The following guest post is brought to you by G Adventures.
Pick up any children’s story-book and you’ll quickly discover a love for adventure. From timeless classics like Huckleberry Finn, Treasure Island and Paddington Bear to the more recent Harry Potter and 39 Clue series, kids love to throw themselves into the wild, mystical, and magical terrain of a good adventure tale.
Children are born with an innate motivation to master their environment. A sense of adventure is normal, healthy, and should without a doubt be encouraged.
A great adventure can develop your child’s:
- Curiosity and creativity
- Decision making
- Resilience
- Strength to overcome fear
- Self-efficiency
- Confidence
For the ultimate adventure with your children before they grow up, check out some of our favourite family travel hot spots.
China – The Great Wall
The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, winds up and down over deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus. It stretches almost 9,000 kilometres, and has a history of more than 2,000 years.
The historical significance and absolute grandeur of the Great Wall is what makes this a must-see for all families. It carries a great deal of Chinese culture, and has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and symbolism.
Originally designed to protect China from invasion by nomadic tribes in the Eurasian Steppe, the wall has served China well over the years to protect the country from land-hungry neighbouring countries.
To best explore this historic monument, take one of the many tours which explores the who, when, and why behind the Great Wall.
Ecuador – The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands, and is home to some of the most incredible wildlife and sealife including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, fur seals and blue-footed boobies. Snorkelling is a highlight, giving you the opportunity to explore the fascinating underwater world of the Galapagos Islands.
Charles Darwin used this natural haven as the headquarters for his studies of endemic species, and it was through his observations of this Ecuadorian province that he developed his renowned theory of evolution by natural selection.
When visiting the island no experience is necessary for snorkelling, and experienced naturalists will guide you through basic safety, what to look out for, and where to look. Children are provided with special snorkelling life vests that help them keep their heads in the right position for the ultimate snorkeling experience.
Morocco – Camel Trekking
A trip to the Sahara Desert is something every person should do at least once in their life. Staggeringly beautiful in its sheer isolation, the vast sky is clear and the night is filled with millions upon millions of stars. It’s one of the most peaceful experiences you’ll ever have and will open up your children’s eyes to the varying landscapes of the world.
To experience the Sahara in authentic Arabian style, you can’t beat a camel trek across the dunes to a secluded oasis. Stay a night in Dades Valley, or stop for lunch at the World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou and enjoy a spicy Berber tagine prepared over an open fire. Camp in traditional Nomadic Berber tents, experience a drum party, and ride the incredible sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
The Sahara has long been a place of nomadic exploration, and it covers a vast area of 9,400,000 square kilometres.
Peru – Machu Picchu
Talk to any traveller about their most incredible experience, and if they’ve been to Peru then they will undoubtedly say Machu Picchu. A wonder of the Ancient World, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level. If you’re wanting to give your kids a good history lesson that won’t leave them bored and doesn’t include a 4 day hike, it doesn’t get better than this.
The site was abandoned in the 1500’s during the Spanish Conquest, and was then largely ignored until the early 20th century when American historians brought the site to international attention. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and was voted a New Seven Wonder of the World in an online global survey.
For the ultimate adventure in Machu Picchu, join an experienced guide and explore ancient ruins off the beaten path in the Sacred Valley, meet local artisans at a Planeterra-supported Women’s Weaving Co-op, take delight in a scenic train ride and its views over the Andes mountain range, or enjoy a traditional pachamanca-style feast. Leave no stone unturned and your kids will thank you forever.
Thailand – Chiang Mai Cookery School
One of the greatest gifts you can give to your children before they leave home is the skill to be handy in the kitchen. Once out in the big wide world, they will need to know how to cook – and as everyone loves Thai food, why not attend a Thai cooking school together?
Thai cuisine is all about the balance of flavours with a strong attention to detail. As a lighter cuisine than Chinese, Thai food strikes that perfect note between lots of flavour without being too overpowering.
Discover the latest recipes from Thailand’s top-rated chefs, enjoy gourmet dinner parties, and brush up on skills you never knew you had. Choose a beginner’s course to learn about spices, curry pastes, shopping for produce and vegetable carving, or select a master’s course and learn innovative and mouth-watering Thai dishes, chef’s best kept secrets, and how to prepare a five-star gourmet dinner.
India – Jaipur Rickshaw
The autorickshaws of Jaipur are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city, and can dodge and weave their way through the heavy traffic with ease. More often than not, the price you are given is in fact double what it should be, so haggling is something you’ll need to get good at. Perhaps you can even pass on that task to one of your older children? It’s a great confidence booster if they manage to get a great price!
Designed to carry four passengers, rickshaws are like a roller coaster ride, and are much more fun than sitting in a stuffy taxi.
Rickshaw-like transportation models have been used in society since the invention of the wheel, but the first known use of the term rickshaw has been traced back to 1887.
Egypt – Sailing on the Nile
Crewed by friendly local sailors, the traditional feluccas found on the mighty River Nile have been there since ancient times, but are now updated to provide absolute comfort. Being wind-powered crafts the itinerary is not set in stone, however you can be assured there will be lots of swimming and plenty of points of interest.
Carrying 8-13 passengers, a felucca offers a rare insight into life on the River Nile. The peaceful routine of life aboard offers escape from everyday stresses, and it’s an ideal opportunity to bond with your children while looking at some spectacular sights.
As the largest river in the world and home to historic civilisations such as the ancient Egyptians, the Sudanese and most of northern Africa. As such, it has a rich cultural history that is well worth hiring an experienced guide to learn more about.
Jordan – Camp at Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as the “Valley of the Moon”, is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock of southern Jordan. The area’s main source of income is eco-adventure tourism, attracting climbers and trekkers from all over the world. But you don’t have to be a climber to enjoy this magnificent part of the globe.
Visitors to Wadi Rum can live the authentic Bedouin life in small or large Bedouin goat haired tents, traditional for families living in the area. Complete with campsite staff, you can enjoy special Bedouin meals, camel and horse tours, hiking trips, 4×4 jeep tours, or even a hot air balloon ride.
You’ll also have a chance to view the rock paintings and temples left behind by a number of cultures since prehistoric times. Taking the family to Wadi Rum is like taking the family to a whole other world.
Where would YOU go among these adventurous destinations?
