Family vacations can be a fun adventure, allowing you to create lifelong memories with your children. However, there are many destinations that are too challenging and dangerous for children to visit. Despite the fascinating beauty and thrill that some of these places offer, they also feature certain places that it would be best for you to avoid when touring these locations with your family. Below are some places you should avoid travelling to with children.
1. Death Valley National Park, USA
First on the list of places you should not visit with kids is Death Valley, which has a stunning landscape. This scorching hot desert in the United States can soar above 130°F (54°C) in the summer. Due to its extreme temperatures, there is a high risk of heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration and heatstroke. If you are interested in adding a national park to your bucket list for your family vacation, you can consider Yosemite or Yellowstone, both of which have milder climates.
2. Pamplona, Spain (During the Running of the Bulls)
If you are visiting Spain with your children, it would be best to avoid the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. This popular event, which involves people running through crowded streets alongside charging bulls, is very dangerous. This is not a place for a child, for even adults who have years of experience can get injured and must exercise caution. Instead of attending such a dangerous event, you can consider visiting Pamplona during its quieter festivals or experiencing Barcelona’s La Merce festival.
3. Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal/Tibet
Mount Everest attracts thousands of tourists for its amazing views, and the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp offers a sense of adventure. However, this location is not suitable for younger children due to several factors, including high altitude, unpredictable weather, and the strenuous nature of the trek. Instead of taking this risky trip, you can consider journeying to Banff National Park in Canada or the Swiss Alps, which have stunning views and kid-friendly hiking trails.
4. The Amazon Rainforest
Next on the list of places you should not visit with kids is the Amazon Rainforest, where several dangers are lingering. Taking your children here would put them at risk of getting attacked by venomous animals and tropical diseases, such as malaria. Although the forest is beautiful, it is also dense, and the location has a humid climate. A safer alternative would be the lush rainforest and wildlife in Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park.
5. North Sentinel Island, India
Another location you should avoid is North Sentinel Island in India. This region features an uncontacted Sentinelese tribe, making it off-limits to outsiders for ethical and safety reasons. According to research, the local population is typically hostile to visitors, which makes it dangerous. A safer alternative would be visiting areas like the Maori in New Zealand or the Inuit communities in Alaska, where the indigenous cultures are more welcoming.
6. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is a place you should not visit with kids. This location, known as the “Gateway to Hell,” is not a suitable location to take your child due to the extreme heat, volcanic activity, and toxic gases. This region is one of the hottest places on earth. You can opt for safer places that have equally striking landscapes, such as Iceland’s volcanic wonders or the Galapagos Islands.
7. Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular destination for family vacations, but not everywhere in Hawaii is safe for children. If you visit Hawaii, it would be best to avoid areas around the active Kilauea volcano. This volcano frequently erupts and lava flows, making areas around it dangerous and should be avoided for safety reasons. Instead, you can consider adding Maui to your bucket list, where you can explore kid-friendly beaches, the scenic Hana Highway, and the Haleakalā National Park.
