World Magazine 2024
Did you know that every year, around 100 million Americans will go on vacation with their family? As purse strings tighten, it becomes more important that these excursions make lasting memories. So how do you make your next vacation a memorable one?
Getting in as many experiences as possible is one way to do it, and that starts and ends with a tour. Below, we give the best family tours you can try, from places of interest to whole countries.
Table of Contents
1. Swiss Alps
The beauty of Europe is that while it has a shared cultural heritage, each place is vastly different from the next. Places like Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are the big attractions, but the beauty of many smaller countries and provinces is often overlooked. One of those regions is Switzerland.
It is devilishly expensive, but you will find it worth every franc. This country has some of the most magnificent views in the world, always green or at its best, swimming in drifts of snow.
At the center of it is the Matterhorn. As one of the most famous and recognizable peaks in the Swiss Alps, it is a must-visit for anyone touring the region.
Zermatt is the closest resort to the Matterhorn and has a selection of other peaks and glaciers around. If you are planning on a ski break and are an able winter sports enthusiast, then book in advance.
While in the alps, be sure to look at the Aletsch Glacier. The largest glacier in the Alps, it stretches over 23 km and offers spectacular views.
After this, you may want to come down from the mountains to Lake Geneva. It has stunning views of the mountains and an easy-to-follow shore path for summer and winter hiking. Lucerne is also a picturesque city you may want to view, as it serves as a gateway to the Swiss Alps, with its iconic Chapel Bridge.
2. The Hoover Dam
Few man-made sites compare to the majesty of the Hoover Dam, situated on the border of Nevada and Arizona. The dam itself is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam that spans the Colorado River and forms Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the US. On a visit, you will get to take in the many different areas and see the views of the stunning landscape.
The dam’s main function is as a power plant, which produces electricity for millions of people in the Southwest. You can observe the massive turbines and generators in action. After this, slip up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the dam, lake, and surrounding desert landscape.
The visitor center is the place to go if you want to learn about the history and construction of the Hoover Dam through its interactive exhibits, videos, and displays. Numerous historical monuments commemorate the workers who built the dam, including the Winged Figures of the Republic.
A knowledgeable family tour guide who can provide information can make the trip. These Hoover Dam Tours are highly recommended.
3. Italy
A family tour of Italy will need at least a month and even then you will struggle to fit everything in. Luckily, local travel between its cities is just as enjoyable as some of the destinations.
Rome is the focus of any tour in Italy. It allows you to visit ancient ruins such as the Colosseum, as well as St. Peter’s Basilica. You also get to drop into the independent principality of Vatican City.
Venice is another must seen, unlike any other city on earth. You can stroll through the city’s winding canals and admire the stunning Gothic architecture, such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Finally, after all the bustling cities make sure you get some relaxation time on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Touring the scenery along the rugged coastline and enjoying the seaside villages will be a tour your family never forgets.
4. San Francisco
San Francisco is a vibrant city that is a great destination for all lovers of popular culture. Its biggest attraction is the Golden Gate Bridge, which you can walk, drive, or bike across.
Golden Gate Park is also worth a visit. This 1,000-acre park is home to museums, gardens, lakes, and landmarks such as the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers.
One of the most iconic landmarks is Alcatraz Island. The former prison is now a museum. Located on an island in the bay, you can learn about its history as a maximum security penitentiary. Finally, for anyone wanting to delve into the counterculture history of this city, Haight-Ashbury contains the former homes of some of the city’s most famous residents, including Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead.
5. Iceland
Iceland is known for its exceptional natural beauty. It is one of the few places you can see the Northern Lights.
Reykjavik is the capital and the main city. It is known for its colorful buildings, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. A few days and you can then use it as a base to see the rest of the country.
Most people travel to the Blue Lagoon for some relaxation. A geothermal spa, it has bright blue water and silica mud. You can combine more geothermal activities with the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route that includes the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park.
Booking Family Tours
Family tours are best booked in advance. That way, you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions. This is even more important if you plan to go during peak season.
Our helpful website has a host of articles on travel and tourism to assist you. If you want to plan the perfect trip, stop back regularly and let us get you on the road.
