Exposing your children to new places is not just exciting and memorable but it also allows them to broaden their horizons about the world, improve their communication skills, and even boost their confidence. Unlike other activities, traveling gives them the chance to get a 100% real education that goes beyond illustrations from textbooks or videos on social media. And the best part of it all? Exploring new territories will push children to go out of their comfort zone and learn directly how to respect the language, culture, traditions, and practices of other people. However, selecting the best travel destinations can indeed be a challenging task for parents.
1. Hong Kong
Hong Kong, also known as the Fragrant Harbor, is one of the most popular places in Asia due to its jaw-dropping skyscrapers, exciting attractions, and rich gastronomic culture. In fact, it is home to the ever-popular Tim Ho Wan which is the world’s cheapest Michelin-star restaurant. If you and your family are looking to take home items from luxury brands and antiques, this place is also a shopping mecca and you’ll be surprised at how good the deals are compared to traditional prices. What the kids will truly appreciate are the attractions like:
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Ngong Ping 360
- Victoria Peak
- Hong Kong Space Museum
- Ocean Park Hong Kong
2. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a must-visit destination as it is known in the world to be one of the grandest and most luxurious countries. The country’s most famous place is Dubai since it has a rich collection of diverse attractions that will surely get your child excited. From five-star hotels with breathtaking water adventure options, traditional dishes that are worth every penny, to world-class shops and museums, this place is a dream come true. Some of the top-rated places in the country include:
- Dubai Museum
- Dubai Mall (aquarium and underwater zoo, Dubai dino, VR Park, and ice rink)
- Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
- Dubai Garden Glow
- Legoland Amusement Park & Waterpark
3. Thailand
Thailand is an exotic Southeast Asian country that boasts a huge number of majestic temples and scenery, archeological sites, and swoon-worthy beaches. Among all the places on this list, we can say that the real charm of this small country is that it has some of the friendliest people in the world. Just by simply saying some of the basic Thai phrases for travelers, there is a good chance that you might instantly hit it off with the locals. This is an ideal destination for families since getting around and experiencing what the country has to offer will not take a lot in terms of cash. In fact, you can find an amazing selection of activities that will not even cost you a single penny. If you are ready to visit this outstanding place, be sure to check out the following:
- Koh Phi Phi
- The Grand Palace
- Khao Yai National Park
- Historic City of Ayutthaya
- Thailand’s Floating Market
Tips on preparing for your travel
If there is one thing that every parent should remember is that the best way to travel is by coming in prepared for what lies ahead. To avoid unnecessary stress, allow us to list down a few tips for preparing for the adventure of a lifetime.
- Always set a budget – Traveling is an expensive activity which is why you have to plan out precisely the itinerary, book flights during the off-season, and save some cash by booking ahead of time the fees for some of the attractions
- Use a travel language app – While you can easily use Google Map and Google Translate from time to time, having knowledge of some of the basic expressions and question words can help you navigate the place without any worries. In addition, not all Asian countries use English as a second language so be sure to pack some Chinese, Arabic, and Thai phrases for travelers
- Make copies of your important documents – Depending on the country you will visit and the place where you are coming from, it would be wise to have multiple copies of your documents so that you will not have any problems especially if authorities ask you for one. Some of the photocopies you should have must include the passport information page, visa, itinerary (some countries will require you to have pre-booked accommodation), and additional forms of identification
- Pack light and bring only the essentials – You’ll never know when you or your child might suddenly get sick so it would be wise to bring a few medicines so that you will not have problems finding a variant of it in the country you’ll visit
