When most people think of adventure travel, they only think of two types. Thrill seeking, adrenaline junkie, and extreme sports adventure. Or the physical; white-water rafting, hiking, biking for days adventure. But there is one more. Adventure for the Senses. Where are you going to excite your senses? Your sense of touch? Smell? Taste? The sights you take in or changing the way you think? All of these things should be something you consider when planning every family vacation you take. Today, I am sharing some of those family vacation ideas that will excite your senses. These are the adventures you have only been dreaming about until now.

Adventures for the Senses: A Family Vacation Idea

What is this adventure travel of the senses I talk about? These are multi-sensory experiences that wake up all of our senses when we are traveling. They bring new meaning to the way we think about other cultures.

Sensory travel allows us to try things. Whether that is learning to cook new foods in another country. Taking a dance class. Discovering centuries old castles and vineyards. Or learning more about the world in which we live.

This style of travel is all about authentic experiences. Where you will learn more, not just about the world, but about yourself.

I will personalize a family friendly itinerary that will include the adventures for the senses everyone will love.

I recommend imagining taking your children beyond the pages of their textbooks in school and bringing them right to where history was made.

The Wildlife in Masai Mara

One of the adventures for the senses I have indulged in that stands out the most to me is my time in Masai Mara. I sat in a safari vehicle with my children.

I remember the delight I felt when seeing the lions up close. So close in fact that if I got out of the vehicle, I could touch them. (Not recommended, because travel insurance would be voided.)

We had a first-row seat to the circle of life in the beginning from two lions who were in love. The amazement of when a water buffalo began charging our vehicle. All because she thought we were getting too close to her newborn calf.

And the excitement and humor of watching a cheetah being chased by a troop of chimpanzees. I had no idea that they were the ones in charge.

River Cruise on the Rhine

Another amazing adventure for the senses trip for me was a river cruise. I sailed on the Rhine River.

During this river cruise, you sail in an area called the Rhine Gorge. Entering the Rhine Gorge is like entering a fairy tale with centuries old castles and fortresses. The stories told are filled with enchantment, desire, romance and courage.

Visually you don’t know where to look next. Thankfully, as we were sailing through, our cruise director read a narrative of what we were seeing. As well as some history of each castle.

Certainly, an adventure for the senses here.

Family Vacation in Italy

Italy was a wonderful place to experience as a family. On our first full day touring, we had the pleasure of experiencing a traditional Sunday family meal.

The family we visited had a piece of property that included the following:

• Grape Vines: The family use these to make their own wine.
• Small Meat Cellar: This area is used to cure the meats that were served during meals.
• Small Garden: The family grows their own vegetables.
• Cows, Goats, and Chickens

As we sat around the table, 20 of us in total, we all shared stories of our own families. The meal was 8 courses of deliciousness and kept us with this family for 4 ½ hours.

By the end of the meal, the couples’ young daughter had warmed up to us all. The family dog was enjoying all the attention he was getting. And we left feeling like we had new friends.

Meals like these show us that we are not really all that different from each other. They also built a bridge that allows us to connect with one another for what could be a lifelong friendship.

If you have never had this experience while traveling with family, I recommend you rectify that quickly. There are so many opportunities to mingle with the locals while taking a vacation with the kids.

Consider these scenic European river cruises for your next family vacation. 

More Adventures for the Senses in Peru

There are so many other adventures for the senses throughout the world. One of those destinations is Machu Picchu in Peru. The view of this historic site is amazing. But many are surprised by the flora and fauna seen there, including the Winay Wayne Orchid.

Winay Wayna means “forever young” in Quechua. Its essence is actually said to preserve youth and vitality. Even with Machu Picchu calling you in the distance, you will likely stop once you spot this beauty with its thin white and fuchsia blooms.

The Tastes of Argentina

To really get your senses tingling, take a visit to Argentina. The sights of the architecture. The sounds of the Tango. And the smells of the food in this city are unforgettable.

The food, oh the food… Their pasta is amazing with so many options to choose from. And don’t forget Argentina is famous for its beef.

Did I mention sweets? Your sweet tooth will love all the desserts during a family vacation in Budapest. Dulce de Leche is in everything. Cookies, cakes, and pastries just to name a few.

Check out these amazing winter destinations in Argentina! 

The Ultimate Adventure for the Senses in Budapest

Finally let me tell you about Budapest. Your five senses will love all the adventures during a family vacation in Budapest.

Budapest is named Europe’s most beautiful city. Here you will find sculptures, gardens, and the historic castle district. All set against the Danube River.

Music lovers will love the musical options here. You can listen to folk, jazz, rock, and classical music in Budapest. If you a classical music or opera fan, plan on visiting during the Budapest Spring Festival.

The smell of coffee is everywhere here nowadays. But it wasn’t always like that. Budapest’s coffee houses were believed to serve as meeting places for underground criminal activity back in the late 1950s. So, during Communist rule, the coffee houses were closed.

Thankfully things changed. And we can all enjoy a good cup of coffee in coffee houses like the old Ruszwurm, built in 1827. Or at the upscale Zsolnay Café, which the locals describe as snooty.

Who would have thought of coffee as taboo at any time?!

There are so many destinations around the world that will inspire your version of adventure, regardless of what your definition of adventure is. Working together with you, as your travel professional, I will custom design a family friendly itinerary that will delight your sense of adventure. Plus, it will take your family beyond the pages of a textbook in a classroom and out in the world to experience it firsthand.

So, are you ready to head out on an adventure for the senses with your family?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and always receive the fascinating travel information I share.