4 Destinations Your Family Never Wants to Visit Again

If you have children, then you’re probably planning to visit all those huge attractions. You know, those vacations that urge you to spend all your money while promoting unsavory practices and family fights. If you’d rather create a memorable trip, it’s time to start looking at some interesting alternatives.

Jam-Packed Theme Parks

Image via Flickr by meryddian

Universal Studios, Six Flags, Busch Gardens: there are so many theme parks that excite children. The lure of roller coasters, their favorite movie characters, and an overload of candy is almost too sweet to resist. However, these attractions are seriously overrated and overvalued. They cost way too much money, the lines are long, and there are better alternatives.

Why not try a Renaissance Faire? If your kids like seeing their favorite characters all dressed up, they’ll love dressing up themselves. Make a day of it, learn some history, and spend the day together. Out in the woods with all kinds of fantastical characters, you’ll have a marvelous time.

The Unhappiest Place on Earth

Image via Flickr by Padre Denny

Disney World and Disneyland deserve their own special distinctions. The allure is clear; Disney is a child’s paradise. However, it costs a ton to get there, just for the privilege of shaking Mickey Mouse’s hand. It’s been done to death and there are lots of other places out there, many of which offer even more enjoyment.

Why not try The Nintendo Amusement Park in New York City if the kids are eager for a big vacation? The joy of playing their favorite video games might make them even happier. However, carnivals and county or state fairs are even better. You’re supporting the local community, there are lots of exciting rides, and they cost exponentially less so the family can easily do lots more.

Adventures in Animal Cruelty

Image via Flickr by *clairity*

SeaWorld and similar animal attractions are big draws for kids. The problem is, they’re really no different from the other popular destinations. In many ways, they’re even worse. These places tend to invite lots of controversy and there are other ways to indulge in a love of animals.

Instead of heading to one of these places, think about visiting a local farm. There, the animals run free and happy, they’re well taken care of, and the kids get to learn about them as well. For something a little more exciting or exotic, visiting an animal sanctuary is a great idea. Ideally, it’s better if the kids have the opportunity to help animals.

Losing It in La-La Land

Image via Flickr by cletch

Because of Disneyland, Universal Studios, and destinations like Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, lots of children are eager to get to California, specifically Hollywood. If you don’t live close, it’s a huge trip, and those vacations are just as overdone. Is it really worth all the money?

If you want to take a family adventure, why not head to Amish country instead? The kids will learn useful information about self-sufficiency, growing and making their own food, and another culture. The trip’s more exciting than you might imagine and the kids will talk about it for years.

Don’t spend money doing the same old thing. Make your family vacations valuable and adventurous by thinking outside the box.