5 Far-Out Places to Take Your Kids

Before my son was born, I used to think that traveling with a child would be like some kind of medieval torture. I felt sorry for people on planes who lugged fifty pounds of gear along to serve one twenty pound child.   When I became one of those baby gear-lugging sherpas, I realized that despite the inconvenience, I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you have the desire (and the means) to plan your dream vacation, don't let the kids get in the way, but try to find ways to incorporate their needs and their sense of fun into the trip.  Where can you go for big fun and adventure with kids in tow? Answer: Just about anywhere you want.  

Here are five of my favorites, in case you need a little vacation-planning inspiration:

1.  Easter Island

When I was a child, I was fascinated with pictures of the ancient Moai statues of Easter Island.  Where did they come from? Who made them? What do they mean?  Some of these questions have been answered, but some remain a mystery.  If you want to take your family on a truly memorable trip, think about Easter Island.  Aside from the world-famous Moai statues, the island boasts gorgeous beaches,  and a culture unlike any other in the world.  Try to go during the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival celebrating the Rapa Nui culture in February.  The entire island turns out for cultural competitions from singing to "Bird Man" races to statue-carving to win the honor of "Island Princess" for their chosen candidate.   

2.  The Galapagos Islands
Ever since Charles Darwin and the crew of The Beagle made their famous voyage to these remote islands off the coast of Ecuador, people have flocked to see the exotic wildlife that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution.  Lindblad Expeditions offers a family cruise around the islands that is great for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.  The cruise offers excursions to various islands, the chance to swim with sea turtles, snorkel with sea lions, and view marine life by glass-bottom boat.  If you fear that the kids can't handle a strenuous hike and fast pace of a tour, no worries--you can choose the level of intensity by your fitness, from a short, casual walk to a challenging climb up a mountain.

While you are there, you can keep in touch with the folks back home via daily blog posts from the naturalists on board.  Each trip also has a professional videographer on board capturing the fun, so at the end, you can purchase a slick video record of the trip to show your family and friends, in addition to your own personal photos and videos.

3.  Monte Carlo
Planning a trip to France?  Be sure to include an excursion to Monaco.  Monte Carlo, located in the tiny principality of Monaco on the French Riviera, has long been the playground of the rich and famous.  If you think Monte Carlo is just for James Bond and the jet set, think again.  Aside from the casinos and high-end boutiques, it also boasts the historic Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, family-friendly beaches, and a cute little tourist train that will take you all over the city.

4. Malta
Ever hear of Malta?  I hadn't before we visited it.  It's a tiny island located halfway between Italy and North Africa.   If you're looking for a tour of everything grand about Europe in one compact location, Malta is for you.  Boasting a magnificent cathedral to rival Notre Dame, megolithic temple ruins that predate Stonehenge, and medieval castles that any Italian would die for, Malta is a terrific place to explore with kids.  Malta is the home of the fabled Knights of Malta, a medieval order.  If the kids get bored with climbing on the ancient temple ruins, visit the family water park or arcade.  Want a glimpse of Malta before you go?  Check out the official Webcam at the Official Malta Tourism site, which is chock-full of information about where to go and what to do when you arrive and information on booking tours.

5. Greenland
Most Americans think of Alaska or Northern Canada when thinking about dramatic snow-covered landscapes, massive glaciers, and Inuit native cultures.  What about Greenland?  Greenland's interior is covered by ice and snow year-round, but in the summer, the coastal regions turn green and lush.  Add to that 24-hour daylight above the Arctic Circle, and you have a magical place to take kids for exploring, hiking, and experiencing a place that is unique in all the world.  Transportation around the island is either by boat or helicopter, which only adds to the adventure.  The Vikings settled this region over a thousand years ago, and then mysteriously died out.  You can walk in the footsteps of Erik the Red, and see artifacts of the native Inuit culture that still thrives today.  As an extra bonus, tell the kids about Greenland's most famous resident--Santa Claus!

Technology makes traveling with kids safer and easier than ever before.  Even the most remote places like Greenland and Easter Island have cell phone service and internet access.  You can download your trip information before you go, and post updates to your blog or text the folks back home all along the way.

Not sure where to go or what you can afford? Check out Kayak's free iPad App that helps you plan and book your trip.  Check out this YouTube video for all the amazing things it helps you do.

Can't figure out where you are? Snap a picture with your iPhone or Android phone and Google Goggles will translate signs, identify a landmark or a work of art, and give useful information about the place. 

You can keep in touch with folks back home by sending an online postcard My Postcard Maker and your own photos.  Be sure to send one to yourself to record all the great things you're seeing, or use it to help your kids keep up their writing skills by sending them to friends and family.

Where have you been that you found particularly welcoming to kids?  Where do you dream of taking your kids?

See more from Clever Girls Collective:

How to Find Great Travel Deals Online
Turn Your Eye Toward iPhoneography
Creating Your Digital Camera Wishlist

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Clever Girls Collective is a social media marketing agency founded by women who wanted to use their deep marketing experience and broad social network relationships for good. We know that women who engage in social media are some of the most authentic, connected, trusted, and vocal influencers -- not only online, but "in real life." That's why we've developed The Clever 1000: an ever-growing, beautifully diverse network of professional, thoughtful social media-connected, natural networkers and influencers who want to engage with and enhance their favorite brands. Glennia Campbell is a lawyer, writer, photographer, traveler and mother from Palo Alto, California.  Her family has traveled the globe since her son (now 10) was six weeks old.  They have journied to twenty-five countries together, hitting such hotspots as Greenland, the Galapagos, Easter Island, and Libya.  She writes about her family's adventures, both foreign and domestic, at her blog, The Silent I.  She is a co-founder of the progressive women's blog, MOMocrats, and a contributor to the Korean-American parenting blog, Kimchi Mamas.  You can follow her on Twitter @glennia for random rants and insights on travel, politics, reality tv, and parenting.