Laurel Perry

Summer vacation is what childhood dreams are made of. The days are longer; the sun shines warmer; even the ice cream tastes sweeter. And with the longer breaks from school, it’s the perfect time to make memories as a family by getting out of your daily routine at home and into brand-new destinations with your children.

Just like the fruits and veggies growing in fields and gardens, the world in summertime is truly ripe for exploring with children. The weather lends itself to bike rides through city parks or country lanes, hikes through mountains dotted with colorful wildflowers, and afternoons by the pool or on the beach.

The key to a successful summer vacation as a family is marrying a kid-friendly hotel or resort with age-appropriate activities that keep everyone happy. This is the hallmark of our professional travel planning service — our Family Travel Advisors are exceptionally knowledgeable about great places to stay and experiences around the globe. Combine that with our agency’s renowned feedback loop from the hundreds of traveling families we help each year, and you have all the components needed to ensure your summer vacation is one for the memory books.

Summer destinations that suit families are truly limitless. Many people have longer breaks from school or work during the season, making it the perfect time to venture far from home and get deeper into the world. For others, summer travel means easy-breezy days on the beach or by the pool. Parents of toddlers love cities with great playgrounds and pedestrian zones for evening walks, while families with teenagers seek resorts that offer the kids some independence. Regardless of your family’s priorities, we can help! A few of our proven family summer vacation ideas include:

Alaska

If America’s 49th state is on your family’s travel wish list (and it should be), summer is the ideal time of year to experience this Arctic region. Whether you witness the stunning scenery of Alaska by ship or by land, it’s mesmerizing for every age. Book early, as the limited tourism season means staterooms fill up fast.

Tuscany

Time and time again, our clients return home from a summer trip to Tuscany and say that it actually felt like a real vacation. Spend a few hours biking, horseback riding, walking through amazing towns and cities with a friendly guide, or shopping in colorful markets for fresh ingredients each day. Then let the kids splash in the pool while the adults sip local wines as the sun sets over the Tuscan hillside. It’s family travel perfection!

Safari

Once children reach school age, the question becomes not whether you should take them on safari, but when. Our clients who visit Africa tell us that their safari experience was life-changing for every member of the family, and having traveled to all the major safari regions ourselves, we agree.

Cape Cod

This coastal Massachusetts region is quintessential Americana — a beach vacation at its most charming. Colorful cottages, kid-friendly inns and miles of sand and surf ensure smiling, sun-kissed faces. It’s easy to see why families return to Cape Cod year after year, generation after generation.

Canada

America’s northern neighbor emerges from frozen tundra winters to become an evergreen playground in the warm summer months. Vibrant, multicultural cities like Vancouver and Toronto, or cities with a European vibe such as Montreal and Quebec City, hold plenty of appeal for families, as do the remote wilderness regions found across Canada’s provinces.

Dude ranch

If your family is searching for something really different for your next summer vacation, consider a dude ranch stay. Kids love the opportunity to be real-life cowboys and cowgirls, while parents love the variety of activities offered. Dude ranches are the ultimate summer boredom buster … kids will actually want to ditch their devices.

Scandinavia

There’s a reason the world’s happiest people call the Scandinavia region of Europe home. Cities like Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm come alive in the summer, with bike lanes galore, bustling cafes and fun museums. Rural regions provide lakeside retreats, breathtaking fjords and forests, and even a chance to see the Northern Lights.

There’s no more precious commodity than time with our children before they grow up. Knowing we only have 18 summers with our kids before they go on to lead independent lives means the time to start planning your family’s summer vacation is right now. Let us help create a unique, personalized timeline of summer travel options for your family.

Travel Planning

Experience the Best Summer Travel Vacations

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip

Our expert Family Travel Advisors are passionate about exploring the world with children — and empowering you to do the same. From handpicked accommodations to insider experiences, we can craft a custom vacation that’s uniquely suited to your family’s needs. Click to get started!

Get Started
Our Happy Travelers
"Katie planned the perfect trip. We all agree it was the best trip we've had, and the hotels were some of the best we've stayed in. We found that with a baby, it was only possible to get through about half of the suggested itinerary each day, which was great because it gave us options. We took time each night to debate what we would do the next day, and really enjoyed having those possibilities laid out for us.​"

–Beck Family Trip

"We have only good things to say about our entire trip and the planning process. You are a dream to work with! I especially appreciated how you narrowed down my options for each decision, so I wouldn't be overwhelmed. I haven't worked with a travel agent before, but you really surpassed my expectations. We will call you first the next time we travel!"

–Caldeira Family Trip

"We had an amazing time, and really appreciate all the work that you did for us."

–Clar Family Trip

“I have been blown away with the services you provide. I first contacted Barbara last summer on a recommendation to Ciao Bambino from a friend. I wasn't sure what to expect as I had not used this type of service before. We were beyond impressed with everything Barbara set up for our family.”

–Detter Family Trip

"We had a fantastic trip. So many thanks for your help in putting this together."

–Lange Family Trip

Destinations

Build a Lifetime of Memories

View All
Alaska Family Vacations
Massachusetts Family Vacations
Iceland Family Vacations
Norway Family Vacations
Tuscany Family Vacations
START PLANNING

Family-Friendly Vacation Ideas

Experiences

Immersive Experiences Around the World

View All
Family Beach Vacations
Family Biking and Multi-Sport Trips
Yacht & Barge Charters for Families

Get the latest family travel news, exclusive deals & more!

Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about special promotions, perks, tips and hot destinations.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign In

Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. Site registration is required to get started. Happy planning!

Create an Account

Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account.