Travel
Make 2024 one to remember with these epic trips, putting fairytale castles, cultural exchange and slow travel front and centre.
ByRhonda Carrier
Published December 31, 2023
• 5 min read
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Unforgettable history lessons, cultural connections and precious family time are just some of the reasons to consider a big trip in 2024. Stretch your children’s imaginations with these meaningful getaways, mixing nature time with once-in-a-lifetime city breaks, unique accommodations and long-distance rail travel. It might just change the way your family looks at the world.
1. Europe on rails
With further expansion of the Good Night Train network due in March 2024, families will be able to book a central European rail odyssey all the way to Prague. Start with chocolate-tasting in Belgium’s capital, before museum-hopping in Dresden and Berlin, hiking in the Saxon Switzerland National Park and touring Prague’s castle.
More info: Good Night Train Brussels to Prague, couchette bunks for two adults and two children aged four to 11, from €496 (£432), one way.
(Where to go and how to plan a family rail adventure around Europe.)
2. Laid-back India
Visit spice plantations, canoe the backwaters and clamber amid the old forts of Cochin on Village Ways’ new Spirit of the South trip. It explores the Karnataka coast and Kerala — an exciting family alternative to Goa — over two adventurous weeks, offering a relaxed and affordable introduction to India.
More info: From £1,100 per person for a party of four, including accommodation, most meals, overnight trains and car transfers, but not flights.
3. Greek island-hopping
Interrail’s new Greek Islands Pass gives families an exciting way to explore Greece, covering four travel days on national ferry lines. Or for a trip with more support, try Olympic Holidays’ nine-night ‘family favourites’ itinerary, which ferry-hops through the Dodecanese islands of Rhodes, Symi and Kos, meandering between shallow coves, ancient temples and friendly hamlets.
More info: From £1,305 per person based on two adults and two children travelling, with accommodation, transfers and flights.
4. Ancient treasures in Egypt
With Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum expected to open in early 2024 after years of delay, bringing together nearly all 5,000-odd artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, now’s the time for history fans to book a trip to Egypt. Exodus’s nine-day Egyptian Family Adventure includes time in Cairo as well as Nile sailing and Red Sea snorkelling.
More info: From £1,549 per adult, £1,162 per child aged nine to 16, including accommodation, some meals, transport and activities, but not flights.
5. Americana on rails in the Deep South
Having closed following hurricane damage in 2005, Amtrak’s Gulf Coast route is finally reopening in 2024, making it easier to discover some of the Deep South’s highlights without the stress of driving. Families could mix streetcar rides and sugary beignet cafe breaks in New Orleans with kayaking along the Mississippi River or beach time in Alabama. Trains take about four hours to travel between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with a number of jumping-off points along the way.
More info: It’s hoped the resurrected train service will be running by spring, but for updates and prices, check amtrak.com. New Orleans rail package breaks with Amtrak Vacations start at £369 per person for three nights’ accommodation, a jazz brunch and city, swamp and bayou tour.
6. An intro to Latin America
Less well known than Mexico but with just as much to offer families, Guatemala is an exciting introduction to Latin America. Stubborn Mule’s new two-week Best of Guatemala family itinerary includes kayaking on Lake Atitlán and a tour of the Mayan ruins at Tikal. Kids also get the chance to cook pizza on top of Pacaya volcano.
More info: From £4,250 per person for a family of four, including flights, B&B accommodation, domestic travel and activities.
7. Farmstays & bullet trains in Japan
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Japan’s shinkansen (bullet train) in 2024 with a once-in-a-lifetime family trip. Intrepid’s new eight-day Highlights of Japan Family Holiday combines shinkansen rides with a visit to Tokyo’s Harajuku district, Kyoto’s temples and a night on a tea farm, where curious kids can try tea picking.
More info: From £2,740 per adult, £2,466 per child aged 17 and under, including accommodation, domestic transport, and some meals and activities, but not flights.
Published in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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