This essay as told is based on a conversation with Karen EdwardsWHO blogs about his family’s travels around the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Since 2000, I have visited 93 countries and 57 of them with my four children, all under the age of 10.
I’m a nurse by training, but I’ve been travel blogging with my husband and kids since 2014. I cover many off-the-beaten-path destinations and write itineraries for the places I’ve been, explaining how they work. for families with children.
Many popular family destinations tend to be overcrowded. These are usually the ones that get the most media coverage or are featured in viral videos on social media. In America this would be places like Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, while for Europeans it could be some Spanish resort areas.
Although my family and I have visited these places, we have always come away disappointed. They often lack educational experiences and feel like useless business.
I think traveling to underrated places makes travel more exclusive and allows you to learn more about the cultures of the countries you visit – it also keeps you away from tourist traps.
We went on a safari in Tanzania
Our family visited Tanzania in 2019 in collaboration with a tourism brand. We stayed there for 12 days.
Our flights into the country were rather expensive; we paid about $9,000 for our family of four, including a few days’ stop in Zanzibar at the end of the trip. However, overall the whole trip didn’t cost us very much.
Edwards’ husband and son with a Tanzanian woman. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
We had some truly unique experiences in Tanzania. We went to Mto Wa Mbu village, which is under a banana plantation, and went on a safari in its Lake Manyara National Park.
Interestingly, Tanzania is one of the few places in the world where lions climb trees. I remember seeing them sitting in tall trees; it was quite unusual, but my children really enjoyed being close to the animals.
Edwards’ son watches an elephant on safari. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
Throughout our trip, we felt like we were experiencing life in Tanzania. Our campsite was located on the edge of a river, surrounded by nature. It was nice not to feel surrounded by tourists.
My children fell in love with the culture of Abu Dhabi
Many people mistakenly believe that Dubai is a country, but in reality, it is a city in the United Arab Emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital.
My family and I moved to Abu Dhabi in 2021 and lived there for 18 months. The city has many similarities to glitzy and glamorous Dubai, but you get a more down-to-earth experience.
There are amazing festivals in Abu Dhabi where they display their culture in different formats, be it local cuisine or handicrafts. It seems authentic because it is usually mainly locals who participate and organize them.
Edwards’ children in Al Ain. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
The city is located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, one of the highest mountains in the region. On the way up, you’ll see many ancient artifacts, such as beehive-shaped huts, that have been there for thousands of years. At the top you can admire incredible sunsets.
The city also has the Al Ain Oasis, which uses an ancient irrigation system. There are beautiful cobblestone walkways that look like cobblestone streets.
My children loved Abu Dhabi and constantly ask me to go back: they really loved all the cultural celebrations.
We love Sri Lanka so much, we are building a villa there
In 2022, my family and I moved from Abu Dhabi to Sri Lanka. We thought we would spend more family time here and that it would be an affordable place to live.
We are building a family villa here which should be completed by August. The area we are building in has lots of cool cafes, bars and restaurants nearby.
The Edwards family at Galle Fort in Sri Lanka. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
Overall, Sri Lanka is an amazing country that offers many diverse experiences. There are tea plantations, mountains and beaches. As for wildlife, their national parks are teeming with elephants and leopards.
On one occasion we took a boat safari to a remote national park where we watched elephants swim across a lake and onto a small island. It was incredible.
Edwards’ daughter and son on a beach in Sri Lanka. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
Sri Lanka’s beaches are pristine. They have beautiful scenery with swaying coconut trees, clear water and perfect waves. Our favorite is Kabalana Beach.
Because we are always at the beach, my children have learned to surf. I think it’s the most fun thing we do on the weekend as a family.
The ski resorts and spas are incredible in Andorra
We visited Andorra in 2018 for about six days. It is a small country nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain. It’s a two-hour drive from Barcelona and three hours from Toulouse, France.
The city has a unique fusion of cultures, although I think Catalan is the strongest influence. During our trip, my family and I visited many ancient churches.
Edwards, with her husband and daughter, at a ski resort. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
We also went to some amazing spas and resorts in Andorra. The hotel and the ski system there are really family-friendly.
During our visit to Grandvalira ski resort, my daughter learned to ski and my husband learned to snowboard. The resort has a kindergarten at the foot of the mountain, where children can play or ski.
A spa in Andorra. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
Andorra also has incredible family-friendly spa facilities suitable for different age groups.
Our trip was in collaboration with the Andorra tourist office, but I feel like it wasn’t too expensive compared to other places in the world.
I was treated like family in Macedonia
Macedonia is a Balkan country located just north of Greece. I haven’t been there with kids, but I would have no problem taking my kids there.
There are lots of beautiful little villages and it’s also ideal for skiing.
The country is also home to one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, Lake Orchid, which borders Albania. There is this beautiful little village by the lake which has a lovely restaurant and a nice atmosphere to relax and enjoy some good food.
An old church in Macedonia. Courtesy of Karen Edwards
I visited the country in 2008 and again in 2012 with my then-boyfriend and now-husband.
The first time I went there, I went with two girlfriends and we were backpackers. We arrived in the middle of the night by bus and had no idea what we were doing. The bus driver just made a call and a stranger came to pick us up in his car. I thought I was going to die.
The opposite happened. He took us back to his house with his family and we stayed there with them for a few days. We ended up extending the trip because he and his family were truly amazing.
They didn’t speak a word of English and we didn’t speak a word of their language either. We would just gesture to each other and they would give us food and red wine.
I just totally fell in love with them and their country.
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