The chance to experience new things is one of the main reasons parents enjoy traveling with kids. Nothing beats seeing little faces look upon new landscapes and cultural differences. All the better to ensure they grow up to be adaptive and accepting adults, right? Hence why many of us focus on trips which incorporate educational outings and a chance to get stuck into native wildlife.
The sad fact is, many of us opt for tourist-heavy choices here. Let’s be honest; visiting a zoo is the easiest way to see all animals in one place. And, kids always have a great day out here.
The trouble is that different countries have different rules about acceptable conditions. And, before your visit, you’ll have no real way to know how those animals are kept. As such, it’s all too easy to put money in the wrong place. Not to mention that your attempts to educate will backfire. Countries like China get a particularly bad reputation for things like tiger farms. Worst of all, these often pose as sanctuaries.
But, does that mean you can’t get to grips with nature when on vacation? Not at all. But, it is worth thinking about how you proceed here. There are some harmless and fantastic ways to get to grips with nature. And, we’re going to look at them here.
Safari
Safaris are, by far, one of the best ways to get to grips with wildlife when you go away. While many countries offer this option, you can’t beat an African safari. Of course, you’ll still want to do your research here to ensure there’s no foul play. For the most part, safari companies also put money towards conservation projects. What’s more, your kids get the chance to see animals in the wild this way. And, it doesn’t get much more educational than that.
A natural way to get up close and personal
Of course, we all love to get a little closer to the animals at times. Kids especially love the chance to swim with dolphins or hold a rabbit. But, again, many facilities which offer this option have questionable ethics. Instead, then, why not find new ways to get up close? Instead of swimming in the dolphin pool, you could book your kids in to swim with whale sharks. If they fancy cuddling something furry, why not take them to a baby sanctuary which puts proceeds towards release? These options may take a little searching, but they can be more rewarding than a manufactured experience.
Nothing more than an explore
And, of course, it’s worth noting that you could always just explore the country you visit. Nothing’s better for learning about a culture than walking around. And, if you go off the beaten track here, there’s every chance you’ll stumble across wildlife. Walk among the trees to see birds and monkeys. Head to the ocean and look out for any fish near the surface. It’s free, fun, and no animals are harmed in the process.
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