesmerizingly deep blue waters fed by rain and snow. View its perfection from hiking trails, boat tours, and the 33-mile Rim Drive around the caldera. (Keep in mind, some attractions like boat tours and the scenic Rim Drive close for the winter season.)

Big Sur, California

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

Even considering California's 840 miles of monumental coastline, it's hard to rival the beauty of Big Sur . Thick redwood forest, foggy canyons, and rocky cliffs tumbling into the Pacific define this area (the name refers to both the town and the coastal region), made all the more famous for its freewheeling NorCal vibes and Old Hollywood history.

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

With half a million acres split by Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park 's wondrous mountain scenery encompasses hardwood forests, steep-sided ravines cut through by rivers and streams, and brilliant wildflowers in bloom from spring to fall. Hikers have 150 trails available to them, from the Appalachian Trail’s Charlies Bunion hike to the more challenging Rainbow Falls route.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The scenery alone — waterfalls, calderas, misty bamboo forests — makes Volcanoes National Park a worthy contender of any travel list. The mystical setting is all the more special for hosting buffaloes, birds, golden monkeys, and the elusive mountain gorilla.

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10 Top Places for Student Travel

Enjoy enlightening experiences outside the classroom on a break or gap-year trip.

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Whether you want a hands-on volunteer trip or a budget-friendly winter break locale, there are plenty of enticing educational programs and small-group tours geared toward students.

Students may be clinging to the last precious days of summer, but it's not too early to start thinking about where to plan a future trip. Teens about to graduate may even be considering taking a gap year. A recent Booking.com survey found that a third of polled American students ages 16 to 18 are considering taking a year off before college. So, where should students travel during a gap year or break from school? A recent study conducted by the Student & Youth Travel found U.S. student groups are particularly interested in attending educational programs across Europe that include music, history, arts, culture, science and natural history. The study also found teacher-organized trips to Latin America are in top demand among students, followed by trips to Canada. So, if you're ready to jump-start your travel search, check out these enriching, immersive and adrenaline-pumping spots for inspiration.

[See: The 7 Best Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots for Students .]

This small island municipality of the Netherlands gives students pursuing STEM disciplines the ideal laboratory for exploring tropical marine ecology. Thanks to the Council on International Educational Exchange's diverse study abroad programs, students traveling to Bonaire can take part in specialized dive training, learn field research methods and explore the area's rich history and culture – including huts from the African slave trade – during their visit.

Taipei, Taiwan

If you're eager to master a new language, Taiwan is a perfect place to learn Mandarin and absorb an exciting culture. It's also a budget-friendly place to visit, with free or cost-effective admission to many attractions, such as the Taipei 101 building and the National Palace Museum, along with affordable hostels and bed-and-breakfast accommodations. Plus, meals at high-end restaurants cost around $20 and the convenient metro offers a cheap and convenient way to get around. Even better, working holidays are common in Taiwan and many hotels offer international students part-time jobs. Apart from saving money, students can broaden their perspective of the local culture and community by working with residents.

For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, head to Cuba. Find out what life is really like far from the tourist traps in an agricultural community and work directly with students and farmers on projects improving Cuba's economic and social capacity. A variety of educational programs allow you to help locals practice English conversational skills, make crafts at a sewing cooperative, distribute drinking water, paint and deliver municipal pottery fixtures and participate in community-driven projects. Breaks from lending a hand might include checking out the museums, music venues and historical sites across Havana and partner communities.

Reputable small-group travel outfitter G Adventures offers a variety of tours targeted to the 18- to 39-year-old crowd. You can visit iconic European cities such as Rome and Budapest for around $1,400 on a 10-day trip. During your visit, you can sample the regional specialties and delicious wines of Italy, get in touch with the continent's rich culture in famed museums and galleries and compare dance floors in the nightclubs of Europe's party capitals. And if you have extra time to spare before or after your trip, you can easily tack on a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or spend extra time in must-see hot spots, such as Florence, Venice and Vienna, Austria.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford .]

History buffs, culture vultures and outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home in Miami. The grand Mediterranean Revival architecture in Coral Gables alone is worth the trip, not to mention the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Miracle Mile. For a convenient place to unwind, stay at the Westin Colonnade, adjacent to the famed Miracle Mile shopping district and its boutiques and art galleries. Other must-sees in the area include a short drive to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Venetian Pool, which was built out of a coral rock quarry in 1923 that boasts cool spring water, waterfalls, coral caves and grottos.

If you want to learn Spanish, why not brush up on your skills in Costa Rica at the relaxing Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort? Cushioned between the Pacific Ocean and a 1,100-acre tropical rainforest, the resort offers complimentary, hour-long Spanish lessons with a native language instructor. Apart from mastering your speaking and comprehension skills, you can soak up the great outdoors and hike and kayak through lush rain forests or lend a hand and learn about the area's unique biodiversity with a community service trip.

Blackfeet Reservation, Montana

For a taste of true reservation life, you can enjoy working with adults and children in the Blackfeet tribe with a recreational program, a child protection and nurturing program or an elder engagement, classroom or building improvement program. Participate in a garden or nutrition project before attending a smudge ceremony (a cleansing smoke bath that purifies the body, aura and energy). Afterward, learn about beading or enjoy fishing, hiking and other pastimes. On the reservation, you can secure dormitory-style lodging and enjoy meals prepared by local cooks.

Greenville, California

The volcano complex at Lassen Volcanic National Park features four types of volcanoes in one complex. There are 60 active individual volcanoes in the park, including the world's largest plug dome volcano. Plus, there are night programs that focus on learning about the stars. Students can travel from one side to the other and experience the area's unique microclimates before camping or finding lodging on the Plumas County side of the park. Plus, students can join ranger-led programs and enjoy curriculum-based field trips for educational learning on- and off-site.

The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are home to some of the most unique species in the world, from sea lions to giant tortoises. Reputable expedition cruise outfitter Ecoventure offers eco-friendly cruises filled with ample wildlife-viewing opportunities on naturalist-led excursions through the archipelago's diverse islands. Want to swim alongside sea lions and pups? No problem. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, where you can get a good look at tortoises and iguanas. In addition to learning about the area's environment, students can embrace other educational opportunities, such as brushing up on wildlife conservation or volunteering with the non-profit organization Pack for a Purpose to bring supplies to local communities.

[See: 10 Bucket-List Destinations That Don't Cost a Fortune .] Malawi, Africa

For students looking for an off-the-grid destination, Malawi in southeast Africa offers a safe, welcoming environment and plenty of educational opportunities. Lake Malawi has more fish species than any other lake in the world, and the area's wildlife reserves and national parks – including Lake Malawi National Park – offer up-close animal encounters. The area's vegetation may be of particular interest to agriculture students and those passionate about food processing. What's more, the area offers plenty of reputable hostel accommodation options – a great choice for students looking to mix and mingle with other visitors and scale back costs.

Tags: Travel , students , Vacations

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

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50 places around the world to take your kids before they grow up

The world is big and there to be explored. Every little corner of it has something beautiful to be unearthed and at Globalmouse we believe that there are some amazing sights that children will just love. If you’re looking for places to take kids or the best places to visit with kids there will be something here. Our list of places to take the kids around the world is a fun and varied mix. All the best places to travel with kids in one easy list. So with no further ado, here’s our roundup of 50 places around the world to take your kids before they grow up .

*AD / This post contains affiliate links & as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also have been compensated in this post either financially or with products / stays. To read more see our  Disclosure Policy .

Table of Contents

Pompeii, Italy – 50 places around the world to take your kids before they grow up

1. Pompeii, Italy – one of the world’s best preserved Roman towns. Pompeii is a wonderful place to take your children and show them history first-hand.

Let them pour water from Roman fountains, walk in the grooves made by countless chariots passing over the cobbled streets and jump across the slabs of the world’s oldest crossings.

🔎  Read more: Visiting Pompeii with kids

Kayak in the Colorado River, USA

2. Realise how small we are and how beautiful the world is by kayaking down the Colorado river .

This is such a great way to see this area, have som e fun in the rapids and marvel at the Rockies all aroun d.

The Great Wall of China

3. There’s so much to see in China but walking a stretch of the Great Wall of China has to be top of the list.

Our favourite part is at Jinshanling where you can really see the magnitude of this undertaking, gaze over the watchtowers and look on as it climbs and dips, snaking away into the countryside beyond.

If you’re feeling particularly brave have a go at sliding down the Great Wall at Mutianyu . This is so much fun, if slightly fast at times but the kids will love it.

The Tower of London

4. Find out stories and secrets from the Beefeaters at the Tower of London .

To understand the Tower of London is to, at least in part, understand the history of Eng land.

From the markings of prisoners on the walls of the towers to the Crown Jewels and even the tools used to behead one of Henry VIII’s wives. This is a fascinating place to visit and spark children’s imaginations.

🔎  Read more: Visiting the Tower of London with kids

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge – great places around the world to take your kids

5. It has to be done, even if like me you don’t like heights.

Children will love the thrilling experience of climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge .

This is one for the over 10s and something to definitely get the heart pumping and a view to remember.

Eat chocolate in Brussels, Belgium – one of the places around the world to take your kids

6. One thing I know is that most children like chocolate, so go to the spiritual home in Belgium to really savour it.

Drinking hot chocolate in Brussels is an experience to enjoy. And the only dilemma will be over which chocolate shop to try.

Maybe sample a few to make sure you get the best.

Stay on a ranch in Texas

7. Horse-riding with kids is great fun but one of the best experiences is to stay on a ranch in Texas .

Children will get so much out of the opportunity to talk and ride with real cowboys and cowgirls. And find out more about the history of this tradition.

See whales & seals in the Shetland Islands, Scotland

8. See the whales in the Shetland Islands, Scotland .

Forget SeaWorld, see these beautiful creatures where they should be seen, diving and arching in the waters off the coast of Scotland.

🔎  Read more: Our family trip to Shetland

Get shipwrecked in the Cook Islands

9. Children dream of being shipwrecked on a desert island so spark their imagination by doing just that – for a day.

In the Cook Islands , you can hire a boat to take you to one of the deserted islands within Aitutaki lagoon .

Although far from being properly shipwrecked you can be left with a fantastic picnic and the boat owner will come and pick you up a few hours later.

There’s something about being alone on an island that is unlike any other experience.

See geysers in Iceland

10. Watch the geysers in Iceland

Throw out those science books (temporarily) and learn about volcanoes and geothermal activity. Bring your child to the land of ice and fire and watch their pure delight as the geysers in Iceland spout their boiling water high into the air.

Visit the Colosseum in Rome – places around the world to take your kids

11. Imagine the horror of being thrown in to the arena to fight with lions, the crowds cheering and jeering and a certain death awaiting you.

The Romans are endlessly fascinating to kids and visiting the  Colosseum in Rome, Italy is an awe-inspiring experience.

See first-hand how large the space is and how well preserved and while you’re here take a wander up the Forum – with so many intact buildings it’s like stepping back in to history.

🔎  Read more: Visiting the Colosseum with kids

Marvel at the penguins in South Africa

12. Seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach in South Africa is really a spectacle to treasure.

Just beyond Simon’s Town is the beautiful stretch of white sand with huge boulders. It’s a wonderful place to see these endangered creatures.

Eat dim sum in Hong Kong – top places around the world to take your kids

13. Delighting in the experience of eating dim sum in Hong Kong is something kids will love.

All of the little buns and treats. They’re a great way to bond as a family, trying all of the food together and dining with other families in this vibrant city.

🔎  Read more: The best things to do in Hong Kong with kids

Go rock pooling

14. Every child should have the opportunity to go rock pooling . It’s one of our favourite things to do and we love searching for crabs and shrimps in Cornwall . But any beach with a few rocks will do.

Don your wellies in winter or carefully clamber barefoot in summer. Childhood memories should always contain rock pooling.

🔎  Read more: The best things to do in Cornwall with kids

Meet Father Christmas in Lapland

15. Visiting Father Christmas in Lapland is magical for children. There is nothing like seeing your child’s face when meeting the big man himself.

Tracking through the snow in Lapland to find the log cabin where Father Christmas is waiting is a real one off experience and completely unforgettable.

🔎  Read more: Our ultimate guide to Lapland with kids

Enjoy the spectacle of the Amazon River

16. There’s something about seeing the world’s largest river, the Amazon . Experiencing it flowing free and beautiful through Brazil allows such a unique insight.

This river is hugely important to our planet and with such unique biodiversity it is a sight to behold.

See the orangutans of Malaysia – best places around the world to take your kids

17. Having an opportunity to visit the forests of Malaysia and see the resident orangutans first hand is the best way to see them.

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place for children to see these beautiful creatures in the wild and in their natural habitat.

Visit the home of the brick

18. Lego is timeless and something that bridges generations.

Take a trip to the home of Lego in Denmark to really say you’ve been to Legoland . As well as the famous park there are often limited tours available to see the factory and talk to the designers.

🔎  Read more: Our trip to Jutland, Denmark with kids

Glimpse the past at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

19. To understand immigration both today and the history of this issue which is as old as time, a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a great way to help children.

The Statue of Liberty is just breathtakingly beautiful and standing so tall and proud, it needs to be seen by children’s own two eyes.

Walk Giants Causeway – places around the world to take your kids

20. Walk the Giants Causeway in Ireland for something really spectacular. And understand why this dramatic coastline has inspired artists, started scientific debate and create awe in everyone who see these basalt columns.

Eat pizza in Naples

21. Pizza is probably the most child-friendly food in the world and originated in Naples, Italy.

You can visit one of the world’s oldest pizzerias here and try the best pizza you will ever have tried.

The classic Neapolitan using the colours of the Italian flag: tomato sauce (red), mozzarella (white) and fresh basil (green) is really the only way to taste it.

Once you’ve tried pizza in Naples it will never taste quite as good again.

🔎  Read more: Visiting the world’s oldest pizzeria in Naples

Drink orange juice in Marrakech

22. Morocco is a country of colour and spice and life.

It’s a great child-friendly country with so many sights, sounds and smells to keep little ones spell-bound.

Drink fresh orange juice in Jemaa El Fna Square in the centre of Marrakech and people watch. It’s a fantastic experience.

🔎  Read more: Our family trip to Morocco

Ice skate in spectacular surroundings

23. Go ice skating in the open air at Christmastime . Our favourite spot is to ice skate in the 1000 year old moat at the Tower of London . But anywhere you can feel the cold air in your hair, holding hands with your child as the blades glide through the ice is magical.

🔎  Read more: The best things to do in London at Christmas with kids

Climb Palenque, Mexico – places around the world to take your kids

24. The history of the Maya people can be really felt by climbing the Maya ruins in Palenque, Mexico .

This important ancient city is well-preserved and you can clamber the steps to the temples set amongst the jungle.

Feel the history at the beaches in Normandy

25. The dark history of the Second World War can be hard for children to relate to.

A trip to the beaches at Normandy can be a good location for children who are starting to understand a little about what happened during these years across Europe and the World.

Hang out in Moscow’s Gorky Park

26. {While the political situation remains as it does, Russia is understandably off the cards for visits. We have left this here though as it is still a beautiful place to visit…and we hope in the future this will be possible}

Russia is, perhaps surprisingly, very family friendly. Take a trip to Moscow’s Gorky Park and hang out on huge beanbags, eat ice cream and freshly spun candyfloss.

And enjoy all the play equipment in this wonderful park.

🔎  Read more: Our family trip to Russia

See alligators in Florida – places around the world to take your kids

27. The Florida Everglades are the perfect place to see alligators in the wild.

Take an airboat ride and see if you can spot them in their natural environment.

🔎  Read more: Our 14 day itinerary for Florida

See dinosaurs in the Natural history museum

28. London’s museums are some of the best in the world and many of them free of charge too.

See the dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum and while you’re here pop next door to the National Science Museum too. Both are amazing places.

Eat pancakes in the Netherlands

29. You haven’t really tasted pancakes until you’ve eaten them in the Netherlands.

Visit Amsterdam and try the pancakes there to see why they are almost the Dutch national dish.

🔎  Read more: The best things to do in Amsterdam with kids

Marvel at Uluru in Australia

30. A trip to Uluru in Australia , particularly as the sun sets and sends it glowing pink is a must for any world list.

Children can learn all about the unique outback wildlife and flora here as well as finding out more about the aboriginal people .

Wonder at the Buddhas in Thailand – places around the world to take your kids

31. Thailand is packed full of amazing sights and sounds. One of the most evocative things to do is to visit the Temples.

From the serene laying Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok to the hilltop temples of Chiang Mai, there are lots to choose from.

This is a really evocative experience and one kids (and adults) won’t forget.

🔎  Read more: Our family holiday to Thailand

See animals in the wild at Kruger National Park

32. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is so great for kids. And the number one place to see the big 5 has to be in Kruger National Park .

This is one of the largest game reserves in Africa.

Gaze at the world’s highest volcanoes, Ecuador – places around the world to take your kids

33. Take a trip to Ecuador to see one of the World’s highest volcanoes .

Visiting Cotopaxi National Park , Ecuador  is a wonderful opportunity for families who like to hike and seek out wildlife. All in the shadow of this impressive volcano.

Chill out at a summer festival

34. There’s something about the fun abandonment you get from visiting a summer festival .

It’s a chance to shake off the norms, wear what you like, and see people being creative, different and fun.

Ride on a real Viking ship, Denmark

35. Taking a boat ride on a real Viking ship in Denmark is a great experience for children. They can also join Viking expeditions and guided trips organised by the Roskilde viking museum near Copenhagen .

🔎  Read more: Visiting the Roskilde Viking Museum

Wonder at Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt – places around the world to take your kids

36. Standing in front of Tutankhamun’s tomb outside of Luxor . Or scuttling inside one of the huge pyramids of Giza , south-west of Cairo is the only way to appreciate the wonder of these amazing structures.

Visiting the Pyramids of Egypt is one of those experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life. No matter what age you are.

Embark on an epic train journey

37. One of the best ways to appreciate the vastness, beauty and diversity of this world is to take an epic train journey . This could be through the Rockies, down the length of India or taking the night train in Russia .

Train journeys give you an opportunity to meet local people, to connect with fellow travellers and to view the world in a very unique way.

🔎  Read more: Taking a night train through Russia

🔎  Read more: Taking the Santa Express night train from Helsinki to Lapland

🔎  Read more: Taking the Marrakech to Tangier night train

Hit the slopes – places around the world to take your kids

38. Having a go at skiing is a really fun experience for kids.

Skiing in the Alps has a timeless feel that can’t be matched. There’s something about looking around at that mountain range and all of the art and literature they have inspired. This is both breathtaking and reviving for the whole family.

It’s also wonderful to explore some of the lesser known Scandinavian resorts.

🔎  Read more: Our guide to skiing with kids

Stand on the equator

39. There’s a host places around the globe where you can stand on the equator line  in several continents.

The top choice has to be the La Mitad del Mundo , near Quito in its namesake country of Ecuador.

Never forget the horrors of the Second World War

40. The horrors of the holocaust and the Second World War can be a difficult subject to broach with younger children. But it’s an important part of history we must never forget.

Learning about Anne Frank and her story is a really good way to start to explain to children some of what happened in this period.

A trip to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a very moving experience and one that allows kids a chance to realise that this history was very real.

🔎  Read more: Our guide to the Netherlands with kids

41. All children should have the opportunity to spend a night under canvas .

Listening to the birdsong in the morning and feel the natural world all around.

It’s a unique experience and a wonderful way to bring children together and celebrate the simple, and best things in life.

See the end of the World, Portugal – top places around the world to take your kids

42. A visit the end of the world in Portugal is somewhere to give kids an insight in to how early Europeans must have felt when the world lay largely undiscovered.

To stand at the spot where it was believed the earth ended and to look out over the water is to really appreciate why the Romans believed the sun hissed into the sea to be extinguished here. And feel how those early explorers must have felt setting off for the unknown.

🔎  Read more: A trip to the end of the World, Sagres

Check out the rockets at Kennedy Space Centre, Florida

43. Fans of all things extra-terrestrial will love the array of spacecraft, exhibits and shuttle launch simulator all based at the  Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex in Florida.

Here you can also take a tour of the spaceport.

Take a husky dog ride -places around the world to take your kids

44. Taking a husky dog ride is a fantastic and exhilarating experience.

The rush as these beautiful creatures pull you through the white landscape is an unforgettable opportunity. It’s such a great way to see snowy landscapes from a totally different perspective.

🔎  Read more: Taking a husky dog ride in Lapland

See howler monkeys in the Costa Rica national park

45. Spot howler and spider monkeys in Manuel Antoinio National Park in Costa Rica.

Here you can also see three-toed sloths, enjoy incredible beaches and hike on awe-inspiring trails through the rainforest.

Discover the origins of the Olympics in Greece

46. Get back to the origins of the Olympic Games with a trip to Olympia in Greece .

Here you can visit the stadium which would have held 20,000 people when they were first held in the 11th century.

A huge array of ruined temples and excavations from the 5th Century BCE are there to be explored. It’s are wonderfully evocative of their origins.

Stay in a yurt in Mongolia

47. Glamping is all the rage but go authentic with a trip to Mongolia to stay in a real yurt .

This is an amazing opportunity to get out into the wilderness, meet with Mongolian farmers and their families and get a glimpse into this nomadic lifestyle.

See a masterpiece – best places around the world to take your kids

48. Wherever you are in the world there will be some amazing art close by. Take in an amazing piece of art . Either close to home or further afield.

Whether it’s Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ or the Mona Lisa, make art exciting for kids with a trip to a truly amazing art gallery.

Don’t overwhelm them but learn about the one piece, why it’s important and make it fun to find in the gallery.

See Harry Potter filming locations, Oxford

49. Visit the locations of Harry Potter in Oxford .

Be inspired by the University it is set in.

Go on the trail of Harry Potter and use it as an opportunity to enter the very real world of one of the greatest Universities on the planet.  

🔎  Read more: Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford

Experience the Amazon in Peru – places around the world to take your kids

50. Walk the Amazon canopy on the Explorama Field Station in Peru to get an amazing perspective of the rainforest from above.

See the vastness of this jungle and realise how small as humans we really are.

This is a chance to really understand why our planet needs protecting and the role we can play to look after it.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions of great places around the world to take your kids. Follow along on Globalmouse for lots of inspiration on travel with kids.

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43 thoughts on “ 50 places around the world to take your kids before they grow up ”.

Wow what are brilliant list! We have done a few of these but would love to do them all! x

Thank you!! I would love to as well, the world is such an amazing place isn’t it? Thank you for the comments!

I think that this should have been before you die! There are so many things on here. On average many families get 2 weeks holiday a year and this would be impossible to fit in for the average family before a child turned 16!

Well it doesn’t have to be literally to do them all! It’s just meant to be inspiration of fun things around the world…

Love this post so much! It’s bookmarked in my adventures folder. We are doing Lapland this year and are always looking for great inspiration so this is perfect. Thank you x

Oh thank you so much!! I really hoped it would be inspirational! And lucky you doing Lapland this year…we went two years ago and LOVED it! Thank you again for the lovely comments 🙂

Love the way you never put any limits on where to go. Great post!

Ah thank you!! Just love exploring the world! 🙂

What an absolutely AWESOME list! Can I be your child please? Very inspirational and lovely to see a few UK options on the list too x

Thank you so much!! We haven’t done them all but are slowly working our way through 🙂 x

Well I’d like to do everything on your list – I bet you had fun choosing what to include!

What a fantastic list. I am intending to take mine to Scotland so it was useful to see it in the list.

Pleased to say we will be doing the top one this summer and we have done a couple of the others too.

Wow, I feel as though I need to be hiding in your suitcase! Ive done Rookpooling, visited the tower of London, been to Anne Franks House and had hot chocolate in Brussels x

Isn’t hot chocolate in Brussels the best?! We were really pleased to visit Anne Frank’s House this spring too- such an important place to visit.

There is so many places on here I would love to go to one day 🙂 x

I think I want to do everything on your list too – Lapland and iceland would be top of my list

An amazing and inspiring list. I wish I will be able to tick everything off, one at a time. My boy will love it, for sure.

Thank you so much! I want to tick them all off too 😉

We just did #10 in May with our 2-year old! Next year we plan to head to England and Scotland but we still do plenty of Disney trips too 🙂

Ah great, they’re beauutiful aren’t they?! And yay for England and Scotland – we have so many posts on England and a growing few on Scotland so let us know if you need any advice! 🙂 (PS We do Disney too!! 😉 )

This is such an amazing post. We’re busy working our way through the list! Uluru is up next.

LOL, FIFTY places before the kids grow up?! I’d have to quit my job and just travel to cover them all! But you’re absolutely right, everyone should try to expose their kids to as much of the world as possible. They learn better that way.

🙂 I know. We won’t make the fifty either….it’s all about the inspiration though and just to recognise how many wonderful places there are to take kids (and us!). Thank you for your comments!!

We’ve only done 12 of those, but there will be more to come. Great list! One that I would add is Antarctica. I took my 8-year-old last year and it was the kid-friendliest place ever – penguins, whales, icebergs, kayaking, snow angels, snowball fights with the other kids on the ship, belly sliding down snowy hills, hot chocolate on frozen fjords and so much more. The NatGeo crew even had scavenger hunts, pizza night and cookie decorating for the kids on the ship. I highly, highly recommend taking your kids!

That sounds amazing and definitely one for the list. My oldest is 8 and he would absolutely love it…sounds like a brilliant time. Gah, another one for the endless list…. 😉 Thank you for commenting!

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Great list with lots of inspiration. I’ve done some of them pre-kids and we’re off on a cruise soon stopping in Naples and Rome so will be checking out your recommendations.

Great list. I’m glad to see that we’ve already done a few of these. And delighted to see visiting Texas makes the top 50!

Thank you!! I so want to do them all but it’s a big list! And I would love to make it to Texas….someday soon!! 🙂

Glad to have been to some of them with the kids : Alps, Amsterdam, London, Rome, Napoli, Pompei, Florida Everglades, Maya Ruins in Mexico… Now the N°37 is on top of my travel bucket list (train in Russia), and the N°49 (Harry Potter Tour) is on my son’s one !! Have a nice Christmas, full of travel wishes 🙂

That’s a great list of places you’ve been to! Thank you so much for your comments and wishes – have a great Christmas too! 🙂

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Love this list. A couple of others on our list: seeing the Northern Lights, taking a helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon and climbing the tallest mountain you can. Time to get started!

Thank you so much…and love the additions – the Northern Lights are very much on our list and I really want to visit the Grand Canyon although taking a helicopter trip scares me!! 🙂

Some great places to go and we have done only a couple but feel inspired to do more!

What a great list!!! I might actually have to try to do this!

🙂 Thank you! The world has so many wonderful opportunities for travel with kids doesn’t it? Happy travels!

I’m loving this list also. We’ve done a few of these without kids but now it’s time to tick off a few more as a family. How about watching the Bellagio fountain at night? Or climbing to the top of the Eiffel tower (in Paris, though the Vegas one is good too), just for the views. I’m bookmarking this. Thank you again!

Thank you so much for your comments and I love the suggestions….more to add in!! Thank you 🙂

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This is such an amazing post. We’re busy working our way through the list! Uluru is up next.

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The Zen Parent

25 Places In The world You Can Visit With Your Kids

Posted: November 21, 2023 | Last updated: November 21, 2023

1. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a dazzling mix of modern and traditional. Your kids will love the quirky Harajuku district, the excitement of Tokyo Disneyland, and the interactive exhibits at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Don't forget to try the delicious sushi – it's a hit with kids too! With its safe streets and friendly locals, Tokyo is a family-friendly gem.

2. Orlando, Florida, USA

Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is a dream destination for kids. From the magic of Walt Disney World to the wonders of Universal Studios, there's no shortage of excitement. Plus, the Kennedy Space Center nearby offers a unique educational experience. Orlando is where childhood fantasies come to life!

3. Paris, France

The City of Lights isn't just for romantics; it's a wonderland for kids too! Climb up the Eiffel Tower, explore the enchanting Disneyland Paris, and indulge in delicious pastries. The Louvre offers interactive tours for kids, making art appreciation fun and engaging.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand

For adventurous families, Queenstown is a paradise. Whether it's bungee jumping for the brave-hearted, jet boating, or exploring the stunning landscapes of Middle Earth, there's something for everyone. Plus, the Kiwi Birdlife Park is a must-visit for animal lovers.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a vibrant city full of color and life. Marvel at Gaudi's whimsical architecture at Park Guell, enjoy the sandy beaches, and explore the interactive Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol). The Magic Fountain show in the evening is a spectacular sight for all ages.

6. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a blend of rich history and natural beauty. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, take a cable car ride up Table Mountain, and learn about history at Robben Island. The Two Oceans Aquarium is also a hit with kids, showcasing the diverse marine life of the region.

7. London, England

London is a city with endless possibilities for family fun. Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, explore the wonders of the Science Museum, and take a ride on the iconic London Eye. Don't miss the chance to see a family-friendly show in the West End.

8. Yellowstone National Park, USA

For families who love the great outdoors, Yellowstone is a must-visit. Witness geysers like Old Faithful, spot diverse wildlife, and explore the hiking trails. Educational ranger programs make learning about nature fun and exciting for kids.

9. Rome, Italy

Step into history with a trip to Rome. Kids will be fascinated by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the catacombs. Gelato breaks make walking through the city a delicious adventure, and interactive tours at the Vatican are tailored for young visitors.

10. Sydney, Australia

Sydney offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Visit the famous Sydney Opera House, enjoy the beaches, and explore the Taronga Zoo. The interactive Australian National Maritime Museum is a great way to learn about the country's history.

11. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff is a wonderland for nature lovers. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Banff Gondola, explore the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, and hike amidst stunning scenery. Wildlife spotting and educational programs at the visitor centers are great for kids.

12. Beijing, China

Beijing is a fascinating mix of ancient history and modern wonders. The Forbidden City is a must-see, and the Great Wall of China is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy traditional Chinese puppet shows and savor delicious dim sum.

13. New York City, USA

The city that never sleeps is full of attractions for families. Visit the Statue of Liberty, explore Central Park, and enjoy interactive exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History. Broadway shows often have family-friendly options that are a hit with kids.

14. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is charming and kid-friendly. Cycle around the city like a local, visit the Anne Frank House for a touch of history, and explore the interactive NEMO Science Museum. The Vondelpark is perfect for a family picnic.

15. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a city of superlatives and great for families. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the exciting Aquaventure Waterpark, there's plenty to keep kids entertained. The Dubai Mall offers an ice rink and an enormous aquarium that fascinates children of all ages.

16. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a city where traditional Japan comes alive. Let your kids experience a tea ceremony, explore the beautiful bamboo forests, and visit stunning temples like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). Don't miss the chance to see geishas in the Gion district. The city is also famous for its seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom season.

17. Cancun, Mexico

Known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, Cancun is more than just a beach destination. Visit the interactive aquarium, explore ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, and enjoy the eco-archaeological park Xcaret. The natural beauty and cultural experiences make it a great family destination.

18. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city full of history and culture. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with its amazing children's museum and zoo, and enjoy delicious pastries. The Prater amusement park, with its iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, is a hit with families.

19. San Francisco, California, USA

The Golden Gate City is a hub of diverse cultural experiences and natural beauty. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the interactive exhibits at the Exploratorium, and take a fun ride on the historic cable cars. Don't forget to visit Alcatraz Island for a slice of history.

20. Athens, Greece

Step into the world of ancient mythology in Athens. Kids will love exploring the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The city is full of interactive museums like the Hellenic Children's Museum that make learning fun.

21. Kruger National Park, South Africa

For a wild adventure, Kruger National Park is unbeatable. Go on a family safari to see lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. The park offers guided tours and junior ranger programs, making it educational and thrilling for young explorers.

22. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Enjoy the exciting rides at Hong Kong Disneyland, take the tram to Victoria Peak for stunning views, and explore the traditional markets. The Hong Kong Science Museum is also a great visit for curious minds.

23. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a city of history and enchantment. Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, take spooky ghost tours, and hike up Arthur’s Seat for a great view of the city. The Edinburgh Zoo and interactive camera obscura offer fun experiences for the whole family.

24. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a city full of design, sea, and green spaces. Visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, explore the interactive Heureka Science Centre, and enjoy the many parks and playgrounds. The Linnanmäki amusement park provides a fun day out for families.

25. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a sensory-rich city full of color and life. Wander through the bustling souks, enjoy a camel ride, and explore the beautiful gardens like Jardin Majorelle. The city also offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life and architecture.

These destinations are sure to provide your family with an array of activities that are both fun and enriching. Remember, traveling with your kids isn't just about the destinations you visit, but the memories you create and the learning experiences you share together. Happy traveling!

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Close your textbook and go outside: How ’place-based learning’ connects lessons to real life

Future science and social studies teachers visited a north portland neighborhood to create a lesson plan on highway development.

On an overpass in North Portland overlooking Interstate 5, Kathryn Nock and Jordan Stokes are taking stock of the neighborhood, including nearby Harriet Tubman Middle School.

What do they observe? What does the area smell like? What does it sound like?

“It’s kind of hard to hear, huh?” Nock says over the sounds of cars and trucks rumbling under their feet. It smells like exhaust.

Nock scribbles notes on a clipboard, observations of both the natural and human environment around them.

Nearby, two other pairs of college students discuss their surroundings.

They’re all future teachers, graduate students in Lewis & Clark College’s Masters of Teaching program, exploring North Portland with their professors Liza Finkel and Cari Zall.

Aidan Hanley, left, and Cooper Bulens, right, take notes of their observations on an overpass over Interstate 5 during a place-based lesson March 13, 2024. Hanley and Bulens are teaching candidates in the Lewis & Clark graduate school.

Elizabeth Miller / OPB

This is their classroom today, examining the human and nonhuman impacts of the upcoming I-5 expansion project on Tubman and the North Portland neighborhood surrounding it. The goal is to give these graduate students a real-life way to incorporate what’s called “ place-based education ” into their teaching by participating in a lesson themselves.

Stokes, a future social studies teacher, says place-based lessons show students that what they’re learning is relevant to their environment and their community.

“When you have local, real examples of how these different things interplay and affect people’s lives, I think that’s really powerful,” Stokes said. “I think that connects and makes them [students] want to learn more.”

Place-based learning connects what students learn in the classroom or in a textbook with real-world events. For teachers, leaving their classroom provides opportunities and challenges, from creating memorable and relevant ways for students to become more involved in their communities to navigating the logistics of planning a field trip. The Lewis & Clark trip, led by Finkel and Zall, gives teaching candidates at the school a chance to learn about creating a place-based lesson before they get into their own classroom.

Finkel directs the secondary Master of Arts teaching program at Lewis & Clark and advises science and math teaching candidates. Zall is a Lewis & Clark faculty member who advises social studies teaching candidates.

Finkel and Zall agree — you can’t teach science and social studies just by showing a sample under a microscope or reading from a history textbook. Getting out of the classroom can be a way to better engage students.

Finkel’s group of science teachers has been talking all year about how to incorporate local issues into teaching science. Her class has discussed the Klamath River dam removal — how they’d teach it, what’s the science in the story, and what the social dimension of the story is.

Their field trip to North Portland provided an opportunity to get out and explore those answers through another topic: the I-5 expansion project’s effect on a community.

“[It] seemed like a really really good example to get them out and be in a place where they could not just read about a problem but actually physically experience what it’s like to be in this place where people’s lives and wellbeing, and the lives of the plants and everything around it are being affected by decisions that people are making around changing the environment,” Finkel said.

Finding social studies and science in the widening of a freeway

Standing across the street from Harriet Tubman Middle School, Madi Pastores points out a freeway sign she can see in the distance.

“I’m from Oregon but honestly, I’m not very knowledgeable of the Portland area, and so actually seeing what the space looks like and feels like is so different from what I can imagine it to be when I’m reading it,” she said.

Pastores is studying to be a social studies teacher. As she walks down North Flint Avenue with future science teacher Max Marckel, the sound of the I-5 freeway beneath them becomes even louder.

Madi Pastores, left, and Max Marckel, right, are graduate students at Lewis & Clark. The future teachers are exploring how human development impacts a community as part of a place-based lesson in a North Portland neighborhood.

Tubman reopened in 2018 after Portland Public Schools spent millions of dollars in air quality system improvements to the school. Discussion of a possible I-5 expansion impacting the school has swirled for almost as long as the school has been open, prompting years of student-led protests and a back-and-forth between PPS and state officials.

Now in 2024, the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project is moving forward and Tubman will have to move. District leaders haven’t announced where the school’s 300 students will go.

The I-5 project is part of a long legacy of decisions that have harmed Black residents in Portland living in the Albina neighborhood. Efforts are also underway to reclaim and redevelop the area by covering I-5 and purchasing the nearby PPS headquarters building.

To prepare for the Lewis & Clark field trip, Finkel and Zall sent the graduate students some reading on the neighborhood, the freeway expansion, and how nature is impacted by development .

Those readings and an essential question lead the conversation.

“Our essential question is, how can we teach about how human development impacts a community or a neighborhood — both the human part of the neighborhood and the more than human part of the neighborhood?” Zall asked the students.

The graduate students — three in the social studies teaching program and three in the science teaching program — shared some initial ideas for how they might approach a place-based lesson in the area.

“What value do we place in infrastructure development? What value do we place in education and the students that live in and are part of a community compared to more space for cars?”

“What primary sources [do] we have to actually see what changes have happened over the course of development?”

“Who benefits, and what is the cost, and who is bearing the cost of the widening?”

FILE: The I-5 freeway is seen through the fencing at the back of Harriet Tubman Middle School in North Portland, April 9, 2021.

Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB

“The idea is to have them really apply this experience that they’ve had today with some readings beforehand, the observations, the questions we’ve asked to actually create something they could at least begin to think about using with their students,” Finkel said.

After spending time observing the environment, the future teachers got together and talked about what their lessons might look like. They drafted lesson plans and talked about all of the different topics and ideas that could connect to a place-based lesson in North Portland.

Development, modernization, capitalism, the changes in wildlife all came up as ideas. The graduate students also noted how other sources like air quality data or old photos could add to a lesson about the neighborhood.

All of the students are currently student-teaching in high schools across the Portland metro area. Some are miles away from North Portland and suspect it might be difficult for their students to understand how complicated and problematic a freeway expansion could be.

“Most of them won’t have the context of that continual displacement, centuries of displacement in the community,” said Jordan Stokes, who wants to teach social studies.

These future teachers are also thinking about and framing their lessons with a social justice lens. It’s part of their Lewis & Clark teacher training.

“Even when it gets down to the nitty gritty of science and social studies content, they’re still up there thinking, ‘what are the social justice questions, the equity issues, the access issues, what are those?’” Finkel said.

Building informed citizens through learning locally

A 2023 review of research on place-based education found expected outcomes of this practice include environmental awareness, positive attitude to a specific place or environment, critical thinking skills, and understanding of social justice principles.

Nock wants her future students to be able to critique the world around them.

“My goal for students is to make them start thinking about things in a more complicated way, even if it’s uncomfortable,” Nock said.

Part of that means teaching how connected science is to everything.

“If you study biology or life science, it’s not only happening in Antarctica or in an old growth forest, biology is happening right here on the sidewalk next to this cement, or right here where these invasive species are crawling in,” she said.

She said it’s also about teaching students how science is affected by power, control and people’s decisions.

Lewis & Clark graduate students Jordan Stokes, left, and Kathryn Nock, right, give feedback on classmates’ lesson plans. Stokes and Nock were part of a group of future social studies and science teachers wrapping up a lesson on place-based learning.

Place-based learning is not a new concept, especially in Oregon. The statewide Outdoor School program is one example, a long-running program that gets middle school students out of the classroom and into forests, watersheds, and other natural areas to learn about science. Portland’s Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, a small public charter school, puts place-based learning at the center of its curriculum .

For social studies teachers, it can also be a way to keep lessons local, and root potentially controversial concepts in concrete examples. At a time when feeling safe as a teacher can depend on where you live , professors suggest the local focus may help avoid criticism that what students are learning might be too political.

“The more that teachers are prepared to be as local as possible… the more teachers know how to do that… the less the fear is around having pushback from outside, making claims about what you’re teaching or the content of what you’re teaching,” Zall said.

Zall and Finkel hope their place-based experience can also teach their graduate students that lessons can be anywhere and connect to just about anything.

Finkel mentions a recent story she heard about cherry farmers in Oregon . She imagines a science teacher in an affected community could use that example instead of something in a textbook.

Lewis & Clark College social studies teaching candidate Madi Pastores looks at a lesson plan her classmate put together on how development impacts a neighborhood. Pastores was one of six graduate students on a field trip to a North Portland neighborhood last month.

“We can teach all the same concepts if we teach about cherries as if I give you the very boring, you know, plant biology lecture that I was gonna give you tomorrow,” Finkel said.

Field trips can be a memorable learning experience for students. But they can also be challenging to plan and find financial support for, especially as school districts struggle to balance their budgets .

The trip to Tubman is just one example of a place-based lesson. Finkel and Zall hope it’s something the future teachers can adapt to their own communities.

Finkel and Zall also hope the interactions between science and social studies on the Tubman trip will continue, and lead them to collaborate across subject areas once they enter the workforce.

“The more that novice teachers and young teachers come out of teacher education with these ideas, they can bring them into their teaching spaces and really connect with the veteran teachers who are already there and offer some of these ideas about collaboration,” Zall said.

Finkel said there should be more collaboration in schools — something that teachers have to prioritize but that also requires support from administrators.

“Without bringing everyone together, we don’t tell the whole story,” Finkel said.

“We also don’t get kids engaged, and we teach kids that science isn’t connected to anything other than the vocabulary we learn in biology, or that history isn’t connected to anything other than memorizing the Constitution.”

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Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/08/free-childcare-how-we-tackling-the-cost-of-childcare/

Free childcare: How we are tackling the cost of childcare

England has some of the highest quality childcare provision in the world, with 96% of early years settings rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding. But we recognise that childcare is also one of the biggest costs facing working families today.  

That’s why we’re making the biggest investment by a UK government into childcare in history, doubling the amount we expect to spend over the next few years from around £4 billion to around £8 billion each year.  

By September 2025, working parents will be able to claim 30 hours of government-funded childcare a week, over 38 weeks of the year, all the way through from nine months up to their child starting school.

The scheme is already being rolled out, with more families able to sign up for the support than ever before.

When does the 30 hours free childcare start?  

The increased offer will be rolled out in stages to allow childcare providers time to be able to implement the changes, making sure the places that are needed are available across the country when the offers are introduced.

• Eligible working parents of 2-year-olds are now able to access 15 hours childcare . Eligible working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds are also able to access 30 hours of government-funded childcare.
• From  September 2024 , 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old.
• From  September 2025 , support will reach 30 hours for eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old up to school age.

These hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year during school term time, or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week.

You can start using the entitlements from the term after you apply. These terms begin on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September.

Applications are now open for eligible working parents whose children will be 2 or older by the 31 August to receive 15 hours childcare, starting from September 2024.

And from 12 May, eligible working parents whose children will be aged between 9- and 23-months old on 31st August, can apply to receive 15 hours childcare starting from September 2024.

Why won’t this be available until 2025?  

This is a massive expansion in the offer and will take some time to implement and rollout.

The staggered approach will give childminders and nurseries time to prepare for the changes, ensuring there are enough places ready to meet demand.

The government is supporting with this, with a range of new initiatives to boost the workforce, including a national recruitment campaign and a £1,000 cash incentive pilot to encourage new staff into the sector.

How else is the government supporting nurseries and childminders?   

Nurseries are set to receive a £204 million cash boost as part of the government’s promise to deliver the largest ever investment in childcare.

Every area across the country is getting a share of the government funding which childcare providers can use to ease cost pressures such as staffing costs, training and bills.

Funding rates per child paid from September will increase from an average of £5.29 to £5.62 for 3 and 4-year-olds, and from an average of £6.00 to £7.95 for 2-year-olds.

All local authorities have started to receive their share of £289 million in funding to support their delivery of the programme, with parents expected to see an expansion in the availability of wraparound care from September 2024.

How will this make childcare cheaper?  

Nurseries are not allowed to charge top-up fees when providing the free hours offers, and that won’t change as these are expanded.

Some providers may ask for charges in addition to the government-funded childcare, such as meals. You can find more information the  Childcare Choices  website.

And of course, parents will be paying for far fewer hours in the future.

What do you mean when you say free childcare is for ‘working’ parents?  

Working parents who individually earn more than £9,518 (from April 2024) but less than £100,000 per year are eligible.

If you’re in a couple, the rules apply to both of you, so you must both earn at least £9,518 and neither one of you can earn more than £100,000 adjusted net income.

There’s more information available on the exact criteria on the  Childcare Choices  website, for example if you work irregular hours.

Who is eligible for free childcare now?  

Eligible working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds already get 30 hours a week of government-funded childcare.

Eligible working parents of 2-year-olds are also now able to access 15 hours  childcare  support.

What childcare support is available for people on Universal Credit?   

Parents on  Universal Credit  are set to get further support too.

The amount parents are able to claim from Universal Credit to cover childcare costs is  £951 a month for one child, and £1,630 for two children.

Parents can receive DWP support to cover their costs upfront, making it easier for them to get a job or increase their hours. This eases parents into the childcare costs payment cycle.

What other Government childcare support is there?  

Local authorities and schools will be given more funding for what’s known as “wraparound care”, so that parents of school-age children can access childcare in their local area from 8am – 6pm.

This could include provision of activities that fall outside of school hours, via things like  breakfast clubs  and after-school clubs.

The funding worth up to £289 million will enable schools to test different ways to increase their wraparound options, including working with local private providers or partnering with other schools.

This will be rolled out in September 2024, and we expect that by September 2026, all parents will be able to access wraparound care, either from their school or other provider.

Parents can also get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each child to help with the cost of childcare, or up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year) if a child is disabled, with Tax-Free Childcare. You can find out more about the scheme on  Gov.uk . Parents may also be able to claim back up to 85% of their wraparound childcare costs if they are eligible for  Universal Credit .

You may also be interested in:

• Budget 2023: Everything you need to know about childcare support
• How to apply for 30 hours free childcare and find out if you’re eligible

Tags: 15 hours free childcare , 30 hours free childcare , Childcare , free childcare , Free childcare support , tax-free childcare , Universal Credit , Universal Credit childcare support

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IOE is world-leading for Education in QS subject rankings for 11th year

10 April 2024

IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, is Number 1 place to study Education for the eleventh year running in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Education is one of 10 subject areas at UCL which are in the global top 10, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.  A total of 43 subject areas at UCL now rank in the top 50.

Professor Li Wei, Director and Dean of IOE, said: 

“To be ranked first in the world in these subject rankings for the field of Education is very welcome recognition and affirmation of the outstanding performance in all areas of our work by my colleagues, in collaboration with our funders, partners, students and alumni. To achieve this for 11 years in a row is even more so.  

“We are incredibly proud of IOE’s contribution to knowledge, policy and practice regarding the lives of children and families, not least in educating teachers, that most vital profession. From leading edge innovation in education research, to research and knowledge exchange that connects education to related societal domains, to teacher education rooted in subject specialism and engagement with research, all at scale, IOE embodies a distinctive contribution in that regard.  

“To have that work and its impact recognised by our peers and stakeholders internationally is wonderful and we are truly grateful for that.”

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Professor Li Wei further emphasises our collective commitment: “Together, we share a mission to improve the lives of children, young people, and their families and communities - through the highest quality research, education, teacher professional development and knowledge exchange”. 

On 18 April IOE is holding an in-person Teacher Training open event, tailored for anyone who is keen on exploring our diverse array of teacher training courses. Registration for this event is open, inviting all future educators to embark on their journey with us. 

• UCL retains top global ranking for education and architecture & built environment
• QS World University Rankings by S ubject
• UCL named University of the Year  

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