Surely for many parents, the beginning of the new year has been a good time to make a list of wishes and plans for 2019. If that list included taking a trip with your children, then what comes next will interest you. Because? Because at Ser Padres we have made a selection of some of the destinations you could travel to throughout the year with your little ones to live an authentic experience away from home and with your family.
An experience with which, in addition to knowing and showing your little ones other ways of living and other cultures, you will surely be able to disconnect from real life for a few days in destinations where, for example, you can combine cultural plans with fun or beach moments. Plans and moments that you can do whether you decide to visit a nearby country or if you choose to undertake a trip to more distant places.
Whatever your decision, there is no doubt that this trip will provide great memories that will remain forever engraved in the children's minds.
To help you make this trip comfortable for you and the little ones, in addition to being a beautiful experience, we have included in our selection the recommendations of Viajes Pangea, a travel agency specialized in tailor-made trips, as well as Rumbo, the online travel agency that is part of the lastminute.com group.
Furthermore, to avoid some of the typical mistakes that are made when traveling with children, the Ser Padres team has spoken with Vanesa Gómez, founder of the website ExprimeViajesyDormirConChollo, who, in addition to being a tireless traveler, is the mother of two children with whom she has traveled to multiple corners of the planet.
Among the recommendations he has made to us are "not carrying the house on your back like luggage" and not assuming that children can only go to destinations where they find hotel complexes with swimming pools. Mistake! According to his experience, little ones can visit destinations where they can see things. Of course, when planning the trip, his recommendation is that we try to make each one an adventure for them, and that before starting, they know more or less what they are going to discover. "They will take it as a game and they will enjoy it a lot (in addition to learning a lot)," he says.
That's why remember what we shouldn't put in the suitcase and we always pack (the classics just in case...). Vanesa Gómez explains to us that "generally, you pack your suitcase for a week's vacation as if you were going to be away for a month, everything in duplicate or triplicate, “just in case”. What works for me is to calculate the clothes we are going to need in a week, and not bring anything else. I apply this to trips of 15 days, 1 month, 3 months or 1 year. It is very rare that in the destination we are going to we do not have the option of washing clothes." concludes.
Vacations with children: Costa Rica
This country is one of the favorites of Spaniards to take children on its own merits. It is one of the safest countries in Latin America. There we can discover Tortuguero, whose beaches are home to hundreds of animal species that travel halfway around the world to get there. There are few things more exciting than silently waiting at night for the arrival of the large green turtles to watch them lay their eggs. And for those who are not into animals, you can rent a car and go out to discover the disturbing Arenal volcano or the Río Celeste, which changes color at the whim of nature. It is important to make sure you have a GPS so you don't get lost. It would be a shame not to get to Playa Guiones or the surfing paradise of Tamarindo.
Holidays with children: United States
Especially the east coast of the United States is the favorite destination to take children. Cities like Washington DC or New York, which have absolutely everything you can imagine: skyscrapers that touch the sky, huge parks like Central Park, mythical settings that we have seen in a thousand and one movies, etc. In addition, visits to New York are generally combined with a visit to Florida, and more specifically, to Orlando, where DisneyWorld, the large amusement park of the famous Mickey Mouse company, is located. A real delight for the little ones.
Holidays with children: Maldives
Probably the simplest and most correct way to define the Maldives is to say that it is a paradise on earth. And most importantly, kids love it. You have to let yourself be enveloped by the blue of the sky, by the soft breeze and the turquoise of its warm waters. In this country there are no monuments or exhausting tours, but its infinite sandy beaches make up for everything. This is paradise for lovers of the seabed, where thanks to its 27 degree waters you can dive and observe tropical fish. The little ones will not have seen anything like it.
Holidays with children: Canada
European flavor with pure American essence. This is how you could define Canada, a country with multiple natural tourist resources, where you can enjoy maples and beavers or get soaked while watching Niagara Falls. This visual spectacle will continue through the Saint Lawrence River and its Thousand Islands archipelago, a fairy-tale setting with castles sprouting from the water. Furthermore, for the most urbanites, it is ideal to explore its cities - more specifically Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec and Montreal -, so cosmopolitan and so different from each other at the same time.
Vacations with children: Cuba
After the North American country, elCaribese positions itself as the most popular destination for family travel, and more specifically, Cuba. This small island has everything you can think of to please the little ones in the house. You can enjoy Old Havana and its charming people or get lost in the endless beaches of Varadero. Children will be left with their mouths open watching huge cars from the 50s pass by, which it seems incredible that they still work, or the colonial buildings, dilapidated and on the verge of collapse. And for the most adventurous, the sensation of swimming among corals and dolphins is indescribable.
Holidays with children: Thailand
This Asian country has become very famous in recent years thanks to its low prices in both accommodation and gastronomy. Thailand is a place where you can ride a tuk tuk, bicycle and even by boat. It is fascinating to travel by train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, where you encounter the two great cultures of the country. And for beach lovers, Koh Samed is a perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Holidays with children: Japan
The country of the rising sun has increased its popularity abysmally in recent years. And the truth is that Japan is a country that surprises children and adults alike at every corner. Especially impressive for the little ones is the visit to the Arashiyama forest, on the outskirts of Kyoto, where you can see hundreds of bamboos, which are quite a spectacle. In the same way, the Buddha of the small town of Nara, the largest in Japan, will delight the little ones; and they will also be able to feed the deer in the park where it is located. To top it all off, video game and manga lovers will have their own mecca in Tokyo, and more specifically in the Akihabara district.
Vacations with children: Caribbean cruise
The top 10 is completed by one of the classics par excellence, cruises, but in this case instead of being through the Mediterranean, it is through the Caribbean. These types of trips are ideal for the little ones, where they can enjoy a dip in the pool, magic games or musical shows on board. Likewise, they can visit several countries such as Cuba, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico and get to know part of the Caribbean culture, so different and so close at the same time.
Vacations with children: Riviera Maya
The idyllic tropical beaches of Riviera Maya are famous throughout the world for their crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. The explosion of sensations when you see yourself in a hammock enjoying a sunny Mexican day is indescribable. But its wealth does not only reside in its beaches; its ruins and pyramids with thousands of years of history are quite a spectacle, like the ruins of Chichen Itzá. This archaeological area was an ancient city and cultural center of the Mayan civilization and is visited every year by millions of people attracted by mystery and curiosity.
Holidays with children: Tanzania
In third place is Tanzania. Safaris have become quite popular in a few years now, and it is increasingly common for adults to take their children so they can enjoy nature in its purest form. From Manyara, a paradise of colorful birds and monkeys, through the Serengeti and its million wildebeests, to Ngorongoro and the Big Five, there will not be a free second to stop taking photographs. In addition, the kids will have a wonderful time spotting animals with their binoculars and meeting indigenous tribes that will give them another point of view on life. Of course, never forget sunscreen.
Holidays with children: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a destination that many remember for being the setting for the most successful epic on television. But the truth is that this walled city is one of the sun and beach destinations preferred by Spaniards looking for options in the Mediterranean with children. With the end of 'Game of Thrones' in 2019, those nostalgic people who refuse to let the series die and tourists looking to enjoy nature will coincide in this Croatian enclave. There is Dubrovnik for everyone. Anyone who has not visited this city should write it down in their agenda, as it is one of those places that leave a mark on the heart.
Holidays with children: Reykjavík, Iceland
The land of ice and fire is more fashionable than ever. And in 2019, it is expected that more people will be interested in searching for information about this destination, according to Rumbo.es estimates. The starting point for this adventure is the Icelandic capital. This city, no matter how small it may be, has corners that leave its visitors perplexed. Lake Tjörn, in the historic center, is an example of this, or the picturesque Port of Reykjavík, where you can start an excursion that includes whale watching. Guaranteed success when children accompany us!
Holidays with children: Tel Aviv, Israel
When May arrives, Tel Aviv will be the name that will be heard the most in that month. This historic city in Israel will host the Eurovision Song Contest, an event that Israelis are taking very seriously and with a lot of passion, and in Spain it usually has many fans among children. The semi-finals and finals will be in May, but the city will be partying all year round. In short: the best time to visit Tel Aviv is 2019.
Holidays with children: Venice, Italy
The eternal city of canals. There is no one who has not dreamed of taking a gondola ride and getting lost in the middle of its monumental heritage. Its peculiar charm will continue to fascinate tourists and will take it from 78th to 37th place in the 2019 flight search ranking, as predicted by Rumbo.es. Like every year, the carnivals (which take place during February) will open the door to joy, while the Biennale di Venezia, held from spring to autumn, will bring the most impressive art exhibitions on the planet. Passionate about the seventh art? The International Film Festival is the perfect excuse to go to this city in summer. There are plans for all tastes, including those of the little ones in the house.
Holidays with children: Marrakech, Morocco
A whole world to discover in the north of Morocco. Marrakech is a land of contrasts where ancient art can coexist in harmony with current proposals such as MORE Marrakesh, an African alternative music festival (February 22-24). Sports also have a place in this city, since in October it will be the first city in the Maghreb to host the Ironman 70.3. On your marks, ready… Go!
Holidays with children: Istanbul, Turkey
The historical and cultural center of Türkiye wants to regain its power as a favorite destination. And it is achieving it! The Rumbo.es ranking positions it as one of the destinations that will surely be positioned among the favorites of 2019. This transcontinental city is being reborn like the Phoenix. Very recently, it has inaugurated its new airport, one of the most impressive in the world. And in the coming months, the construction of the Çamlica Tower, the tallest structure in Istanbul (145 meters), will be completed, with a restaurant with local delicacies and a viewing platform with the best views of ancient Constantinople that will leave you and your little ones speechless.
Holidays with children: Berlin, Germany
In 2019, the German capital will remember one of the most crucial moments in its history: 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Thousands of tourists are expected to travel so as not to miss any of the events that will celebrate the day the world came back together. Museums, universities, squares, parks, galleries, venues and, of course, the Brandenburg Gate, will be the enclaves that will honor this episode. Can you think of a better history lesson for your little ones?
The Best Building Block Sets for Creative Kids and Adult Collectors
Building block toys continue to dominate the world of creative play, STEM learning, and collectible model building. Whether you enjoy detailed racing replicas, advanced engineering kits, or imaginative fantasy worlds, modern brick sets offer something for every age group. Enthusiasts looking for premium collections often start with the best-selling building block sets, where the most popular models showcase impressive craftsmanship and display value.
Explore Racing Cars, Supercars, and Vehicle Models
Car enthusiasts can discover stunning replicas inside the Miniso F1 collection, the high-speed supercars and racing cars collection, and detailed classic car building sets. Fans of realistic mechanics will also appreciate advanced technic models, premium technic building sets, and educational mechanical engineering sets.
Collectors who enjoy motorcycles and industrial vehicles can explore the motorcycle and bike sets alongside massive truck and construction vehicle sets. For interactive play, remote-controlled fans can browse both the remote control collection and the exciting remote control building sets.
Architecture, Ships, and Space Collections
Architectural enthusiasts often enjoy the elegant skyline designs from the modern skyscraper series and culturally inspired Chinese architecture sets. Builders who prefer compact creations can discover detailed micro block models perfect for desks and display shelves.
Nautical collectors can build historic vessels from the boats and ships collection, legendary pirate ship sets, and highly detailed Titanic model kits. Aviation fans can assemble realistic aircraft from the aircraft and jet collection, while science fiction lovers may prefer futuristic space station building sets.
Fantasy Worlds, Pop Culture, and Adult Building Sets
Creative builders searching for immersive display models should explore premium building sets for adults. Fantasy fans can recreate medieval adventures using the castle collection, while anime and entertainment lovers can enjoy themed cartoon and pop culture sets.
Urban enthusiasts can also discover stylish city-inspired models inside the Japanese street collection and premium licensed car building sets. Students and curious minds can further develop STEM skills with interactive science educational building sets.
Helpful Guides and Building Block Resources
Collectors frequently search for expert guides before purchasing new sets. Popular resources include advice on when Rivendell may retire, tutorials explaining how to change characters in Marvel Superheroes, and insights into how much the first LEGO set is worth.
Gamers and collectors can also learn whether LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga supports crossplay, discover how many villagers you can have in Fortnite, and understand how much insider points are worth.
Parents can also find family-friendly recommendations such as the best outdoor toys for 3 to 4 year olds, the best outdoor toys for 6 year olds, and pet-related guides covering the best toys for dogs with high prey drive and the best harnesses for poodles.
From advanced engineering models to collectible ships and fantasy castles, modern building block sets combine entertainment, creativity, and education into one rewarding hobby enjoyed by both children and adults worldwide.
