Traveling with my kids: 13 dream trips

The world is big and wonderful place, even though recent events in Japan have reminded me that the world can also sometimes be a very frightening place. I've done quite a bit of traveling already with my children, and at age 8 and 4 they are rather seasoned air-travelers, but there are many more trips I would love to take them on.

1. A real safari in Africa
Seeing real-life lions, rhinos, elephants and gazelles, while also getting a chance to visit Africa would be a dream come true for me and the kids. My own parents visited the nature reserves in Kenya and raved about their trip there, and I've heard good things about South Africa as well.

2. Disney World
It's a long way from British Columbia to Florida, but I would like to see Disney World and Epcot some time. Not to mention that I'd love to see Florida itself! Disneyland is closer to home of course, and we will probably end up there sooner or later. My husband and I went to Disneyland before we had kids, but I have a feeling the experience will be quite a lot more intense when we bring the kids!

3. Yellowstone
Yellowstone is another place my husband and I visited before we had kids, setting up our tent in the park and seeing a lot of the sights. It was an awesome trip, and considering our children love camping and hiking, I think we'll be good to go here maybe even next year.

4. Driving across Canada

I've never been farther east in Canada than Alberta (I know, shame on me!), and would love to take the kids on an extended road trip across this wonderful country. Better do it before the kids get so big they don't want to come! We have a huuuuge map of Canada on our kitchen wall (across from our huuuuge map of Sweden) and I figure it will inspire us to head out some time.

5. Island-hopping in Greece
Greece is one of those countries that has so much I want to experience and see and show my children: the culture, the mythology, the food, the beaches, the ancient literature, the Minoan palaces... I want to just take them over there and backpack around using the ferries for a few weeks. Though knowing me, I might just end up too comfy on a beach somewhere that I won't go any further...

6. Riding horses in Iceland
Our layover in Iceland in 2010 piqued my interest. Next time I want us to go there in summer, and ride some Icelandic ponies. (My past as a horse-crazy girl plays into this no doubt...) I'd also love to rent a car with the kids and go on a road-trip to the more remote parts of the country.

7. Bike riding in Ireland
My kids are pretty out-doorsy, and I think some gentle bike-riding around Ireland would be a really fun trip to do with them. They're also fascinated by castles, so we'd have to fit some of those in too! (And maybe a nice pub visit for parents...)

8. Hiking the Inca trail in Peru
Visiting this area would be an amazing experience, and I would love to go here with the kids. It's not the easiest trail to do, especially because of the altitude, but I think we could manage it when the kids are a little older.

9. Traveling through Australia
Oh yea, Down-Under beckons too. The reef, the beaches, Sydney, Uluru, the outback, the koalas, the kangaroos... I want the kids to see it all with me!

10. Visiting Egypt
Once upon a time when I was very young, I went to Egypt and visited Aswan, Cairo, the sphinx, the pyramids, the valley of the kings and even went on a Nile-cruise in a felucca. It was an amazing trip (in spite of a bout of heat stroke and stomach illness...). This is another place that I want my children to see and experience: so much ancient mythology and history and culture. And on top of that, there's the Red Sea. Definitely on my list of places to go!

11. Traveling in India
The mountains, the tigers, the elephants, the Taj Mahal, Goa, and not to forget the cuisine of India: this would make for a great adventure with the kids.

12. Southern France and Italy
I'm imagining that I'd like to do this with the children by traveling by train. Heading down to Provence from Paris first, visiting places like Antibes and Nice, Gras and St Paul de Vance. Then heading across the border into Italy, visiting Venice, Florence and Rome. Good pizza and pasta, good ice cream and so much to see and do (including both beaches and cultural sights): I think this would make a great family holiday.

13. Train travel in Japan
I'm writing this only a few days after the massive earthquake and devastating tsunami in Japan. Traveling there with my family right now doesn't feel like a likely option of course, but I'd love to take my kids there sometime. Traveling by train maybe? I'd love to experience this place up close and personal when times get better there, as they will once again.