Finally, it’s that time of the year when you can chill! Summer holidays hold a special place in families for several reasons. Firstly, summer vacations mean you can spend stress-free and enjoyable time away from the everyday routine. There are ample opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. This extended period allows you to plan a trip with family, strengthen bonds, and reconnect on a deeper level.
So, you can plan your trip to explore new destinations, embark on road trips, or simply enjoy picnics in the park. Moreover, family vacation planning fosters a sense of relaxation and well-being that promotes mental and emotional health for all family members. Family gatherings, reunions, and celebrations allow families to come together and strengthen bonds across generations.
Now, we come to the key question: how to decide summer vacation destinations for families? Well, Team NRI Travelogue offers some special tips to plan a family vacation so that you can bond and unwind. Scroll down to know more!
Let’s Explore the Tips to Plan a Family Vacation
So, if you are looking for the best family holiday destinations in summer, look no further. There are some popular tourist attractions in India. Let’s get started!
1. Select Destination
Start by making a plan for everybody’s wishes and preferences. The hill stations of Shimla, Manali, or Darjeeling are the popular tourist attractions to pamper yourself with a pleasant cool retreat, while for fans of the beach, Goa or Kerala could be the best options. Tourists who are more curious about history can enjoy a cultural experience in Jaipur, Agra, or Delhi.
2. Plan Travel Dates and Budget
Decide how long the vacation will last, and tally up the expenses before you start. So, booking flights and accommodations in advance will save you from the hassles of paying expensive prices.
3. Accommodation & Transport
Pick family-friendly accommodations, for example, resort, hostel, or holiday homes that have amenities like swimming pools, Kids play area, and nearby attractions.
When traveling within your own state or in the region, renting a car can be more advantageous due to the flexibility. Regarding extended travel distances, domestic flights or trains are great effective choices. Book in advance for a hassle-free family vacation.
4. Plan Sightseeing Activities
Research and compile a list of fun family activities and attractions at your preferred destination spot. These could be visiting historical sites, going on nature walks, indulging in water sports, or tasting the available local food.
5. Pack Smart
Create a checklist that includes vital items like sunscreens, hats, relaxing clothes, insect repellents, medications, and things needed for planned activities. Pack minimal but thoroughly make sure you have all that you need for a pleasant stay.
6. Safety Precautions
Acquaint yourself with local customs, legalities, and security regulations of the destination you are visiting. Make sure your papers like passports, IDs, and travel insurance-related information are safe throughout the trip.
7. Health Care
Drink sufficient water, avoid excessive sun exposure, and take essential measures to prevent food and water-borne diseases.
Best Family Travel Destinations in India
Now that you are equipped with the best tips to enjoy your summer vacay, let’s discuss some best holiday destinations in India for enjoying summer vacations with family.
1. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj is a lovely hamlet in Himachal Pradesh’s district of Kangra for summer vacations with family. A major reason why this place is renowned as ‘Little Lhasa’ is because a large Tibetan population lives there. You will find a glimpse of Tibetan culture in the Himachal region. There are many monasteries, lakes, and waterfalls in McLeod Ganj. The picturesque landscape is also absolutely a treat for summer vacations in India with family.
Best Places to visit::
Experience bliss at the famous Namgyal Monastery
Plan a visit to Bhagsunath Waterfall
Experience serenity at Tushita Meditation Centre
2. Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand
Beautifully set in the lap of the magnificent Kumaon peaks and surrounded by lush green trees, Naukuchiatal is the prettiest location in this hilly terrain and the best holiday destination in India for a lovely family trip. If you are looking for a quiet place near Delhi when the weekend crowds fill other travel destinations, you may just find the same in the serenity and beauty of a tiny village in the Nainital district!
Best Places to visit:
Plan a boat/kayak/yacht trip to the nine-cornered Naukuchiatal Lake
Indulge in paragliding to enjoy the fabulous views.
Witness the exotic migratory birds at the Bhimtal Lake and Sattal Lake.
Learn fishing or enjoy a picnic at the scenic spot of Jungliagaon.
3. Pachmari, Madhya Pradesh
Pachmarhi is one of the raw, natural, and scenic spots of the country. Located in Madhya Pradesh, this is the best place for summer vacation in India with your family. Its pleasant ambiance is due to the various rivers and waterfalls that run across the park. The enthralling hill station, known as Saptura Queen, is also referred to as ‘Satpura ki Rani’. Pachmari is also its natural riches with two big species, namely leopards and bison, being the main attractions.
Best Places to visit
Enjoy the waterfalls including Silver Fall, Apsara Vihar, and Bee Fall
Plan a wildlife excursion at Satpura National Park
Mesmerize yourself by exploring the ancient Pandav Caves
4. Srinagar & Gulmarg, Kashmir
Kashmir is fondly recognized for its incredible natural beauty and turns out to be an outstanding destination for family vacations. Srinagar and Gulmarg are the best places for summer vacation to visit in India and discover the untamed beauty of nature. Don’t miss the scenic Dal Lake and the mesmerizing ‘shikara’ ride. Also, a short stay in a houseboat is a lifetime experience, indeed!
Best Places to visit
Visit the Shankaracharya Hill Temple and Mughal Gardens.
Plan a trip to the highest golf course in the world.
Enjoy Gulmarg Gondola, the highest cable car in the world.
Visit the picturesque Alpather Lake and the serene Strawberry Valley
5. Theog, Himachal Pradesh
Among the offbeat Indian summer destinations, Theog in Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is one of the best such destinations. If you are seeking travel destinations with remarkable views of the Himalayas, hills, and waterfalls where you can spend time rejuvenating in nature, look no further than this. It has a lot of tourist attractions to make your trip memorable.
Theog is a weekend halt as well as a camping site that is an absolute favorite among travelers. This marvelous place which is just one of the many secret summer vacation spots for families in India offers a rare experience to visit it and admire its hidden elegance.
Best Places to visit
Taste the local cuisine
Trekking
Explore the scenic villages
6. Vagamon, Kerala
There is a ribbon of three hills surrounding this charming place. Blessed with rare natural beauty, it has a mixture of meadows, forests, and hills. Indeed, it is one of the coolest and best places to visit in the summer season. If you are already bored of mountain visits to north India and wish to witness the Western Ghats, Vagamon would be a perfect spot for this.
Best Places to visit
Join paragliding at Mundakayam Ghat for the wild side of Vagamon that nature has to offer.
Take a day trip to the refreshing Maramala Waterfalls and Vagamon Falls for you to enjoy.
Amble through the magical Pine Hills for a multi-day hike which is one of the major tourist attractions.
Go out for a boating trip or have a picnic at the Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. Port Blair, Andaman Island
The islands are one of India’s most recommended places to visit in summer with family. Port Blair, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands is not a mainstream family destination by far, but it is a popular and one of the best holiday destinations in India.
The capital is privileged by the presence of nature everywhere you turn. There are several places to visit in Port Blair such as its magnificent beaches, shops, and monument-like structures which were brought by the British colonialists.
Best Places to visit
Sea walking will be an entertaining trip with your family.
Discover a Cellular Jail as well as a light and sound show at a location.
Visit Samudrika Marine Museum
Learn about the Indian tribes at the Anthropological Museum
Wrapping Up
You can plan memorable and best holiday destinations in India during the family summer vacation that cater to the interests and needs of every member. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural trip, India offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable holiday experience.
You can plan a family summer vacation by discussing preferences and interests with your family members. Always consider factors like budget, duration, and activities. Once you’ve chosen the options, create an itinerary, book accommodations, and make travel arrangements in advance.
Book accommodations and transportation early for discounts. Take along snacks, reusable water bottles, and other essentials to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Sightseeing, Adventure sports, Wildlife safaris, and water sports are some of the activities that families can enjoy during summer vacation.
Choose safe locations for your vacation. Be aware of local customs, and laws. Choose hotels or homestays with good reviews and proper security measures. Carry mobile phones, emergency contact information, and maps for easy communication. Also, don’t forget to pack necessary medications, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated.