Family travelers are keen to experience the world and go beyond borders and comfort zones as never before. Tour operators have recognized this growing trend in the family travel market and are meeting the demand with tours and opportunities that provide authentic and value-added experiences. From curated full-service escorted tours and wild backcountry adventures to immersive cultural and culinary experiences, there are many new and exciting tour opportunities for adventurous families to enjoy in 2019.

Families want to take a deeper dive into the culture of place. They’re seeking immersive experiences around the world that include participation in unique local traditions, culinary opportunities and adventure pursuits.

“A big trend is that families are going everywhere,” notes Amie O’Shaughnessy, founder and CEO of Northern California-based Ciao Bambino. “Families are interested in a much broader array of destinations, and they’re searching for good value, excellent service and immersive cultural experiences.”

Countries such as Portugal have exploded in popularity, and resorts like Vila Monte Farm House are part of the reason why. In addition to providing guests opportunities to spend time at the beach and pool, the property immerses clients in the rural culture of the Algarve. Parents and children can spend the day with shepherd Nuno and his dog Pipoca as they herd goats in the local hills. Or, they can feed the chickens, water the vegetables and learn to bake bread on a local farm.

“In times when we are overwhelmed by the complexity of the world, there is luxury in experiencing simplicity, in connecting with the local people and the reality of their daily lives,” said Goncalo Mexia Alves, sales manager for Discovery Portugal. “It’s the experience era, in which traveling becomes an act of immersing yourself into lives and day-to-day stories different than your own and showing the little ones how simple but special it is to connect to humans from different backgrounds. Putting value back into what has lost value along the years: the human touch.”

A growing travel trend for families is booking trips that include a full-time local guide who travels with the family as they explore the destination, from the first “hola” at the airport to the final “hasta la vista” at departure.

“We want families to experience the full pura vida of Costa Rica with our unique guide-driver-captain-host service,” said Stephanie Sheehy, owner and general manager of local operator Il Viaggio Travel Costa Rica. “Families love having their own certified professional guide who can not only take them on tours, but also knows the plants, animals, geography and climate of the region, and can drive and accompany the family anywhere they wish to go. In their capacity as host, the individual will also take on childcare duties when parents need a spa break or dinner date.”

It’s the full meal deal of family holidays, taking the stress and worry out of planning and managing a vacation.

Families are seeking to understand how life is lived elsewhere, whether it’s in another corner of the globe or in their own country. In the U.S., Alaska remains a popular destination for its beauty, remote wilderness and way of life.

The federal, state and public lands bring the curious and adventurous to the 49th state. But once they arrive and recover from being awestruck by the striking vistas and incredible natural beauty, visitors want to know what life is really like in the north. For instance: How do people get around, buy groceries or go to school in such a big place?

“We see a desire for parents to show their kids that life is different in Alaska,” said Erin Kirkland, founder of Anchorage, Alaska-based AKontheGo. “The opportunity to truly ‘bust the myths’ with kids, boots on the ground, is a powerful experience that will hopefully stick with them forever.”