18 Family Vacations-Exotic Destinations

 Eighteen summers… 936 weekends… at first it sounds like a lot of time, but as the saying goes the days may be long, but the years are short.

It can feel a bit like one day you are buckling them into a car seat before you go anywhere and the next you are loading the car full of things to move them into their dorm room as they start college and wondering where the time went.

Making the most of those 18 summers with family vacations is one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds and create memories they will treasure long after you are gone.

This article completes our series on 18 of our favorite destinations to visit before your kids fly the nest. In the first article we listed six options in, or departing from, the US.   And in the second, our top recommendations for European vacations you won’t want to miss.

 In this article we’ll share our favorite exotic vacation destinations to add to your list…

Australia – Great Barrier Reef and Uluru

Australia is popular for its unmatched wildlife… cuddly koalas, the many species of kangaroos, and dangerous predators like the thorny dragon and the inland taipan snake. The wildlife, however, cannot compare to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you choose to dive, snorkel, or even experience the Reef on a semi-submersible tour, you won’t want to miss this underwater adventure. The outer reef may be more popular, but for families with children, consider visiting the Low Isles. You’ll still get the “wow factor” of the reef, but this area is shallower and gentler and even has sandy beaches on which to relax.

You should also consider visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, The park is home to the largest sandstone monolith in the world, called Uluru or Ayers Rock. Kids will be enchanted by the Aboriginal myths, legends and traditions of the area.

Peru – Machu Picchu

While it may not be the typical vacation that comes to mind with young kids, with so much to do and see in Peru, a trek to Machu Picchu definitely makes our list!

The ancient ruins of the Incan civilization had been hidden for centuries before they were discovered and later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No one knows the origin and purpose of these ruins. Was it a religious site, or the famed lost city of the Incas? Let your children wonder and marvel at the possibilities.

If you want to make your vacation educational as well as fun, this is one trip you shouldn’t miss, and it’s perfect to combine with the our next suggestion…

Galapagos Islands

Machu Picchu is not the only adventure South America has to offer. Nature is at its prime on the Galapagos Islands, where animals roam freely and interact with humans with zero fear. You can get up close and personal with giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies who can change your children’s relationship with wildlife.

 It doesn’t matter what month you travel in; due to its location on the equator, the weather is perfect year-round in Ecuador making this one destination that is easily fit in during various school holidays.
A small ship cruise is a popular option for getting around to see as many different islands as possible. There are a limited number of land-based hotels and tours as well. We’ve carefully curated a list of family-friendly cruises and tour guides to make your Galapagos experience the perfect mix of education, adventure and fun!

A Safari in Africa

An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be truly life changing. Seeing animals like lions, hippos, zebras, and elephants up close in their natural habitat is awe inspiring. Our experience and relationships with family-focused tour operators will help explore the local culture and arrange unforgettable experiences for your family.

 The memories you make hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara, having a picnic lunch among the giraffes, and watching a family of elephants gather at the watering hole steps away from your safari camp will be absolutely priceless. We can also arrange for you to adopt an orphan elephant and you can visit them in Nairobi.

China

From the bustling city and skyscrapers of Shanghai to the beaches of Hong Kong there are so many great experiences awaiting your family in China. Explore the Summer Palace and take a dragon boat ride in Beijing. Climb the most child-friendly portion of the Great Wall in Mutianyu where you can even take a toboggan ride down one section of the wall.

Take in the spiky peaks of the karst countryside of Yangshuo on a bicycle tour. Be enchanted by the adorable chubby pandas at the Chongqing Zoo or the Chengdu Panda Base. See the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Or spend a fun-filled family day at Hong Kong Disneyland. There is definitely no shortage of fun and exciting activities in China to create an unforgettable family vacation.

Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand

If you would like to visit several countries over a small period of time within a single vacation, you can sail your boat to South East Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are full of such wonder and adventure for you and your family.

In Thailand you can interact with elephants or relax at one of the many serene islands. Cambodia will take you through its jungles to discover the mysteries of Angkor Wat or you can scuba dive at Koh Rong Island on an underwater adventure. The historical connection is strong with Vietnam for American visitors and your children will enjoy learning about it while exploring the culture and landscape. One extra perk: the food is to die for!

Be sure to check out the first two articles in the series to uncover our top US based destinations, and our favorite European destinations to visit with your kids before they fly the nest.

The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat [<<- LINK]. We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

18 Family Vacations- Europe Edition

When our kids are little, it can seem like we have all the time in the world with them, but in reality, we only get 18 summers.

Ask any parent of a child in their late teens and they will tell you those years fly by. The older they get, the more you find yourself wishing you could slow down time and keep them young and at home with family for just a little bit longer.

Traveling with your children is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Getting them out into the world to explore different countries and culture will teach them lessons for more lasting and valuable than what they will learn in the average classroom.

This article continues our series on 18 of our favorite destinations to visit before your kids fly the nest. In the first article we listed six options in, or departing from, the US. Top US Favorites Here are our top recommendations for European vacations you won’t want to miss…

London, United Kingdom

London is one of those destinations that is perfect for older kids and teens. It has a “cool factor” that they just can’t resist.

The London Eye looking down at the tourists, following in Harry Potter’s footsteps with a visit to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station or the Harry Potter Studio tour, exploring the Tower of London as you learn about its grizzly history, and taking a selfie from the top level of a double decker bus as you pass over the iconic Tower Bridge… all things your teen is sure to be posting all about on Instagram and Snapchat!

If countryside attractions are more your style, you will also find nearby cities with idyllic farms and countrysides dotted with castles right out of a Disney. Since there is no language barrier in the U.K., it can be one of the easiest European cities to visit with your family.

Paris, France

Paris is for couples, right? Not necessarily! There are a lot of child-friendly places to visit in the City of Lights. Centre Pompidou, the Luxembourg Gardens, the palace and gardens of Versailles and several other important landmarks offer a fun and enriched cultural experience.

Speaking of landmarks, who can forget the Eiffel Tower! It may be a romantic spot on the books, but it is sure to delight your children when it lights up at sundown. Disneyland Paris, on the other hand, is designed especially for families with little ones in tow. The best part most of the city's best spots are located within a mile of each other, Paris is a city for walkers.

Want to plan an extended European vacation? Combine London and Paris into one exciting trip your kids are sure to love.

Zurich, Switzerland

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is not the only thing Zurich has to offer. The Swiss city has some of the best family attractions - and the best food - you can imagine. Zurich’s loction nestled between the banks of a dreamy lake and the foothills of the mighty Swiss Alps is tough to beat.

 The views in this area are nothing short of astounding. You’ll definitely want to plan some time to take family photos… you’re likely to leave with one that will become your next holiday card!

There are plenty of cultural experiences that await you in Zurich. Spend your days exploring one of the massive museums or its historic Old Town neighborhood. After taking in the views, do remember to try the cheese fondue and authentic German fare at a local restaurant!

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is one of Europe’s most kid-friendly cities with attractions such as Casa de Campo, where families will find the Madrid Zoo Aquarium and the Parque de Atracciones  Madrid amusement park.

 When the kids need to burn off some energy, the playgrounds of Retiro Park are the perfect place to visit to let the kids run around a bit while the adults can lounge in the park's formal garden.

Two activities not to be missed are taking in a soccer game at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and touring the Royal Palace.

Italy

Italy has been a well-loved travel destination for ages and for good reason: you can visit every year but still not have enough of it. Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and Naples… Every city has its own distinct local color and culture to discover. A plus: there is amazing gelato to be found all over the country! We especially love the off the usual tourist spots of Umbria, Lake Garda and the beautiful beaches of Puglia.

From beaches and meadows to piazzas and cathedrals, there is something for every taste.

Iceland

If you are more interested in a family vacation full of adventure and exploration, Iceland is the place to go. Waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and enjoyable wintry weather make for an incredible time with your loved ones. You can ride along beautiful green fields on ponies’ backs one afternoon and then take a thrilling off-road buggy tour on the next.

For older kids, dog-sledding and floating in the famed Blue Lagoon can prove to be extremely enjoyable activities. So many families visit Iceland that it has claimed one of the top spots in the tourism industry.

We’ve got 1 more week of suggestions to fill out your 18 summers of travel with your family.

 Be sure to check back next week to find out our top recommendations for exotic vacations with the family.

The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat . We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

18 Family Vacations- US Edition

Eighteen summers… at first it seems like you’ve got all the time in the world. You spend years chasing toddlers, driving carpool, building dioramas for the science fair. Countless hours of dance lessons, music recitals, and ball games. What feels like endless arguments over homework, cleaning their room, screen time, and more. The business of raising a family is work… and it never ends.

Then one day, sooner than you thought it would happen, you’re teaching them to drive, ordering a letterman jacket, shopping for a prom dress… and then it happens. One day the college brochures start filling your mailbox and you realize you’ve only got a few summers left.

Sure, they’ll be back from college on breaks, and you’ll still see them after they start their new, more independent life… but it won’t be the same.

Traveling with kids can be a challenge… but it’s worth it! Those experiences on family vacations are the type of memories that are deeply rooted and will be cherished for a lifetime.

Those 18 years go by quickly. It’s a bit cliché to say the years go by in a blink, but like all clichés that’s because it’s true. The countdown starts the day they were born, and no matter how much we may want to… we can’t slow it down.

In that spirit, we’ll be sharing 18 of our favorite family vacation suggestions over the next few weeks. Some are better suited for younger kids, some for teens… but most are fun for all ages. We’d love to help you pick out the perfect vacation for your family makeup for this year and beyond.

Here are a few of our favorite closer-to-home family vacation options…

Walt Disney World

No family vacation list is complete without Disney! A Walt Disney World vacation is almost a right of passage. Disney does a great job of immersing families in a carefree environment where everyone is a kid again. Whether you bring them when they are little and the “Disney magic” is very real, or you visit when they are older with more stamina for the parks and can enjoy seeing childhood favorites, a Disney vacation is a family vacation fairy tale dream come true. Disney holds a special place in our hearts, as our many trips to WDW helped our eldest become a confident traveler. And a hidden unknown gem, Disney's Vero Beach Resort. 

At one of the Beach Cottages at Disney's Vero Beach

U.S. National Parks

There are 412 National Parks in the US and among them you’ll find some absolute “must-dos” for family vacations. Yellowstone has geysers, hot springs, mountains lakes, and buffalo-filled valleys. Yosemite is filled with waterfalls, and unique granite rock formations, In Volcanoes National Park you can hike through a 500-year old lava tube or stand in awe of the “Glow Show” after dark at the Jaggar Museum and Overlook. The oddly shaped sandstone monuments that fill Arches National Park are the perfect backdrop for a family photo. And that’s just 4 of the parks… there are 408 more to choose from!  

Chain of Craters Volcano National Park Hawaii

Washington, D.C.

The most challenging thing about a trip to D.C. with the kids is finding time to fit in all of the amazing attractions! The Smithsonian Institute museums have something for every interest and enough activities to keep the little ones engaged. The best piece of advice we can offer when planning to visit the Washington D.C. is definitely to plan ahead! Especially if touring the White House, visiting the National Archives to see the original Declaration of Independence, or check out where our money comes from at the Bureau of Engraving or Printing are on your wish list.

White House Tour

Family Cruise

Sailing the high seas is one of the best options for a stress-free vacation for families with kids of all ages. With almost all of your activities and dining included in your stateroom price, cruising can be a great value as well. 

Pre Christmas cruise on Princess Cruises's Caribbean Princess 

Cruises offer the perfect balance of high energy fun and relaxation. Crusing is an excellent way to see the world. While you may think of the Bahamas or Caribbean, there are also options for more adventurous families. Consider itineraries like Alaska, the Mediterranean, or the Baltics.

New York City

NYC is like a giant playground for kids of all ages. There is something for every interest under the sun. Explore world-class museums, zoos, iconic attractions, take in a Broadway show, take a food tour through Chinatown, Little Italy, and a host of celebrity restaurants, have ice cream at Serendipity and spend the afternoon wandering through Central Park.  One thing is for sure, there will be no time for boredom on this vacation.

New York City is the perfect place to take teenagers. Even the most jaded teen won’t be able to resist posting selfies from iconic NYC locations on Instagram and Snapchat.

Hawaii

Aloha! There’s no place quite like Hawaii. It’s the perfect relaxing beach vacation. No matter which island, or islands you pick, you can’t go wrong.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to active volcanos, Kona coffee plantations, and lush gardens. Maui is a popular choice for many families with its abundance of gorgeous beaches, the scenic road to Hana, and quaint fishing villages like Lahaina.

On Oahu you can take in the solemn history of Pearl Harbor, the world-famous Waikiki, and try your hand at surfing the iconic waves of the North Shore. Then there is the unspoiled beauty of the island of Kauai with the dramatic Waimea Canyon, the towering cliffs of the Napali coast, and the beauty of Poipu Beach.

We’ve got 2 more weeks of suggestions to fill out your 18 summers of travel with your family. Be sure to check back next week to find out our top recommendations for European vacations with the family.

The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat. We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

Tips For Smooth Sailing When Cruising With Kids

Cruising is one of the most popular choices for a family vacation, and for good reason. It offers variety and adventure in one convenient package. You can sample multiple locations and cultures in one trip without the inconvenience of having to pack up and change hotels every few nights!

Cruising is an ideal way to travel for families with children. And staying in a floating resort with little ones doesn't have to be an exhausting experience either!

Preparation and planning is the key to a perfect family vacation with the kids to will avoid any bumps on the way.

Here are some tips to ensure smooth sailing with the young ones:

Pick a Cruise with Clubs for Kids

Whether you go for a mega-ship on a well-known, popular cruise line or a small luxury ship, the cruise experience will be much better if you make sure you select a ship with a kids' club that meets your needs.

Having a dedicated program to keep your kids busy makes the experience exciting for them and gives you the time to relax and enjoy a little bit of "adult time" on your own, something parents don't always get enough of at home! Kids' clubs provide you with a great way to balance fun family time and quality couple time on your vacation.

Oceaneer Club onboard the Disney Magic photo ©Disney. All rights reserved

While deciding on a cruise ship, take the time to look at the age requirements, kids programming schedules, and how the different age groups are organized. These details vary from one cruise line to another, so be sure you are selecting one that will work best for your family. Many kid programs require children to be entirely potty trained so check out the restrictions on the ship you choose.

Think of Sleeping Arrangements in Advance

If you're taking a family room, chances are you'll have a bunk bed in the cabin.  While top bunks always have safety rails in place, if you don't want to put your little one up top, a good solution might be an inflatable airbed for kids. Keep in mind you won't have a lot of floor space in your stateroom so the smaller, the better, and don't plan for anything larger than a twin!

Research the Ports of Call and Pre-Plan Activities for the Family

When it comes to cruising with kids, not all ports of call are created equal! While most will have a variety of excursions available for all ages, a few have very limited options for young children.

Your family can always choose to skip organized excursions all together and either stay on the ship or opt for a relaxed "beach day" instead.

 For clients who want to spend the day kicked back with their toes in the sand, I often suggest hotels in the area that allow you to book a day pass to use their private beach, pool, and facilities. Some even offer an all-inclusive option with food, beverages, and water sports included. I can also arrange for private tours and family-friendly activities other than those available from your cruise ship.

Use a Baby Carrier When You Get Off on Ports of Call

An umbrella stroller is great for when you're on board, but you need to prep for when you stop at ports of call. The basket under the umbrella stroller is not going to hold everything that you'll need. Gone are the days where you could head out with your sunhat, towel, and book. But no need to become pack mules yet!

If your little tot is tiny enough, take a baby carrier, and then carry your bags.

If You have a Toddler, Plan for Pool Restrictions

Cruise ships have pool restrictions for children that aren't potty-trained. The pools on board are salt-water. Without chlorine in the water, they are very sensitive to kids who are not yet potty-trained. If you are traveling with toddlers, look for a ship with water play areas they can enjoy even if they cannot go in the pools.

H2O zone on board the Freedom of the Seas photo ©Royal Caribbean International

Try Your Best to Keep Your Packing (and Unpacking) Compact

Space is limited, and within a few days, your living space can get chaotic pretty fast. Don't over pack and keep things organized while unpacking. Clean up every night before going to bed, no matter how tired you are from the day's activities, so you can rise to a new day of adventures without worrying about where the sunscreen is.

Also, plan on bringing a good umbrella stroller, a shoe organizer for the back of the cabin door to organize gear, and consider packing some snacks just in case indigestion or opposing food preferences.

Have a Contingency Plan to Deal with Motion Sickness

Keep salty snacks at hand and sea bands that use acupressure to alleviate nausea on hand for when seasickness strikes. Check the bar for ginger ale, which is excellent for stabilizing the digestive system. All ships will have a medical clinic on board for minor illnesses or injuries. They will usually have seasickness meds readily available to hand out (complimentary!) as needed.

If you love traveling with your family, or haven't taken a trip in a long time, a cruise is a great way to bring everyone together and have a blast while you're at it. It's great value for money and can be a new, exciting experience for you as well as the kids. I'd love to help you plan one!

go-kart track on the Norwegian Bliss photo ©NCL Holdings

The perfect family cruise starts with a vacation consultation. Just click here to visit my online calendar and find a time for us to chat. We'll talk about what kind of cruise you are looking for and how I can help. After that, I'll put together a no-obligation quote for you to review and we can get started planning!

Top Summer Honeymoon Choices

We are right in the heart of wedding season, so that also means honeymoon season. While couples may dream of that romantic beach trip shortly after their wedding, it’s also hurricane season. This runs from June 1 to December 1 for all of our favorite Caribbean islands, like Jamaica, St Lucia and Antigua. So what other options do couples have? Here are our favorite summer honeymoon with lower risks of weather issues.

1. Aruba- It sits south of the hurricane belt, so couples won’t be stressing about their trip being cancelled. Beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and it’s known for its local cuisine. Our top picks in Aruba are boutique resort Bucuti & Tara, Hyatt Regency and Marriott.

2. Hawaii- The hardest choice is which island? That depends on what you are looking for, but Maui tops the honeymoon list with great beaches, restaurants and some great activities for when you get tired of the beach.

3. Greek Islands- Nothing is more romantic than the Greek Islands, jaw dropping views from your room or restaurant. While Santorini and Mykonos are the most well-known island hopping is a great idea. Though avoiding August is a good idea as it’s the peak of high season.

4. Tahiti- This is the ultimate in romantic locations, also where island hopping is key and a stay in an over the water bungalow will make you the most envied bride in your circle of friends. This is a location where we like to do a “surf & turf” stay. What’s that you ask? One island staying in a room with its own pool and then finish up with the over the water bungalow.

5. Windstar Cruises- No mega ships here, their flagship Windsurf is a 310 passenger sailing yacht and that’s their biggest ship. European sailings to smaller uncrowded ports, active Alaska sailings, their Tahiti itineraries are a perennial favorite of Brides Magazine. All their ships have watersport platforms, swim, kayak, paddleboard, so you can channel your inner Beyoncé.