Unexpected Kid-Friendly Destinations

Thinking of traveling internationally with your kids? See Bruce and Christine’s top 4 unexpected kid-friendly destinations.

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One of the beauties of travel is the unexpected. Southeast Asia is unchartered territory for most North American kids. But when Bruce Kirkby and Christine Pitkanen took their 2 sons, 7-year-old Bodi and 3-year-old Taj, on a 96-day trip halfway around the world, they knew it was a journey of a lifetime that would change them forever. Thinking of traveling internationally with your kids? See Bruce and Christine’s top 4 unexpected kid-friendly destinations.
Korea

Bruce Kirkby

Our boys loved the pervasive bright colors, K-pop fashion, cartoon characters and friendly people. The outdoor market in the Jung District of Busan sold Korean barbecue, which was a hit with the boys. They also loved the warm, sandy beaches and the cable car to Seoul Tower.

Related: See Bruce's pictures from the trip

Kathmandu, Nepal

Bruce Kirkby

With a multitude of temples, rickshaw rides, trinket shopping and plenty of tasty Western food, Durbar Square was an oasis for the kids amid disorienting Asia. The chocolate cake at Himalayan Java Coffee was a real winner.

Related: How you can help Nepal after the earthquake

Beijing

Bruce Kirkby

While the busy tourist spots tend to grind kids down, there is still plenty to do with the family, such as trying street tai chi and visiting the Great Wall, one of the Wonders of the World. Our boys enjoyed the crazy snacks found in local corner shops. The biggest hit of all was eating Peking duck at Quanjude Restaurant. 

Night Markets in New Delhi, India

Bruce Kirkby

Thanks to the henna tattoos, colorful toys, cotton candy and performers, our boys loved these lively markets. They also enjoyed learning to bargain — in a low-stakes arena at Dilli Haat market. They still have the keepsakes they bought on their bedside table at home.

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