Between picking the right destination, packing, booking accommodation, and actually getting there, traveling with kids can feel like a lot. But it doesn’t have to be.
Plan a stress-free, fun-filled vacation by choosing a family-friendly destination — one that guarantees activities and accommodations the whole family will enjoy.
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What Makes a Destination Family-Friendly?
No two families are alike and whether you decide on Thailand or Tampa, here are some things you should consider before booking your dream family vacation.
Accommodations for families
Where you stay can make or break a holiday. There’s nothing worse than realizing your hotel is miles away from amenities or that the charming apartment you booked in Paris for August has no air conditioning (true story).
Choose accommodation with a family suite or a separate attached bedroom, which is great for teens. Personally, I choose places with a kitchenette, which gives you the flexibility to prepare simple meals and save money.
Look for accommodations with family-friendly amenities like a kids’ club, children’s menu, kids’ pool, and child equipment rental. Many hotels also offer childcare services. Ask the hotel about their sitter’s qualifications and experience ahead of time.
Child-friendly activities
Your kids are more likely to enjoy their trip if there are child-friendly activities close by.
Cities are usually a no-brainer to find local museums, aquariums, or amusement parks. Depending on where you go, you may be able to purchase a museum pass, saving you money.
Amusement parks are a big draw for older kids. One of the benefits of being on vacation is you can avoid the weekend crowds by visiting during the week. Check if the amusement park offers discounted tickets on certain days of the week.
And don’t forget, one of the best (and free) activities for young kids is a local playground.
RELATED: Finding Educational Destinations for Kids
Safety and accessibility
Safety and accessibility are important factors when traveling as a family. Look for locations with low crime rates — even if you’re planning to stay at an all-inclusive resort.
Government websites will have up-to-date travel advisories. Online forums are a good resource to learn from other families.
Another factor to consider is walkability. How easy will it be to get around? If it isn’t walkable, is there reliable and safe public transit?
Make sure your destination has accessible healthcare and your family has adequate travel insurance before you leave. You can use an online broker like VisitorsCoverage to compare different travel insurance policies.
It’s also a good idea to pack a medical kit for minor injuries.
READ MORE: Child Safety Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel Abroad
Affordability
With the average vacation cost for a family of four in the U.S. around $8,000, a family getaway might feel out of reach. However, there are destinations that cater to families on a budget without compromising on fun.
U.S. families will find a favorable exchange rate in Canada, where you could explore the home of Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island or go dinosaur hunting in Alberta’s Badlands.
A European vacation is possible if you skip more expensive locales for places like Portugal, Malta, or Croatia. Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are also affordable and family-friendly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family Destination
Traveling with a toddler is very different from traveling with a teenager. Here are some things to consider to ensure your vacation is fun for everyone.
Ages of family members
Younger children don’t need much to have a good time. Stick to simple attractions and activities, like a bucket and spade on the beach, and try to stick to their regular schedule.
Older kids and teens may prefer more adventurous activities. Consider giving them a say in what you do and plan one family activity — like a local cooking class, horseback riding, or hiring e-scooters.
Travel distance and transportation
If your dream vacation is to Bali, a long flight is unavoidable. If you’re traveling with young children, request bulkhead seats or a bassinet for babies. Pre-order children’s meals and pack some healthy snacks they’ll enjoy.
Surprise kids with toys and activities during the flight to keep them occupied. Kids get jet lag too, and may be tired and cranky as they adjust to timezone changes.
Schedule plenty of breaks on road trips. Stop for a picnic or at a playground so they can run around. You can also pack new toys for younger kids and an iPad for entertainment.
Alternatively, listen to a children’s audiobook as a family or play games like I Spy or 20 Questions.
Climate and weather
Research ahead of time to avoid destinations with extreme temperatures.
Places like Thailand and Costa Rica experience monsoons where you could quickly find yourself knee-deep in rainwater.
Avoid sweltering heat or humidity and travel when temperatures are more moderate.
Local cuisine and dining options
One of the joys of travel is discovering new cuisines. While you might want to try authentic street food, make sure your destination has kid-friendly food choices or international options where you know there's something on the menu they’ll eat.
All-inclusive resorts usually cater to the whole family, but if you’re going off the beaten track, search for restaurants with a children’s menu or look for fast food options.
Tourism boards should also provide information on family-friendly dining.
Top Categories of Family-Friendly Destinations
From turquoise beaches to cultural hubs, there are plenty of family-friendly destinations out there.
Beaches
A beach vacation is the perfect mix of relaxation and water activities for all ages. Choose a location with calm waters for younger kids. Avoid beaches with strong currents and choose ones with lifeguards.
If you’re not staying in accommodation right on the beach, look for beaches with facilities like bathrooms, showers, and umbrellas for rent.
Skip popular destinations that are known for drinking and partying.
Theme parks and entertainment
What could be better for kids than a theme park vacation? Disney World is an iconic family spot for a reason. Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, and Six Flags are all fun choices for families in the U.S.
If you’ve ticked those off your list, look further afield. Maybe Fuji-Q Highland in Japan, Tivoli Gardens in Denmark, the Prater in Austria, and Efteling, a fantasy-themed amusement park in the Netherlands.
National parks and outdoor adventures
Does your family enjoy hiking and camping? Why not take a road trip to a national park or book an outdoor adventure in another country?
The U.S. and Canada are teeming with family-friendly national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, and Acadia National Park in Maine.
Use an activities platform like Viator to find outdoor adventures for families, like whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, treetop zip lining in Costa Rica, or a camel safari in India!
Cultural and educational trips
Culture doesn’t necessarily mean walking around a dimly lit art gallery. Many major cities have museums that appeal directly to kids. Think: the Natural History Museum in London or the Smithsonians in Washington D.C.
Or bring historical landmarks to life for kids through storytelling. Visit the Tower of London where Beefeaters regale stories of kings and queens, or book a tour of the Colosseum and retrace the fate of gladiators.
Festivals are a great way to experience another culture. Check to see what’s happening locally before you go. Who knows, maybe you’ll be in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, New Orleans for the Easter Parade, or Rio de Janeiro during Carnival!
How to Research Family-Friendly Destinations
If you’re like me, you may remember researching destinations by flipping through guidebooks at the bookstore. Fortunately, all you need to know about family-friendly destinations is now right at your fingertips.
- Online reviews and forums: Platforms like TripAdvisor or social media groups for family travelers contain reviews and advice from people who’ve been there. Reddit is another source for pinpointing the best (or worst) vacations with kids.
- Family travel blogs: There’s plenty of advice out there — whether it’s vanlife, adventure travel, or how to make the most of your Disney vacation. You can pick up tricks and tips for packing, car rentals, and multigenerational travel, from families who’ve been there.
- Local tourism boards: Larger tourism boards may also have family-specific blog posts written by local writers with recommendations beyond the usual tourist haunts.
- Travel agents for families: Agents can provide expert guidance on destinations and save you time comparing sites and dates to save a few bucks. Specialized agents can also suggest activities tailored to your family’s needs.
Common Mistakes Families Make When Choosing Destinations
Whether you’re planning a beach trip or embarking on a tour of Europe, avoiding these missteps can make your vacation more enjoyable for everyone.
Overloading the itinerary
It’s tempting to take a leaf out of Clark Griswold’s book in “European Vacation” and try to see everything. But overloading your itinerary can leave kids exhausted.
Leave downtime for rest, especially if you’ve got small kids who will still need to nap. Teens and older kids may also want some time to themselves.
Depending on your child’s age, plan one or two activities a day and leave unstructured time to wander a new neighborhood, swim, have ice cream, or do nothing.
Ignoring age-appropriate activities
If you’re booking activities, do your research and make sure they’re age-appropriate. You don’t want to drop your children off at the kids’ club only to find out they’re too young.
If you’re booking tours or excursions, make sure the activity is suitable for your child and check any requirements, like being able to swim.
Underestimating travel logistics
You’ve arrived at your dream destination, but do you know how you’ll get around? Some destinations may have limited or sparse transportation. Or the form of transportation might make you feel uncomfortable — like kids riding in a tuk-tuk without seatbelts.
Some countries may have unreliable or unsafe public transport, so research ahead of time if you’re unsure. Have a plan for how you’ll get to and from the airport and around your destination safely.
FAQs About Family-Friendly Destinations
What are the best destinations for first-time family travelers?
First-time family travelers may want to select a destination close to home. If that’s the U.S., consider booking an all-inclusive or family-friendly hotel in the Caribbean.
See your own backyard like the Outer Banks in North Carolina, or get your fill of amusement parks in Orlando. Cross the border into Canada where the U.S. dollar goes further and experience European living in Montreal or explore the Rockies.
With cloud forests, waterfalls, and tropical beaches, Costa Rica is another ideal location for a first-time family vacation. If you have your heart set on Europe, destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, London, and Barcelona are known for their family-friendly attractions.
How do I find accommodations with amenities for kids?
You can find accommodations with kids’ amenities online. For example, Booking.com will sort accommodations based on the age and number of children and filter amenities such as “family-friendly properties,” “swimming pool,” “kitchenette,” or “interconnected rooms.”
Family travel blogs are another great source, as the author has been there and may even include a write-up on their stay. Look at tourism sites for their recommendations as well.
How can I ensure safety in less touristy destinations?
If you plan to travel outside less touristy areas, do some research first. Find online discussions about where you want to go and look for up-to-date information.
Government websites have travel advisories for countries around the world. If you’re in the U.S., you can download Smart Traveler, the official U.S. State Department app for travel advisories and locations of U.S. embassies.
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, ask the concierge for advice on any areas you should avoid. Be aware of any local scams and keep your cash and passports out of sight.
Are cultural destinations suitable for younger children?
Absolutely! Depending on your child’s age, they may not get the same experience out of it as you, but it’s still an opportunity to absorb another culture and understand the world.
Keep in mind that your child’s attention span will be shorter than yours, so plan a mix of culture and relaxation to give them a break.
Explain in advance what they can and can’t touch and find out if there are any family-friendly activities available. For instance, some art galleries provide a scavenger hunt for kids to check off items as they walk around.
TL;DR: Finding Family-Friendly Destinations
Choosing a family-friendly destination sets the stage for an enjoyable and stress-free vacation.
Prioritize destinations with accommodations, activities, and amenities tailored to your family’s needs (think: kitchenettes, kids' clubs, and safe transportation), and resist overpacking your schedule – one or two activities per day is plenty.
Remember, a relaxed family is a happy family. Bon Voyage!
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