7 Overseas Destinations You Can Visit with (Unvaccinated) Kids Right Now

Coronavirus shook up the travel world in 2020. In 2021, some regions of the globe remain conservative when it comes to embracing tourism again. But you can also find plenty of paradisiacal overseas destinations heartily welcoming US families ready to eschew cabin fever.

These locations pack in plenty of outside activities naturally promoting physical distancing. And when you choose the right accommodations, you can rest assured the highest safety standards are in place. What’s more, these destinations don’t require vaccinations. Since these shots remain generally unavailable to children, this factor proves vital to family travels at the moment.

Where should you consider taking your next vacation? Check out these overseas destinations you can visit right now.

Fun in the Sun in Mexico

If you’re looking for an easy and fabulous family vacation destination, Mexico is hard to beat.

Baja California boasts some of Mexico’s most stunning beaches, where golden sand and turquoise waters abound. But you’ll also find abundant marine wildlife, dramatic desert landscapes and spectacular mountain ranges inviting family travelers to exploration. Check out our Baja family vacation itinerary for more details.

When you opt into resort-style accommodations, you gain access to luxurious amenities that perfectly complement Baja’s incredible scenery. For example, a stay at Grand Velas Los Cabos offers an unforgettable experience, chock full of breathtaking views, countless activities, and Mexico’s intoxicating spirit.

From a holistic spa to the resort’s signature Water Journey, you’ll never run out of fun ways to explore Baja with your family. And you can also provide your children with age-appropriate activities through the resort’s Kid’s and Teen’s Clubs while you do a little adulting.

(By booking with us, you get $50 spa credit, $100 resort credit, complimentary access to hydrotherapy water journey, free upgrades and more.)

If Cancun is what you’re looking for, the choice can be overwhelming. A travel advisor can match you with the best option for your family. Whether you’re looking for a smaller all-inclusive, cultural activities or a kids club that will take your three- year-old, we can help.

Experience Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Few spots pack in more family-friendly adventure than Costa Rica. From luxurious hotels to delicious food and endless tracts of pristine wilderness, you’ll find many compelling reasons to visit. The country is renowned for its rainforests, beaches, river valleys, and biodiverse wildlife. But you’ll also fall in love with the pura vida or “simple life” culture. Are you looking for an adrenaline spike while rafting, canyoning, and ziplining? Do you long to scope out macaws, sea turtles, and sloths? Either way, Costa Rica has it all.

Located at the base of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica’s heartland, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is an ideal family adventure location. And when you’re not involved in exhilarating activities? Indulge in world-class cuisine at one of the resort’s restaurants, or head outdoors for a total spa experience in an open-air bungalow where you’ll savor the relaxing sounds of nature.

At Hotel Punta Islita in Guanacaste, you’ll find another natural playground. From summit to sea cove, the resort is terraced into a hillside. It’s the ideal location for varied activities, including birdwatching, monkey-questing, horseback riding, and more. And when the parents are ready for a bit of relaxation? Visit the hotel’s Casa Spa, known for treatments synthesizing organic ingredients and ancient healing traditions.

As part of Virtuoso, we can get you exclusive perks and amenities at these and other family-favorites in Costa Rica. Start here.

Enjoy an Island Paradise in the Dominican Republic

When it comes to fantastic destinations for a Caribbean family vacation, the Dominican Republic is a natural choice. It features the region’s most advanced transportation system and the largest selection of beachfront and urban venues and rooms in the region.

You’ll enjoy a warm climate and a rich and varied array of landscapes inviting your family to endless outdoor activities. Coupled with plentiful resort-style amenities, you’ll never forget your stay in the Dominican Republic. At Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, luxuriate on white-sand beaches where crystal-clear turquoise waters entice you for a dip.

The resort has welcomed guests for nearly half a century, and they remain committed to the safety, privacy, and service of their guests. Besides beach escapes, enjoy the resort’s 63-hole Pete Dye designed golf course. You’ll also have access to children’s programs and even babysitting services, making a family vacation more versatile and exciting for everyone. You’ll also gain access to water sports, tennis courts, bicycle rentals, and more.

Go Wild in South Africa

South Africa is a big, beautiful romp on the wild side. Stunning beaches and wildlife-packed national parks make it your family’s go-to destination for adventure. On a vacation, you’ll enjoy near-perfect weather and plenty of child-friendly safari accommodations. You’ll also find plenty of age-appropriate activities.

For example, smaller kids may find long game drives a challenge, but shorter game drives represent the perfect compromise. Or go on a gentle nature walk with a trained guide, where you’ll learn about the blooms, birds, and bugs of Africa. Now’s the ideal time to visit South Africa. With fewer tourists, you won’t have to contend with crowds, but you’ll still find plenty of outlets for family adventure. Check out our South Africa & Victoria Falls 14-day itinerary.

This family vacation lets you experience the African continent in all its variety and depth and includes activities like a visit to the penguin colony at Boulders, exploration of Franschhoek’s many charming vineyards on the Cape Winelands tram, a Dyer Island cruise, and an African safari into Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Get Mythical in Greece

Greece is the stuff of vacation legends. From the warmth of hospitable locals to the delectable cuisine, stunning beaches, and monuments steeped in history, your family will never get tired of this Mediterranean gem. This ancient nation contains a heady mixture of green valleys, lush forests, and mirror-calm lakes. And everything is steeped in a history so expansive and influential that it would shape just about every aspect of European civilization.

Family-friendly tours of Greece abound, themed around specific experiences and interests. They include journeys into Greece’s mythology and heroes. There are also fantastic food tours for the whole family and island hopping adventures to Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and more.

With such an abundance of activities, where do you start when it comes to planning your family’s trip to Greece? We can discuss creating a customized itinerary based on your family’s interests, budget, and accommodation preferences.

Explore Peru Like a Local

The mystical “Land of the Incas” beckons family adventurers, and there’s no better time to plan your vacation and beat the crowds. A visit to the sublime Andes Mountains comes with hearty doses of Peruvian culture and history. You’ll learn about the Inca who established one of the most impressive empires in the New World. And you can still explore its impressive remnants on a visit to the stunning Maras salt mines and one of the world’s most iconic sites, Machu Picchu.

When you travel with Our Whole Village, your family will enjoy Peru from a new perspective, one that few tourists get to see. That’s because we emphasize meaningful experiences that break down cross-cultural and language barriers while letting your family authentically engage with locals.

Activities include plenty of explorations in the Sacred Valley and beyond Your family will get to kayak on Piuray Lagoon, enjoy a traditional Andean ceramics class and more. Check out a sample itinerary.

Enjoy a One-of-a-Kind Galapagos Islands Journey

Few natural destinations have had a more significant impact on the history of science than the Galapagos Islands. Their strange collection of wildlife first inspired famed naturalist Charles Darwin to meditate on concepts like adaptation and natural selection. And you can still see these incredible and biodiverse creatures in all their natural glory.

Scope out marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos tortoises, and blue-footed boobies in their native habitat. And don’t forget about the wealth of marine life located offshore, including sponges, rays, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and black corals.
If this sounds like the expedition your family’s been waiting for, no other destination will do.

Fortunately, kid-friendly excursions to the islands provide plenty of opportunities to explore these ecosystems while enjoying authentic cuisine, chances to visit volcanoes, and many other fantastic experiences. Check out this ultimate Galapagos Islands itinerary to see what possibilities you’ll find in Ecuador’s most famous islands.

Overseas Destinations You Can Visit Now

There’s never been a better time to explore the world again. The overseas destinations above provide endless adventures that you can tailor to your family’s interests, budget, and travel goals. What’s more, experiences can be tailored to your children’s ages, making these destinations attainable no matter the makeup of your family. With no vaccinations required to visit these places, you can be there sooner than you think.

Are you ready to travel? I’d love to help bring your family’s next great adventure to life.