Destinations for Animal Lovers

While your family travel bucket list may already be out of hand, here are a few more destinations to consider. Whether a family of certified animal lovers or a family looking for unique experiences and interactions with wildlife, these destinations offer prime opportunity.

Australia

Home to incredible species and unique wildlife, the Outback is a one-stop shop for interactive and off-the-beaten path animal experiences. The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Central Australia offers sunset tours where visitors meet a kangaroo family and hold a baby. Need a visual? Follow them @thekangaroosantuary or watch the Kangaroo Dundee documentary by BBC and National Geographic.

Australia is home to Koala bear habitats and the world-famous wallaby, the Quokka. Known to be photo-bombing, smiley critters, the Quokka is relegated mostly to Western Australia in small packs. Your kids may have already seen photos of these happy wallabies popping in group photos of locals and joining selfies with travelers.

Hawai’i

Between the idyllic landscape, weather and unending natural beauty, it’s no wonder Hawai’i is a haven for animals as well as humans. Cat-lovers, head to Lanai Cat Sanctuary visiting the more than 500 cats wandering through the sanctuary. Visitors come from all over to visit the land of cats. Dog lovers find refuge at Kauai Humane Society with adoptable pups, fun events and visits through Critter Camp and the Second Chance Rescue Program.

Elephant sanctuary © Lamberto Jesus Luque Perez | Dreamstime.com

Kenya

Wild game reserves, safaris and sanctuaries run through Kenya from top to bottom. Visitors explore the David Sheldrick Elephant and Rhino Orphanage, visiting orphaned elephants during feeding and mud bath time, or head to the Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya, for an up-close experience.

The Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Nairobi National Park, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Kakamega Forest National Reserve are just a few more of the many locations ideal for animal lovers.

Thailand

Elephants and monkeys take your Thailand trip to another level. Interact with monkeys at Prang Sam Yod, a former Buddhist temple now home to hundreds of human-friendly, but wild monkeys. Feed, ride and bathe elephants the green way with these ethical elephant experiences recommended by Thailand Tourism.