Best Overseas Family Holiday Destinations

If you're looking for something other than Thailand and Bali this year, there's no shortage of inspiring and action-packed holiday destinations in all corners of the world that are perfect for families. From cultured capitals bursting with attractions to pristine beaches and amazing wildlife encounters, consider these five overseas favourites.

1. Wild Africa
You can see lions, elephants and other favourite animals at your nearest zoo, but nothing compares to seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat – and there's nowhere better to do that than Africa's national parks.

You won't have to worry about safety when taking a safari accompanied by expert guides, who'll make sure you get the encounters you're dreaming of and the amazing photos to prove it. Africa's most accessible game reserves include Kruger National Park, an hour's flight from Johannesburg, and the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya, which boasts the greatest concentration of animals anywhere on Earth.

2. Exotic Kerala
India is an item on many traveller's bucket lists, but the intensity that makes it so appealing can be a definite drawback when you're travelling with the kids. Except in Kerala, that is, where things are more laid-back, less spicy and entirely family-friendly, without diluting the cultural experience.

Explore the wilderness on the back of an elephant, visit historic palaces and head to the beach on a tropical escape that rivals anything in South East Asia or the South Pacific.

3. Magical Denmark
Why go to Disneyland when you can see real-life royal castles and still enjoy the thrills and spills in Denmark, one of Europe's overlooked gems.

After landing in Copenhagen, check out the classic fairground amusements and fireworks at Tivoli, the country's oldest theme park that opened in 1843. Then head to the original Legoland to ride the rollercoasters and explore the world in miniature, made from 20 million Lego bricks.

4. Non-stop New York City
The Big Apple offers endless diversions to entertain all ages, whether you're exploring its cultural treasures at world-leading museums and galleries, taking in a Broadway show, or just walking around the iconic streets and Central Park, familiar from a lifetime of movies. The sprawling city offers a surprising amount for nature lovers too, including a 2.6-hectare habitat for gorillas at the Bronx Zoo.

5. Festive Lapland
If you're stuck for ideas for your Christmas break, why not escape the heat and treat the kids to a magical Christmas in the land of reindeer, sleighs and Santa Claus.

If it's your first visit to Finland, you'll want to make time to explore more of this remarkable land of lakes and islands before you leave, but seeing Christmas storybooks come to life in loving detail at Lapland makes the trip well worth it. If you're lucky, you could even see the mesmerising aurora borealis.

Speak to our holiday experts
If you're looking for advice on family-friendly destinations or the best deals on airfares, talk to the passionate holiday experts at Escape Travel. They offer a huge range of tours highlighting the top sights and hidden gems of every destination to help you plan your next getaway.