best travel holidays for families

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The best family holiday destinations in the world

By Condé Nast Traveller and Issy von Simson

From holidays in the sun to the most family-friendly spots in Europe , here are some of our top picks of the best family holiday destinations in the world to take the whole crew.

ROAD TRIPPING IN CHILE

Replacing the depths of a British winter with the technicolour high of a Chilean summer is delightfully disorientating. The sky is steeped in blue, the roads are lined with saucepan-sized hydrangeas and avocado trees dangle their fruit as we make for the wild Pacific Coast. Our sons, aged three and five, were born in Santiago – this is a much-anticipated trip back to a country that owns a chapter of our life. Our first stop is a two-hour drive north-west of the city, and the view from the car window switches from bucolic to Sahara-like with goats nibbling on squat trees. Then, abruptly, the land drops away and the cliff-clinging road leads down to Zapallar, a horseshoe cove where butterscotch- coloured sand spreads out before fantasy houses separated by woodland and agapanthus-filled gardens. To my mind, it’s Chile’s prettiest beach town. We’re staying in a green-and-white doll’s house, Hotel Isla Seca, its walls hung with photographs of 1880s society and a guest-book entry from Margaret Thatcher’s visit in 1994. Days are spent ordering Pisco Sours and ceviche at El Chiringuito as the boys watch jumping dolphins and wave at pelicans. The smells tug at the strings of nostalgia – salty seafood, citrusy pine trees, sun-baked stone.

Next up: Santiago , a city that is like a magic box where all the best bits are tucked away in hidden compartments. We race to Metissage, our favourite bakery in Vitacura – its hot chocolate is so thick you eat it with a spoon – and have lunch at Mestizo with a view of flamingos. Then it’s time to move south-west, to the beach at Matanzas – but first we eat at Santa Rita (pictured), where French vines first took root more than 150 years ago. Waiters like the penguins from Mary Poppins appear with cloche-covered dishes. We go on a tour of the immense gardens, nodding admiringly at South America’s tallest bougainvillaea while trying to keep the boys from dive-bombing into the Roman baths. From old world to surfer’s paradise, we arrive at Hotel Surazo in the early evening. The next day we delight in dragging ourselves up the steep sides of sand dunes only to whoop back down again, free and weightless. Evenings are for eating: plates piled high with grilled octopus followed by meaty white kingklip and creamed polenta, toes in the sand, bodies warmed by the fire pit. We’ve saved Matetic Vineyard in the Casablanca Valley for our last stop. Again, the smells draw me in – here it’s sun-drenched terracotta tiles and the olive-oily woodiness of the plants. I sit in dappled shade by the pool with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as the children learn to leap in like little frogs. I think of the popular saying ‘ más chileno que los poroto s’ (more Chilean than beans). It may not be as charismatic as Argentina or as legendary as Peru, but Chile is wholesome, understated and genuinely nourishing for a family. Gabriel O’Rorke

BOOK IT Journey Latin America offers a 12-day trip to Santiago, Zapallar, Matetic and Matanzas from £3,018 per person, including flights, transfers, excursions and some meals; journeylatinamerica.co.uk

TEMPLE HOPPING IN LUANG PRABANG

Some places leave their mark, so much so that you find yourself longing for them years later. I had always wanted to return to Luang Prabang in Laos, with my pre-school daughter by my side. The heavy, fragrant air and quiet streets, packed between the muddy banks of two rivers, combine to create a bewitching effect. Wandering its dusty, forest-fringed lanes is such an escape from modern life. When I finally booked a trip for us I was delighted to find that she too was entranced. She loves treasure maps, so Luang Prabang was hers, with dozens of temples to explore. ‘Buddha!’ she would shout triumphantly in the delicious freshness of the mornings as she darted between blossom-laden frangipani trees, spying statues beneath pointy roofs, or leapt up steps guarded by many-headed serpents. This was a magical kingdom where orange-robed monks padded around on business of great importance. She learned to remove her shoes before sitting quietly at a Buddha’s feet and staring up into his wise eyes. Enlightenment was perhaps some way off, but we achieved moderate success at least on the road to sitting still, if only for a minute.

The city has a cosy café culture and our favourite haunt was Le Banneton, where I would linger under cooling ceiling fans over organic Laotian coffee, my daughter wolfing down French pastries. For sheer beauty, Wat Xieng Thong was our favourite, offering a great haul of ‘treasure’ – rows of gilded figures propped up against red ochre walls brimming with colourful glass tiles. We’d go for strolls, spotting smaller compounds behind tangles of vines or following the rhythmic chanting. At Wat Choumkhong, we found a golden monkey in the garden and at Wat Xieng Muang, we watched statues being restored in the shade of crinkly banana leaves. Wat Pa Phai was tiny but had the most gorgeous setting, surrounded by feathery tamarind trees, towering palms and spiky bromeliads. When the sun began to sink behind forested hills on the far side of the Mekong, we ordered ice cream at rustic riverbank bars and watched barges idle past. We blinked like magpies at exquisite tribal jewellery and browsed indigo-dyed blouses and patterned jackets, whooping as the tuk-tuk bounced over bumpy roads on the way to the night market. Just opposite, the royal temple shone in the darkness, its tiered roof swooping upwards to meet the stars. Luang Prabang had fed my daughter’s imagination. Natalie Paris

BOOK IT Red Savannah offers a seven-night private trip in Laos for a family of two adults and one child from £1,458 per person. Excludes international flights; redsavannah.com

ISLAND ROAMING IN MADEIRA

We were a family in transition: illness, teenage break-ups, leaving school. An escape was needed, quickly, so I did something I’d never considered before and booked a five-day trip to Madeira . There was no chance to plan – we just threw some clothes in our bags and set out for this island trying to shrug off its reputation as holiday hotspot for octogenarian ladies. In Funchal we took the cable car to the tropical gardens at Monte and whizzed back down in wicker sledges. The sturdy rental car managed to rev up precipitous tracks past Cadillac-pink belladonna lilies, eucalyptus and UNESCO-protected pockets of laurel forest to hike to waterfalls and lagoons. One afternoon we headed up the mountain of Achada do Teixeira, arriving in the early evening just as the sun was doing spectacular things with shades of pink and gold. We walked to the highest peak, Pico Ruivo, through an amphitheatre of jagged summits while beneath us the clouds shapeshifted into dragons and whales. It would have made a great picture: the five of us striding towards the horizon, children up front, faces like trailblazers. On past holidays they have demanded downtime, screen time, pool time – but now there was no such request. Lockdown had made us all greedy for experience; they wanted to feast on the foreignness of everything.

One night we found ourselves on a street framed in drifts of bougainvillaea: purple, magenta, blazing orange. We settled at a restaurant with chequered tablecloths and devoured plates of soft Azeitão cheese, limpets in a garlicky marinade and ferocious-looking black scabbard-fish. My son ate this – the same boy who a few years ago was prone to throwing a fit over a fish finger. Another evening we shared a table with a local family in Câmara de Lobos and in faltering Portuguese engaged in a lively conversation punctuated by nods while a stray feline did figures of eight through our legs. The proprietor insisted that we try poncho , a tooth-achingly sweet liqueur, and my eldest became tipsy and revealed secret crushes she later denied. On the last day we took another cable car to Fajã dos Padres. Some 450 years ago, an intrepid band of Jesuits arrived here by boat. Beneath the towering rock, they grew figs, mangoes, sweet potato and prickly pears. Today, this jewel-green spit of land still sparkles with flowers and flashes of birds and butterflies – the perfect place to pass the day. The children padded off to find a cool spot under a mimosa tree, lazily keeping an eye on the shimmering sea – unwittingly putting sights and sounds into their pockets to sustain them when we returned home. Emma Inglis

BOOK IT Doubles at Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira from about £285; belmond.com

OFFBEAT EXPLORING IN ANTIGUA

When Queen Elizabeth II came to visit this Caribbean island in 1966, the roads she travelled on were freshly tarmacked so that her driving experience could be as pleasing as possible. And in that spirit, the something-for-everyone hotels, white beaches and shallow waters are what has made Antigua an evergreen winter-sun retreat. But my two boys and I wanted to get closer to local life. We wanted to travel the pot-holed roads, the ones the Queen did not see. We’d already joined the fishermen at Keeling Point and pulled up lobster from cages. We’d talked to the white-haired Englishman who had been shipwrecked 20 years ago, living in his boat with a broken mast ever since. We’d sat down with the fruit sellers on Old Road who’d set up stalls piled high with whatever they’d picked that day, and eaten at the no-name place. But here we were, on a Saturday night, and the capital St John’s seemed oddly deserted. The air was filled with frogs chirping in the bulrushes; a cow crossed the street. Otherwise it was empty.

Our taxi dropped us off at a restaurant where a waiter led us to a small tilted table with insects whirling around. ‘Do you have wine by the glass? I asked, opening the C&C Wine House menu. ‘Alas, no wine,’ the waiter informed us. I ordered a beer. He wafted his hand dismissively, disappeared then reappeared with our food – seared tuna with toasted sesame, fresh as the breeze. Just as we were finishing, I became aware of drumming. ‘Jump up,’ the waiter said. ‘There’s a street party on the boardwalk.’ We followed him towards the quay, straining to hear. As we rounded the corner the music hit us – a steel drum, a saxophone, nimble fingers stringing a guitar. People twisted and jived, welcoming us to join in. We did. Local life, it turns out, is actually easy to find amid the glitz. This is what makes the island unique – the paved and unpaved roads running into each other, wherever you go. Lindsay Hawdon

BOOK IT British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick to Antigua; ba.com

FISHING IN THE SELOUS

The red path ribbons through bush that is blushing green at the first rain. We don’t see another vehicle; it’s like we’ve got the land all to ourselves. Originally called the Selous after the English conservationist who inspired novelist Henry Rider Haggard’s Allan Quatermain, Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park was renamed in 2019 in a nod to the country’s first president. It is one of the biggest on the continent – more than twice the size of Kruger. We’re on the Rufiji River to catch tiger fish. Africa’s most exciting freshwater species, they run a hard, fast fight. They’ll whip the line so that it whines, breaking the surface then darting beneath the boat. It lurches but the tigers only yield when they tire, and often they don’t. When we can’t get them, we catch enormous catfish with fingernail-pink skin and whiskered heads. My eldest daughter explains her passion for fishing – ‘time to think’, she says. Which is why her brother isn’t keen. But tigers are never dull. And there’s always something to watch here. Hippos glare at us. They look like fat labradors, except less friendly. Crocs litter banks like driftwood. When they become aware of us, they scuttle into the water and lurk like submarines.

Sandy banks yield to steep cliffs; hyrax scream and fish eagles cry, combining in a scary movie soundtrack. This is one of the few parks where you can walk and fly-camp – all that’s between you and the dark is a sheet of canvas. I worry the children will get bored on a game drive after the river’s excitement, but our guide is used to engaging youngsters, pointing out tracks. We watch birds on Lake Tagalala. A pair of lapwings furiously defend their nest from an egret picking its way towards a fishing spot. Ducking the lapwings’ dive-bombing, it comes at its prey from a horizontal angle, folding its neck gracefully so the head is almost at water level and the shadow doesn’t give its position away. Then it strikes. Perhaps we should approach the tigers with more cunning too. Anthea Rowan

BOOK IT Nomad Tanzania offers a seven-night safari in southern Tanzania from about £3,985 per person, including activities such as fishing, meals and domestic transfers. Excludes international flights; nomad-tanzania.com

CAMPING IN SOUTH-WEST FRANCE

The cross-Channel camping holiday is an age-old tradition that launches a thousand roof racks at dawn, military-grade packing lists fluttering in their wake. Six hundred years ago, English pennants were raised at Crécy and Agincourt; now multi-coloured settlements appear each summer around rural France, punctuated by the clack of paddleball and young voices in faltering French asking for croissants. Camping here was until recently of the pitch-your-own variety, or of ready-pegged sites under the Eurocamp banner, but that’s been changing over the past few years as smaller, more individual glamping spots have emerged. The Loire, Brittany and Normandy are well-mapped, but we headed south to Lot-et- Garonne, a region tucked beneath the Dordogne with few claims to fame. Framed in part by the two rivers that give the area its name, the landscape was defined by the Hundred Years’ War, with bastides crouching on hilltops amid a sea of fields, orchards and woods. La Parenthèse campsite is positioned around a gaggle of old farm buildings a few miles north of the town of Monflanquin. Alongside individual pitches, there’s a herd of safari-style tents set on raised wooden decks with kitchen spaces and bunk beds, and a couple of chairs on the terrace.

The best campsites aren’t just fields with enough space for tents but little worlds that have their own centres of gravity, their own rituals and myths. La Parenthèse could be plotted out like Pooh’s map of 100 Acre Wood. The steep ascent from the trees, past meadows to the goats of the petting zoo and the pétanque court; the short-cut down ditches to the pool and bar for baguettes and citron pressé ; behind it the lake with its white-sand beach and leaky boat that crews of children row to the middle then yell to be rescued. On Friday night it’s the mussel-and-frites beach party, excitable small helpers dispatched to gather branches for toasting s’mores. One afternoon, tipsy with the heat, I swung with our son in hammocks and saw a travelling circus arriving in the field below – a miraculous intrusion from the outside world. Within striking distance are pools for wild swimming, and the nearest town, Villeréal, a medieval time capsule with absinthe- coloured shutters and a covered market where locals have been buying farm food for the past 700 years. But for the most part we kept to the slow rhythms, embracing the midday langueur , watching our son slip away with new friends, an absence of any real plans. Campsites may have evolved since my own childhood trips in the early 1980s, but at places like this that decade’s sense of children being able to roam free, without supervision, remains. Rick Jordan

BOOK IT Visit l a-parenthese-camping-les-ormes.com or coolcamping.com

NATURAL-SPRING SWIMMING IN ICELAND

Last summer I realised that all of my daughter’s friends could swim – some really well – but we’d totally missed the memo about booking lessons. We thought that a few weeks at a villa with a pool would fix the situation, but before we knew it, borders were closing and our choice of destinations dwindled. But just as limitations foster creativity, the lack of options led to an incredible counterintuitive idea. They took us to a land where naturally hot springs flow straight out of the ground, with dramatic waterfalls, glacial pools and the famous Blue Lagoon. A place where the swimming culture is so strong that the community gathering place is the hot tub at the local pool, rather than the pub. If you can learn to swim anywhere in the world, why not do it in Iceland? We hatched a plan: rent a campervan , drive round the 800-mile Route 1 and hit the water twice a day. Every hour or so along the way, there was somewhere exceptional to plunge into: hot springs and rivers, municipal pools and no-frills spas, off-the-beaten track spots. Into our luggage went multiple towels, a pair of swimming costumes and a very warm jumper each.

Our first dip was in Reykjadalur Valley, an hour from Reykjavík. The perplexed look on the children’s faces at the bath-warm temperature was worth 45 minutes of moaning about the walk up a steep dusty path – the fast-flowing river was hidden up a slope beyond bubbling mud patches and sharply defined alpine valleys that cut the sky in half. Later at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that tumbles 200ft down to a deep, dark pool, we watched circular rainbows veiled in cold mist dance in the late-afternoon sun. Early the next day we sought out Seljavellir. It looks like an ordinary outdoor lido, except that it is moored to the base of a mountain, a 15-minute walk along a stony path. We sank into its warm mossy waters, luxuriating in having it all to ourselves. Further along the route, the glamorous hexagonal floating pools at Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir called to us. There are legends about a lake-dwelling creature but that didn’t deter the locals from taking a brisk immersion before returning to the steamy spa. The kids squealed with delight when their father attempted the same. Mývatn Nature Baths, along the northern stretch of the circular route, was a delirious splash of blue in a lunar landscape with an eggy whiff. It was just deep enough for my eldest to stand on tiptoes – ideal if you’re learning to swim – and the sky was so bright we needed sunglasses. But the best moments of all were also the strangest: the tin bath by the side of the road, filled with natural spring water too hot to sit in; the falls at Dettifoss, where 100,000 gallons per second thundered by; the clifftop Geosea spa in Húsavík, where we strained our eyes looking for whales far out at sea while the wind blew the sand from the shore below up into our faces. With the children asleep in the campervan one night, I sat under the midnight sun and soaked up the scenery. There was a black-sand beach before me and shadows of dark islands offshore. Kittiwakes wheeled around the sea-thrift-dotted cliffs. I thought about how my memories of swimming lessons are tinged with chlorine and too-tight goggles, but theirs will be lost in this: mountains, magic and the scent of sulphur. Laura Dixon

BOOK IT Check out Indie Campers for campervan tours and use the Hot Spring Iceland app to locate swimming spots.

Far-flung family hotels we love

SUNDY PRAIA

PRINCIPE, SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

Arriving here feels as if you have slipped off the map somewhere between Robinson Crusoe’s island and The Lost World . Cast adrift from the west coast of Africa , Príncipe is an intrepid adventure of natural highs. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the smallest of the two-island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe , it is also the focus of a sustainable tourism project dreamt up by South African millionaire and philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth. Locals are employed at his three hotels run under the name Here Be Dragons; Bom Bom, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia, the smartest of the trio. Its 15 tented villas have taken root in a thick tangle of almond and banana trees to avoid disorientating the turtles that frequently settle on this deserted scoop of sand.

The extraordinary landscape begs exploration – the emerald rainforest’s biodiversity has earned it the title of the Galápagos of Africa. A hike with a guide to Príncipe’s O Que Pipi waterfall turns into a botany class with lacy white tattoos fashioned from fern leaves for little arms, followed by a cooling dip under the falls. Then there are night-time excursions to see turtles nesting on Praia Grande and a visit to Roça Sundy’s chocolate factory, while a boat trip to castaway beaches ends at the pin-up Praia Banana, where the captain encourages plucky plunges into the clear blue water. At Sundy Praia’s cathedral- like Oca restaurant there’s a chance to taste the exotic local bounty; fresh fish grilled in banana leaves and Calulu soup made with produce from the hotel’s organic farm Paciência. It’s all a subtle lesson for curious young minds about different cultures and the challenges facing Príncipe’s precious flora and fauna. Splendid isolation does not come more splendidly isolated than this.

INSIDER TIP To really bring the country’s geography to life, head to the southern coast of São Tomé where Rolas Island is sliced in two by the equator line and stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern.

BOOK IT Doubles from about £620 half board; sundyprincipe.com

CNT Editors

Charley Ward

Olivia Morelli

Arati Menon

LA COTTE FARM

FRANSCHHOEK, SOUTH AFRICA

Farm stays with lashings of grown-up appeal are nothing new in the Cape , especially on heritage wine estates. What gives La Cotte the edge is its prime position in Franschhoek – the village’s restaurants, galleries and boutiques are within walking distance. You can nip down to Main Road for an ice cream or take the old-fashioned wine tram all the way to Babylonstoren for lunch. Then there are the unmarred views, a rarity in these parts. Sitting on the deep veranda of the hotel’s Cape Dutch manor house, it’s easy to imagine why French Huguenots put down roots here in the 17th century.

The farm’s 25 hectares are fed by a mountain spring, keeping not only the vast grounds springy and lush for playing on but also the Chardonnay and Shiraz-producing vineyards in good nick. Spring water flows from the taps too, adding sustainability clout along with compostable bin liners and coffee pods by Terbadore, a local roastery, in the rooms. The self-contained Orchard and Forest cottages, some with two or three bedrooms, have been a hit with families since the property opened. All the Orchard dwellings have mini pools in their gardens, while the Forest ones share a 65ft pool and dining pavilion that is lovely for evening barbecues. Eight new hotel rooms and a two-bedroom pool house are the most recent additions.

Wherever you check in, La Cotte aces a modern-British country-pile vibe, cleverly layered with Cape antiques and traditional textiles (rare suzanis from Uzbekistan , block prints from the south of Jaipur). The whole place reflects South Africa’s jumble of global influences and bristles with history. The enormous oak trees surrounding the estate were planted from acorns brought back from scorched Delville Wood in France after World War I. There are plans to use the water mill, the second oldest in the country, as a wine emporium, while the restaurant is supplied by fresh farm produce including vegetables, eggs and honey (there are 24 hives tucked into three hectares of preserved renosterveld fynbos). Small-scale and low-key, this is a haunt that families return to time and again because it feels like home – nothing is prescribed, anything is possible, and young children have what they really need: space and freedom.

INSIDER TIP While the cottages take first prize for longer stays, especially for multi-age parties, the new rooms suit families with older teens or couples with a baby or toddler in tow (cots and camp beds can be set up).

BOOK IT Africa Travel offers seven nights in a two-bedroom Forest Cottage from £4,495 for a family of two adults and two children under 12, including flights and car hire; africatravel.com

RAA ATOLL, MALDIVES

Conservation was as high a priority as privacy for Joali’s owner, Turkish businesswoman Esin Güral Argat, when she began plotting out this hideaway. To protect both, not only did she buy a handful of neighbouring isles and employ an almost entirely Maldivian team to pull together the property’s thatched rooftops, hibiscus-shaped fans and liquid-look marble interiors, but she also kickstarted reef regeneration and local tree-planting initiatives to help offset your journey before you’ve even stepped foot on the sun-bleached boardwalk. This escape had a big budget, but despite its self-appointed title of art hotel, there is nothing pretentious about it: the seaplane pilot flies barefoot for the 45-minute transfer from Malé; a giant inflatable flamingo bobs in the pool, and there’s a spirited sense of freedom throughout.

South African designer Porky Hefer’s jolly 15ft manta-ray-shaped treehouse charms both intrepid toddlers and solitude-seeking teens, plus parents can book it for cocktails at dusk. A single lap of the cavernous, iPad-controlled villas designed by renowned Istanbul studio Autoban will wear out lively little ones, but an ice-cream pit stop at La Joie’s will revive them for a scavenger hunt led by the kids’ club team. Out on the water, a divemaster teaches buoyancy skills and fish identification while spinner dolphins swim alongside the boat on trips to nearby thilas (underwater mountains).

The northern Raa Atoll is one of the least developed in the archipelago and has great diversity at its drop-offs, which makes for interesting snorkelling and diving. Back at the beach, the lagoon is gentle and perfectly clear, with turtles often spotted in the shallows. Trip along to the restaurants at any time of day – a godsend for disrupted sleep schedules and fussy appetites – while your personal jadugar (butler) organises everything from spa treatments to water sports and barbecues on the sand. A factory reset for the whole family.

INSIDER TIP Save on precious packing space – villas have help-yourself snorkels, fins and beach bags, as well as baby monitors on request.

BOOK IT Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights from £13,999, half board, for a family of two adults and one child, including flights and seaplane transfers; turquoiseholidays.co.uk

HOSHINOYA FUJI

YAMANASHI PREFECTURE, JAPAN

Forget tents and sleeping bags. Glamping in Japan is elevated to near- spiritual heights by hotel brand Hoshinoya and its 40 minimalist cube cabins scattered among red-pine forests. Two hours by train from Tokyo ’s skyscraper hub Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture, home to green peaks and mirror-like lakes, this space nails that very Japanese balance of being deeply in touch with its environment and simultaneously contemporary and stylish. New arrivals, kids included, pick from a range of chic utilitarian rucksacks packed with camping gear to use during their stay.

The heartbeat is the Cloud Terrace, a network of wooden platforms that weaves through forested mountainside, helmed by expert staff who will quickly become your children’s new best friends. A wander might lead to hammocks looped between trunks, decks for morning stretches, music concerts or a campfire where marshmallows are toasted around the clock. At the outdoor Forest Kitchen, make rice balls with wild vegetables or unicorn-shaped pizzas (a pointy bamboo shoot is the perfect horn); let off steam with a wood-chopping session; and go forest bathing amid the trees. Concrete lodges, designed by architect Rie Azuma, have stripped-back white interiors with cloud-like bedding, Snow Peak titanium cups hanging on the wall and wellies by the door. Eyes are drawn through floor-to-ceiling windows to Mount Fuji. There are also spacious terraces (safety nets are available) with in-built fire pits. Everything is in tune with nature – even the food. In the glass-fronted dining room, seasonal game from venison to boar is served (warming wintertime shabu shabu hot pots or fatty cuts with local fruits in summer). And one of the best ways to start the day? A sunrise canoe trip on the still waters of Lake Kawaguchi as Fuji looms startlingly close.

INSIDE TIP While each S Cabin comes with its own wood-burning stove, go for the F Cabins which have a bigger terrace for families to spread out on.

BOOK IT Doubles from about £690; hoshinoyafuji.com

CONSTANCE EPHELIA

MAHE, SEYCHELLES

Some may be quick to dismiss the Seychelles as a destination for high-end honeymoons. But this Indian Ocean archipelago, with unique wildlife, reliably fabulous weather and just a four-hour time difference from the UK, is a good bet year round for a real escape, even if you flop straight into a resort. For families, the multi-layered offering at Constance Ephelia makes all sorts of sense. It is a hotel of two halves: a bustling south side dotted with swimming pools and, in the north, large suites and a note-perfect beach. Bedrooms are a minute’s stroll from some of the loveliest sands in the Seychelles and the quiet bay is glorious for water babies (and wobbly adult paddleboarders). Little ones can spy dancing parrot and angelfish in the shallows. For older children, there are snorkels and sea kayaks, plus a zip wire and climbing wall. Parents will appreciate the one-level pool villas, where travel-worn adults can sunbathe as toddlers snooze indoors.

The bacchanalian breakfast is hard to resist, from the waffle station to the technicolour tropical fruit. In the evening, the fairy-lit Asian restaurant Adam and Eve is a favourite for its Sichuan aubergines and pad thai, while the children’s menu delivers with fish tacos and cornflake chicken. The kids’ club is brilliantly equipped: mini sun loungers and umbrellas beside the shallow pool; a wooden kitchen. Beyond this, a wander past mangroves and chirruping frogs is a leap into David Attenborough territory, with huge but harmless palm spiders, giant tortoises and scuttling red crabs. By the end, it’s hard to drag young explorers away from their waxy-leaved empires, barefoot, salt-whipped and fully embracing island life.

INSIDER TIP Bicycles are the best way to get around to avoid the buggy wait. They come free with villas or are rentable (baby seats available on request).

BOOK IT Sovereign Luxury Travel offers seven nights from £5,299, half board, for a family of two adults and one child, including flights and transfers; sovereign.com

SIX SENSES YAO NOI

PHANG NGA, THAILAND

Plenty of Thai hideaways promise the away-from-it-all experience: private beaches, secluded coves, backdrops of rainforest untouched by anyone but gibbons. But many also forget to mention the rowdy day-trippers docking their speedboats out front in the morning, the villages chock-a-block with diving schools and moped rentals just beyond their gates. Not this one. For a hotel of this calibre, the kind with all the bells and whistles that stretch beyond the usual suspects, Six Senses Yao Noi feels really, truly off the beaten track.

Draped over a hilly slice of jungle on Koh Yao Noi, a sleepy island 45 minutes from Phuket by boat, the villas blend in seamlessly with their tropical surroundings. With thatched roofs and bamboo details, they could be dwellings straight out of The Jungle Book , only with swimming pools and spa-like bathtubs that have brilliant views over the limestone pinnacles rising out of Phang Nga Bay. Little Mowglis are in good hands with the linen-clad staff, whether they’re off hunting for seashells on the (actually private) beach or joining the Junior Eco Warrior programme to build hornbill houses from recycled timber and search for wildlife along the property’s mangrove mazes. Grown-ups can then retreat to the spa, a small village of salas and longhouses, a blend-your-own coconut-oil apothecary and some techy bits for in-depth wellness screenings – all wrapped by gardens as soul-soothing as the therapists’ hands.

At the restaurants – close to the sand or in the glass-floored pavilion deep in the forest – the offering is equally feel-good: coconut chia bowls at breakfast and superfood salads with quinoa and greens plucked from the organic garden, balanced out by a dangerously accessible all-you-can-eat ice-cream counter. This is toes-in-the-sand, phones-on-flight- mode territory. Back to nature without the slightest hint of roughing it.

INSIDER TIP As a brand, Six Senses is big on sustainability, recycling every bit of waste down to the metal staples from the finance department. The behind-the-scenes tour here is an eco eye-opener for all ages.

BOOK IT Scott Dunn offers seven nights from £7,800 for a family of two adults and one child, including breakfast, flights and transfers; scottdunn.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL WADI DESERT

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

It would be hard to imagine a more polished and shiny version of a Bedouin retreat. Surrounded by desert but less than an hour from Dubai , this hotel hunkers down in the middle of a 1,200-acre nature reserve. It has a delicious sense of remoteness while actually being only 12 miles from the coast. Not that anyone will hanker after the beach here. There is far too much to be getting on with, from knock-your-socks-off falconry displays to bicycle rides along lantern-lit pathways, camel treks and wonderful Arabian horses to take out exploring. Set within the folds of the saffron sand dunes, villas are vast affairs, so large they have wings, dressing rooms, sitting rooms, decked terraces and temperature-controlled swimming pools to cool down in. There’s a main pool too, for more sociable splashing about, and three restaurants to pick from. Farmhouse has the edge, with its blink-and-you-could-be-in- California menu: lobster chowder, burrata salad and wagyu burgers, plus views of gazelles gathering at the watering hole. Enjoy a drink while they do.

This used to be the Banyan Tree hotel with a strong wellness focus, so the spa is a full-throttle maze of saunas and steam rooms, experience showers and jet baths. While parents uncoil in clouds of hydrotherapy, little guests can explore the adventure centre, meet the pet snakes and develop archery skills. More than 100 endangered Arabian oryx share the reserve, so accompanying rangers on daily feeding trips is a rare treat for budding biologists. Dusk strolls are equally exciting: bats flap and swoop, occasional stray gazelles dart past and trees burst into song, choruses of nesting birds hidden behind dense leaves. After dark, there’s stargazing. Aided by computerised telescopes and astronomical laser pointers, rangers identify the constellations that once guided the nomadic Bedouins who roamed this land long before holidaymakers.

INSIDER TIP The Ras Al Khaimah region is made up of mountains as well as dunes; make sure to hit the exhilarating summit of Jebel Jais – the UAE’s highest peak which also has the world’s longest zipline.

BOOK IT Villas from about £360; ritzcarlton.com

KARPAHA SANDS

BATTICALOA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA

Places like this are as rare as hens’ teeth now that pretty much every beach worth its salt has been discovered. So when something as exotic and remote as Karpaha Sands pops up, it’s thrilling travel news. For those hankering for the smarts and seclusion of the Maldives without the exorbitant price tag or tiny-island fatigue, then this unique set-up on Sri Lanka’s lesser-explored east coast is not to be missed. It’s not the easiest site to get to unless you take a seaplane, but boy is it worth it. Set on a 14-acre former coconut plantation between Passikudah and Batticaloa, the 17 African-safari -inspired tents have been arranged as if they were chess pieces throughout lush gardens that lead to a stretch of palm-fringed shore lapped by the Bay of Bengal. They are deliciously big with soaring canvas roofs, huge beds, deep bathtubs, outdoor rain showers and, most importantly, a light footprint.

The waterfront Palam dwellings have winning views of the surf, but for families, the impressively spacious two-bedroom Seed lodges, set further back within their own gardens, are brilliant. French owner Jerome Mathieu has lived an international life, which is evident throughout the property in the quirky artwork and exceptional food – a blend of Sri Lankan and Mediterranean . Feasts can be taken on your private terrace, in the two-storey main restaurant and bar or on the beach for a seafood barbecue under the stars. Mathieu has young children and has kitted out the retreat with a stylish library and playroom, although the turquoise sea and powder-soft sand are playground enough for those of any age – the calm waters offer excellent snorkelling, while diving can be arranged at nearby shipwrecks. Stay a few nights at the end of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle tour or simply check in and unplug indefinitely, drifting off for an afternoon nap to the rhythmic calling of Tamil fishermen slowly hauling in their catches as they’ve done for centuries.

INSIDER TIP Don’t pigeonhole a stay here just for winter sun – the east-coast location means the weather is fantastic in the summer holidays.

BOOK IT Seed Suites from about £150; karpahasands.com

ISLA BELLA BEACH

MARATHON, FLORIDA

Anyone who watched Bloodline will already know that the Florida Keys have a lilting, quasi-Caribbean sultriness as heavy as humidity. With the islands probably better known as a world-class sport-fishing destination, until now the crowd has been distinctly khaki sandals and wide-brimmed hats, and the stays – a chintzy bedroom in a cute farmhouse at best, a roadside motel at worst – reflected that. If you went south to Key West, you would get more bling for your buck, but that is as edgy as it is exotic, and the drive itself is enough to turn most parents ashen. Now, Isla Bella on Knights Key in the less-familiar Middle Keys has opened up this string of islets to a different tribe: discerning families. Just two-and-a-bit hours in the car from Miami , it makes a great bolt-on to a city trip.

The secluded 24-acre estate, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, was a reported 100-million-dollar build, and you can well believe it. The mile of freshly raked sand, knitted by breeze-slung palms and strategically placed hammocks, is flanked by striking white buildings. Yes, it’s big – there are 199 bedrooms and five pools – but the crisp styling and low-key atmosphere means this is definitely a resort for non-resort people. So glide to one of the shaded pods and watch the kids dig for shark teeth in the ankle-deep lagoon with the preppy blonde twins from Texas as you sip something long and rum-laced, occasionally misting them with Sun Bum factor 50+.

Head over to the Marketplace for smoothies, snacks and ice cream, or book in at the Beach Bar for conch fritters and lobster. Dinner is at Il Postino – sit outside to soak up the Ibizan vibe, or by one of the fire pits beside the water if you can bear to drink your wine from a plastic cup, because USA + sand = regulations. The service is charming, if not snappy, but there’s no rush, right? Besides, the food is fabulous. Older children can peel off to poolside movie nights or games of cornhole with friends they met on a kayak expedition that morning. You too might surprise yourself by enjoying the social buzz that starts with hermit-crab races and ends with Gin Slings. Each bedroom has a sea view and either a balcony or beach access; decks are pretty open plan, which doesn’t suit everyone. But what they lack in privacy, they make up for in comfort – and as every parent will attest, sitting in the balmy air as the sun drops below the water and little ones sink into a heat-blushed sleep is the definitive holiday benchmark.

INSIDER TIP Real beach babes will miss the proper sweeps of the Florida Gulf, but the sandbars, coastline and mangroves of the Keys are prime for adventure: from snorkelling and wreck diving to stand-up paddleboarding and PADI courses. Just keep your eyes peeled for manatees and crocodiles.

BOOK IT Doubles from about £210; islabellabeachresort.com

CAMP KALAHARI

KALAHARI DESERT, BOTSWANA

The Makgadikgadi Pans are not your typical safari landscape. These vast salt flats fringing Botswana ’s north-eastern Kalahari can feel desolate: a terrain of dust storms and mirages. But their golden grasslands harbour unusual wildlife, from aardvarks to bat-eared foxes. And when summer rains fill the pans, zebras and wildebeest arrive in their thousands, bringing lions and cheetahs – but none of the crowds that throng better-known destinations further north. This is a region of big skies and empty horizons. In short, explorer country. And Camp Kalahari encapsulates that old-school adventure vibe.

Set in a palm grove where crocodile hunter Jack Bousfield once broke his journey, it shares access to one million acres of private reserve with the much- loved Jack’s Camp and a handful of others. The 12 Meru tents, two of them set up for families, nod to a sepia-tinted age of discovery with their four-posters, antique chests and Moroccan kilims , while local artefacts celebrate the indigenous San community. Activities extend far beyond the daily game drives. Children can play detective on guided walks with the Ju/’hoansi bushmen while teenagers take a quad-bike spin. And nothing brings the whole clan together quite like meeting the native meerkat troop, whose sentries may clamber onto your head for a better view. There’s a swimming pool, though during the dry season it’s often shared with thirsty elephants. And at the end of a dusty day, sundowners and lemonades are sipped on the crust of a salt flat beneath the rising moon.

Among the sandy walkways and twinkling lanterns of the lodge, dinner brings with it the frisson that your group might just be the only people on the planet. Many tie in a stay here with a more conventional safari experience a short flight north at Sable Alley on the edge of the Okavango Delta, where waterways and hippo-crammed pools are a perfect foil to the pans’ arid expanse. Botswana’s combination of the wet and the dry is unlike any other in Africa and, in young hearts and minds, might just ignite a lifetime love affair with nature.

INSIDER TIP Don’t pass up a night drive at the camp. This is one of the top spots in Africa to glimpse the elusive aardvark and other shy nocturnal creatures.

BOOK IT Aardvark Safaris offers a seven-night stay at Camp Kalahari and Sable Alley from £12,516, full board, for a family of four, including all activities and internal transfers; aardvarksafaris.co.uk

One&Only The Palm, Dubai

An intrepid excursion

No one says no to anything in Dubai. When there isn’t any land left with beachfront access, they simply build another island and ship in new sand. Which is how The Palm came about, a man-made peninsula that juts out into the Arabian sea and is filling up with next-level all-glass villas the size of hotels and hotels the size of small cities. And yet right at the furthest frond of the Palm is a rather surprising oasis. Forget, if you can, the changing-every-minute backdrop of the city’s buildings and building sites. Here, all is quiet. The soundtrack is of birdsong and tree frogs. Lolloping rabbits nibble the lawns and woodpeckers tap away. Moorish archways give way to Andalusian-style villas-as-riads, where frangipani trees drop their flowers in the still heat.

Lie on a sunbed facing the pool, and you could, almost, be at a hacienda in southern Spain . Of all the Dubai hotels (there are so many now, with more bedrooms than London , or Paris , or New York ), this is the one where you really tune out. The swimming pool takes centre-stage, lined with day beds, air-conditioned cabanas for snoozing mini ones, shallow sections for paddling and enough space for splashing and squawking without entirely ruining everyone else’s holiday. In the Manor House, the kids’ club is like a thrilling secret, packed with toys, but actually children tend to gallop to the beach for a spin in a Hobie Cat, perfect their game on the tennis courts or get their hands henna-painted in the garden. While Stay by Yannick Alléno with its liquid-nitrogen-freezing food theatrics is a bit of a stretch for kids, the yacht-club-like overwater 101 Dining Lounge has squid-ink calamari, grilled tiger prawns and miso cod. For those with only few days to spare but in need of vitamin D, this is a ludicrously easy, no-questions-asked fly-and-flop.

INSIDER TIP The all-singing, all-dancing One&Only Royal Mirage is more often touted as the one for families, but staying here – smaller, quieter – is a clever side-step.

BOOK IT Destinology offers five nights from £1,455 per person, half board, including flights and transfers. +44 1204 474801; destinology.co.uk

Read the Bohemian guide to Dubai

Originally published in the June 2018 issue of Condé Nast Traveller

The Datai Langkawai

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

The jungle retreat

There was a time in the 1990s when every British family raced to the Datai for half-term. The jungle hotel by the late, great architect Kerry Hill on Langkawi, a barely-heard-of dot off Malaysia ’s north-west coast, became the most talked-about hotspot. Even timeless properties get tired, though, and in 2017 it closed for a £45million refurbishment. Rather than an over-zealous facelift, the revamp feels like a catch-up with an old friend – one who’s been in Bali on a surf-sabbatical and has come back buzzing with new yoga moves. Much is familiar: rainforest-luxe structures, lotus-filled ponds, Malaysian dishes at The Gulai House.

The location is still raw and out there – unlocked doors opened by macaques searching for mangoes; the Andaman Sea alternating between being kingfisher-blue and restless, and emerald and flat. But there are changes, too. Rooms have been reimagined by Hills’ original co-collaborator Didier Lefort, timber beams and floors sanded back, and gold and green accents added in a nod to the island’s 500-plus species of butterflies. A clutch of new rainforest villas have been added, but top billing goes to the Datai Estate Villa, a five-bedroom whopper with two pools and butler. The eco agenda has been ramped up with a water-bottling plant and permaculture garden. While competition is stiff when it comes to South-east Asian island escapes – Singapore ’s Cempedak, Bawah in Indonesia and new Cambodian arrivals are snapping at its heels – this combination of one of the world’s oldest rainforests and most alluring beaches is hard to beat.

INSIDER TIP Potential sites in Penang and Borneo have been scouted. Two Datais would make a trip even more worthwhile, so keep an ear to the ground.

BOOK IT Doubles from £470, including breakfast. +60 4 9500 500; thedatai.com. Malaysia Airlines flies twice daily from London to Langkawi via Kuala Lumpur. malaysiaairlines.com

Find our review of The Datai, Langkawi

Silversands

A beach-front breather

When Silversands opened last year at the northern tip of curving Grand Anse beach , the turbo-contemporary design was a game-changing first for low-key, laid-back Grenada. At a glance it seems almost too crisp to be family-friendly: all that floor-to-ceiling glass, walnut wood and smooth Calacatta marble. But it works brilliantly for those with teens who are savvy enough to appreciate the vibe – especially the beach-club-like Grenadian Grill which whips up lobster quesadillas for lunch – but equally still young enough to happily while away afternoons splashing about in the sea.

The beachfront pavilion villas are the ones to book, with four bedrooms, a private pool and sun deck, and an open-plan living and dining room. While kids get stuck into watersports – the see-through kayaks are great fun – grown-ups can head to the spa for a quartz-sand massage. It’s worth noting that the 330ft pool, the longest in the Caribbean, is for over-12s only. Adventure junkies might want to try some of the more high-adrenalin activities, too. Charter a traditional Carriacou sloop and go snorkelling at the Underwater Sculpture Park – book with Savvy Sailing and on the way back budding sailors can take a turn steering – sign up for a dune-buggy tour, or get a bird’s-eye view of the jungle on the Grenada High Wire canopy obstacle course before cooling off at Seven Sisters waterfall. Back at the hotel, dinner is delicious shrimp tempura and Singapore noodles at Asian-fusion restaurant Asiatique. Or slices of pizza served from the pop-up tuk-tuk, eaten poolside as the DJ plays mash-ups of Nineties classics. A sophisticated Caribbean crash pad with unexpectedly serious design kudos.

INSIDER TIP BB’s Crabback restaurant is a local favourite on the waterfront in St George’s. Order the crab, served in its shell, or spicy jerk chicken.

BOOK IT Carrier offers seven nights in a villa from £25,370, based on a family of four, including breakfast, flights and transfers. +44 161 492 1354; carrier.co.uk

Search the secret islands of the Caribbean

Tierra Atacama

CHILE, SOUTH AMERICA

The outdoor thrill

Chile is a case study in vast, surreal landscape shifts, outdoorsy thrills and vineyards worth flying for. Families, though, will find their sweet spot in the Atacama . The driest desert in the world looks like the surface of the moon, with waterless ravines and crusted-over salt flats stretching out for miles. Granted, a near-rainless plateau might sound harsh for little ones. But the Atacama becomes wildly hospitable when bedding down at desert-modernist Tierra Atacama in San Pedro, its plunge pool overlooking the often-smoking Licancabur volcano and outdoor showers for children who want to spot the constellations while shampooing. The Tierra brand, which also has properties in Chiloé and Patagonia, is known for its smart adventure lodges that are child-friendly without looking like it. The Atacama outpost embraces Chilean modernist design – cowhide rugs, wooden shutters, white mud walls, floor-to-ceiling windows framing Andean peaks – without making parents feel like they have to hold their breath when they herd their clan through the lobby. Experienced teenage equestrians can gallop through the dunes or head up to 14,000ft pre-dawn, drinking coca tea – which helps adjust to the altitude – around trippy natural geysers. Families with five- to 12-year-olds can walk the trails among the rock formations in Valle de la Luna or watch flamingos take off over the Salar de Atacama. After dark, go stargazing with an astronomer – this is one of the best spots in the world to see the Milky Way because of the absence of artificial light. Once the brood is in bed, it’s time for Pisco Sours and empanadas by the fireplace. As it turns out, properly adventurous destinations are the hottest family-holiday trend.

INSIDER TIP Bring an extra swimming costume for the nearby thermal spring and salt-water pools, which are shallow enough for paddling.

BOOK IT Doubles from about £590 per person, full board. Children from age five, from about £130. +56 55 255 5975; tierrahotels.com

Camp out in the Atacama

The house swap

LONDON – NEW YORK

Last summer our family (me, my husband and our three-year-old daughter) swapped our East London flat for a waterfront warehouse apartment in Williamsburg . I think we got the better deal somehow. I threw myself into it, joining a Facebook group for Greenpoint parents to get under the skin of the neighbourhood. And while Big Apple living was huge fun, the best part of the adventure was our road trip out of the sizzling city.

Using the money saved from the swap, we hired a car and spent a week in Upstate New York . Just two hours’ drive along Route 17 are charming towns studded with farm-to-fork restaurants and nice-as-pie places to stay. Most people head straight to Hudson but we wanted to sniff out something different, and ended up in Livingston Manor, a Catskills town that is home to a group of retro-rustic hotels run by Sims and Kirsten Foster.

We stayed at The Arnold House, a former boarding house reimagined as a mountain hideout with its own tavern, spa and fairy-lit barns that host bands on Friday nights. Here was good old-fashioned hospitality, with staff knocking up boiled eggs, warm bread and maple butter for our travel-weary toddler, showing us stacks of board games and s’mores kits to be roasted in the gardens. Their sister property nearby, the North Branch Inn, has its own skittles alley and is a beautiful spot for an early supper.

We wandered into Livingston Manor for lunches at the Main Street Farm deli and browsed around Nest, a lifestyle store owned by a former Vogue art director. On other days we swam at the Fosters’ newest venture, The DeBruce, which has amazing mountain views. A (free) tour of Apple Pond Farm in nearby Callicoon gave our daughter an incredible experience milking goats and feeding chickens. On our way back to New York we stopped in Woodstock, a tie-dyed time-warp arts colony with shops brimming with pottery and paintings. We grabbed ice cream at a nostalgia-tinted parlour then drove for a swim at Peekamoose Blue Hole. Real vintage Americana stuff.

INSIDER TIP Before leaving the city we swung by children’s swap-shop Flying Squirrel in Brooklyn for a scooter. Our daughter used it every day. We sold it back at the end of our trip in exchange for clothes for her. By Rohini Wahi

BOOK IT Start a conversation about a swap on Facebook community groups. Or visit lovehomeswap.com or homeexchange.com .

Eat to the beat: Williamsburg

Urban grazing in Stockholm

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Only the Swedish capital could have produced a phenomenon like Abba. However edgy the city looks in Scandi noirs, in reality it’s opulent and fun. There are 14 islands, palaces everywhere and, in winter, everything’s covered in twinkly lights. Nothing has been under-designed, and even the stations look either retro or funky. Ride a retro ferry to the funfair, or head off to Södermalm for vintage or a pink furry coat.

Teenagers will love it, especially ultra-cool cafés such as Urban Deli. The best place for lunch is the attic of the photography museum Fotografiska, a vast post-industrial space with wide-angle views of the harbour. Then ride the Twister at Gröna Lund, or visit the wolves of Skansen Zoo. And, for downtime, slope back to the Nobis Hotel, which was created out of two huge old banks. Inside there’s a quirky brilliance in the giant lampshades, the earthy colours, the handmade African wardrobes, and the central space, which is like a soaring rocket silo with chandeliers.

Have dinner in the startling silvery bistro, or head for the bar and drink like Midas, surrounded by gold. To restart the engines in the morning, there’s a full Swedish breakfast deep in the vaults. Your salmon and värdshusknäcke (crispbread) comes with a story too. It was here, in 1973, that a bank robber charmed his four hostages, giving us a new term, ‘ Stockholm syndrome’.

Nobis is also right where it matters. It’s only a short hop to the crooked, cobbled world of the old city, Gamla Stan. And a 10-minute tram-ride east is Djurgården, with its museums. Don’t miss the Vasamuseet, whose centrepiece, a six-storey shipwreck, is a time-capsule from 1628; or, if your super troupers still need glitz, go for overload and the Abba Museum.

INSIDER TIP If you’re seeing all the sights, consider a Stockholm Pass. A few museums, however, are free, including the Royal Armoury, where you’ll find golden coaches, an assassin’s outfit and Marie-Antoinette’s inkwell. For a full rundown on children’s activities, see visitstockholm.com . By John Gimlette

BOOK IT Baltic Travel offers three nights from £495 per person, based on two adults sharing, including flights and airport trains. +44 20 8233 2875; baltictravelcompany.com

Things to do on a family city break in Stockholm

Back to nature bonding in the jungle

BALI, INDONESIA

If you can’t up sticks and permanently move to Bali to enrol your children at the Green School – currently the coolest place on the planet for a free-range education – then this is the next best thing. During the summer holidays , the eco-friendly outfit operates family camps on a delightful site adjoining the school, where there are bamboo huts with bunk beds, mess rooms and communal showers.

It’s a bit like being at boarding school, except the weather is sultry, the food is fantastically healthy, the teachers are the loveliest bunch of enthusiastic young Balinese and classes are all about making connections and having fun. That might mean shimmying up a coconut tree (with a harness), embarking on a night safari to spot chameleons, or building a raft from scratch as a family and then taking it down to the river for a float.

The kitchen serves generous salads, vegetarian and vegan options, and gluten-free food too. Under peer pressure, children will go with the flow and gobble up grilled tofu and lentil pancakes. Families come from all over the world and make for a fascinating bunch, from boho jet-setters and European eco-warriors to those who are on a year’s sabbatical after enjoying corporate success.

There can be a competitive edge, especially at the finale of the DIY shadow-puppet contest, but generally it’s all a bit of a love-in and by the end you’ll be swapping email addresses promising to share recipes for oatmeal cakes.

INSIDER TIP Before camp starts, spend a few days in Ubud exploring the temples and markets. Afterwards head to the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay , which has a great children’s club. You might deserve the break.

BOOK IT A five-day course at Green Camp costs from about £1,700 for two adults and two children under 12 years old (under-fives are free of charge), including all meals and activities. greencampbali.com

Check into family-friendly Villa Arjuna, Canggu, Bali

The Inca adventure

PERU, SOUTH AMERICA

An archaeology holiday might not be the way to sell it, but a trip through Peru ’s highlands is likely to be profoundly educational and deeply enjoyable. For children, as for adults, it’s all about making connections. Peruvian indigenous peoples, and their clothes, culture and food, remain a force in this mesmerising region – and going overland helps to link must-see sites with present-day realities. Big, blue, deliriously beautiful Lake Titicaca is enticing.

But to get to know it, approach from multiple angles. Sleek Titilaka Lodge is the ultimate base: wake up with the immense, glass-calm lake filling your bedroom window, then, after breakfast, set off on a small boat to visit the Uros people, who dwell on floating reed islands. There are also pole-rafting excursions and bustling market visits. The fine Peruvian fusion food, from subtle sea-bass ceviche to tender llama steaks and grilled guinea pig (gulp), helps to power lungs and legs.

From the lake it’s a day’s drive across the Andean high plain, an otherworldly region of golden grassland, llama herds and sudden views of snow-capped peaks. Around dusk, the road dips into a lush valley, peppers and potatoes sprouting on tidy terraces, to Cusco, the Incas’ navel of the world. A couple of nights at Inkaterra La Casona, a restored 16th-century manor house, allows time to stroll through artsy San Blas and see the Sacsayhuamán ruins. Then onwards, 35 miles north of Cusco to the Explora Sacred Valley.

Here, on the banks of the Urubamba River, a menu of 20 or so explorations includes trips to a salt mine, a walk through the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo and a thrilling, mainly downhill bike ride into the valley. One last climactic quest: Machu Picchu, reached by the Pullman-style Hiram Bingham train, with music and dancing as you roll. Walk up to the Sun Gate to take in the views and celebrate the collective knock-your-socks-off conquest.

INSIDER TIP Go easy for the first day or two to acclimatise to the thin air. By Chris Moss

BOOK IT Journey Latin America offers a 12-day overland holiday in Peru similar to the above, with driver, from £4,612 per person, including flights. +44 20 8600 1881; journeylatinamerica.co.uk

Machu Picchu tours and alternative trails

Wine and wildlife on the Cape

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

A driving holiday with small children might sound like madness, but park those fears: epic as it is, South Africa is crammed with charming small towns, so the next stop is never more than an hour away. It’s wildlife that tops the agenda, even on an African odyssey without a safari. Kicking off in Cape Town , that means Boulders Beach, home to thousands of penguins, then back to the Mount Nelson Hotel for afternoon tea. At the foot of Table Mountain, it’s brilliantly positioned for whizzing to the top by cable car or eating your way around the foodie hubs of Bree, Long and Kloof Streets (all ages will love the ice cream at Unframed).

Inland, in the pretty, laid-back wine town of Franschhoek , La Clé des Montagnes has five villas – each with their own pool as well as nothing-is-too-much-trouble staff to whip up French toast or light a braai. If you pick your estates right, winery hopping offers as much for children as their Shiraz-loving parents. Picnic by the lily-pad lake at Solms-Delta, taste grape juices at Grande Provence or explore the gardens at Babylonstoren, where turkeys and ducks roam. Road signs here warn of baboons, which flash their pink bottoms.

But soon the gentle vine-covered slopes give way to the arid landscape of the Little Karoo. Just off Route 60, the Robertson Small hotel has a great guide to nearby vineyards and farms, though it would be easy never to leave its gardens, having story-time on the cactus-print sofas and dips in the two pools. Further south, there’s an edge-of-the-world feel to the beaches of De Hoop Nature Reserve. And this is where the wildlife count really racks up: ostriches on the way to breakfast, antelope by the jungle gym and cheeky guinea fowl trying to steal your lunch. Low tide at beautiful Koppie Alleen beach reveals octopus and crabs, urchins and starfish in the rockpools. By the end, as Africa starts to seep under their skin, children are a little bit wilder, a little bit freer and a little bit more full of wonder.

INSIDER TIP Stop at Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre near Stellenbosch to feed Gerry, a rescue giraffe, and befriend llamas and lemurs. By Fiona Kerr

BOOK IT Africa Travel (+44 20 7843 3591; africatravel.co.uk ) offers an eight- night trip, staying at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, La Clé des Montagnes, Robertson Small and De Hoop Nature Reserve, from £1,998 per person, based on two adults and two children, including breakfast, car hire and flights.

Our guide to Cape Town

A mind-blowing roam through Rajasthan

RAJASTHAN, INDIA

All involved! India is all involved – from the moment we climb into the little van that will scoot us around Rajasthan , its windows looking onto a kaleidoscope world of bleating, beeping street life. My 10-year-old beams (forget the overnight flight, forget the tussles at the airport, forget the heat that hits like a brick): ‘Mama, I feel so alive!’ Here are children with eyes like almonds, mothers with skin as worn as shoes, an unconcerned cow crossing the road, taking its holy unholy time. Drinks stalls, umbrella stands, a swathe of men having their hair cut, their manes wet and grooved like otters, slipper shops and flip-flops, mangoes the size of the sun.

In the countryside around Amanbagh it feels as if we have stepped back into medieval times; ladies scythe fields of corn the colour of dawn, a leopard hunts in the night, grunting in the chase. Everywhere we go – every feast, every forage – our paths are lit by candles, and there’s the strain of a sitar. Monkeys stare imperiously at us in the ruined temples, and pick at each other, the flame trees of the forest are in flower and shimmer filament orange in the heat. We spend an afternoon at a village house and try to carry an urn of water on our heads like the locals. Then off we roll to Jaipur and Suján Rajmahal Palace , a trippy dream of Willy Wonka happiness, where the wallpaper covers not just inside the house but outside too. The train hoots past the garden, men wear turbans the colour of candy floss, and we listen to jazz root-tooting from speakers in the drawing room where Princess Diana used to keep cool. We paint elephants, we watch the furious whiplash of the carpet weaver’s loom. At the Gem Palace we sit in Fifties Buicks parked out back and try on necklaces that cost a million bucks.

At The Oberoi Udaivilas the children are given wooden ducks that they pull on pieces of string, clip-clopping over the miles of shiny black-and-white-marble corridors. We have supper on a boat at sunset and watch egrets flying home to roost, the lake a melted pink mirror. We zoom around town on tuk-tuks and buy bracelets and boxes and pretty little linen dresses. One dusk, in the desert at Mihir Garh, we are looking out the long windows sliced into the walls. We gaze at a slow procession of goats being hurried home, their bells tinkling away, the farmers bringing up the rear. Suddenly a horse dashes into view – a beautiful creature as polished as a chess piece – galloping across the field, snorting and neighing, its tail high in the air like a plume.

At Umaid Bhawan, we have tea with the maharaja. He is not wearing a crown. The children politely pop sandwiches into their mouths, and then impolitely push them back them out again. At breakfast they feed the peacocks on the steps of the palace. At supper they dance with the dancing girls in the courtyard to the high-low holler of the band. Before bed we look at the offerings around the sink in our bathroom; it is a shop in itself, everything you could ever want and more. Nail files, ear buds, toothpicks, shoe-shining kits, eye drops, mints, a packet of safety pins fanned out exactly according to size. We stare at it all for a long time. India: rigorous, glamorous, shocking, mesmerising. India is all involved. By Melinda Stevens

BOOK IT Scott Dunn offers a Rajasthan trip from £4,600 per person, based on a family of four staying on a B&B basis, including three nights at Amanbagh, three nights at Sujan Rajmahal Palace, two nights at The Oberoi Udaivilas, two nights at Mihir Garh, two nights at Umaid Bhawan Palace and one night at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, flights, private transfers and guides. +44 20 8682 5075; scottdunn.com

Get inspired with these beautiful pictures of Rajasthan, India

A tale of two Thai cities

BANGKOK & CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Bangkok is an exhilarating entry point to Asia . It’s exotic, unfamiliar, heady from the smell of jasmine and sizzling street-food stalls, with a honking roar of bumper-to-bumper traffic as its soundtrack. Children will have their eyes out on stalks: the glitter of gilded temples, the giant Buddha, the squealing thrill of a kamikaze tuk-tuk ride. Hole up in the reassuring calm of the Mandarin Oriental , where guests of all ages are nannied and pampered. Rooms in the River Wing have amazing views of the Chao Phraya below, particularly at night when the neon skyscrapers wink at an endless parade of lantern-lit boats. The hotel’s world-famous staff are brilliant with even the tiniest guests, from the amiable pool attendant supplying goggles, sun cream and impromptu rides around the gardens on his towel trolley to the butlers who leave hand-carved chocolate elephants by little ones’ beds at night. Thai people love children and, rather than hushing them up, they encourage sticky fingers at high tea in the Authors’ Lounge and enthusiastic youngsters to dance along when the band strikes up in lobby at 6pm sharp. Whizz across the river on the shuttle boat for Thai boxing lessons and cookery classes, or ask the concierge to book a longtail boat trip around the khlongs (Bangkok’s network of canals) to spot huge crocodile-like water monitors.

The adventure continues an hour’s flight north in Chiang Mai . The Dhara Dhevi is a magnificent mini fiefdom on the outskirts of town which draws on traditional Lanna architecture with a palatial lobby, hidden shrines, walls of dragon carvings and a Rolls-Royce-badged buggy to ferry everyone around. The two-bedroom family villas come with teak-wood floors, pianos, hot tubs and four-poster beds.

It’s tempting to just kick back but an hour’s drive into the jungle there’s zip wiring, excursions to see native hill tribes and ethical elephant camps that limit the number of visitors and rides. Back at the kids’ club, though, everyone gets an opportunity to hop on a water buffalo to ride out into the paddy fields to plant rice. There are also yoga sessions for children and craft classes with local women to make paper lanterns. Just factor in that there might be tears when it’s time to kiss the resident pet pigmy ponies goodbye. By Olivia Falcon INSIDER TIP Call in at the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park in Chiang Mai where they turn dung into stationery – guaranteed giggles for weeks.

BOOK IT Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights from £2,025 per adult and £1,350 per child, based on two adults and one child sharing, with three nights at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and four nights at the Dhara Dhevi, including flights and transfers. +44 1494 678400; turquoiseholidays.co.uk

Above: elephants in Chiang Mai.

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A safari with a twist

TANZANIA, AFRICA

A four-tonne african elephant leant against our flimsy canvas tent, somewhat alarming my wife by scratching his tusk just as she was dressing for dinner. My teenage children had a fit of giggles as they heard their mother ask over the walkie-talkie if anyone had a gun, as she believed this was needed to scare it away. ‘His tusks are making a dent in my gauze window,’ she whispered down the line to our safari guide, who was sitting by a roaring campfire with the children and me as I sipped a whisky sundowner. We had all been advised never to leave our tent without calling for an escort. Life in the Tanzanian bush carries a risk. By the time two men – without guns – reached the tent the elephant had sauntered off. Later that night lions growled hungrily outside. Some buffalo left marks, which we saw on the ground when dawn broke and vultures circled above. Earlier, when I was in the outside shower, one side open to the savanna, zebra and impala had wandered past a matter of yards away.

From the moment we had left Kilimanjaro airport we were not so much looking for animals as being stalked by them. Straightaway we had halted to watch two cheetahs lazing in the curved branches of a sausage tree by the roadside. Later, on an afternoon game drive, a pride of 22 lions, including 12 cubs, sprawled before us. We saw a tower of giraffes, a dazzle of zebras and herds of (as well as solitary) male elephants.

We saw a tower of giraffes, a dazzle of zebras and herds of male elephants.

Tanzania is the ultimate animal-viewing paradise, with about 50 per cent of the biomass of all animals in Africa. Our safari in four different camps was wild and unpredictable yet also spoiled and deeply comfortable. Indiana Jones meets Ralph Lauren. It was a spectacular adventure on small planes and in fly camps, soaring above heart-stopping panoramic landscapes and tracking elephants on the ground (with armed escorts). We went to Masai villages where the children jumped with warriors with spears and sat on the dirt floor in their thatched huts. The safari camps were all owned by Asilia, a company committed to all that is eco and sustainable, as well as a decent nod to luxury and wellbeing. Part of Asilia’s purpose is to help support local education. This trip was about seeing hippos yawning in the river, about rising early for a surprise Ritz -standard silver-service breakfast set up on a remote prehistoric rocky outcrop, or enjoying an impromptu picnic in the middle of lion country. But a visit to a primary school with its safari-funded books and teachers proved equally moving.

Every day brought new sights. Baboons as well as red-billed storks. Always impala and Thomson’s gazelle, the Bambis of Africa. One male elephant blocked our road. ‘Do not move,’ our guide whispered urgently. The bull drew back its ears, harrumphed and stepped towards us. This was all of 30ft away. And he was big. He could flip our vehicle as if tossing a frisbee. Everywhere umbrella acacia trees seemed planted as if for photo opportunities. The vast skies, the sense of space and isolation were mesmerising for the children. Giraffes were majestically odd with their tufted ears and catwalk high legs. Mating ostriches with outrageous red necks inflamed by lust were comical. All co-existed. Fear arrived with the threat of sugar badgers breaking into our tents, their razor claws as sharp as their sense of smell. My children immediately gave up all their secret supplies of chewing gum and sweets voluntarily for fear of night-time invasions.

Here was the Great Migration and we were alone on the bank watching it at dawn as the sun rose.

And then there was the wildebeest migration, the most spectacular animal event on the planet, with a million of them on the run. We were mid bacon and eggs when our breathless guide rushed in and told us to get in the Land Rover immediately. We dashed. Then, hanging on for dear life, we bumped and banged about along tracks and trails until we came to the Tarangire River. And there they were: 25,000 wildebeest on the opposite bank. It was like an apocalyptic scene, as if the natural world sensed something terrifying that we didn’t. These ragtag animals started to wade into the river one by one, followed by a few more, until suddenly it was filled with a twisted mass of horns and hide and an incessant bleat of panic and fear. Here was the Great Migration and we were alone on the bank watching it at dawn as the sun rose. They rushed past our vehicle, bedraggled and relentless. This was nature raw and surreal. We were utterly engrossed as mothers crossed the river only to realise forlornly that their calf was not with them. Zebras were caught up in the mêlée. One beast got its leg caught between two rocks mid-stream. And then we were joined on the bank by a lioness, who saw in these tired and disorientated animals an opportunity for a free lunch. A crocodile came upstream and snapped its jaws around a young beast about 200ft from us.

It was Africa more intense and exciting than we had even dared hope. The force was as unstoppable as the tide or a thunderclap – animals compelled for their very survival to go south to seek land with rain. Wildebeest, our guide told us, are apparently what God made from the spares parts of rest of the animals. Horns of buffalo. Tail of horse. Face of grasshopper. Leg of topi. Millions of them racing for survival, as we bore witness. By Geordie Greig

BOOK IT Africa Travel can arrange a family holiday to Tanzania, including one night at the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge and two nights each at Oliver’s Camp, Dunia Camp and Ubuntu Camp, from £5,275 per adult and £3,095 per child under 12 years, based on two adults and two children travelling, full board, with flights, all road and light aircraft transfers and safari activities. A three-night extension to Essque Zalu on Zanzibar costs from £770 per adult and £340 per child. + 44 20 7843 3591; africatravel.co.uk

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50 bucket list family adventure trips.

Forge lifelong memories on a one-of-a-kind journey together.

(Getty Images) |

Take the kids on the transformative trip of a lifetime.

Whether you want to push your limits on a heart-pounding African safari, surf trip, ski retreat or national park vacation, there are plenty of boundary-pushing vacations well-suited for families of all ages, interests and budgets. While some places cater to clans craving enrichment with cultural cred and striking natural wonders, others lure thrill-seeking families in pursuit of adrenaline-pumping activities and wildlife encounters in far-flung locales. No matter your goal, the best memories will be "when you're taking in awe-inspiring sights and doing things you never knew were possible," says Leigh Barnes, the North America regional director at Intrepid Travel, an adventure outfitter. With that in mind, these 50 once-in-a-lifetime trips are guaranteed to give you – and the kids – a fresh perspective.

While San Diego may not spring to mind as an outside-the-box bucket list vacation destination, with ample opportunities to learn to surf along gentle breaks, a spectacular 70-mile coastline and an iconic zoo filled with 3,500 fascinating animals and a safari park in nearby Escondido, the Southern California hot spot is a crowd-pleasing playground for thrill-seekers of all ages. Head to La Jolla to take a lesson at an acclaimed surf school or catch pros skimming the waves. And for more leisurely outdoor exploration, tag along on a sailing lesson at Mission Bay Aquatic Center, visit Balboa Park or grab your camera and take family photos at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park as the sun goes down.

Oahu, Hawaii

You may associate the Aloha State with seaside landscapes, opulent hotels and secluded sands filled with honeymooners. But here's a secret: Oahu's famous North Shore offers plenty of unforgettable, action-packed experiences for adventure-loving broods. In winter, the area draws pro surfers with its massive swells. But if you arrive in summer, you can enjoy calmer waves and learn how to skim the waves together. At Turtle Bay Resort , you and the kids can enjoy private or group surf lessons, take guided surf tours, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or bond while kayaking, horseback riding or biking. After soaking in the great outdoors, check out must-see historical attractions, like 'Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor in Honolulu.

In Sydney , you'll find rip-roaring adventures catering to every adventurer in your group. After visiting classic attractions such as the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, embark on a kayaking expedition in the harbor or venture to Sydney Olympic Park, where you and the kids can swing across a zip line or take an archery lesson. For more thrilling pursuits, hike in the nearby Blue Mountains (about a two-hour train ride from Sydney), where you can marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation and inspiring waterfalls. And if you're traveling with animal lovers, you can't miss checking out the Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (about an hour drive outside of the city), which houses kangaroos, koalas and wombats.

Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for exhilarating encounters in the wild. While daredevils may want to glide through a canopy of trees on a zip line, nature enthusiasts can take in enchanting butterfly farms or hike through lush rainforests. Jeremy Brady, the national sales manager at small-group adventure tour outfitter G Adventures, suggests Costa Rica for families with kids under age 10 looking for a blend of high-octane activity, cultural immersion and wildlife-viewing. Get your heart racing as you zip line or stroll along the misty Sky Walk (a hanging bridge) through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, which teems with howler monkeys, colorful birds, sloths and 2,500 plant species. Then soak in the sunshine and surf along the Nicoya Peninsula.

With dramatic glaciers, fascinating wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes, Alaska captivates nature lovers of all ages. Whether you're dreaming of catching sight of the northern lights or cruising past glaciers and whale-filled waters in Kenai Fjords National Park, you have plenty of reasons to take the kids to Alaska. On National Geographic's eight-day Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords Family Expedition (from $5,845), you and your crew can take guided hikes to a ridgeline summit in Denali National Park and Preserve's interior and take a cruise through the Kenai Fjords, where sea lions, orca and gray and humpback whales are often spotted. After an exhilarating day outdoors, you can enjoy downtime at Denali Backcountry Lodge.

The Galápagos

With its spellbinding landscapes and captivating creatures – from giant tortoises to penguins to sea lions – the Galápagos Islands have long enamored thrill-seekers in pursuit of one-of-a-kind wildlife adventures. Barnes highlights Charles Darwin's playground as an ideal choice for wildlife-loving broods looking for an off-the-beaten-track getaway. With Intrepid Travel's eight-day Galapagos Family Holiday package (prices start at $2,680), families can get an adrenaline rush as they "witness some of the rarest creatures in the world, snorkeling at one of the largest sea lion colonies, spotting giant tortoises and looking out for marine iguanas, whales, dolphins and sharks," Barnes explains. For unforgettable, up-close animal counters, you won't want to miss Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island or snorkeling near Santa Maria Island.

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Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai may draw outdoorsy couples with its captivating coastlines and postcard-worthy sunsets, but the less-trodden tropical paradise isn't just a romantic hideaway. Budding thrill-seekers will find plenty of adrenaline-pumping pursuits to pique their interest, whether they're itching to try their hand at surfing at Hanalei Bay, traverse the Waimea Canyon or swim in the Queen's Bath, a lava rock-bordered tide pool on the island's north shore. Everett Potter, a columnist for Forbes and author of the website "Everett Potter's Travel Report," highlights sea kayaking, snorkeling and zip lining as classic adventure-filled recreational pursuits the whole crew will enjoy.

Washington, District of Columbia

Not just a mecca for high-profile politicians, the nation's capital offers world-class cultural attractions and a dizzying array of family-friendly museums, from the National Museum of History to the National Gallery of Art. Breaks from admiring the District's marbled monuments can include catching a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and wandering along the Tidal Basin (arrive in spring to catch sight of pink-hued blooms draping the city). And for more thrilling escapades, venture 15 miles outside of the District to the Billy Goat Trail, where you can enjoy biking, climbing and hiking, or tack on a trip to Virginia's Shenandoah National Park, just 75 miles outside of the nation's capital.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Get away from it all and soak in the snow-capped peaks, alpine glaciers and plummeting waterfalls on an epic family adventure in Glacier National Park. On Backroads' five-day Glacier Family Multi-Adventure Camping Tour (from $1,998 per person), horseback riding in Many Glacier Valley, peddling among glacier-sculpted valleys and taking in riveting vistas on Going-to-the-Sun Road are on the itinerary. If you would rather craft your own itinerary, a few must-sees include the Trail of the Cedars, which is suitable for all skill levels and is conveniently located near Lake McDonald Lodge, and Grinnell Glacier, a photogenic hike that weaves past Logan Pass. Best of all, youngsters can tag along a variety of ranger-guided programs, including snowshoe hikes in winter.

Iguazú Falls, Brazil and Argentina

With 275 jaw-dropping waterfalls, UNESCO Heritage status and the chance to enjoy biologist-guided jungle treks and river kayaking expeditions, it's no wonder these cascading falls along the Argentina-Brazil border hold a firm place on the adventurer's bucket list. If you don't mind misty surroundings, consider visiting during the less in-demand rainy season (December to February). There are plenty of ways to experience the falls in their full glory, but for an upscale, stress-free option, consider embarking on an guided tour. At the new all-inclusive Awasi Iguazú, an eco-friendly resort, you can stay in a rainforest villa and take a guided excursion to the waterfalls and beyond.

Croatia offers a winning blend of historical attractions, architectural gems and cinematic backdrops. For a memorable family adventure, Barnes highlights Croatia as an out-of-the-ordinary pick. Intrepid Travel's nine-day Croatia Family Holiday trip (from $2,195 per person) "takes families beyond Dubrovnik and guides them through less-visited but equally adventurous sites like the vineyards, olive groves and tranquil coves of Korčula Island, the Renaissance architecture and beautiful beaches of Hvar Island and the waterfront promenade of Split," he explains. If you're looking to up the thrill factor, take the kids to Krka National Park in central Dalmatia to marvel at striking waterfalls. And no trip would be complete without strolling through Dubrovnik's iconic Old City or checking out Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the country's most popular national park, with roughly 10 million visitors each year – tempts adventurous families with seemingly endless opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. Whether you and the gang want to enjoy horseback riding, hiking or biking expeditions, there are a number of activities to keep you busy. For the ultimate bonding experience, time your trip for late May or early June, when 19 different species of fireflies flash in sync to create a bright flickering color against the evening sky at the Elkmont Campground. If you can't snag a pass, which are distributed via a lottery system, take the kids to other can't-miss attractions, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Grotto Falls.

With its geothermal hot springs, active volcanoes, iconic lagoon and surreal landscapes, it's no wonder Iceland holds a top spot on many traveler's lists. On Intrepid Travel's seven-day Summer Iceland Family Holiday trip (prices start at $2,850), you can soak in the country's spectacular natural attractions, from bubbling geysers to cascading waterfalls to icy glaciers. Highlights include meandering through a glacial lagoon, riding the rapids along the Hvita River (participants must be 11 or older) and trekking on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park. And though you and the kids might feel jet-lagged once you arrive, you can recharge in the Blue Lagoon before embarking on an adrenaline-fueled trip.

Dramatic coastlines, awe-inspiring parks (Acadia National Park, we’re looking at you) and rugged landscapes beckon to adventurers of all ages. Potter suggests embarking on a multiday sea kayaking trip on the coast of Maine for an unforgettable getaway. He highlights the 375-mile Maine Island Trail – a recreational water trail that links more than 200 isles and sites – as an especially worthwhile adventure. For more land-based excursions, take the kids to Acadia for heart-pounding hikes and bike rides. Trekking to the staggering 1,560-foot Cadillac Mountain, exploring the robust 57-mile network of carriage roads and snapping family photos at Otter Cliff are must-dos. After embracing the great outdoors together, kick back at a family-friendly hotel like Balance Rock Inn .

Queenstown, New Zealand

When it comes to choosing an action-packed family-friendly destination, it's hard to top this fun-loving city. Adventure junkies of all ages can unleash their inner daredevil with snowboarding, kayaking and biking. If you and the gang aren't afraid of heights, climb aboard the Skyline Queenstown, a mountain cable car that soars 1,500 feet and offers awe-inspiring vistas of Coronet Peak, Queenstown and the Remarkables from an observation area at Bob's Peak. In winter (June to September in the Southern Hemisphere), you can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding at the Remarkables, located about 15 miles from Queenstown. And in summer, consider paragliding with a reputable company, such as GForce Paragliding, Coronet Peak or Skytrek.

The Azores, Portugal

While most jet-setters have heard of Lisbon, the Azores ' under-the-radar archipelago offers unique experiences for nature-loving families. Barnes highlights Intrepid Travel's eight-day Azores Family Holiday trip (from $2,610) as ideal for those who want to "visit working farms where agriculture is a core part of the local economy, hike up majestic volcanoes and swim with dolphins off the coast of São Miguel [Island]." If you would prefer to travel on your own, head to São Miguel to explore natural geothermal springs or make your way to Pico, which boasts a 7,700-foot summit – the highest in the country. For more relaxing outdoor pursuits, visit Varadouro, a coastal town on Faial Island with a craggy coastline and black basalt rock-framed pools.

Switzerland

For a quintessential active alpine getaway – complete with hikes to snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and serene meadows – add Switzerland to your travel list. Adventure travel company Backroads offers a six-day Switzerland Family Walking & Hiking Tour during the summer season (from $4,498 per person), where you can admire glistening glaciers and enchanting waterfalls, explore Zermatt (and take in awe-inspiring vantage points of the Matterhorn) and explore Gornergletscher glacier's ice field. While the hikes are challenging, you and the gang will be accompanied by experts. Plus, at the end of each day, you can retreat to upscale accommodations, making it an ideal choice if you're looking to experience the Swiss Alps in comfort.

Nairobi, Kenya

Few family adventure trips can rival spending a week on a dreamy safari. If you're traveling with budding wildlife lovers, splurge for a stay at one of the Elephant Watch Camp's eco-friendly tents within the Samburu National Reserve. Dedicated guides at the camp highlight elephants passing by and offer immersive activities, such as treks to the Ol Doinyo Mountain, walks with Samburu warriors, game drives and camel treks. Aside from roaming elephants, leopards, cheetahs, lions, zebras and giraffes are often spotted across the 70-square-mile reserve.

Machu Picchu, Peru

For intrepid families, Peru is a must-see bucket list destination, Brady says. After all, it's hard to match taking an expert-guided tour through the Amazon, Machu Picchu and Cusco. On G Adventures' nine-day Peru Family Experience (starting at $1,999 per person), participants ages 3 and up can raft, kayak, hike and bike on a naturalist-led tour in the Amazon jungle before taking the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu to catch sight of the "lost city of the Incas" and admire sacred temples and agriculture areas. After taking in commanding views of Machu Picchu's ruins, visitors can enjoy other must-see attractions in Cusco like the Sacsayhuamán ruins or explore the lively Plaza de Armas.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Imagine waking up to colorful cliff-side villages gazing over the Ligurian Sea and spending your days exploring together as you soak in breathtaking backdrops followed by pizza and gelato. While Cinque Terre 's cluster of five villages may be a popular romantic retreat, the charming small towns afford a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure as you hike from village to village. Though some treks are steep and not well-suited for novices or the faint of heart, fret not because you and the kids can opt to board a train or arrange a private boat tour. Consider booking a private tour with a venerable outfitter like Country Walkers to hike along olive-flanked paths, snorkel in the Ligurian and trek to medieval castles without sweating the details.

Jetting off to Bali with your brood to explore sacred temples and towering volcanoes might not seem like a practical family getaway, but with many immersive activities geared toward the young – and the young at heart – there are plenty of draws for planning the trip of a lifetime. With Intrepid Travel's Bali Family Holiday with Teenagers package, travelers can stay active with heart-pounding adventures, Barnes says. "In between snorkeling, hiking and whitewater rafting, take part in cultural excursions like chocolate-making at a Balinese factory [on the tour]," he says. If you would rather arrange your own itinerary, don't miss taking the kids to Uluwatu Temple or getting acquainted with Sumatran elephants at Elephant Safari Park.

With dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins and picturesque trails, the Emerald Isle is an adventure-lover's playground. After getting your culture fix in Dublin, take the kids to a real-life fairy tale by staying and sleep over in one of Ireland's enchanting castles. At the sprawling 450-acre Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate in County Clare, the whole crew can partake in archery, falconry, tennis, mountain biking and other recreational pursuits. And at the 800-year-old Ashford Castle, you can up the family fun factor with zip lining, carriage rides, falconry, horseback riding and other kid-friendly pursuits. After embracing the great outdoors, little ones ages 12 and under can get pampered with personalized bedtime story books, homemade cookies and even a LEGO menu.

Jaw-dropping landscapes punctuated by scenic fjords and magnificent glaciers tempt nature enthusiasts of all ages and interests to jet off to Norway. With G Adventures' seven-day Norwegian Fjord Trekking excursion (from $2,299), participants ages 12 and up can take a guided hike along the frosty Buer Glacier and explore the Trolltonga Troll's Tongue formation, which rises 2,300 feet over Lake Ringedalsvatnet. And while even finicky teens will be hard-pressed to find a reason not to immerse themselves in their surroundings, other draws for planning an action-packed trip to Norway include the chance to spot reindeer at Jotunheimen National Park and admire walruses and polar bears in Svalbard, nestled between Norway and the North Pole.

South Africa

If an African safari is on your bucket list, journey to Kruger National Park with a reputable outfitter that can guide you to pristine game reserves to spot the Big Five: lions, Cape buffalos, leopards, rhinoceroses and elephants. Brady highlights a 12-day G Adventures expedition in partnership with National Geographic Journeys (starting at $3,059 per person) from Cape Town to Victoria Falls as especially enticing. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, participants can marvel at penguins on Cape Town's Boulders Beach and take the picturesque wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park to spot giraffes, lions and elephants. Spectacular wildlife-viewing aside, the trip offers the chance to explore Victoria Falls by kayak, river safari, canoe or whitewater rafting expedition.

If you want to raise culture-loving kids, it's a great idea to skip across the pond to Paris. But if you've already gotten your art fix at world-renowned institutions in the City of Light, such as the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, skip Paris and take in an active getaway in the lesser-known Dordogne region in southwest France (about a 90-minute drive east of Bordeaux), which teems with castles, caves and storybook châteauxs. Youngsters will enjoy exploring the labyrinth-like gardens of Marqueyssac, checking out the 25 painted caves and 147 prehistoric sites in the Vézère Valley and releasing any pent-up energy cycling, canoeing and hiking in one of 33 parks and gardens in the area.

A trip along the Salmon River is a guaranteed one-of-a-kind adventure trip for all ages, Potter says. Along the Salmon River, you'll create long-lasting memories as you plummet through Class III rapids. The best way to experience the area's inspiring desert scenery on a heart-racing rafting expedition is with an experienced outfitter like O.A.R.S., he adds. The company offers four- and five-day trips on the lower Salmon River. If you're a first time rafter, consider the company's Gorges of the Lower Salmon River Rafting Trip (from $899 per person), which is designed for ages 7 and up. By day, you can enjoy whitewater rafting, swimming, paddleboarding and wildlife spotting, and after dark you can bond beneath the stars at riverside campsites.

Vail, Colorado

If your family comprises avid powder hounds and snow bunnies, Vail should top your travel bucket list. You and the gang can enjoy the ultimate snowboarding and ski break at Vail Ski Resort. And after shredding powder, take the kids to the Eagles Nest Wilderness or venture to neighboring Beaver Creek for kid-friendly activities like nature hikes from the Beaver Creek Nordic Center. Best of all, the area offers a variety of family-friendly accommodation options, from the Sonnenalp , which offers movie nights and arts and crafts at its kids club, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch , which offers marshmallow roasting around a fire pit and a Ritz Kids program with ski lessons, photography, scavenger hunts and other activities.

With world-renowned attractions – from Kyoto's iconic Buddhist temples to Tokyo's neon-lit cityscapes and skyscrapers – Japan's best places to visit beckon to culture-loving globetrotters of all ages. Barnes highlights Intrepid Travel's 11-day Japan Family Holiday (from $4,910 per person) as an especially memorable adventure. On the trip, travelers "can take part in activities few have the chance to experience, such as cooking okonomiyaki on a Tokyo Bay boat cruise, taking a dip in the soothing waters of the onsen (Japanese hot spring baths) in Hakone and learning the art of calligraphy," he explains. If you're craving more memorable experiences, take on a few extra days in Tokyo to check out can't-miss gems, such as the Sensoji Temple, the Imperial Palace and the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Thrill-seeking families in search of impressive waterfalls will be hard-pressed to find a more dramatic photo op than Niagara Falls . And while you should expect tourist kitsch (and heavy crowds), the magnificent natural wonder is a quintessential bucket list attraction for good reason. Whether you want to see the striking falls on a Maid of the Mist boat tour for a spray-filled ride to Horseshoe Falls or from a sky-high observation with a Journey Behind the Falls tour, there are many ways to experience the falls in all their splendor. Beyond the falls, check out kid-friendly attractions such as Niagara SkyWheel and Old Fort Niagara.

Morocco charms visitors with its colorful markets in Marrakesh, its dramatic dune-filled desert landscapes in the Sahara and its elaborate architecture in Casablanca. For a one-of-a-kind, action-packed trip – that doesn't require a small fortune – Barnets highlights a budget-friendly Morocco Family Holiday eight-day itinerary. The tour (starting at $665) includes camel riding along sandy dunes, exploring the iconic Djemaa el Fna main square and taking a respite at Zaouit Ifergane, a relaxing oasis with swaying palms. Carve out extra time in Marrakesh for plenty of kid-friendly enticements, such as treasure hunting for souvenirs and catching performances at lively bazaar market stalls, admiring the ornate mosaics at El Badi Palace and strolling through the cacti-filled Le Jardin Majorelle.

With its dramatic cliffs, striking fjords and plunging waterfalls, Denmark offers plenty of thrilling diversions for adventurous families. Aside from checking out Copenhagen's must-sees, such as the Little Mermaid statue, the Tivoli Gardens and Strøget, you and the kids can retreat to the enchanting Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød or walk among the cinematic cliffs flanking the isle of Møn's eastern coastline. On National Geographic Expeditions' nine-day Denmark and Norway Family Expedition, suited for ages 7 and up (starting at $6,590), highlights include peddling in the mountains outside of Bergen, learning about Scandinavia's fascinating seafaring heritage with an expert archaeologist, taking the Flåm Railway from Oslo to Myrdal and embarking on a scenic cruise along Sognefjord.

For a mix of art, history, ancient ruins and idyllic beaches, embark on an unforgettable odyssey in Greece. Make Athens your home base for visiting must-see attractions such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Or if you would rather leave the logistics to an expert, consider booking National Geographic Expeditions' 10-day round-trip Greece Family Expedition for ages 7 and up (starting at $5,990 per person). The trip includes guided tours at iconic attractions in Athens, sightseeing in Delphi and a stop in Santorini – the volcanic isle known for its striking cliff-side sunsets, blue domes and whitewashed buildings. Even better, youngsters can enjoy cultural immersion with the Kid-to-Kid Connection program, where participants can interact with Greek locals and participate in hands-on activities.

When you imagine Thailand, picture-perfect beaches, golden temples and opulent resorts may spring to mind. But the country's diverse landscapes, lush forests and lively markets beckon to fickle teens looking for blend of culture and adventure. On Intrepid Travel's 11-day Highlights of Thailand tour for participants ages 15 and up (starting at $1,795), you and the kids can enjoy an interactive cooking lesson in Chiang Mai, cycle past ancient ruins and visit Friends of Asian Elephant, a hospital that aims to protect animal welfare in a safe habitat in Sukhothai. For a more adrenaline-fueled journey, consider embarking on an eight-day biking expedition with outfitter Backroads that weaves past temples and rice fields in the Golden Triangle.

Yellowstone National Park

One of the America's most prized national parks, Yellowstone's striking natural wonders and surreal geothermal features, from its bubbling hot springs to its rust-colored canyon walls, entice visitors of all ages to embrace the great outdoors. And with versatile wildlife-viewing opportunities and more than 3,000 square miles of waterfalls, canyons and geysers, Yellowstone offers plenty of ways for adventure-seekers to experience its sprawling natural playground. A fun, family-friendly way to take in the park is with a rafting trip along the Yellowstone River or an expert-led backcountry hike. If you want to stay at one of Yellowstone's lodges, you can enjoy other bonding experiences like dinner cookouts around a crackling campfire.

The Pyrenees, Andorra and Spain

Forget the Alps. For an awe-inspiring, heart-pounding hike, consider an out-of-the-ordinary trip in the Pyrenees, the beautiful mountain region tucked between Spain and France. Barnes highlights Intrepid Travel's eight-day Summer Pyrenees Family Holiday package (starting at $895) as a choice option. On the trip, designed for ages 10 and older, activities include whitewater rafting, zip lining, biking and hiking. Highlights include peddling to Engolasters Lake in the Cortals Valley and embarking on an exhilarating whitewater rafting journey across the border in Spain from the village of Sort ("luck" in Catalan). If you have a stringent budget, the off-the-beaten-path, bucket-list adventure is attached to a reasonable all-inclusive rate that includes accommodations, meals, daily activities and transportation.

Tanzania, East Africa

If you're traveling with wildlife lovers, you may be hard-pressed to come up with a more memorable family vacation than a safari. On Intrepid Travel's eight-day Tanzania Family Safari (from $2,095 per person), "families can take a safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a chance to watch the endangered black rhinoceros in their natural habitat," Barnes says. "They can see an astounding array of animals in the Serengeti National Park, too, and pass through the ancient homeland of the Maasai," he adds. Aside from game drives at dawn, educational opportunities abound, including learning about the Great Rift Valley, the destination for the Great Migration, when about 2 million wildebeest, gazelles and zebras traverse the Serengeti.

Borneo, Malaysia

Animal-loving families in search of the ultimate off-the-beaten-track wilderness adventure should consider venturing to Borneo. "In Borneo, families have the chance to see animals up close at an orangutan rehabilitation center, a monkey sanctuary and a bear conservation center," he explains. On Intrepid Travel's 10-day Classic Borneo itinerary for ages 10 and up (prices start at $2,074 per person), you can meet traipse through jungles and float along the Kinabatangan River, which is home to macaques and orangutans, among other fascinating creatures. "Families will stay at an eco-camp in the thick of the jungle and will enjoy a homestay in a Malay village," he adds. Other bucket-list worthy highlights include exploring an authentic tea plantation and snorkeling near Manakan Island to admire colorful coral and tropical fish.

For quality family bonding time in the great outdoors, Potter suggests taking youngsters to a dude ranch out West. Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana, which is tucked between Big Sky and Yellowstone, is an especially attractive choice for broods with its wide range of kid-friendly activities, including cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly-fishing and white-water rafting. "The trails are incredibly well-groomed," Potter adds. If you're planning a summer escape, consider the Summer Discovery Package, which includes a tour of Yellowstone, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding, all meals and an Outdoor Youth Adventures Program designed for ages 4 to 12, where kids can connect with like-minded peers and enjoy age-appropriate activities.

You – and the kids – have seen dreamy pictures of the spectacular sandstone rock formations and iconic domes, buttes and arches in Utah's five famed national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. For an outdoor adventure the kids won't soon forget, head to Arches to admire one of the 2,000 famed spires the park is known for, such as Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock. For more unforgettable backdrops, check out Bryce's surreal hoodoo rock formations, or if you're feeling brave, hike the challenging Narrows in Zion National Park. Consider making nearby Moab your base camp to enjoy ample opportunities for stargazing, hiking, biking and rafting, among other outdoor escapades.

Northern India

Northern India offers the right mix of captivating landscapes, iconic attractions and fascinating wildlife, catering to explorers and culture vultures of all ages. On Intrepid Travel's 10-day Northern India Family Holiday expeditions (starting at $1,080 per person), you can cross plenty of world-renowned attractions off your bucket list, from the Taj Mahal in Agra to India Gate in New Delhi to the elaborate City Palace in Jaipur. The trip also includes a stop at Ranthambore National Park, where you can meander past storied temples and embark on early morning game drives to look out for antelope, leopards, gazelle and Bengal tigers. If you have extra time, tack on a few extra days to experience Delhi's vibrant bazaars and attractions.

Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita – the little-known surf town along the Pacific that's often overshadowed by popular Puerto Vallarta – is a dreamy escape for an off-the-beaten-track adventure trip removed from heavy tourist crowds. Aspiring surfers can take lessons along the beach with reputable surf schools like Lunazul Surf School & Shop. And for more exhilarating adventures, take the kids on a jungle biking trip with outfitter Wild Mex Wilderness and Surf Mexpeditions, which offers tours geared toward moderate and advanced riders. Other outdoor activities can include soaring through treetops on a zip line in the Sierra Madre forest, beachside yoga and snorkeling. Wrap up your days with a stay at an authentic casita vacation rental or boutique hotel like Villa Amor.

Tasmania, Australia

For some of the best nature- and wildlife-viewing on earth, take the kids to Oz. With sublime backdrops, unique geological features and diverse wildlife (think: wallabies and Tasmanian devils), Tasmania offers an extraordinary trip for adventurers of all kinds. You and the kids can sprawl along sandy beaches and admire striking granite mountains before hitting the trails at Freycinet National Park, including the challenging but rewarding Wineglass Bay Lookout trail. For less adrenaline-pumping pursuits, consider venturing to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, near Hobart, where you can feed the local four-legged residents and admire other animals, like kangaroos. Paddling by kayak along Coles Bay at sunset with a reputable outfitter like Freycinet Adventures also offers a memorable outdoor excursion.

On the surface, St. Lucia, with its palm-lined beaches, lavish resorts and rum cocktails, may not seem like an ideal destination for families. But don't let its romantic reputation throw you off. Outdoorsy travelers of all ages will enjoy adrenaline-fueled rainforest hikes, treks to the Piton Mountains and touring the island's active drive-in volcano at Sulfur Springs Park. If you're looking to splurge, consider taking your crew to Anse Chastanet (open to guests ages 10 and up or 6 years or older from July to September), a luxury resort that boasts room with plenty of age-appropriate activities, from jungle biking to guided hikes to open-water dives at the surrounding marine reserve.

If you're looking for a transformative, off-the-grid trip, a cruise to Antarctica should top your travel list. The adventure-focused cruise line Hurtigruten offers voyages from the Drake Passage to the Antarctica Peninsula. And travelers get the chance to hike along remote, unspoiled landscapes, marvel at melting icebergs and admire Gentoo penguins, leopard seals and other fascinating creatures. On the 14-day Frozen Land of the Penguins itinerary, youngsters ages 7 to 13 can also learn about the geological makeup of the Southern Ocean, join sustainable-driven community services onshore and attend enriching historical, environmental and wildlife-focused educational lecture series centered on climate change with the Young Explorers Program.

Grand Canyon National Park

If you're searching for an inspiring outdoor adventure in one of America's prized national parks, the Grand Canyon is a no-brainer. Marveling at the crimson- and ochre-hued, 277-mile-long chasm and soaking in its natural and geological splendors is nothing if not enchanting. Potter suggests planning a whitewater rafting trip along the Colorado River with a reputable guide to give kids the chance to experience the grandeur, striking side canyons and streams of the Grand Canyon. On O.A.R.'s five-day Grand Canyon Rafting – Whitmore Wash to Lake Mead (starting at $2,440 per person), participants ages 7 and up can hike, horseback ride and take a helicopter ride above the Grand Canyon.

Vancouver, British Columbia

If you want a mix of cosmopolitan gems and outdoor wilderness on your next family getaway, set your sights on Vancouver, where daily activities can include everything from learning to surf to soaring over the peaks of Grouse Mountain on a zip line tour. For less extreme but equally stimulating adventures, take a canopy walk along the 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge, where you can admire striking evergreens and forest and river vistas as you traverse seven suspended footbridges. If you would rather stay on terra firma, bike or walk in Stanley Park, pausing at Brockton Point to marvel at the totem poles. When you need a break, recharge at Granville Island Public Market.

Petra has long attracted history lovers and serious daredevils. After all, it's the iconic setting from the 1989 hit "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." On Intrepid Travel's eight-day Jordan Family Holidays (starting at $1,435), you'll get off the beaten track and "journey beyond Petra to Wadi Rum on a four-wheel-drive safari," Barnes says. Plus, travelers have "the chance to camp in the middle of the desert under the stars," he adds. The trip begins in Amman Jordan, continues onward to Jerash for a hike weaving past ruins dating back more than 2,000 years, then on to Petra and Wadi Rum to take in spectacular rock formations, before wrapping up at the Dead Sea.

For an outside-the-box adventure in Southeast Asia, Brady highlights Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand as choice destinations. Whether you want to trek through the Cardamom Mountains, admire the ancient temples at Angkor Wat or explore Phnom Penh's outdoor markets, there are plenty of inspiring landscapes and historical attractions to cross off your list. On G Adventures' 17-day Essential Vietnam & Cambodia trip (starting at $1,959), participants ages 12 and up cruise along the Mekong Delta in Ho Chi Minh City, float in a junk boat on Halong Bay and visit the Angkor Wat temple complex. Best of all, the guided trip caters to novice hikers, with light walking and hiking.

Trekking to Mongolia with kids on a nomadic adventure offers an unforgettable vacation. With the 14-day Discover Mongolia G Adventures trip in partnership with National Geographic Journeys (from $4,199), activities include visiting the Flaming Cliffs paleontology site, marveling at Mongolia's wild horses at Hustai National Park and touring the Erdene Zhu monastery with a Buddhist monk. Best of all, the trip offers plenty of learning components with educational lectures and visits to camel-herding families. And Mongolia's remote and diverse landscapes – from the isolated dunes in the Gobi Desert to the dramatic Altai mountains, green valleys and striking gorges in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park – do not disappoint.

(M.M. Sweet | Getty Images)

Sea of Cortez, Mexico

For a one-of-a-kind outdoor excursion, consider sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez, Potter says. The venerable travel outfitter O.A.R.S. offers a Baja Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching expedition that includes a mix of paddling near the cliff-flanked coast of Espíritu Santo, swimming with sea lions at a rookery and whale spotting at Magdalena Bay as Pacific gray whales migrate from the Arctic. On the nine-day trip (from $1,395 per person), you can also catch sight of sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays and paddle on an expert-led kayaking excursion before exploring rugged sand dunes along the Baja coast. Best of all, guests of all ages can stay engaged after the sun goes down with evening lectures.

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The best family vacations in the U.S. for a unique holidays

The best family vacations in the U.S. that will keep the whole family happy

Ah, family vacations. A chance to escape your routine, connect and make memories. Because getting time off school and work to explore together can be a rarity, we understand the decision of where to go  is important—and picking a destination that will be fun for the whole family will help make sure the adventure is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

To help you pick your next holiday away with children in tow, we have rounded up the absolute best family vacations in the U.S. that we guarantee both adults and kids will enjoy. Yes, we have the go-to Disney spots in Anaheim and Orlando on the list, but we also have more unique choices. From playing along the bay with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background in San Francisco , to hiting up the (free!) Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C ., to exploring the desert in Tucson, Arizona, these destinations offer endless ways to play. 

RECOMMENDED: Cheap family vacations in the U.S. for 2024

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Top family vacations in the USA

1.  San Diego, CA

With sunny beaches, fantastic theme parks, and the world’s largest comic book convention, there's no such thing as bored children in sunny San Diego . Plus, like a good Pixar flick, the best kid-friendly activities won’t leave adults gaping at their phones. We promise parents will love mingling with exotic animals, splashing through waterfront fountains and marveling at towering Lego sculptures right alongside the kids. Avoid rowdier crowds and embrace calm waves alongside other families at Mission Beach, Coronado Beach or La Jolla Shores.

2.  Yellowstone, WY

No other place on earth is like Yellowstone National Park . The massive, natural sanctuary (3,471 square miles of green) mesmerizes all visitors with its mountains, canyons, geysers and subalpine forests (and don’t be surprised if you spot buffalo). With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as handicap-accessible wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone are for everyone. Plan a trip to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to see animals without hiking for it. Bring a tent and get here early to take advantage of the affordable campgrounds (seven are first-come, first-served and five require reservations ). Pack the car with a cooler of campfire meals and snacks to get you through the weekend.

3.  Grand Canyon, AZ

One mile deep, 277 miles long and visible from space, the Grand Canyon is right up there on the cool chart for kids. Explore it from the rim on foot (the guided hikes are perfect for children six and older) or bike, or ride a mule to the bottom. When you get out of Wi-Fi range, the kiddos might complain, but they’ll remember hiking these trails forever. Don’t miss the spectacular Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, which juts out 70ft from the canyon rim—there’s nothing but glass between you and the Colorado River 4,000ft below.

4.  San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is a giant playground for adults and kids alike. There's plenty of room to roam and play, from stunning parks to exciting museums to picturesque beaches. Check out the city's newest playground, the Outpost at the Presidio Tunnel Tops . When it comes to indoor activities, the Children's Creativity Museum , the Aquarium by the Bay and the Exploratorium are all classic favorites. And, of course, you can't miss a ride on a cable car that will leave the kids giddy, with a stop at Ghiradelli Square for a sundae that will make them even giddier. 

5.  Tucson, AZ

A dude ranch vacation is ideal for families and Tanque Verde in Tucson , Arizona, is one of the best, with spectacular trails that wind their way through desert and mountain scenery. This is a great place for kids with a horsey inclination to improve their riding skills, but novice equestrians can learn their stirrups from their saddles here, too. The daily kids’ club offers activities from horsemanship to arts and crafts, and there’s a spa to soothe aches and pains from too much time spent in the saddle. Venture into the city to   discover museums, local coffee roasters and microbrewers and a gorgeous landscape of saguaros, barrel cactus and prickly pear. 

6.  Orlando, FL

Resort complexes don’t come bigger than the 43-square-mile Disney World in Orlando , Florida, comprising four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, golf courses and 36 hotels. For full theme-park immersion, add a day or two at Universal Orlando Resort , home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Allow at least two days (multi-day tickets are the way to go) and stay on-site as it gives you extended hours in the parks and early access to Fast Pass reservations, essential for skipping the lines. For a non-traditional hotel experience, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are nestled in the woods, frontier-style, and sleep up to six.

7.  Los Angeles & Anaheim, CA

You're going to need way more than a weekend for this SoCal vacation filled with attractions from Santa Monica to Anaheim . Want to spot celebs? Take the Starline Tours Movie Stars’ Homes Tour or book a backlot studio tour for behind-the-scenes moviemaking magic. Hire bikes in Santa Monica to explore the beach and the old-school Santa Monica Pier with its carnival games, vintage carousel and aquarium. Then head south to Anaheim for amusement park gold like  Disneyland . Looking for a Disney alternative? Knott's Berry Farm is a great option for thrill-seekers (we're taking real roller coasters) and fans of Snoopy and Peanuts (the park's mascots). 

8.  Oahu, HI

There’s no better place to learn to surf than the long rolling breaks of Oahu ’s Waikiki Beach, but other family-friendly activities include paddling an authentic outrigger canoe, or learning the graceful movements of hula. Explore the island’s most scenic and historic sights on a Waikiki Trolley tour , and swim with dolphins at Sea Life Park. The secret for families to get the best out of Hawaii is to try to split their time between busy, urban Honolulu  and another more laid-back area, like Oahu's north shore or family-friendly Maui .

9.  Chicago, IL

Chicago is fun to visit with kids year-round, but we'll be honest, it's more fun when it's not in the depths of winter. When the weather isn't frigid, let your kids run wild at the many urban parks and the beach, surrounded by skyscrapers that will wow them. Still, even when it's cold, there's plenty to do, including taking in the view at the top of Willis Tower , shopping along Michigan Ave, and museums like the  Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum . No matter the season, you can't miss indulging in a famous deep-dish pizza.

10.  Yosemite, CA

Famed for its sweeping valleys, towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, waterfalls and plethora of wildlife, Yosemite , in California’s Sierra Nevada, is simply awesome. Hiking, swimming, rafting and fishing are just some of the many family activities available in the 1,169-square-mile national park . Reservations for the 13 campgrounds are fiercely competitive and you need to book months in advance, but  Curry Village  (open April to October) gives you the camping experience without the hassle of set-up in cabins and tented cabins that sleep up to six. For the ultimate family-friendly hotel, check out Rush Creek Lodge which features kids programming, a playground, a heated year-round pool and more. 

11.  Destin, FL

Known for its fishing spots and sprawling white sand beaches, Destin is full of family fun in the sun. Kids will love the calm shorelines, especially along Henderson Beach State Park and the shores at Crystal Beach Park  and the amusement parks—head to Big Kahuna's for waterslides and a lazy river and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to see dolphins and penguins. A boat tour is a must. Destin offers everything from dolphin-spotting excursions and pirate-themed cruises to glass-bottom boats and high-speed racers.

12.  Branson, MO

You'll find family-friendly fun without the crowds and the soaring price tag in Branson, Missouri .  Enjoy classic family fun in the great outdoors, from hiking and biking in Table Rock State Park to kayaking on Lake Taneycomo. Plan to spend some time at Silver Dollar City , too, which offers rides, attractions, shows, and food for families of all ages and interests.  Perched on a bluff overlooking the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake, Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve  features a cave and nature trail, a golf course, a natural history museum, four restaurants, a clifftop wedding chapel, and a Civil War-era cabin. It’s considered one of the best entertainment spots in the state.

13.  Washington, D.C.

The nation's capital is a perfect destination for a family trip. Let stops along the way bring history lessons to life, from touring the U.S. Capitol and White House to visiting George Washington's in Mt. Vernon, Virginia. Best of all, a trip to D.C . won't break the bank: all Smithsonian museums are completely free and could fill up your itinerary alone, from the Air & Space Museum to the National Museum of Natural History . 

14.  Gatlinburg, TN

Asheville gets a lot of credit for being the 'gateway city' to the Great Smoky Mountains, but Gatlinburg , a  mountain town in eastern Tennessee , is actually the closest city to the national park—and it was practically made for families. When you're not exploring the national park,  take a ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway to reach the amusement park of the same name. Or, head to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies to view various marine animals. The area   has developed a reputation for vacation kitsch, and there’s a ton of it in Pigeon Forge , Gatlinburg’s neighbor to the north, where you'll find no shortage of old-time photo booths and believe-it-or-not attractions. 

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21 best all-inclusive resorts for families

Whether you spend your days relaxing on the beach or searching for adventure, the best family vacations should leave the whole family feeling rested, rejuvenated and inspired.

When you vacation at an all-inclusive resort , you have more opportunities to welcome those feelings of relaxation and discovery because there's no need to worry about being nickel-and-dimed for every meal or activity — most of those costs are already included in your room rate. That's not to say all-inclusive resorts are all the same, though.

In the same way that all families are different, every all-inclusive resort is unique in terms of its locale, accommodations, dining options and service, among other factors. One thing they all have in common, though, is that the price you pay covers your room, dining and many on-site activities (and occasionally alcoholic beverages for the adults). That means you can leave the everyday grind behind and enjoy a cost-conscious vacation without sacrificing quality.

Without further ado, these are our favorite family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts to consider booking for your next vacation.

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is only 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) along the shores of Juanillo Beach. The resort has 375 oceanfront suites, including swim-up suites for families with children ages 13 and older. Dining options range from local Caribbean specialties to a wellness-focused restaurant with smoothies and vegan offerings and 24-hour room service for a late-night bite.

The resort's water park has winding waterslides for older kids and adults, a splash area with pint-size slides for the littles plus a lazy river the whole family can enjoy together. Parents who want to retreat to a private cabana for the afternoon can drop the kids off at the kids club (complete with an indoor treehouse). There's also a teen club for guests ages 13 to 17.

Pricing for Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana starts at around $630 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night for a family of four.

The Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is actually two resorts in one. The Hacienda section welcomes adults and kids, while the Heaven section is for adults only.

Kids ages 4 to 12 can play the day away at the Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club while parents relax and enjoy bottomless cocktails at the adults-only pool or indulge at the full-service spa (for an additional fee). There are also daily activities like treasure hunts, crafts projects and pool games that families can participate in together.

The family can meet back up for a swim at the resort's private beach, enjoy family time at the Rockaway Bay water park and have a meal in one of the resort's eight dining establishments, such as the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeto.

The ideal room type for families is the two-bedroom deluxe family room with one king and two double beds. It also has a balcony with a hammock, separate minibars for kids and adults and cozy bathrobes for adults and kids (how adorable is that?). True to the brand's rockin' roots, you can have a Crosley turntable or Fender guitar delivered to your room to use during your stay.

Pricing for Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya starts at around $500 per night for a family of four staying in a room with two double beds.

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa offers 489 guest rooms in one large building, meaning you are never too far from the resort's exciting amenities. All rooms have a private balcony (or terrace if you are staying on the first floor) and picture windows that let you revel in the gorgeous Caribbean views even when you retreat to your room.

Related: 7 things to know before booking a stay at Montego Bay's Hilton Rose Hall Resort

The resort boasts two private beaches — a small beach near the pool complex and an expansive beach area with shaded chairs and daybeds on the sand. The friendly staff will not hesitate to get you involved in the included activities — a befitting perk for outgoing families. Guests can also borrow kayaks and paddleboards to take out on the water.

Hotels with water parks are a key ingredient for successful family vacations, and Hilton Rose Hall's Sugar Mill Falls water park is one of Jamaica's largest. There's a large pool, a lazy river and a multilevel waterslide.

The spa offers indoor and beachside treatments (for an additional fee). There are also separate clubs for kids and teens with age-appropriate games and activities.

Pricing for Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa starts at around $550 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a family of four. Children under age 3 stay for free.

Giraffe Manor is not your typical all-inclusive resort. The resort has only 12 rooms — no two alike, but all equally charming — split between the Manor House and Garden Manor. Some rooms are situated in such a way that the namesake giraffes may wander up to your window in search of a small snack, but there are ample opportunities to interact with all of the giraffes who reside here.

Related: Book this ultimate day pass in Nairobi to unplug and hang out with giraffes

You are likely to encounter a friendly giraffe poking his head in the window as you eat breakfast or strolling up to the terrace as you enjoy your afternoon tea. Don't worry, the hotel provides feeding pellets so they won't come after your meal (feeding pellets are provided in guest rooms with giraffe-feeding access, as well).

Pricing includes accommodations, airport transfers, all meals, most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and select activities.

Fully inclusive pricing for Giraffe Manor starts at $1,168 per person for adults and $805 for children.

As soon as you pull up to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya , there's no denying it's a vacation destination designed for kids … and kids at heart. Included activities range from pajama character breakfasts to live game shows. Dining, kids club access (for kids ages 4 to 12) and water park admission also come with the cost of your stay.

Brightly decorated rooms are a nod to popular Nickelodeon cartoons "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." There are daily character meet-and-greets, and, yes, you really can have gallons of green slime dumped over your head (you'll even get a photo to commemorate the experience).

The resort offers fun-filled seasonal events like the Summer of SpongeBob, Nick Jr. Friends Event and holiday celebrations. Another perk kids and parents will love: All rooms have swim-up access to either the main resort pool or your own balcony pool.

Pricing for Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya starts at around $1,100 per night for a family of four. Certain dates require a three-night minimum stay.

Club Med has probably the most comprehensive lineup of activities and experiences of any all-inclusive brand.

For those with relaxation in mind, Club Med Punta Cana has three outdoor pools, shaded loungers lining the beach and spacious, ocean-facing family suites where you can listen to the waves gently crashing when you need some downtime. The family suites have a sleeping area for parents with a king bed, a separate room for kids with two twin beds and a living area that opens to a furnished terrace.

Restaurants serve international and local cuisines and are convenient to the beach, the lagoon pool and the resort's main bar.

If you prefer an always-on-the-go vacation, you can perfect your acrobatic skills at circus school, head out on the water in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, or test your skills with a bow and arrow.

While most all-inclusive resorts do not provide complimentary care for infants and toddlers, Club Med's kids clubs are available to kids as young as 4 months of age.

Pricing for Club Med Punta Cana starts at around $500 per night for a family of four. Children age 3 and under are free.

The Sheraton Samui Resort is a budget-friendly resort located directly on Chaweng Noi Beach. Chaweng Noi is quieter and more secluded than other nearby beaches, leaving its wide swaths of soft sand and calm, crystalline waters (don't forget your snorkeling gear) wide open for families looking for a laid-back tropical vacation.

Unlike traditional all-inclusive resorts, you must choose the all-inclusive package to receive all-inclusive benefits. Room-only rates are also available. The base all-inclusive package includes meals, nonalcoholic beverages, activities, a one-hour beachside massage, a cooking class and airport transfers. You can upgrade to packages that include alcoholic beverages and additional spa treatments.

The resort has two pools — one freshwater and one saltwater — where kids can swim while parents lounge on one of the poolside daybeds. There's also a beachfront kids club with toys, games and activities that kids can enjoy while parents visit the spa for a massage or hit the tennis courts for a friendly competition.

All-inclusive room rates for Sheraton Samui Resort start at around $360 per night for a family of four. Marriott Bonvoy points cannot be redeemed for the all-inclusive package.

Spice Island Beach Resort is an upscale resort on pristine Grand Anse Beach, a 2-mile expanse of fine white sand and cerulean waters. Its location also offers stunning views of Granada's tree-covered mountains in the distance. And with only 64 suites, you may feel like you have the beach (practically) all to yourself.

Each villa-style suite opens to the beach, pool or gardens. Some even have their own private plunge pool and furnished terrace. Spice Island Beach Resort is one of only a handful of AAA Five Diamond-rated properties in Grenada, and you'll experience the luxury that earned such a prestigious designation in all-inclusive offerings like fresh, flavorful cuisine, creative cocktails and activities like cycling, golfing, snorkeling and beachside yoga. An on-site kids club is available for kids ages 3 to 12.

Pricing for Spice Island Beach Resort starts at around $1,100 per night for a family of four.

Want to switch up your typical family vacation? Look no further than Colorado's C Lazy U Ranch .

This luxury, all-inclusive dude ranch is open year-round, with activities that vary by season. Visit in the summertime , and you can try your hand at archery, fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and more. In the winter , activities shift to cold-weather favorites like skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and snow tubing. Horseback riding is available all year long.

There are seemingly endless activities that families can enjoy together. However, you may have trouble pulling your kids away from the supervised activities designed just for them. Kids ages 3 to 17 are split into groups for age-appropriate excursions, including preparing for the weekly "Shodeo" that's held weekly throughout the summer. During the Shodeo, kids have the opportunity to take to the riding ring and show off the skills they've learned during their time at the ranch.

Pricing for C Lazy U Ranch starts at $587 per person, per night for adults and $392 per night for kids.

When you think of Margaritaville, sunny days spent relaxing on the beach immediately come to mind. That's exactly what you'll get at Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye in Belize. This family-friendly tropical retreat has 55 suites, two pools, a beachfront restaurant, two bars and a full-service spa. It's also located along the second-largest coral reef in the world, giving families ample opportunity for underwater exploration.

Related: All-inclusive resorts you can book with points

Suites have one, two or three bedrooms, and many offer views of the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. All suites have private furnished terraces, large living areas and a style that embodies the term "laid-back luxury." Rather than a traditional all-inclusive resort, the Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye offers a " Chef's Package " that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for an additional fee.

Pricing for Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye starts at $200 per person, per night. The all-inclusive Chef's Package costs $125 per person, per day.

You wouldn't expect the farm-to-table cuisine, countless activities and a fun-filled kids club to be included in the cost of staying in a castle-like Victorian hotel in the middle of New York's Hudson Valley, but that is exactly what you'll get at Mohonk Mountain House . This historic 143-year-old resort offers elegant accommodations with postcard-worthy mountain or lake views.

Related: 8 quintessential summer resorts offering fun for the whole family

Included in your stay are three gourmet meals per day, unlimited activities like boating and paddleboarding in the summer and ice skating and tubing in the winter, evening educational lectures and music, access to hiking trails and, in the summer months, supervised kids programming.

Activities vary by season, but you'll be happy to know that when it's too cold to swim in the lake, you can head for the heated indoor pool.

Pricing for Mohonk Mountain House starts at around $1,000 per night for a family of four. Children ages 3 and under are free.

Open since late 2021, the Hilton Cancun feels modern and fresh. The all-ocean-view resort caters to families with children with a host of family-friendly offerings like two-bedroom suites, an all-you-can-eat ice cream and churro shop, a family pool and water playground, and fun-filled clubs for kids ages 4-12 and teens ages 13-17.

Related: Great for families: A review of the stunning new Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort

The resort has two large beachfront infinity pools, but families will most likely gravitate to the one near the kids club — this is where you'll find the waterslides and splash playground. With five specialty restaurants serving everything from Mexican cuisine to Southeast Asian delicacies and 24-hour room service, you can try something new every day during your stay.

Pricing for Hilton Cancun starts at around $400 or 300,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a family of four.

When you book a vacation at the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa , you'll be whisked away on a scenic seaplane or speedboat ride and taken to your private island retreat.

Spanning the entire island, the resort is designed to blend in with the natural landscape. Of the 120 luxury villas, 60 are on the beach and 60 are overwater bungalows.

The all-inclusive rate includes fitness facilities, nonmotorized water sports, a kids club with indoor and outdoor play spaces and unlimited meals and drinks from the resort's high-end dining outlets. For an additional fee, you can bliss out at the on-site spa , embark on scuba or snorkeling excursions or take to the waters on a Jet Ski.

Pricing for Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa starts at around $960 per night for a family of four.

Beaches Turks & Caicos is a sprawling island resort with five "villages" designed to resemble locales such as the Florida Keys, the Italian Riviera and a charming French village.

Its large size means you'll have access to 21 restaurants, 12 miles of beach, 10 pools, a 45,000-square-foot water park and more. These are situated around the various villages, so you are never too far from your next dip in the pool or a bite to eat.

Older kids will love the surf simulator, splash playground, slides, lazy river and kids-only swim-up bar at the Pirates Island water park. Younger kids will relish the opportunity to meet their favorite "Sesame Street" characters at Camp Sesame.

Pricing for Beaches Turks & Caicos starts at $424 per night for adults and $38 per night for children.

The Westin Reserva Conchal perfectly embodies the "pura vida" way of life, with accommodations and amenities that make you feel at one with nature. The resort's main pool is surrounded by tropical flowers and trees, most rooms have large terraces where you can soak up the sun, and you are likely to make friends with the iguanas, birds and monkeys who call the resort grounds home before you check out.

Families will love the included Westin Kids Club, where kids can participate in indoor and outdoor activities like treasure hunts and nature exploration. There are also family-friendly options at all of the resort's dining locations, including all the ice cream you can eat at the main buffet. Family suites are available that offer more space, close proximity to the pool and kids club, and a family club lounge with snacks, drinks and activities.

Pricing for the Westin Reserva Conchal starts at around $610 or 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a family of four.

With only six villas that sleep from four to 13 guests, Bluefields Bay Villas offer comfort, privacy and an expertly trained staff that can help you bring to life the all-inclusive vacation of your dreams.

Villas boast ocean and island views, private pools, a personal chef and a 24-hour butler to coordinate meals (including beach snacks and cocktail hours) and activities during your stay.

Pricing at this ultra-exclusive resort includes chef-cooked meals served in your villa's dining room, water sports, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat cruises, hiking and more. Child care and complimentary laundry service are also included in the cost of your stay. We can't think of anything better than returning home with a suitcase full of clean laundry.

Pricing for Bluefields Bay Villas starts at around $1,550 per night for a family of four, and a four-night minimum stay is required.

When you stay at Paradisus Playa del Carmen , you'll spend your days splashing in the clear, warm waters of Mexico's Caribbean coast, swimming in the pool (or resting in one of the submerged loungers) and climbing and sliding at the resort's on-site water park.

There is fun to be had outside the water, as well, with a kids club and daily activities like crafts, dance classes and more. You can indulge your carnivorous side at Sal Steak Cave or take your pick of global cuisines at the Naos buffet, all included in the cost of your stay.

If you choose to splurge and upgrade to the Nikte package, you'll receive a premium suite, access to a VIP pool and beach area, concierge service and priority dining and activity reservations.

Pricing for Paradisus Playa del Carmen starts at around $300 per night for a family of four on a standard package or $420 per night with the upgraded Nikte package.

At Paradisus Grand Cana (formerly Falcon's Resort by Melia), guests have access to a shopping, dining and entertainment district as well as the Caribbean's first true theme park, Katmandu Park.

It's easy to find fantastic water parks in the Caribbean, but you won't find funhouses, virtual roller coasters or 4D laster-shooting games unless you visit Katmandu Park. Theme park admission is included in the cost of your stay, but how often you can visit depends on which package you purchase.

The entertainment extends to the resort itself, where families can experience a pool, a water park, a supervised kids camp and more.

Pricing for Paradisus Grand Cana by Melia starts at around $308 per night for a family of four booking a standard package.

Moon Palace Cancun has over 2,000 guest rooms divided between two distinct sections: Sunrise and Nizuc. Guests have access to activities, games and dining in both sections.

Families with younger kids may prefer Nizuc, which is where you'll find a pool with a winding waterslide and family suites with connecting bedrooms — one with a king bed and the other with two double beds.

Families traveling with tweens and teens should opt for the Sunrise section for easy access to the surf simulator in the pool and the Wired Lounge with table and arcade games that kids and adults will love. This is where you'll also find the resort's Noir nightclub for drinks and dancing when the sun goes down (while the kids are having the time of their lives at the kids club, open until 10 p.m. daily).

Pricing for Moon Palace Cancun starts at around $465 per night for a family of four, with additional discounts available if you prepay in full.

The Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort is a sprawling resort in a natural setting along a secluded bay that feels like your own private slice of paradise. The resort has 735 rooms and suites with private balconies that offer either ocean or nature views. The resort's family suites give families easy access to the pools, waterslides, splash park and kids club, as well as perks like nightly turndown service, a souvenir beach bag and minifridge items chosen specifically for kids.

With 13 restaurants to choose from, everyone in the family is sure to find something that will please their palate, from traditional Mexican fare to seafood to fresh juices and smoothies. Resort guests can participate in a variety of activities to help them connect and unwind, like yoga, music and art workshops and beach games.

Pricing at Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort starts at around $540 or 100,000 Hilton Honors per night for a family of four.

Even though Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is less than 2 miles from St. Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and less than an hour from popular area attractions like the Pitons and Sulphur Springs, it feels like a secluded island paradise.

It helps that the resort sits on a 1-mile stretch of beach and has eight restaurants, seven bars and five pools to serve only 250 guest rooms. Among the dining options, don't miss the Jerk Treehouse on the beach or the Silk fine dining fusion restaurant for dinner.

The rooms are split between an adults-only Harmony section and a family-centered Splash section . At Splash, families can stay in spacious rooms with private balconies that overlook the waterslides, lazy river and water playground at the water park .

In addition to the typical kids club activities , children have access to an animal sanctuary, nature walks and meet-and-greets with the resort's larger-than-life coconut mascots, Coco and Loco.

Pricing for Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa starts at around $369 per night for a family of four.

What is typically included at an all-inclusive resort?

So, what does "all-inclusive" mean? It means there is a good chance you won't have to pull out your wallet even once while you are at your resort. More specifically, most meals, drinks, activities, minibar items, kids club access and water sports — and sometimes gratuities — are included in the cost of your room. Things that aren't included are typically specialty meals (like beachfront dining), spa treatments and excursions.

Because your room rate is all-inclusive, the cost of your room is based on the number of adults and children in your room. At some all-inclusive resorts, children can stay for free or at a reduced rate, so be sure you input the correct information when pricing out your vacation.

How do I choose an all-inclusive resort for my family?

There are a lot of all-inclusive resorts in the world, and many offer high-quality experiences for the whole family. So, how do you narrow it down? When you're trying to choose the best all-inclusive resort for your own family, you'll want to consider a handful of factors. Aside from the obvious ones, like location and budget, think about the types of experiences your family will enjoy. If you're an outdoorsy group, consider properties that offer lots of excursions, whether that's snorkeling and kayaking or zip-lining and guided hikes. If you're a food-focused family, you might want to opt for a resort that's known for its incredible dining options.

Another thing to consider is whether the resort has a kids club. Often, parents will want a little time away from the kids (or vice versa!) and on-site kids clubs can ensure that activities are tailored to different age groups.

Related articles:

• TPG's guide to the best all-inclusive resorts you can book with points
• 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the world, according to frequent travelers
• The most luxurious all-inclusive resorts around the world

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Holiday Destinations For Families: The 14 Best Places To Go

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Looking for incredible travel experiences that will delight the whole family? Then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve handpicked 14 of the best family holiday destinations in the world, each one offering the perfect blend of discovery, adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.

From exploring the ancient wonders of Greece to snorkelling in the awe-inspiring coral reefs of Zanzibar and embarking on thrilling jungle adventures in Thailand, these dream destinations promise blissful beaches, vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, enchanting traditions and a wide range of fabulous family-friendly activities that will captivate travellers of all ages.

So let’s take a look at our top Family Holiday Destinations

Spain is one of the best holiday destinations for families with toddlers. With its short flight times, you can minimise travel stress and be enjoying your destination’s welcoming atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and endless activities in no time. From the sunny coasts of Costa del Sol and Costa Brava to the stunning islands of Mallorca and Tenerife, you’ll discover toddler-friendly resorts, shallow waters for safe splashing, and playgrounds to keep your little ones entertained. Get ready for an enjoyable and easy time in sensational Spain!

Read Also: Best time to visit Spain

2. The Caribbean

The Caribbean is a fabulous family-friendly paradise, bursting with endless possibilities. Build sandcastles in Turks and Caicos, explore the exotic fruit markets of Barbados, dance to salsa rhythms in Cuba, snorkel vibrant coral reefs in Aruba, discover hidden coves and tropical islands aboard a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands or simply sit back and take in the stunning views. With its white powdery beaches, crystal-clear waters, thrilling adventures, and relaxed atmosphere, the Caribbean is one of the best holiday destinations for families to create unforgettable memories.

Read Also: Best time to visit Caribbean

3. South Africa

Uncover the wonders of South Africa, an extraordinary family holiday destination brimming with adventure and culture. Drive along the breathtaking Garden Route , exploring stunning beaches, and charming vineyards. In Cape Town, enjoy thrilling cable car rides up Table Mountain, meet adorable penguins at Boulders Beach, and explore vibrant craft stalls at Greenmarket Square. And experience the rich wildlife of renowned game reserves like Kruger National Park, where majestic elephants and magnificent lions roam. South Africa is a captivating land, brimming with incredible family adventures.

Read Also: Best time to visit South Africa | Best national parks in South Africa

Iceland promises a family adventure like no other. From exploring the Golden Circle route with its magnificent Geysir and Gullfoss falls to immersing in the geothermal bliss of the Blue Lagoon, there’s something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can enjoy white-water rafting and horseback riding amidst volcanic landscapes, while nature lovers can go whale-watching in the Westfjords. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the hidden wonders of Langjokull glacier. And if you’re lucky, you may see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights illuminating the Icelandic sky!

Read Also: Best time to visit Iceland

Whether you’re seeking a luxurious resort with kids’ clubs or a serene private villa with your own pool, Greece is one of the best young family holiday destinations. Explore the Acropolis and then visit its museum in Athens, climb Santorini’s caldera, or unravel the Minotaur’s tale in Crete. Spot loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos, cruise Corfu’s rugged coast, embrace Rhodes’ mediaeval charm or simply relax on the beach. Plus, it’s a breeze to get to from the UK, making it convenient as well as full of family fun!

Read Also: Best time to visit Greece | Best greek islands for families

Discover the magic of Mexico, where culture, history, and excitement await at every corner. Explore the golden beaches of Cancun and Riviera Maya and uncover the mysteries of ancient ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Immerse yourself in the vibrant markets of Mexico City, visit the iconic Frida Kahlo’s house, and experience the thrill of Lucha Libre wrestling. And the mouthwatering food will tantalise your taste buds wherever you go. Perfect for families with teenagers, your trip to Mexico promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Read Also: Best time to visit Mexico

7. Sri Lanka

Embark on an extraordinary family adventure in Sri Lanka, where captivating wildlife, ancient wonders, and stunning beaches await. Witness mesmerising cultural performances in the sacred city of Kandy, and take a scenic train ride through tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya. Marvel at the ruins of the ancient city of Anuradhapura and relax on the golden beaches of Bentota, perfect for surfing and snorkelling. And don’t miss the chance to go on a safari in Yala National Park and spot leopards and crocodiles!

Read Also: Best time to visit Sri Lanka

8. Thailand

Thailand is the enchanting family holiday destination that has it all! From thrilling activities to captivating culture, it offers unforgettable experiences. Walk with elephants at ethical camps like Elephant Nature Park , zip-line through lush jungles in Chiang Mai, and raft down the scenic Mae Taeng River. Explore magnificent temples in Bangkok, visit remote hill tribes in Chiang Rai, and savour sensational street food at Damnoen Saduak’s floating markets. The whole family will adore creating incredible memories in the Land of Smiles!

Read Also: Best time to visit Thailand | Places to visit in Thailand | Best islands in Thailand

9. Costa Rica

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure in Costa Rica, where the wonders of the tropical rainforest await. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, where breathtaking white sand beaches meet lush rainforest – home to colourful toucans and playful capuchin monkeys. Feel the thrill of white-water rafting on the Pacuare River or drift along the enchanting Tortuguero Canals. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, zip-line through the majestic Monteverde Cloud Forest. And if you’re on the west coast, be sure to enrol the kids in surf schools at Tamarindo or Santa Teresa.

Read Also: Best time to visit Costa Rica | Things to do in Costa Rica | Best beaches in Costa Rica

India is a captivating family holiday destination that engages your senses. Dive into Delhi’s lively markets, hop on thrilling rickshaw tours, and be awestruck by the Taj Mahal’s majestic beauty. Explore magnificent palaces in Jaipur and delve into Rajasthan’s ancient history. Enjoy Goa’s vibrant beach culture and water sports. See the stunning Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park and indulge in incredible street food at Delhi’s famous Chandni Chowk. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, India offers incredible immersive family experiences.

Read Also: Best time to visit India

11. Bulgaria

Discover the magic of Bulgaria, a hidden gem on the best family holiday destinations 2024 list! Stay at child-friendly hotels that prioritise comfort and fun. Relax, build sandcastles, and enjoy water activities on stunning Blue Flag beaches, like Sunny Beach. Venture beyond the coast to the enchanting ancient town of Nessebar. Immerse yourselves in the cultural charm of Sofia, the vibrant capital city. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, from hearty dishes to sweet pastries. With its delightful weather and budget-friendly options, Bulgaria is the perfect summer escape for families.

12. Zanzibar

Read Also: Best time to visit Zanzibar | Best beaches in Zanzibar | Hotels in Zanzibar

France is a dream destination for families, brimming with enchanting experiences for all ages. From the magical streets of Paris to the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris, where fairy tales come to life. Delight in mouthwatering pastries at quaint bakeries and savour delicious crepes from street vendors. Take strolls through charming villages and bustling markets, immersing yourselves in the vibrant culture and history. With a plethora of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and gastronomic delights, France fosters unforgettable family memories at every turn. It’s a destination where joy knows no bounds, promising laughter, adventure, and endless opportunities for bonding.

With its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Turkey stands out as one of the world’s best family holiday destinations. Picture this: endless stretches of golden beaches lapped by azure waters, ancient ruins steeped in tales of empires past, and bustling bazaars brimming with colourful treasures. Families can embark on unforgettable adventures, from hot air balloon rides over surreal landscapes to boat trips along stunning coastlines. Turkey welcomes families with open arms, offering a myriad of activities to suit every age and interest. Whether exploring fairy-tale-like castles, indulging in mouthwatering cuisine, or simply soaking up the warm hospitality, Turkey promises memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Read Also: Best time to visit Turkey

From the sunny beaches of Spain and Greece to the exotic wonders of Thailand and the cultural treasures of India, each of our 14 best holiday destinations for families has its unique charms and attractions and experiences.

And whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, thrilling wildlife encounters – or all of the above – there’s something for every family. So pack your bags, and embark on the journeys of a lifetime with your loved ones. Happy travels!

Read Also: Best holiday destinations in May | Best holiday destinations in June | Best holiday destinations in July

Best holiday destinations in August | Best holiday destinations in September

FAQs for Best Family holiday destinations

When it comes to planning a holiday with children, safety is a top priority. While it’s hard to pinpoint a single “safest” place, there are destinations renowned for their child-friendly environments and strong safety measures. Iceland, for example, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on safety. However, it’s crucial to do your research and stay informed about local customs, safety guidelines, and potential risks wherever you choose to go to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for the whole family.

Aside from Spain and Greece, there’s a whole world of amazing destinations right on your doorstep! Explore Europe’s ultimate family holiday spots just a short flight away. Experience the enchanting magic of Disney in Paris, where fairy tales come to life. Indulge in delizioso gelato in Rome and marvel at the ancient wonders of the Colosseum. Discover the fairy-tale streets of Prague and its charming castles. Immerse yourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps and enjoy thrilling skiing adventures.

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10 best holiday destinations for families in 2024

Family holidays are always special – you get to spend quality time together (a rarity if you have teens!) and make unforgettable memories of all your adventures together. If you’ve not booked your next  family trip  or 2024 villa holiday , have a read of our guide below of our best holiday destinations for families, and start planning your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

1. Riviera Maya, Mexico

A playground for both the young and old, Mexico is drenched in rich culture and history, buzzing family attractions, and relaxing spots to laze away the day. For the ultimate kid-friendly getaway, we recommend a stay in one of the country’s most popular coastlines – the Riviera Maya. Keep the kids entertained with a visit to one of the many water-based parks in the area, fun museums, or impressive Mayan ruins. Enjoy some downtime in one of the hundreds of unique cenotes (deep swimming holes), or take your pick from a number of gorgeous white sand beaches.

For more inspiration, read our Riviera Maya Travel Guide .

2. Santorini, Greece

Although Santorini is best known for its Insta-worthy honeymoon spots and romantic locations, you shouldn’t rule out a trip to the island in  Greece  as one of your top holiday destinations for families. Santorini is a fantastic choice for kids who prefer an active holiday. There are loads of great swimming spots across the island, and many companies offer boat tours of the caldera too. This volcanic island has an impressive origin story, which history-lovers are sure to enjoy. And of course, those impressive views don’t hurt either…

3. The Alps, France

Best for: snow babies and ski nuts Ideal for kids 5+

There’s nothing quite like teaching them when they are young! Kids are sponges for knowledge and skill, so if you take your family Alp-ward on holiday, you’re sure to instil the snow bug in them! There are many resorts to choose from in the well-established French Alps, from high luxury to family-friendly fun where there are dedicated kids slopes for them to hone their skills. What’s more, we list a whole host of fabulous chalets, some with hot tubs, some that are made for ski-in ski-out access to the slopes, and with the all-important après-ski nearby! (Maybe just a hot choc for the little ones…!)

Take a look at our guide to the Best Ski Resorts in Europe  to find the right resort for you.

4. Sussex, England

We get it – travelling abroad with your little one/s can be slightly stressful. Luckily, ‘staycation’ continues to be the buzzword in travel on everyone’s lips right now, meaning a quick UK break has never been easier. We picked Sussex because of its proximity to London and the diversity of the county. With bustling coastal towns that are complete with all the classic British seaside quirks and countryside retreats that are ideal for a relaxing getaway, Sussex is quickly rising in its staycation popularity.

Check out our Best Family Activities in Sussex blog for further inspiration.

5. South Africa

One of the newest destinations to be added to Oliver’s Travels, South Africa is full of unforgettable experiences that your kids will carry with them for a lifetime. Animal lover or not, a safari is a must when visiting the country, one of the few places in the world where you can still see the likes of elephants, giraffes and lions in the wild. It’s all about the outdoors in South Africa – from mountains to grasslands, this is sure to be an active and busy family holiday. Explore the Western Cape beaches near Cape Town , or traverse exquisite Winelands. South Africa has something for everyone.

6. Puglia, Italy

Head to the ‘heel of Italy’ for a bustling summer holiday that will be a hit with older and younger kids alike. Little ones will love the fairytale style Trulli houses (pictured above) that are traditional in this area of Italy. Puglia is also known for its scuba-diving spots – great for teens looking to explore, and they can even get their diving certificate if they want to as well. Holidaying during July and August? During the summer months, Puglia comes alive with festivals celebrating varying parts of the rich Italian culture.

Want more? Check out our guide to the 10 Best Family Activities in Puglia .

Fancy a holiday purely inspired by nature? Then Ireland is the place to be for you and your family! From rafting to hiking to visiting ancient castles or cliffs by the seaside – the options are endless, and your kids will most definitely enjoy the change of scenery and playing the role of an explorer! Tired of country life? Ireland’s buzzing capital, Dublin, makes an exciting day trip!

If you want to delve further into Ireland as a place to travel to, then have a look at our Travel Guide , which will give you the low-down.

8. Maldives

We’ve no doubt that the Maldives is already on your bucket list (like most of us!), but did you know that the country is also a great holiday destination for families? Of course, the main attractions are all the watersports and beach-based activities. From swimming, snorkelling, dolphin watching, fishing, and more. There’s even the chance to go on a whale submarine tour or catch a film at the beachside cinema. The best part? These are all things that you’re bound to enjoy just as much as the kids!

9. Brittany, France

No matter which region in France you’re travelling to, you’re guaranteed a great family holiday that ticks all the boxes. For 2023, we highly recommend the Northwest region of Brittany. Far more than just another coastal getaway, there are loads of areas that will feel magical and undiscovered. Think rugged cliffs, ancient castles, and medieval-walled citadels – little history lovers will marvel at the rich culture of Brittany.

Of course, you can’t visit without checking out the Top 10 Brittany Beaches .

10. Kalkan, Turkey

Take a breath of fresh air and hike the Lycian Way with your older kids and teens – a gorgeous trail that passes through Kalkan. This area of Turkey  is full of ancient wonders that are easily discoverable by foot. Nearby are also the impressive ruins of Patara, a mysterious Lycian City complete with Roman baths and a wonderful theatre. Of course, there’s also always the lovely beaches in Kalkan to relax on once all the hiking has well and truly tired you out. While you’re there, why not jump on a gulet tour and be taken around the turquoise coast? Have a look at our Kalkan Travel Guide for more ideas on what to do during your family holiday to Turkey.

Found your dream holiday destinations for families in 2024? Wherever you choose to go, we’re sure you’ll have the time of your lives! Villa holidays are perfect when you’re looking to stay somewhere with the whole family  because you get the privacy and independence of your very own home-from-home that you can truly relax in (and with Oliver’s Travels, our places have plenty of space for even the biggest of groups!) If you need help in planning your holiday, don’t hesitate to reach out to our free concierge service .

Happy travels!

6 Responses

The Greatest Legacy We Can Leave Our Children Is Happy Memories. The best way to create happy memories is a family holiday

Very well put 🙂

[…] not get the kids to help pick the destination? You can get out an atlas or even a globe and explore the world with one another. You can pick out […]

[…] you can’t describe unless you’ve seen it for yourself. The country is a wonderful family holiday destination with a wide variety of things to do to make your stay […]

[…] Click here […]

Thank you for good idea…Bali will be my next target.It’s a very nice coral reef there.

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The best family holiday destinations for an epic summer away with the kids

From Kefalonia to Bodrum, our travel editor selects the top places for a child-friendly getaway

Whether you want to treat the gang to a fortnight-long getaway during the summer holidays, prefer to escape for October half-term or wish to secure your Easter 2025 holiday early, there are many child-friendly destinations to explore in the Mediterranean and beyond.

With ABTA research revealing that 71 per cent of families plan to take a holiday abroad this year, we couldn't think of a better reason to inspire you to escape from the UK with your favourite people.

That's why we've brought you our pick of child-friendly holiday destinations - from the picturesque Greek island of Kefalonia to Paphos , home to magnificent Roman ruins.

What's more, package holiday specialist TUI is currently offering free child spaces , so little ones can travel at no extra cost. This means savings on flights, hotels, food and transfers.

Plus, you can combine the free kids' places with promo codes ( including £150 off Greece and Turkey summer holidays ) for even bigger savings.

Whatever your budget or travel style, here are our top family holiday destinations for 2024.

With a host of child-friendly hotels, extremely well-preserved Roman mosaics and the Aphrodite Waterpark for fun-filled days out, Paphos is the timeless family holiday destination we're always happy to return to. Children obsessed with ancient history will love the UNESCO-protected Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos, an open-air museum with Roman villas that depict scenes from Greek mythology. And for a proper adventure, go off road on a Jeep safari to the nearby Troodos Mountains, where waterfalls, traditional villages and incredible views await.

PAPHOS HOLIDAYS

One of the most glamorous beach destinations in the Mediterranean is a fabulous place to experience with children, too. The Bodrum Peninsula has an array of beach towns and resorts, including Bodrum Town, with its imposing 15th-century castle, and lively Gumbet, as well as the relaxed areas of Gumusluk, Torba an and Bitez. For days out, take your pick from family boat trips, visits to weekly markets (perfect for stocking up on Turkish delight) and snorkelling the warm waters around Rabbit Island. Travelling with toddlers? Karaincir Beach is the spot for calm, shallow water.

BODRUM HOLIDAYS

This glorious Greek island is the largest of the Ionian archipelago and ideal for a family-friendly getaway. The setting for the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin , Kefalonia offers even more than Hollywood appeal. This is the place to enjoy a slow pace, whether you're soaking up the sun on the superb beaches of Myrtos or Skala, or joining the locals to gather in the main square of the capital Argostoli. If you're an active family, snorkelling, kayaking and hiking are some of the must-dos on Kefalonia.

KEFALONIA HOLIDAYS

Often reserved for winter sun (and a terrific place for February half-term for those planning ahead), Tenerife is one of the most scenic of the Canary Islands, offering unique landscapes to explore. Here, you can get up close to huge mountains (the Teide National Park is home to the highest peak in Spain), immerse yourself in subtropical forests and unwind on dramatic black sand beaches. Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz and La Arena are some of the top areas to choose for a family-friendly base.

TENERIFE HOLIDAYS

One of our favourite spots in Europe for a family holiday is the tranquil island of Menorca in the Balearics. An unspoiled alternative to Ibiza and Mallorca, Menorca feels more remote than its siblings and is swathed in natural beauty, making it the ideal place to get out and explore its untouched hills and dazzling coastline. The harbour capital Maó is worth a visit to walk its pastel streets, and active families can lace up their walking shoes to hike part of the Camí de Cavalls, an ancient trail encircling the island.

MENORCA HOLIDAYS

If snorkelling, souqs and sprawling sands are your thing, you'll want to check out the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. It's a fantastic choice for a family package holiday and provides a blissful winter sun retreat, if you prefer to escape from the UK in the cooler months. What's more, if your children are obsessed with ancient Egypt, Hurghada is slightly better placed than the other top beach resort, Sharm El Sheikh , for day trips to Luxor, the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings.

HURGHADA HOLIDAYS

Whether you're looking for an easy-breezy all-inclusive stay in a beautiful location, or a hotel on a bed and breakfast basis that gives you the freedom to spend more time exploring the glorious surroundings, Sardinia is a place that delivers. The second-largest island in the Mediterranean has fabulous cuisine, a colourful coastline and plenty of inland villages for you to discover on foot or two wheels. Choose Olbia for gorgeous beaches, Costa Smerelda for the A-list appeal or San Teodoro for Caribbean-like sands.

SARDINIA HOLIDAYS

Bulgaria frequently tops the list of most affordable places for a family holiday and it's just the spot for saving money on a group getaway, while you enjoy the delights of the Black Sea. In the town of Nessebar, there are centuries-old churches and one of Europe's largest waterparks, Aquapark Nessebar. Meanwhile, the pristine beaches of Golden Sands Beach, Nessebar South Beach and Ravda Central Beach are nearby and provide excellent conditions for children to swim.

BULGARIA HOLIDAYS

The Greek island where the Durrells family called home remains a wonderful destination to visit with kids. Corfu boasts the olive groves, amazing coastal scenes and ancient churches you expect from a traditional Greek escape. You can fill your days with hiking, biking, swimming and dining at tavernas. Don't miss pottering about the streets of the UNESCO-protected Old Town and a trip to the tiny island of Pontikonisi to see its Byzantine chapel, either.

CORFU HOLIDAYS

If you spent your holidays before children soaking up the boho vibes of the White Isle, returning with the little ones could be an appealing option. Talamanca, Es Caná, Cala Llonga and Portinatx attract families and allow you to avoid the party crowds. When it comes to keeping everyone entertained, a visit to Ibiza Town to wander round the cobbled lanes and a day at Cala Tarida, one of the loveliest and most child-friendly beaches, will score you brownie points.

IBIZA HOLIDAYS

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The World’s Top 20 Best Family Holiday Destinations!

Planning your next family vacation and don’t know where to start? Or just looking for some family travel inspiration? Then this massive list of the world’s best family holiday destinations is for you!

To say the world is full of top family holiday destinations is not a lie – many many countries can be great family holiday destinations. But which are the best and worthy of your precious holiday time?

Below, we have a list of the top 20 family holiday destinations in the world as chosen by myself and other family travel bloggers. Coincidently, I have been to every country on this list except Costa Rica and I have to concur – they are great family holiday destinations.

Are any of these best family vacation destinations on your bucket list?

Best family holiday destinations in the world!

The fabulous Far East Organization Children’s Garden in Singapore

If there is one place that stands out to me as the best holiday destinations for families, it has to be Singapore. This small country is absolutely jam packed full of amazing family attractions, great food and is just such an easy place to visit while still having the benefit of experiencing different cultures. We love the mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.

From Universal Studios on the very family friendly Sentosa Island to the futuristic Gardens by the Bay to eating the local fare at a hawker centre, there are many things to do to keep the kids entertained at this best family vacation destination.

The subway is efficient making it very easy to get around. English is the common language and it’s on signs everywhere to make things even easier.

Singapore is often treated as a quick stopover destination on the way to somewhere else – don’t make this mistake! It is one of the top family vacation destinations in its own right.

Hot Tip:  Eat, eat, eat! Try out each of the local cuisines and enjoy some of the great hawker centres.

Voted by me (Sharon Gourlay). Read more about Singapore in our massive guide to visiting Singapore with kids .

No matter the age or size of your family, few travel destinations compare to Japan. It’s safe, clean, and rich with unique activities. In addition to Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO sites, the area has hiking, rafting and lessons in traditional crafts.

Then there’s Tokyo, where past and future melt together like nowhere else. Kid-friendly museums and public events are all over town, many of them cheap (or free) for children. Japan’s transportation system is unmatched, and trains link cities to the country’s wealth of natural beauty: pristine beaches, snow-capped peaks, and lush, verdant valleys.

We’ve been in and out of Japan since 2002 and still find new places to explore. The country’s distance and prices once made it prohibitive for some, but the yen’s slow descent makes now a great time to to visit.

• Public maps on the street and subway may not face north, but rather the direction you are facing when looking at the map. A “north” indicator is usually in one corner of the map.
• Shoes off in Japanese homes, right? Well, expect the same in some public buildings and in all taxis and trains. If kiddo wants to stand on a seat, slip off the footwear.

Voted by Jason Jenkins, An Epic Education

Monkey Beach

Southeast Asia is a vast and diverse place. If you’re new to the East, or simply want to visit somewhere that’s easy to navigate and reflects some of the region’s best qualities, then head to Malaysia. English is widely spoken, and the country’s mix of cultures — Malay, Chinese and Indian, to name a few — makes it a great place to learn…and to eat!

Looking for parks, museums and city life? Kuala Lumpur has you covered. Keen for beautiful beaches? Langkawi and other islands await. Interested in history? The colonial origins of Penang and Malacca are fascinating. Craving adventure? Malaysia’s rainforests have orangutans, tropical birds and countless other rare animals.

Moreover, if you believe in the importance of tolerance and multiculturalism, then consider Malaysia’s mix of ethnicities, religions and cultures an astounding opportunity to observe coexistence.

• Bring a jacket: Yes, Malaysia is tropical, but buildings and shopping centers are often frigid.
• Malaysia is a majority Muslim country, but quite tolerant of other beliefs. So yes, you can wear that bikini on the beach, but maybe not into the restaurant. Booze and bacon are available, too, but they’re often tucked into far corners of large supermarkets.

Sri Lanka’s Unawatuna Beach

Given its small size, Sri Lanka certainly packs a big punch. This little island seemingly has it all and is one of our best holiday destinations for families. Here you’ll find palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and laid back coastal villages. There’s also the charming historic fort town of Galle, that’s a joy to wander around.

Away from the coast, Sri Lanka boasts stunning landscapes and dramatic scenery. This is also where you’ll discover the incredible ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the sacred mountain Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak).

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia for seeing wildlife, with over 100 protected areas home to leopards, wild elephants, sloth bears and much more. You can even spot blue whales off the island’s southern coast! For a more hands-on animal experience, kids’ can release baby turtles into the ocean or help bathe an orphaned elephant at the Pinnewala elephant orphanage.

For active families, Sri Lanka also delivers with water sports galore as well as trekking, canoeing, mountain biking and white-water rafting opportunities. In short, there is something here for everyone and we can’t wait to go back!

Hot Tip:  Sri Lanka experiences two monsoons; the Yala and the Maha. The Yala monsoon season (May to August) affects the hill country and the south and west coasts. The Maha monsoon season (October to January) brings rain to the East and North of the country. Don’t let the monsoons put you off, however, showers are usually short and sharp and good hotel deals can often be found during these months.

Voted by Katja Gaskell,  globetotting.com

Railay Beach in Thailand

Thailand is my pick for one of the best countries to visit with children.  What stands out most is the friendly nature of the Thai people, especially in the North and especially in regards to children.

Aside from that, we discovered from being there for over 6 months that the diversity is top notch.  You can enjoy snorkeling in the ocean, fire shows on the beach in the evening, trekking in the rolling hills of the north, visiting temples, chatting with Buddhist monks, volunteering to work with elephants, reveling in the celebratory nature of the people through festivities like Yi peng and Songkran and enjoy one amazingly delicious meal after another.  It truly is a country of a thousand smiles!

Hot Tip : Use overland travel whenever you can.  Through trains and bus rides we were able to see more of the stunning country side as well as connect with locals.  Some of our favourite travel stories ever, the hysterical ones that are not necessarily funny at the time, came from all those long overnight trains and 5 hour bus rides!

Voted by Mary Hickcox, Bohemian Travelers

Discovering Australia’s red centre

Although we are Australian visiting places here in our home country is a lifetime odyssey! So many people think that Australia is a small country that can be seen within a couple of weeks, but our country is HUGE!

From our beaches, red center, art, culture, flora and unique fauna there is something for everyone!

Here’s some reasons why Australia is one of the best family destinations:

• You can spend the day at the beach
• You can spend the day at a wildlife park/zoo with our unique animals
• You can spend the day walking some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world
• You can visit world class museums, art galleries and theatre
• You can visit some of the most beautiful, modern cities with our own Aussie touch

And if you are seriously lucky and you are in the right state at the right time, you can experience 4 seasons in one day!

Australia is very family friendly. Like most places, we can learn from others and can always improve but most of the time Australians are more than happy to help.

Bring your children to Australia and you will want to come back because the possibilities are ENDLESS!

Hot Tip:  The biggest problem you will face is time. Don’t make the mistake that you can see it all… we live here and we will never see it all! Plan and look into everywhere you are going to make the best choices.

Voted by Bec Wyld, Wyld Family Travel

Rotorua by mountainleon

I’m not reinventing the wheel when I recommend New Zealand as one of the best family travel destinations. This is a country that has already been discovered, and beloved, for ages now. You will not find a more beautiful – and in fact, magical – country. There is something for everybody.

For the cultured, check out all six stories of the national museum, Te Papa, in Wellington. It’s free.

For the adrenaline junkies, visit the Agroventures Adventure Park in Rotorua, where all in one place you can compete for a world record in the Schweeb (the world’s first human powered monorail racetrack), try bungee jumping or experience freefall.

For the movie lovers, visit The Lord of the Rings filming locations, from Mordor to Hobbiton.

For the animal lovers, there’s whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling and seals at the phenomenal beach in Kaikoura.

For the foodies, try Christchurch’s Burmese restaurant The Bodhi Tree.

For the outdoorsy, nothing can match renting a campervan while staying in comfortable, safe, and kid-friendly camping sites all over the country. Be sure to purchase the New Zealand camping guide ebook to get reviews about every camp site you’ll see along the way.

Voted by Kalli Hiller, www.portableprofessionals.com

Skiing in Australia

Austria has a royal past, a progressive present, and some of the most stunning outdoor landscapes in the world.  You can witness the opulence of the Hapsburg Royal Family who ruled the world for centuries and made Austria one of the best countries in the world for palace visits.

The country abounds with other kid-friendly options. Playgrounds are often creative, artistic spaces and you can discover exciting children’s museums, for example at Schönbrunn Palace or inside the modern Museumsquartier in downtown Vienna.

There are options for family hiking and skiing in the mountains, and amazing access to the outdoors by public transportation from the major cities.

Austria is home to some of the best music in the world and a great place to expose your kids to classical music and music history. It is also famous for chocolate cake (Sacher Torte) and glorious white horses (Lipizzan Stallions).  For mom and dad, the beer is pretty great too and many beer gardens have on-site playgrounds to entertain the kids.

Hot Tip: Visit in early winter when crowds are gone, the Christmas markets are twinkling, and there is snow in the mountains.

Voted by Ashley Steel,  Family on the Loose

Photo Jeep Safari in Starigrad Paklenica

Croatia, the land of 1000 islands, with its laid back capital of Zagreb and UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik – it’s cliche but it’s true – there is something for everyone. Especially kids.

Having lived in Croatia for more than three years now, I can tell you it has to be one of the safest parts of Europe and the most relaxed about travelling with kids. Here you enjoy kid-friendly activities like swimming under waterfalls, wild horse jeep safaris, making sand castles and spending the day in fun museums like THE Optical Illusions Museum in Zadar and Zagreb. And, of course, there are 100’s of safe beaches to choose from.

Hot Tip: When in Dubrovnik head out with the kids after 4 pm, it’s cooler and the cruise ship crowds have already departed the city.

Voted by SJ Begonja, Chasing the Donkey  

When one thinks of France, they might immediately think of Paris, but this country has more to offer than the City of Lights.

Paris is delightful for families with the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame, but why not leave the city and explore the chateaus and caves of the Dordogne or the beautiful beaches of the Côte d’Azur? Don’t forget the lavender fields and Roman ruins of Provence, or the history lessons to be found along the coast of Normandy.

Wherever families find themselves in France, they are sure to encounter warm hospitality, amazing history and fabulous cuisine. The most difficult decision families must make is knowing which region of the country to explore first as they are all special in their own way. We’ve visited 15 countries in Europe with our children, and France is their favorite country that they ask to return to each and every trip.

Hot Tip : For first timers visiting France, head to Paris and then choose a separate region of the country to explore. Paris is expensive and not representative of the rest of the country. Staying in the city alone is to miss out on the magic that exists outside its walls.

Voted by Kirsten Maxwell, Kids are a Trip  

After spending the first five years of my kids’ lives in Germany, and then moving back to the U.S. I have confirmed my thoughts that Germany is the ideal family travel destination.

The German way of life, and focus on leisure activity, mean that the infrastructure is in place to make everything easy for visitors. Especially those with kids.

Take food, for example. My kids loved that there were sweets available everywhere. I appreciated that it was easy to find organic and healthy options at restaurants. My favorite places, though, were the Elterncafes (parent cafe). I would stop at one for a coffee and a snack, and my kids would play in an attached play area. Speaking of play areas, many large playgrounds are attached to biergartens and biergartens are attached to small playgrounds.

Throughout the country there are options for everyone in the family. Germany has one of the largest zoo per capita ratios in the world. There are kid-friendly museums filled with anything from interactive science activities to luxury cars. Imagination comes to life at the castles that dot the whole country. And for people who love fairy tales, there’s even a route to follow some of the world’s most popular stories – the Brothers Grimm Fairy tales.

Hot tip: Look for family-friendly deals on public transportation. Kids under 6 usually travel free with an adult and families can take advantage of group rates when traveling together. If you have a little kids and are booking a long-distance ICE or IC train, look for a kinderabteil. These rooms offer extra space for families for kids to play or to park a stroller.

Voted by Ann Belle, Kids Travel Books

Iceland, land of fire and ice, is one of our favorite vacation destinations for families. The unique landscape of erupting volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and black sand beaches make this an unforgettable place to visit.

There is no shortage of activities that include glacier walks, horseback riding, hikes along waterfalls, rafting along canyons, ATV rides along lava fields and wildlife watching. One of our most memorable experiences was seeing thousands of puffins in the wild.

After all those activities, soak in one of the natural hot springs or the popular Blue Lagoon. It’s also a very interesting culture of Vikings, trolls and dwarves.

Hot Tip: Be sure to eat a Skyr (Icelandic cultured dairy product) and their popular hot dog made from Icelandic lamb.

Voted by Mary Solio, The World Is A Book

Dunguaire Castle, Galway

Ireland is an easy choice for a first European experience for families!

Ireland is a land of magic and mystery, history and hauntings, faeries and friendly people, with no (ok, very little) language barrier.  The country feels like it was custom made for family travel!

No matter what your family enjoys, you’ll find it! Active family? Try flying a hawk or kayaking in the ocean. Have a wanna-be princess or knight? Explore castles from dungeon to battlements before sitting down to a Medieval feast. Sporty? Try the Irish sport of hurling or attempt to keep up with Irish dancers.

The magic of Ireland is woven into everything – the culture, history, wonderfully fresh food, and the incredible welcoming of the people.

Ireland is everything you’ve heard it is – and more and is one of the great family destinations in the world.

Hot Tip: The best way to see Ireland is to rent a car. It really isn’t as intimidating as you may think and it provides the ability to stop as needed or follow the road less travelled. Though Ireland is a small country there is much to do. You won’t be able to ‘see it all’ during a brief vacation, so pick your ‘must see’ sights and plan around those.

Voted by Jody Halsted,  IrelandFamilyVacations.com

Stunning Italy is the perfect family vacation destination for your little bambinos.  No matter where you travel in Italy, this scenic country provides the ideal mix of gourmet kid-friendly food, world-class art treasures, iconic landmarks and old world charm.

Exploring the ancient city of Rome is a child’s delight.  Tour the wondrous Colosseum, meander through the bustling piazzas and enroll your kids in gladiator school.

When in Florence, watch your children gawk at Michelangelo’s masterpiece David, take a pizza-making class and climb Piazza Michelangelo for spectacular views!

While you and your honey stroll hand-in-hand in Venice, your children will delight in this floating city where getting lost among the canals is half the fun!  Try a mask-making class and watch the expert glassblowers at work!

Whether you choose to climb the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, pretend to call Romeo while on Juliet’s balcony in Verona, swim in the waters of the Amalfi coast, or imagine life as it was in Pompeii before the “big-one” – Italy will fill your children’s imaginations and satisfy your adult cravings for art, gourmet treats and gorgeous scenery.

Hot Tip: To keep cool during the steamy Italian summer and to keep smiles on your kids’ faces (and yours too), take a gelato break everyday!  Be sure to search out properly made artisan gelato bursting with flavor.

Voted by Lisa Grabelle, Hilton Mom Voyage & We Said Go Travel

S and Sharon at Oslo Opera House

Vikings, trolls, roaming reindeer, polar bears, the Nobel Peace Prize, the midnight sun or the northern lights – what’s not to love for the kids in this long, thin country in the northern world? Norway is a very kid-friendly country. In fact, in Norway, kids come first. It’s perfectly acceptable to leave work at 3pm to pick up the kids from daycare.

Norway is especially wonderful if you love the outdoors. Nature is all around you everywhere. In winter, tobogganing and skiing (cross-country and downhill) is easily accessible. In summer, you can hike, bike, kayak or raft. Even in the big city, nature is a mere 15 minutes away by public transport.

In Oslo, kids love climbing on the sculptures in Frogner Park, running on the sloping Opera House roof and exploring Polar explorers’ ships, balsa rafts and Viking ships.

At Langedrag mountain farm, you’ll encounter lynx, foxes and wolves. If you’re there at the right time, you can even play with wolf pups.

Out west, quirky Bergen and the fjords attract families as well – whether on a cruise with Hurtigruten or on a road trip along spectacular (and slightly scary) roads, such as Trollstigen (The Troll’s Ladder) or the famous Atlantic Road.

Up north you can whale-watch, dog-sled and ride snow scooters. Even further north – we’re talking just south of the North Pole now, you might see polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago.

Hot Tip: Feeling adventurous – and on a budget? Allemannsretten (the freedom-to-roam act) gives everyone the right to pitch a tent almost anywhere.

Voted by Anne-Sophie Redisch, Sophie’s World

Spain might have a king, but the kids are the ones who truly rule this country. Little ones are an intrinsic part of everyday life. And life seems to revolve around family.

Kids are welcome just about anywhere – museums, restaurants, cafes, shops – and playgrounds crop up around nearly every corner. There’s no such thing as “kid-friendly”. Virtually nothing is off limits. Don’t be surprised to see small children dining at three Michelin star restaurants or running around royalty-worthy wedding ceremonies.

Apart from being a super family friendly holiday destination, Spain is rich in culture and buzzes with energy. From the beaches of Costa del Sol to the Pyrenees, there’s plenty to explore. Relax on paradisiac beaches in the Balearic islands, marvel at the Moorish influence in Andalucia, relish on fresh seafood in Galicia, discover Gaudi’s Barcelona or explore the capital Madrid and its nearby treasures, like Toledo, Avila and Segovia. You really can’t go wrong.

Hot Tip:  Spain has a thriving late night culture. Restaurants typically open their doors at 9 p.m. If you’re not up for dinner so late, plan ahead to make sure your family won’t go to bed hungry!

Voted by Patty Monahan, Our Whole Village

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta. Photo Credit: Parks Canada

It’s difficult to know all of Canada. As the second largest country in the world, its sheer size (5.5 time zones) makes it a challenge to travel round and visit all of its differing regions in one trip.

But this should be seen as a family travel challenge and opportunity! No matter where you choose to visit in this vast land, Canada will amaze and delight with its jaw-dropping natural beauty and warm welcome that few countries can match.

From the friendly east coast of the Atlantic provinces, the large, multi-ethnic urban centers of Toronto and Montréal, the golden ranchlands of Saskatchewan and Alberta, vast expanse of the North and Arctic, or the wild west coast of Vancouver and British Columbia, Canada offers travel adventure opportunities for every family.

Hot tip: In celebration of Canada’s 150 th Birthday in 2017, access to all its National Parks will be free, including Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

Voted by Claudia Laroye, The Travelling Mom

Montezuma, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country that has it all; wildlife, mountains, volcanoes, lush forests, excellent beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific, and friendly people.

Costa Rica is great for both families who are looking for family oriented vacation destinations where they can relax or families that want to have an adventure.  There are numerous resorts where you can enjoy yourself without lifting a finger.  There is also a ton of adventures that you can partake in: Climbing active volcanoes, hikes to beautiful waterfalls, dips in wild hot springs, zip lining through the forest canopy, horseback riding, surfing and too many more to count.

Our favorite adventure was a family surf camp at Peaks N Swells where the whole family learned to surf.

Hot Tip: Kids get tired and adventuring all day makes for cranky kids and an unhappy family.  Take an adventure in the morning and do something thrilling. In the afternoon, take some time to play at the beach or the pool and chill out as a family.

Voted by Nicole Debickes, Family with Latitude

From wildlife filled jungle adventures to deserted beaches with turquoise waters, Panama has something to offer travelers of all ages.

Begin your family adventure in the lively Latin American metropolis of Panama City. Visit the Panama Canal, the chic cafés of historical Casco Viejo, and the Frank Gehry designed BioMuseo Diversity Museum. Use Panama City as a jumping off point to visit the indigenous Guna Yala (formerly the San Blas Island).

Follow this up with a stay in a Bocas del Toro treetop jungle lodge, where you can wake up to the birds, and watch a troop of monkeys swing by at sunset. Make your way back to Panama City via the cloud forest of the Chiriquí province. Not only is this highland area known for their delicious shade grown coffee, but it is also a top adventure destination, offering everything from river rafting to zip lining.

• Despite the fact that most of Panama is very safe for families, take a pass on the Darien Gap region (unless you have a particular interest in fire ants, deadly snakes, wild pigs, and drug traffickers).
• While you could visit Panama with children of any age, many of the top spots would be best enjoyed with comfortable swimmers.

Voted by Tara Cannon, Pint Size Pilot

Enjoying Jackson Square with St Louis Cathedral in the background

After Singapore, the country that stands out to me most as one of the best family vacation destinations is the USA.

We loved exploring this country with our young kids. In part, this is because the USA is a country made for road trips and I have found road trips to be the easiest way to travel with young kids.

It is also a country full of top family destinations and attractions. Most cities seem to have a children’s museum which quickly became our kids’ favourite place to be. There are so many aquariums, zoos, beaches and many other family friendly attractions.

The USA is also great for parents with many places of interest from random places like the Unclaimed Baggage Centre to fabulous cities such as New Orleans . I can’t imagine ever running out of things to do.

The people are also very helpful and friendly and it’s an easy destination for us English speakers. We also find it remarkably good value and nowhere near as expensive as we imagined beforehand. We can’t wait to head back and do another road trip!

Hot Tip:  Get out on the open road! I had visited the US many times before I finally made the time for a road trip and I was missing out. It’s amazing!

Voted by me (Sharon Gourlay). Read more about our Deep South Road Trip here .

Where would you pick as the best family holiday destination in the world?

You can also read our articles which focus on the best holiday destinations in Asia , Europe , the Pacific and the Caribbean.

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35 Best International Vacations for Families on Every Continent (2024)

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Have you been searching for the best international family vacations, then you’ve come to the right place!

All the top spots are listed here. Plus, they’re all listed by region so you can easily find what you’re seeking.

My family has visited over 25 countries already and we’ve been full-time travelers since 2019. And I know we’ve barely scratched the surface of the adventures to be had!

We love both popular tourist spots and off-the-beaten-path destinations. So, I’m a bit of an expert in providing helpful advice to parents struggling to decide where to go with their families. Traveling with the whole family can be both exciting and daunting, but from beachy getaways to cultural experiences, there are tons of options that will provide fun for the whole family.

I’ll share some of my favorite international trips for families, as well as provide tips on how to pick the best one for your needs.

Top International Family Vacations in North America

1. canadian rockies.

Banff National Park is one of the best places to visit when it comes to exploring the Canadian Rockies.

Established in 1885, it is Canada’s oldest national park and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as being named one of the most beautiful places on Earth !

Visitors to Banff can enjoy stunning views of nature like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge, plus take in breathtaking sights such as Takakkaw Falls. Wildlife enthusiasts will also be in luck when they visit Banff. Moose, deer and even bears—all might be spotted while you explore the area.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience some truly awe-inspiring natural scenery that’s unique only to Banff National Park! A family vacation here will guarantee you memories that’ll last a lifetime!

Where to Stay in Banff National Park

The best hotel for families is the Rimrock Resort Hotel . Boasting breathtaking views of the mountains, this hotel offers plenty of amenities and activities perfect for kids.

From swimming pools and game rooms to onsite restaurants and spas, this resort will make sure your family has everything needed for a memorable getaway.

Plus, with spacious suites that can accommodate up to eight guests, you won’t have to worry about making room for everyone in your party. Experience luxury travel without leaving the comfort of Banff!

🤩 I love this private tour of Banff because it covers all the best sightseeing spots!

2. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya, Mexico is an enchanting place for a family vacation. It’s home to stunning white sand beaches in Cancun and ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Coba near Tulum.

Plus, there’s a variety of unique islands like Isla Mujeres , Cozumel , and Isla Contoy . We’ve spent time on all three and love how different a vibe each one has!

If you’re looking for something unique, there are lots of other activities to do with your family too! If you’re really adventurous, try swimming with whale sharks (older kids only)! And, you can explore cenotes near Playa del Carmen – natural sinkholes that originate from underground rivers. A refreshing swim in crystal-clear water is always a great way to cool off after a day of exploring the ruins.

I’ve lived in Riviera Maya for almost a year and my family absolutely loved all these activities. It makes for the perfect family getaway!

Where to Stay in Riviera Maya

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is the ideal choice for families who want to ensure that everyone in the family has an enjoyable and relaxing vacation.

The hotel boasts spacious rooms and suites, two large pools with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a buffet restaurant offering international cuisine, multiple bars throughout the grounds, as well as an on-site spa.

There are plenty of activities available to keep kids entertained such as mini golf courses and swimming pools with slides. Furthermore, guests will also enjoy complimentary access to Xcaret Ecopark throughout their stay!

🤩 I love this buggy tour of cenotes and Mayan villages because it has adventure, nature, and culture!

3. Hawaii, USA

My family has been lucky enough to visit both Oahu and Maui, and I can honestly say that Hawaii is an amazing destination for families looking to have some fun and make lasting memories.

From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to stargazing at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, there are plenty of activities that will keep kids entertained. On Maui, you can go on a whale-watching expedition or spend the day hiking through Haleakalā National Park. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, drive along the Road to Hana and marvel at the lush jungles and majestic waterfalls.

👉 Get Dramamine for everyone if you drive the Road To Hana! There’s even a chewable version available for kids.

Oahu offers its own set of family-friendly activities too! One of our favorite spots is Waikiki Beach. From building sandcastles to playing beach volleyball with locals, it’s definitely a must-visit spot when visiting Hawaii. Overall, Hawaii is a top pick for parents planning a family vacation from around the world. With loads of outdoor activities suitable for all ages plus stunning natural beauty everywhere you look. It truly is paradise!

Where to Stay in Hawaii

Located on Oahu’s sunny western coast, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a five-star resort close to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

With its luxurious amenities, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and plenty of activities for all ages, it’s the perfect destination for a family getaway.

The resort offers an array of activities to keep everyone entertained. Kids can enjoy the water park with slides and splash pads or take part in fun activities like hula lessons or lei-making classes.

🤩 I love this tour of Oahu because you get to see all the top photo spots AND snorkel with sea turtles!

4. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico is an amazing destination for families . With endless kid-friendly activities, parents planning a family vacation have plenty of options to keep their little ones engaged and entertained.

I spent a month there with my family and can confirm that it is absolutely worth the trip. From the incredible museums to lush parks, Mexico City offers something for everyone.

There’s the amazing National Museum of Anthropology, the world-renowned Museo Soumaya for budding historians, and Chapultepec Park – one of the oldest parks in North America. It’s perfect for exploring the outdoors with little ones.

Plus, for foodies, there are countless restaurants serving traditional Mexican cuisine as well as more modern takes on classic dishes; you won’t be disappointed! Despite doing all this and exploring some really unique restaurants in CDMX, we felt like we barely scratched the surface when it came to all the potential activities during our stay in Mexico City. One visit will have you wanting to return!

Where to Stay in Mexico City

The Hyatt Regency Mexico City is ideally located for families. Just steps from Chapultepec Park, which is bigger than Central Park in New York City, this hotel makes it easy to visit the world-class museums and expansive (FREE) zoo in the park.

Plus, the Hyatt’s amenities are great for families as well. It has a lovely outdoor pool, three on-site restaurants, and two bars.

Although you may not even need to visit the restaurants since the hotel is located in Polanco, which offers a variety of tasty restaurants. We loved eating at Cafebrería El Péndulo, a restaurant bookstore!

🤩 I love this hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan ruins because it’s truly a memorable family experience!

5. New York City, USA

New York City is a great international vacation destination for families. There’s something for everyone in the city that never sleeps.

The subway museum is an especially fun spot to take the kids. It features interactive exhibits and trains from all over New York City, providing a detailed look at how the subway system operates. Central Park is another great option for families of all ages . It’s one of the largest urban parks in the world, offering a ton of activities like picnics, bike rentals, jogging paths, playgrounds, and more.

You can even hop on a carriage ride or tour the Central Park Zoo. The main attractions also include Belvedere Castle and Bethesda Fountain which are amazing sights to behold while taking a leisurely stroll around the park. With so much to see and do in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, New York City will have your entire family smiling from ear to ear with memories that will last a lifetime.

Where to Stay

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Margaritaville Resort Times Square offers guests a range of attractions to explore, including a heated outdoor swimming pool and direct access to some of the city’s most iconic attractions.

With spacious rooms, a convenient location, and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and on-site restaurants, it’s no surprise that this resort is so popular among vacationing families.

Plus, given its proximity to Times Square and the Broadway Theater District, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for parents and kids alike!

🤩 I love this Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour because you get to experience a unique piece of American History!

6. Chicago, USA

Chicago is an amazing city for families and kids ! As a parent who lived in the city for over 16 years, including the first seven years of Little Man’s life, I have seen firsthand how great it can be for family vacations. First and foremost, Chicago has an incredible amount of free public attractions that are kid friendly. For example, the Lincoln Park Zoo located on the lakefront is entirely free and is filled with fun activities for children of all ages.

There are also multiple playgrounds located along the lakefront that are perfect for running around and having fun. Our favorite is at Maggie Daley Park. The food in Chicago caters to kids as well. There are plenty of restaurants that serve family-friendly meals like burgers and fries, deep-dish pizza, ice cream sundaes, etc. And there’s no shortage of Chicago-style hot dogs! If you want to visit over a holiday, like St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas, there are always extra kid-friendly activities and events going on, too! There is something fun to do each day during your stay in Chicago!

Located in the exclusive Gold Coast neighborhood, the Viceroy Hotel Chicago hotel offers 180 guestrooms and suites, providing a luxurious experience for all its guests.

The hotel also has an outdoor pool with stunning skyline and lake views, making it ideal for families looking to enjoy some fun in the sun. The hotel’s prime location near Michigan Avenue also makes it easy to explore all that Chicago has to offer.

In addition to its convenient location and outdoor pool, Viceroy Hotel Chicago also offers a variety of amenities such as free in-room WiFi, a gym, and a rooftop terrace.

🤩 I love this Chicago Architecture River Cruise because it also shows you the skyline from Lake Michigan!

7. San Francisco, USA

With its iconic cable cars and vibrant cultural atmosphere, there are plenty of unique and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy in San Francisco! One thing you have to do when visiting San Francisco with kids is ride the famous cable car. It’s not just an iconic symbol of the city, it’s also a great way to get around! Kids will love taking in the sights and it makes sightseeing that much easier! Another must-do activity when in San Francisco is to visit Ghirardelli Square. Not only can you find the famous Ghirardelli chocolate store, but there’s also an array of other shops and restaurants which make this a great place to explore with kids.

From ice cream sundaes at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop to mini golfing at Urban Putt or window shopping at The Disney Store, there’s something for everyone here! The Aquarium of the Bay is another popular attraction for families visiting San Francisco. There are several interactive exhibits perfect for keeping kids engaged and learning about aquatic life in a fun way!

The Palace Hotel is a luxurious option located in downtown San Francisco with plenty of amenities for kids. It’s a San Francisco landmark, dating back to 1875.

Conveniently located within walking distance of attractions like the Ferry Building and Union Square, the Palace Hotel is perfect for those looking for a unique experience that allows them to explore all that San Francisco has to offer.

There is a beautiful kid-friendly pool and jacuzzi, as well as a variety of activities such as movie nights and art classes. The hotel also offers complimentary breakfast and snacks throughout the day.

🤩 I love this day tour of Alcatraz because it also includes a bay cruise!

Best International Family Vacations in Central America & the Caribbean

8. costa rica.

Costa Rica is an amazing international vacation for families, and I can speak to that from personal experience. My family spent three months exploring the country, and we had a blast.

One of our favorite activities was going on waterfall hikes and hanging bridge tours in Monteverde. The lush jungle setting was beautiful, the wildlife was plentiful, and the water cascading down the rocks was quite a sight!

We also hiked in Manuel Antonio National Park where we encountered some of the local wildlife, such as sloths and iguanas. The entire Pacific coast is great for an international vacation with kids! Another highlight of our trip was exploring Uvita’s beaches. We found some spectacular spots with unspoiled views of the Pacific Coastline, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Last but not least, we also visited San Jose’s Gold Museum located near the Central Market where we learned about Costa Rica’s rich history and culture. So don’t skip out on San Jose for the jungles when you visit Costa Rica with your family!

Located in the heart of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Hotel Belmar is an eco-friendly hotel that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.

With its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lush gardens, and a variety of activities to choose from, Hotel Belmar is sure to make your stay in Monteverde an enjoyable one.

The hotel also offers a variety of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving up delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Hotel Belmar has something for everyone.

🤩 I love this private Monteverde tour because it combines culture, wildlife, and beautiful scenery!

9. Guatemala

Visiting Guatemala with your children can be a wonderful experience. From the awe-inspiring beauty of the ancient Mayan civilization to the bustling city life in modern-day Antigua, there is something for everyone to enjoy. When my family and I visited Tikal , we were enthralled by the temples, plazas, and pyramids. We even had a chance to see some of the local wildlife; from howler monkeys to sleeping bats, you never know what you’ll find when exploring these ruins.

Antigua is another great destination for families looking for an international vacation. The city is bustling with culture and provides plenty of activities for all ages – from shopping and sightseeing to horseback riding and cycling.

We spent six weeks in Antigua and enjoyed every minute of it! Little Man especially liked visiting all the local handmade candy shops and the easy climb to Cerro de la Cruce above the city. Even Antigua’s McDonalds is worth visiting! Guatemala has so much to offer that there’s something new and exciting around every corner! From beautiful landscapes to vibrant cities, It’s is an ideal place for an international family vacation that kiddos will always remember!

If you’re looking for the best family hotel in Antigua Guatemala, look no further than Porta Hotel Antigua . It’s been consistently ranked as one of the top family hotels in the area.

It features beautiful colonial architecture, lush gardens, and a large pool built for kids. Plus, it offers full-service amenities that cater to families.

The hotel offers easy access to all the attractions nearby, including charming parks, local markets, and some great restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of international cuisine.

🤩 I love this cultural tour of Antigua because you see Mayan weavers, a chocolate workshop, a macadamia farm, & a coffee plantation !

10. El Salvador

Visiting El Salvador with kids can be an exciting and educational experience. The country has a lot to offer, from the picturesque Flower Route to the flavorful Juayua Food Festival near Santa Ana, and plenty of adventures in between.

One of our favorite activities in El Salvador was exploring Volcantenango in San Salvador. It’s a Game of Thrones-themed activity park for families with an amazing view of the city and some incredible flora and fauna.

Plus, there’s a fun rainbow slide down the street that’s perfect for older kids! It’s tall and fast, so it’s better suited for kiddos 10-12+

And don’t forget about El Tunco beaches. They have some of the best waves for surfing in the region and plenty of places to explore – from tidepools to turtle nesting grounds. I spent a month in El Salvador with my family, so I can personally vouch for all that I mentioned above! It was an unforgettable trip, filled with amazing new experiences.

Located between Santa Ana and the towns on the Flower Route, San Antonio Boutique Hotel is ideally situated to be a great base for stays in western El Salvador.

The hotel provides rooms with either a balcony or a terrace as well as free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Families will enjoy the garden views, the restaurant with daily breakfast, and the children’s playground that’s available for all guests to use.

If you want to use San Salvador for your base in El Salvador, then the Sheraton Presidente San Salvador is the place to stay! It has a big swimming pool with a waterfall and impressive mountain views!

🤩 I love this San Salvador day trip because it’s the most fun and comprehensive San Salvador itinerary!

11. Turks & Caicos

This stunning archipelago is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and offers plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.

From snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles to exploring the islands’ many historic sites, there’s something for everyone in Turks & Caicos.

When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options for families traveling with children. Many resorts offer kid-friendly amenities like pools and playgrounds, as well as babysitting services so parents can enjoy some time alone.

For those looking for a more intimate experience, there are also plenty of private villas available that provide all the comforts of home.

From casual beachside eateries serving up local favorites like conch fritters and jerk chicken to upscale establishments offering international cuisine, you’ll find something for everyone in Turks & Caicos.

Located in Grace Bay West, the Grace Bay Club is a 5-star luxury resort that offers a variety of amenities that will make your stay unforgettable. Kids will love the three outdoor pools and private beach access!

The resort also features a restaurant with breathtaking ocean views and contemporary Caribbean cuisine. Plus, every suite includes personal butler service so you can rest assured that all your needs will be taken care of during your stay.

With its luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and stunning views, it’s no wonder why Grace Bay Club is one of the top resorts for families in Turks & Caicos.

🤩 I love this Turks & Caicos catamaran snorkeling tour because you enjoy beach views & sea life in luxury!

12. US Virgin Islands

Not only will you and your family experience the best of the Caribbean, but with two main islands, St. Thomas and St. John, your trip will be filled with plenty to do on the US Virgin Islands for both adults and children alike! On St. Thomas, there is no shortage of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From snorkeling and exploring historical sites like Fort Christian to visiting pristine beaches on the island’s many bays.

Shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie or sampling the local flavors at Magen’s Bay are also popular options. We love shopping at Mountain Top Park! On St. John, visitors can explore its vibrant coral reefs by snorkeling or scuba diving as well as visit the Annaberg Plantation ruins or hike up to Ram Head Lookout point for stunning views of nearby coves and bays.

Our very first family vacation was to the US Virgin Islands when Little Man was just seven months old. It was such a memorable experience that we still reminisce about it today!

The Marriott Frenchman’s Cove is the perfect hotel for families looking to explore St Thomas US Virgin Islands. Located high above the sparkling Caribbean Sea, it offers breathtaking views and a variety of activities for all ages.

The two-bedroom villas are spacious and comfortable, with excellent beds and plenty of room for everyone. There are plenty of amenities to keep the whole family entertained, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, spa services, and more.

Plus, the resort is conveniently located near some of the best attractions in St Thomas US Virgin Islands such as Magens Bay Beach and Blackbeard’s Castle.

🤩 I love this night kayak tour of St Thomas because you can see unique sea life!

13. Bahamas

The Bahamas is a great choice for an international family vacation. With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, varied activities, and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder why the Bahamas is a popular destination for families looking to get away.

David and I got married in the Bahamas so it holds a special place in our hearts. We had an amazing time exploring the islands and making memories that will last a lifetime.

There are very different experiences in the Bahamas depending on if you head to touristy spots like Freeport or Nassau or prefer the quieter Out Islands. All the Bahamas’ beaches are incredible, so all the island choices are good ones.

In Freeport and Nassau, you’ll find plenty of resorts with all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, and activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

If you’re looking for something more low-key, then head to one of the out islands (where we got married) where you can explore secluded beaches and enjoy some peace and quiet.

If you’re looking for the perfect family getaway, look no further than Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau . Located on a beautiful beachfront in Grand Bahama, this resort offers plenty of activities and amenities to keep everyone entertained.

From four outdoor pools and a marina to a Fins Up Water Park with water slides and a lazy river, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the resort is conveniently located near Cable Beach, making it easy to explore all that Nassau has to offer.

With its luxurious accommodations and endless activities, Margaritaville Resort Nassau is sure to be an unforgettable experience for your entire family.

🤩 I love this custom, private tour of Nassau because you can see what you want at a kid-friendly pace!

14. St. Lucia

Visiting St. Lucia was an amazing experience for us! We had the chance to explore some of the most incredible and unique kid-friendly things that you can do in the Caribbean. A visit to the world’s largest drive-in volcano is definitely worth it. Your kiddos will be so amazed at being able to see such a cool natural feature. It awe-inspiring to witness! We then spent some time in the mud baths, which is an amazing way to relax while getting all mucky! Kids love this part, as they get to have a lot of fun while also learning about geothermal activity and sulfuric springs. And you can also just spend time relaxing on one of St. Lucia’s black sand beaches. There’s nothing quite like sunbathing on black sand with crystal blue waters all around you!

If you visit in December or early January, like we did, you can try the island’s seasonal delicacy. Black Cake! It’s heavy and full of rum, but so soft and spongey! Definitely worth trying if you have a chance!

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa All Inclusive resort offers something for everyone in the family. With nine restaurants, seven bars, five pools, and 85 acres of beachfront property, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa has plenty to offer.

Enjoy golden sands and swaying palms while you relax in the sun or take part in one of the many activities available such as kayaking, snorkeling, or zip lining.

The resort also features two worlds in one with its dedicated adult-only side and kid-friendly fun including a big water park.

🤩 I love this St. Lucia chocolate tour because it’s a full bean-to-bar experience!

Best International Vacations for Families in Asia & Oceania

15. thailand.

With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture and amazing temples, Thailand is the perfect destination for a family getaway. My family had an incredible time on our trip there!

We started our trip in Bangkok, exploring the city’s many temples and taking in its unique culture.

From there, we took the overnight train to Chiang Mai where we experienced some of the most beautiful scenery we’d ever seen. We spent a few days exploring the city’s ancient temples and learning about its rich history.

After Chiang Mai, we headed south to explore some of Thailand’s amazing beaches. Islands like Koh Samui and Phuket have unbelievably crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches to relax on.

Thailand has so much to offer families looking for an international vacation, from temples in Bangkok to amazing beaches on the southern islands and cool cultural experiences in Chiang Mai.

The Anantara Siam Bangkok is a great choice if you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the city. It offers spacious suites and villas, as well as an outdoor pool and plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.

For a more remote experience, head to Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood island. This resort features private villas with their own pools, as well as access to a beautiful beach and plenty of activities for all ages.

If you’re looking for something closer to nature, then consider Avani+ Khao Lak or Banyan Tree Krabi . Both of these resorts offer stunning views of lush jungles and are surrounded by nature trails that are perfect for exploring with the whole family.

🤩 I love this tour of the Phi Phi islands near Phuket because it includes lunch & snorkel gear!

16. Malaysia

I cannot say enough good things about Malaysia as a phenomenal destination for families. We spent three months there, then got (happily) stuck for another 13 months when we arrived just before the pandemic lockdowns began.

From the beaches of Langkawi to the foodie city of Penang, Kuala Lumpur’s modern vibrancy, and Legoland Malaysia in Johor Bahru – there is something for every family. The beaches of Langkawi are as good as any other in Southeast Asia. With crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and plenty of activities for kids, it’s easy to spend days playing in the sun and sand. The historic city of Penang has something for everyone. The old town is full of charming streets lined with street food vendors selling delicious local dishes like nasi lemak, while the waterfront offers stunning views which make great photo ops.

Plus, Kuala Lumpur is a bustling metropolis full of life, boasting modern buildings and attractions such as the Petronas Towers and KL Tower as well as unique museums that even kids will enjoy.

Malsyai is hot, so make sure you stay at a family-friendly hotel with a pool! There are excellent rooftop pool hotels in KL , resorts with private pools in Langkawi , and even some hotels with private pools in Penang .

If you’re heading to Johor Bahru to visit Legoland Malaysia, the best place to stay is absolutely the Legoland Resort Hotel ! We spent Little Man’s birthday there one year. It’s absolutely worthwhile!

🤩 I love this KL day tour because you see all the top sights in one day without navigating traffic!

With Tokyo as an urban playground, the Disney and Universal amusement parks providing thrills and fun, majestic Mt Fuji towering in the background, and plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy, there is something for everyone in Japan! Start your trip by exploring the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The vibrant streets are filled with unique street food, its small shops have cool souvenirs, and its incredible neon nightscape is fun to marvel at.

Then head to one of the great theme parks to spend a day riding roller coasters and other attractions that will have your whole family laughing. While you’re in Japan be sure to explore the natural beauty of Mt Fuji. It’s pretty unforgettable! Finally, no trip to Japan is complete without experiencing some of the country’s culture firsthand. Spend a day exploring one of the many temples or shrines that are scattered throughout the country. Each has its own unique history.

You can also take a cooking class together or watch a traditional Japanese performance. Or if you’re like our kid, hit up as many conveyor belt sushi restaurants! All these things will give your kids fabulous memories.

The Cross Hotel Kyoto is one of the top-rated family hotels in Japan, offering an onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center. The hotel also provides a shuttle service to nearby attractions like Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple.

The Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport has a variety of features such as an indoor pool, spa services, and several restaurants onsite. It also offers complimentary shuttles to nearby attractions like Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

The Grand Hyatt Tokyo is another popular choice among families due to its wonderful kid-friendly amenities. It has a wide range of restaurants onsite, including local Japanese cuisine, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi.

🤩 I love this private Mt. Fuji tour because it’s the same price for up to 6 people!

18. Vietnam

Vietnam is a fantastic place to take a family vacation. The beach town of Hoi An is a perfect way to kick off a trip. Kids love playing in the sand and splashing in the turquoise waters of An Bang Beach. You’ll also be blown away by the cultural capital of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s such a vibrant city, with captivating sights and sounds.

The historical and cultural gems to the north like Ha Long Bay are breathtakingly beautiful and really fun to explore. You can take a day trip to Tam Coc, which is known for row boat rides along stunning limestone mountains and rice paddies! One of our favorite experiences was a rice paper-making class near the beach town of Vung Tau. Little Man enjoyed eating the rice paper as much as making it! The day was definitely one of his highlights from the trip! Vietnam is truly an amazing destination for international family vacations, packed full of fascinating culture, historical sites, stunning scenery, delicious food, and plenty of activities for both adults and children alike.

Located on an island off the coast of Vietnam, Intercontinental Long Beach Phu Quoc offers a variety of accommodation options and has a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center to help you relax after a long day of exploring.

The Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel is another excellent choice for families. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities plus activities like cooking classes and cultural tours that will keep your kiddos entertained during their stay.

Azura Resort is another great option for families looking for a kid-friendly resort in Vietnam. It has comfortable rooms, swimming pools, playgrounds, and more to entertain your kids.

🤩 I love this Nha Trang tour because it includes rice paper making, conical hat making, & noodle making!

Visiting Bali with kids is a great option for any family looking to take an international adventure. We used Ubud as our base when we visited, and took day trips around the island. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a must-see attraction. The temple complex houses hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques, as well as temples and huge trees! It’s a great way to explore the rainforest while learning about Balinese culture.

Alternatively, head to Campuhan Ridge Walk for stunning views of lush rice terraces, as well as several juice shops along the way. Take some Rupiah with you so you can enjoy the views as well as freshly pressed juice! Sanur is home to some of the best beaches in Bali, so why not take a dip or just lounge in the sun? You can also go snorkeling at nearby reefs and explore the surrounding marine life.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Seminyak for some of the best shopping and nightlife in Bali. Be sure to check out a local beach club for some amazing views, delicious food, and tasty cocktails while the kiddos play.

The Intercontinental Bali Sanur Resort is a great choice for families with kids, boasting hundreds of rooms designed to blend modern convenience with Balinese culture. It’s located beachfront and near some of Bali’s best attractions.

There are loads of facilities, including water sports, kids’ clubs, and evening entertainment that will keep everyone entertained. The resort also serves both local and international cuisine to suit all tastes.

The Grand Bali Nusa Dua offers warm Balinese hospitality and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. It has a spa, a large outdoor pool, and a shuttle service to Grand Bali Beach Club five minutes away. 

🤩 I love this Balinese cooking class because your family cooks with her family!

20. Australia

Visiting Australia with kids is an exciting journey  that can take families to some of the world’s most beautiful places. From beaches to mountains, there’s something for everyone.

Cairns is a great place to start if you’re looking for natural wonders and unforgettable experiences. With its tropical climate, white sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife, Cairns offers a range of activities for the whole family.

From kayaking in the Great Barrier Reef to visiting Wildlife Habitats so you can get up close and personal with some of Australia’s native animals, your family will be enthralled at every turn.

Sydney is also a great option for families who want to explore some unique landmarks and museums. With its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and endless activities, Sydney offers something for everyone in the family.

From the world-famous Sydney Opera House to the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park, there are plenty of attractions to explore. Enjoy a day at the beach or take a boat ride around Sydney Harbour to see the city from a different perspective.

In Cairns, the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is my top pick. This luxurious resort offers spacious rooms, a large pool, and plenty of activities for kids.

Plus, its waterfront location provides stunning views of the city and the nearby Great Barrier Reef.

For those visiting Sydney, I recommend the Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites . This chic hotel offers modern amenities such as an indoor pool and hot tub. It’s also centrally located near Darling Harbour and Circular Quay.

🤩 I love this Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tour because you enjoy the day on a luxury catamaran!

21. New Zealand

From walking alongside glaciers to exploring rainforests, there’s something for everyone in New Zealand. Hiking is a great way to explore the spectacular scenery, with countless trails around the country suitable for children. Located close to Matamata on the North Island, Hobbiton is the real-life set of The Shire where you and your kids can wander around the cozy hobbit holes and enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

We’ve been seeking out Hobbiton-inspired reproductions all around the world. So if you’re a LOTR fan, then seeing the real thing is certainly one experience that will stay with your family forever! With its unique blend of natural beauty, urban sophistication, and cultural attractions, Auckland offers something for every traveler. The city is bursting with energy, from shopping centers to nightlife districts and more.

You can also take a day trip to Waiheke Island to explore the world-famous vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy a leisurely lunch under a shady tree, enjoy the beach, or take part in some of the island’s many activities.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a great option for luxury family travel, offering stunning views and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. I know the name is kind of creepy but it’s got a beautiful infinity pool and luxurious family suites!

Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses provides an unforgettable experience with its unique treehouse accommodations. Plus, it has a great pool and offers fabulous views of both the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura.

Wharekauhau Country Estate is also a great option for families who want to enjoy some of New Zealand’s best scenery while having access to all the amenities of a five-star resort.

🤩 I love this tour of Hobbiton & the Waitomo Caves because who doesn’t love bioluminescence?!

Best International Vacations for Families in South America, Africa, & the Middle East

22. ecuador.

Visiting Ecuador with kids is a great way to give your family an unforgettable international vacation. We spent three months there and feel like we barely scratched the surface. It may be small, but it offers a large variety of adventures!

Mindo is a small town located in the cloud forest of northwestern Ecuador. The lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, hummingbirds, and waterfalls make for a truly magical experience. It was one of our favorite stops in all of Ecuador! Otavalo is another must-see destination in Ecuador. Here you can stroll through the oldest market in the Americas! All while enjoying beautiful landscapes and connecting with indigenous cultures.

Quito has plenty to offer families, too. From historical sites like the La Compañía de Jesús Church to modern attractions like Parque Itchimbia’s cable car ride, Quito will keep everyone entertained throughout your stay. Plus, with their unique wildlife and stunning scenery, the Galapagos Islands are sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits. So much wildlife right in your face! I was first there in 2003, and it left a lasting mark on how I see travel.

Located in Quito, Hotel La Basílica offers a variety of amenities such as an outdoor pool, a playground, and a game room. It also has a restaurant with kid-friendly meals and an on-site spa.

Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge Spa in Mindo offers a spa, restaurant, and pool to ensure that your family has an enjoyable stay. The staff is friendly and accommodating, makes sure all of your needs are met, and even helps plan tours.

Hotel Palace Galapagos is located in Puerto Ayora just 1 km from the Charles Darwin Station for Galapagos tortoises. It purifies its drinking water on site and offers tour booking assistance for the wide variety of nearby activities.

🤩 I love this private Mindo tour from Quito because you enjoy the cloud forest wildlife in a single day!

23. Bolivia

Many people overlook Bolivia, and that’s a mistake. This South American country has so much to offer families, from majestic wildlife to unique natural wonders. Even the capital of La Paz is an adventure!

Llamas are friendly and curious animals found throughout the country. To get up close and personal with them, visit a llama farm or book a llama trekking tour . Kids will learn all about these fascinating animals and may even get to feed them.

A guided tour of the vast expanse of Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats is truly an otherworldly experience. Take funny perspective photos with the salt flats as the background and admire the star-filled sky at night!

The breathtaking Laguna Colorada is an Instagram-worthy wonderland for all families. The vivid pink color of the lake is due to the high concentration of minerals, which draw in thousands of flamingos from nearby areas.

La Paz’s cable car transit system is an attraction in itself. The cable car offers a bird’s eye view of the beautiful city and its surrounding mountains. It’s a great chance to see the city from an entirely different perspective!

The Hotel de Sal Luna Salada is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. This sumptuous hotel is almost entirely built out of salt blocks and offers stunning views of the salt mine.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable with beautiful bathrooms, while the inside of the hotel has been carefully decorated to provide a relaxing atmosphere.

The onsite restaurant on site serves daily breakfast and delicious local cuisine. Plus, guests can shop on-site or take advantage of the rooftop terrace to soak up the incredible views of the surrounding area.

🤩 I love this Uyuni Salt Flats tour because you also see artisanal salt processing !

24. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a spectacular destination for families to visit on an international vacation. From game reserves to the iconic Cape Wheel, there’s something for every member of your family in this beautiful city. A trip to the game reserves will give you and your family an up-close look at some of Africa’s most majestic wild animals including lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.

For a unique activity that children will love, consider visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium. This world-class aquarium boasts fascinating ocean creatures from around the world and offers educational activities for kids of all ages. The Cape Wheel is another must-see spot when you visit Cape Town. This giant observation wheel offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, Table Mountain, and Robben Island. You’ll love seeing the Ferris wheel lights twinkling at night! The Cape Town Science Centre is a popular destination for families, offering interactive exhibits designed to spark kids’ curiosity. Here, you can explore the world of science and technology with hands-on activities and experiments.

Welgelegen House is the perfect hotel for families vacationing in Cape Town, South Africa. It offers a tranquil and quiet corner of Oranjezicht, just a short walk from the bustling Kloof Street.

The Victorian-style guesthouse features an outdoor pool with views of Table Mountain, as well as a spa area and library. All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary tea/coffee-making facilities.

Breakfast is served on the courtyard overlooking the landscaped garden, while local restaurants offering traditional foods can be found only 100 m away.

🤩 I love this game reserve tour because you see the Big 5 on a day trip from Cape Town!

Egypt is the perfect destination for families looking to explore ancient history and experience awe-inspiring beauty! From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Sphinx, there are endless opportunities to learn about Egypt’s rich history. With incredible engineering feats and a mysterious aura surrounding the Great Pyramid of Giza, it will leave everyone speechless. Take your time touring around its base, looking up in amazement at this massive structure. The Sphinx is one of Egypt’s most iconic monuments and is a formidable symbol of power from thousands of years ago. Kids will love exploring its hidden chambers and trying to solve its mysteries. Don’t forget to take lots of photos! Plus, no international family vacation in Egypt is complete without visiting Luxor. It’s home to some of Egypt’s most impressive tombs and temples!

With tours ranging from hot air balloon rides over the Valley of Kings to boat rides down the Nile River, you won’t run out of things to do or see there.

With its stunning views overlooking the Pyramids, luxurious amenities, and convenient location, the Marriott Mena House in Cairo is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

The lavish gardens and pool provide a beautiful backdrop for your stay in Cairo. Not to mention, the Marriott Mena House has been patronized by royalty since its opening in the 19th century.

Relax in the spa, take advantage of the fitness center, or just sit on the terrace and enjoy the views. Plus, there’s also a poolside bar and coffee shop/cafe onsite.

🤩 I love this private Cairo pyramids tour because it includes meals & a camel ride!

26. Morocco

Embark on an exciting family adventure by planning a vacation to Morocco filled with unforgettable memories. With its bustling cities, lively souks, and the magnificent Sahara Desert, Morocco has something for everyone in the family.

When it comes to sightseeing in Morocco with kids, there are plenty of activities that will keep them entertained. In Marrakesh, explore the vibrant markets and take a tour of the historic medina.

Head to Essaouira for camel rides on the beach or trek through Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains. Other great places for families include Chefchaouen for its stunning blue-washed buildings and fossil hunting in the Sahara Desert.

If you’re looking for more unique experiences, consider taking a cooking class or visiting a local hammam (traditional bathhouse).

You can also learn about traditional Moroccan culture by attending festivals or visiting museums like Le Musée des Sources de l’Oum Er-Rbia in Rabat.

With 16 pools and two heated indoor pools, the Pickalbatros Aqua Fun Club has the largest water park in Marrakech, making it a great place to cool off during hot summer days or cool winter nights.

The air-conditioned rooms have a modern design and feature private balconies with views of the Atlas Mountains. And you can take free shuttles to Marrakech town center to explore the city.

Families will enjoy the play area with satellite TV and loungers as well as a kids’ club that offers unique activities like face painting and cooking classes.

🤩 I love this sunrise hot air balloon ride over Marrakech because it includes breakfast!

This Middle Eastern country is the perfect destination for families of all sizes. Jordan offers a unique combination of safety, affordability, and cultural immersion that make it an ideal location for a family trip .

When visiting Jordan with kids, there are plenty of amazing places to explore! One of the most popular attractions is Petra, an ancient city carved into sandstone cliffs that will leave your family in awe.

You can also take a dip in the Dead Sea! This unique body of water is known for its healing powers and has been a popular destination for centuries. You can even float in the Dead Sea thanks to its high salt content!

Adventurous families may want to go sandboarding down the red sand dunes of Wadi Rum. The sandy slopes offer plenty of fun and a unique way to explore the beautiful desert landscape.

There are also camel rides, 4×4 tours, and hot air balloon trips available there, too. Wadi Rum is an amazing place to experience traditional Bedouin hospitality and culture. After exploring the desert, don’t forget to relax in one of the area’s many oases!

The Kempinski Hotel offers a wide range of amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained. With its modern architecture and stylish interiors, Kempinski Hotel brings you a luxury experience with breathtaking views from all rooms.

Families will find plenty of activities to do during their stay at the Kempinski Hotel. From exploring the nearby Abdali Mall to visiting the Roman Theater just 6 km away, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The hotel also overlooks the northern shores of the Dead Sea where families can take advantage of pretty gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls, and private pools.

🤩 I love this multi-day Petra/Dead Sea tour because you see all the sites at a great all-inclusive rate!

28. Dubai, UAE

From its stunning beaches and world-famous attractions to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Dubai with kids. From relaxing beach getaways to action-packed adventures, Dubai has it all.

The city is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; the Dubai Fountain, a spectacular water show; and the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree.

There are also plenty of cultural experiences to be had in Dubai, from visiting traditional souks (markets) to exploring ancient mosques and learning about local customs.

When it comes to outdoor activities, Kids can explore Legoland Dubai or take a thrilling desert safari on a 4×4 vehicle. There are also plenty of fun water sports activities available at beaches like Jumeirah Beach Park or Kite Beach.

And don’t forget about all the delicious food! From street food stalls serving up traditional dishes to high-end restaurants offering international cuisine, there’s something for every taste bud in Dubai.

Atlantis The Palm is a five-star resort located on the iconic Palm Island. It offers a wealth of activities to keep kids entertained from thrilling water slides and lazy rivers to an incredible aquarium.

The resort also boasts its own private beach, allowing guests to enjoy some time in the sun without having to leave the premises. With plenty of restaurants and bars onsite, it’s easy to find something that suits everyone’s taste.

Plus, with luxurious rooms and suites available, you can rest assured that your stay will be comfortable and memorable.

🤩 I love this Red Dunes safari tour of Dubai because it allows kids 3+!

Best International Vacations for Families in Europe

29. united kingdom.

I first visited the UK (alone!) during my college years, and actually got to meet and shake hands with Price Harry and Prince William! It’s a safe choice for an international vacation for families, especially those going abroad for the first time.

The United Kingdom is an amazing place to bring the family on vacation, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that can be experienced while touring some of the world’s most iconic cities .

Take a day trip out to Stonehenge or explore the majestic castles at Windsor and Edinburgh. Make sure to check out hidden gems like Chatsworth House in Derbyshire or one of Britain’s many National Trust properties.

If you prefer outdoorsy adventures, visit Scotland’s beautiful Loch Lomond or hire a boat on Windermere Lake in Cumbria for an unforgettable day out on the water. For cultural experiences, tour Westminster Abbey where kings and queens have been crowned for centuries, or take a spin around London’s vibrant museums, like the Victoria & Albert Museum or the British Museum.

The Montcalm Royal London House is the perfect hotel for families who want to stay near top attractions on an international family vacation.

The Montcalm Royal London House is also conveniently located close to popular attractions like St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, and the London Eye.

Plus, with two bars and two restaurants including a rooftop bar, brasserie, and coffee area, you’ll have plenty of options for dining during your stay.

🤩 I love this Harry Potter walking tour where you can see where scenes from various movies were filmed!

France is a popular tourist destination and it holds a special place in my heart, since it was the very first place I traveled abroad as a teen. It’s known for its incredible architecture and delicious food, making it perfect for a family trip.

Visiting France with kids can be a truly magical experience. From exploring Paris’ cobblestone streets to seeing the Eiffel Tower up close, exploring world-renowned artworks at the Louvre, or admiring Notre Dame Cathedral from afar.

Next, head over to Versailles where your family can marvel at its grand architecture. Stroll its manicured grounds, participate in guided tours of the palace and gardens, and check out its famous fountains! After your visit to Versailles, take a short drive to Chartres Cathedral. This majestic gothic building is a must-see for its intricate stained glass windows and impressive sculptures. It was one of my favorite sites to explore!

And don’t forget about Normandy; this region is known for its marshy landscape dotted with old churches and quaint villages. With so much history and culture in one place, it’s no wonder that France is one of the top destinations for family vacations!

Résidence & Spa Le Prince Régent is right in the heart of Paris, so it’s easy to explore all that the city has to offer. Plus, with certain multi-day stays, you can get free airport transportation, making your trip even more convenient.

The spacious apartments have separate bedrooms and are equipped with modern furnishings, providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. There’s also a spa onsite, where you can relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

The staff at Résidence & Spa Le Prince Régent are friendly and helpful and are always willing to provide recommendations on nearby attractions or restaurants so you can make the most of your time in Paris.

🤩 I love this personalized jewelry workshop because it’s a unique souvenir you’ll always treasure!

Spain is home to many exciting and unique activities for kids! In Madrid, children can explore the world-famous Retiro Park, where they will find beautiful gardens, a lake with paddle boats, and a large playground.

For those looking for cultural experiences, there are plenty of museums tailored to kids like the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales and the Museo de Historia de Madrid.

For fun in the sun, head to one of Spain’s many beaches. Some even have waterparks attached, including PortAventura. It’s the most popular theme park in Spain and gets over four million visitors annually!

Don’t forget to check out Toledo’s famous Alcazar Castle or Granada’s spectacular Alhambra Palace. Kids will love exploring the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with its incredible Baroque architecture.

No trip to Spain is complete without a visit to Mallorca’s Caves of Drach, where you can take a boat ride through subterranean lakes and be amazed by their unique rock formations!

Located in the center of Madrid, Palacio Tirso de Molina offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi and an indoor swimming pool. You’ll be just a 10-minute walk away from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.

The hotel features spacious apartments that are well-appointed and perfect for families. Take advantage of the gym, spa, and sauna. Plus, with its proximity to Plaza Tirso de Molina, you’ll have plenty of restaurants and shopping options nearby.

Traveling around Madrid is easy, too. It’s just two-minutes from Tirso De Molina to Madrid Centro by public transport.

🤩 I love this Toledo day trip from Madrid because it includes a vineyard tour & wine tasting!

32. Iceland

Iceland is a great destination for an international family vacation! With its stunning landscape, diverse activities, and a plethora of beautiful natural attractions, your kids will be thoroughly entertained.

The Blue Lagoon is a must-see for all visitors to Iceland, both adults and kids alike. Stretching over 8,000 square meters and boasting warm temperatures, the crystal clear waters are a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation.

Even better, the lagoon offers complimentary Silica Mud Masks that everyone can enjoy!

You can also take your kids on an unforgettable adventure to witness the Northern Lights from September to April. This incredible natural phenomenon creates a kaleidoscope of colors in the night sky that you won’t soon forget.

Finally, don’t miss out on some of Iceland’s easy hikes that are perfect for all ages! There are trails all around Reykjavik that offer breathtaking views of lava fields, glaciers, and bubbling hot springs .

With its central location, Grandi by Center Hotels is the perfect hotel for families visiting Iceland. The hotel is close to all the attractions and activities that make this country so special.

Plus, it offers a wide range of amenities that make it great for kids, from its spacious rooms to its concierge services. There’s also a free continental breakfast every morning and a shuttle to take you around town.

And, the hotel is within walking distance of Reykjavik Harbour, where you can explore the city’s waterfront and take part in exciting activities like whale watching and fishing trips.

🤩 I love this Blue Lagoon tour from Reykjavik because you also see glaciers & volcanoes!

One of the must-see destinations in Italy is the Coliseum in Rome. The iconic structure has been standing since 80 CE and is a testament to the strength and ingenuity of Roman architecture.

Before leaving Rome, make sure to grab some pizza and gelato! Enjoying pizza and gelato while taking in the sights of Rome is a must-do activity for any family visiting Italy. Your kids will love it!

If you’re looking for something unique, why not try Roman Pizza? This style takes traditional Italian pizza ingredients like pepperoni and fresh basil but adds an extra crunchy base topped with parmesan cheese. Yum! No trip to Italy would be complete without visiting the Trivaldi Fountain in Florence. This spectacular marble fountain was built by Battista di Tommaso Giunti over 400 years ago and stands as one of Florence’s most iconic attractions.

Kids will love admiring the intricate carvings on each statue around the fountain before heading off to explore other sites like the Uffizi Gallery or Boboli Gardens.

Located in the heart of Rome, just steps away from the iconic Pantheon as well as Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, Terrace Pantheon Relais offers plenty of atmosphere and amenities to make your stay enjoyable.

The hotel features modern comforts like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs in each room. Families will appreciate the gourmet food served at the restaurant and bar, as well as the rooftop terrace with views of Rome’s skyline.

From a roundtrip airport shuttle to babysitting services, Terrace Pantheon Relais has everything you need to ensure your family has a comfortable stay. Plus, parents can rest easy knowing that the area is safe and quiet at night.

🤩 I love Roman Gladiator School in Rome because kids can learn history by reliving it!

Greece is a great place to plan an international vacation with kids, offering plenty of cool and unique activities. The Parthenon in Athens is a must-see destination for its rich historical significance and breathtaking views of the city.

Island hopping around the hundreds of Greek islands is also a great way to explore the country’s beautiful coastlines, landscapes, and beaches. From Santorini to Corfu there are enough breathtaking islands to make them a trip of their own! If you’re feeling daring, why not try your hand at some of the more extreme water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, or wakeboarding? These are better for older kids, and are a ton of fun!

And let’s not forget Delphi, the famous ancient city located in the mountains at the end of a winding road offering stunning views over olive groves and valleys.

It’s a great place to explore the ruins of its temples and ancient monuments, as well as enjoy some delicious local food. Plus, it’s one of the best places in Greece to go hiking!

LUX&EASY Athens Downtown Residences is just 350 meters away from the Metro station, making it easy to explore all that Athens has to offer. Plus, it offers a 24-hour fitness center and spa services.

The specially-designed rooms at LUX&EASY Athens Downtown Apartments provide plenty of space for families, with separate living room and bedroom areas that can accommodate up to four people.

Kids will love the iPads provided in each room, which come pre-loaded with games and entertainment options. There’s also an outdoor pool where they can take a dip or just lounge around on a sunny day.

🤩 I love this mythological tour of Athens because it helps kiddos relive the Percy Jackson books!

35. Türkiye

Turkiye (formerly called Turkey) is a vibrant and exciting destination for parents planning an international family vacation. With plenty of cultural attractions, modern amenities, and activities for all ages, it has something to offer everyone. Start with the iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque, a majestic structure that stands as a testament to Turkiye’s long-standing religious traditions. Inside, marvel at the stunning mosaics and frescoes from centuries ago that still remain in pristine condition.

Just outside the mosque lies the Topkapi Palace which contains the relics of Muhammad including his footprint and staff. The Grand Bazaar is nearby, too!

Be sure to take in the stunning views of Istanbul by taking a Sophorus Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Witness some of Europe’s most beautiful buildings such as Dolmabahce Palace while sailing past them aboard a cruise ship . For modern thrills, head down to Land of Legends Theme Park in Antalya where you can enjoy water slides, roller coasters, and performances from acrobats and clowns. It’s perfect for families with children of all ages!

With its great location and top-notch amenities, Ramada Istanbul Grand Bazaar is truly one of the best hotels for families vacationing in Istanbul!

With its central location, guests can easily explore the renowned Grand Bazaar and other nearby attractions. The hotel also has several connecting rooms to accommodate families, as well as an on-site café where guests can grab a quick bite.

All rooms come with satellite TV and tea/coffee set-up, while some even have balconies with views of the city. Guests will also appreciate the free Wi-Fi throughout the property and 24-hour front desk service.

🤩 I love this sunset river tour of Istanbul because you can see the sights in style!

Bonus International Family Vacation: Antarctica

You can’t exactly vacation ON Antarctica as you can in other spots on this list. However, you can book a cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina to the 7th Continent . On the right cruise, you can spend several days exploring Antarctica on day trips.

This option isn’t for the faint-hearted family, though. It’s cold in Antarctica. And crossing the Drake Passage can be rough! But the views and wildlife experiences are beyond anything you’ve ever seen before if you do it.

We visited Antarctica in December 2023 and it was truly one of the coolest things we’ve ever done. We even got to see Iceberg A23a , the largest iceberg on earth!

And then there’s the price tag. The absolute lowest Antarctic cruise prices I’ve seen hover around $5,000 USD per person, and they can go up to $30,000+ per person, for a one-week cruise. Kids usually aren’t discounted.

While this isn’t a cruise you’d likely repeat, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the effort. It absolutely is! Because of the weather and cost, I don’t recommend you plan this trip until your kids are at least 11 or 12 years old. Make it count!

🤩 I love this Tierra del Fuego tour from Ushuaia because it’s one of the prettiest National Parks on Earth!

Travel Tips for Planning an International Family Vacation

Planning an international family vacation can be daunting, but with the proper preparation and research, it can be a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Here are some tips to help you plan your next international family vacation:

Before the Trip

☑️ Research your destination. Make sure to read up on the culture, customs, language, climate, and attractions of the area. This will help you plan accordingly and ensure everyone’s needs are met.

☑️ Decide on the right time to travel. Consider factors such as school holidays, peak season prices, weather conditions, and flight availability when deciding when to go.

☑️ Choose appropriate accommodation. Look for family-friendly hotels or resorts that offer amenities such as pools or playgrounds for kids.

☑️ Pack essentials. Create a packing list of all essential items such as clothes, toiletries, medications, electronics (e.g., chargers), and any other items you may need while away from home.

☑️ Get vaccinations. Check with your doctor or local health department to determine if any vaccinations are required for your destination.

☑️ Purchase travel insurance. This is especially important if you’re traveling abroad in case of any unexpected medical expenses or cancellations.

👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!

During the Trip

☑️ Plan activities that everyone will enjoy. Look into family-friendly attractions such as amusement parks or museums that will keep everyone entertained throughout the trip.

☑️ Consider transportation options. Depending on where you’re going and how long you’ll be there for, look into different transportation options such as rental cars or public transport so that you can get around easily and safely.

☑️ Make sure everyone is comfortable. Bring along items like small blankets or inflatable pillows to ensure maximum comfort during long flights or car rides.

☑️ Stay safe at all times. Research safety tips before leaving home so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency situation while traveling abroad.

After the Trip

☑️ Reflect on your experiences. Take time after returning home to reflect on what went well during your trip and what could have been done differently next time around.

☑️ Share photos with friends & family. Share photos from your trip with friends & family so they can join in on the memories!

FAQs About International Vacations for Families

Do you still have questions about the best international vacations for families? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is the best country to visit for kids?

The best country to visit with kids depends on their ages and interests. For active kids, I recommend places like Costa Rica or New Zealand, where they can explore the outdoors and get up close to nature.

Where is the best place to travel for kids?

The best place to travel with kids also depends on their interests and ages. Older kids who want to see a different culture may enjoy historical sites in Europe or the uniqueness of Asia.

Where was your best family vacation?

Our best family vacation before we started traveling full-time was at Hacienda Tres Rios in Riviera Maya, Mexico. In addition to high-quality food, it offers a full-service kids club, a great beach, and cenotes on site.

What is the best age to travel with a child?

There is no best age to travel with a child. While toddlers under five may not have the stamina to keep up with full days of sightseeing, they can nap in a stroller or carrier.

What is the safest country for children?

Australia and Canada rank highly in terms of family-friendliness, with Sweden coming in third. Other great destinations include Cambodia, Iceland, Chile, Switzerland, and Japan.

Is it good for children to travel abroad?

Yes, it’s very good for children to travel abroad because it exposes them to different cultures, languages, and experiences that they would not be able to have if they stayed in their home country.

As well as broadening their horizons, international travel can also help children become more independent, learn how to work as part of a team, and handle unfamiliar situations with confidence.

What is the hardest age of kids to travel with?

There is no hardest age to travel with kids. Babies fuss, toddlers are gaining independence, and older kids are really opinionated. They may not want to do activities that interest you.

Just plan the trip using my tips above, and have a wonderful time!

What is the best length for a family vacation?

The best length for a family vacation really depends on the family’s budget and available time.

Short trips can be great for weekend getaways that give you a breather from the daily grind, while longer trips allow more time to explore and create lasting memories together.

What time of the year is best to take a family vacation?

The best time of year is the best to take a family vacation is summertime. The weather is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities and there are countless places to explore and have fun.

Plus, with longer days, there’s more time to truly take in the sights and sounds of wherever you may be vacationing!

What age group goes on vacation the most?

Millennials travel the most, with an average of 35 annual vacation days according to US travel statistics by Expedia Media Solutions published on Skift.

A new report by Travelport also says young people ages 18 to 34 are most likely to spend more money on vacations than other age groups.

Final Thoughts on International Family Vacations

Traveling with your family to a different country can be one of the most memorable experiences for everyone. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about new cultures, explore historical landmarks, and create lasting memories.

When it comes time to book your next international family vacation, be to take advantage of the wealth of information available online.

With just a few clicks, you can compare prices between different airlines, hotels, and attractions so you know you’re getting the best value for your money. Take the plunge and plan an international family vacation today! There is no better way to make amazing memories together than by exploring a new country. And there is no better time than now.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip and create unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever.

Author: Brodi Cole

Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director. Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years! In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America. She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina. Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director.

Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years!

In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America.

She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina.

Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

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Why choose Intrepid

Just for families

The clue’s in the title. These trips are for families only (including any aunts, uncles or cousins who’d like to come along, of course). As long as you’re travelling with a child under the age of 18, you’re a family in our eyes. Plus, unlike other travel companies, children aged 17 years and younger receive a 10% discount off the price of their trip.

Travel with other families

Travelling the Intrepid way is a bit like travelling with a group of friends. These trips are made up of 3–5 like-minded families, and the kids tend to hit it off straight away, allowing you to enjoy some well-earned R&R. We often find the whole family ends up making friendships with people from all over the world, staying in touch long after the adventure ends.

Small group sizes

Intrepid’s family group sizes are small enough to avoid the crowds and reach some out-of-the-way places, but big enough for a good social mix. Our average group size of 10 allows us to hop aboard local boats, buses or trains, eat at friendly, family-run restaurants and kick back in traditional accommodation and homestays.

Action packed

We know the biggest challenge on a family trip is keeping the kids entertained. So we’ve planned in advance. Nearly all of our hotels feature pools, and each day has a great mix of action-packed adventure and flexible free time. Your local leader can also suggest activities based on your kid’s hobbies or school curriculum.

Safety first

Our leaders are specially trained to run family adventures, so you’re well taken care of. You can also rest easy knowing we conduct safety assessments on all our activities to meet local standards as well as our own comprehensive safety policy. 

Sustainable travel

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.

Highlights of Europe

Incles Valley, Andorra

Sandwiched in the mountains of Catalonia and the South of France, Andorra is the prettiest little European country your kids have never heard of. A week of biking, hiking and white-water rafting culminates in the Incles Valley, where wildflowers, trout fisherman and a mesmerising lake deliver the photo opportunities.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Nothing says ‘Holiday in Europe’ like the postcard-perfect cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. While the adults are lured by ancient Pompeii and the quality of the seafood scialatielli , little ones bask in the novelty of the funicular, hydrofoil or kayak. You can even make your own gelato with an Italian ice-cream pro.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Iceland is pretty hot right now, both literally and metaphorically. Reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius and set in a black lava field, the Blue Lagoon is not your ordinary bath. Great for the skin and perfectly set up for a family visit, it’s one of Iceland’s many must-visits.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Other than being the birthplace of the world’s coolest dogs, Dalmatia is where large chunks of Game of Thrones was filmed. Throw in flawless beaches, ancient ruins, wineries, olive groves, rustic Dalmatian cuisine and some old-world romanticism, and you’ve got the ideal family holiday.

Fun and games in Europe

Be a gladiator in Rome, Italy

Step back into Imperial Roman times and master the basics of gladiator combat. An excursion to a Gladiator School has you decked out in full costume – tunic, belt, gloves and sword – as you try your hand at this legendary pastime. Meanwhile, members of the Historic Group of Rome will school you in Roman history.

Tour a donkey farm in Croatia

The Peljesac peninsula is one of Croatia’s most talked-about gastronomic hotspots. Visit a working donkey farm in Ston for a behind-the-scenes look at how donkey milk – a precious commodity for its medicinal properties – is produced. Follow it up with a lunch of sumptuous Peljesac cuisine in the accompanying restaurant.

Explore the Postojna Caves in Slovenia

Underground caves with dance arenas in them aren’t something you see every day, but that’s Slovenia for you. The Postojna Caves are the second-longest cave system in the country, full of eerie karst stalactites and all kinds of halls and galleries. This awesome labyrinth can also be explored by train.

Where we stay

For our continental adventures, we like to stay in small, locally run hotels where hospitality is key and family-friendly facilities are available. Fortunately Europe has plenty of beautiful old buildings and character-filled properties to choose from.

Learn more about our accommodation

Scenic guesthouses in Iceland

In the land of fire and ice, spectacular scenery is never far away. At our guesthouses it’s right on your doorstep. Featured on both our summer and winter Iceland family holidays, this place has volcanic cliffs on one side and ocean on the other, plus sheep and horses roaming about for good measure.

Central hotels in Italy

In the popular holiday hotspots of Italy, location is key. That’s why we stay in central accommodation perfect for each destination, whether it’s just a two-minute walk from the beach or a stone’s throw away from Old Town.

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10 best family holiday destinations for 2024

From France to Florida, we've rounded up the best family-friendly holiday destinations that Mumsnetters love. Read on for travel inspiration and top tips from real parents before booking your next escape.

By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Apr 12, 2024

Whether you're in search of a beach holiday, a city break or an activity-packed escape, there are some destinations that are particularly well suited to families. If you're not sure where to book for your next family holiday, we've got some brilliant recommendations from Mumsnet users who have travelled near and far in search of fun family holidays.

"I’ve got the travel guides etc but nothing helps more than such great personal recommendations..."

Follow in the footsteps of fellow Mumsnetters by considering one of these top family-friendly holiday destinations.

What's the best holiday destination for families?

Best short-haul destination: France

Best for a UK break: Cornwall

Best for an action-packed escape: Florida

Best long-haul destination: Mexico

Best for budget breaks: Turkey

Hotels in France | Campsites in France | Activity holidays to France

Whether you're camping in the Dordogne or heading direct to Disneyland Paris , France is a firm family favourite. If you're heading from the UK, it's easy to get to by train, plane, boat or car and there are good value holiday parks, campsites and gites to book for families of all sizes. The beaches in northern France come highly recommended by families, and Paris will always be a sure-fire hit for a fun-packed city break.

Best family-friendly destinations in France, according to parents

Normandy : "We’ve often had holidays on the Normandy beaches. They’re mostly sand dunes and very safe. We’ve always had good warm weather. There’s a lot of little coastal towns that come alive for the summer when the Parisians go to their summer houses. Houlgate and surround area is good. It’s a short, straightforward drive from the tunnel or Calais" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Beebumble2

Disneyland Paris : "I’ve been lots of times and always stayed in the Disney hotels . I find the theming just makes it feel more special and it’s handy to be able to walk to the park" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Tigerwhocameforsupper

Antibes : "Juan Les Pins. The beach is lovely, really gently shelving, lots of shops and restaurants and it's really easy to get up and down the coast on the train. Carousels on the sea front" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, MissAmbrosia

Read next: The best suitcases to buy for family holidays, as rated by parents 

Hotels in Spain | Campsites in Spain | Activity holidays in Spain  

Another Euro hit, Spain is ideal for both city breaks (Barcelona! Valencia! Madrid!) and relaxing beach holidays. Mallorca is undoubtedly a good fit for families, meaning it can get pretty busy in the school holidays. If you fancy something a bit quieter, try its sister island Menorca – sea, sangrias (for you) and sunshine (mostly) still guaranteed.

Best family-friendly destinations in Spain, according to parents

Tenerife : "We went to Costa Adeje [in Tenerife] last year. It was beautiful and there are a variety of excursions you can take to see more of the island. We did a trip to Mount Twice which was stunning" - recommended by Mumsnet user, funmummy48

Barcelona : "It's wonderful. My kids (11, 8 and 6) thoroughly enjoyed it, as did we. Getting around on the Metro quickly became second nature to us and even the children knew where to get on and off it. I would go back in a heartbeat" - recommended by Mumsnet user, OchAyeThaNooh

Mallorca : "We really enjoyed both Puerto Pollensa and Cala D'or. They are both really child friendly with lovely beaches" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Autumnpumpkin

Hotels in Florida | Apartments in Orlando | Holidays to Florida 

If you're after a bit of a 'bigger' trip, Florida might well be the destination for you. With its theme parks, beaches, fun cities and everglades, there's plenty to see and do that no family member could complain of being bored. It's also a safe bet for year-round sunshine.

Best family-friendly destinations in Florida, according to parents

Orlando : "The whole park experience makes for a great family holiday. Not relaxing as very busy but so much fun" - recommended by Mumsnet user, OverByYer

Miami : "There’s lots for kids to do - beaches, pools, parks, zoo, seaquarium, boat trips , cycle hire. It’s a fairly easy drive (or coach trip) to the Everglades to do the airboats/gator parks"- tried and tested by Mumsnet user, budgiegirl

Florida Keys : The keys are fabulous. Best thing to do is hire a car and start driving down. You'll find some lovely little places. We also drove across to Naples down alligator alley. Well worth the trip - recommended by Mumsnet user, Jon65

4. Cornwall

Hotels in Cornwall | Cottages in Cornwall | Holiday parks in Cornwall

Perennially popular, Cornwall is a favourite spot for Mumsnetters with kids of all ages. Stunning beaches, cute harbour towns, fresh seafood and pasties galore attract families all year long. If you luck out with the weather, it can feel like you're on a tropical beach escape without having to pay for a long-haul flight or deal with the associated jetlag

Best family-friendly destinations in Cornwall, according to parents

St Ives : "We love St Ives. In many ways it's the perfect family holiday destination, because there are five beaches within walking distance and plenty else to keep adults sane, e.g. the art galleries. And, as you say, it's utterly beautiful" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Zzelda

Falmouth : "We’re in Falmouth so I’m biased but I love it here. It has a good train line, beaches, restaurants, sailing and a general buzz about the place" - rated by Mumsnet user, PhannyMcNee

Mawgan Porth : "Mawgan Porth is between Newquay and Padstow. It’s got a blue flag beach with a surf school and there’s a decent go karting circuit. It’s half an hour from the Eden Project" - recommmended by Mumsnet user, Ricekrispie22

Read next: The best family hotels in Cornwall, as rated by Mumsnetters

Editor's picks: GLAMPING HOLIDAYS IN CORNWALL WITH FEATHER DOWN FARMS

A sheep and pig farm stay near sandy beaches with a campfire area, pizza oven and animal feeding. From £150 per night.

An idyllic dairy farm with meadow views, hot tubs, farm tours and a playground. From £150 per night.

Deal applies to all 2024 stays! Book by 30 November.

5. Greek Islands

Hotels in Greece | Villas in Greece | Activity holidays in Greece  

With over 200 islands to choose from, it's no surprise that Greece is a top holiday destination. Depending the island, you're likely to find beaches, historic sights and laidback tavernas within easy reach. And beyond the party hubs of Mykonos and Malia, the vibe is very family friendly.

Best family-friendly Greek islands, according to parents

Crete : "We love going to Crete. It is such a big island that there is something for everyone. Our family loves hiking so we normally choose a base town and then try different trails nearby" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, PashaMashenko

Zante : "There was loads to do for kids and we hired a car and drove all over the island which was absolutely stunning. Tsilivi which was very good for restaurants/entertainment/crazy golf and easy to drive or get a taxi to the water park, airport and Zante Town" - rated by Mumsnet user, Startuplife

Rhodes : "I’d say Rhodes is the best island for history and probably one of the best for families. It really depends which resort you go to" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Fivemoreminutes1

Hotels in Wales | Cottages in Wales | Holiday parks in Wales

Well known for its mountains and valleys, Wales also boasts some of the most stunning beaches Britain has to offer. In fact, The Gower Peninsula in South Wales was the very first site in the UK to be crowned an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. From Cardiff to Carmarthen it's easy to find a scenic spot for a family break.

Best family-friendly destinations in Wales, according to parents

Gower Peninsula : "We’ve stayed in the mumbles quite a bit. Lots of ice cream to enjoy and numerous lovely restaurants. Plus the coastal path for nice walks. It’s a great place to take kids" - recommended by Mumsnet user, jellybellydancer

Pembrokeshire : "Barafundle Bay and there are some good surfing beaches. Tenby is pretty for a day out and fish and chips. The coastline is beautiful and there's plenty of good walking" - rated by Mumsnet user, reprehensibleme

Anglesey : "Rhosneigr has gorgeous beaches, great little shops, lovely places to eat and a fabulous Artisan market every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Also has a kite surfing school. Would highly recommend you visit" - recommended by Mumsnet user, VioletBlueBug

Hotels in Lapland | Holidays to Lapland | Activities in Lapland

For magical family memories, a trip to Lapland is hard to beat. Even if your kids are a little older and their 'belief' is starting to wear off, it's likely that they'll be wowed by stunning snowy scenes and glimpses of the Northern Lights. It's especially festive in the run up to Christmas as excited kids flock to see Santa in his natural habitat.

Lapland holidays according to Mumsnetters

"We used Canterbury Travel and did a Santa trip which truly exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Zodlebud

"I'm 21 now and when my parents took me I was 7.5 and my sister 4.5, I think it was the perfect age. We both remember it well enough and it was so magical. It was my favourite holiday aside from the 2 weeks in Disney Florida we did" - rated by Mumsnet user,  RedPandaMama

"It was amazing. I thought that the Santa visit would be the central part, but everything was so amazing, the scenery, and all the tours, that it really wouldn't have mattered if your kids didn't believe still, it was truly magical even without Santa" - recommended by Mumsnet user, thesparkthatbled

Hotels in Italy | Campsites in Italy | Activity holidays to Italy

You don't have to be an art or history buff to enjoy Italy, but if you are, all the better for it. And a trip to the Colosseum in Rome or the ruins in Pompeii can bring the pages of Horrible Histories to life. And for kids that might be more interested in their next meal than The Last Supper, there's food to please even the fussiest of eaters. Oh, and there's a beautiful Mediterranean coastline to explore too. La Dolce Vita in spades.

Best family-friendly destinations in Italy, according to parents

Sardinia : "Sardinia is absolutely beautiful, beaches are stunning and amazing food. We did a couple of nights in Bosa and a few up near Alghero" - recommended by Mumsnet user, starsinyourpies

Lake Garda : "Malcesine and Limone are both gorgeous. Getting around is easy if you buy the multi boat tickets. Restaurants are full of gorgeous food at reasonable prices" - rated by Mumsnet user, Onlyabean

Amalfi Coast : "Amalfi Coast is lovely. There’s a lot to see ( Pompei, Naples etc). There is a bus network that joins the towns up that you can catch from outside the Sorrento train station. Cheapish flights to Naples are usually easy to find" - recommended by Mumsnet user, SJaneS48

Hotels in Turkey | Apartments in Turkey | Holidays to Turkey

For an exotic escape without a long-haul flight, consider a trip to Turkey where you'll find beautiful beach towns, bustling bazaars and delicious meze dishes. It can be cheaper than a Mediterranean beach break but there are plenty of luxury hotels and family-friendly apartments to choose from.

Best family-friendly destinations in Turkey, according to parents

Antalya : "Antalya is lovely, there's a bus that goes on the front of Lara Beach straight to the old town with the ruins and harbour, a few lovely restaurants overlooking the sea" - recommended by Mumsnet user, CustardGoodJamGoodMeatGood

Side : "Side is gorgeous, it had some Greek architecture, a ruined temple, an amphitheatre and a beautiful harbour. more European than UK visitors" - rated by Mumsnet user, 70sDuvet

Bodrum : "The peninsula itself is lovely. Lots of the coastal towns haven't been discovered by western tourism. Akyarlar, Ortakent Yahsi, Gumusluk and Yalikavak are all lovely little seaside towns" - recommended by Mumsnet user, PencereTencere

Hotels in Mexico | Holidays to Mexico | Tours in Mexico  

Beaches, ancient culture and amazing food combine in Mexico. It really is one of those trip-of-a-lifetime type places and despite the distance from the UK, there's plenty for families to see and do when there. The Riviera Maya boasts plenty of kid-friendly resorts, with easy access to Playa del Carmen and the Tulum ruins.

Best family-friendly destinations in Mexico, according to parents

Riviera Maya : "Just booked our 5th trip! Stay in Riviera Maya which is out of the main Cancun drag. Lots of great trips - Xel-ha, Xsenses, Xcaret. We love it!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, sidsgranny

Tulum : "My top suggestion is Tulum, or another place nearby is Akumel. The latter a bit smaller. Both very safe, blue pristine waters, snorkelling, ruins nearby" - recommened by Mumsnet user, Redandblue11

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations by real parents.

Before choosing any destination for our roundups, we first consult the Mumsnet forums. With over 10 million users per month, there’s a lot of suggestions by real parents who have been there, done that when travelling as a family.

Expert guidance and traveller reviews

After we’ve collated our destination picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of TripAdvisor ,  Booking.com , and  Expedia to see what their recommendations include for family holiday destinations.

Celebrated hotels

Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find  the best family holiday destinations  that had won the most awards and recommendations across the board. We feel there’s something here for everyone, to suit every budget.

Why should you trust us?

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

USA Family Tours & Vacation Packages

Let TourRadar take the hassle out of finding a trip for the whole family. With 589 tours of USA lasting from one day up to 25 days, you're sure to find a great family-friendly adventure. Looking beyond USA? See all family tours .

250+ USA Family trips with 18,348 reviews

Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer

• Hiking & Trekking

National Parks Family Journey: Yellowstone and Grand Teton

• Mountain Hikes

7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour

This has been one of the best travel of our life. The landscapes are all breathtaking and all the activities are extraordinary. The only negative point is that this is a lot to do in 7 days and we would have like to spend more time in each national park.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

Outstanding tour and tour guide. The trip was well organized, with half of the guests camping and half of the guests lodging. John, our tour guide, kept us informed and entertained us during the entire trip. Only criticism is that we had the same lunch just about every day. Highly recommend.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday

Majestic Alaska (10 Days)

I cannot speak highly enough of this tour. Kris, our tour director, as well as our driver Rose and wellness director Tyler, were all friendly, knowledgeable, and excited to share Alaska with us. Kris is such a warm people-person and consistently went over and above to make this tour what it was, including staying up one night and waking those of us on his list who wanted to see the Northern Lights. The itinerary was no doubt well laid out, but Kris added so many special touches to support Alaskan businesses but also to provide us with extra opportunities to connect with local Alaskans and have the most comfortable and enjoyable experience possible. September was a perfect time to experience this tour. My travel friend and I would highly recommend this trip.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Western USA Family Holiday

Hawaiian Explorer (8 Days, Intra Tour Air Hilo To Kahului)

• Coach / Bus

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days)

The Tour Director and driver were first class, keeping us both very amused, and very safe. Some of the downsides were due to the weather, at times, which nothing could be done about, so we got on with it. Some of the main downs were due to my naivety, in thinking some facilities (like cash paying taxis from SLC airport; I persuaded a friendly Uber driver to accept cash!) were what I was used to, and that I wouldn't have to re-enter security when changing planes from LHR to SLC, at PHX, even though I was on a connecting, booked, flight, and my baggage had already been labelled for both airports appropriately, at LHR. Altogether, a very good, and memorable holiday, where I visited some parts of the Parks that I visited before, but saw many more, and different sights in them.

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Rapid City, 9 Days)

Rhythms of the South (11 Days)

Accommodation was great.The optional tours were well worth visiting. Lots of music. Loved the coach driver D-Henry, he was just great and very protective of his passengers. Guide Scott was good as well. Got a very good insight into the music scene. Learnt a lot.

• In-depth Cultural

Fall Colours of New England (10 Days)

Our tour director was fabulous and our driver was amazing. The pace of the tour was great.

Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2024)

Great trip. Our tour leader Chuck went out of his way to make sure we were well taken care of.

• Christmas & New Year

USA - The Golden Experience

USA - Las Vegas, Sedona & the Monument Valley

Reviews of usa family tours.

We thoroughly enjoyed the 7-day tour of the US southwest . We love the destinations included in the tour, every place we visited is on our bucket list. I wanted to pinch myself every day that I visited those iconic and beautiful places as shown in my photos below. We enjoyed all the extra, optional experiences that were suggested by the tour guide. They added more fun to the tour. The Hummer tour in Moab, Utah was one of the optional experiences and it was a blast! Not only it’s fun, you get to see the amazing scenery during the sunset. One previous review mentioned he or she was forced to participate in the Navajo taco dinner in Monument Valley. That comment is not true. You have a choice not to do that and the guide can make a different arrangement for you. The optional Navajo taco dinner is one of the highlights of the tour that we will remember for a long time. It would be a shame not to have this cultural experience when you get to meet Navajo people when you are in the Navajo Nation! Our tour guide, John did a fantastic job. He was full of enthusiasm and energy. He kept the tour well organized and always provided information we needed. We highly recommend the tour.

What a lifetime experience everyone needs Jun 2023 • Solo Within 7 days, we drove in 3 states, visited 5 national parks / 2 state parks, hiked 60 miles, made friends from 7 different states/nations, and eventually traveled through the iconic Route 66 back to Las Vegas. What a lifetime experience everyone needs Day 1 - Zion National Park Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3 - Canyonlands National Park Day 4 - Arches National Park Day 5 - Monument Valley Navajo Nation Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park / Antelope State Day 7- Grand Canyon back to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66 AMAZING!

It was an awesome tour. Saw and did so much. I would recommend Trafalgar to tour with. We are booked next year for The Colorful Trails of the SW in September. I want to say our tour director,Tyler Browning, is one of the best guides we have had. He is personable, friendly, caring, very knowledgeable and on top of everything. He is GREAT!

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The Best Places to Go for Christmas

These are 20 of the best places to spend Christmas this year.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

For some people, the perfect Christmas vacation involves fully leaning into winter on a snowy mountain somewhere, curled up next to a crackling fire. Others prefer to lounge on a beach as far away from cold weather as possible. Wherever you choose to spend "the most wonderful time of year," you're likely to find some version of holiday cheer.

From the sunny shores of Saint Lucia to the storybook town of Solvang, California, to Santa Claus' own hometown in Finnish Lapland, these are the best places to visit for Christmas this year.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an idyllic ski destination perched in the beautiful Tetons of Wyoming. Late December here is packed with holiday programming that typically includes ice skating, skiing with Santa, and caroling. The festivities usually kick off with a Christmas tree lighting and end with fireworks on New Year's Eve.

There are several stunning slopeside lodges to choose from, including the luxurious Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa and the ski-in, ski-out Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole . Looking for gifts in downtown Jackson? The iconic elk antler arches that frame the Town Square are illuminated for the holidays, making it feel magical. For a unique adventure that embraces the hot and cold, plan a trip to the Granite Hot Springs Pool , which can be accessed only by snowmobile, fat bike, dog sled, or skis.

New York City

There's truly nothing like Christmas in New York City . The city lights shine brightly year-round, but holiday lights add to the magic. You'll hardly have to look for activities or entertainment with all the famous displays: the enormous tree at Rockefeller Center and the smaller but still dazzling tree at Washington Square Park, the LED-lit Saks Fifth Avenue facade, and the animated window displays at Macy's Herald Square, to name a few. You can sip hot chocolate while you shop for last-minute gifts at German-style Christmas markets and partake in the age-old tradition of watching the Radio City Rockettes perform their annual Christmas Spectacular on a holiday vacation in NYC.

Bruges, Belgium

KavalenkavaVolha/Getty Images

The Bruges Christmas Market is one of the best in Europe. This enchanting event takes over the Markt, the square at the heart of the city, with stands and wooden chalets selling everything from handmade Christmas ornaments to waffles and woolly socks. The colorful storefronts surrounding the square are adorably festooned with holiday decorations, and you'll find confectioneries serving Belgian hot chocolate — no doubt some of the best you'll ever taste. The festivities extend to a smaller market in nearby Simon Stevinplein square. Elevate your stay with a suite overlooking the picturesque canal at the luxurious and historic Hotel Van Cleef .

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Another place to experience the holidays on the ski slopes is Beaver Creek, Colorado, about 12 miles over the road from bustling Vail. This picturesque ski village typically sees festive activities for the whole family, from an annual Christmas tree lighting to changing events like holiday movie nights and cookie-baking competitions.

As for a cozy place to rest your head, The Osprey offers luxurious accommodations and a heated outdoor pool all mere feet from the chairlift. Otherwise, you can book one of just 60 rooms at The Pines Lodge . Both offer ski-in, ski-out access.

Saint Lucia

If your idea of a white Christmas involves soft, powdery sand, consider going to this beautiful Caribbean island. The luxurious Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort , typically offers a full lineup of holiday activities such as visits from Santa, a traditional family Christmas meal, and a New Year's Eve beach bash. Of course, you can also spend your days lounging on the stunning beach between St. Lucia's iconic peaks, the Pitons, or enjoying the resort's regular amenities and activities, including a pool, spa, dive facility, and kayak rentals.

Highlands, North Carolina

If you're looking for a charming, small-town Christmas experience that feels like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie, head to Highlands, North Carolina. This picturesque town is in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest. Throughout December, you'll find storefronts along and around Main Street decorated with wintry displays. The city runs a competition, so cast your vote on which you think is the best. Visit with Santa in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on any Saturday in December leading up to the big day. Old Edwards Inn and Spa and Half-Mile Farm ( favorite hotels among Travel + Leisure readers) offer cozy accommodations with a side of holiday decorations and Christmas cheer.

Salzburg, Austria

Christmas markets, warm glühwein (mulled wine), medieval castles, and a museum wholly dedicated to Christmas will surely get you into the holiday spirit while visiting Salzburg. As you probably know, the city is the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of "The Sound of Music," a movie that seemingly plays on repeat over the holidays. Ice skate around a statue of the iconic composer at Mozartplatz and soak in stunning views of the snow-capped Alps on the south-facing terrace of the Hohensalzburg Fortress . The most luxurious place to stay? That would be Hotel Goldener Hirsch right in Old Town.

Solvang, California

If you won't have a chance to wander through a storybook town in Denmark this holiday season, you can get a similar feel in Solvang. The small city in Santa Ynez Valley was founded by a group of Danes in the early 1900s. They created this adorable community, now known for its Danish businesses and architecture. Solvang typically hosts Julefest , a month-long village celebration complete with outdoor gatherings and holiday decorations. Make the stay even more Christmassy with a stay at The Landsby or the Winston , two of Solvang's coziest boutique hotels.

Stowe, Vermont

A popular ski destination among East Coasters and one of the most picture-perfect places to go for Christmas, Stowe is within driving distance of several major northeastern cities (Boston, Albany, and Montreal, to name a few). The ski season typically starts in November, so this is an ideal place to hit the slopes if you're looking for a white, powder-filled Christmas. Stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak for beautiful mountain views and ski-in, ski-out access.

Edinburgh Castle, arguably the city's most recognizable landmark, glows over the holiday season. The annual Castle of Light event began in 2019 and draws crowds with spectacular displays projected onto the exterior walls of the 12th-century stronghold. The projections typically get a refresh every year, and have included everything from fire-breathing dragons to flowers. Other holiday must-dos include the festive afternoon tea at Dome , where the stately Georgian Tea Room is enhanced with seasonal decorations. Sip mulled wine at one of the Christmas markets and ice skate on George Street for the full experience. If you're around on New Year's Eve, participate in Hogmanay, Scotland's own end-of-year celebration. Edinburgh puts on a Hogmanay festival that includes a torchlight procession, concerts, and a disco party.

Washington, D.C.

See the National Christmas Tree, ice skate at Washington Harbour, and sing along with a choral concert at the National Cathedral this December. Washington, D.C., hosts an array of holiday happenings throughout the season, and many of them are free, so go ahead and spend some extra money Christmas shopping. Head to one of the renowned Smithsonian museums to escape the cold weather, bundle up and admire the lights at the National Zoo, or walk along the National Mall with a hot cocoa in hand. When it comes to accommodations, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown can hardly be beat.

Florida Keys

With pleasantly warm December weather, the Florida Keys are an ideal escape for those looking to spend the holidays in a U.S. beach destination. Kick off your Christmas vacation with a scenic road trip through the Florida Keys, stopping at islands en route to Key West. This is a popular time to visit, so consider staying away from the crowds at the secluded Sunset Key Cottages , a 27-acre private island resort accessible by ferry. Upon arriving, you'll find serenity just a short trip from the attractions of Key West.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a great place to visit any time of the year. Loved for its culture, food, and picturesque setting, the city typically hosts a number of holiday events throughout December. Annual highlights include the Santa Fe Botanical Garden's Glow light display and Christmas concerts inside the impressive Loretto Chapel leading up to December 25. You can even find winter sports at Ski Santa Fe , about 15 miles away. For a special hotel experience, book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe , which offers a range of festive amenities, or spend the night on the historic and holiday-lit Santa Fe Plaza at La Fonda .

Buenos Aires

Christmas is a summer holiday in the Southern Hemisphere, and Buenos Aires celebrates it with outdoor asado feasts and fireworks. High temperatures in December range from the upper 70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit, which means Papá Noel sometimes wears a tank top. The sunny weather is perfect for sipping cocktails and picnicking on the Plaza Intendente Alvear. While you're in the Argentine capital over the holidays, sample the pan dulce ("sweet bread"), admire the decorations that usually take over the Galerías Pacífico shopping center, or make like a local and escape the city to a nearby beach.

There's just something especially magical about London at Christmastime. Between the glittering lights, cider-slinging holiday markets, themed pop-up bars, and ice skating rinks from Hyde Park to the Queen's House in Greenwich, the city really comes alive for the holiday season. Stay at The Lanesborough for a truly festive experience — the luxurious hotel has beautiful holiday decorations, in-suite shopping from Harvey Nichols, and the option to have your room fully decorated with the hotel's Christmas in Residence program.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Why not spend the holidays in Santa Claus' hometown? Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is home to Santa Claus Village and SantaPark , where you'll find the man himself and his reindeer sidekicks. During the winter, the arctic landscape is covered by a thick blanket of pretty snow. You'll also have the best chance of the year at spotting the northern lights. There are several hotels in the area with glass igloo accommodations, which provide stunning 360-degree views of the aurora borealis from inside.

The Maldives

If you'd rather wear sandals than snowshoes, the Maldives might be the ideal place for you to spend Christmas. Winter is the dry season, when the weather here is at its best. Daily highs average in the mid-80s Fahrenheit — perfect for a holiday beach getaway. At the end of the day, kick back in luxurious accommodations at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island or The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands .

Bavaria, Germany

Spend your Christmas holidays in this picturesque region in southern Germany. Start your adventure in Munich, where you can sip mulled wine as you stroll through a genuine German Christkindlmarkt. Then head out of the city to find Christmas spirit in small towns like medieval Rothenburg or go skiing in the Alps. Wherever you go, beware of the spooky Krampus, a frightening Christmas beast of local folklore.

Quebec City

Quebec City is about as European as it gets outside of Europe itself. The predominantly French-speaking Québécois celebrate the season with German-style markets, ice skating at Place D'Youville, and shopping in Old Quebec, transformed into a dreamy scene. For a truly Canadian experience, take a ride on Au 1884 (aka the Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide), one of Quebec City's oldest attractions. The slide runs right past Fairmont Le Château Frontenac , a castlelike hotel where you can stop for soup or coffee to escape the cold.

The Bahamas

Just a short flight south for East Coasters, The Bahamas is another popular choice for travelers seeking sun and sand during the holidays. Mid-December is the start of the high season here, probably because daily highs in the 80s are such a welcome change to chilly temperatures in much of the U.S. Thanks to a wide range of accommodation options — from resort complexes like Baha Mar with seemingly endless amenities to more intimate private island resorts like T+L reader favorite Kamalame Cay — there's a perfect Christmas vacation waiting for you in this sunny oasis.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Enjoy waterfront charm at the 10 best coastal small towns across the US

Best Coastal Small Town (2024) April 10, 2024

Big cities on the water have their perks, but these 10 coastal small towns — nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the country — offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas. You can enjoy scenic views, historic attractions, delicious food, and plenty of things to do both on and off the water.

No. 10: Long Beach, Washington

Not to be confused with the Southern California city, Washington's Long Beach is just as relaxed, albeit with a different vibe (and somewhat chillier weather come winter). People-watch on the boardwalk, go birding or biking along their nature trails, take a leisurely lighthouse tour, check out the unique World Kite Museum, or just go restaurant-hopping — the choice is yours in this quaint seaside spot.

No. 9: Washington Island, Wisconsin

Trek to Wisconsin's Washington Island via car ferry and then let your adventure begin! Whether you do some biking and hiking, go back in time at the local history museums, or slow down to smell the lavender at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, you're bound to go home with plenty of marvelous memories of this delightful town.

No. 8: Cape May, New Jersey

This seaside town in the southernmost part of the Cape May Peninsula is a popular destination that's quieter and cleaner than its more boisterous cousin to the north, Atlantic City. Families love the free Cape May County Park and Zoo, as well as free summer movies on the beach, while couples might enjoy a sunset cruise, strolling through the various gardens and parks, and getting pampered at the local Cape May Day Spa.

No. 7: Sandusky, Ohio

This Ohio town on the coast of Lake Erie is home to Cedar Point — one of the top roller coaster-laden amusement parks in the country — but there's more to Sandusky than thrill rides. Visitors can enjoy learning more about the town's maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, visit scenic Shoreline Park, go on an island-hopping cruise, and dine at a number of top-notch waterfront restaurants.

No. 6: Newport, Rhode Island

This Rhode Island town has a little something for everyone, from breweries and wineries to regattas and Gilded Age mansions — and that's just the start. Go paddleboarding or sailing, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, hike along the Cliff Walk with gorgeous ocean views, or simply stroll about downtown to grab a bite and do some souvenir shopping.

No. 5: Pismo Beach, California

Located along California's Central Coast, Pismo Beach draws in plenty of visitors with its quiet beaches and array of wineries and outlet shopping. Other highlights to check out include Dinosaur Caves Park, the Monarch Butterfly Grove, and the award-winning boardwalk. You might also enjoy some fishing or surfing if you prefer to stay on the water.

No. 4: Gulf Shores, Alabama

Drive an hour west of Pensacola, Florida, and you'll find yourself in the midst of Alabama's best beaches aka Gulf Shores. Swim, surf, and sunbathe by the sea, and then check out some of the area's top attractions like Waterville USA, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (home to sloths and kangaroos), and Gulf State Park. Visitors also love the multitude of beachfront restaurants.

No. 3: Key West, Florida

Key West boasts everything from conch train tours and six-toed cats to a bevy of bars and festivals, not to mention it's the southernmost point in the continental United States. This walkable Florida town is full of historic and coastal charm, with gorgeous white sand beaches and palm-tree lined streets. It's also home to a robust arts scene, a butterfly garden, an aquarium, and buskers a-plenty for year-round entertainment.

No. 2: Saugatuck, Michigan

This lakeside destination is home to award-winning beaches, spas, breweries, art galleries, and so much more. Whether you're looking for a wedding venue or a romantic place to renew vows, want to enjoy a fun wine tasting, or take an unforgettable family vacation with plenty of outdoor time, Saugatuck has it all.

No. 1: Stuart, Florida

Part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, with the impressive Roosevelt Bridge to its north, is the under-the-radar town of Stuart. Walk along the St. Lucie River at Flagler Park or Shepard Park, both great spots for picnicking, fishing, or otherwise relaxing. The Stuart Heritage Museum, Road to Victory Military Museum, and restaurant-lined downtown Stuart are all among the local attractions.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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Allison tibaldi.

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based...   Read More

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles.  She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education.  She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly. 

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jonathon Stalls

Jonathon Stalls (he, his) is a multi-disciplinary...   Read More

Jonathon Stalls (he, his) is a multi-disciplinary "Walking Artist". Some of his creative work involves media/organizing with the Pedestrian Dignity project, hosting walking/rolling events and leader training with Walk2Connect (a program of America Walks), pen drawing, meditative practices, and more. He is the author of  WALK - Slow Down, Wake Up & Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour  (North Atlantic Books, Aug 2022). In 2010, he walked for 242 days across the U.S., walked el Camino de Santiago in 2012, and has continued to move, write, and create alongside a wide variety of longer-distance routes. Learn more:  www.IntrinsicPaths.com

Kirstie and Christine of On Airplane Mode Travels

Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz are award-winning...   Read More

Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz are award-winning LGBTQ+ travel creators and trailblazers, using their platform, On Airplane Mode, to inspire others to follow their passions while celebrating their unique identities. With the leading LGBTQ+ travel platform in the US, they have a thriving community of over 650,000+ followers. The dynamic duo craft unique storytelling content that resonates with diverse audiences, sparking positive transformation within the travel industry, making it a more inclusive and vibrant space.

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Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website  braveskimom.com  in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook. 

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

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Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

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Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog  and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing.  Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok , Youtube, IG , and FB . After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada. 

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Our family holiday to Zell am See — ‘I wish I’d visited sooner’

Mike maceacheran and family head to a great hotel in the austrian alps for hiking, cable car rides and a fabulous spa.

E delweiss was blooming and summer almost in the air when we arrived, under uncluttered skies, in Zell am See. Mountains in our eyes, ice creams in hand, we marvelled at the blue of the lake and the deep greens of the stone pine-skirted hills. This was exactly why we’d come to the Austrian Alps.

There had been a short yet eye-popping drive from Innsbruck, then the sort of screensaver landscapes to make even the kids put down their tablets. No car dramas in the back seat, no conveyor belt of queueing cars. As suburbs swiftly gave way to fields of gingerbread houses and hills grew into snowy fortresses of ice, it felt as if we’d struck the travel jackpot.

In the distance, as we neared our hotel, we then saw the Kitzsteinhorn, a year-round snow globe of a mountain and Salzburg’s loftiest pinch-yourself playground. What a stunner.

If you’re in the mood for a yodel-worthy break, few places in the Alps come close. It’s a competitive field all right, but Zell am See is a mountain town long associated with escaping humdrum city life. Once a retreat for Austrian aristocracy, it attracted Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sissi, who hiked the area’s summits in the 1880s. Then it bewitched the car-maker Ferdinand Porsche, who bought the lake shore’s 600-year-old Schüttgut estate as a retreat from Stuttgart for his household. Now, it’s the turn of outdoorsy families like mine, who wished we’d visited sooner.

For families, one of the town’s huge draws is Familotel Amiamo (the clue is in the name), with its beach, pedal boats, indoor and outdoor pools, and woodland barn soft play — heck, even a knee-high soda fountain, serve-yourself ice cream and pint-sized toilets with tiny wash basins. All very Hansel and Gretel for our independent, story-minded six and four-year-olds.

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“Kinderhotels” are worshipped in Austria and it’s little wonder, as the simplicity of the child-focused properties belies the brilliance of the concept: the hotel almost takes over our role as parents. Zell am See’s is tucked below the meadows of the Schmittenhöhe, a mountain for easy-as-pie hiking, biking and cable car rides. The highs of the Alps, blended with the amplified aspects of an Austrian holiday for all ages, with the old town just a short walk away. You don’t get that in the Cairngorms.

Zell am See has activities galore too. One day, we soared to Gipfelwelt 3000, a Bond lair blasted into the side of the Kitzsteinhorn at about 3,000m and high above the model trains and toy-town villages of Salzburgerland below. We loved the views up there — Hohe Tauern National Park and the Grossglockner pyramid are deserving of a quick rendition of Climb Ev’ry Mountain — but the kids loved the heart-in-mouth cable car rides more (the world’s most advanced, according to the base-station spiel). Then there was the cinema and viewing platform where, below us, the glacier was covered in what looked like raving ants. Skiers — get this — were carving up the pistes and would do so right through until early June, a few weeks after we left.

What the kids still talk about back home, though, is the Tauern Spa (three hours from £28, family day tickets £76; tauernspakaprun.com ). A giant wellness wonderland between the Kitzsteinhorn and Zell am See, it is the valley’s secret weapon for a rainy day. Think Wonka’s chocolate factory but with pipes of gushing water, a river-like tube slide and much happier Oompa Loompas. The decision for most Alpine spas to operate completely textile-free may be questionable — who wants to see a body like mine, white-bellied and wrinkly? — but, goodness, the party-piece pools, grottoes and waterfalls are a paradise found for those with their kit off.

The right thing to do afterwards, to close our Alpine stay, was to do what the Austrian families do: retreat to our hotel terrace to order grüner veltliner wine and massive steins of pilsner, letting the kids run wild in the outdoor playground. It felt just right. No sizzling temperatures, no sardine-can beaches, no stress. See Zell am See? It epitomises the very best of an angst-free family holiday. Go now, before your neighbours find out.

Mike MacEacheran was a guest of Zell am See-Kaprun ( zellamsee-kaprun.com ) and Familotel Amiamo ( amiamo.at/kinderhotel-salzburg ), where family rooms cost from £2,400 per week, all-inclusive, based on a family of four. Fly to Innsbruck or Salzburg from Edinburgh with easyJet or Jet2 from £41 each way.

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The 25 Best Travel Bags for Every Kind of Trip

It's all about the right luggage.

Whether it’s a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys’ weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you’ve been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don’t go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Best Travel Duffle Bag

Herschel supply co. novel duffel.

Most Versatile Travel Bag

Longchamp le pliage energy.

Best Hard Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Rimowa cabin s carry-on suitcase.

Best Travel Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Best Lightweight Travel Bag

Métier vagabond duffel.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Samsonite pro travel softside expandable carry-on luggage.

Best Travel Garment Bag

Tumi garment bag tri-fold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Neoprene Travel Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Best Luxury Duffel

Lucchese cosimo garment duffel.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style . If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel’s Novel bag is, in so many words, the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there’s also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it’s also less than $100. That’s what we call a win-win.

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp’s convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear it as a backpack or carry it around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from point A to point B with ease. It’s sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It’s got distinctive grooves and an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It’s also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

For train travel, bus voyages ( ooof, we feel your pain ), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there’s nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, Away’s backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier’s duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It’s thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn’t get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it’s made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It’s also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without . Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Paravel Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Meisterstück Meisterstück Document Case

From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Zero Halliburton Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Coofay Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Lululemon Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

Mark & Graham 2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks ( remember to throw those out before you get to TSA ), and a slip-resistant bottom.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Spring Travel: Away, Samsonite, Calpak and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag for spring break travel can help make any trip as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your spring travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming Memorial Day weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your next trip.

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $150

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $144

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024 

Samsonite detour travel backpack.

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $105

Béis Travel Tote

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

Dagne Dover Jemi Puff Tote

Whether you're traveling to work or a weekend getaway, this lightweight tote is perfect with pockets for days to keep all your belongings organized. 

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

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160,000 expected through Auckland Airport as school holiday travel begins - The Front Page

Chelsea Daniels

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Thousands are expected to take to the roads and skies over the April school holidays. Photo / 123RF

As the school holidays kick off, hundreds of families are set to take to the roads and skies to head away on vacation.

For those travelling internationally though, the main hope is the ongoing renovations at Auckland Airport won’t lead to the usual “travel chaos” many of us have come to expect.

So how are those developments going, and is the travel industry as a whole on the road to recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic?

Business travel editor Grant Bradley told The Front Page Auckland Airport alone is expecting 160,000 people to pass through it this weekend - close to the population of Tauranga.

“That’s still about 15 per cent down on this time in 2019. So, that capacity hasn’t been fully restored,” he said.

“Throughout the rest of the two weeks, there’s lots of folks flying in all directions. They’ve got popular routes, the usual ones to Australia, the US, Singapore, Fiji, China, and the domestic destinations that people are flying to - Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin and Nelson.”

The airport, airlines and border agencies will be hoping for smoother travel for passengers than during some peak periods in the past two years.

Staff shortages, equipment failures, rebuilding work at the airport and bad weather have plagued the aviation system during its recovery from the pandemic, often occurring when passenger numbers peak.

“There’s a very complex ecosystem, and if one part of it is a little bit skewed or gets out of rhythm, it does affect the entire system.

“Since travel recovered from the pandemic over the last couple of years, it’s been pretty bumpy. This is largely due to the difficulty of staffing up.

“[You’ve got] airlines, the people that service airlines, the ground handlers, baggage handlers, and then throughout the aviation system, there’s all these other operators. You’ve got government agencies at borders, MPI and aviation security. And then you’ve got the airport itself.”

Bradley said getting to the airport early remains a reasonable way to mitigate the possibility of missing a flight.

“If you can avoid travelling at those real peak times during the day, you should. You don’t want to clash with the business market. So if you’re flying domestically, that’s the beginning and end of the day.”

Busiest days at Auckland Airport over the April 2024 school holidays

International travel

Sunday, April 14: Busiest day for international departures.

Sunday, April 28: Busiest day for international arrivals.

Domestic travel

Friday, April 19: Busiest day for domestic departures.

Thursday, April 11: Busiest day for domestic arrivals.

Listen to the full episode to hear more about the latest in travel and if it has bounced back from the pandemic.

The Front Page is a daily news podcast from the New Zealand Herald , available to listen to every weekday from 5am. The podcast is presented by Chelsea Daniels, an Auckland-based journalist with a background in world news and crime/justice reporting who joined NZME in 2016.

You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio , Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts.

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What is Eid al-Fitr and how to wish someone a Happy Eid

Muslims around the world will soon bid farewell to the islamic holy month of ramadan and start celebrating the holiday of eid al-fitr, article bookmarked.

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Muslims around the world will soon bid farewell to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and start celebrating the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Eid is marked with congregational prayers and festivities that typically include family visits, gatherings and new clothes.

This year, Eid will come just after the Israel- Hamas war crosses the somber milestone of having stretched on for half a year. During Ramadan, as Muslims around the world savored the traditions of their diverse communities, advocacy, prayers and charity for Palestinians in Gaza were high on the minds of many.

What’s Eid al-Fitr?

It’s an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month when devout Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is a time of increased worship, charity, and good deeds.

Eid al-Fitr means the feast, or festival, of breaking the fast.

When is Eid al Fitr?

Islam follows a lunar calendar and so Ramadan and Eid cycle through the seasons. This year, the first day of Eid al-Fitr is expected to be on or around April 10; the exact date may vary among countries and Muslim communities.

What are some common Eid greetings?

Eid Mubarak, or Blessed Eid, and Happy Eid.

What are some of the traditions and customs associated with Eid al-Fitr?

In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, many people embark on an exodus to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. This year, an estimated 193.6 million travelers are expected to crisscross the vast archipelago for Eid in a homecoming tradition known locally as “mudik.”

In the past two years of Eid celebrations, Indonesians crammed into trains, ferries, buses and onto motorcycles as they poured out of major cities amid severe traffic congestion to return to their villages to celebrate the holiday with families. Flights were overbooked and anxious relatives, weighed down with boxes of gifts, formed long lines at bus and train stations for the journeys.

Before the holiday, popular markets teem with shoppers buying clothes, shoes, cookies and sweets.

In Malaysia, Muslims also have a homecoming tradition for Eid. The first day usually begins with a morning prayer in the mosque, seeking forgiveness from family and friends, and visiting loved ones’ graves.

There’s an “open house” spirit that sees friends and families trading visits to celebrate Eid and enjoy traditional delicacies such as ketupat, rice cooked in a palm leaf pouch, and rendang, a meat dish stewed in spices and braised in coconut milk.

Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their homes.

In Egypt, families partake in Eid prayers amid a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends or neighbors and some travel to vacation spots. Children, usually wearing new Eid outfits, receive traditional cash gifts known as “eidiya.”

Making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar is another fixture of marking the holiday in the country.

In the United States , where Muslims make up an ethnically and racially diverse minority, many come together for Eid prayers and for festivals featuring fun activities for children and families. These often include such things as face painting and balloon twisting.

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