When traveling as a family, stepping away from traditional vacation spots can open up a world of new unforgettable experiences. While the beaches and resorts you’re used to may provide plenty of relaxation, unusual holidays – like eco-volunteering or stargazing – tend to offer a more unique blend of learning, adventure and bonding.

In this blog post, we explore some unconventional holiday options for 2025 that both kids.

Eco-volunteer expeditions

A volunteering experience is perfect for families who want to have fun while making a difference. These trips allow families to contribute to meaningful projects such as wildlife conservation, reforestation, or community development – a wonderful opportunity to both learn about important issues like sustainability and bond as a family.

For a local expedition, visit the Big Bear Valley in San Bernardino National Forest, Southern California. With its rare habitats and ecosystems, this beautiful area is a lovely place to learn about endemic wildlife and the importance of maintaining local landscapes. Plus, you can take a peak at a bald eagle’s nest with the use of a special camera.

Destinations such as Costa Rica or Kenya offer diverse opportunities to participate in sustainable initiatives while exploring breathtaking landscapes. Depending on the experience you choose, eco-volunteering may be physically exerting – so you’ll want to pick one that’s age-appropriate and will be enjoyable for your kids.

Stargazing retreats

For a truly celestial experience, consider a stargazing retreat. Head to a renowned dark-sky destination such as New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie or Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. Here, you’ll learn about constellations, planets, and meteor showers together as a family. Then, after a long day of exploration and discovery, you can kick back and relax under the shimmering night sky, in your cozy cabin or luxurious glamping pod.

Plus, when you’re not looking up at the sky, there’s plenty to see on the ground here, too. Hike or cycle across the Grand Canyon, or kayak in Aoraki Mackenzie for stunning up-close views of Lake Tekapo.

The Joshua Tree National Park is a magical place where two desert ecosystems collide, the Mojave and the Colorado. It’s the perfect place to discover wildlife and rare panoramic vistas in the daytime and be awe-struck by the endless dark sky and twinkling stars at night. Temperatures are most comfortable in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, and there are a generous 500 campsites to choose from – so a trip here is a great opportunity to really be at one with nature.

Festival-focused travel

Explore the world’s cultural diversity as a family by planning your holiday around vibrant local festivals. Head to India during Diwali, and experience the magic of the light festival’s fireworks and traditional dances. Or, experience one of Japan’s many cherry blossom festivals that take place from March through to May – they’re known for their stunning floral displays and traditional tea ceremonies.

Attending a festival offers an intimate glimpse into another country’s traditions and is an excellent way for families to learn about different cultures through firsthand experience.

Digital detox retreats

In an age dominated by screens, a digital detox retreat provides a refreshing escape from technology. Choose destinations like the remote forests of Finland or the serene beaches of Thailand, where activities are centered around nature, such as forest bathing, yoga, and meditation. You can even enjoy wide open spaces teeming with natural beauty a little closer to home – in Palm Springs, you can soak in a rejuvenating hot spring or hike to hidden waterfalls in Tahquitz Canyon.