Engendering Adventure

Despite whoever is in the White House, there are plenty of examples worldwide of countries with strong female leaders — and many of them offer unforgettable adventures for daughters and sons alike.

Earlier this year, then 37-year-old, unmarried Jacinda Ardern grabbed headlines as the first elected leader to take maternity leave. New Zealand’s third female prime minister gave birth while in office, and the country — and the world — was instantly baby agog. With plenty of family-friendly activities, becoming an honorary Kiwi is easy. New Zealand’s wildlife delights the senses and there’s swimming with dolphins, and penguins and the white kiwi bird at animal parks and zoos. Miles of sandy beaches and cycling tracks are free, along with immersive Maori experiences.

Germany

If castle-strewn Germany is the stuff of a Cinderella dream, then chancellor Angela Merkel is one of the more modern and strong-willed Disney princesses. Bavaria, in particular, is great for families, with Neuschwanstein just a couple hours’ drive outside of walkable Munich. From there, the so-called Romantic Road beckons, or try train travel for less white-knuckle driving. Medieval Rothenburg ob dur Tauber in particular transports kids back centuries with its cobbled streets, wood-timbered houses and fun teddy bear souvenir shops.

Iceland

Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir considers herself an environmentalist, and anyone who’s trekked here will understand why: rolling green pastures, geysers, pristine waterfalls and wildlife-like puffins are all beautiful and intriguing. This island nation is easy to get to with direct flights from the East Coast just less than five hours — but a world away. Discover the land of Viking lore, where trolls are still part of the culture, fully grown horses that look like ponies and a volcanic landscape that includes lots of splishing and splashing at the Blue Lagoon.

United Kingdom

From Big Ben to the London Eye, the United Kingdom’s got family travel in spades. While the currency exchange may not be as family-friendly as electing Theresa May Prime Minister, the quintessential family holiday in Europe has something for everyone. London’s calling is strong: The land of Harry Potter and Paddington Bear, the Beatles, West End theater, the Tower Bridge and Kensington Palace all beckon.

Croatia

While Game of Thrones may not be appropriate for any child below high school age,  Dubrovnik certainly appeals to all-ages — and way beyond. As Croatia’s fourth president since multiparty elections started in 1990, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is helping lead the charge for some family-friendly policies that include generous support for new mothers (the most number of days off in Europe, at a whopping 406 days). On your days off with the kids, splendor both inland and on the coast awaits. Besides Roman ruins, delicious and affordable cuisine, local wines and gorgeous scenery, capital Zagreb is small, safe and digestible for families.

Norway

Experience the great outdoors in Norway, where camping, beaching and a day at the farm (or more) are all de rigueur for local families. Norwegians — like prime minister Erna Solberg — are such proponents of getting out into the countryside, whether it’s manor houses, rustic lodges or even the lavvos of the native Sami peoples, via HANEN, an organization that promotes local food, community service and family activities that commune with nature in peaceful settings.