In short
There is no age that is "too early" to travel, but the right destination changes with your children's age. Under 6, favour short stages, animals and water; from 6 to 12, Quebec or the American West work very well; teenagers tend to love Japan.
- Under 6Short stages, easy nature
- Ages 6 to 12Animals, parks and big landscapes
- TeenagersCities, culture, theme parks
- Suggested length12 to 13 nights for our family trips
What age can children start long-haul travel?
Parents ask this constantly, and the answer depends less on age than on the pace of the trip. A four-year-old can enjoy a self-drive holiday as long as the daily drives stay short and every day holds a moment just for them: feeding animals, swimming, splashing in water. Conversely, a long-distance tour packed with museum visits tires teenagers too.
Three criteria help you choose: the length of daily journeys, activities designed for children, and the freedom to change the programme. That is the point of tailor-made travel: every itinerary is a starting point, adapted to your family. You can also browse our family holidays for inspiration.
Which destination should you choose for your children's age?
Here is how we think about it, based on three trips designed for families. For the youngest, the self-drive in Quebec offers nature stops: Omega Park, where you feed deer from the car, a whale-watching cruise from Tadoussac, or a day on the slides at Village Vacances Valcartier. The rental car also lets you set your own hours, which matters when naps are involved.
For children aged 6 to 12, the American West as a family fires the imagination: film sets at Universal Studios, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, then Yosemite. For teenagers, Japan as a family combines a Tokyo visit with activities for children and teens, a traditional house in Kyoto and a day at Universal Studios Japan.
| Children's age | What matters | Suitable trip |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | Short drives, animals, water | Quebec self-drive (12 nights) |
| Ages 6 to 12 | Adventure, big scenery, parks | The American West as a family (13 nights) |
| Teenagers | Culture, cities, unique experiences | Japan as a family (13 nights) |
How do you pick the right season with children?
Dates are usually set by school holidays first, but the season matters as much as the destination. According to our trip pages, Quebec is generally best from May to October, the American West from April to October, and Japan mostly from March to May and in October-November. These periods correspond to milder climates and better conditions for outdoor activities.
If your children are in school, your own holiday zone may weigh on the choice. Do tell us: we adjust the calendar and the stops accordingly.
Our experts' tip
Build in a free day every three or four days: it absorbs jet lag, the odd bout of tiredness and children's unexpected wishes.
Which family trips do we offer?
Here are three tours designed for families. Each can be adjusted to your children's ages, your dates and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best age for a first long-haul family trip?
There is no single ideal age. From primary school, children generally enjoy visits more; with younger ones, choose short stages and playful activities.
Is a self-drive suitable for young children?
Often yes, because it lets you choose your hours and breaks. The daily drive is the thing to watch, and we help you balance it.
Can a family trip be adapted to our situation?
Yes, every itinerary is a starting point that we adapt to your dates, your children's ages and your wishes.
Your family trip, tailor-made
Tell us your children's ages and your dates: our team replies with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.