4 Far Away Family Vacation Destinations

When you think of planning a vacation what is the first thing that comes to mind?  For me, I think of beaches and theme parks.  The next time you plan a family vacation, think outside of the box by considering destinations you’ve never visited. Don’t feel constrained to certain areas when you have a whole world to explore!

Maui, Hawaii

Can you see yourself staying in a resort like this in Maui?

Maui makes a great vacation destination because it’s smaller and less crowded than the Big Island, but it still has plenty of activities for all family members to enjoy. While visiting Maui, take time out to enjoy the ethnic restaurants. Central Maui has a wealth of restaurants influenced by American, Chinese, and Asian recipes. Make sure you try one a restaurant that focuses on Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Recipes from this tradition use fruits, vegetables, and fish indigenous to the area.

Jerusalem, Israel

You don’t have to make a religious pilgrimage to understand why Jerusalem plays such a central role in three of the world’s largest belief systems. Jerusalem has a lively culture with a mixture of cuisines, languages, and customs.

While there, make sure you visit:

• Damascus Gate
• Dome of the Rock
• The Western Wall
• Temple Mount

Israel hotels can help you locate these popular destinations. After all, people have been traveling to them for thousands of years.

London, England

 Isn’t this beautiful? Remember singing “London Bridge” when you were little?

London is a great place for American families who want to experience Europe without feeling completely lost. Speaking the same language isn’t the only reason to visit London, though. It has a rich history that’s directly connected to Americans. While visiting London, check out:

• The Tower of London
• The Tate Modern (one of the world’s top museums for contemporary art)
• The Natural History Museum
• The London Eye

The London Eye is a must-see location for anyone who only plans to stay in the city for a short time. On a clear day, you can see all of London’s most famous features just by taking this one, 30-minute ride.

Tokyo, Japan

If you want to visit modern Asia, then Tokyo is the right place for your family. It has everything you would expect from a major metropolitan area like New York City… except the Japanese know how to do these things with their own style.

While in Tokyo, you can take time to see:

• Traditional sumo wrestling
• Meiji Shrine
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Shibuya Crossing (kind of like Times Square)

Although, you don’t really have to make plans to enjoy a trip to Tokyo. Set aside a few hours to wander around the city. You’ll find things that surprise, delight, and disgust you. Your kids will cringe at the thought of eating squid; you’ll marvel at the city’s public arts; and you’ll experience the most intense karaoke of your life after you’ve put the little ones to bed.

Where would you like to take your family on your next vacation? Do you have any destinations that you think would push their boundaries while still giving them a great time?