Does your family vacation always involve the same things? Perhaps every year you spend a week lounging on a beach, riding rollercoasters at theme parks, or wandering aimlessly round a different city. Why not shake things up in 2026?
Trying something different can bring fresh excitement to your repetitive family holiday, and will ensure you and your loved ones enjoy new experiences and come home with some unforgettable memories. If you’re ready to step out of the ordinary, here are four unusual family holidays to consider this year.
Take a road trip
A family road trip is unique in that the focus is on the journey itself not the destination. Instead of rushing from one place to another or sleeping for the entire plane ride, you can actually plan a route that is the highlight of the trip. Your road trip can take whatever form you like. Maybe you want to experience some beautiful landscapes and national parks, or maybe you prefer sites of historic interest. The choice is yours.
Consider renting an RV for extra comfort and staying at RV parks or campgrounds along the way for family-friendly fun and cost savings compared to a hotel room. You have the freedom and flexibility to change plans and make your own adventure.
Hike a long distance trail
Long distance hiking and children don’t tend to go hand in hand, but it can be the perfect adventure for a family. You don’t have to hike an entire country or scale the side of a mountain, but there are plenty of trails that can be divided into manageable sections that are great for a week-long vacation. Choose a scenic walking route with stunning views but terrain that is achievable for your family’s fitness and experience. It’s a surefire way to bond with your loved ones and the shared sense of accomplishment at the end will make it especially rewarding.
Go camping
Why not forgo the four-star hotel room for a night in a tent under the stars? Camping by a lake, in a forest or even in the desert is a liberating experience and one that can allow families to slow down and reconnect with each other. Put the screens away and spend your time exploring nature, stargazing, and cooking meals over the fire. It’s an incredibly affordable holiday and is the perfect way to reset and get away from the stresses of modern life. You’ll return home feeling recharged and peaceful.
Have a volunteer vacation
Another unusual option is a holiday spent giving something back. There are several organisations that welcome families looking to help with conservation projects, beach cleanups, or community building initiatives. It’s worlds apart from a typical vacation, but you’ll find huge reward in working together for a meaningful cause. You can certainly fit in some downtime after the project ends, and you’ll go away with strengthened family bonds and a deep sense of purpose.
Which one of these unusual family holidays are you going to try? Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.
