Introduction
Embarking on a new adventure as a family is a monumental decision, filled with exciting possibilities and practical considerations. For digital nomads, remote workers, and traveling families, the question of "where to next?" is more than just about picking a location—it’s about finding a place that feels like home, even if it's just for a few months. It's about safety, community, and having the right infrastructure to support a fulfilling, location-independent lifestyle.
Places to Stay for Families
This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey to discover the best places to stay for families, moving beyond simple lists to provide a deep, human-centered analysis of what makes a destination truly great for kids and parents alike.
We’ll explore the key factors that define a family-friendly location, from safety and healthcare to education and community. Then, we’ll dive into some of the world’s most sought-after cities and regions, offering a detailed breakdown of what to expect in each one. Our goal is to empower you with the insights you need to make an informed choice for your family's next big adventure.
What Makes a Place Truly Family-Friendly?
Finding the perfect family destination goes beyond a simple search. It’s about safety, amenities, community, and the overall quality of life. The ideal spot allows children to thrive and parents to work efficiently and enjoy their time. This section breaks down the essential criteria every family should consider before making a move.
Safety & Healthcare
Prioritizing a destination with a low crime rate and access to quality healthcare is non-negotiable for families. While travel can be an incredible learning experience, a sense of security is foundational for peace of mind.
- Low crime statistics and safe neighborhoods: Look for cities with a reputation for being safe, especially in residential areas and public spaces.
- Availability of modern medical facilities and hospitals: Research the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. Knowing you have reliable options in case of an emergency is vital.
- Access to emergency services: Check that the local emergency services are reliable and that you have a clear understanding of how to access them.
- Travel Insurance: A good travel insurance plan is a must. Services like SafetyWing are designed specifically for the needs of digital nomads and remote workers, offering flexible coverage that can be tailored for families.
Accommodation & Amenities
The right living space can make or break your experience, offering the comfort and convenience a family needs for a long-term stay. Hotels can feel cramped over time, which is why many families opt for short-term rentals.
- Availability of spacious vacation rentals and apartments: Finding a rental that offers multiple bedrooms, a separate living area, and dedicated workspaces is key.
- Amenities like kitchens, laundry, and outdoor play areas: Having a full kitchen allows you to save money on food and prepare healthier meals. In-unit laundry is a game-changer for traveling with kids.
- Proximity to parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly attractions: Being within walking distance of green spaces and activities makes daily life significantly easier and more enjoyable.
Community & Education
The ability to connect with other families and ensure your children's education is an important part of settling in. These social and educational ties can make a temporary stay feel like a real home.
- Active local and expat family communities: Look for online groups or local meetups where you can connect with other families who have similar interests or are in a similar situation.
- Access to international or local schools: For longer stays, research the quality of international schools or investigate homeschooling communities and co-ops. For more information on this, check out our guide on Homeschooling While Traveling.
- Co-working spaces with family-friendly facilities: While less common, some co-working spaces offer child-friendly areas or even on-site childcare, allowing parents to be productive while their kids are engaged.
7 Top Cities & Regions for Digital Nomad Families
From vibrant European capitals to laid-back coastal towns, these seven locations have earned their reputation as top spots for families looking to travel and live abroad. Each offers a unique blend of culture, convenience, and community.
Barcelona, Spain
A city that perfectly blends a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle with a vibrant cultural scene. Its blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes it an appealing choice for families. It’s a city where children are genuinely welcome, and public spaces are designed for everyone to enjoy.
- Family-friendly neighborhoods (Eixample, Gràcia): These central, safe, and family-oriented districts are close to schools, parks, and playgrounds.
- Attractions like Park Güell and Barcelona Zoo: Barcelona is packed with activities for children, from the whimsical mosaics of Park Güell to the interactive exhibits at the CosmoCaixa science museum.
- Great beaches and outdoor activities: With beaches like Barceloneta and Nova Icaria, families can easily enjoy sun, sand, and sea.
Lisbon, Portugal
Known for its affordability, sunshine, and a booming digital nomad scene, Lisbon has quickly become one of Europe's hippest cities. Its compact size and excellent public transport make it easy to navigate with children.
- Affordable accommodation: In comparison to other Western European capitals, the price of accommodation in Lisbon is quite affordable, offering more space for your money.
- Riverside and coastal activities: Lisbon’s coastal location means families can easily visit nearby beaches like Cascais or Costa da Caparica for a day trip.
- Family-friendly districts (Parque das Nações, Estrela): These areas are known for being spacious, green, and close to amenities that cater to families. For more on the logistics of living abroad, check out Nomadlives guide to digital nomad visas.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a city that celebrates the great outdoors. With over 400 parks and a world-famous harbor, it’s not difficult to see why it’s one of the top cities for family vacation rentals and relocations in the world.
- Emphasis on outdoor living: Sydney offers an endless supply of beaches, parks, and outdoor spaces.
- Excellent public transport: The city's transport system makes it easy to get around without a car.
- Global community: Sydney has a diverse, multicultural population, making it easy to integrate and find communities from all over the world.
Vancouver, Canada
Regularly ranked as one of the most family-friendly cities in North America, Vancouver is a nature-lover’s paradise. It offers an incredible blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, with mountains, forests, and beaches all within easy reach.
- Surrounded by natural beauty: The ability to go hiking in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon is a major draw.
- Safe and clean neighborhoods: Neighborhoods such as Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant are highly sought after by families for their safety and community feel.
- Emphasis on a healthy lifestyle: The city's focus on outdoor activities and healthy living aligns perfectly with family values.
Kyoto, Japan
If you are searching for a family-friendly destination rich in culture, tradition, and history, look no further than Kyoto. This city has a much slower, more peaceful pace compared to Tokyo, making it suitable for those with children.
- Rich cultural heritage: From ancient temples to traditional gardens, Kyoto offers a unique and educational experience for children.
- Efficient public transport: Japan's public transport system is known for its efficiency, making it easy to navigate the city and take day trips.
- Safety and cleanliness: Japan is renowned for its low crime rates and impeccably clean cities, offering a high level of security for families.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers a dramatic blend of mountains, coastline, and city living. With a creative energy and a focus on the outdoors, it's ideal for families who love adventure.
- Stunning natural landscape: Families can enjoy beaches, hiking trails on Table Mountain, and wildlife encounters.
- Well-established expat community: For those who want to stay longer, Cape Town has a thriving expat community, good international schools, and excellent healthcare options.
- Variety of housing: From coastal apartments in Camps Bay to larger homes in suburbs like Constantia, there's a wide range of accommodation to choose from.
Costa Rica
Central America might not be the first region parents think of, but it is increasingly earning itself a reputation for being a real gem for families. Its commitment to eco-tourism and a Pura Vida lifestyle is a major draw.
- Focus on nature: Costa Rica provides a hands-on learning environment for children, with rich biodiversity and abundant outdoor activities.
- Friendly locals: The "Pura Vida" philosophy translates into a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
- Growing community of nomad families: Within Costa Rica, towns such as Tamarindo and Nosara are popular with visiting international families, creating a strong sense of community.
The Best Family Destinations: A Comparison Table
| Destination | Best For | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Culture & Lifestyle | Great transport, fantastic food, laid-back vibe, vibrant culture. | Can be crowded in tourist areas, high cost of living. | Families seeking a vibrant city with a strong cultural identity. |
| Lisbon | Affordability & Sunshine | Low cost of living, beautiful beaches, strong digital nomad community. | Hilly terrain can be challenging, tourist crowds. | Families prioritizing a budget-friendly European base. |
| Sydney | Outdoors & Nature | Abundance of parks, beaches, safe, clean, excellent public transport. | Very high cost of living, long-haul travel from Europe/Americas. | Families who thrive on outdoor activities and urban convenience. |
| Vancouver | Nature & Adventure | Surrounded by mountains and ocean, safe, clean, healthy lifestyle. | High cost of living, rain, expensive accommodation. | Outdoorsy families who want an adventurous yet urban lifestyle. |
| Kyoto | History & Serenity | Extremely safe, rich culture, efficient transport, peaceful. | Language barrier can be a challenge, not as much of a "nomad" scene. | Families seeking a quiet, respectful, and culturally-rich experience. |
| Cape Town | Adventure & Scenery | Tokyo | Safety concerns in some areas, social inequality. | Families who love a rugged, beautiful, and adventurous lifestyle. |
| Costa Rica | Nature & Eco-living | "Pura Vida" lifestyle, focus on nature, growing expat community. | Limited infrastructure in some areas, can be seasonal. | Families who want to live simply and be surrounded by nature. |
Real-Life Stories: A Family's Experience in Barcelona
The Smythe family—with their two young children—spent a year living in Barcelona, Spain. They chose the city for its reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination with great weather and a rich culture. "The biggest challenge was finding an apartment that was both centrally located and had enough space for all of us," says Sarah Smythe. "But once we found a place in the Gràcia neighborhood, everything else fell into place. The kids absolutely loved spending afternoons at Park Güell, and the public transport made it so easy to get everywhere."
A surprising bonus for the Smythes was the welcoming expat community. "We found an online group for expat families in Barcelona, and it was a lifesaver," says Mark Smythe. "Within a week, we had playdates set up for the kids, and we were meeting other parents for coffee. It really made the city feel like home."
Final Considerations Before You Go
Beyond the destination itself, a few key preparations can ensure your family's move is as smooth as possible. These factors can make the difference between a great experience and a stressful one.
Visa Requirements & Staying Long-Term
Understanding the legal requirements for your family to stay for an extended period is crucial. A simple tourist visa may not be sufficient for a long-term stay.
- Tourist visa vs. Digital Nomad visa: A tourist visa typically has a limit of 90 days. A Digital Nomad visa, available in many countries, allows for extended stays (often one year or more) and legally permits remote work.
- Dependent visas for children: Most countries that offer a Digital Nomad visa also have provisions for dependent family members to accompany the main applicant.
- Extensions and legal stay: Make sure you understand the process for extending your stay or applying for residency if you fall in love with a place and want to stay longer.
- Note: Our article How to Stay Longer in Countries Without a Digital Nomad Visa offers creative solutions for extending your stay.
Budgeting and Cost of Living
Creating a realistic budget will prevent unexpected financial strain and allow you to fully enjoy your experience. The cost of living for a family can be significantly different from that of a solo traveler.
- Average monthly cost for a family of four: Research average costs for rent, groceries, transportation, and activities. Websites like International Living often provide detailed cost-of-living breakdowns.
- Breakdown of housing, food, and transport costs: Allocate a specific budget for each category to keep your spending in check.
- Tips for saving money:
- Eat like a local: Shopping at local markets and cooking at home will save you a fortune compared to eating out.
- Use public transport: Relying on local buses, trains, and metros is far more cost-effective than taking taxis or Ubers.
- Look for free activities: Many cities offer free parks, museums (on certain days), and walking tours.
Key Takeaways
- Research is paramount: Do your homework on safety, healthcare, education, and community before you commit to a location.
- Accommodation matters: Opt for vacation rentals or serviced apartments with kitchens and space to breathe.
- The right visas are essential: Don’t rely solely on a tourist visa for long-term stays; explore Digital Nomad visa options.
- Budgeting is key: Be prepared for a higher cost of living as a family and look for ways to save money daily.
FAQs
What is a digital nomad family?
A digital nomad family is a family unit where one or both parents work remotely, allowing them to travel and live in different locations around the world. This lifestyle offers children the unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures firsthand.
What are the biggest challenges for families traveling long-term?
The biggest challenges include finding appropriate housing, managing educational needs on the road, maintaining a social network, and handling the logistics of moving with children.
Is it safe to travel long-term with kids?
Yes, it can be very safe. The key is to thoroughly research destinations, choose safe neighborhoods, and prioritize health and emergency preparedness.
How do digital nomad families handle schooling?
Many families opt for homeschooling, "unschooling," or enrolling their children in international schools for longer stays. The method depends on the family's travel pace and budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the best places to stay for families is a journey that starts with a clear understanding of your priorities and a willingness to explore. The world is full of incredible destinations that offer a safe, enriching, and exciting environment for children to learn and grow. By focusing on the key factors of safety, amenities, and community, you can turn a dream of a location-independent lifestyle into a tangible reality.