famous travel family

50 Best Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget for 2024

From all-inclusives in the Caribbean to quick getaways in the U.S., there's something for every traveler in your group.

It's not lost on us that travel, like everything else, is getting more expensive, so we focused many of our picks on properties that provide great value. When we feature splurgy spots, rest assured they're worth every penny.

Whether you're looking to chill out at an all-inclusive resort , get active in the great outdoors , check out new attractions at a theme park, hit the beach or cozy up at ski resort , there's a destination or experience here to match every vacation vibe and party size. After all, bringing the grandparents comes with so many benefits, not the least of which is babysitting so you can score some much-needed time for an interruption-free dinner, spa treatment or romantic walk on the beach.

Use this guide to help narrow down your options, and then check out the Good Housekeeping Institute 's tried-and-tested list of essential travel gear and accessories to get ready for your trip. You can also consult our guides on how to choose a family-vacation hotel as well as how to keep all ages entertained . Since the early bird gets the best deal, shore up your spring break and summer vacation plans now.

Mexico and the Caribbean

Spend your days rolling in the waves, relaxing by the pool or enjoying quiet time (thanks to some superior kids' clubs) at these island resorts.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Mexico

With massive waterparks, daily slimings and Nickelodeon characters galore, the kids have it made at the all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Resort Riviera Maya, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award Winner. But grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun. Tequila tastings, spa treatments and romantic dinners can be on your agenda thanks to the supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12. And while you probably wouldn’t be booking a SpongeBob-themed room if you didn’t have the kids in tow, the decor is as mod and classy as it can be. All the accommodations are suites that sleep up to five and have two bathrooms. Suites have direct access to a pool from the balcony. (Yes, even on the top floor!)

RELATED: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Is the Best Place to Travel With a Baby and a Sibling

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Winner of a 2024 Family Travel Award, Atlantis is a top choice for families of all ages looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Its adrenaline-pumping waterpark features high-speed slides, including a one-of-a-kind tube slide down a Mayan pyramid. Animal encounters, like getting up close to a dolphin, are thrilling in a different way. But on the other side of the massive resort, the beaches are super chill. The gentle water is just perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Supervised clubs for kids, tweens and teens truly wow, so adults can enjoy the casino and a meal at one of the resort's fine-dining restaurants.

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Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic

Movies under the stars, trapeze lessons, windsurfing — with cool activities like these, kids will never want to leave this newish resort in the lush, away-from-it-all part of the island. Supervised clubs for babies through teens keep the good times rolling while you’re at the adults-only Zen pool or doing treetop yoga. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Solar panels, recycling, plastic-free water bottles and other sustainable initiatives are part of the eco-minded resort culture.

Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Negril, Jamaica

While this all-inclusive resort and 2024 Family Travel Award-winner caters to all ages, toddlers and preschoolers will be star-struck. Sesame Street characters entertain them with story times, dance parties and even puppet-making! That’s on top of the mini water slides, splash areas and a playground that makes little ones squeal with glee and wears them out, so they’ll hit the sack early.

Private childcare and supervised kids’ clubs (for babies through teens, including those with special needs) are an option when you want a spa treatment, a quiet dinner or just to read a book on the resort's idyllic 7-Mile Beach. All the rooms and suites got a glow-up in 2020, plus there are new villas with butler service (sign us up!)

RELATED: 20 Best Caribbean Resorts for Families to Visit

Fairmont Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

When it comes to baby and kid gear, this luxury resort has you covered. Need a bottle warmer? They got it. How about a step stool for a toddler to reach the sink? Yours for the asking. With these worries aside, you can concentrate on the beauty of the surroundings (the resort is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest) and incredible bucket-list activities, like kids’ carnivals and night kayaking. All the rooms have received a glow-up and there's a sleek new beach club to boot.

Rock House Resort, Turks & Caicos

Your family may never leave the water at this Mediterranean-inspired oasis , which opened in May 2022. In addition to a full kitchen and roomy living room, many of the villa-style accommodations feature a spacious private pool. (Yes way!) And if your crew ever tires of it, fun awaits at the resort’s oceanfront infinity pool and stretch of white sand beach, which is exclusively for resort guests. Just note that while a cliffside setting makes the resort incredibly picturesque, it’s impossible to navigate with a stroller — so bring the tweens, teens and even grandparents if they don’t have trouble climbing stairs.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

A brand that's popular with families because it offers separate sleeping spaces for kids and adults, Embassy Suites recently opened a location in Aruba. (Pinch us now.) The 330-suite hotel boasts a kids' pool and playground and is just steps away from the iconic Eagle Beach. A breakfast buffet (with made-to-order items) is included in the price, which is already a value. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, so you can stash drinks and snacks and save your budget for the island's many incredible water activities.

New England Cozy

Lakes, lighthouses and hiking trails make New England a great place to visit in almost any season.

Quisisana Resort, Lovell, ME

Kids will get a digital detox at this all-inclusive lakefront resort , but they’ll be too busy playing to miss their devices. Without TV or a Wi-Fi signal in the comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and cabins, they’ll be fully immersed in the slew of included activities — from paddle boating to tennis to sandcastle-building. They might even learn to kayak or catch their first fish.

At night, music fills the resort. Broadway-style shows, held in a new outdoor theater, entertain all generations. There’s something about the fresh air and a choice of lollipops that keeps most kids from getting too wiggly, and the caliber of the performances is at least on par with good community theater.

The three included daily meals — with menu items like lobster rolls and Maine blueberry pie — will leave your crew’s bellies happy and full. And if you do need Wi-Fi occasionally, you can pop in the main lobby for a signal. Shh: The kids will be fine without it.

Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, ME

Open from May to October, this nature-focused retreat provides a refuge from city life. Yoga sessions in the garden, a shed filled with arts and crafts supplies for kids, guided nature walks and outdoor art classes are easy-going yet exciting at the same time. Cottages with fireplaces foster togetherness, and complimentary breakfast arrives at your door every morning so there's no need to rush out for coffee.

Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT

Nestled in the Green Mountains, this resort is just as fun in the summer months as it is during prime ski season. Besides eight heated pools (some with waterslides!), the action-packed lineup of family activities has plenty to do whether you’re traveling with a toddler, teen or both. Sing-a-longs, magic shows and scavenger hunts keep little ones entertained while older kids will welcome the chance to take a guided hike, design and launch a water rocket or play glow-in-the-dark volleyball. A GH 2024 Family Travel Awards winner, condos at this property accommodate up to five bedrooms, making it possible for extended family and friends to stay together.

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster, MA

Beach, pool, eat, repeat — that’s how your crew will spend laid-back days at this Cape Cod gem . The private beach has gentle surf and at low tide, kids can spy little sea creatures in the tide pools. When the tide changes, head to the heated outdoor or indoor pools. Outdoor movies are the perfect wind-down to bedtime. And if you can pry the kids out of the water, activities like scavenger hunts, curated by the resort’s new director of fun (for real!) await. Just make sure to stay in the “mansion” section of the resort because that’s the part with private beach access.

Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg, ME

Kids will never forget sleeping in a lighthouse next to the ocean. The resort’s 1945 lighthouse contains recently renovated guest rooms with amazing views, sea breezes and conveniences like a fridge and microwave. The lighthouse rooms are also near the resort’s iconic oceanfront saltwater pool, which recently got a makeover. A vintage bowling alley, weekly pirate cruise and old-school kids’ club add to the New England charm.

Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge, Stowe, VT

A fantastic value, this new '70s-inspired cozy lodge is perfect for families who want to explore Vermont's Green Mountains. The scenic trails of Cady Hill Forest are just steps away and downtown Stowe is about a 10-minute walk. Two- and three-bedroom cottages at Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge have plenty of space for families and a kitchen to boot. A game room, fire pits for s'mores roasting and a pool make hanging at the lodge a nice respite in between nature activities.

California Dreamin'

Choose your Cali adventure: You can find bustling cityscapes, tranquil trails, stunning beaches and even a fairytale castle.

Los Angeles, CA

Tweens and teens won’t roll their eyes if you suggest a vacay in L.A. — where, trust us, they’ll ask you to eat at In-N-Out-Burger (look cool and say you already had it on the list). Some more must-dos: Visit the Griffith Observatory for the out-of-this-world exhibits and a stellar view of the Hollywood sign, and if you're an outdoorsy family you can hike down from the observatory to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and famous TCL Chinese Theaters .

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures , where anyone 17 and under gets in free, is conveniently located near the classic La Brea Tar Pits and the cool LACMA ( Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Some outdoor shopping at The Grove L.A. and a beach day in Santa Monica with a spin on the iconic wheel at the Santa Monica Pier will get you more well-deserved parent cred. Or, you can take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood , where, for now, you can find the only Super Nintendo World open in the United States. Stay at The Garland in North Hollywood, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Awards winner. It has a swanky trolley that transports guests to and from Universal, as well as other kid perks like dive-in movies and a retro-chic family suite with bunk beds.

San Diego, CA

Can’t decide between heading to the beach or exploring a big city? San Diego has the best of both worlds, with near-perfect weather to boot. Make your home base a beach resort like the Kona Kai San Diego Resort & Spa , San Diego Mission Bay Resort or, if you're bringing a big group, Shore House at Del, a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award winner. Intersperse oceanside fun with short drives to the city’s famous zoo and museums in Balboa Park. Plan to spend at least a half day at Liberty Station , a cultural attraction that has many places to eat and shop. New stores and restaurants are open at Seaport Village , which has a classic carousel for kids to ride.

RELATED: The Best Things to Do in San Diego With the Whole Family

Monterey, CA

The number one reason to book a vacation in this coastal town: the aquarium. Yes, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that good. It levels up the typical touch tank experience by letting little kids crawl through tunnels surrounded by tropical fish displays and use squirt toys to learn how animals stand up to big waves. There’s even a padded zone with eye-level exhibits for toddlers! And the whole family will be wowed by the aquarium’s newish exhibition, "Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean." Some of the creatures in the 21 live exhibit areas are newly discovered and haven’t even been named yet. Mind blown! Stay at the hotel next door, InterContinental The Clement Monterey .

Disneyland Resort and California Adventure, Anaheim, CA

If you're looking for a Disney trip with young kids, Disneyland may have the edge over an Orlando vacay. Here are some reasons why: You can get on more rides without as much walking in California, so that means fewer tired and cranky kids. Summer weather is also usually better in Anaheim than in hot-and-humid Florida. And rides like Radiator Springs Racers, which looks like it’s right out of the movie Cars , are Cali-exclusive. The new Villas at Disneyland Hotel offer options that sleep up to 12 guests plus the decor is whimsical.

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22 Best Family Travel Destinations Worldwide (Vacation Inspiration)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 23, 2024

Looking for some family travel inspiration ? This guide features some of the all-time favorite family vacation destinations by families that live and breathe travel. This list includes family-friendly vacation spots from all over the world.

We are always looking for nice destinations to visit with family. In this quest for new ideas for family travel destinations, I decided to reach out to other traveling families and ask them to share their all-time favorite, best family travel destinations worldwide.

I received a variety of responses covering an amazing variety of family-friendly destinations from all over the world. From winter holidays in the Arctic to desolate beaches in the Pacific, from city breaks to ski resorts – there is something in here for everyone.

I’m happy to say that some of the world’s most well-traveled families have helped with this article. These are one by one families that have seen a lot of the world and they share their absolute favorite places to travel with family that they keep on going back to .

With their help, this guide to the world’s best family travel destinations was born. In this post, you’ll find some great family trip ideas and plenty of inspiration for family vacations for many years to come.

Read about the travel bloggers’ favorite family travel destinations and scroll all the way down to the bottom to find out our personal favorite as well!

Featured image by Eric Stoen from Travel Babbo

Some of the best family travel destinations worldwide:

1. Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Recommended by Caz and Craig from YTravelBlog.

One of our favorite destinations for families is the Port Douglas Daintree region in Tropical North Queensland .

Port Douglas has the largest reef system and the oldest rainforest in the world to explore. What more can you ask for? Our girls loved snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, zip-lining over the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, playing on stunning beaches, searching for wild crocodiles on riverboat cruises, and enjoying delicious exotic ice cream made from the rainforest fruits.

It’s a relaxed and beautiful tropical destination with plenty for all members of the family to love.

TIP: You can also easily visit Daintree as a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. You can find the best selection of organized tours here .

Here you can find everything you possibly may want to know about visiting the Daintree Rainforest .

READ ALSO: Australia with Kids

Recommended by Kevin and Christina from Wandering Wagars.

There are few places in the world that offer the opportunity for a family adventure like Iceland .

Where else can you spot Blue Whales from a schooner, swim in ice-cold glacier water while continents tear themselves apart around you, and feel the roar of Europe’s largest waterfall, all within a few hours drive of each other. If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. You can even lookup the Prime Minister in the phone book.

Icelandic people understand the unique needs of children and families. It’s rare to find a restaurant that doesn’t have an area set aside for children to play.

Furthermore, Iceland is really easy to visit on your own. In summer, you can drive the entire Ring Road , or just focus on the South Coast attractions – there’s plenty to see and do, also with kids. If you don’t feel like driving in Iceland in winter , you can just stay in Reykjavik and make a couple of day trips.

You can read more about Kevin and Christina’s family trip to Iceland on their blog.

Our experience: We have been to Iceland multiple times and in all seasons and indeed, it’s a great place for a more adventurous family trip! On our blog, you can find a huge selection of Iceland destination guides, itineraries, and practical tips. Check our Iceland travel guide for the complete overview.

LEARN MORE: Top Places to See in Iceland

3. Bali, Indonesia

Recommended by Eric from Travel Babbo.

Bali has become one of our favorite family travel destinations the past couple of years. There’s a perfect mix of beaches and culture, and there’s always something to do, from attending festivals (which seem to take place all the time) to visiting water parks to hiking through rice fields.

The weather is warm year-round, although the rainy season (November through March) is exactly what it sounds like. The food is excellent and inexpensive. My 10-year-old’s favorite restaurant in the world is Cuca, near Jimbaran Beach.

Bali’s hotels are amazing, and virtually all welcome kids. We’ve stayed at hotels on the beach, but also in villas with private plunge pools overlooking river valleys and villas surrounded by rice fields. We always try to do activities through our hotels, like fish feeding, anti-gravity yoga, rice planting, ceramics, and local walks. We’re never ready to check out.

Even though there are more tourists every year, Bali never feels touristy. Ubud retains a really cool, artsy vibe. Plus there’s a monkey forest there – what kid doesn’t want to be surrounded by monkeys?

You can find more tips for visiting Bali with kids on Eric’s blog.

4. Costa Rica

Recommended by various families, including us.

Costa Rica is one of the most recommended family travel destinations in the Americas. It has all the ingredients for a perfect family-friendly travel experience: tropical climate, beaches, rainforests, lots of sightseeing possibilities, fun adventurous activities, and a big variety of wildlife.

No matter what kind of a family travel experience you’re looking for, Costa Rica makes it all possible.

Looking for a relaxing family vacation at a beautiful resort? Head to one of the many coastal destinations.

Looking for an adventure and action-filled vacation with teens? Check out the La Fortuna – Arenal area , aka the adventure capital of Costa Rica.

Want to see wildlife? Visit the famous Manuel Antonio National Park !

Or plan a road trip and see the best that Costa Rica has to offer, and add some relaxing pool/beach time to make it fun for the whole family.

The good thing about Costa Rica is that it’s an extremely family-friendly destination. And – if you’re coming from the USA, you won’t have to cross too many time zones. It’s also a place that you can visit the whole year round (a tropical rain shower is always possible, however).

Here you can find a sample 2-week Costa Rica itinerary that covers some of the best places, gives you plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, get to know the culture, try some fun activities such as zip-lining or wild water rafting, and also plan some relaxing time by the pool or at the beach.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

5. Crete, Greece

Recommended by Paul from A Luxury Travel Blog.

The Greek island of Crete is somewhere we’ve frequently holidayed as a family. Crete has everything we could possibly want – a lovely climate, pure relaxation, great beaches, excellent food, and a beautifully slow way of life. There are some superb hotels on the island too!

We’ve often been drawn to a small fishing town Elounda which has some excellent luxury accommodation and plenty to see and do.

If you are looking for a family-friendly destination in southern Europe, a place that has is all, then you can’t go wrong with the Greek Islands and especially Crete!

Check Paul’s blog for all things luxury travel .

6. Whitefish, Montana, USA

Recommended by Nicole – The Passport Kids.

If you are thinking about experiencing what a winter wonderland would be like, our recommendation is the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort in Montana, USA. The resort offers many family-friendly amenities and activities including daycare and kids ski & ride school directly on the resort.

Enjoy some outdoor winter fun with snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing or sledding; then cozy up by the fire with some hot chocolate.

The resort and city of Whitefish offer a small-town American feel where life slows down for a while but still offers a great selection of hotels, restaurants and shopping.

Check Nicole’s blog for more information about Whitefish ski resort .

7. Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA

Recommended by Karen from Family Travels on a Budget.

Gulf Shores, Alabama is perfect for families because it’s got all the beach without all the crowds!

We love Gulf Shores for its white sand, seashells, sunsets, and seafood. But what makes it special is the space — wide beaches and smaller crowds mean we have more space to unwind.

Gulf Shores is more than a beach, though. We also enjoy hiking and biking the trails at Gulf State Park, catamaran day trips, paddle boarding and sunset dinners at local restaurants. It’s our home away from home — at the beach!

Read more about Alabama Beaches here.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Recommended by Keri from Baby Globetrotters (and one of our personal favorites too).

Everything about Cape Town is simply breathtaking! Nestled beneath the unmistakable Table Mountain, many start their South African adventure at the lively V&A Waterfront.

Near to the city, you will find the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Tree Canopy Walkway, the Table Mountain Cable Car or why not take a ferry and tour around the now infamous Robben Island?

Heading further out of Cape Town for a couple of days is a must – head to where the oceans meet at the Cape of Good Hope, visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach and spot the seals at Hout Bay.

Next head east to the Stellenbosch wine region – so many family-friendly wine farms it’s hard to choose where to start. Finish off your Cape Town adventure with a simply breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from Signal Hill or Camps Bay.

Find out more about Cape Town family vacation on the Baby Globetrotters blog.

Our experience: We completely agree with Keri – Cape Town and the whole of South Africa is amazing with kids and one of our own personal favorite places in the world. Here you can find more tips for visiting South Africa with young kids and here you can find a sample itinerary for the best of South Africa .

LEARN MORE: Best Places To See in South Africa

Recommended by several families, including us.

If you are looking for a truly unique family vacation destination, then definitely consider Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It’s such a special place (and totally different from anything else on this list), but it has so much to offer for families!

From beaches to deserts, impressive skyscrapers, and sensational attractions for the whole family, there’s so much to see and do in Dubai that you can easily fill several family vacations here and never get bored.

Visit the world’s highest building, ride a camel in the desert, spend time at one of the many theme parks, or go swimming at some of the world’s most impressive water parks… These are just a few of the amazing things to do in Dubai with kids !

And while visiting a destination like this with the whole family can quickly get quite expensive, there are quite a few really nice free and cheap things to do in Dubai as well.

Furthermore, Dubai enjoys warm weather the whole year round (albeit a bit too hot in the summer months), and it’s a perfect family vacation destination for off-season travel as well.

What we also love about Dubai is that it’s extremely multicultural, and kids can get in touch with different traditions. We were pleasantly surprised by the food in Dubai as well! With so many cuisines and middle-eastern touches, the food is absolutely delicious. It’s also another great way to introduce your children to different cultures.

Here you can find more information and fun facts about Dubai , read more about the best tours in Dubai , and also find out how expensive Dubai is .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Dubai

10. Cambodia

Recommended by Alanna from The Travelling Hams.

Most people don’t think of Cambodia as a family-friendly destination, but we wholeheartedly disagree! The country is full of stunning nature and some of the most beautiful temple ruins in the world.

Our toddlers loved exploring the ruins as much as we did! For our kids, the ruins were the ultimate playground. Each equipped with crumbling stairs to climb, plenty of rocks and leaves to play with, and even some wildlife to watch. It’s a great way to challenge their senses and it gives you a chance to enjoy them yourself – a double bonus!

Cambodians are some of the friendliest people in Southeast Asia. They love to stop you and chat about your children and give friendly pats and pinches. For those with really young ones- they even help to watch your children while you get a few mouthfuls of food in!

11. Rovaniemi, Finland

Recommended by Erin – Travel with Bender.

If you ask our kids out of the 67 countries they have been to in their 6 years of life, which was their favorite, they would unanimously agree – Finland . More specifically Rovaniemi to the North of Helsinki. Why? So many reasons!

First, it’s where the real Santa lives. When you send a letter to Santa it goes here. You can see all the pigeon holes from around the world with letters to Santa. You can even post your own! You can spend an evening with the elves in the forest, decorating trees, baking cookies, and learning Santa secrets.

In addition, when you are not visiting Santa, you can spend days doing all kinds of fun winter outdoor activities. Ride husky sleds through a winter wonderland, take a reindeer sleigh through the forest, opt for a snowmobile safari that also visits reindeer and huskies, or go snow tubing down giant hills and through ice caves.

Top that with snowmobiles to capture a glimpse of the Northern Lights and a hot dinner of reindeer meat and what could be more perfect?!

Here you can read more about winter holiday in Roveniemi Finland .

12. Portugal

Recommended by Alex – My Life Long Holiday.

Central Portugal has been a family favorite for us since my parents emigrated there a few years back. The area has such a laid-back vibe, great food, culture, and beautiful scenery.

For adventurous families, there are activities like cycling, hiking, and kayaking. But my kids equally like exploring little old villages up in the mountains which haven’t changed for ages, so long as there’s ice cream at the end of it!

The Portuguese love children and you’re welcomed wherever you go with genuine smiles and warm hospitality. Add to this the warm sunshine and you have the formula for a relaxing, easy holiday.

Check Alex’s blog for more inspiration for a trip to Portugal.

Our experience: Inspired by Alex’s suggestion, we decided to visit Portugal with kids . And we were hooked – it’s one of the most beautiful and family-friendly travel destinations in Europe! In fact, we loved it so much that we went back to Portugal and the Portuguese islands several times.

Nowadays, we go to Portugal a few times a year and the whole family loves it. Here you can read about one of our absolute favorite destinations – Algarve with kids . And here, you can find an overview of our Portugal travel tips .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Portugal

13. Philadelphia, USA

Recommended by Eileen – FamiliesGo!

Philadelphia is close enough to home that it has been a frequent day trip for us. Now that we travel with a child we have begun to stay for a night or two, which has given us a new appreciation for all that this city has to offer for families.

Federal Hall is a must-see on your first visit (the Declaration of Independence was signed here). The city also has a lot of family-friendly museums.

Please Touch Museum will be a hit with younger kids, while school-going children will appreciate the Franklin Institute and the sprawling Museum of Art.

Philadelphia is also known as a great city for eating out. I recommend Federal Donuts near Rittenhouse Square, Hawthorne’s near South Street and Reading Terminal. Great city break for families.

Here you can read more about Philadelphia with kids .

LEARN MORE: How to See the Best of Philadelphia in One Day

14. The Canadian Rockies

Recommended by Melissa – Parenthood and Passports.

As a family who wants to see as much of the world as possible, it’s rare for us to visit the same destination twice. But there is one place we return time and time again: The Canadian Rockies .

The Canadian Rockies are one of the most naturally beautiful wonders on earth. The mountains have a rugged, majestic appeal. Nestled between them are glacial lakes that shimmer a vibrant shade of blue.

Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Rockies is one of the most family-friendly places we’ve ever visited. The establishments are very accommodating to children, and the area is great to explore with kids.

Banff is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from easy hikes to backcountry camping and winter mountain sports. We love exploring outdoors and hope to instill that same passion in our daughter. I can’t think of a better place to do so.

Read more about visiting Banff here.

15. Cook Islands

Recommended by Karilyn – No Back Home.

One of our favorite family destinations is the Cook Islands in the South Pacific . For West Coast travelers it’s a short overnight flight with only a 3 hour time change.

The largest and main island, Rarotonga, is actually quite small with a ring road only 29 miles long! You will be welcomed to the island by beautiful white beaches with excellent snorkeling in calm lagoons and lush green mountains as your backdrop.

With plenty of adventure activities from hiking to buggy driving to kayaking to private islands, your family will have the time of their life in this island paradise!

Read more about the family-friendly Cook Islands here.

16. Glacier National Park, USA

Recommended by Craig and Bryanna – Crazy Family Adventure.

Glacier National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the USA and for a good reason. It’s also an amazing family travel destination! The views are out of this world, hiking is amazing, and there are so many fun activities for the whole family!

We really enjoyed driving the scary yet breathtaking beautiful Going to the Sun Road. You can see glaciers, waterfalls, and stunning mountains. There is also so much wildlife and you may even see a mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or a bear! We really enjoyed hiking to Hidden Lake, on the Trail of Cedars, and Apakuni Falls.

Each hike has something to offer from being able to step into the frigid cold glacier water, to seeing amazing waterfalls, or a lake surrounded by mountains. Everywhere you turn in Glacier National Park you are met with a view more beautiful than the last!

Read more about visiting Glacier NP .

LEARN MORE: Glacier National Park itinerary suggestions

17. Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Recommended by Bethany – Flashpacker Family.

Our family’s new favorite destination is the Big Island of Hawaii . Hawaii is such a special place but the Big Island really takes the cake. You can do everything here!

You can swim with turtles , stay in beautiful resorts, enjoy a luau, go whale watching and snorkeling, hike to waterfalls, visit a volcano, and even sail in a submarine.

The Big Island is great for families because it’s easy to rent a car, drive around and enjoy something new every day. There’s no excuse to be bored on the Big Island!

TIP: If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, don’t miss Maui – one of the most beautiful islands. Here you can find Maui itinerary suggestions and here you can read about the very best Maui activities . It’s a wonderful destination for families as well!

18. Florence, Italy

Recommended by Scarlet – Family Focus Blog.

Our favorite family travel destination so far has been Florence in Italy . And yes, it’s a city, but Florence is wonderful for families because there is so much to do and see both indoors and outdoors!

It is a great city to walk around in and explore and make memories that will last a lifetime. The whole family will enjoy the delicious Italian food, culture, and attractions.

In addition, Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany region with the beautiful rolling hill landscapes, charming little towns, and the most friendly locals that absolutely adore children!

More tips for a family trip to Italy .

Our experience: It’s not a secret that Italy is one of our absolute favorite countries in the world and we have visited with and without kids countless times. Tuscany is indeed a wonderful region for a family vacation and Florence is the most beautiful of the Tuscan towns . Rent a villa or look for a nice hotel with a pool, and you can have the best family trip ever – a perfect combination of sightseeing and a relaxing vacation.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Florence & Tuscany Itinerary

19. Hamilton, New Zealand

Recommended by Nadine – Le Long Weekend.

Our favorite family travel destination is Hamilton in New Zealand . Hamilton is New Zealand’s best-kept secret when it comes to family holidays.

Our favorite activities include the Waikato Museum with its dedicated kid’s discovery areas; the Zoo where cheeky Kaka land on your shoulder in the walk-through aviary; and the themed Hamilton gardens which will transport you into a new civilization at every turn!

But what really sets Hamilton apart are the many ‘destination playgrounds’. These amazing parks have the usual fun fixtures, water features, in-ground trampolines, and multi-story playhouses. Great for keeping the little ones busy while you enjoy coffee from a nearby cafe!

Read more about Hamilton, New Zealand on Nadine’s travel blog.

20. Florida Keys, USA

Recommended by Carrie Anne – Everything Mom .

When thinking about traveling to Florida with the kids the first place to pop into your mind is probably Orlando. Perfect if you’re looking for thrill rides, but the Florida Keys can offer families the chance to experience the more natural side of the state, specifically Marathon .

Take in a little history exploring the oldest home in the Florida Keys outside of Key West as well as remnants of the Flagler Railroad that connected all of the Florida Keys.

Kids, especially those too young to enjoy more adventurous water pursuits, will love a nature scavenger hunt, swimming with fish, or meeting rescued birds at the Wild Bird Sanctuary. You can even enjoy lunch under a large tiki hut restaurant just off of the scenic Seven Mile Highway.

Marathon also makes a great family destination due to how close it is to the other islands such as Key West and Islamorada. This amazing place proves that your Florida family vacation adventure doesn’t have to include any roller coasters.

21. Dordogne, France

Recommended by Kirsten – Kids are a Trip.

The Dordogne region in France is one of our favorite places to explore as a family. With beautiful castles, rivers for canoeing, and medieval towns for exploring, it is the perfect place to get away from everything and spend some quality time with your kids.

We especially enjoyed the bucolic landscape and the friendliness of the locals and found there was plenty to do for families.

If you want to learn more, please read Kirstin’s post about her family visit to Dordogne .

22. Swiss Mountains

Our personal recommendation.

This list wouldn’t be complete without me sharing at least one of our personal favorite family destinations as well. And if I have to choose just one, it has to be Switzerland!

Switzerland in general, and the Swiss mountains , in particular, has been one of our favorite travel destinations for years. We just love the Swiss Alps!

We try to go to Switzerland at least twice a year: skiing in winter and hiking in summer , and every time we don’t want to leave. Kids have asked several times if we could just move to Switzerland…

Charming mountain villages and small towns have such an amazing atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. Add to that stunning landscapes, great food, and a huge variety of things to see and do for families with children, and you cannot go wrong planning a family trip to Switzerland.

TIP: Some of our favorite places include the Lucerne area , Zermatt , Mt Titlis , Grindelwald , Jungfraujoch , and Schynige Platte , to mention just a few.

Here you can read more about some of our favorite places in Switzerland .

LEARN MORE: Perfect Switzerland Itinerary for First Trip

So, this is a small selection of great vacation destinations for families. I hope you found some inspiration for your next family vacation!

What’s your favorite family destination? Let us know – leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Best Travel Gear for Kids – family traveler’s favorites.

TIP: For more family travel ideas, please check our guides to the best spring break destinations in the USA and the best spring break destinations in Europe .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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Saturday 13th of January 2024

Thank you for this list. I will be using it to plan our upcoming family vacations.

Monday 15th of January 2024

Glad to help, Jay. Happy travels!

Chitra Gupta

Friday 23rd of June 2023

Hi, we are a family of 4, kids aged 19 and 14 and have been to switzerland, dubai, milan, honkong, paris, istanbul already. We are unable to decide our next travel destination for November. What would you suggest?

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi Chitra, that's a tough choice indeed. Purely season-wise, I'd look into Southern Hemisphere for November I suppose. South Africa is amazing for a family trip and Namibia as well. Also Thailand could be a great option or Australia if you have more time. There are so many options. It also depends on where you live and how much time you have. We have quite some articles about the destinations mentioned above on our website, you can use the search button for some inspiration. Good luck!

world nomad

Friday 19th of May 2023

What an amazing article Wish I could go to all these places Your suggestion for sightseeing that is not tropical for August around the world? Cities and sightseeing is the focus

Monday 22nd of May 2023

There are many places that are not too warm in August. UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, also pretty much anywhere in Poland or Baltic States. If you are looking for destinations around the world, consider South Africa or Namibia (more nature), and certain parts of Australia (also cities). There are plenty of options. :) Good luck!

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Beautiful locations, please share more.

Ha ha, I could easily add a few dozen other places to this list. There are so many amazing destinations all over the world, and more places are family-friendly than people tend to think. Our personal favorite countries to visit with kids are Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. Happy travels!

Thursday 3rd of March 2022

Hi Jurga, thanks for all the suggestions. It's not easy to decide where to go next. We are a family of 4, kids age 8 and 11, and were thinking of Costa Rica, but are also considering Iceland. Thoughts?

Monday 7th of March 2022

Iceland vs. Costa Rica? They are so different... CR is warm, tropical, with beaches and pools, lots of fun outdoor activities, wildlife, and it's rather cheap compared to Iceland. Iceland is amazing but in a very different way - incredible vast landscapes, the most beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, great hot springs and geothermal pools to swim in... But - depending on when you travel - it can be really cold and - in winter - also dark. Even in summer, you'll usually need sweaters, jackets, etc. Iceland is also much more expensive... I think you should do a bit more research and see what interests you the most, or let it depend on the season - Iceland in summer and Costa Rica in winter. But if it's your first family trip, I honestly think that the entire family, and especially the kids will enjoy Costa Rica more, even if just for the weather. But after you do that trip, definitely do Iceland next - it's one of a kind!

Family Travel 

Planning family travel has never been so complicated. Before hitting the road, there are tons of questions to ask about safety, comfort levels, and bringing together family members who live in different places, especially when it comes to a multigenerational trip or that first big vacation with young kids. (Of course, there’s always the option of ripping up the holiday travel calendar entirely .) But regardless of how big or small your summer plans may be, we have plenty of ideas for how to capture the essence—and joy—of travel over the coming months, from places to stay both near and far, to trip ideas that cater to your kid's latest obsession. Plus, inspiration for future trips down the line (cue the best kid-friendly cruise itineraries to book now) and heaps of advice from well-traveled parents.

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At These Retreats, Wellness Is No Longer Just for Grown-Ups

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By Mary Winston Nicklin

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• BEST OF THE WORLD

5 trips to inspire the whole family in 2023

Board a train, hike a trail, and help protect marine life at these kid-friendly places around the world.

Wondering where to go next? You’re not the only one. After a frenetic return to travel, many are asking how to enjoy the rush of discovery without the crush of crowds. Our annual list of 25 inspiring and less visited destinations for the year ahead encompasses places filled with wonder, rewarding to travelers of all ages, and supportive of local communities and ecosystems. Reported by our global editors and framed by five categories ( Family , Adventure , Culture , Nature , and Community ), these destinations are under the radar, ahead of the curve, and ready for you to start exploring.  

Below are the five best destinations in 2023 for family trips that educate and illuminate. (Find the full Best of the World list here .)

Switzerland

Get onboard a rail network ideal for families

On any given day, Switzerland ’s transit network carries 6.6 million riders in a country of only 8.7 million people . Vacationing families are tempted with unique trips on its famously punctual trains featuring spectacular mountains, classic cookies, and even a Wonka-esque chocolate tour.

The Gotthard Panorama Express route begins on a steamboat crossing the city of Lucerne’ s famous lake before boarding a train in Flüelen for a trip to Switzerland’s Italian-influenced south. Multilingual guides point out landmarks like the 18th-century Wassen church, which can be seen from three angles along the route’s ascending spiral loops. A special train car with open windows allows photographers to capture wide-angle views of landscapes like the Reuss Valley.  

A cookie train from Berne to Lucerne stops for a nibble at the Kambly bakery where kids can bake their own treats and design a biscuit tin to take home. A chocolate train departing from Montreux starts with chocolate croissants and hot cocoa served onboard, stops in Gruyères for its medieval old town and world-famous cheese, and winds up in Broc for a tour of the Maison Cailler chocolate factory.

( Here are the best North American railroad trips for families .)

Making it all sweeter is the Swiss Family Card , a rail pass that allows anyone under the age of 16 to ride either free or at a 50 percent discount. “The pass is convenient, and it allows for exploration on a whim,” says National Geographic family travel expert Heather Greenwood Davis. “Long-journey trains often offer a family car—essentially a full playground on board—and family zones where tables have built-in games to keep the fun going."  

Come winter the Swiss transit network delivers visitors to ski resorts like sustainability-minded Laax , where families can take snowboarding lessons together.

Be enchanted by this birding paradise in South America

Colombia ’s boisterous birdlife is as colorful and melodic as Encanto , the hit Disney animated film set in this biodiverse South American country. More than 1,900 different birds (almost 20 percent of the world’s avian species) live here, making Colombia the richest roost for birdlife on the planet.

Where can families flock with them? The Northern Colombia Birding Trail , for birders both extreme and casual, explores the country’s range of habitats. Tours with the National Audubon Society use 4x4 vehicles to visit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta , the planet’s highest coastal mountain range; the less explored Perijá Mountains ; and beach-blessed Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast. Visitors can spot species like the crested quetzal , Santa Marta parakeet, and the sickle-winged guan. Colombians and Wayuu Indigenous peoples work along the route as bird guides.

( Use these tips to help your family start exploring the world of birds .)

“Birdwatching, wildlife watching, and nature tourism in general can play a big role in conserving Colombia’s biodiversity and also in supporting the communities who live nearby,” says biologist and National Geographic Explorer Federico Pardo . “Wildlife tourism not only brings dollars to the economy, it also increases the appreciation for our plants, animals, and ecosystems.”  

Go with Nat Geo : Discover the coastal treasures, vibrant villages, and wildlife-rich jungles of Colombia.

San Francisco, California

Explore a crosstown trail and a new playground-with-a-view

In San Francisco , city kids can learn that becoming a trail hiker doesn’t necessarily mean a trip into the wild. The recently completed Crosstown Trail meanders across the city diagonally, from its southeastern corner at Candlestick Point to its northwestern tip at Lands End, winding through gardens, up hills, and across urban streets for nearly 17 miles.  

The path is “the fruit of volunteers’ labor—ordinary San Franciscans coming together to define its route and, in some places, physically clearing paths in order to connect segments of existing trails,” writes Chaney Kwak , who has walked the entire length of the Crosstown Trail. “You might run into neighbors bragging about their fruit trees, and plucking pink apples to share.”

( Learn about the revolutionary idea behind America’s urban trails .)

Along the way, the trail skirts the Presidio . This 1,491-acre military post turned national park offers stunning Golden Gate Bridge views; in July it celebrated the opening of the 14-acre Presidio Tunnel Tops . Designed by the same firm behind Manhattan’s High Line , the new recreation site is set atop concrete freeway tunnels and buzzes with a plastic-free nature play space, food trucks, and campfire talks. At the Field Station, adventure guides lead hands-on nature activities, including identifying local plants, learning about the urban coyote population, and sampling water from San Francisco’s last free-flowing creek.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Get a kick out of this sporty and arts-friendly British city  

In 2023 Manchester, home to the renowned Manchester United Football Club , launches a number of attractions abetting its post-pandemic revival. The year’s centerpiece is the summer opening of Factory International , a new $225 million downtown cultural space designed by Rem Koolhaas ’s architectural firm. Named partly after the local record label that made hometown bands Joy Division and New Order globally famous, the Factory will become the permanent home of the Manchester International Festival . The city’s biennial, cutting-edge arts jam showcases the best in theater, performance, and music for all ages.

The year also marks the reopening of the reimagined Manchester Museum , which features new galleries focused on Chinese, South Asian, and British Asian culture and an inclusive, family-focused “Belonging Gallery” that showcases how humans, plants, and animals thrive together. Also coming into its own is the National Trust’s new “sky park” on the Castlefield Viaduct , a walkable Victorian-era railroad bridge.

And while it can be difficult to secure tickets for a United match in Old Trafford, the team’s legendary stadium, fans can visit the nearby Manchester United Museum , which displays memorabilia and includes a tour of the stadium itself.

Trinidad and Tobago

Help nurture a top haven for sea turtles

Sea turtles survived the dinosaurs, but might not survive this century. Kids eager to help save the turtles—and encounter hundreds of them as well—can head to Trinidad and Tobago . With loggerheads, greens, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and olive ridleys—five of the seven species of sea turtles—swimming off its shores, this Caribbean nation is a mecca for turtle tourism.

Nesting sites are found on both islands, with leatherbacks the most numerous. During the nesting season from March to August, an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 turtles amass on the country’s shores. Trinidad’s Grande Riviere beach, on the island’s north coast, is the densest leatherback nesting ground in the world. “After 32 years, I’m still in awe of this gentle, magnificent creature,” says Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste, managing director of Nature Seekers, a community-based organization that is dedicated to leatherback conservation and leads turtle-watching tours.

( Here’s how turtle-watching tours actually help conservation .)

Turtle-watching programs led by approved guides generate revenue to help save these creatures, which are under assault from climate change, habitat loss, and plastic pollution. Travelers can even volunteer to perform field work such as keeping nesting areas clear of debris, scanning and tagging nesting turtles, and tracking the size and numbers of turtles and their nests.

( Discover Nat Geo’s 20 other Best of the World destinations . )

Related Topics

• FAMILY TRAVEL
• FAMILY LIFE
• SEA TURTLES
• WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

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Get up and go: These are the best family vacations to take with kids at every age

Where should we go on vacation is a great debate in family living rooms around the world.

Should we go visit grandparents or head to the beach? Maybe we should visit a theme park or take a cruise? Or perhaps we should trek to a far-flung exotic destination with lots of hiking?

There's an endless list of possibilities and factors to consider, with one of the important being the age of your children. Each developmental stage certainly presents its own challenges, but you can still have a fun-filled, memorable trip if you know how to handle those challenges and decide which family vacations are best suited for kids in each age group.

TPG surveyed real-world parents and staffers for their first-hand advice on navigating family travel to bring you the best family vacations with kids at every age and stage.

Best types of trips with an infant

Travel challenges.

Congrats — you have a new baby in the family! The good news is babies don't need much in the way of formal entertainment, though traveling with an infant isn't without its challenges.

While it isn't always picture-perfect at this stage, don't discount traveling with a baby. Once babies have a pretty solid sleep schedule, they can make for great travel companions.

If you are planning a long road trip, you'll need feeding supplies, diapers, wipes and multiple "just in case" changes of clothes for yourself and your baby. For a trip that involves flying, you'll need to find out the airline's policies for flying with an infant and bringing baby equipment like strollers and car seats.

No matter your method of travel, you'll want to choose a destination with baby-friendly amenities, a relaxed atmosphere and maybe even bonus perks like onsite babysitting so you can enjoy a parents' night out.

All-inclusive beach resort

A vacation where everything is taken care of ahead of time and you don't have to venture away from your resort is the epitome of convenience for new parents.

Many all-inclusive resorts , including Cancun's Finest Playa Mujeres , have dedicated water play areas for kids and complimentary baby care amenities like cribs, strollers and baby monitors.

If you want to get away for a walk on the beach or a romantic meal, infant child care with nannies accredited by the International Nanny Association is available at resorts like Beaches Negril .

When it comes to accommodations, a multibedroom suite or room with a separate area where your baby can sleep in a dark, quiet atmosphere will help keep that schedule you've worked so hard to create from getting too far off track. If you can't get an entire separate room, some family travel veterans have been known to make unconventional spaces like oversized closets and bathrooms work as makeshift nurseries .

Related: Best all-inclusive resorts you can book with points

Mountain cabin rental

Consider a peaceful cabin rental in the Great Smoky Mountains, Big Bear or the Rocky Mountains if you prefer a cool mountain breeze to the salty sea air. Most cabins offer full kitchens and many comforts of home -- and maybe even game rooms or hot tubs..

With the help of a home rental service like Vrbo or Airbnb , you can easily filter out cabins that are too small or large until you find one that's just right for you and your family. You may even consider making it a multigenerational trip that includes the grandparents so they can bond with their new grandchild.

Road trip to visit the grandparents

Alternatively, for that first trip away from home, you could hop in the car and take a road trip to visit your child's grandparents in their hometown (especially if it's as picturesque as the above destinations). Depending on your family dynamics, it can be a great way to get some practice in on packing and sleeping away from home, but with some friendly faces and arms waiting on the other side.

Some parents may be ready for a visit like this right away, while others may feel more comfortable waiting until they've mastered the basics of baby care. One thing's for sure, though: You can't beat the built-in babysitting.

Advice from parents who've been there

If you've recently had a baby, going on vacation is probably the last thing on your mind, but once you've settled into a routine and are feeling up to it, a change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered.

TPG's director of travel content and mother of two, Summer Hull, remembers that, for some, the 3-6 month range is a golden window when going almost anywhere is doable with a baby who has a good sleep schedule. "Just put them in a carrier, and away they go," Hull said.

Once they become mobile, everything changes, so take advantage of their lack of mobility while you can.

Best trips to take with a toddler

As infants transition to toddlerhood, they become more aware of the world around them and require more entertainment and stimulation throughout the day.

That can be difficult while buckled up in a car or in an airplane seat for hours. A backpack full of board books, mess-free coloring kits and a trusty tablet can help alleviate the boredom. We're going to be honest, though: Of all the ages, the 18 months to 3 years range is the hardest for travel , as it requires the most active work from the parents.

You may also be in the midst of potty training and wondering how to manage such a monumental task while away from home.

Plan ahead by packing extra clothing, emergency pull-ups and possibly a portable potty chair if you are camping or traveling by car. If you know you have a big trip coming up, you may want to tackle potty training before your trip (still pack those emergency pull-ups just in case).

Despite these challenges, there is also plenty of joy that can come from traveling with kids at this age. After all, this is the time when they're full of wonder.

Because toddlers are inquisitive and energetic, any destination where they can explore their little heart out should fit the bill.

Beach vacation

Whether you opt for a beachfront resort suite or a home-away-from-home rental, a spot at the beach is an easy place to set your toddler to safely dig, splash, collect shells and search for sea life.

Although it won't be the same as the relaxing beach vacation you enjoyed pre-baby, taking a trip where you can observe your toddler indulging their sense of curiosity is still pretty fun. Just be sure you do all that is necessary to ensure water safety.

You probably won't want to spend the entire day in the sun, so choose a destination with other family-friendly activities to fill your time. In addition to its award-winning beaches, St. Petersburg, Florida , offers proximity to Fort De Soto Park, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Sunken Gardens' tropical botanical gardens. Meanwhile, San Diego boasts its world-famous San Diego Zoo, museum-filled Balboa Park and the USS Midway Museum.

The 30-A section of Florida is also a fantastic, laid-back place to vacation on the beach with the whole family.

Legoland Resort is the only theme park specifically designed for families with kids age 2 to 12.

With locations in California, Florida and now New York, each Legoland park has attractions, shaded play areas, interactive exhibits and on-site hotels that cater to younger children, including toddlers. Staying on-site puts you steps away from the fun and comes with special perks like free breakfast, early theme park entry and character interactions. (But remember, perks vary by location.)

Mitchell Stoutin, TPG's director of engineering, took a unique approach to travel with his toddler.

Before visiting Sitka, Alaska, with his then 2-year-old and 4-month-old, Mitchell prepared for a struggle to keep his kids seated without getting fussy. Since neither child liked being strapped into a car seat, Mitchell purchased a Thule Chariot multiuse stroller and bike trailer to use while traveling around the small island. "We arrived with the stroller and rented bikes from the bike shop downtown so we could tow the kids around," he said. "We spent the week exploring trails, sipping coffee, eating fresh seafood and hanging out by the water."

This could be a stellar option if you are traveling to a similar destination that's easy to get around.

Related: Guide to flying with kids of every age

Best trips to take with a preschooler

Preschoolers are generally easier to travel with than toddlers because they have longer attention spans. However, they also sometimes see themselves as tiny adults.

This means stronger opinions, self-determination and the subsequent tantrums that come with not getting their way. To manage unexpected outbursts, keep your schedule loose and flexible, include plenty of breaks and pack more snacks than you think you'll need.

Your child may also be getting to the age where you debate leaving the stroller at home rather than lugging it around on vacation. Consider the amount of walking you'll be doing each day and whether you'll be out and about during nap time or after bedtime when the stroller can be used to hold your sleeping child.

If you want to test out leaving the stroller behind, research stroller rental options at your destination ... just in case.

As kids get older, more mobile and more independent, a whole new world of vacation options opens up. Now's the time to try new things on an extra-special family vacation.

Disney park

A Disney vacation can be fun at any age, but preschoolers are at that magical age where they believe in, well, magic.

It also helps that they are old enough and tall enough for many of the attractions. When you hit something they are not ready to do, Disney offers a rider switch service so parents can experience attractions their kids are too short for without having to wait in line twice.

Whether you visit Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California, max out the magic by staying on-site, booking a character meal and packing their favorite Disney character costume to wear in the parks.

But remember, these kiddos are still pretty young, so you'll want to build in lots of downtime for swimming and resting at your hotel to avoid the aforementioned tantrums, even if your kid has otherwise outgrown regular naps.

Ski vacation

For the most part, preschoolers are too young to be overly scared of trying something new. That makes now the perfect time to take them to the mountains for a ski vacation .

Look for a ski resort that offers ski school with small classes for this young age or even private lessons. In some cases, the length and cost of private lessons is reduced for children in that 3- to 5-year-old age range. For example, at Winter Park, Colorado, a half-day lesson for children age 6 and up starts at $699, while that same lesson for younger kids is $404.

Look for family-friendly lodging — preferably with a hot tub for soaking sore muscles — that offers on-site dining and easy access to groceries and other necessities. If there's ever a time to spring for a room at the best spot on the mountain, it's now. The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa , which sits just steps from Beaver Creek's ski school, can be booked with points for an excellent rate.

Go on a cruise

Once a kid is 3 years old and potty trained, the world of complimentary kids clubs, including ones on several cruise ships, begins to open up.

Certain cruise lines are a better match for families than others thanks to their exceptional kids programming. Norwegian Cruise Line's free program for preschoolers includes activities like treasure hunts, arts and crafts projects and parades. Norwegian also has fun family amenities like bowling lanes, a miniature golf course and waterslides.

MSC Cruises offers similar child care and family activities, with its kids clubs divided into small age ranges, such as the Mini Club for kids age 3-6. This line also has a partnership with Lego, meaning your little ones will enjoy access to Lego play areas in the kids club and a dedicated Lego-themed day during each cruise.

Then, of course, there's Disney Cruise Line , which excels at keeping kids entertained. Onboard activities range from Disney cartoons showing in the movie theaters to character meet-and-greets to the Oceaneer Club, which is available to kids ages 3-12.

While traveling with his boys in preschool, Michael Gum learned that his kids especially loved hotel rooms with bunk beds and electronic drawing tablets for inflight entertainment.

Florida-based writer and mom Dani Meyering recommends parents invest in TSA PreCheck to breeze through security, as children 12 and younger can accompany parents with TSA PreCheck through the expedited security lane. Lots of credit cards you may already have in your wallet even offer a credit toward getting PreCheck.

On a recent trip, Meyering and her husband kept everything in order at the airport by designating one parent to manage the luggage and the other to be in charge of their son.

Both Gum and Meyering extolled the value of packing more snacks than you think you'll need. "It's survival mode on travel day," Meyering said. "Bring plenty of snacks."

Best trips to take with elementary-age kids

The biggest obstacle at this age is finding the right balance of fun and hands-on activities without overtiring them.

This is also the age where school absences and working around an academic calendar become realities for many families. While planning your vacation, be conscious of your child's limitations and don't book too many back-to-back activities. Even though these kids can make it through a busy day at home, leave time for some rest and recuperation in between marquee activities.

Best types of trips

At this age, kids are largely self-sufficient and able to handle a full day of adventures. By age 6 or 7, you can start mixing in more active outings like hiking, horseback riding and exploring new cities by foot.

Dude ranch or glamping resort

Dude ranches and glamping resorts let you experience all the fun of the great outdoors while staying in luxurious accommodations. Most offer a wide range of activities like fishing, boating, archery, cycling and swimming in an idyllic, natural atmosphere.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Polk County, Florida, (about an hour south of Orlando) has air-conditioned glamping tents and luxe covered wagons, among other accommodation options, plus a weekly rodeo. The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana, offers skiing and snowmobiling in the cooler months and mountain biking and hiking during the warmer months.

If you have some Hyatt points to spend, the Rawah Ranch in Colorado has a kids program for those ages 4-10.

Bahamas resort

If you are ready to venture a bit farther from home for a beach vacation, the Bahamas is a worthy contender. Resorts like Baha Mar in Nassau have multiple hotels to choose from, some of which offer fun amenities like water parks and are bookable with World of Hyatt points , such as the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

The Atlantis resort complex, which sits just a few miles away, is also an option that has thrilled kids for decades. Since some of the towers are affiliated with Marriott, you can reserve select accommodations with Marriott Bonvoy points.

International adventure

This is an opportune time for your child's first big trip out of the country.

They're old enough to handle a long-haul flight (and yes, even kids love lie-flat seats !), and they are better able to appreciate the defining characteristics of your chosen destination, whether that's snorkeling in Bora Bora or enjoying afternoon tea in London.

Jessica Stephens, a mom of two, warns parents not to over plan. "Go in with an open mind and have a short list of things you must accomplish on your trip," Stephens said. "The other fun things you get to do are just bonuses!"

Best trips to take with tweens

When kids get into the double digits, they will probably want more space and privacy than they did when they were younger. If toddlers are the toughest age to travel with logistically, tweens may be the toughest age group to please.

If possible, you'll want to seek out accommodations with individual bedrooms or even a living room with a pullout sofa where your child can unwind at the end of a long day. Finding a space with an extra bathroom or two wouldn't hurt, either.

These kids are also entering an age where fun with others their age can outrank fun with mom and dad or younger siblings. This makes the tween years a great time to double up and take a trip with another family or cousins or go somewhere that has a club specifically for the tween age.

Even in the world of theme parks, resorts and cruise lines, some are better suited for tweens than others.

Outdoor adventure

If you've been holding off on long-distance hikes or other iterations of "roughing it," now might be the time. A U.S. national park is a good place to start.

From mule treks in the Grand Canyon to beachfront camping in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park to discovering dinosaur fossils at Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado and Utah , each U.S. national park offers something special for everyone, including tweens. Remember that the National Park Service also makes park passes available for free to those in the fourth grade.

Speaking of (almost) free, kids in fourth through sixth grade qualify for a $59 Colorado ski pass that's valid at a variety of resorts .

Universal Orlando Resort

You can certainly bring younger kids to Universal Orlando Resort , but by the time they reach the tween years, they should often reach the height requirements for most attractions and won't be as scared off by the tall, looping coasters that far surpass the intensity of even Disney's most thrilling rides.

We recommend staying on-site in one of Universal's Premier Hotels since they are closest to the parks and provide everyone in your party with complimentary Universal Express Unlimited access to skip the standby lines during your visit. If you want to enjoy a real treat, go all out on a Universal VIP experience .

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line knows how to make guests of all ages feel special, but tweens can be a tough group to charm.

Luckily, Disney has this down to a science thanks, in part, to their club for guests aged 11-14. Tweens will feel like teens while making fun projects with provided art supplies, partaking in dance parties, singing karaoke, watching movies, playing video games and more.

Mom Shana Loveday advises parents to let their tweens help plan the trip. She also recommends teaching them the invaluable skill of reading a paper road map. "Teach them how to read the map and let them have markers to track progress," Loveday said.

Best trips to take with teens

Like so many aspects of parenting a teen, the biggest travel challenge with this age group can be getting them excited and willing to participate. Balancing their potentially busy school and work calendars can be tough, too. Asking for their input on where you travel and what you do while there can go a long way. Allowing them to bring a friend may even earn you non-sarcastic "cool parent" status for at least a few days.

The sky's the limit at this point in terms of where you go and what you do. The training wheels are gone, and you can probably take the types of trips you used to go on before you had kids — just with a teenage twist to the plot.

New York City

There is so much to see and do in New York City. Not to mention, there are quite a few opportunities to sneak in U.S. history lessons while you're there.

We can help you choose a hotel and from there, it's up to you and your teen to decide which Broadway shows to see, museums to visit and landmarks to go to the top of for perfect panoramic views of the city for social media.

California road trip

California is well known for its theme parks and beaches, but it's also one of the best states for an epic road trip.

In addition to its general travel tips and visitor information, Visit California (the state's tourism board) offers a variety of road trip itineraries for every type of traveler. You can stick with the Highway One Classic road trip for unparalleled views of the California coast, or you can choose a trip that satisfies your family's specific interests, such as the Amazing Desert Oddities road trip or a Movie Locations Tour .

European adventure

Nobody wants to deal with jet lag, but it is true that teens are probably better equipped to handle it than their younger counterparts.

If your teen is taking European language classes in school, you could choose a destination where they could get in some real-world practice. Or, you can bounce from country to country, which is surprisingly convenient and affordable by train or plane.

Writer, podcaster and parent Jana Seitzer loves letting her teens help plan their vacations. "We've found over the years that when they are invested, they enjoy the trip more," she said. "When everyone gets to provide input on activities and locations, everyone gets at least something they want."

Best trips to take with your college-aged 'kids'

If your college-age kids have flown the coop, planning a vacation where they have the freedom they are used to can be difficult. Keep them involved throughout the planning process and try to keep the reins loose during your trip, with pre-arranged meeting times throughout the day. As long as you land on something that sounds mutually enjoyable that works for their schedule, odds are they'll be thrilled to take a trip on their parents' dime — especially if a friend can come along.

Consider how your kid in college likes to spend their free time, and tailor your plans to their favorite activities. You could spend a day lounging on the beach or trying more active pursuits like zip-lining or parasailing.

All-inclusive resort

Because the cost includes (almost) everything, an all-inclusive resort gives everyone the freedom to do what they want, when they want, without worrying about money.

Excellence Resorts in Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Montego Bay, Jamaica; are ideal options for families with kids in college. The adults-only section of Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is another terrific option, as it caters to guests 18 and older. There are plenty of points-friendly all-inclusive properties, too, such as the Hyatt Ziva Cancun .

Multigenerational ski vacation

Whether you've been skiing together for years or you're all learning together for the first time, the college years are an excellent time to bring the grandparents (and maybe some cousins, aunts and uncles) along for a big multigenerational ski vacation .

Rent a spacious ski home close to the slopes so everyone has plenty of room to spread out when they're not shredding powder on the mountain as often as they choose during the day. You can even book a semi-private ski lesson for your whole group and tailor it to your current skill level.

Seitzer is an enthusiastic proponent of multigenerational trips, no matter your kids' ages. "Multigen travel is a fantastic way to spend quality family time with multiple family units making memories together," she said.

Traveling with kids of different ages

If you have multiple kids with significant age gaps in between, your biggest challenge will be finding a destination with a wide range of activities that will entice children from various age groups. Your best bet is a cruise or resort where the activities and entertainment are built right in.

Adventures by Disney

While you may feel sticker shock when you initially see the price tag, if you have a mix of ages in your family and the budget to support it, Adventures by Disney vacation packages can be a fantastic solution.

They offer guide-led trips on land and by cruise to destinations ranging from Wyoming to Antarctica . They take care of most of the details and work, and the price covers all meals and outings. Additionally, there are likely families there with kids of all ages so your group could blend right in.

Hawaiian resort

A sprawling resort with lots of activities and accommodations designed for large families will ensure everyone has an enjoyable vacation. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is an amazing deal with Hyatt points. Plus, it offers daily activities like yoga, lei making and golf, as well as one of the best family pool complexes in the U.S.

There's also a kids club (for a fee) if you find yourself in need of child care for the younger members of your travel party.

Travel writer Sarah Gilliland has 10-year-old twins and a 2-year-old son. Her advice is to save her older kids' favorite activities for their little brother's nap time.

"When he sleeps in the stroller or I head back to our hotel with him for a nap, it's go-time for them," Gilliland said. "It helps their time with us feel special, especially since they had our undivided attention for eight years." She also recommends having a grandparent, another family member or a babysitter travel with you so they can help care for the younger kid(s) while you spend time with the older ones.

Mom Christy Kelley shared a helpful tip for keeping the boredom away while en route to your destination. "A friend once suggested that I take paper lunch bags and fill each with one activity and one snack for each hour of the trip so the kids always have something to look forward to," she told TPG. "It's great for kids of any age."

Bottom line

Naturally, these recommendations aren't set in stone. Some kids and families are ready to level up their travel early, while others like to keep things simple for a little longer. There's no right or wrong time for most types of trips, just general age ranges when some things tend to be easier than others.

If you want to head to Europe with your toddler, go for it. Or, if you want to head to Disney World with your grown kids, do it. Odds are high that great memories will be made no matter what you take on, as long as you're willing to go with the flow and keep your kids' wants and needs high on the priority list.

So, where to next?

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Ultimate Family Travel Bucket List: 119 Adventures Around the World

This family travel bucket list is filled with over 100 family adventures around the world. We love to travel as a family! There are so many places to explore together, the options sometimes seem endless.

Organized by region, this family bucket list will inspire you to plan your next family vacation, long-term travel, outdoor family vacation, or once-in-a-lifetime family adventure! We’ve also indicated age ranges when applicable, though, of course, this may vary by family.

Some of these adventures were part of our Family Year Out ( what is a family year out? ), and others we’re still hoping to see and do!

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our recommendations are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

Talking with your family about bucket list ideas? At the bottom of this post download free Mobile Wallpaper images to satisfy your wanderlust!

Know where you want to head? Use the Table of Contents to skip around!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Family Travel Bucket List

We’ve compiled a list of over 100 family-friendly adventures around the globe- organized by continent. The more we travel, and check a few family bucket list adventures off of the list, the more we realize how incomplete any list is. The more we travel, the more we want to see, and the more we realize how many unique things there are to do around the world!

Family Travel Bucket List Europe:

Some of our favorite trips through Europe include a month in Florence (here’s our best list of things to do in Florence and what to eat in Florence ), and a month in Croatia , including Zagreb , Split , Plitvice , and Zadar .

We also spent a month around the holidays in Vienna, Austria. Vienna is a walkable, enchanting, city, that is one of the safest cities in Europe .

1. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

All the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard symbolize London for me. Ideally, pop into Buckingham Palace for a tour after the ceremony. Buckingham Palace has been the official London home of the Royal Family since 1837.

Changing of the Guard usually occurs at 11 am, except for Saturday and Tuesday. Make sure to check the official schedule before you go.

2. Visit Stonehenge at Sunset

Stonehenge is closed to the public by sunset, but you can book a special access ticket to watch the sun dip behind the stones.

The Stone Circle Experience gives you access to inside the stone circle either before or after general admission hours. These are timed tickets that allow you to wander among the stones up until 9:00 in the evening. Children are welcome (under 5 are free), but please don’t touch the stones.

If you are concerned with visiting at sunset, you can combine Stonehenge with a trip to Windsor Castle, and the famous town of Bath, all in a one-day trip from London. What a great way to see three bucket-list-worthy sites all at once (and it’s affordable!)

Book Now: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Tour from London

3. Road Trip around Scotland

Explore Edinburgh, search for the mythical Nessie in Loch Ness, see the reindeer in Cairngorms National Park, and visit the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides Islands. We’re hoping to do this soon, hopefully in the warmer summer months!

4. Stay in a Castle in Ireland

The beds are quite short, but you’ll never forget a night in a real Irish Castle. We stayed at Cabra Castle , in county Kingscourt and I’d go back in a heartbeat!

We arrived after dark on a rainy night, so we didn’t get to explore the grounds as much as I would have liked. It feels very grand to pass a suit of armor on your way down to dinner!

5. Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Azores

Put on your mask and snorkel and go see the dolphins where they live and play! Best for ages 8 and up.

The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic with a population of just under 250,000 people. They are an autonomous region of Portugal, with a subtropical climate. The Azores are a 2 1/2 hour flight from Lisbon .

The beaches are rocky and the terrain is wild- you’ll find geothermal hot springs, active volcanos, and natural lava swimming holes. These islands are great places for whale watching and dolphin experiences.

6. Sing Do-Re-Mi in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is known as the birthplace of Mozart, has dramatic views of the Alps, and you can visit some areas where the Sound of Music was filmed.

To really get into the spirit, take Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour of the areas shown in the film. They have bikes for adults and kids, as well as tandem bikes.

You can also take a Sound of Music tour by bus that includes stops in the town of St Gilgen Mozartplatz, and the town of Mondsee, where you’ll see the Basilica St. Michael where the wedding of Maria and Baron von Trapp was filmed.

Book Now: The Original Sound of Music Tour

Salzburg is a wonderful place to visit for Christmas- explore the festive markets and take a carriage ride through town. A day trip to Salzburg is easy from both Vienna and Munich.

7. Tour the Colosseum in Rome

There is so much history in Rome (and also a lot of cats). Eat gelato and take in centuries of ruins. I loved Rome and could have stayed for weeks.

I went to the Colosseum on my own, and think I would have learned a lot more, with a tour guide. When we visited as a family we booked a guided tour of this incredible place to help it come alive for all of us.

Book Now: Guided Tour of the Colosseum

Interested in Rome? Don’t miss our 4-day Itinerary for first-timers with kids, the best hotels in Trastevere , and our recommendations for the best golf cart tours , and tours of the Roman catacombs .

8. Picnic Under the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the first landmark that my kids recognized from outside our country. Visiting it will turn what they have seen in books or on maps into a real place that exists outside their imaginations.

Choose a treat or two from one of the gorgeous patisserie windows and picnic near the famous monument. There is so much security set up around the perimeter, that getting actually under the Eiffel Tower is more difficult than it used to be!

9. Visit the Guernsey Islands

A little off the beaten path, but easy to get to, these Channel Islands get the most sunshine in the UK!

Enjoy afternoon tea, look for puffins, learn to surf, kayak, or relax on a sandy beach. Older kids will want to tour the tunnels built by the Germans during their occupation during World War II.

As a bonus, these islands don’t count toward your Schengen Area days!

10. See the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

This small bronze statue welcomes visitors to Copenhagen harbor. Denmark is consistently rated as one of the happiest countries in the world.

Take a picture next to the mermaid, stroll through the old city, then hop on a canal tour to see the city from the water. Head over to Nature’s Playground in Valbyparken to climb and explore.

11. Marvel at the Alhambra in Spain

The Alhambra in Granada is a large palace complex with elaborate gardens, and water features. You can easily wander all day here if you love staring at intricate tile patterns like I do!

The Alhambra was the royal residence and court in the mid-13th Century, it then became a Christian court in 1492. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a top example of Moorish architecture, and a fascinating mix of the East and the West.

I traveled to Granada pre-kids just to see this astounding site, and I can’t wait to explore this bucket list palace with the kids!

12. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam was one of Waker’s favorite stops in Europe, and we’re excited to share it with the kids!

Rent a boat to explore the canals or rent bikes to cycle around this flat city. Visit the Rijksmuseum   to see Rembrandts and Vermeers, then head over to the Van Gogh Museum for more fabulous art.

Visit the Anne Frank House to explore the secret annex where she and her family hid for years. This can be an emotional visit, use your judgment for age appropriateness.

13. See Tulips in Bloom in the Netherlands

From mid-April to early May, the tulips bloom in breathtaking fields of color. You can see the tulips about 40 km from Amsterdam in an area called Bollenstreek.

This area is also famous for stunning views of traditional Holland. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are a popular place to view the fields. You can rent a bike to explore the area, or even take a helicopter over the fields.

14. Visit Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall

Checkpoint Charlie is a famous access point between East and West Berlin during the cold war. There is a museum there, and they’ve left the checkpoint booth, sandbags, and flags so that you can imagine what it might have been like during the cold war. You’ll find it at Friedrichstraße 43-45.

To view what’s left of the Berlin Wall, head to the East Side Gallery to see the longest stretch of surviving wall. More than 100 artists have decorated this area of the wall. Start at the Warschauer Straße or Ostbahnhof railway stations.

15. Visit the Acropolis in Athens

Seeing the Acropolis tower over the city of Athens is an awe-inspiring sight. Climb the hill and explore this archeological wonder.

The amount of history surrounding you can be overwhelming- try this Mythology Tour to put it into perspective and keep the kids entertained.

Book Now: Acropolis Mythology Tou r

Make sure to stop by Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard. Consider adding a day trip to your family holiday to see the Temple of Poseidon as well.

16. Explore the Greek Islands

The blue and white color palette of the Greek Islands just oozes relaxation. Take a morning ferry from Athens and enjoy the ride over.

The Cyclades Islands are the closest to Athens and offer plenty of great options. I’ve spent time on Santorini and Naxos and loved them both for different reasons.

Interested in Santorini? Check out this one-day Santorini itinerary .

Mykonos is also on our list of possible islands. From beautiful beaches to a calm atmosphere, wonderful fresh food, ruins, volcanos, and stunning sunsets, Greece has it all. It’s best to visit from late May to September.

17. Eat Chocolate and Waffles in Brussels

Who doesn’t love, chocolate, waffles, french fries, and beer for grown-ups? Brussels offers specialties in all these areas! See the famous Mannekin Pis statue, then visit the Royal Palace and the Musee de Magritte.

18. Explore Medieval Castles in Romania

Bran Castle is the most famous of Romania’s Medieval castles, but its connection with Dracula is tenuous, and it can get crowded.

Corvin Castle and Peles Castle are beautiful and less visited castles. While you are there, sunbathe on the edge of the Black Sea, visit the Berca Mud volcanoes, and stroll the old town of Sighisoara.

19. Take a Boat into the Blue Cave in Croatia

Similar to the Blue Grotto near Capri, the light inside this cave is supposed to be incredible. The Blue Cave is on Bisevo Island, you can take a speedboat here from Split or Dubrovnik. You’ll enter the cave in a wooden boat- it’s best to visit on a bright sunny day, ideally between 11 am and noon.

Book Now: Blue Cave Small Group Tour

20. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia

Cappadocia in central Turkey is known for its tall rock formations called “fairy chimneys”. This otherworldly landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the best ways to see this area is by hot air balloon- most balloons go up in the early morning for sunrise. To visit the area, take a flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir.

Base yourself in Goreme and stay in a cave hotel. Make sure to visit Uchisar Castle and the underground city of Kaymakli.

Taking a hot air balloon ride has long been on my travel adventure bucket list! I had planned to take one over the deserts of Jordan but windy conditions canceled the flight.

You can also take a balloon ride over coffee farms in Columbia, the temples of Bagan, Myanmar, or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The most inexpensive place to fulfill this travel dream is the town of Vang Vieng, Laos.

Hot Air Balloon rides are generally for ages 6+, though some companies go by height (minimum 4′ 6″). Keep in mind that the balloons are loud, so bring ear protection for sensitive ears.

21. Visit the Palaces of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is called the “Venice of the North”, and Russia’s “Cultural Capital”. Ever since I read War and Peace I’ve been dreaming of seeing the grand palaces where extravagant balls were held followed by a horse and sleigh ride home.

Visit the grand palace of Peterhof – often compared to Versailles. It has 147 fountains for the kids to run around outside, including some “trick” fountains.

Head 30 km South to see Catherine’s Palace , the summer palace of the tzars.

Lastly, visit the Winter Palace , which houses the world-famous Hermitage Museum . Best for ages 8+.

22. See the Bolshoi Ballet

See a performance of the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet on the historic stage of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. You can also take a guided tour of the theater .

23. Go Dog Sledding

Head up to the Northern reaches of Europe to try dog sledding. A form of transportation that has been used for over 2000 years, dog sledding is an ideal way to experience nature in near silence.

Svalbard, Norway is famous for its dog sledding. There are also opportunities in Finland, Andorra, Greenland, and Iceland!

24. See the Northern Lights

Seeing the swirls of the northern lights is definitely a family travel bucket list item! We hoped to see them during our time in Iceland, but no luck. Northern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard in Norway, and Abisko, Sweden are locations with a high chance of seeing this phenomenon.

25. Explore the Fjords of Norway

Take the Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flåm, with riveting scenery along the way. Pass endless waterfalls, then take a boat ride through the fjords.

Don’t miss Balestrand, the village that inspired Disney’s Arendelle in the Frozen movies. The best time to visit is June through August. Expect to see snow, even in the height of summer.

26. Watch Whales and Puffins in Iceland

There are lots of amazing things to do in Iceland , but visiting Iceland in the summer means you can see puffins and whales! Puffin tours run from May to August. Look for smaller boats that can get you close to the birds.

This whale watch out of Husavik is on a wooden sailing boat the kids can help sail. Ages 7+ for this tour, others are for all ages.

Book Now: Whale Watch on a Wooden Boat

27. Visit Santa’s Village

Just a few kilometers from Rovaniemi, Finland on the Arctic Circle, is Santa’s Village . Open every day of the year, come meet the reindeer and Santa himself at his main office!

There is no charge for the village or meeting Santa. The Arctic Circle is denoted by a beam of light, and you can get a certificate for crossing the circle. You can get your passport stamped and send postcards from Santa’s Post Office.

You can also visit huskies, go sledding or ice tubing, visit a snow castle, and more!

Family Travel Bucket List Asia :

We started our adventures through Asia with Sri Lanka, then India. We’ve loved our time in SE Asia, including a month in Bali. We also highly recommend a visit to South Korea!

28. Visit Tibet

Stroll through Lhasa, visit the Potala Palace, and learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture. See the emerald-colored, freshwater Yamdrok Lake, visit monasteries, and explore the Himalayas.

Yowangdu Experience Tibet has a great article on Lhasa – covering everything from safety to traveling around.

Tibet is at a high altitude, and the sun can be harsh- make sure to bring sunscreen, and plan to take time to acclimatize to the altitude.

Travel to Tibet is best for kids 5+ based on the risk of altitude sickness. The best times to visit are April-June and September-October.

29. Explore Bhutan

I’m intrigued by this small, landlocked, Himalayan nation where archery is the national sport. Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the holiest site in Bhutan, which is built into the side of a cliff.

The government requires all tourists to have a preplanned itinerary with a Bhutanese guide. To visit you must pay a daily tourist fee, per person. Adults pay approx. $250 USD per day, children ages 5-12 pay approx. half and children under 5 are free.

While this makes Bhutan very expensive to visit, it also ensures that the tourist attractions are never crowded, or disrespected.

The best times to visit are from October-December and March-April. Due to altitude and the difficulty of the trek to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan is best for ages 7+.

30. Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

The ABC trek in Nepal is very popular- it will generally take you about 14 days starting and ending in Kathmandu. The scenery along the route is breathtaking, and you’ll stay in traditional tea houses along the route.

You’ll need a guided trip for this outdoor family adventure- I trust G Adventures , I used them in Jordan, and have spoken with other travelers who have used them all over the world.

Book Now: 15 Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The minimum age is 12 for the Annapurna tour. You can also trek to Everest Base Camp, also ages 12+.

Families with younger kids may want to consider a five-day Poon Hill trek. While in Nepal, don’t miss Chitwan National Park- you may see a One-horned Rhino!

31. Find Tigers in the Wild

See tigers, leopards, and sloth bears in Royal Bardia National Park or Chitwan National Park in Nepal. Explore the parks through guided tiger walks, jeep tours, and canoe rides.

Nepal takes animal conservation very seriously, so the animals here are well protected, You can also travel to Ilam in Eastern Nepal to try to spot the endangered red panda.

32. Visit Mustang

I’d never heard of this place until a friend mentioned it, and now it’s definitely on our family travel bucket list!

Mustang is a region of Nepal, close to the Tibet border. It is considered the “lost kingdom”, and was its own kingdom until being incorporated into Nepal in 2008.

Tourists first entered this area in 1992. The Nepalese government now offers a 10-day permit to enter the area with a guide. This International Traveller article has more information. Ages 12+.

33. Slide Down the Great Wall of China

Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, located about a two-hour drive from Beijing. Take the gondola to the top of the wall, then walk down the sloping wall until you reach the metal alpine slide.

The ride down takes about five minutes. You are in your own bobsled with a brake, so you control your speed. You’re not actually sliding on the Great Wall, but down the mountain to the base of the wall.

34. See the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are a series of 2,000-year-old clay statues that guarded the tomb of China’s first Emperor. They were discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974.

You can visit three pits in the Terracotta Museum to see over 8,000 clay warriors, jade weapons, and bronze chariots. Each warrior is life-sized and unique- with different expressions, faces, and clothing.

Originally each warrior was painted and carried a real weapon. The Terracotta Museum is located about an hour East of Xi’an.

35. Ride the Trans Siberian Railway

The Trans Siberian Railway is world-famous. Spend a few days onboard watching the scenery, then step off and enjoy a few days in a town along the way.

There is no set route, but rather a network of rail lines across Russia. The three main routes are Moscow to Vladivostok (the original route), Moscow to Beijing (via Mongolia), which takes about 5 days non-stop including two border crossings; and Moscow to Beijing (via Manchuria) which does not include stops in Mongolia. Here’s a handy map .

Consider starting in Moscow, stopping in Ekaterinburg, Irkutsk (visit Lake Baikal), Ulaanbaatar, and finally Beijing. Adventure Family Life wrote a great post on taking the train with kids which has a lot of useful information.

Children under 5 are free, but they have to share a bed with a traveling adult. Children 5-10 are half-price.

36. Sleep in a Yurt in Mongolia

Spend a few days in Ulaanbaatar, visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, and see the giant equestrian statue of Ghengis Khan. Head to the Gobi desert to stay with a family in their ger (yurt), and climb the dunes at Khongoryn Els.

See the Flaming Cliffs, then head to Karakorum, the old capital of Mongolia. Finish with a trip to the Mongolian grasslands and Khustai National Park to see wild horses.

37. See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The cherry blossoms bloom across Japan in the Spring, starting in late January in the South, and blooming in Tokyo around late March, or early April. You can check forecasts to see predictions for the year.

Called sakura, this is a time of celebration and gatherings of friends and family. Many Japanese celebrate hanami, where they picnic and quietly contemplate life.

Mount Yoshino is a popular spot for hanami, as there are over 30,000 cherry trees. Look for sakura-flavored treats available only during this time.

38. Stay at a Traditional Ryokan in Japan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn. They can be found all over Japan, but are especially prevalent in areas around hot springs, and the Kyoto area.

You stay in a room with a tatami floor and a futon, which often converts into your dining space. An elaborate traditional dinner is served, as well as breakfast. A bit more expensive than other housing options, they offer a window into Japanese culture and traditions.

We are hoping to stay in a ryokan at Shibu Onsen when we visit the snow monkeys!

39. Visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is such an iconic building, of course, it had to make our family travel bucket list! Fly into New Delhi, spend a few days there, then head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Arrive for sunrise, then enter via the East gate. After you are done exploring, head to Agra Fort to see where Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned after his son seized power.

The Taj Mahal is India’s biggest tourist attraction, it was built using the labor of 1,000 elephants! We wrote a full guide to visiting the Taj Mahal .

From Agra take the train to Jaipur to see “the pink city”, then see wild tigers in Ranthambore National park. Head back to New Dehli, or continue on to Udaipur, the “city of lakes”, then Jodhpur, “the blue city”.

40. Sleep in a Monastery in Myanmar

Myanmar (Burma) is off-limits in 2021, but we’ll leave this intriguing country on our travel bucket list for down the line.

Travelers have written of the beauty and isolation of this country which had just opened up to tourism before the current political climate closed it again.

Hopefully sleeping on a thin pad on the floor of a monastery will be one of our family adventures when the situation calms down.

41. Stay in a Stilt House in Myanmar

Visit the floating gardens of Lake Inle and stay in a bamboo house built on stilts. The woven bamboo allows for air circulation to keep the house cool. Apparently, tomatoes grow year-round in the gardens here!

42. Explore Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a laid-back attitude and miles of sandy shoreline, it’s also one of the best places in the world to spot a blue whale.

Climb Lion Rock, visit a turtle hatchery on the Southern coast, and take photos of the stilt fisherman! Visit Yala National Park to try to spot a leopard (we saw one named Amber!), and see elephants and water buffalo in the wild.

You can also visit a tea plantation and take a train ride through the beautiful countryside from Kandy to Ella. Some of our favorite beaches are Hiriketiya Beach and Hikkaduwa Beach . Ready to visit? Check out our Sri Lanka itinerary to get started!

43. Cruise Halong Bay

Board a traditional junk boat and cruise Halong Bay in Northern Vietnam. A few hours from Hanoi, the bay is known for its towering limestone rock formations. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the most popular spots in Vietnam.

Choose a two-night cruise if you can- you’ll escape the crowds on the second day. There are so many tour operators, the hardest part is choosing which boat to take!

Most boats stop at Surprise Cave and Ti Top Island, and some offer cooking classes or other activities onboard. An alternative is Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay which are less crowded. October to March is the best time to visit.

Check Prices: Halong Bay Tour

44. Visit the Temples of Angkor Watt

Waker and I visited Angkor Watt as part of our honeymoon, and were excited to take the kids there to explore. We spent a month in Cambodia, and found that Siem Reap has become a hipper town, than we expected, with lots of great coffee options .

Check out our guide to the Angkor Temples , as well as all the other amazing things to do in Siem Reap , Cambodia. Consider taking a food tour to learn about Khmer cuisine .

45. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

When we visited Thailand in 2013, we visited an elephant center where we fed, rode on, and bathed the elephants. We discussed it at the time and felt that our dollars were supporting the care of the animals (who are notoriously expensive to feed).

Animal tourism has evolved since then, and we are now more careful to only support places where the animal’s natural behaviors are encouraged.

We’d love to expose our kids to the wonder of elephants, but in a place where there is no riding or unnatural training. As such, we are hoping to visit an elephant sanctuary to interact with rescued elephants.

Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is one option that is on the well-worn tourist route.

We highly recommend a visit to the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri, Cambodia. You can spend a half-day walking through the jungle with the elephants, and the other half of the day volunteering around the facility.

Responsible Travel has a great list of Elephant Sanctuaries around the world that you can feel good about supporting.

46. Lounge on a Thai Island

The island beaches of Thailand are well-known for a reason! So many options for relaxing in a tropical paradise. We spent part of our honeymoon in Koh Samui, then took the kids to hang out on Ko Phi Phi, but there are endless options for islands to explore.

47. Relax on the Gili Islands, Indonesia

The Gili Islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. There are no cars on the islands, you either walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn cart to get around.

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the islands with the most nightlife and a night market. Gili Meno is the smallest, least populated island and is known for its turtle sanctuary.

We opted for the middle-sized island of Gili Air, and spent part of our “babymoon” there- it was a bumpy boat ride from Lombok to get there, but the island itself is absolutely lovely.

Family Travel Bucket List Middle East:

The Middle East is packed with history- Petra is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and Israel has the most important landmarks for three major religions packed into one city. Abu Dhabi and Dubai pack in family-friendly activities as well- from jaw-dropping architecture to amusement parks.

48. Visit the Ruins of Petra in Jordan

I grew up with the Indiana Jones movies, and ever since I realized Petra was a real place I’ve wanted to visit!

I explored Petra and other places in Jordan for the first time on a G Adventures tour in 2013 and it was just as magical as I’d hoped. Waker didn’t have time off from work, and I knew (hoped) we’d be starting a family soon, so I joined the tour solo, and loved it!

I met lots of friendly people and saw a lot more through the tour than I could have managed in the same amount of time on my own.

Petra is absolutely a bucket list family adventure! We returned in 2022 and explored as a family.

Petra at night is spectacular. There is a musical concert in front of the Treasury (the most well-known facade), and the walkways and treasury area are lit by candlelight.

49. Sleep Under the Stars in Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum desert is stunning- ride a camel, climb rock arches, and sleep under the stars. We visited on our tour of Jordan but didn’t get a chance to sleep overnight in this beautiful desert, as it was a cold time of year.

50. Float in the Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea is a strange experience- the sea is over 30% salt, so you are extremely buoyant. The mud is supposed to be wonderful for your skin, so you slather it all over yourself and then float in the sunshine.

You can enter the Dead Sea from the Jordanian or the Israeli side, as the middle of the sea forms part of the border between the two countries. I visited the Jordanian side, we could see drones patrolling the Israeli border.

51. Visit Jerusalem

The Holy City for Jews, Muslims, and Christians, there is a ton of history packed into Jerusalem. Visit the old city, the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Al Aqsa mosque.

Consider a day trip to Bethelem to see the Church of the Nativity (it is easiest to take a tour), or a day trip to the Dead Sea.

It’s worth noting that everything in Israel (restaurants, public transportation) shuts down for the Sabbath from Friday late afternoon to Saturday night. Holy sites generally require that shoulders and knees are covered.

52. Visit the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

This mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE is one of the grandest in the world. It is massive- the equivalent of four football fields. Construction began in 1996 and took 12 years to complete.

An international collaboration, the mosque combines Persian, Mughal, and Moorish architecture. The Grand Mosque includes 82 domes and has the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

There is no charge to visit the mosque, but you will need to reserve a time . Visit early to beat the heat. There are free guided tours available- don’t miss these tours! You’ll be inside the main space, while others crowd around ropes on the outside.

Women will need to cover up- bring a headscarf, the mosque provides black abayas in a couple of sizes to borrow. Men are also requested to dress conservatively.

53. Tour Iran

Iran is a tricky place for Americans to visit politically, and the State Department currently warns strongly against it. I’ve heard amazing stories from other travelers who found the local people warm and inviting. My Pinterest is filled with images of mosques and tile work in Iran, I’d absolutely love to visit!

Unsure about visiting? Check out this article from Intrepid Travel (from 2018). Even when the situation is a bit more stable, Americans, Brits, and Canadians can only visit on a tour.

Plan to book a tour at least three months ahead as the visa process can be quite long. Note that debit cards and credit cards will not work in Iran.

There are some tours for younger travelers like this tour for ages 5+ from Shiraz to Tehran. I would probably wait until the kids are older and opt for a longer tour like this one from Intrepid Travel for ages 15+.

Family Travel Bucket List Oceania:

54. road trip around new zealand.

We are really hoping to road trip around New Zealand in late 2021, early 2022 (now aiming for 2023!) depending on when the borders open. We are all really excited for the dramatic landscape of New Zealand, and it’s soo far from us in the US that this will be a real treat!

Ideally, we’ll use a relocation service to rent a vehicle, then drive from Auckland stopping at Hobbiton, Rotorua for Geysers, the Redwoods, on to Wellington, then across to the South Island.

We will pan for gold, see a glow worm cave, then head to Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the penguins in Dunedin. We’ll pause at Lake Tekapo to try to see the Southern Lights, then head to Christchurch, and possibly out to Kaikoura to see the whales.

55. Explore a Glow Worm Cave

Taking a boat ride through a glowworm grotto sounds so magical! Arachnocampa Luminosa are unique to New Zealand, you can see them by exploring caves, or going for a guided kayak trip or night hike.

The most famous caves are the Waitomo Caves on the North Island where you go 150 feet underground to see the glowworms in large limestone caves.

On the South Island, you can visit the Te Anau caves . Cruise across Te Anua lake before entering the glowworm grotto. All ages.

Check Prices: Te Anau Caves Glow Worm Tour

56. See the Southern Lights

I didn’t know the Southern Lights existed until I started researching New Zealand. Now the Aurora Australis is definitely on our family outdoor adventure bucket list!

We are hoping to see them at Lake Tekapo, which is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Other good places to see them in New Zealand are Stewart Island and Invercargill.

You can also see the Southern Lights from Tasmania, Australia; Antarctica, and the South Georgia Islands. Some stargazing tours do have an age limit of 6+.

57. Swim with Wild Dolphins

Swim with wild Dusky Dolphins, Hectors Dolphins, and Common Dolphins with Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura, New Zealand.

You can’t touch the dolphins, but you’ll swim in their natural environment with a snorkel and fins and let them engage you as much as they desire. You can also watch from the boat if you prefer. Ages 8+ to swim with the dolphins.

While in Kaikoura, you can also kayak beside whales, seals, and dolphins.

Book Now: Kaikoura Wildlife Kayak Tour

58. Fly to the Top of a Glacier

When exploring New Zealand, don’t forget the glaciers! This helicopter tour will take you around both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers before landing in the snow for you to experience them firsthand. These glaciers are the largest in New Zealand and the most visited. They flow almost down to sea level.

59. Explore the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback has such a mystery to it- wild camels, lizards, crocodiles, and poisonous trees!

I did a 7-day tour from Adelaide to Alice Springs and had a fantastic time. We took the dirt roads, stopped for hikes, and camped at night. We visited the opal mines in Cooper Pedy, toured Uluru, and ended in Alice Springs. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole trip fascinating.

I’d love to take my kids when they are a bit older and do something similar. A lot of tours have you flying into Alice Springs to visit Uluru, I would avoid these, half the fun is getting there!

60. Cuddle a Baby Kangaroo

I got to cuddle a joey on my tour of the Australian outback, and you should too! We visited Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage in Cooper Pedy- they take in baby kangaroos from all over Southern Australia and raise them until they can be re-homed.

Most of these babies come to them when the mothers are killed on the roads, but the joeys survive in the pouch. They use cloth pouches to simulate the mother and bottle feed them. It’s such a treat to hold them and see what affectionate animals they are.

61. Visit Uluru

Uluru is a sacred sandstone formation in the middle of Australia. Aboriginals believe it was formed by ancestors in the Dreaming. Once called Ayer’s Rock, it was returned to its aboriginal name.

The Anangu people still hold ceremonies in caves at the base of Uluru, and only certain tribe members can climb the rock.

As a tourist, you can walk around the base of the rock and learn about its history and its place in aboriginal culture. It is a beautiful place, and its dominance over the surrounding flat landscape is awe-inspiring.

62. Climb the Harbour Bridge

Ready to climb high over Sydney? Climbing the Harbour Bridge gives you incredible views over Sydney Harbor, including the iconic Sydney Opera House. You clip onto the side of the bridge (so there’s no chance of falling).

It’s exhilarating and totally safe at the same time. I debated whether to spend the money to do this when I was in Sydney, and I’m so glad I did!

63. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on earth. While there have been worries about coral bleaching and many will say there are better, less touristed spots to dive, this is still definitely on our family bucket list for outdoor adventures!

Visit December-February for the warmest waters and best visibility, March-November is colder, but you are more likely to see large whales.

64. Sail the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are 74 islands close to the Great Barrier Reef in Northeastern Australia. They are known for their tropical climate, white sand beaches, and great diving, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Whitehaven Beach is famous for its white silica sand. You can take a day cruise, charter a yacht, or settle in for a three-day cruise experience.

65. Relax in Fiji

Fiji has lots of resorts that cater to families- with pools, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs. Explore the boardwalks of Kula Eco Park, visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, or take a day trip to visit additional islands (Fiji has 333 of them).

The best time to visit is April through October. Fiji is located to the East of Australia, and North of New Zealand. It is about a four-hour flight from Australia’s East coast.

Family Travel Bucket List Africa:

We’ve visited Morocco as a family, but still have a lot of Africa to see together!

66. Visit the Egyptian Pyramids

Egypt is high on our family adventure bucket list! S recently became intrigued by the tombs and history of Ancient Egypt, so we’ve been reading a lot about it.

Start in Cairo, and visit the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Don’t miss the Egyptian Museum where King Tut lies. Visit Saqqara and the tombs and pyramids there.

Fly to Aswan and take a cruise down the Nile to Luxor in a traditional dahabiya or felucca. Visit the Kom Ombo temple (which we just read about in our Little Passports book) and the Crocodile Museum.

In Luxor, visit the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. If you have time, head to the Red Sea to relax, or take a train from Luxor back to Cairo.

67. Scuba Dive in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive. The water is warm and clear, and wildlife is abundant.

Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam are three of the top spots to dive. There are healthy reefs and world-famous wrecks to dive. During the summer you may spot whale sharks and manta rays.

68. Find the Big Five on an African Safari

The Big Five you try to spot while on safari are: the African leopard, African lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant, and rhinoceros.

Tanzania is known for its game parks- the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are amazing. These more famous parks tend to be more expensive than some others, including Kruger in South Africa. You can also visit the Addo Elephant National Park which is in a malaria-free zone in South Africa.

Some parks allow for self-drive tours. If it is your first time on Safari, I’d advise against this. Our driver was instrumental in ensuring we had a fabulous safari experience. He started us with the smaller animals- on day one we were thrilled to see baboons, by the third day we probably would not have been so enthusiastic.

Our driver was also in contact with other drivers, so he could reroute us when a leopard was spotted in another section of the park.

69. Climb Kilimanjaro

I summited Kilimanjaro with a close friend in 2007- it was tough and incredibly rewarding. If your family is into long treks, this should definitely be on your family bucket list!

The glaciers at the top of Kili are slowly melting, so go as soon as you can! The official minimum age to climb is 10, but 12+ is probably a safer estimate.

70. Relax in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a beach resort destination off the coast of Tanzania with amazing sand beaches. You can also see giant tortoises that are nearly 200 years old on Changuu Island, a protected marine park known for its diving and snorkeling.

Zanzibar is a self-governing state in Tanzania- it consists of two big islands and many small ones. Zanzibar is sometimes called the Spice Islands because cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper grow there.

The old city of Stone Town is a pleasant maze and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The food in Zanzibar is a mix of Indian, Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, and African influences.

Zanzibar is mostly Muslim, so women dress modestly. At one point these islands were the center of the Arab slave trade, so you can visit a former slave market as well as the Mangapwani Caves which were used as holding pens.

To reach Zanzibar take a fast boat from Dar Es Salaam. The best time to visit is June-October.

71. Explore the Souks of Morocco

Morocco is a deluge of sounds and smells. The souks (markets) are fascinating mazes. I visited in 2002 and loved it. I was a little worried about being there on the first anniversary of September 11th but found the people incredibly warm. We visited as a family in 2022, and all enjoyed driving around the country seeing the deserts and the mountains.

Marrakesh and Fez are both “don’t-miss” cities, we created a 10-day Morocco itinerary that includes these as well as Chefchaouen (the blue city), and the beach town of Essaouira.

71. Sleep in a Bedouin Tent in the Desert

One of my favorite memories of visiting the dunes of Merzouga (the red sand dunes where The Mummy movies were filmed) was sleeping in a Bedouin tent in the desert.

We rode camels out to the dunes and had dinner around a campfire. After dinner our Berber guides tried to teach us some basic drumming skills, then we settled down to enjoy the quiet stillness of the desert.

Nowadays, most tents in the desert are rather luxurious- complete with electricity and flush toilets, but it’s still a fun experience.

72. See Lake Retba in Senegal

Lake Retba is called “Lac Rose” for its unusual pink color. The color is created by specific bacteria that are drawn to the salt in the lake. More than 60,000 metric tons of salt are hand-harvested from the lake each year and exported across Western Africa.

Less than an hour’s drive from Dakar, you can swim in the lake or take a rowboat out onto it. The best time to visit is November to June when the salt content is the highest.

73. Look for Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda has some of the last Mountain Gorillas on Earth- there are less than 1,000 left in the wild. The classic gorilla tour includes flying into Entebbe, then taking a jeep to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you will trek in by foot to see the gorillas.

You have about an hour to observe the gorillas and are required to keep a distance of at least 7 meters from them.

Next, you’ll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see the traditional safari Big Five, then to Kibale Forest National Park to see chimpanzees and monkeys of various sorts.

The best times to visit are during the drier months of December to February or June to August. Book early, as permits to see the gorillas are limited. You can also do a Gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Parc National de Volcans.  Ages 16+.

74. Explore Tunisia

Tunisia offers a mix of Mediterranean and Arabic cultures. Explore the historic ruins of Carthage, then head to the enormous Colosseum at El Jem.

Venture into the Sahara desert to see where scenes from the planet Tatooine in Stars Wars were filmed. The planet in the movie was named after the nearby town of Tataouine. The underground house where Luke lived with his aunt and uncle is a hotel in Matmata- you can stay there. The best time to visit is October to May.

75. See Penguins in Capetown

Head to Boulder’s Beach in False Bay to see African penguins. Normally found in Southwestern Africa, a pair appeared here in the 1980s and bred. There are now over 2,000 penguins.

There are viewing platforms and boardwalks to let you safely watch the penguins in this protected area. You can also take a double kayak out to see the penguins from the water.

Book Now: Simon’s Town Penguin Kayak Paddle Tour

The penguins are most active between February and August. All ages for viewing, ages 5-8+ for kayaking depending on the company.

76. See the Namaqualand Desert Bloom

For a few weeks every year, the desert blooms- and is covered with flowers of all colors, including some flowers not seen elsewhere in the world. The peak of color is from early to late August depending on the year.

Start in Springbok, South Africa (about 5 1/2 hours north of Capetown), and head south, stopping at the Goegap Nature Reserve and Skilpad Wildflower Reserve. 

Stop in Niewoudtville where many local farms will open their gates for tourists. Next is Cedarberg and Clanwilliam. The Namaqualand Flower Route is popular, and the scarce accommodation fills up quickly. You may need to book up to a year ahead.

77. Visit Victoria Falls

David Livingston was the first Westerner to see this waterfall and named it after the British queen in 1855. Its native name is Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders”. It is almost a mile wide, and twice the height of Niagara Falls.

The falls form the border between Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Livingstone, Zambia. Whichever country you enter, get a UniVisa upon arrival, so that you can visit both sides of the falls in one day.

78. Relax on the Beaches of Mozambique

Mozambique sits between South Africa and Tanzania, with miles of secluded beaches along the Indian Ocean and great dive spots.

We’re hoping to take a few weeks to chill with friends in Vilanculos as part of our Family Year Out . Vilanculos made this list of the best beaches in Mozambique. The best time to visit is from May to November.

79. Explore Madagascar

The fourth-largest island in the world, Madagascar has so many indigenous species, that it’s sometimes called the “eighth continent”.

Madagascar has three UNESCO World Heritage sites and the only native population of lemurs remaining in the world. Stay in a treehouse, explore the rivers, and see the rock formations of the Petit Tsingy.

Learn about native Malagasy culture, see the giant baobab trees and take a night walk through the rainforest. The best time to visit is from May to October. Recommended for ages 8+.

Family Travel Bucket List North America:

We love road-tripping around the United States, enjoying wacky attractions like Meow Wolf in Santa Fe , or Trees of Mystery in the California Redwoods. Our kids still talk about visiting the Jelly Belly Experience (CA) and the Crayola Factory (PA).

We’ve also visited a lot of National Parks- from smaller parks like the Wright Brothers Memorial , Mammoth Cave , Great Sand Dunes (don’t miss tips for sand sledding ) and Craters of the Moon , to the larger, more famous parks of Glacier , Yellowstone , and Yosemite .

We also love exploring Canada and Mexico. We spent six weeks crossing Mexico, (check out tips for driving in Mexico ) including stops in Ensenada , Puerto Vallarta , the beautiful small town of Yelapa , and historic San Miguel de Allende .

80. Road Trip Across the USA

Whether it’s Route 66 with all its kitsch photo opportunities or circling the National Parks, the American Road Trip is a classic family adventure. Pack the cooler, get ready to sing songs, and eat motel breakfasts!

We took on an Epic 60+ day cross-country family road trip from Connecticut across to Los Angeles, and up to Santa Rosa, CA this summer. We saw friends, hiked in National Parks, and explored big and small towns along the way.

We embarked on a second road trip in the early fall through the American Northwest , followed by a road trip across the Mexican border into Baja Norte .

We got lots of family road trip tips to help you make the most of your road trip, from the best road trip snacks to road trip activities , to a complete list of road trip essentials .

81. Ride Horses on a Dude Ranch

I’d love to take my girls for a week at a dude ranch! Most of them assign you a horse for the week- you help to take care of it as well as ride it. There are campfires, s’mores and games for the kids, and relaxing time for the adults.

82. Visit the Famous National Parks of Utah

Utah has some amazing National Parks including Bryce, Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands. On our summer road trip, we stayed in Bryce Canyon , and hiked in Arches and Canyonlands from a base in Moab .

If you’ll be visiting three or more National Parks, be sure to get an American the Beautiful National Parks Pass. This annual pass grants you admission to National Parks, Monuments, and Preserves. The pass covers everyone in your car, or up to four adults, and means you can leave and re-enter the park easily.

Buy Now: Annual National Parks Pass

82. Climb the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty is a New York City icon. Take the ferry out to see her and climb all the way to her crown! The same ferry will take you to Ellis Island as well.

The crown of the statue was closed after September 11, 2001, for security purposes. There were plans to reopen it before 2020 closed the interior of the statue completely.

Check the official website for updates. You can find more details about visiting the Statue of Liberty in our Beginners Guide to New York City

83. Spend Autumn Leaf Peeping in New England

I grew up in New England, so the seasonal change of colors is easy to take for granted. If you haven’t visited to see the fall colors, you really must!

Peak viewing is usually late September in Northern Maine, and about mid-October in Connecticut. Use this Fall foliage map to see color predictions by state.

Leaf peeping can be combined with other fall activities such as Fall festivals, apple picking (and eating apple cider donuts), corn mazes, and hayrides.

84. Explore the National Mall, Washington D.C.

The National Mall in Washington D.C. is full of monuments, memorials, and museums, all free to the public. From seeing the original signed Declaration of Independence to Dorthy’s Slippers from The Wizard of Oz , there’s always more to see and do. Visiting Washington DC with kids is always a great idea!

When you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit Mt. Vernon , Washington’s family estate.

85. Visit New Orleans and Eat Beignets

New Orleans is known for its Mardi Gras parties (and those are lots of fun!) but there’s plenty for families to do as well. Wander the French Quarter and visit Jackson Square to hear musicians and see fortune-tellers.

Visit the Presbytère Museum to learn about Hurricane Katrina, and then see some Mardi Gras costumes and learn about the history of the celebration.

Make sure to stop for beignets- little square pastries covered in powdered sugar that resemble fried dough- at either Cafe du Monde or Café Beignet. 

Listen to some live jazz and try some Creole dishes like po’boys or gumbo. Ride a streetcar, take a steamboat cruise up the Mississippi, or an airboat swamp tour to look for alligators.

Check out the Artmazing Gallery – 13 selfie rooms, including one where money rains down on you!

You may also consider visiting the Whitney Plantation which focuses on the lives of the enslaved people on the plantation, it’s about an hour’s drive from New Orleans.

86. Watch a Rocket Launch at Kennedy Space Center

Watch a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral! Check the calendar, launches include unmanned rockets and SpaceX capsules headed to the International Space Station. Watch from the visitor center viewing area next to the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

The Kennedy Space Center has so much to offer! Visit their rocket garden to see real rockets, see the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and learn about the Apollo missions.

Step inside an astronaut training simulator to learn to pilot a space shuttle. Kids 10+ can opt for the full Astronaut Training Experience , which is a 4-5 hour program that includes simulated mars terrain.

87. Swim with Manatees in Florida

Crystal River, Florida, is the only place to legally swim with manatees. The water stays warm here all year round, so in the winter around 400 manatees migrate here, though you can visit them year-round. These endangered mammals each weigh about 1,000 pounds and are slow and gentle.

You can take a tour from Crystal River or a day trip from Orlando (about 90 minutes away) that includes manatees, lunch, an airboat ride, and a trip to Homosassa State Wildlife Park. Ages 3+.

Book Now: Manatee Tour from Orlando

88. Visit Cuba

I’d love to take a family trip to Cuba! It’s so close to the United States, yet we have been restricted from visiting for so long. The rich culture, colorful buildings, and beautiful beaches all sound enchanting.

I’d love to visit during the Havana Jazz Festival in December. Plan to explore Havana, stay in Casa Particulares (local homes), take a salsa class in Vinales, and relax on the beach in Trinidad.

Cuba is currently difficult for Americans to travel to, hopefully, these restrictions will loosen over the next few years. You’ll need a government permit to visit and a travel visa.

The easiest way to do this is through a tour company that can provide a Support the Cuban People travel license , though this can get expensive. Options include private tours with Global Family Travels , and group or private tours through Cuba Explorer .

Once you arrive your debit and credit cards won’t work, and you will probably need a local sim for your cellphone. Internet access may be limited. The best time to visit is December to May.

89. Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a must-see. Plan to spend a few days exploring it. We are staying inside the park this summer so we can see the sunrise in the park and take a few hikes. We also took a helicopter ride over the canyon!

Update: We didn’t love it. In fact, we might skip the Grand Canyon on our next road trip!

90. Raft the Colorado River

An adventurous way to see another side of the Grand Canyon is to raft the Colorado River through the canyon. Plan for at least 3-4 days of rafting, and camping on the river’s edge at night. Ages 10+.

91. Visit Yellowstone Park

Old Faithful should be on every family’s outdoor travel bucket list! We wrote a 3-day guide to Yellowstone with kids . The famous geyser inside Yellowstone Park erupts around 20 times per day.

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. You can view the spring from above from a viewing platform on the Fairy Falls trail.

Explore Yellowstone Canyon- take in the view from Artist’s Point then head out on Uncle Tom’s trail.

Don’t miss the Lamar Valley drive where you may see wild bison, deer, or bears. This drive can be combined with visiting Mammoth Hot Springs.

92. Explore Native American History

There are lots of places to explore various Native American cultures around the United States. These experiences help balance some of the European-biased histories we were taught in school.

On our cross-country road trip , we visited several places that largely focus on the colonial and settler experience- from stops at Colonial Williamsburg to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Kansas. While both include the native experience to some extent, it is not their focus. We also learned about the Oregon Trail by visiting some of the stops along the trail.

To balance this with some of the native experience, we started the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC (which we don’t recommend for families). We then visited the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, NC which is focused on the Cherokee people, which we highly recommend! The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK also has a living history village (focused on 1710) and an exhibit on the Trail of Tears.

Explore Mesa Verde National Park (check out our tips for the best of Mesa Verde ) to learn about the Pueblo people. and Taos Pueblo to learn more about how the Taos people are combining modern life with ancient traditions.

93. Visit Disney

A Disney theme park visit should definitely be on every family’s travel bucket list! While I’m not one to visit Disney again and again (and we generally don’t include theme parks in our plans), Disney magic is pretty special. I’m excited to see the kid’s faces light up when we see some of their favorite characters!

We visited Disneyland in December of 2021. We spent one day in Disneyland and had a Park Hopper starting in California Adventure for the second day. At ages 4 and 7, our kids were the perfect age to soak up the wonder and loved seeing the characters, the parade, and the fireworks show.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Lulu . This hotel is an easy 10-minute walk from the parks, with a shuttle stop right outside the hotel. The rooms were cute and comfortable.

94. Kayak or Swim in a Bioluminescent Bay

We kayaked to a bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, it was amazing! There are beaches around the world that sometimes have bioluminescent plankton, but they can be unpredictable.

A Nomad’s Passport did a great post pulling together options around the world. All of these experiences take place after dark, so many are for ages 8+.

We were able to snorkel with bioluminescent plankton in Columbia, on the Rosario Islands .

95. Take an Alaskan Cruise

I’m not a cruise person generally, but an Alaskan cruise would be the exception! I’d love to take a cruise on a smaller boat and be able to kayak out to see the wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Our kids love watching PBS’s Molly of Denali , so we’re all excited to learn more about Alaska and its native traditions.

96. Swim with Manta Rays

Head to Kona on the Big Island, Hawaii to swim with manta rays. You’ll see the sunset from your boat, then snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. You can also scuba dive with the rays.

You’ll have a float with a light shining down- the light attracts the plankton, and the manta rays then come to eat the plankton. These reef manta rays can grow up to 18 feet, on average the rays in Kona are about 12 feet.

Book Now: Swim with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii

Swimming with Manta rays is also available in the Maldives, the Galapagos, and the Great Barrier Reef. Often at those locations, you’ll see manta rays where they go to get their skin cleaned, rather than where they are feeding.

97. Drive the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana in Maui starts in Kahului and winds along 64 miles to the town on Hana. You’ll explore the rainforest, and see waterfalls, roadside stands, and other attractions including the seven sacred pools and a red-sand beach.

The drive is stunning. When I drove it we listened to audio commentary via cassette while we drove- now you can download Gypsy Guide to your phone before you leave. Take your time, stop along the way, and don’t rush! The journey is the destination in this case.

98. Snorkel with Sea Turtles

Watching a large sea turtle gently swim by is an amazing experience! I swam with them in Hanauma Bay , on Oahu. Hanauma Bay is within a volcanic cone and is a marine life conservation area. The Bay now limits visitors and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to give the wildlife a break.

You can also take a snorkeling tour to Turtle Canyons on Oahu or Turtle Town on Maui to snorkel with Green Sea Turtles in the open ocean.

Book Now: Maui Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour

You are most likely to see the turtles between 11 am and 2 pm. There are many beaches you can visit in Maui where you have a high chance of seeing sea turtles- including Slaughterhouse Beach, Black Rock Beach, and Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town). On Oahu try Laniakea Beach, Kahe Point, and Kaupo Bay.

99. See Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is often associated with the Great American Road Trip. You can visit either the American or Canadian side. From the American side, don’t miss the Cave of the Winds, and take the Maid of the Mist out to Bridal Falls. Ponchos are required of course.

From the Canadian side, take the Hornblower cruise out to the falls, ride the SkyWheel, or take a helicopter ride above the falls.

100. Practice your French in Montreal

Dust off your French language skills for a visit to charming Montreal! Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal while eating poutine.

Visit Mount Royal and take a paddleboat out onto Beaver Lake. Check out the botanical garden, the planetarium, or Voiles en Voiles- a pirate ship that houses ropes courses, rappelling, and aerial activities.

Have Barbie fans in your house? Don’t miss the free 5,000-square-foot Barbie Expo exhibit.

101. Explore Sunny Vancouver

Less than an hour from the US border, Vancouver is known for its sunny days and easy access to snow-capped mountains. Explore Stanley Park where you’ll find playgrounds and totems carved by native peoples.

Take a water taxi over to Granville Island for a great public market and a sprinkler park. Take the gondola up Grouse Mountain, or visit Victoria island to have high tea at the Fairmont Hotel.

102. See Polar Bears in Churchill

Head to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears in the wild. In October and November, the bears gather in groups, waiting for the “big freeze” so they can head out onto the ice for seal hunting.

Take a tour to see the bears in an all-terrain tundra vehicle, watch for arctic foxes and see the Northern lights. Ages 8+.

Travel Bucket List Central and South America:

I traveled overland through Central America in my 20s, then we spent over 5 months in South America as a family. We loved practicing our language skills and watching how the language and culture shifted from Colombia to Peru (don’t skip Lima ), to Argentina and Brazil (we wished we had longer in Sao Paulo ).

We also wrote travel tips for South America specifically for families- you’ll often find lines just for families when traveling here.

103. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

In the 1400s Pachacuti built the citadel of Machu Picchu high in the (now Peruvian) Andes. A four or five-day hike brings you to the ruins of this city.

Plan to acclimatize for a few days in Cusco due to the 11,000-foot elevation. There are also fabulous day trips from Cusco to other areas of the Sacred Valley. If you have time, don’t miss Ollantaytambo as well.

Cusco will be the starting point for your Inca Trail hike. On day three you’ll be at over 13,000 feet before descending into Machu Picchu. The trail can be narrow and has steep steps. Best for ages 12+.

There is a one-day Inca Trail hike alternative that is more suitable for families with younger kids. You’ll still enter at the Sun Gate but without the strenuous multi-day hike.

Book Now: One Day Inca Trail for Families

104. Explore the Bolivian Salt Flats

Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat- covering more than 10 kilometers. These flats create a mirror effect reflecting the sky in the wet season (November to March), and a patterned effect in salt during the dry season (May to October).

The salt flats are at over 12,000 feet. They can be reached from the town of Uyuni, or on a tour from La Paz. Multi-day tours include seeing wild flamingos, hot springs, and colorful lakes.

105. Explore Patagonia

Trek through Las Glaciares National Park, stare in awe at the Perito Moreno Glacier, or even take a kayak up close to it (ages 14+).

See the emperor penguins in Tierra del Fuego National Park- the only place they live in the wild outside of Antarctica. This area on the very tip of Argentina is known as the “End of the World”.

Patagonia can be explored from Chile or from Argentina. Flying is often the easiest way to get around as there are large distances between cities.

106. Ride Horses in Mendoza

Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most famous wine regions, but it’s also home to grasslands, mountains, and the gaucho culture (cowboy culture). Take a horse ride across the hills and enjoy Asado (traditional barbeque) for lunch. Ages 6+.

107. Explore the Amazon Rainforest

Most of the Amazonian rainforest is within Brazil. After exploring Rio de Janeiro, head to Manaus, then take a boat to where the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimoes meet.

Dine at a floating restaurant, see lily pads as big as kids, then head out on a boat to cruise through the Amazon. You’ll see macaws, monkeys, piranhas, and more.

You can also explore the Amazon from Peru – either the Iquitos or Tambopata region. The high season is from December through March. Ages 8+.

108. Visit the Galapagos Islands 

A visit to the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies of the Galapagos Islands is definitely high on our family adventure travel bucket list!

The Galapagos Islands are about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. You can choose to do a boat-based or land-based exploration of the islands.

The Galapagos can be expensive to get to, you can also visit Isla de la Plata “the poor man’s Galapagos” to see blue-footed boobies. Visit the Galapagos any time of year, ages 8+.

109. Watch Boats go Through the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a 50-mile feat of engineering that opened in 1914. You can visit easily from Panama City and watch a boat slowly move through the locks.

The Miraflores Locks is the best place to watch- there is a detailed explanation of the canal in the visitors center, then head to the viewing platform to watch the boats. Best for ages 12+.

110. See the Caño Cristales River in Columbia

The Caño Cristales River has been described as a “liquid rainbow”. During July, August, and September, a water plant blooms turning the river red, white, black, and yellow. Located in the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, accessible from the town of La Macarena.

Colombia has some fantastic family destinations, including Medellin , Guatape , Jardin , and Cartagena .

111. Swim with Stingrays in Belize

Head to Shark and Ray Alley to swim with nurse sharks and large stingrays. The animals are used to the idea that the boats bring food and will come quite close to snorkelers. Most tours leave from Caye Caulker in Belize.

You can also swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman- you’ll find large South Atlantic rays in an area dubbed Stingray City. Antigua also has opportunities to swim with Southern Rays. Ages 6+.

112. Visit the ATM Cave in Belize

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is the most popular cave in Belize. This cave was a spiritual site for the Mayan people and was discovered by them around 300 AD. The cave was opened to the public in 1998.

Archeologists believe that human sacrifice took place in this cave, including the sacrifice of small children. Pottery, human remains, and other artifacts are still in the cave for viewing. No cameras are allowed in.

The journey to the cave involves a trek through the jungle, swimming, darkness, and scrambling over rocks. The cave is located about an hour’s drive from San Ignacio. At least ages 8+.

113. Experience Tango in Buenos Aries

Buenos Aires is the “Paris of South America”. Visit the colorful La Boca neighborhood to enjoy the street art and watch impromptu performances of the tango. Stop at a cafe to try some delicious alfajores.

While you are in La Boca, take a walking tour of the Boca Junior soccer stadium. Many restaurants offer a dinner and dance show where you can watch more tango.

We spent one month in Buenos Aires during our Family Gap Year . We loved our time there and would all love to go back.

114. Spy on Sloths in the Wild

Sloths generally hang out in lush tropical jungles, often sleeping high up in trees. Make sure not to touch them as this is very stressful for the animals!

Sloths can be found around Costa Rica- in the Arenal area try taking a guided walk of the private Bogarin Trail. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve also has sloths, though mostly nocturnal, so you’ll need to take a night walk. The Rincon de la Vieja National Park has sloths, though you may need a guided tour to spot them.

In Peru, visit Tambopata National Reserve and take a night walk through the jungle to spot sloths. Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve near Iquitos has brown-throated sloths, and you may also see pink river dolphins or jaguars!

We were lucky to spy a sloth in the wild while visiting the colorful, vibrant city of Cartagena .

115. Climb Temples in Tikal

Tikal absolutely took my breath away. Incredible temples are spread over acres of thick Guatemalan jungle. Monkeys scream from the trees and lemurs dance around your feet. Of all the ruins that I’ve visited across Central America, this is the one I’d most like to return to.

Tikal was a Mayan city that at one point housed up to 100,000 people. Only a fraction of the city has been excavated. You can climb the main temples, for a wonderful view across the jungle canopy. Most temples have narrow steps and no railing, so I’d advise at least age 8+ to get the most out of the site.

116. See Solstice at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a Mayan ruin on the plains of the Yucatan. Just a few hours drive from Cancun, It’s most famous for its main temple which acts as a calendar. On the yearly equinoxes, as the light hits the temple it looks like a serpent slowly descending the stairs of the temple. There is a light show each evening that recreates this phenomenon, but I’d love to see it in actuality!

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Go early in the day, as the heat can get intense, and shade is limited. The best time to visit is November to April.

117. Get Wet at Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina is another one of the new “Seven Natural Wonders” of the world. It is actually made up of 275 separate waterfalls.

To visit from Brazil, fly from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu. From there, you can visit the falls by either taking the Cataratas Hiking Trail to a boardwalk with views of the falls, or you can take a boat closer to the falls. You can opt for a “wet” or “dry” boat, depending on how close to the falls you’d like to get.

In Argentina, fly to Puerto Iguazu. On this side of the falls, there are more hiking trails with views of the falls. Take the green trail to the lower circuit trail- it has eight viewpoints and some places to stop and rest. Boat rides on the Argentine side are for 12+ only. A lot of visitors opt to visit both sides of the falls, crossing the border is pretty easy.

Family Travel Bucket List Antarctica:

We haven’t made it here yet, but we hear it’s amazing!

118. Explore Antactica

Head over the rough seas of Drake’s Passage to get to Antarctica! See waddling penguins, sunning seals, calving glaciers, and enormous icebergs.

The elusive Southern Lights can be seen year-round, though your best chance during the touring season is in March. Tours range from 10-20+ days in length. The summer months of December to March are the best time to visit. Best for ages 8+.

119. Step onto South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

There are no residents of these islands, and they are claimed by both Britain and Argentina. The famous explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried here. These islands along with the Falkland islands are sometimes combined with Antarctica on longer cruises.

The South Georgia Islands have kelp forests and the largest colony of emperor penguins on earth. You’ll also see albatross penguins, king penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals. Ages 10+.

There You Have It: Family Travel Bucket List

I had so much fun putting together this ultimate family vacation bucket list- the more research I do, the more places I want to add to our family travel bucket list! I hope this helped you put together some family travel bucket list ideas for your next big adventure.

Did we miss any travel adventures that are on your family bucket list? We’re always willing to add new ideas or destinations!

Need advice about traveling with kids? Check out our best family travel tips and tips to stay safe when traveling.

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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37 fun family travel influencers to follow on Instagram

It’s estimated that there are some 1.074 billion (yes,  billion ) Instagram users worldwide, with new accounts signing up daily. With so many Instagram accounts out there, how do you choose which ones to follow?

I love Instagram for travel inspiration, in particular for finding new destinations to discover with my own kids. So, putting together a list of some of my favourite family travel influencers on Instagram was an easy task. There are lots of travelling families out there who inspire, inform and uncover some of the coolest spots around the world. Some travel full time, others make the most of school holidays and there are a handful of families who have chosen to up sticks and live overseas.

The best family travel bloggers on Instagram 

Table of Contents

The following list of family travel bloggers on Instagram haven’t been chosen for the size of their following or because their particularly famous. Rather I’ve chosen them for their beautiful photography, for sharing their stories and for being inspiring. I like to follow family travel influencers who travel responsibly, who visit interesting destinations, who have a cohesive feed (so no random photos of lunch if they don’t typically post food shots), and who post regularly.

The following list of travelling families on Instagram is by no means exhaustive; if you have any recommendations or if you would like to be feature then please get in touch!

Mum Pack Travel

This mother daughter duo, Evie and Emmie, are one of my favourite accounts to follow. They’ve had some incredible adventures all around the world and their captions are always honest and often hilarious. Follow them on Instagram 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Evie & Emmie ✨Family ✨Travel (@mumpacktravel)

Macs Explore

I love following the McEvoy family. They’ve been exploring South American for the last two years and post wonderful photos as well as great Instagram and photography tips. Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by MCEVOYS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL (@macs_explore)

The Little Adventurer 

Jenny is the mum behind this fun account that covers books, places and things for families. Make sure you read her captions, they are brilliant. Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Little Adventurer (@the_littleadventurer)

Twins and Travels 

Anna shares life at home with her five-year-old twins and a toddler as well as their family adventures, such as an epic trip to Kenya. Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Twins and Travels – Anna (@twins.and.travels)

Petit Bivouac 

A wonderful look at family life in the beautiful French Alps. Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by p e t i t ↟ b i v o u a c ???????? (@petitbivouac)

Travel Babbo

Eric and his kids have had some epic adventures. He goes on a solo trip every year with each child – and they get to choose the destination. Follow him on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Eric Stoen | Family Travel (@travelbabbo)

Pint Size Pilot

Tara and her family have been everywhere from Peru and The Galapagos Islands to Norway, Iceland and much more. They also post a lot of great skiing photos and information. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Pint Size Pilot ???????? Tara Cannon (@pintsizepilot)

Kids Are a Trip

Beautiful photography, amazing destinations and fun family travels are just three reasons you should follow Kirsten and her family on Instagram. Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kirsten Maxwell (@kidsareatrip)

Here We Go Again 

Ula and Ollie take wonderful photos of the trips they take in their van with their two girls. They started the UK county challenge and are trying to visit them all! Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Family Travel Blog | Vanlife (@herewegoagain.blog)

Walking on Travels 

You won’t find your typical Instagram poses on this fun feed. Rather, Keryn imbues colour, fun and energy into all of her photos! Follow her on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Keryn Means (@walkingontravels)

We 3 Travel

Tamara is the go-to person for teen travel. She takes an annual mother-daughter trip with her teenager and shares fun and educational things to do. Follow her on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Tamara ✈️ Blogger & Podcaster (@we3travel)

Stuffed Suitcase

Kim always takes great photos and always documents the best things to do with kids wherever she goes. Follow her on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kim • Seattle Travel Blogger (@stuffedsuitcase)

2 Travel Dads

If you’re not already following this traveling family on Instagram then you really should. Expect lots of family fun and plenty of blue seas and sunshine from their base in Florida. Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Rob Taylor (@2traveldads)

Family Trips from London

Natalia and her two girls are great fun to follow. They’re always discovering new places to visit in London and the UK and Natalia’s captions are great fun. Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Natalia – ????????London, England (@familytripsfromlondon)

Woolfpack Travels

This awesome family spend six months working and six months travelling – completely living the dream travel life! Follow them on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Woolf Family Travel (@woolfpack_travels)

Travel Mad Mum

Karen used her maternity leave with both her two children to travel the world, accompanied by Travel Mad Dad. They have been to some amazing places and documented their trips with stunning photos. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TRAVEL MAD MUM ???? (@travelmadmum)

Wild Blue Family 

This family enjoys the kind of travels that we do – skiing, hiking, swimming and time in the Great Outdoors. Plus, their photos are beautiful. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bryan Megan Stella Kai Aria (@wildbluefamily)

Wandering Wagars 

Adventures at home in Canada and overseas, this is a fun travelling family to follow. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kevin Wagar | Wandering Wagars (@wanderingwagars)

It’s Claudia Travels 

Her boys are grown now but Claudia still covers family adventures as well as solo and couples travel. Plus, she’s lovely and her photos are so inspirational. Follow her on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Claudia Laroye ???? Travel Writer (@itsclaudiatravels)

Traveling Mel 

I’m a big fan of this account that focuses on adventuring in Montana, Yellowstone, and the west. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Travel Writer????Melynda Harrison (@travelingmelmt)

Boy Eats World 

I’ve been following Aleney and her gorgeous kids for years now. I love her travel philosophy and her colourful travel tales. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aleney, Raff & Sugarpuff (@boyeatsworld)

Wanderlust Crew

Another family travel blog that I’ve been following for a long time. Vanessa and her family of six showcase their travels with fun, colourful photography. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vanessa Hunt | Wanderlust Crew (@wanderlust.crew)

Where the Kids Roam 

Fantastic photos and an even better sense of humour. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by B + C + B + R + R (@wherethekidsroam)

Pod Travels 

Charly shares her overseas travels and UK adventures with her 10-year-old daughter and husband. Always with a camera in hand, her feed focuses on places and people with discovery, exploration and adventure at the heart. Follow Charly on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Charly Dove | POD Travels (@charly_dove)

One Tiny Leap 

Maria wants to dispel the myth that having children makes traveling impossible, and wants to inspire families to get out of the comfort zone and go explore the world around them, even if it’s the woods/beach/mountain near where they live. Follow Maria on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Maria (@onetinyleap)

Zena’s Suitcase

Great photos and an honest look at family – and travel – life. Follow them on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zena ???? Family & Adventure (@zenassuitcase)

Picture Taker Memory Maker

Chloe is passionate about showing her three girls (11, 10 and 8) the world and loves documenting their adventures on camera as they travel as a family – the chaos, the calm and all the moments in between. Follow Chloe on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chloe (@picturetakermemorymaker)

Mini Travellers 

Karen shares her adventures on the grid which range from days out in the uk, to camping, to 5 * luxury villas to African family travel. Follow Karen on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Karen Beddow (@mini_travellers)

Flying with a Baby

Carrie shares family days out and travel inspiration both at home and worldwide. She shares plenty of tips to help you plan your trip away. Follow Carrie on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Carrie Bradley • Family Travel (@flyingwithababy)

Monkey & Mouse 

Jenny loves to show her followers the best of Scotland with her two home educated, curly haired, 7 and 5 year olds. Aside from Scotland they spend time every year choosing several different countries to visit around the world. Follow Jenny on Instagram .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenny Eaves ✨ (@jennyseaves)

My Travel Monkey 

Follow Ting and her travel monkeys on their adventures at home and abroad. You’ll find a mix of scenery and family shots which are bright and engaging. If you’re looking for family travel inspiration then there’s plenty here. Follow Ting on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ting Dalton | My Travel Monkey (@mytravelmonkey)

Like, Love, Do

Donna loves a bright coloured photo and has an eye for seeing something different. You will be sure to find snaps from all over the world as well as plenty of London historic sights, bars and restaurants. Follow Donna on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Donna vallance (@likelovedo_london)

Tin Box Traveller 

Claire fills her grid with moments captured during her travels and family adventures in the UK and Europe. There’s also a good helping of fun at home in goregous Devon in the South West of England. The cheeky smiles of her two daughters, aged five and three feature a lot, but Claire is also partial to an epic view. Follow Claire on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Claire – Tin Box Traveller (@tinboxtraveller)

Otis and Us

Katy loves to travel and share her family adventures. Her IG grid is all about life outdoors, camping, glamping, adventures and family travel, oh and maybe a beach and a pretty door thrown in for good measure. Follow Katy on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vanlife • Camper Family • VWT5 (@otisandus_)

Travelynn Family 

Jenny and her family aim to push the boundaires of family travel and dispel the myth that adventure needs to wait until the kids are older (her boys are aged 3 and 4). On her grid find inspiration from their epic African roadtrip, adventures through Asia (particuarly India), with a bit of Peak District (their new home) for good measure. Follow Jenny on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JENNY LYNN • FAMILY TRAVEL (@travelynnfamily)

Mummy Travels 

Beaches worldwide are a favourite but Cathy and her daughter love to chase blue skies around the world. From cities to countryside to coast, her feed is full of bright colours and travel inspiration. Follow Cathy on Instagram .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cathy Winston | Family Travel (@mummytravels)

globetotting

Our Instagram feed is filled with travels everywhere from Mexico and Finland to days out in London, which we’re rediscovering after nearly 12 years living abroad. I’m a firm believer that you can – and should! – take your kids everywhere. Come and follow us on Instagram

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Katja | Travel Writer & Author (@globetotting)

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About the author.

Katja Gaskell

7 thoughts on “37 fun family travel influencers to follow on instagram”.

Really lovely bunch of ladies, thanks for including me too

What a fab list! Thank you for including me ?

Thank you so much for including me Katja! I feel very honoured to be included on a list alongside all these other fab family travel bloggers. So many sources of inspiration in one place!

Thanks for including me! x

Thank you for including me! So much inspiration 🙂 Amanda – We Blog Travel x

Great list! What can I do to get Travel Mamas IG account added? ????

Good point! I need to update this list 😉

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17 Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Mexico [2024]

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Table of Contents

Mexico travel safety, the 7 best family destinations in the yucatan peninsula and the riviera maya, the 2 best family destinations in central mexico, the 4 best family destinations in western mexico, the 2 best family destinations in southern mexico, the 2 best family destinations in baja california sur, final thoughts.

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One of the best family vacation spots in the world, Mexico is home to endless natural wonders, miles upon miles of stunning shoreline, and numerous historical and cultural attractions. The country is nearly two-thirds the size of Western Europe with plenty for families to see and do. Plus, it’s easy to get to , located just south of the U.S., with many nonstop flights between the 2 countries.

If your family wants to explore Mexico, you’re in luck. Families and kids are generally greeted with a warm welcome, and many areas are ideal for family travelers .

Whether you’re worried about safety, wondering about family-friendly activities, or just don’t know exactly where to start, these are the best family vacation spots in Mexico, whether you’re traveling with a baby, kids, or teens.

While Mexico is an outstanding family travel destination, traveler safety in Mexico is largely location-dependent. The U.S. Department of State recommends that travelers exercise increased caution and has travel advisories for some areas.

Mexico has been a safe destination for Katie Seemann , senior content contributor and news editor for Upgraded Points, who said:

“I’ve been to Mexico 9 times, and I’ve never had an experience where I felt unsafe. I’ve traveled with my husband, my daughter, my extended family, and by myself, and I haven’t experienced any safety issues while staying at luxury resorts ( Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos , JW Marriott Cancun , and La Casa de la Playa ), a scuba diving resort ( Blue Angel Resort in Cozumel), on cruises, and touring the Yucatan Peninsula on a small group trip with G Adventures .” Katie Seemann

Seemann recommends common sense precautions, including arranging transportation ahead of time, not walking alone at night, and not wearing any expensive jewelry. 

I’ll start with one of the most popular areas for U.S. travelers: the Yucatan Peninsula and the Riviera Maya in the Mexican region of Quintana Roo . While there is some overlap between these destinations, the Riviera Maya is south of Cancún, including Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos. Meanwhile, the Yucatan Peninsula encompasses the entire region, including Cancún, Isla Holbox, and interior cities such as Izamal.

From cenotes to ruins and all-inclusive hotels, there’s so much to do in this region of Mexico, which is simple to get to and well-connected to the U.S. Many destinations are touted by family travelers as being extremely safe, too. Here’s where you should go, see, and do with your family in this region of Mexico.

It isn’t news to anyone that Cancún is a family-friendly Mexican destination, with dozens of all-inclusive hotels — many of which have waterparks .

Upgraded Points reader Marisa, a resident of the Chicago suburbs, felt very safe in Cancún on a recent vacation with her husband and 3 children. She stayed in a family-friendly, all-inclusive Iberostar resort (part of the IHG portfolio) with lots of activities for the kids and parents alike.

Marisa recommends booking transport from the Cancún airport ahead of time :

“While I never felt particularly unsafe, it can be overwhelming, with a lot of people offering you rides while you’re trying to keep track of your luggage and your kids. Booking your transport ahead and knowing exactly where to go to meet your driver minimizes your risk of getting scammed or having issues.” Marisa, Upgraded Points reader

Once you’re in Cancún, you can head to Ventura Park to experience big waterslides or the El Rey Ruins , both of which are within easy reach of most hotels. You can also head further afield with day trips to cenotes or snorkeling tours. Boat excursions, especially on a pirate ship, are particularly family-friendly.

If your hotel doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, consider getting a day pass to one with a waterpark or additional kid-friendly activities (our guide to the best things to do in and around Canc ú n has great tips!).

Check out our Cancún resources, including the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancún , the best websites for Cancún vacation packages and deals , the best Cancún hotels to book with points , and t he best all-inclusive family resorts in Cancún with water parks .

2. Playa del Carmen

While Playa del Carmen doesn’t have quite as much going on as Cancún, it’s still home to many all-inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs and activities. The Xcaret Park is a theme park that features an aviary, a butterfly pavilion, and a coral reef aquarium.

If you’re tired of sand and sun, or a tropical downpour ruins your outdoor plans, the 3D Museum of Wonders is an excellent alternative for a quick dose of art and culture.

Families that love nature should head to Cozumel, an island surrounded by a reef that is ideal for snorkeling . The best way to arrive is by ferry from Playa del Carmen.

You can stay on the more developed western side of the island, but definitely explore the wilder eastern side if you want to get away from the crowds. Don’t forget to visit Punta Sur , an ecological park home to crocodile-filled lagoons and a lighthouse.

4. Puerto Morelos

One of the best family vacation spots in Mexico, Puerto Morelos is less than an hour’s drive from Cancún but has a completely different feel. The charming town feels world’s away from many of the resort areas along the Riviera Maya but still offers some family-friendly hotels , such as the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort , an all-suite Marriott hotel that has kid-friendly amenities like a water park, bowling space, trampoline park, and more.

Puerto Morelos has a welcoming town center complete with local music and dance performances, a weekend craft market, and a fun playground for children.

5. Isla Mujeres

Just a short ferry ride away from Cancún, Isla Mujeres is nice for young kids because you don’t have to worry about cars and traffic . The island is car-free, though many people ride around on golf carts , which the kids find fun.

Bring the family to Aquatic Funday Park for waterpark fun or Garrafon Park for snorkeling and ziplining over the water. Mia Reef Isla Mujeres is one of the top-rated resorts on the island for families, featuring a white, sandy beach with shallow waves.

Many hotels in Mexico outside of Cancún aren’t bookable with points. But don’t forget that the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit for booking travel in the Capital One Travel portal. Plus, you’ll earn lots of bonus Capital One miles on your accommodation, like 10x bonus miles for hotels booked within the portal.

According to the World Population Review , Tulum is one of the safest cities in Mexico . While you can fly into Cancún with your family and drive to Tulum, you can also fly nonstop from certain U.S. hubs, (including Houston, Chicago, L.A., and Newark ) into the Tulum Airport (TQO) .

Although Tulum used to have the image of a boho chic adult paradise, hotels are family-friendly these days. We love the Bahia Principe Grand Tulum , which has separate kids’ and teens’ clubs, plus a water park and splash park for the littlest ones.

The Tulum town center and the beach aren’t right next to each other, so plan your vacation style, transportation, and accommodation accordingly to where you plan to spend the most time.

The capital of Mexico’s Yucatan state , this destination is for families looking for something a bit different. It’s best for families who want to experience culture in addition to beaches. Start with Turibus and trolley tours of the city, and hop off when you see a lively square or handicraft market.

Sundays are a great time to be in the city — you won’t be the only family walking around catching live music and dancing in the squares, as the streets are closed to cars and perfect for pedestrians. There’s also a Mayan artisan market and a free zoo, as well as many cenotes within easy reach of the city.

From the country’s capital, Mexico City, to smaller villages and mid-size towns, central Mexico is a top family vacation spot for those ready to explore culture, art, and cuisine . These destinations aren’t exclusive to families with older children, as many central Mexican destinations have numerous parks and playgrounds where kids can blow off some steam after visiting a museum. Here’s where you should go.

1. Mexico City

Mexico City’s fancy hotels are relatively affordable , offering a nice way to give your family a luxurious and safe accommodation experience without overspending. From Chinatown to the National Museum of Anthropology to the Xochimilco boats and Teotihuacán ruins outside the city, there are many activities for kids in the capital. Don’t miss Alameda Central, one of the oldest parks in the Americas, or Bosque de Chapultepec, a wooded paradise on the outskirts of town.

Don’t be concerned about safety in Mexico City. Upgraded Points reader Lauren, a British citizen who’s lived there for about a decade, says the central neighborhoods where tourists congregate are safe for families:

“There are ample parks, wide pavements, and lots of greenery, especially in popular spots like Roma, Condesa, and even Polanco. The only things that might pose a problem are the cracked and uneven pavements — they’re not very stroller-friendly.” Lauren, Upgraded Points reader

Take general precautions when walking at night and with your belongings, as you would in any large city.

2. San Miguel de Allende

Families that want a truly picturesque vacation in Mexico should travel to San Miguel de Allende , a colonial town painted in bold colors of pink and yellow. The whole family will love roaming around the city center’s charming streets, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stopping to admire the dazzling pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel church.

Head to the edge of town to visit El Charco del Ingenio , a botanical garden full of exotic plants, flowers, and cacti.  Various hot springs are a short drive away if you get tired of visiting the city’s many art galleries and museums or strolling the verdant Parque Juarez.

Western Mexico is an easier and closer choice for residents living in the Western U.S. Beaches on this side of the country have more golden than white sand and larger waves than those off the Yucatan Peninsula, but you can usually count on less sargassum, a seaweed that often plagues the Atlantic side. These are some of the top spots to visit.

1. Puerto Vallarta

This beach resort town offers activities, including the Aquaventuras Water Park, as well as ziplines and animal sanctuaries for tropical birds and monkeys. More nature-friendly excursions include the town’s blooming Vallarta Botanical Gardens and hikes and walks through the nearby Sierra Madre mountains and jungle.

Families can also catch cultural events, like traditional music and dancing, at the Los Arcos Amphitheater. Although the town has a buzzing nightlife scene, you can skip it by hanging out at a family-friendly resort like the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort , which has a few pools and a kids’ activity center.

2. Sayulita

For a more laid-back, local experience, families can go to Sayulita along the Riviera Nayarit, which is especially ideal if you have older children or teens and want to enjoy family surf experiences. Although the waves are often large, the nearby Playa de los Muertos is a more sheltered beach with smaller swells.

Kids will love watching turtles hatch at the Sayulita Turtle Camp. Known as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, families can wander the colorful town center, home to murals, colonial buildings, craft markets, leafy squares, and lots of tasty street food.

3. Punta Mita

Families in the market for luxury resorts should head to Punta Mita, just a half-hour’s drive from Sayulita. This destination is home to properties where families can relax with all the amenities, such as the Conrad Punta Mita (complete with a waterslide and various pools — and kids eat free) and the Four Seasons Punta Mita , which has baby-care baskets and surf lessons for kids.

Consider taking a boat trip to the nearby Marietas Islands (known as Mexico’s version of the Galapagos), home to manta rays, sea turtles, humpback whales, wild dolphins, and the blue-footed booby birds, which, indeed, have blue feet.

Certain hotels, such as the Four Seasons Punta Mita, don’t have a traditional loyalty program with points. But you can book this hotel (and many others) on American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts using The Platinum Card ® from American Express to perks including room upgrades, daily breakfast for 2, a $100 experience credit, and late checkout. Cardholders also get up to $200 prepaid hotel credit when paying with their Amex Platinum card. Additionally, you can get the fourth night free if you book qualifying dates.

4. Zihuatanejo

Escape the larger resorts for a relaxed beach town feel in Zihuatanejo, where the golden sands of Playa La Ropa welcome everyone. Families can learn about turtle conservation at Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli , a rescue center where kids can release baby sea turtles or participate in summer camp-style activities, like arts and crafts and Spanish classes.

Families will have a blast exploring and taste testing at food markets like Mercado Zanka , which has a casual picnic table area and live music — no one will notice (or care) if your baby is fussy and your kids are running around.

All-inclusive resorts can be particularly apt for families. They offer activities and fun things to do for kids and adults of all ages, making it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy. Here’s how to get the most out of your all-inclusive stay .

Mexico’s shape doesn’t have exact corners, but we consider the southern area to be the bottom point running into the Guatemalan border. This region of Mexico is one of the furthest from the U.S. and not quite as easily accessible. It’s managed to retain a bit more local charm that many families looking for a more far-flung, authentic Mexican vacation will find idyllic.

Families will be mesmerized by the colorful colonial architecture and the friendly, local ambiance of Oaxaca. Especially apt for families who prefer a vacation rental over an all-inclusive resort, it’s easy to find an Airbnb with family amenities available, like washers and cribs.

From the playgrounds at Parque Llano to the murals, colors, and flags of the Jataltaco neighborhood, your kids will have plenty to do and see. And if they get cranky, just serve them up some hot chocolate or nieves (fruit ices), which are both popular in the region. Nearby, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán , ancient archeological Zapotec ruins.

2. Puerto Escondido

Families that want to escape the party vibes of destinations like Cancún or Puerto Vallarta and just chill out in a laid-back beach town should head to Puerto Escondido, which is sort of a mini version of Zihuantejo. While there are many beaches to choose from, Playa Principal is one of the most protected ones with the lowest waves, which makes the area popular for surfing.

Wildlife watching is easy with family boat tours, where you can spot dolphins and whales. There are also local conservation programs where you can release turtles or protect local iguanas.

Another destination ideal for families living on the western side of the U.S., Baja California Sur is the bottom of the peninsula that extends down into Mexico below California. Some families may prefer the fancy, all-inclusive resorts of Los Cabos, but you can also rent a car and explore sleepy fishing towns and other family-friendly spots. Here’s where to go.

Located on the east side of the Baja Peninsula along the Sea of Cortez, Loreto’s vast beaches have low waves ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Parents will love to admire the jagged rock formations that rise up from the sea, while the kids will love spotting sea lions, whales, and wild dolphins.

Deemed a Pueblo Mágico , Loreto was one of the first Spanish colonial towns along the Baja Peninsula and is home to a number of missionaries.

2. Los Cabos

It’s true that Los Cabos can be a bit of a scene — yachts, nightlife, and glamorous hotels. But it’s also a fun spot for families looking for all-inclusive resorts and lots to do. The beaches often have very big waves, so you may want to book a hotel with a pool so everyone can get in the water.

For example, the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos has several pools, including a kids’ pool with slides. Hotel staff will ring a bell on the beach to alert guests of whale spottings! Similar to the Riviera Maya and Cancún, families can enjoy pirate boat rides and zipline adventures in the area.

It’s easy and affordable for families to get to Mexico. The country welcomes children, babies, and families with open arms. Although the news may say otherwise, many tourist regions of the country are safe to visit. In fact, destinations like Tulum, Sayulita, Mexico City, Cancún, and San Miguel de Allende top the list of the country’s safest cities .

While you should always carefully research your destination to find out if it’s a good fit for your family, you really can’t go wrong with any of these family vacation spots in Mexico on this list.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of mexico is best for a family vacation.

There are so many family-friendly places in Mexico, from the beaches of the Riviera Maya to the parks of Mexico City and the charming small towns along the Riviera Nayarit, like Sayulita. 

Is Mexico a good family holiday destination?

Mexico is a great family holiday destination.  Whether  you want authentic Mexican cuisine and culture, nature activities, sandy beach fun, or all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts , Mexico has it all .

What is the safest city in Mexico for families?

Many cities are safe for families in Mexico, including Tulum, Sayulita, Mexico City, Cancún, and San Miguel de Allende.

What is the safest part of Mexico to vacation?

Tourist-catered areas are some of the safest places for a vacation. Consider spots such as Cancun, Oaxaca, or Los Cabos for your next Mexico family vacation.

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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15 Tips to Make Traveling With Family More Fun & Less Stressful

Posted: July 4, 2023 | Last updated: July 4, 2023

Traveling with your brood is the time to make memories. Sure, you will encounter moments where you start to question why you ever leave the house in the first place, but ideally you should enjoy the experience as much as your children. Smart and useful family travel tips can make all the difference between a grueling and exhaustive excursion and a wonderful, relaxing getaway.

For Expert Family Travel Advice: Go Straight to the Source

For medical advice, you seek out a doctor. For educational advice, you turn to teachers. For family travel advice, head straight for the moms. They are the experts who know what works and what doesn't when it comes to setting out on adventures with kids in tow. They have tried it all, discovered the best family travel hacks, and have zero qualms about sharing their experiences with other moms ready to embark on trips with kiddos.

Debbie Dubrow is one of those "traveling moms" who has spent much of her children's lives packing up suitcases, loading up kids, and setting out to see the world. The Seattle-based mother of three shares her personal travel stories and best family travel tips with other parents ready to hit the road on her blog, Delicious Baby .

Beginner Traveler? Start Small

If you are new to the idea of traveling with children, Dubrow suggests you start small. Take your family on a smaller, local day trip and test drive your tips and hacks while being close enough to home to pull the trigger and abort the mission if necessary. Don't become discouraged if your first few local expeditions are a flop. Reflect on what worked and what didn't, make adjustments and try it again! A few trips to nearby locales will help build your confidence so you can easily transition into bigger getaways soon enough. Dubrow offers, "Most parents are pleasantly surprised to find that their worst-case-scenarios don't come true, and that they even enjoy the experience."

Pay Extra Attention to Planning

Once upon a time, you packed a bag, bought a plane ticket on the fly, and ventured out to see the world. Now that you have kids, and kids have needs, and spontaneity is as distant a memory as sleep is, you'll want to spend extra time in the planning stages of the trip . The more work you put in on the front end, the less thinking you will have to do once vacation begins.

Work Within a Budget

Vacationing with kids can get pricey, so work within a previously agreed-upon budget when planning your next getaway. Letting expenses get away from you will instantly create stress, so staying in the anticipated price range will make it easier for you to relax and enjoy. Anticipate and plan for a few unexpected expenses too.

Spend Time Scoring the Right Accommodations

There are plenty of ways to cut corners and save a dollar during travel, but if you are vacationing with several children or young children, your lodging accommodations should not be one of them. Your days will be long and action-packed, so your home base needs to be a space of reprieve, your little temporary sanctuary.

Find a family-friendly hotel or rented home that fits most of your family's needs. If you are traveling somewhere hot, be sure there is air conditioning or working fans in your accommodation. If you will need to do laundry, check and see if those facilities are on property or nearby. Look into whether the room or rental is baby-proofed and whether it has a mini-fridge and microwave for all of those snacking needs.

It is a good idea to make a room "wish list" and then scour the net and read reviews to see which accommodation best suits you (and your budget!). There will undoubtedly be a few accommodation must-haves when traveling with children that you don't want to compromise on. Know what they are and make sure they are available to you before booking.

Adjust Your Travel Pace

Another tip Dubrow emphasizes to parents taking the travel plunge is to adjust the travel pace to best suit their children. Kids find joy in the most minor of details, so allow them to experience these travel days at their leisure. You might be used to packing in eight to ten hours of sights in a big city, but should you try to apply the vacationing pace of yesteryear to travel with kids, you are likely going to fizzle out fast. Dubrow elaborates, "Avoid trying to go at the same pace you did before you had children. Slow down and give your baby or toddler time to enjoy things at their level. They might be looking at the marble floors in the Vatican instead of the arches and artwork, and that is OK."

Decide beforehand what you really want to do with the kids. Think about if it will be of interest to them and if they will be able to make it through whatever it is you are hoping to do on vacation. Build in plenty of snack breaks or a mid-day siesta or rest period, so children don't become overly tired, cranky, and downright miserable. Pack your patience-pants, as this new, slower pace of seeing the world might be a bit of an adjustment for you.

Load Up on Water and Snacks

Throughout her journeys, Dubrow discovered the power of snacks. Snacks can pretty much fix anything at a moment's notice, and you don't want to be without them. Pack items that are easy to eat while on the go and make sure they aren't loaded with sugar. Choose grain or protein-based items to give kids energy without the dreaded sugar crash looming ahead. She also reminds parents that airplanes no longer provide the delectables of days past. Small snacks and beverages are typically offered, but if you have picky eaters or children with specific dietary needs, pack plenty of your own nibbles for a lengthy flight.

Get Travel Paperwork in Order

If you are flying or planning to leave your home country, be sure that all pertinent travel documents are ready and in order. Large families mean lots of passports, boarding passes and more. Sort and organize what you can. Place a small sticky note with family members' initials on the back of all passports and slip boarding passes into them. Place a rubber band around each travel packet, so when a name is called upon, you can quickly grab the documents you need in the moment.

For families needing to get passports , be sure that you do so well ahead of time to receive them before you leave for your trip. Obtaining passports can be tedious, and nothing will ruin a family vacation faster than one family member being left without proper travel documentation.

Make Emergency Plans

When it comes to vacation, you want to think about lounging around a pool or hiking through breathtaking forests... not about losing track of your kid! Not being able to locate your child is every parent's worst nightmare, and while it is something you don't even want to contemplate, it is best to have a plan in place for this type of emergency. Sit your kids down and discuss the plan for if someone becomes lost or strays from the group during travel. Older kids should have the means to contact parents, or at the very least know their parents' phone numbers. Write parents' names, kids' names, and contact numbers inside a shoe for little children. Be sure everyone understands how to get help in the event that they find themselves alone in a foreign space.

Be Prepared for Every Eventuality When Flying With Kids

Imagine being stuffed in a small airplane with a crying child who is bored to tears or covered head to toe in apple juice (or worse) and still having several hours of air travel to go. That's the stuff nightmares are made of, and a bit of thought and preparation in this department can make all the difference. Aside from packing drinks and snacks on a flight, be sure to pack several entertainment options for kids. Great ideas are:

• Coloring books and crayons
• Electronic devices
• Games galore - both word games and paper games
• Downloaded movies and shows
• Comfort toys

Aside from entertainment options, you will want to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. The only thing worse than having a kid get sick or have an accident while flying the friendly skies is having nothing to change them into. Toss the following into your carry-on so you are never left high and dry (or rather high and soaking wet).

• Extra undies, pants, and shirt
• Lots of disinfectant wipes and a small towel
• Pajamas if you are traveling long distances through the night
• A plastic, sealable bag for soiled clothing
• Remember to pack a first aid kit and a car seat for plane and car travel

Be a Perfect Packer

Packing for a fun family trip comes with a bit of a learning curve unless you know how to do it properly right out of the gate! Parents tend to pack in one of two ways: overpacking and underpacking. They either take along everything they can think of and then curse themselves throughout the entire trip for spending more time acting as a family pack mule than enjoying a well-deserved vacation, or they bring next to nothing and spend more time scouring the earth for those forgotten necessities than they do relaxing.

You want to strike a packing balance. Try making a list of things you need several weeks before you depart. Next, revisit your list and remove items you think you can live without. Add a few new items that you skipped over the first time around. Consider what items your accommodations might have readily available. Many rental spaces have cribs, cots, and even high chairs for families to borrow, meaning you don't have to lug that stuff with you. If your accommodations have easily accessible laundry facilities, then pack half the clothes you originally planned on taking and spend a few hours mid-vacation doing laundry (maybe while the tots take an afternoon nap).

Know When to Schedule Flight Times

If you are flying with little ones, you might want to schedule your flight during nap time or during the evening hours. This is particularly important if you have a long journey ahead of you. A few hours of snooze time can make all the difference to a family stuck in the air for several hours. Furthermore, pay attention to your layover times. It is much harder to rush through a busy airport to catch a connecting flight with three kids, two strollers, and several carry-on bags in hand.

Be Flexible and Realistic

Planning is a beautiful thing, but so is flexibility. Again, balance is the key to travel happiness, especially when kids are involved. Yes, you want the major details hammered out before you take off for fun and adventure, but you also need to remember that things happen, plans unravel, and you need to be able to pivot, recover and carry on. Expect some bumps in the road, know when to make alterations in vacation plans to suit everyone's needs, and let go of any preconceived notions that every minute of the trip will be downright magical.

Don't Forego Routine

Sure, this is vacation, and routines will vary simply due to the nature of the beast, but travel doesn't have to mean nixing all routines and structure. Kids thrive on the routines you have created for them. They help keep them safe and healthy. While plenty of routine aspects will shift during travel, keep the ones you can in place. Try to eat and sleep near the times you would typically eat and sleep at home. If you do a daily rest or nap time, see if you can swing that same routine while vacationing. If you throw the kids completely out of whack, you will soon learn that a no-rules vacation is a no-fun vacation for parents.

Establish Spending Rules Pre-Vacation

Rules. Kids don't love them, but they are necessary on so many levels. Traveling with kids means taking the littles past countless souvenir and trinket stations and stores. Get ready for your children to beg you for every little, shiny piece of whatever catches their eye. They will cry and whine for everything they see; you will stress and maybe cry a little too as you attempt to stay calm while explaining that no, they cannot have another Beanie Boo.

Set rules for souvenirs ahead of time. Maybe they get one small thing at the airport and one thing at your vacation destination. Maybe you give each kid an allotted amount of spending money and how and where they spend it is up to them. Make rules that work for your children and your budget, and be sure everyone understands those rules ahead of vacation to minimize the stress that comes along with kids begging for everything.

Don't Put Off Travel Plans

Lastly, don't put off your travel plans because you are afraid of failure. Yes, everyone will be older and wiser in a few years, but life happens, circumstances constantly change, and you never know if this travel opportunity will circle back around. Take those vacations with the little kids or the angsty teens. Make the memories, spend the money, and know that the kids won't be kids forever. Remember, parts of your vacation may flop, but other parts will be amazing. In the end, you will likely be so glad you went for it and traveled with your kids.

Family Vacation Memories to Cherish

Travel is all about the adventure of life and being together in a wonderful new time and space. Use tips to reduce stress, but know that the greatest advice you can receive is to be in the moment and try to enjoy your family vacation no matter what. Kids won't remember every detail of every vacation they took during their childhood, but they'll treasure the memories of how they felt spending time together as a family in a fun-filled environment.

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America's Best Small Beach Town Is an Old Florida Gem With Crystal-clear Waters and a Scenic Bike Path

Old Florida meets laid-back island living in elegant Boca Grande.

• The Best Times to Visit

Things to Do

Where to stay, where to eat and drink, where to shop, how to get there.

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While the state of Florida welcomes almost 140 million visitors each year, only a small portion of them make their way to serene Gasparilla Island and its main hub, Boca Grande. This upscale yet down-to-earth community on the Gulf of Mexico is just the right amount of under-the-radar, except when it comes to its role as “tarpon capital of the world."

In the words of Nikki Heimann, manager of The Pink Pony — an island-favorite ice cream shop opened in 1988 by her grandfather — the stoplight- and franchise-free community is “like stepping back in time.”

“Our beaches are stunningly clean and our water is usually clear and sparkling, with a bountiful variety of sea life,” she says. “A big allure is game fishing in our deep-water pass for tarpon. We have two well-maintained historical lighthouses with a museum and state park on the south end, and a smooth bike path that runs the whole length of the island, so many people enjoy renting a golf cart or bicycle to spend the day cruising around. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for peace, tranquility, and quiet time.”

Beyond its looks, Boca Grande is resilient. Along with much of Southwest Florida, especially Sanibel and Captiva islands to the south, it was devastated by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The Pink Pony reopened soon after the storm, but other establishments were not so fortunate. “Many iconic features of our landscape are gone forever," Heimann says. "Everyone around here has their story and struggle that they’re going through. We are just thankful we didn’t get washed out.”

Back in action, Boca Grande remains a captivating place to visit — a tranquil respite from the frenetic pace of our modern world (and many parts of Florida) with a beachy, small-town allure. In fact, Travel + Leisure rated it the best small beach town in the country in 2023. Find out why for yourself by exploring the village by golf cart, bike, or your own two feet.

Nikki Heimann, The Pink Pony

It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for peace, tranquility, and quiet time.

Ben Krut/Getty Images

The Best Times to Visit 

Like many beach towns in Florida , Boca Grande is a seasonal destination. “Most people enjoy coming to the island during our busy ‘social season’ when the town is bustling with activity and the Florida sunshine is a delightful reprieve from the winter snow up north,” Heimann says. This period lasts from approximately Thanksgiving to spring break.

“Then, we roll into tarpon season, when the fishing families come to town and enjoy the island through summertime,” she continues. “Many downtown businesses close during August and September, so that’d be the time to come if you like to sweat in solitude.”

While mid- to late summer is a crowd-free, quieter time in Boca Grande, you may have trouble securing a stay, as the Gasparilla Inn closes annually from mid-July to early October. However, other hotels stay open, and there are assorted vacation rentals available. When planning your visit, remember that the best time to visit Florida , in general, is spring and winter as hurricane season lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30 each year, so there’s always a chance of storms during the summer and fall. 

Getty Images

As one might expect of America’s best small beach town, the best things to do in Boca Grande are in, around, or on the water — namely, fishing, shelling, boating, beaches, and biking. Heimann says the number one thing she recommends is not so much an activity but an experience: enjoying a sunset either on the beach or a paddleboard. Other things to do include climbing the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (known locally as the “range light”) and heading to Gasparilla Island State Park for swimming, snorkeling, or fishing. Keep an eye out for the tarpon that often jump and roll in the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass. Or, for more tarpon time, go during the annual World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament , a tradition dating back to the early 1980s. Thousands of dollars in prize money is on the (literal) line.

You can see much of what Gasparilla Island has to offer on the Boca Grande Bike Path . The island is only seven miles long and a half-mile across at its widest point, and this 6.5-mile path runs past highlights like Banyan Street, the Boca Grande Historical Society , and the pretty-in-pink Johann Fust Community Library . The north end is close to Glass Bottom Rentals , where Heimann recommends renting a clear kayak to paddle around the old railroad trestles nearby.

Try to score an invite to the members-only Useppa Island ; otherwise, a day trip to Cayo Costa should scratch the island-adventure itch. It’s accessible only via boat or kayak, with a ferry service available from several mainland locations.

Courtesy of The Gasparilla Inn & Club

Gasparilla Inn & Club 

The Gasparilla Inn & Club represents old Florida at its finest, striking the perfect balance between ritzy and relaxed. The inn has a variety of accommodation options, from rooms and suites in The Main Inn to private cottages and two- to four-bedroom villas. Guests can take part in a range of activities, from golf to croquet, fitness classes, and spa treatments. The inn has four eateries — just be sure to pack with the dress code in mind.

Boca Grande Hotel

The quaint Boca Grande Hotel offers more laid-back accommodations on the north end of Gasparilla Island, near Uncle Henry’s Marina , but the closest public beach access is three miles away. The property has an outdoor pool, loungers that you can rent out and bring with you to the beach, and a guest laundromat for cleaning up before you repack your suitcase. Next door, you can grab a deli sandwich or ice cream from Kappy’s Market .

The Palmetto Inn

A sister to the Boca Grande Hotel, The Palmetto Inn is located in the Downtown Boca Grande Historic District and just a short walk from the beach. Built as a private residence in 1900, it’s now a charming inn with seven suites and some of the lowest in-season rates on the island.

The Innlet on the Waterfront

Located on the waters of the Boca Grande Bayou, The Innlet on the Waterfront is an unfussy charmer with about 30 waterfront and courtyard-facing rooms. Amenities include a pool, on-site restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, plus a full-service marina if you BYOB (Florida-speak for "bring your own boat"). Be on the lookout for manatees as you enjoy your breakfast on the patio of The Outlet.

Gasparilla Inn

Guests of the Gasparilla Inn will be delighted to find that its restaurants are some of Boca Grande’s best. It has an elegant main dining room (open for breakfast and dinner), the casual Pink Elephant (open for lunch and dinner), and the atmospheric BZ’s, where the public and guests alike can enjoy beverages and snacks while taking in views of The Gasparilla Golf Club and Charlotte Harbor. The Beach Club is another favorite for poolside beverages and lunch but is reserved for inn guests and members only.

The Temptation Restaurant 

To experience Boca Grande like a local, order the fish of the day at The Temptation Restaurant . Signature dishes include crab cakes served with roasted shrimp sauce and pan-fried lemony-garlic snapper, while the daily special might be blackened tripletail or chargrilled pompano. The wine list is equally impressive.

Scarpa’s Coastal

Sister to the beloved, family-owned Scarpa’s Italian in Lakeland, Scarpa’s Coastal serves fresh Florida seafood with an Italian flair. It also offers an extensive wine menu with bottles imported from Napa Valley and Italy. Patrons rave about the crab cakes, pasta, and chicken dishes.

Eagle Grille and Miller’s Dockside at Boca Grande Marina

The Boca Grande Marina is home to two restaurants, Eagle Grille and Miller’s Dockside . At Eagle Grille, you’ll find a quieter setting with second-floor waterfront views, while Miller’s Dockside has a sports bar atmosphere right on the water. They have the same menu, full of fresh coastal cuisine like oysters, Gulf grouper, and shrimp.

Sisters Restaurant

It’s not vacation unless you go out for pizza at least once, and Sisters Restaurant is the place to do it. This homey spot offers classic Italian comfort foods to eat indoors or out — and, yes, it really is owned by twin sisters.

The Pink Pony

What’s a beach day without a stop for ice cream? The best place to grab a sweet treat is The Pink Pony, the kind of hometown ice cream shop that once rented out movies on VHS and developed photo film. Things are different now, but visitors can continue at least one generations-old Boca Grande tradition and stop in for hand-dipped Amish ice cream, sorbets, specialty sundaes, shaved ice, all-fruit smoothies, açaí bowls, and coffee drinks. The Pink Pony also has snacks, beer, wine, bagged ice, and souvenirs. And don’t miss Tortuga , the outdoor walk-up window serving authentic Mexican food behind the storefront.

Boca Grande has local, family-owned shops selling souvenirs, art, clothes, and more. Heimann recommends Fugate’s — “a classic island gift store that has a little bit of everything,” she says. Or stop by Barbara Anne’s for a special piece of jewelry to commemorate your trip. 

At the family-owned Smart Studio Art Gallery & Shop (which has another location in Maine), you’ll find stunning local art, including original paintings, prints, driftwood sculptures, gifts, and home decor. Or, if you’re in the market for light tackle or outdoorsy clothing and accessories, stop by Boca Grande Outfitters .

Samuel Foster/Getty Images

Aside from the private Coral Creek Airport, which is less than 10 miles from Boca Grande, there are several public airports nearby. The closest is Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), about an hour away, which is serviced by Sun Country and Allegiant Air with nonstop flights from about 50 cities.

There’s also Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), both of which are about an hour and a half away, and Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about two hours away by car. Boca Grande is over three hours from both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Miami International Airport (MIA). No matter where you fly into, there’s just one road onto Gasparilla Island: the Boca Grande Causeway.

America’s Best Small Towns 2023

Related articles.

Choose your own adventure: Where to go and how to save on summer vacations

Revenge travel is so last year.

“It's not necessarily about just getting out of the house anymore,” said Sydney Stanback, Global Insights and Trends lead at Pinterest, which has seen more than 1 billion travel searches and more than 10 billion travel saves over the past year. 

Sure, many of the usual suspects are once again among the most popular destinations across multiple search engines this year, but she said this summer, “It's more so about traveling with intention.” 

According to NerdWallet’s Summer 2024 Travel Report , 45% of Americans plan to take a trip requiring a hotel stay or flight this summer with expenses averaging just under $3,600. A fifth of those travelers expect to go into debt to pay for vacations.

Here’s what to consider when booking a summer trip, including where to go, when to travel and how to save:

Learn more: Best travel insurance

What is the best place to travel in summer? 

The answer is subjective, especially this summer.

“Everyone's kind of choosing their own adventure based off of what their needs are for travel,” Stanback said. 

Pinterest’s Summer 2024 Travel Report found summer travelers are most interested in adventure, exploring mysterious or uncharted destinations, and rest. Searches for “quiet life” jumped 530%, but that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.

“My mother actually just took a yoga retreat to Panama,” Stanback said. “That's what she needed to do in order to get the rest that she needed and the well-being that she needed. But for me, when I think of rest and restoration, I simply think about going to a beach spa and just sitting and being by myself.”

Solo travel remains popular. Solo travel searches reached an all-time high in Google in January, but again, not for everyone.

“For Gen Z specifically, that need is to gather and reconnect with their community because they were in isolation for so long and during very meaningful moments in their lives,” Stanback said. She noted group travel and road trips are of keen interest to Gen Z.

“It's not necessarily about traveling and going out and going to restaurants and going to bars and clubs,” she added. “We actually see that a lot with younger generations. They’re kind of stepping away from that and really considering their well-being when they're taking time off.”

Where do most tourists go in summer?

Expedia’s Summer Outlook and Google Flights identified the same cities among their most searched summer 2024 destinations based on flights, though rankings varied by platform.

Top 5 domestic destinations 

◾ Orlando, Florida

◾ Los Angeles

◾ Las Vegas

Top 5 international destinations

◾ Cancun, Mexico

◾ Paris, host of the Summer Olympics

Allianz Partners found slightly different results in their analysis of “more than six million flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length for travel booked between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.”

Instead of LA and Vegas, Allianz named Boston and Honolulu among this summer’s top five domestic destinations. Internationally, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, made Allianz’s top five, instead of Rome, Paris and Tokyo.

“I am expecting crowds to rival last summer's in popular overseas cities,” Expedia’s travel expert Melanie Fish said, noting how places like Barcelona and Venice are trying to curb overtourism. “They're trying fees and if that's not enough, they're going to have to go even further.”

How can I save on a trip?

Summer trips are already costly for many travelers. “Americans with household income under $100,000 accounted for nearly half (46%) of intended leisure travel spend in summer 2023,” according to Deloitte’s Facing travel’s future report from April.

Expedia’s Fish shared five tips for booking summer 2024 vacations:

◾ Bundle your trip. Booking airfare and a hotel at the same time can earn you deep discounts.

◾ Travel midweek or later in the summer if it's an option. You'll save money and save yourself from fighting crowds. 

• ◾ Fly early in the day … The early bird who takes the first flight of the day will typically get a better price and a lower chance of delays and cancellations. ◾ Book once, earn twice. You can stack rewards from your travel credit card (and) your airline.◾ Just go. Don't pressure yourself to create the trip of a lifetime … Do it in a bite-sized chunk if possible. 

'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

How far ahead should I book travel?

“The sweet spot is now,” Fish said. “We're within that 21- to 60-day pre-travel window to save around 15% on airfare, so now is the time to plan. That means ready, set, but maybe wait until August to actually go.”

She said travelers can save an average of $250 on international flights if they wait until the peak summer travel season passes. 

“It's 15% cheaper on average to fly domestically in August versus June, 30% cheaper to fly to Europe in late summer, and 55% cheaper to fly to Mexico and the Caribbean in August,” she said. “Of course, August is peak hurricane season , so that has something to do with that price dip.”

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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• The 8 Best Carry-On Backpacks

In this article

• Best overall
• Best duffel-backpack
• Best for business travel
• Best for lumbar support
• Best for long trips
• Best for short trips
• Best for rugged trips

Even though much of my job as a travel writer involves testing suitcases , I usually prefer to fly with a carry-on backpack when I have the choice. You just can’t beat the sense of freedom that comes with strapping your possessions to your shoulders and heading to the airport — to me, a suitcase says “business trip” whereas a backpack says “adventure.” Not to mention the fact that backpack wearers are almost never singled out at the gate to check their luggage.

As backpack reviewer Geoff Grisdale of One Bag Travels explains, a carry-on backpack means “you can move around a lot quicker — it’s a lot easier to travel around cities with one.” Suitcases become cumbersome as soon as you’re confronted with cobblestone streets or multiple flights of stairs, adds freelance backpack designer Jeff Mullins. “And you have to have room to store them when you get home, whereas a backpack can be compressed.” Below, you’ll find the best carry-on backpacks for different sorts of trips, as tested by myself and other globetrotting experts. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best travel pillows and the best toiletry bottles .

What we’re looking for

For trips longer than a weekend, you’ll require a carry-on backpack with a capacity of at least 28 liters, says Grisdale. From there, the size you choose will depend on your packing style, how long the trip is, and whether you need room for warm layers or extra shoes. Most of the experts I spoke with agreed that the sweet spot is somewhere between 28 and 35 liters.

Some carry-on backpacks can be as large as 45 liters, which is actually five liters more volume than an Away carry-on suitcase . While this size of backpack can be useful for long-haul trips, just note that it will be “really big and heavy — and you lose a lot of the mobility you’d get when carrying a smaller backpack,” says Grisdale. Mullins agrees: “If you’re a smaller woman, for example, I don’t think you should go over 35 liters.” Even though I’ll happily carry an ultralight 55 liter backpack on a hiking trip, I’m not a fan of wearing carry-on bags larger than 40 liters for extended periods — they’re significantly bulkier, and the back pain afterwards just isn’t worth it.

Packing style

The best carry-on backpacks are designed for ease of packing. Rather than unzipping at the top, they’ll either open up like a clamshell (with separate zippered compartments on either side), or like a duffel bag (with one big compartment that’s accessible from the front of the bag). If you’re an intentional packer who likes to keep organized on the road, the former option is likely best. But Grisdale notes that duffel-style bags are usually quicker and easier to pack because “you can just stuff your gear in there and off you go.”

Your backpack will be crammed into overhead bins or underneath aircraft seats, so look for one that’s fairly rectangular in shape, with straps and a hip belt that can be removed or tucked away. “Anything that dangles has to be gone,” says Mullins. He also notes that there should be a handle on pretty much every side of the bag, so you can grab it from whichever space it’s wedged.

Organizational features

A nice thing about living out of a backpack as opposed to a suitcase is that exterior pockets provide easy access to small items like wallets and passports. I also love that backpacks typically have loops or straps on the outside to which you can attach carabiners and clips. A good backpack will enable you to “get to all your small stuff without fully opening it,” says Mullins. “Whether that’s your phone, earbuds, book, glasses, or food.” You still don’t want a backpack with too many pockets, as these will steal real estate from the main compartment inside. “I like enough exterior pockets to be able to hold gear but not so many pockets that they take up a lot of room in the bag,” says Grisdale.

Best carry-on backpack overall

Capacity: 35 liters | Packing style: Clamshell, tuckaway straps, removable waist belt | Organizational features: External laptop sleeve, top pocket, carabiner loops

The Cotopaxi Allpa is truly a backpack for suitcase people. Its clamshell design unzips fully to reveal a large mesh compartment on the right-hand side and three smaller ones on the left, mimicking the layout of rolling luggage. It also has a hidden laptop sleeve in the back that’s generously padded (I once checked my Allpa with a MacBook inside and the laptop survived unscathed), as well as an easy-access storage compartment on top that can fit snacks, a book, and your passport. The bag is comfortable to carry, with a sternum strap and removable waist belt for extra support. It comes in three different sizes, but this 35-liter version will be the best for most people — it’s big enough for a week’s worth of clothes but small enough that you can use it as an airline personal item or large daypack. (Strategist contributing writer Margaret Eby took one on a flight to Italy in addition to a rolling suitcase, and says the tuckaway straps helped her squish it under the seat in front of her.) One gripe: There’s no external water-bottle holder on the Allpa 35, although you could easily attach a carabiner to any of its handles or lash loops.

The best carry-on duffel backpack

Capacity: 30 liters | Packing style: Duffel, tuckaway straps, tuckaway waist belt, convertible shoulder strap, trolley sleeve | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, top pocket, water bottle holder

Patagonia’s Mini MLC is constantly sold out, and for good reason. This is an unusually roomy and rugged bag that can be used as your main piece of carry-on luggage (it’s available in a 45-liter version as well, if you prefer to overpack) or as a personal item that sits atop your wheeled carry-on. (Former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw refers to his as a “ secret second suitcase ,” because it lets him pack heavy without checking a bag.) Unlike the Allpa, the Mini MLC opens duffel-style, revealing a deep interior compartment that can fit several outfits and a pair of extra shoes. There’s also a laptop compartment, small stash pocket on top of the bag that’s big enough for a passport or wallet, and stretchy water-bottle holder.

The best (less-expensive) carry-on backpack

Capacity: 40 liters | Packing style: Duffel opening, compression straps | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, water bottle holder, quick-access front pocket

At less than half the price of the Allpa or Mini MLC, TomToc’s Navigator is a thoughtfully designed carry-on backpack with a large capacity and helpful organizational features. It zips open at the front to reveal a generous duffel compartment that can be filled with several outfits, whether or not you’re using packing cubes . There’s also a front pocket that’s big enough for a book, as well as a laptop sleeve in the back that can be fully unzipped, revealing extra storage space for documents, cables, and stationery. It’s an excellent affordable option, according to Grisdale.

The best carry-on backpack for business travel

Capacity: 30 liters | Packing style: Clamshell, removable waist belt | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, top pocket, front pocket, water bottle holders

Tortuga’s backpack designs are highly respected among gear reviewers across the internet. I’ve been testing out its very professional-looking Travel Backpack Pro, which opens clamshell-style to reveal two suitcase-style compartments and also features a nicely padded laptop sleeve with a false bottom for extra protection. The sternum straps are extremely comfortable and can be tucked away when not in use, the bag’s rectangular shape means it slots easily into overhead lockers (as well as airline baggage sizers — mine recently passed the Spirit Airlines personal item test with flying colors), and I like that the exterior fabric is highly waterproof and easy to wipe down. It’s also much more anonymous-looking than Cotopaxi’s colorful Allpa or Patagonia’s gorp-y Mini MLC, which makes it ideal for business travelers and digital nomads.

The best carry-on backpack with lumbar support

Capacity: 40 liters | Packing style: Duffel, adjustable tuckaway hip belt and harness | Organizational features: External laptop sleeve, external toiletries pocket

When spending her year abroad as the inaugural New York Times 52 Places traveler, journalist Jada Yuan learned the hard way that rolling luggage is terrible for long-haul travel. “I don’t know how I got through 16 stops of my trip before buying the Osprey Fairview,” she recalls. “My back and shoulders hurt all the time. I needed something with strong lumbar support, a waist belt, and a chest strap so that I could make it through the trip without getting crippled.” The Fairview’s packing style she says, is perfectly bare-bones: “Just one giant cavity, plus a zippered section for your laptop and a bunch of straps on the outside for carrying, say, a bulky jacket.” It’s definitely the most comfortable backpack on this list, says Grisdale: “Osprey’s packs are good because they have a lot of padding, they’re really thick, and they’re also adjustable. So if it doesn’t fit you right out of the box, you can move things around.”

Best carry-on duffel backpack for long trips

Capacity: 45 liter | Packing style: Duffel, compression straps, removable shoulder straps, trolley sleeve | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, hidden top pocket for valuables

Away is best known for its hard luggage, but the DTC brand’s outdoor gear shouldn’t be overlooked. Fashion brand marketing specialist Jennifer Olson came across this big duffel-backpack while gearing up for an eight-month road trip through South America with her partner. “We’d be living in a converted Land Cruiser and needed baggage soft and malleable enough to be thrown around the back of a truck and wedged into small spaces,” she explains. “Though we’d be hiking here and there, we weren’t doing any hardcore treks, so we didn’t need a traditional trekking backpack — but rather something in between.” True to Away’s suitcase-y roots, the bag’s internal storage compartment features compression straps that are designed to secure a set of packing cubes , which Olson says really helped keep things organized on her big trip. And the convertible straps have come in handy now that she’s returned home: “I usually use it as a duffle when I’m on weekend trips or using it as a carry on, and when the bag is a little more loaded with my things, I use it in backpack mode to disperse the weight.”

The best carry-on backpack for short trips

Capacity: 30 liters | Packing style: Duffel, compression straps | Organizational features: Internal laptop sleeve, stretchy side and front pockets, front bungee elastic

I first heard about the ULA Ultra Dragonfly when lurking on the 729,000-member-strong sub-Reddit r/OneBag , which has popularized the idea of bringing no more than one smallish bag on trips and vacations. And while many One Baggers own Allpas and MLCs, this is the bag they covet most. It unzips duffel-style, with a Goldilocks-size 30-liter capacity that means it can hold a decent amount of stuff but still slide underneath a plane seat if needed. There’s no hip belt, but uniquely shaped shoulder straps are designed to be worn for hours at a time without discomfort. There’s a laptop sleeve for digital nomads, and the Ultra fabric is slightly stretchy (allowing for a bit of overpacking), unusually durable (similar to ripstop nylon), and highly waterproof (which makes it appropriate for treks and other more rugged adventures). There’s just one catch: Due to stock issues, you can only purchase the Dragonfly Ultra once a week on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. ET. Within a couple of hours, the bag sells out and its buy button disappears for another seven days.

The best carry-on backpack for rugged trips

Capacity: 45 liters | Packing style: Duffel, tuckaway shoulder straps, compression straps | Organizational features: External shoe compartments, external laptop sleeve, passport pocket

More duffel-shaped than some of the very suitcase-y backpacks on this list, Timbuk2’s unique carry-on has zip-up shoe pockets at each end, allowing you to separate dirty footwear from the rest of your stuff — an especially nice feature for anyone packing a pair of hiking shoes . I also like how waterproof this bag is. All of the fabric is easy to wipe down, and the bottom of the bag has an extra protective “boot” which means you can plonk it down anywhere without worrying about it getting muddy. “The very considered design is ideal for someone who is most at home hopping on and off planes and trains,” says Andrew Barker, the former chief content officer of the travelers club, PRIOR . He appreciates the TSA-friendly slip pockets, which give easy access to your laptop and passport.

Our experts

• Andrew Barker, former chief content officer of the travelers club PRIOR • Louis Cheslaw , former Strategist associate editor • Margaret Eby , Strategist contributing writer • Geoff Grisdale, backpack reviewer at One Bag Travels • Jeff Mullins , freelance backpack and soft-goods designer • Jennifer Olson , fashion-brand marketing specialist • Jada Yuan , Washington Post reporter and inaugural New York Times 52 Places traveler

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Watch CBS News

Memorial Day weekend 2024 could be busiest for travel in nearly 20 years

By Kris Van Cleave

May 13, 2024 / 7:51 PM EDT / CBS News

This year is expected to be one of the busiest travel years in nearly two decades, with about 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles, according to AAA.

Joy Noelle Balanag booked her vacation months ago, hoping to beat the potentially record-breaking summer rush.

"I definitely am excited for this travel season. 2024 feels just like almost a breath of fresh air," she told CBS News. "I do plan on traveling on airplanes. I do plan on taking my car. Just, like, seeing where this summer season takes me."

Balanag won't be alone. This Memorial Day weekend, AAA is expecting a nearly 5% bump in airline travel over last year and United Airlines alone is planning to fly more than half a million people a day from May 23 through May 28, which would be the airline's busiest Memorial Day weekend ever. Delta is expecting 3 million passengers total over that same stretch, a 5% increase for the airline from 2023.

Most travelers will drive that weekend, however, with AAA predicting a record 38.4 million people will hit the road. That's a 4% increase from last year. Gas prices are similar to where they were last year, up about 8 cents a gallon nationally compared to last Memorial Day weekend.

"It goes back to that bucket list, YOLO, you only live once mentality, Aixa Diaz of AAA told CBS News. "A lot of people are now going, 'You know what? Let's not take those trips we always take with our families. Let's get a little bit more adventurous.'"

One of the fastest-growing travel options since the COVID-19 pandemic is cruising.

The industry is expecting a new record high of nearly 35 million passengers this year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. For the thousands on board the Carnival Firezne cruise ship's inaugural sold-out sailing, which began in late April, vacation season started early.

Passenger Jeanine Stage of Arizona told CBS News what she likes best about cruising is, "That you get to go to multiple destinations and you unpack your suitcase once."

"You got food, entertainment, even the casino, if you're into that, there's shows," she said.

All told, AAA is predicting 2024 will finish just narrowly behind 2005 as the busiest Memorial Day travel weekend since it began keeping track in 2000.

AAA expects the busiest time on the roads will be from noon to 7 p.m. on the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day. United Airlines said that Thursday will be its busiest of the holiday weekend.

Among the top destinations this year: Florida, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Denver.

• Memorial Day

Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.

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Protect Your Trip »

Icon of the seas: the best dining, amenities and more on royal caribbean's new ship.

This family-friendly megaship features plenty of activities, entertainment and restaurants.

Icon of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Key Takeaways

• Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with 18 passenger-accessible decks, eight different neighborhoods and 2,805 staterooms.
• Think of Icon of the Seas as an all-in-one adventure vacation contained on a ship. Young families and energetic travelers will enjoy it most.
• Itineraries originate from Miami , sail to destinations around the Caribbean and include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island , Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you have any degree of interest in traveling or cruising, chances are you've heard the buzz around Icon of the Seas. Another record-breaking ship by Royal Caribbean International , Icon of the Seas debuted on Jan. 27, 2024, as the largest cruise ship in the world. It is epic in every sense, featuring 18 cruiser-accessible decks and stretching 1,196 feet from bow to stern.

With greatest-of-all-time soccer player Lionel Messi as the ship's godfather, the Icon of the Seas is truly iconic. Messi brought the entire Inter Miami team along for the opening ceremony and the big reveal of the team's new Royal Caribbean-sponsored jerseys. I was fortunate enough to attend this star-studded ceremony as part of the press preview sailing in the days leading up to the ship's grand debut to the public. It was everything I thought it would be and more, and nobody could have been more appropriate than Messi to send this ship on her maiden voyage.

Boarding a ship of this size can seem overwhelming, but not when you understand the layout. Icon of the Seas is broken up into eight distinct neighborhoods: AquaDome, Central Park, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Suite Neighborhood and Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families looking for nonstop fun and kid-approved eats and treats.

In addition to these public areas, there are 2,805 staterooms spread across 12 decks. Icon of the Seas' capacity maxes out at 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, but with the plethora of public spaces and variety of things to do and see, you can choose your own adventure without encountering more crowds than you want to.

Find your perfect cruise

Skye Sherman

Icon of the Seas itinerary

During its inaugural 2024-2025 cruising season, Icon of the Seas offers seven-night eastern or western Caribbean adventures from Miami, stopping at a variety of tropical destinations. All sailings include a stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas . Other destinations include Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis ; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico .

During the 2025-2026 cruising season, new destinations will include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Labadee, Haiti; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands ). All sailings will originate from Miami.

No matter your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you'll visit beautiful places – but you can expect to feel torn about spending any time off the ship, because it's just that jampacked with things to do.

Who should sail on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas appeals not so much to a demographic as to a psychographic; you're going to need to be someone who likes to live life in all caps. Royal Caribbean set out to create "the world's best vacation" contained on a ship, so Icon of the Seas is for anyone who would enjoy the combination of a beach trip, a resort stay, a water park adventure and island-hopping.

Fun-loving travelers and families with kids of varying ages will do best on this ship; it feels a little bit like Disney World with over-the-top everything and a truly massive sprawl. Older travelers who prefer a more quiet, refined experience may want to opt for a less kid-friendly ship. Still, even couples without children will find plenty of fun adult-friendly things to do and romantic places to tuck in.

The Royal Promenade can be quite loud and buzzy, but simply relocating to another onboard neighborhood can completely shift the vibe. Also, keep in mind that the ship really is huge, and walking from end to end can be a hike, so those with limited mobility or endurance might want to look into a smaller ship.

Icon of the Seas prices are high in its opening season, but cruisers with big dreams and small budgets can expect rates to drop by the time the next ship in the series debuts.

The stateroom

With a ship this overstimulating, it's imperative that your stateroom is a haven. Luckily, Icon of the Seas offers peaceful rooms, many of which feature ocean or Central Park neighborhood views. Cruise ship accommodations are stereotypically compact – even cramped – but the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in Icon of the Seas' cabins (with the exception of the windowless interior rooms) lend an airy, open feel. The cabin layouts are also optimized to provide the maximum amount of storage, floor space and comfort.

Stateroom decor is mildly nautical- and tropical-themed, with calming hues that mimic the scenery outside your window (think blues, beiges and whites). High-tech elements include smart TVs, LED mirrors and the ability to control many aspects of your room from an app.

My husband and I stayed in an Ocean View Large Balcony Stateroom, a 204-square-foot refuge from the hustle and bustle of the ship (the balcony adds another 65 to 70 square feet). This room type can sleep up to four people with a sofa bed for one or two; the room also features twin beds that convert to a king bed for couples.

My husband is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and we were comfortable in our room, even though our quarters included a large bed, a bathroom, a sofa and a desk. We loved sitting on our private balcony and watching the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean flow by.

If money is no object, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – an over-the-top eight-guest, three-story pad with a private whirlpool on the balcony, three bathrooms, a slide that connects the second and main levels, an in-suite cinema, a dining room and a kitchenette – looks epic. But keep in mind, it costs nearly $100,000 for the week.

The Sunset Corner Suites (about one-fifth of the cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, but still expensive) are also pretty sweet, with a wraparound balcony and a bed facing the sea.

Luckily, not all rooms break the bank; with four main stateroom categories (suite, balcony, ocean view and inside) and 28 subcategories, there's something for everyone.

Best amenities on Icon of the Seas

It's almost impossible to run out of things to do aboard Icon of the Seas.

For thrill-seekers, the largest water park at sea – Category 6 – features the Frightening Bolt (the tallest waterslide on a ship) and the Pressure Drop (the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise vessel).

If you've tired of the seven swimming pools, six waterslides, laser tag, mini-golf, rock climbing wall, escape room, sports courts, outdoor decks, theater, spa and all-day programming, simply take a stroll down the Royal Promenade for Las Vegas -style people-watching. The Royal Promenade has 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a Starbucks that seems to have a line no matter what time you go. The neighborhood feels a bit like a shopping mall … if a shopping mall had floor-to-ceiling ocean views made possible by the world's largest kinetic art sculpture.

The Pearl, a feat of engineering, is one of the most unique aspects of the ship's design. This art piece is actually a load-bearing structure supporting three decks, but it looks and feels like an interactive art experience designed solely for the enjoyment of guests. The multisensory immersive structure has 3,000 kinetic panels and moody ever-changing lighting. It is one of the first things guests will see when they walk on board, as it stretches from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park.

My husband and I spent most of our time at the FlowRider surf simulator – his favorite amenity – but we made sure to leave time for Taylor Swift trivia at Spotlight Karaoke and the superhuman stunts of the Aqua Theater show, a must on any Icon of the Seas voyage. The ship even has a massive ice arena called Absolute Zero for ice skating (the 20-minute sessions are complimentary) and impressive shows.

We also loved lounging in The Overlook Bar & Pods, an area at the very front of the ship (behind the AquaDome) that features two levels of floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. It felt airy and open, which can't be said about many cruise ship interiors.

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Best dining venues on Icon of the Seas

There are more dining options aboard Icon of the Seas than you can fit in on a seven-night cruise – but you can give it the old college try. Thirteen of the dining venues are complimentary, while 14 are specialty restaurants (which cost extra; fees vary). There are also 18 bars and lounges.

The best meal we experienced on the ship was at the Chops Grille specialty eatery. When we spotted Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty and a group of bigwigs at a table next to us, we knew we were in the right place. We loved sitting outside and enjoying the breezes of Central Park while we chowed down, but you can eat indoors for an elegant steakhouse experience and a view of the open kitchen and butcher's display, which shows off specialty cuts like high-grade wagyu and bone-in tomahawks.

While I'd never turn down a swanky steak dinner, grabbing quick poolside bites at El Loco Fresh and indulging in some food hall-style grazing at AquaDome Market were equally enjoyable. We also had no complaints eating several meals at Windjammer, the classic complimentary cruise ship buffet.

Even though we don't have children, we stopped into Surfside Bites for a very kid-friendly meal, complete with soft serve ice cream cones from Sprinkles (because no cruise is complete without soft serve). We didn't try anything from the open-air, lemonade stand-inspired Lemon Post bar, but its menu of cocktails and mocktails looked delicious.

And since you're on vacation, be sure to check out the milkshake bar Desserted, where the sugary creations are as photo-worthy as they are decadent. They're worth the upcharge.

Best excursions on Icon of the Seas

Depending on what's on your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you may be able to book activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, tropical jungle adventures, visits to Mayan ruins, volcano hikes, rainforest zip lining, relaxing beach days or cultural immersion tours.

Note that Royal Caribbean features the same options on many of its other Caribbean cruises; none of the excursions on offer are exclusive to Icon of the Seas.

Because our press preview sailing only visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, we did not experience any of the shore excursions. Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas was plenty of fun, even though we didn't plan anything in advance.

If we had made plans, we would have liked to check out the Up, Up and Away tethered hot air balloon, which wasn't running that day, and the overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club, which were all booked. Thrill Waterpark (which features the tallest waterslide in North America), Oasis Lagoon (the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean) and the adults-only Hideaway Beach are other highlights of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Overall impressions of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean seems to be focused on superlatives. It has the biggest, best, tallest, largest and most of everything – especially when it comes to Icon of the Seas. If you like jampacked, adventurous vacations that squeeze a lot of adventure and relaxation into one memorable week, Icon of the Seas is probably for you.

While I love seeing Royal Caribbean push the limits of what cruises can be, the ship may almost be too big for some. It's an all-out Vegas-esque vessel that feels more like a floating city; you will probably forget (more than once) that you're not on dry land.

That's not necessarily a bad thing – if Icon of the Seas looks fun to you, it probably will be – but my husband and I tend to gravitate more toward authentic, immersive, on-the-ground cultural experiences when we travel. While Icon of the Seas is a lot of things, it's not that. We had a fantastic time and have already started planning a future Royal Caribbean cruise with a group of friends and family, but we also sympathize with the anticruisers of the world. Vacationing does not a traveler make.

Still, the shows are entertaining, the service is attentive, the music is jamming, and the architecture and design are incredibly impressive. I have no real complaints and suspect that most cruisers will have the time of their lives on Icon of the Seas – exactly as the minds at Royal Caribbean envisioned when they dreamed up this iconic ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Skye Sherman has been cruising since childhood, when her parents took her on her first cruise through the Caribbean. She has sailed various ocean cruise lines, gone off the grid for a six-day riverboat expedition deep into the Amazon River and even planned a European river cruise with 48 of her closest family and friends. She's a fourth-generation Floridian and hopes to visit every country in the world during her lifetime. She covers travel and lifestyle topics for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• The Largest Cruise Ships in the World
• The Best New Cruise Ships
• The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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