Summer is right around the corner, and for families thinking of where to plan their next getaway, there are plenty of destinations that won't break the bank.
As we rejoice in the last few days of winter, in no time will you hear your children asking, ‘Where are we going for the vacations?’
Summer vacations are a wonderful time to bond with your family. After all, no one wants to get it wrong and squander precious time, or worse, make the older kids think you can’t pull off a cool vacation. We found the best family summer vacation ides for every type of traveler, parent, and child—at any age. So whether you want to travel somewhere in India or discover international waters with your tiny tots, bookmark this list of summer vacation ideas for the ultimate guide.
1. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Find Ooty too crowded in summer? Travel 18 kms and you’ll land in mist-clad Coonoor. This is one of the best places to visit in summer with family. Surrounded by Nilgiri hills and bright green tea estates, Coonoor is a charming and quiet hill station with many delightful landmarks. Coonoor is located about 6,000 ft above sea level and known for a wide range of wildflowers that are found almost every corner of the hill station. Coonoor is a perfect place for summer family vacations.
Why we love it: For the 1000 varieties of plants in Sim’s park, the tea-making process at Highfield Tea Estate, the Lamb’s rock with panoramic view of the tea and coffee plantations, the enchanting Catherine Falls and the scenic heritage train journey between Ooty and Coonoor.
2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The scenic town of Tawang is a wonderful combination of breathtaking valleys, misty rivers and stunning waterfalls, all of which make for a memorable family trip. It is probably one of the best family vacation destinations in India in May for an adventurous trip. At an elevation of 10,000 ft above sea level, Tawang is also one of the most difficult places to reach. The town isn’t connected to public transport very well, so one should have their private vehicle.
Why we love it: For a 400-year-old mesmerising Tawang monastery, the lovely Bap Teng Kang waterfalls, the serene Pankang Teng Tso Lake, the Sela Pass and Paradise Lake and the rafting adventure in the Brahmaputra River.
3. Sikkim
Bound by the Himalayas with the majestic Teesta River crisscrossing the region, Sikkim is a relatively undiscovered delight. The surroundings here are clean and pristine, so make sure you leave them the same way when you depart. Since kids don’t enjoy being on the road for long stretches, it may be wise to confine your visit to the state to two cities – Pelling and Gangtok. In Pelling, visit the waterfalls, the rock garden, walk to the Rabdentse ruins and hike to the Sankacholing Monastery (this is a great hike with lots of beautiful butterflies and flora and fauna along the way). In Gangtok, the Himalayan Wildlife Park has black bears, red pandas, snow leopards, civets, etc. The animals have a huge area to move around in and look very healthy.
Why we love it: 3-hour drive to Nathu La pass, the border with China, which gives you a stunning view of Tibet. The exposure to Buddhist culture and monasteries will give your kids the memories of a lifetime. Don’t forget to try a steaming hot bowl of Thukpa soup.
4. Tirthan Valley – Himachal Pradesh
Set in the interior of the Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan Valley is verdant green with alpine grooves and deciduous forest and offers some of the best locations for Trout fishing. If you’re planning a weekend trip to Himachal from Delhi or Chandigrah, Tirthan is probably the most amazing place you’ll see.
Why we love it: Exploring the tiny hamlets of Nagini, Ghushaini, Banjar and Shoja, spending your day trout fishing in the waters of Tirthan River, visiting the beautiful Serloskar Lake surrounded by lush green oak trees, indulging in adventure sports like rappelling, mountain climbing and kayaking.
5. Port Blair, Andaman Islands
Island destinations are one of the best places to visit in summer vacations with family. Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is offbeat among families yet a popular holiday destination. The capital is blessed with abundance of natural beauty. There are a variety if places to visit in Port Blair including the stunning beaches, shopping streets, and historical monuments from the British colonial period.
Why we love it: Enjoy Sea waking with your family, explore Cellular Jail and watch light and sound show here, visit Samudrika Marine Museum, learn about the Indian tribes at Anthropological Museum.
6. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the most interesting places to visit in America this summer. Visit the spectacular and mesmerizing Sea World. This marvelous park takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey to the wonders that exist beyond the ocean’s surface. Enjoy your visit to Universal Studios popularly known to be the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park and one of the best places to visit in USA. Enjoy the most of Walt Disney World and experience your childhood again in this America trip from India. The theme park features Magic Kingdom, Epcot Centre, Disney’s MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Why we love it: Recently added rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Want to give the United States of America a shot this summer? Let this blog help you out.
7. Vienna, Austria
The walkability of Austria’s capital city is part of what makes it an affordable stop for families, and there are many free walking and cycling tours. Through the Vienna Pass, travelers can get free access to more than 60 of the city’s top attractions, including museums, a giant Ferris wheel, and attractions like Madame Tussauds and the world's oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schoenbrunn, which dates back to 1752.
Why we love it: The cobbled streets, cute cafes, historical buildings and a giant Ferris wheel.
8. Bali, Indonesia
If you can find a cheap flight, Bali is a budget-friendly destination. Summer is one of the best times to visit, as it is in the island’s dry season, which runs from April through October. Visiting during this time means you’ll avoid regular thunderstorms, and can enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, and rice paddy walks.
Why we love it: The island is home to attractions like the Waterbom Bali, voted the best water park in Asia, the super-fun beach clubs overlooking the sea and spa resorts.
9. Phuket, Thailand
As the biggest island in Thailand, Phuket offers tons of great beaches. Besides its clear waters and prime snorkeling stops, Phuket is also home to attractions like the Anthem Wakepark, a cable wake boarding water park.
Why we love it: Family-friendly accommodations that are affordable, ample activities for kids, serene beaches and adventure sports.
10. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
The charming town of Bir is known worldwide as a destination for ecotourism and is praised by visitors from all corners of the world for its natural beauty. Bir is situated in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, amidst paths winding through tea gardens into the forests and the Dhauladhar Mountains to the north. The greater Bir area (which includes Billing, the Tibetan Colony in Chowgan, Ghornala, and Sherab Ling in Bhattu) is home to a diverse community of over a thousand Indian villagers, a Tibetan refugee settlement, and a small but growing international population (including seasonal waves of paragliders and other outdoors enthusiasts).
Why we love it: Some high octane paragliding adventure, natural beauty and treks. Lhakpa Café in the main bazaar of Upper Bir serves tasty veg momos!
Make your summer vacation a memorable time with family with special summer packages that will be a delight this year for your next trip.
Written by: Aashima Kadakia
Creative ninja and a true follower of ‘Work, Save, Travel, Repeat’, I love to travel, experience places and bring back stories for a lifetime. Born and brought up in Ahmadabad, I like to visit the same old places, the same cliched tourist spots and destinations, but choose to see the unexplored in the old places. Always inclined towards the mighty mountains in their debate with the beaches!
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