Family vacations can be fulfilling, but there’s no denying that they can be stressful to plan. And if you want to show your kids the world, planning a family travel adventure to bucket-list destinations like Ireland, Alaska, or America’s national parks can also be a little daunting. Luckily, there might be a better option to consider: letting someone else do all the planning with a guided tour.
I’ve been on many guided group tours with my family and it was the most hassle-free time we’ve ever had. Leaving the tedious details and time-consuming logistics to a trip planner and experienced guide eliminates a lot of the difficulties that come with traveling, especially with kids.
While a trip to your dream destination is never going to be a cheap family vacation, group travel tours can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. The result? Your family travel adventure will run smoothly and without big, unexpected expenses. Here are 15 great-value guided tours to help you plan your family adventures in 2024.
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1. National Geographic Family Journeys to Iceland
G Adventure
Renowned small-group travel company G Adventures has partnered with National Geographic to create guided family travel itineraries that take full advantage of National Geographic’s expertise in wildlife, storytelling and photography. The company’s eight-day Iceland Family Journey delves into the sub-Arctic island nation’s unique geological features in immersive ways, including hiking the edge of a volcanic crater and riding Icelandic horses near waterfalls.
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The tour company’s tour leaders are trained to engage young guests between the ages of 7 and 17, with a participant limit of 20. Guided family adventure trips start at $4,999 per adult in 2024 (with a $200 discount for children 7 to 12 years old) and include transportation within Iceland, accommodation, and daily breakfast, three lunches and one dinner.
2. Ireland’s Highlights
Brendan Vacations
The rugged Atlantic Ocean, misty cliffs and incredibly lush countryside are some of the reasons for the Emerald Isle’s mystical beauty that has inspired poets for centuries. From the cosmopolitan glamour of Dublin to dangling your heels to kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Brendan Vacations are experts in Celtic travel and their Shamrock and Leprechaun tours are family favourites.
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Highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Game of Thrones and marveling at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Interactive experiences leave an unforgettable impression, from having tea with a family on a sheep farm to dressing up as a medieval archer and learning how to aim a bow and arrow.
This 10-day trip in 2024 is open to up to 45 participants aged 5 and over. Prices start from $3,083, with a 10% discount for children aged 5 to 17. Transportation within Ireland, accommodation and 15 meals are included. A trip director will accompany you throughout the trip, and local experts will enhance your journey.
3. Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper
Backstreets
Backroads guided family travel adventures are popular with active travelers who crave a connection to nature. On Backroads’ multi-adventure family tour from Banff to Jasper, join a small family group as you bike, hike and paddle across the majestic Canadian Rockies. Float down the Athabasca River, take in the spectacular views of the Icefields Parkway, and walk on glaciers.
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The tour has a maximum of 26 participants and is for ages 9 and up. Tour leaders undergo special training to ensure they are well-prepared to engage children. The 2024 six-day tour costs $3,999 per person. Children 17 and under receive a 10% discount when staying in a single or double room. If three or more people stay in the same room, the child discount increases to 20%. Accommodation, activities, daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners and snacks are included.
4. Grand Alaska Adventure
universe
If your family is into the outdoors, Alaska could be the vacation of a lifetime. Cosmos offers guided group tours to “America’s Last Frontier” that deliver value without sacrificing quality. Grand Alaskan Adventure is an appealing option with a balanced mix of group activities and free time.
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Starting and ending in Anchorage, the trip takes you across Prince William Sound, where you’ll see otters, seals and whales. If you enjoy rail travel, you’ll love the Alaska Railroad, and you’ll be immersed in the majestic beauty of Denali National Park during two days in the wilderness. Keep an eye out for bears, moose and caribou as you drive along the Denali Highway and through Alaska’s less traveled interior.
In 2024, this 7-day guided family adventure starts at $2,139 and includes meals, lodging and activities. Children as young as 5 years old are welcome, with a 10% discount for children 5-17 years old. The average number of participants is 36.
5. Taste of Portugal
Globus
With its charming beaches, ancient villages and sophisticated cities, it’s no wonder Portugal will be trending in 2024. Globus’ guided group trip “A Taste of Portugal with Madeira” visits cosmopolitan Lisbon, the cobbled streets of Porto and the subtropical island of Madeira with its natural rock pools and unique wicker basket toboggan rides.
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Prices for this 11-day guided trip start at $3,309, including hotel, nine breakfasts, and three dinners. Children as young as five years old are welcome, with a 10 percent discount for children between five and 17 years old. Average group size is 36.
6. New Zealand Family Travel Adventure
Austin Adventures
New Zealand-based guided tour company Austin Adventures are experts when it comes to showcasing the country’s natural wonders. Active families looking for an intimate group experience will be delighted with their New Zealand Family Vacation itinerary. Starting and ending in Christchurch, you’ll visit a wildlife sanctuary home to koalas, wallabies, kiwi and ancient tuatara (a rare reptile), hike to a glacial lake and kayak through a rose-filled valley.
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This 13-day trip is open to children ages 6 and up and costs $5,499 per adult and $4,999 per child ages 12 and under. Accommodation, activities, and most meals are included. Maximum group size is 14 people plus 2 guides.
7. Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete in Greece
EF Go-Ahead Tour
Explore three Greek islands with EF Go Ahead Tours: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Immerse yourself in ancient Greek heritage in Athens, then arrive in vibrant Mykonos for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Cruise to Santorini, where volcanic black sand beaches and bright white and sea-blue houses line the island. Then, continue to Crete, home to historic treasures from palaces to archaeological ruins.
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This 14-day family travel adventure can accommodate up to 30 people, with rates starting at $4,019 for 2024. Prices include hotels, daily breakfasts, five dinners, a dedicated tour director and a local guide along the way. Children over 6 are welcome but don’t qualify for discounts.
The post A Bucket List of Affordable Family Travel Adventures Where Someone Does All the Planning Originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com
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FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. We use the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology to review and select family trip ideas, family getaway spots, all-inclusive family resorts and quintessential family getaways for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
