The 6 Best Outdoor Family Vacations of 2022

A growing volume of scientific research shows that kids who don’t receive enough exposure to nature face various challenges, from attention deficit to higher rates of physical and emotional illness and chronic obesity. Richard Louv of the Children & Nature Network refers to the absence of outdoor adventures that many children experience today as “nature-deficit disorder.”

What’s more, new research shows that the benefits of getting outside don’t stop with health and well-bring. A 2018 study of three- and four-year-old kids concluded that outside time significantly improves parent-child communication. Of course, this basic premise applies to children (and adults!) of any age. Dina Izenstark of San Jose University explains, “Nature restores people’s ability to pay attention to conversations and reduces their mental fatigue.”

With so many benefits associated with unplugging and getting back to nature, it’s time to plan one of the best outdoor family vacations of 2022. Here are six ideas to help you get started.

1) Go Wild in Brazil’s Pantanal

The world’s largest inland wetland area, Brazil’s Pantanal supports some of South America’s most vibrant and large animal species. These include giant anteaters, giant river otters, maned wolves, giant armadillos, and marsh deer. In its vast open spaces, the Pantanal offers some of the nation’s best wildlife observation opportunities. Explore the natural wonders of Brazil on a family-friendly tour, which includes visits to the eco-friendly Caiman Ecological Refuge in Southern Pantanal and a full-day Jaguar Safari. Find out more about the outdoor family adventures that abound in Brazil with this nine-day, jam-packed itinerary perfect for Spring Break, which can be fully customized and tailored to your family.

2) Savor Sustainable Travel in Costa Rica

Your family will be awed by Costa Rica’s focus on sustainability and pristine ecosystems. For example, the country is 99.5 percent powered by clean and renewable energy sources, and a complete decarbonization plan is slated for full application by 2050. During an outdoor family vacation, explore lush forests like the Tirimbina Biological Reserve, where you can give exhilarating canopy ziplining a try. Savor abundant opportunities to discover Costa Rica’s impressive wildlife, rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes while enveloped in the comforts of an ecolodge. Explore the many adventures awaiting your family in Costa Rica.

3) Try Family Glamping in Kenya

Few destinations feel more natural, remote, and wild than the northern conservancy of Kenya’s Masai Mara. It’s one of East Africa’s best-kept secrets. What’s more, the nation of Kenya is renowned for its diverse animal species, protected by one of the most rigorous environmental programs on the continent. There’s no more ideal destination for eco-minded families longing to experience Africa’s wilderness while glamping. Glamping lets you wake up and fall to sleep lulled by the sounds of nature. Your family will become attuned to the Masai Mara’s ancient rhythms. Let us help you build the perfect African safari itinerary.

4) Soak Up the Sun and Surf in Baja Mexico

There’s no better place to discover off-the-beaten-path adventure while escaping from it all (including electronics!) than Baja Mexico. La Paz proves a fantastic choice with abundant outdoor activities. Embark on an exciting boat ride into whale shark territory for a snorkeling expedition with the gentle giants of the Sea of Cortez. Enjoy glamping on Espíritu Santo Island and countless chances to observe playful sea lions in their natural habitat. When it comes to unplugged travels south of the border, this is just the beginning. Find out more about planning the ideal family-friendly Mexico adventure.

5) Chase the Northern Lights in Alaska

Denali National Park spans vast areas of the Alaskan terrain, providing access for hiking, biking, and bus tours. Search out some of the park’s more than 1,500 species of plants and 169 species of birds, as well as big game animals and predators like caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves. Denali is also one of North America’s best places to scope out the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Cold, clear nights in the park offer some of the best stargazing in the world, too. Is your family ready to chase the Northern Lights in Denali? If so, we’ve got you covered. Request a quote now.

6) Try Glacier-Hopping in Argentina

Thirty percent of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park remains buried beneath age-old, magnificent ice flows. The famed Perito Moreno Glacier remains among the park’s most iconic sites. Also drawing much well-deserved attention are the Cerro Torres and Mount Fitz Roy, two towering mountains located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Other locations throughout the park also afford endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from trout fishing to photography and rafting trips on the Santa Cruz River. The park’s well-maintained network of trails invites hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to exploration. Check out our Argentina family adventure itinerary for more fantastic ideas to reconnect your family with the great outdoors.

The Best Outdoor Family Vacations of 2022

Encouraging your children to leave electronics behind can prove tricky in a world where everyone seems connected to a screen. But making changes proves well worth it when you consider the myriad benefits of getting back to nature, from improved health to increased attention spans and better family communication. Fortunately, the best outdoor family vacations of 2022 make reconnecting with the natural world easy.

Are you ready to make an unplugged vacation a priority in 2022? We can help! Contact us now to explore the many exciting adventures awaiting your family this year.