Summer Holidays with Children: Family Travel Ideas & Inspiration

The summer school holidays offer families something no other time of year can: time without compromise.

With six to eight weeks available, this is when long-haul family travel truly comes into its own — allowing journeys to be unrushed, culturally immersive and genuinely rewarding for both adults and children.

As a specialist in long-haul family travel, with a focus on safaris and immersive cultural experiences, summer is when families can experience the world at its best — travelling further, staying longer and engaging more deeply with the places they visit.

Below are destinations that work exceptionally well during the summer holidays, followed by honest guidance on where — despite the time available — it’s often better to avoid.

Long-haul journeys that shine in the summer holidays

Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari with Victoria Falls (2–3 weeks)

Summer is an outstanding time for a properly paced southern Africa safari.

• Family-friendly game drives in Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Chobe (Botswana)

• Boat safaris on the Chobe River, ideal for children

• Victoria Falls in full flow — a spectacular highlight

• Opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation and local communities

With time on your side, this itinerary allows families to slow down, settle into the rhythm of safari life and truly engage with the experience.

An optional Okavango Delta extension adds a magical, water-based safari element for older children.

Australia – East Coast & Great Barrier Reef (3–4 weeks)

Australia rewards families who can commit to a longer stay.

• Snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef

• Wildlife sanctuaries and outdoor adventure

• Aboriginal cultural experiences and hands-on science museums

• A balance of cities, coastline and nature

With three to four weeks available, families can avoid internal flight fatigue and enjoy Australia at a relaxed, family-friendly pace.

Vietnam (2–3 weeks)

Vietnam offers one of the best combinations of culture, adventure and value for families travelling long haul.

• Trekking in Sapa and rural northern Vietnam

• Cycling in the Mekong Delta

• Cave exploration in Phong Nha

• Cultural workshops and community-led experiences

With enough time, families can balance cities such as Hanoi and Hoi An with countryside and coast, creating a rich and varied journey.

Canada – Trans-Canada Train Journey (2–3 weeks)

Canada is ideally suited to summer family travel, particularly for those who enjoy slower, scenic journeys.

• Travel across the Canadian Rockies by train

• Learn about geography, wildlife and Indigenous cultures

• Explore Vancouver, Banff, Jasper and Quebec City

• Optional canoeing, hiking, glacier walks and wildlife spotting

Train travel removes much of the logistical stress and allows families to experience vast landscapes without constant packing and unpacking.

Argentina – Patagonia & Buenos Aires (2–3 weeks)

For families with older children, Argentina offers scale, variety and depth.

• Trekking in Patagonia and glacier exploration

• Wildlife spotting including penguins and guanacos

• Cultural immersion in Buenos Aires through food, music and history

• Relaxed stays on estancias with horse riding and outdoor activities

Summer allows families to combine dramatic landscapes with culture and downtime — without rushing between regions.

Galápagos Islands (around 2 weeks)

The Galápagos is one of the most educational family destinations in the world.

• Close-up wildlife encounters in natural habitats

• Snorkelling, kayaking and gentle hikes suitable for children

• Expert naturalist guides focusing on conservation and ecology

• Family-friendly beaches for exploration and relaxation

This is a destination where time allows children to learn by experiencing, not just observing.

Where not to go in the summer — and why

Even with extended school holidays, some destinations are less suited to summer family travel.

Extreme heat and humidity

These destinations can be challenging for children during peak summer months:

• India (particularly northern regions)

• Much of Southeast Asia at low altitude

• The Middle East

• Parts of Central America

High temperatures and humidity can make sightseeing exhausting rather than enjoyable.

Wildlife seasons that don’t align

Some safari destinations are better at other times of year:

• Certain East African safari regions during heavy rains

• Southern Africa malaria-risk areas for families with very young children

Safari timing matters — and summer isn’t always optimal everywhere.

Overly ambitious itineraries

Even with time, I generally advise against:

• Trying to cover multiple countries in one trip

• Constant one- or two-night stays

• Packing every day with activities

Longer holidays work best when families choose depth over distance.

Why summer travel works so well for families

With more time available, families can:

• Adjust to time zones naturally

• Build routines in new environments

• Engage meaningfully with local cultures

• Create memories children remember fondly, not as something they endured

Summer allows travel to become an experience rather than a checklist.

Final thought

Time is the greatest luxury in family travel — and summer provides it in abundance.

My role is to help families use that time wisely, creating journeys that are immersive, balanced and genuinely unforgettable.

If you’re considering a long-haul family adventure this summer, I’d be delighted to help you plan it properly.

Start Planning