7 Unexpected Family Destinations We Loved Worldwide
7 Unforgettable Destinations That Shocked Us (In The Best Way)
Sometimes the most unforgettable travel experiences come from the places you least expect. We’ve rounded up seven destinations that completely blew past our expectations and quickly earned a top spot on our list of family favourites.
Get ready to update your travel bucket list!
1. Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Canada
The Surprise: Jaw-dropping accessibility.
While the iconic turquoise waters of Moraine Lake are certainly unforgettable, what truly surprised us about Banff National Park was how incredibly easy it is to navigate. You can walk right up to this breath-taking, world-famous view—no intense, back-breaking hike required. The ease of navigation, whether you’re pushing a stroller or traveling with limited mobility, makes Banff a destination that truly exceeds all family expectations.
Read more about Canadian National Parks here
2. Maya Bay, Krabi, Thailand
The Surprise: A relaxing, picturesque paradise.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful and picturesque alternative to the faster pace of Phuket, Krabi is your answer. Its dramatic limestone cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for any vacation. It serves as an easy hub for island hopping, and best of all, the beaches are calm and perfect for swimming, making it the ideal tropical getaway for the whole family.
3. Giza, Egypt
The Surprise: An incredible, affordable food scene.
Beyond the world’s most iconic landmarks, the truly unexpected surprise in Egypt was the food! We discovered a vibrant, delicious, and incredibly affordable culinary scene. Another unexpected convenience was how easy it was to use ride-share services like Uber in the big cities, which made getting around surprisingly simple—a definite must-try, as navigating the traffic is not for the faint of heart.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Surprise: Peaceful charm and rich culture.
Chiang Mai completely surprised us with its peaceful, welcoming charm. It offers a wonderfully slower pace than Bangkok; from elephants, beautiful cafes, and stunning temples, you get so much rich culture and a friendly atmosphere. The city is affordable and offers an incredible food scene, making it a low-stress and immersive experience for families.
5. Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, Canada
The Surprise: An underrated, central hidden gem.
Yellowknife is a truly underrated hidden gem! We loved that everything was central, easy to access, and low-stress. The airport is only 10 minutes from downtown, and you can see the spectacular Northern Lights without a long, difficult drive. You can go ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog mushing, and it’s all so conveniently close! This is a surprising destination that many travellers overlook.
6. Yosemite National Park, California, USA
The Surprise: Natural grandeur made easy.
No one tells you just how accessible Yosemite is! The park features easy walks and pull-out viewpoints that put you right in front of the massive granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and breath-taking valley views—all without the need for intense, gruelling hikes. It’s natural grandeur that’s easily enjoyed by all. Plus, all seasons make this place incredibly wonderful.
Read more about family friendly Yosemite here
7. North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
The Surprise: The perfect local escape.
Waikiki is fun, but you can’t visit Oahu without spending time on the North Shore. It’s the perfect escape for a calmer, more local vibe. The beaches are less crowded, and the small towns like Haleiwa and famous food trucks offer a taste of authentic island life away from the city bustle. You absolutely need to make a visit to the Banzai Pipeline and watch the surfers conquer massive waves in winter! It’s an incredible place with so much to offer.
Read more about family friendly Hawaii here
A huge thank you to Jennifer (@multigenerationalfamily_travel) for sharing these brilliant destination ideas and proving that the most memorable trips are often the ones that surprise you most, especially when you’re travelling with kids (and grandparents!) in tow. I hope this list has sparked a few “wait… why haven’t we been there yet?!” moments and given you loads of family travel inspiration for your next adventure.
Now over to you: which destination are you adding to your bucket list first?
