The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide: Top Destinations for Traveling with Kids
August 21, 2024
Traveling with the whole family can be a wonderful time, filled with new experiences and cherished memories. However, finding the perfect kid-friendly spot can be a feat of its own with so many options to choose from.
Are you seeking a hassle-free, all-inclusive resort? Perhaps your family prefers accommodations that offer outdoor adventure? Or maybe you want to explore places rich in cultural and historical learning for the kids? No need to worry, we’ve compiled our top picks for the best family vacation that will surely cater to all your travel preferences!
All-Inclusive Resorts: Relaxing Family Fun
Cap Cana, Dominican Republic: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Experience paradise at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, where crystal-clear Caribbean waters await. Families can enjoy convenience at this all-inclusive haven, which offers unlimited food and drinks at six restaurants and five bars, premium liquor and snacks, 24-hour room service and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Your family can spend the day partaking in non-motorized water sports and beach volleyball, and the evenings enjoying music and dance entertainment at the property’s outdoor amphitheater. Plus, guests can cool off at the resort’s lazy river, water slides and a massive infinity pool. Your little ones will also love spending time at the kid-friendly clubs, which provide interactive activities, supervised games and exciting Virtual Reality simulators.
If you’re looking to relax, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana promises an escape for the whole family. To learn more about this tropical property, visit here.
Riviera Maya, México: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Discover the luxury of Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a Tripadvisor award-winning resort nestled along Mexico’s pristine shores. At this all-inclusive property, families can stay in its spacious suites, which include unlimited food and drinks at eight restaurants and six bars, 24-hour room service, three resort-style pools and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The younger guests can enjoy the dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, featuring fun activities and entertainment, or participate in snorkeling, kayaking or boogie boarding on the beach. The property also provides a baby concierge, which offers full-service babysitting when parents need some time to relax. If your family wants to venture outside the property, join the many guided tour excursions to explore underwater caves, the Mexican jungle or the Mayan ruins.
Plan your next getaway at Grand Velas Riviera Maya or to learn more, visit here.
Adventure Travel: Exploring the Great Outdoors
Sundance Mountains, Utah: Sundance Resort
Sundance Resort is the ideal stay for families looking to experience the vast outdoor offerings of the Sundance Mountains in Utah. At this multi-night rustic resort, guests can choose luxurious accommodations from a mountain suite to a spacious, cozy cabin and dine at one of the resort’s seven onsite award-winning restaurants.
With direct access to the Sundance Mountains, this resort is primarily known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter seasons. However, the resort also offers an expansive amount of non-winter outdoor activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and ziplining. The property also recently opened The Springs, a new lodging amenity that features two hot tubs and a large pool for guests looking to unwind from an active day.
Want to learn more about Sundance Resort? Check out more information here.
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
For families wanting to travel abroad and visit the exotic Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, The Springs Resort & Spa is a wonderful choice. Located on a 165-acre property perched high above the valley and north of the Arenal Volcano, this five-star resort has direct access to natural hot and cold springs, five onsite restaurants and various suites to accommodate all family sizes.
The resort also features Arenal’s finest animal sanctuary, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, allowing guests the opportunity to experience and interact with a large array of protected Costa Rican wildlife. The property’s Club Rio Adventure Center hosts various outdoor activities such as river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, river fishing and ziplining.
At The Springs Resort & Spa your family will never run out of outdoor fun. To learn more, visit here.
Cultural/Historical Travel: Learning Through Exploration
Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy, dubbed the Eternal City, is a fitting destination for families interested in history and culture. Kids can gain insight beyond the history books by visiting the ancient ruins of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican City. The Colosseum, with its grand architecture and gripping tales of gladiators, captivates young imaginations, while the Roman Forum offers a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans. The Vatican City, with its stunning St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, highlights masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.
Beyond the historical sites, Rome’s vibrant street life, gorgeous parks, delicious Italian cuisine and charming piazzas add to the allure when choosing to travel to this city. Parents can rest assured knowing that Rome will provide nonstop activities and learning for the whole family on any given day.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most important cultural cities and an excellent destination for families seeking to explore one of the safest countries in the world. The city embodies old Japan, with its ancient temples like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and beautiful gardens like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, offering your family a window into the nation’s heritage.
Beyond these landmarks, Kyoto has a variety of kid-friendly educational activities, such as the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum, which provide an immersive experience with kids’ swordsmanship lessons, and Kyoto’s various tea houses where families can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. For young animal lovers, Kyoto also features attractions like the Iwatayama Monkey Park and the Kyoto City Zoo. Kyoto’s blend of cultural richness and family-friendly activities makes it a must-visit destination for those traveling with children.
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