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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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