Non-Traditional Family Getaways to Spark Your Wanderlust

15 May 2025

Family vacations don’t have to be the same old theme park rides or all-inclusive resorts. If you're looking to shake things up and create memories that truly stand out, it's time to think outside the box. Non-traditional family getaways can strengthen bonds, introduce your kids to new cultures, and break the monotony of typical travel plans.

In this guide, we’ll dive into some unique family vacation ideas that bring adventure, learning, and relaxation into one unforgettable trip.

1. Eco-Friendly Farm Stays

If your family loves nature but wants more than a typical camping trip, a farm stay could be the perfect choice. These immersive experiences let you live on a functioning farm, interact with animals, and even help with daily chores.

Imagine waking up to the sounds of roosters instead of a noisy alarm, spending the day milking cows or collecting fresh eggs, and winding down with a bonfire under the stars. It’s a great way to escape the digital world and reconnect with nature.

Best Destinations for Farm Stays

- New Zealand – Rolling green hills, sheep farms, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Tuscany, Italy – Picture-perfect vineyards and olive groves.
- Vermont, USA – Charming family-run dairy farms and maple syrup tapping.

2. Houseboat Vacations

Ever thought about swapping a hotel room for a floating home? Houseboat vacations are a fantastic way to mix relaxation and adventure. You have the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying the comforts of a home on water.

Kids will love fishing right off the deck, parents can savor peaceful sunrise coffee sessions, and the whole family can jump into the water whenever they feel like it.

Top Houseboat Destinations

- Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah – Towering red rock formations and serene waters.
- The Kerala Backwaters, India – Exotic houseboats with lush scenery all around.
- The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia – Stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters.

3. Off-the-Grid Cabins

If you truly want to unplug and escape the modern world, an off-the-grid cabin is the way to go. These cozy retreats often have no Wi-Fi, very little phone signal, and rely on natural resources for energy. It’s the ultimate escape from screens.

Without the distractions of technology, families spend more time playing board games, hiking, and sharing stories by the fire. Plus, it teaches kids valuable survival skills like making a fire and identifying wildlife.

Best Spots for Off-Grid Stays

- The Canadian Rockies – Breathtaking mountain views and remote cabins.
- Norwegian Fjords – Stunning backdrops with a true sense of solitude.
- The Smoky Mountains, USA – Wild beauty and endless hiking opportunities.

4. Volunteer Vacations

Traveling doesn’t always have to be about sightseeing—it can also be about giving back. Volunteer vacations (or "voluntourism”) allow families to contribute to local communities while experiencing a new culture.

From conservation projects to building homes, this type of travel can be deeply rewarding. Plus, kids gain a broader understanding of the world and the importance of making a difference.

Popular Volunteering Destinations

- Costa Rica – Help protect sea turtles or restore rainforests.
- South Africa – Work with wildlife conservation efforts.
- Peru – Support local schools or assist in community farming projects.

5. Train Journeys

Long road trips can get tiresome, and airport chaos isn’t always fun with kids. Enter train travel—a slower, scenic, and more relaxed way to explore. Train cabins offer comfort, panoramic views, and a taste of old-school adventure.

Instead of rushing from one destination to another, you get to watch landscapes change right outside your window. Plus, onboard activities and dining options make the journey enjoyable for the whole family.

Best Family-Friendly Train Rides

- The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) – Glacier views and wildlife sightings.
- The Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia to China) – A grand cultural experience.
- The Glacier Express (Switzerland) – A slow ride through alpine beauty.

6. Cultural Homestays

Want to immerse your family in a foreign culture? Homestays let you live with a local family, providing an authentic glimpse into their daily lives. This is a fantastic way for kids to experience new traditions, languages, and ways of life.

Meals are usually home-cooked, and hosts often take guests around their town, sharing their customs and personal stories. These experiences often leave a lasting impact, changing the way families view the world.

Best Countries for Cultural Homestays

- Japan – Stay with a local family and experience traditional tea ceremonies.
- Morocco – Live in a riad and enjoy home-cooked tagines.
- Nepal – Experience Himalayan hospitality in mountain villages.

7. Desert Glamping

Camping in the desert might sound extreme, but with glamping (glamorous camping), you get the best of both worlds—luxury and adventure. Imagine stargazing from a plush bed inside a beautifully designed tent, enjoying gourmet meals, and waking up to a golden sunrise over the dunes.

Desert landscapes are perfect for activities like sandboarding, camel trekking, and campfire storytelling. Plus, the silence of the desert offers a completely unique form of relaxation.

Best Desert Glamping Spots

- Wadi Rum, Jordan – Martian-like landscapes with luxury Bedouin camps.
- The Sahara Desert, Morocco – Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes and Berber hospitality.
- Arizona, USA – Stunning red-rock formations and dreamy desert sunsets.

8. Adventure Lodges

If your family thrives on thrills, an adventure lodge may be the perfect vacation. These accommodations are located in prime spots for outdoor activities—think zip-lining, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and jungle trekking.

Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages that include guided excursions, meals, and comfortable stays. It’s perfect for families who love an action-packed vacation without worrying about planning every detail.

Best Adventure Lodges

- Costa Rica – Rainforest lodges with zip-lining, wildlife tours, and volcano hikes.
- Patagonia, Chile – Epic landscapes for trekking and kayaking.
- New Zealand – Adventure lodges near stunning fjords and adrenaline-fueled activities.

9. Train-to-Trail Vacations

Combine train travel with hiking for an unforgettable vacation. Some destinations allow you to hop off at scenic train stops and explore stunning trails before getting back on board for the next leg of the journey.

This kind of trip invites you to immerse yourself in nature without the exhaustion of a full-on backpacking trip. Plus, children love spotting wildlife along the way.

Best Train-to-Trail Destinations

- Scotland's West Highland Line – Breathtaking highland hikes.
- Japan’s Kurobe Gorge Railway – Unspoiled nature and scenic footpaths.
- The Alps, Switzerland – Endless trails straight from train platforms.

10. Arctic Adventures

For families looking for something truly unique, why not head north—way north? The Arctic offers stunning landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and a rare chance to see the Northern Lights.

You can try everything from dog sledding and ice fishing to staying in a glass igloo beneath the stars. And if you visit during the summer months, you’ll experience the magical midnight sun.

Best Arctic Destinations

- Lapland, Finland – Meet Santa Claus, ride reindeer sleighs, and see the aurora borealis.
- Svalbard, Norway – Remote beauty with polar bears and endless snow.
- Alaska, USA – Epic glaciers and national parks teeming with wildlife.

Conclusion

Family vacations should be more than just a checklist of tourist attractions. By stepping off the beaten path, you create moments that truly matter—ones filled with adventure, learning, and deep connection.

Whether it’s sleeping under the stars in the desert, floating on a houseboat, or giving back through a volunteer trip, these non-traditional getaways are sure to leave a lasting impression. So why stick to the ordinary when the world is full of extraordinary experiences?