Intrepid Travel’s inaugural Adventure Travel Index reveals Aussie families are getting more adventurous than ever before. The Index showed family travel is on the rise including single-parent families and families getting away over Christmas. The findings also showed the top 10 destinations for adventure-loving families. Here they are:
1. Vietnam
Australia’s most popular adventure travel destination for families is Vietnam. The Southeast Asian country’s fresh food, welcoming people, history and natural attractions are making Vietnam the new Thailand in terms of popularity among families.
Must-do activities include a cyclo tour of Hanoi; a ride on these three-wheeled wonders is a thrill for everyone. Halong Bay is a natural wonder and on Intrepid’s family tours, guests can sleep under the stars on board a comfortable cruise boat.
© Intrepid Travel – Vietnam Street Food
2. Thailand
Thailand is a long-time favourite for Aussie families and Intrepid is encouraging travellers to get beyond tourist hotspots. You can cycle around ancient ruins at Ayuthaya and visit an Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.
Families who want to experience authentic Thai food and hospitality should try a village homestay. Kids will enjoy a home-cooked meal and cultural dance performance.
3. Malaysia
Malaysia is Australia’s third most popular family destination, yet it ranks 17th among all Aussies according to the Intrepid Index. The country’s fusion of cultures means visitors get a taste of neighbouring India, Indonesia and China with Malaysian cuisine and culture.
Adventurous families are going to Borneo to have a jungle camp experience with wildlife such as orangutans and elephants.
4. India
India might seem overwhelming for a family to tackle on their own, which probably explains why small-group tours are so popular.
Guided by a local, Intrepid’s family trips to India take in sizzling curries in Delhi, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and Ranthambhore National Park to follow the tracks of the elusive Bengal tiger. Of course, no visit to India is complete without gazing upon the Taj Mahal, an epic monument to love and one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world.
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka comes in at number five thanks to its mix of active and educational experiences. Highlights of a Sri Lanka itinerary include cycling through peaceful villages, a tour of a working tea plantation and discovering the country’s most significant religious relic, the Temple of the Tooth.
There’s also wildlife to spot in Udawalawe National Park including leopards and monkeys. Families can see baby elephants up close at a rescue centre and chill out by the beach in Mirissa.
6. Cambodia
Cambodia has become Intrepid’s sixth most popular family adventure destination, catering specifically for families with teenagers.
A trip to Cambodia can include bustling street markets in the capital Phnom Penh, Siem Reap’s plethora of outdoor activities and World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat. Families will also dine with a local family in the rural village of Battambang.
7. Morocco
Morocco is a hot destination for adventure travellers and families are no exception. This hotspot blends the charisma of Europe with the charm of the Middle East.
Beyond buzzing Marrakech is old port towns, camel-clad deserts, pristine beaches, spice-infused back alleys, crumbling Roman ruins and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
8. Italy
It’s not hard to understand why Italy is in the top destinations for families, according to Intrepid’s Adventure Travel Index.
The whole family will enjoy tucking into the home of pizza and pasta, relaxing in Sorrento and in the fishing village of Minori. From ancient history in Rome to kayaking along the Amalfi Coast, a family trip to Italy is a winner.
9. South Africa
No trip to South Africa is complete without visiting Kruger National Park, where families can spot the ‘Big Five’: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Intrepid offers an overnight camping experience in the National Park where travellers are told they could go to sleep hearing the sound of a lion roar.
A Zulu village tour introduces families to a fascinating tribal culture. Here families will learn about anything from spear-making and bone-throwing to dancing and basket-weaving.
10. Japan
Families can take their visit to a sushi-train up a notch (or two!) with a family holiday to Japan.
Tokyo offers neon lights, market-fresh sushi and an opportunity to try calligraphy. Families can soak in a Japanese hot-spring baths to soothe feet after a day of walking. In Kyoto, kids will love walking through an amazing bamboo forest, visiting a monkey park and gazing at Japan’s temples.
To find out more about Intrepid Group’s Adventure Travel Index, click here.
