Most people look forward to family vacation — time away from work, school and extracurricular activities to focus on a shared activity that brings the whole family together. Whether it’s an epic adventure or a relaxing beach getaway, there is something for every family to enjoy. However, the challenge is in choosing a destination that will satisfy everyone. After all, young children are happy with a beach and pool but their older siblings might want to dive into culture or explore the outdoors. Then there’s the grandparents, who might be looking for a spa treatment or a romantic dinner and a chance to bond with their grandkids.
Thankfully, with a little advance planning, family vacations can be fun and rewarding for families of all ages and dynamics. Whether you’re looking for a way to help your kids unwind with yoga, take in an ocean view at Mauna Lani in Hawaii or get up close with dolphins at Atlantis in the Bahamas, there are plenty of vacation options that will have everyone smiling and reliving memories for years to come.
Travel + Leisure’s writers and editors know how stressful family vacations can be, but also how much joy they can bring. They have a discerning eye for value, multigenerational fun and simplicity, and they can help you create a trip to remember.
In addition to the obvious benefits of a family vacation, visiting new places is an opportunity for your children to learn about the country or area they’re going to and how it fits into the world. For example, traveling to a national park allows your kids to see how the environment changes throughout the seasons and what makes it unique. And visiting a new continent can introduce your kids to the diversity of its culture and history.
Taking your kids to world class destinations can also give them a perspective on the things they’ve learned in school and an appreciation for what other people have had to endure in order to live in peace. Seeing the Great Wall of China, hiking in Acadia National Park in winter or swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas can be an experience that will stay with your children long after they’ve graduated from college.
Lastly, taking your kids to a destination that is in danger of disappearing like the coral reefs in Hawaii or the ancient ruins in Greece will teach them that the beauty of our world is fragile and that they need to protect it. These are experiences that will resonate with your kids for a lifetime and will be an invaluable lesson in the importance of protecting our planet.