Are you looking for the best international family-friendly destinations for South Africans ? This is what my family has enjoyed.
When planning a family vacation, choosing the right destination is important for an enjoyable and stress-free trip. As far as family-friendly destinations go, South Africa is right up there. But if you’ve already been to South Africa with kids or are a South African looking to travel internationally with your family, then here are some of the best family-friendly international destinations we’ve travelled to with pros and cons of each. Of course, what your child will enjoy does depend on their interests and their age.
7 Best International Family-Friendly Destinations for South Africans + a bonus
1. Orlando, Florida, USA
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
Pros:
Theme Parks: Orlando is home to world-renowned theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, providing endless entertainment for both children and adults. We loved it.
Family-Friendly Accommodation: The city offers a wide range of accommodation options for families, including themed resorts geared at kids.
Sunshine: Orlando enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring.
Cons:
Visa You have to apply for a US visa (unless you are from a country that is exempt).
Crowds: Theme parks can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, leading to long wait times for rides and attractions. However, fast passes can help.
Cost: Flights from South Africa as well as tickets to theme park and other attractions can be expensive. The exchange rate for South Africans doesn’t help either.
Flight times: Flight times can be long for restless kids.
2. Malaysia
Legoland Malaysia
Pros:
Child-Friendly Attractions – Malaysia has multiple theme parks and water parks across the country that kids will love, as well as other child-friendly attractions like the Penang Toy Museum, one of the largest toy museums in the world.
Culinary Delights: The country has diverse cuisine with a wide range of food options that cater to different palates, including children’s.
Nature and Wildlife: Families can visit national parks like Taman Negara and Borneo’s rainforests to experience wildlife and outdoor adventures.
Cons:
Humidity: Malaysia’s tropical climate can be hot and humid. It is important to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Flight times – Flight times from South Africa to Malaysia can be long for young kids and involve connecting flights.
3. London, United Kingdom
London Eye
Pros:
Family-friendly attractions – London has iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the British Museum, which provide educational experiences for children. Many museums cater for kids with interactive exhibits and activities. Other attractions like the London Eye and Madame Tussauds will also appeal to kids.
Public Transport: The efficient public transport system in London makes it easy to navigate the city with children.
Cons:
Visa You have to apply for a UK visa (unless you are from a country that is exempt)
Weather: London’s weather can be unpredictable, so it is necessary to pack accordingly for rain or cold temperatures.
Expensive: London is an expensive city and many attractions have high entrance fees, impacting one’s overall travel budget.
4. Mauritius
Le Meridien Ile Maurice
Pros:
Family-friendly resorts – Mauritius has many resorts that cater for families with family-friendly rooms, kids’ clubs and activities, childminders and special menus for young guests.
Beautiful Beaches: There are many beautiful beaches with clear waters to choose from, which are ideal for family-friendly water activities like snorkelling and swimming.
Adventure Opportunities: From hiking in Black River Gorges National Park to zip-lining adventures, Mauritius has a variety of outdoor activities for families.
Short flight times – Direct flights from Johannesburg are only 4 hours.
Cons:
Limited Public Transport: Renting a car or relying on private transfers may be necessary for exploring the island with kids.
5. Seychelles
Giant Aldabra Tortoises in Seychelles
Pros:
Family-friendly resorts – Seychelles has many resorts that cater for families. Many are secluded, providing a serene environment for families looking for privacy and relaxation.
Spectacular Scenery: The archipelago has stunning landscapes with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for family beach holidays.
Marine Life: Families can explore marine life through snorkelling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours in the pristine waters.
Giant tortoises – These tortoises can be found in many places around Seychelles and kids will love interacting with them.
Short flight times – Direct flights from Johannesburg are only 5 hours.
Cons:
Isolation: Seychelles’ remote location may result in limited access to amenities or medical facilities outside of resort areas.
High Cost of Living: Seychelles has a reputation for being expensive. However it is possible to visit Seychelles on a budget.
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Ferrari World
Pros:
Family-Friendly Attractions: The UAE offers a range of attractions suitable for families, including theme parks like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, water parks like Aquaventure at Atlantis and beautiful beaches.
Shopping Opportunities: Families can enjoy shopping at malls like Dubai Mall, which have entertainment options like aquariums and ice rinks, and food and snacks that will appeal to kids.
Safety and Accessibility: The UAE is known for its safety and modern infrastructure, making it easy to navigate with children.
Cons:
Extreme Heat: The desert climate in the UAE can lead to high temperatures during certain months, requiring families to plan indoor activities during peak heat hours.
Cost: Dubai is an expensive city and visiting multiple attractions can add up to a lot of money.
7. Thailand
Hotel Pools at Sunwing Kamala in Phuket
Pros:
Cultural Experiences: Thailand offers a rich cultural heritage with traditional markets and Thai cuisine that families can enjoy together.
Beautiful Beaches: Coastal destinations like Phuket and Krabi are great for relaxing on the beach as well as water activities.
Adventure Options: Families can enjoy elephant sanctuaries, jungle trekking, and boat trips to visit the islands.
Cons:
Seasonal Weather Variations: Weather patterns in Thailand may vary by region and season, so families should plan activities accordingly.
Language Barrier: While English is spoken in tourist areas, language barriers may arise in more remote locations or when interacting with locals.
Bonus: Cruising
Adventure Ocean on Splendour of the Seas
Pros:
All-Inclusive Experience: Cruises offer all-inclusive packages with accommodation, meals, entertainment, and onboard activities suitable for families.
Multiple Destinations: Families can visit multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking luggage at each stop.
Kid-Friendly Facilities: Most cruise ships have dedicated kids’ clubs, supervised activities, and age-appropriate entertainment options onboard.
Cons:
Motion Sickness: Some family members may experience seasickness while cruising, requiring preventive measures or medication.
Space: Family cabins can be a bit cramped unless you splurge on a larger room. However, if you don’t plan to spend much time in your room, that shouldn’t be a problem.
My kids have been to over 25 countries each. Their favourite vacations were those in Orlando, London, Thailand and their first cruise. See what they said about it here.
See tips for travelling with kids.
What family-friendly destinations would you recommend?
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
