Ask any adult about their fondest childhood memories, and many will tell you about an unforgettable holiday spent with their family. Indeed, family vacations spent running on the beach, exploring theme parks, skiing down mountains, or discovering foreign countries leave lasting memories that stay imprinted on the heart.
Traveling with your children is a great way to bond as a family. These holidays also offer educational, cultural opportunities and, of course, fun—something families often lack in today’s busy world.
However, vacationing with children isn’t always easy, especially during the early years when some holiday destinations may not be suitable for little ones. Even as kids grow into tweens and teens, choosing the right holiday can still be tricky. There are many factors to consider, including the destination, mode of travel, vacation length, what to pack, and more.
Choosing the Right Destination
The success of your vacation often depends on your chosen destination. Thanks to air travel’s evolution, the choices are endless, and with the internet, researching potential destinations is easier than ever. The information you need to make an informed decision is right at your fingertips.
If you’re a city lover, you might choose one of the world’s great urban areas, such as New York, Rome, London, Amsterdam, or Singapore. But is a city holiday suitable for your 4-year-old? Or perhaps you love the beach. But which beaches and resorts are the most family-friendly?
It’s often best to begin by determining the types of activities your family enjoys or which are appropriate for your children’s ages.
- Beaches and Watersports – If sun and surf are what you seek, there are plenty of options for family-friendly holidays. If you’ve got little ones, choose a beach where the water is shallow and the sand is perfect for building castles. Older kids will enjoy beaches that offer activities like boogie-boarding, surfing, and jet skiing. Ideally, select a resort close to the beach to avoid tiring treks to the water and lugging heavy gear like chairs and umbrellas.
- Cities/Sightseeing – Many families enjoy adding a bit of education to their vacations. This is ideal if your children are old enough to appreciate museums, ancient ruins, antique homes, and similar attractions. Little ones, however, may get bored on sightseeing trips. If you decide to sightsee, try to keep it kid-oriented. For example, many U.S. cities offer Duck Tours—rides on amphibious vehicles that travel on both land and water, with narration by entertaining guides. Many cities also have interactive science and technology museums.
- Theme Parks – Theme parks are probably the most kid-friendly vacations on the planet, but even visits to places like Disney World can be challenging with young children. Be sure to pace your days to include breaks, snacks, and possibly an afternoon nap. Make sure the rides are appropriate for your child’s age to avoid scaring them.
- Winter Sports – If your family loves the snow, there are many fantastic destinations to explore, from the Alps in Europe to the Canadian Rockies and Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. If your children are too young to ski, ensure the resort offers an accredited babysitting service, or plan to take turns skiing and babysitting. Be prepared for extreme temperatures, and remember that kids may forget to tell you they’re cold while playing in the snow!
Cruises
Many families view cruises as the ideal vacation—and they may be right! On a cruise, everything is at your fingertips, and you don’t have to travel far to experience new destinations. Choose the right cruise, and not only will you visit amazing places, but you’ll also have access to top-notch children’s programs that keep your kids entertained all day long.
Most cruise programs for kids begin at age 3, though some accept younger children if they are potty-trained. Additionally, many cruises offer fantastic teen programs, ensuring even picky teen travelers will be satisfied. These programs feature age-appropriate activities led by trained professionals who enjoy engaging with your kids. Plus, you’ll know your children are safe while you enjoy adult activities or some leisure time.
Cruise lines with the best kids/teen programs include Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. Luxury cruise lines may allow children but tend to cater more to adults.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Similar to cruises, all-inclusive vacations offer a stress-free experience. Many family-friendly all-inclusive resorts are located in places like Mexico and the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. These resorts, like cruises, offer children’s programs (sometimes included in the price, though some may cost extra). These programs give your kids a chance to interact with other children, while you enjoy some well-earned relaxation.
Families also appreciate all-inclusive resorts because lodging, food, and activities are all included, so there’s no need for a rental car unless you want to explore the area, which is sometimes discouraged in certain Caribbean destinations. Once you arrive, you won’t have to leave until it’s time to go home!
How Will We Get There?
After choosing your destination, consider how you’ll get there. Will you drive or fly? Of course, in some cases, you won’t have a choice, but for others, both options have their pros and cons.
- Road Trips – Every year, thousands of families set off on road trips. Some may take days to reach their destination, while others only travel for a few hours. Before choosing a driving trip, think about your children’s reactions to car rides. If they’re too young to entertain themselves, a multi-day trip might not work. However, if they’re old enough to play video games or read, a road trip will likely be fine. No matter the age, remember to make frequent stops for food and restroom breaks. Even older kids need to stretch their legs!
- Plane Trips – If you can afford it and your kids don’t like long car rides, consider flying even for a nearby destination. Regardless of your destination, always bring plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained. Remember, if the kids get restless, you can stop on a road trip, but you can’t leave the plane. Cranky kids can make the flight uncomfortable for everyone. Be sure to carry snacks and juice in case of delays—keeping a full stomach means a happy child.
Trip Length
Being away from home for an extended period can be difficult for some children, while others are born travelers. If this is your first time traveling with your child, start with a short trip to a nearby destination and work your way up to longer vacations. And don’t forget to bring something familiar from home, like a favorite blanket or stuffed toy, which can help comfort your child if they’re feeling unwell during your vacation.
What to Pack
Before you travel, research your destination to determine the expected weather and appropriate clothing. The last thing you want is for your child to be too cold or too hot! As mentioned earlier, make sure to pack familiar foods (especially when traveling to a foreign country) and comforting items from home.
