3 Bucket List Travel Experiences for Families

When traveling with family, you want to ensure everyone has a truly unforgettable experience. The time and money spent is no small feat and so it’s crucial that some true bucket list experiences can be had. However, with so much to do and see in the world it’s easy to get overwhelmed! Here are three bucket list travel experiences for families to give you some inspiration:

Photo credit: huffington post

1. The Great Barrier Reef

Sadly, we all know the damage done to the majestic Great Barrier Reef by climate change, so it truly is a bucket list destination due to the possibly limited time left to see it. 

As the world's largest coral reef system, stretching for over 2300km, it offers views of beautiful and rare wildlife and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stunning fish, dolphins, whales, sea turtles and more call this beautiful place home, providing incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. For something fun for all the family, look into conservation efforts around the Reef. Providing hands-on experiences children and adults alike will never forget, you can feel good about yourself as you experience this bucket list destination.

photo credit: Tomas Sobek

2. Machu Picchu
 
Built in the 15th century as an Inca citadel, buried deep in Southern Peru, Machu Picchu has left us in wonder and awe for centuries. Currently being restored to its former glory to give tourists an idea of how it looked in its prime, it provides historical education and a true sense of adventure as you trek to reach it. More suitable for families with slightly older children capable of walking further, Machu Picchu is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Organizing a tour of the site is relatively easy with many companies running guided tours as well as hikes and camping trips for the more adventurous. It has experienced high tourist numbers in recent years, so be sure to do your research before you go. When traveling, everyone has a collective responsibility to ensure they take good care of the places they visit.

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Photo credit: travel chile

3. The Elqui Valley

For those looking for a more ‘off the beaten track’ experience, look no further than the Elqui Valley in Chile. While Chile is a country filled with delights, the Elqui Valley provides some of the best stargazing conditions in the world. For a family in search of adventure, it would be hard to find anywhere better. During the day, the valley offers great beaches and is renowned for the wine grown in its regions (something mum and dad might like the sound of!). By night, the valley is transformed into a stunning light show as stars glitter against the black sky. There is so little light pollution that the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.

If you’re in search of something even more specialist, you’re in luck - this year on July 2nd a total eclipse over Elqui Valley takes place. Only occurring every 1-12 years, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is visible only in South America. The actual eclipse, where the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, takes approximately 5-20 minutes, meaning it will keep little ones with even the shortest attention span mesmerised throughout.


Travelling as a family isn’t always easy, but it’s certainly worth it. Hopefully, with some new found bucket list inspiration you can start planning your trip of a lifetime - get out there and experience the world!

About the Author
Pauline Davis: Traveling since she was 5, Pauline has had to succumb to a working student life with a long list of travel destinations. For her, everything is a balance act - working, studying, traveling and taking care of her 2 Labradors. Also a keen home cook, Pauline expresses her love for both pursuits by contributing to a slew of online publications in her spare time.