9 Great Places for Family Vacations with Adult Children

A few things happen after your kid graduates from college or moves out for good. The laundry makes it into the basket. The fridge stops mysteriously emptying overnight. And the logistics of planning a family vacation shift. No more MacGyvering a diaper change in an airplane bathroom, searching for kids’ camps or gritting your way through “whine o’clock,” which delightfully gives way to wine hour, a more pleasant experience for all.

However, planning trips with adult children has new complications I wasn’t prepared for. My daughter, now in her 20s, lives in another country, has a full-time job, a pet and a busy social life. Time off is scarce, and coordinating calendars is a bit like playing two separate games of Tetris. So when we finally pulled off a family vacation to the Galápagos Islands, two years in the making, I was beyond excited. I secretly loved the idea of being “trapped” on a boat with her for a week. Three shared meals a day, swimming together in pristine waters and searching for giant reptiles? I was in Mom heaven. What thrilled me more, however, was watching my daughter engage in lively conversation with fellow travelers, enthusiastically jump into each adventure and lose herself in the wonder of visiting a new place.

When it was time to part ways, she hugged me tight and said, “That was my favorite vacation yet. Thank you.” That small sentence will stick with me longer than the memory of snorkeling with sea lions and spotting giant tortoises lumbering in the wild. Because more than just taking a family trip, I traveled with the open-minded, kind and curious global citizen I helped raise. It was a reminder that the times we share with our adult children might be fewer and farther between, but they can also be richer, more relaxed and filled with wonder and gratitude.

Our Favorite Destinations for Family Vacations with Adult Children

Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort, Costa Rica

This all-inclusive sanctuary quietly opened in January 2025 and has all the markers of becoming a go-to family favorite. All meals are prepared with ingredients grown on the property or sourced in the nearby town of Dominical, and daily surf instruction, from beginner sessions to expert coaching, takes place on a beach that’s just 10 minutes away. The six-room hotel also has a pool, a teakwood yoga shala, an open-air massage pavilion and cooking classes upon request, as well as custom excursions to explore Nauyaca and Uvita waterfalls, the Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge, and indulge in coffee and chocolate tastings. To make it even more seamless, round-trip airport transportation from San Jose is included. All you need to do is show up and let the bonding begin.

Greenhorn Ranch, California

Take a trip down memory lane at Greenhorn Ranch, the 608-acre forested hideaway in California’s Lost Sierra that’s introducing its first-ever Adults-Only Summer Camp (held the last weekend in September this year). Families can relive their childhood sleepaway camp vacations, only now there are better snacks, cozier accommodations and top-notch activities such as e-biking, fishing, rodeo challenges and hikes in the glorious Sierra Nevada (exceptionally beautiful in the fall). At night, tell ghost stories by the bonfire, sing a karaoke duet, listen to live music and challenge one another to poker, pool and darts. It’s all the nostalgia you remember with adult perks that might have your adult kids begging to return again and again.

LAAX, Switzerland

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, just 90 minutes away from Zurich, LAAX  is sleek, stylish and favored by skiers, snowboarders and outdoor-lovers of all ages. For winter, LAAX is one of the best freestyle ski and snowboard destinations in Europe, with four snow parks, a massive half-pipe, and terrain for all levels. Summer means family hikes, freshwater-lake swimming, and biking on the more than 250 kilometers of scenic alpine trails. Stylish and comfortable accommodations abound, but for those who want to make their stay more about togetherness, the modern and luxurious apartments in the renovated Casa Mulania chalet offer tailor-made concierge service, private ski lockers, plenty of space to hang, cook, and play cards, and easy access to skiing, mountain trails, ziplining, and dining.

Parker Palm Springs, California

Chic and quirky in the best way, Parker Palm Springs expertly balances playful luxury for a sunny SoCal stay to remember. Once the estate of Western movie star Gene Autry, the Jonathan Adler-designed 156-room hotel sets the stage for many an Instagram post and a lot of family fun. Whether you prefer scheduled activities or want to lean into serendipity, the lush 13-acre estate has something for everyone — including simply wandering around the stunning property, where quiet corners are just right for reading and catching up. Guests can also book a cabana by one of the three pools, play croquet, pétanque, giant chess and tennis, or arrange mother-daughter massages. Borrow a few bikes for a spin along Palm Canyon Drive, then return for a heart-to-heart at the fire pit. The hotel’s spa, called Palm Springs Yacht Club, is considered one of the best in the area.

One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico

This resort‘s hacienda-style architecture and location at the edge of Baja California is the perfect backdrop for the south-of-the-border vacation of your dreams.  Private casitas, spacious suites and ultra-exclusive villas are spread around the 250-acre, palm-tree-studded property, creating plenty of elbow room while offering every opportunity to connect. Sample a wide range of activities such as surfing lessons on one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches, snorkeling in a protected cove, private cooking classes, tequila tastings and deep-sea fishing. Wellness-minded families can dip into the spa or join a sunrise yoga session, while golf lovers can bond on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course or during a day trip to Todos Santos. With its elevated, serene and fun atmosphere, a meaningful family vacation here is guaranteed.

Brown’s Hotel, London

The oldest hotel in London, established in 1832, is perfect for families who prefer vacations sprinkled with lots of cosmopolitan energy. Located in the heart of Mayfair, this iconic 115-room hotel blends heritage, comfort and elegance in the heart of a world-class city, walking distance from Bond Street and Savile Row shopping and cultural landmarks such as the Royal Academy of Arts and Buckingham Palace. Explore London together each day, then return for the timeless British tradition of afternoon tea. Evenings are about dining at acclaimed restaurants, catching a West End show and toasting with a nightcap in the hotel’s legendary Donovan Bar.

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

With its elegant colonial-style architecture, expansive grounds and personalized service, The Ocean Club strikes just the right chord of laid-back tranquility, upscale accommodations and plenty of activity. Check into one of the 107 rooms and suites or choose a two- or three-bedroom villa, some with private infinity pools, kitchens and butler service, ideal for multigenerational groups. There’s plenty to do together too, from snorkeling, scuba diving and jet skiing to more relaxed options such as kayaking, sunset cruises and reading a book on the white-sand beach. Foodies should book a table at DUNE by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or sign up for a cooking class or a rum tasting. Don’t miss a day trip to the Exuma Islands to swim with pigs — certainly a place to snap your next great family photo.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara

Yacht rock your next family vacation aboard the brand-new Ritz-Carlton Luminara superyacht, offering an over-the-top way to explore Asia’s captivating coastal destinations. The ultra-luxurious 452-passenger ship takes its maiden voyage in the Med this summer before moving to Asia for December  2025-May  2026 itineraries that include stops in Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and South Korea, with the chance to see bucket-list sites such as Kyoto’s temples, Seoul’s royal palaces, Hạ Long Bay’s limestone karsts and Thailand’s idyllic beaches and islands. Unique excursions at each destination invite families to immerse themselves in local culture, whether you join a small cadre of fellow wayfarers or opt for pre-designed private outings. The relaxed elegance of 226 private terrace suites keeps everyone comfortable, while between ports, a gym, a spa and an exceptional dining experience await at four restaurants, with menus created in partnership with Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi and James Beard award-winning chef Michael Mina.

Under Canvas, Columbia River Gorge, Washington

Looking for a trip that gets everyone off their phones and into the wild? Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, newly opened in May 2025, delivers the ultimate camping-in-comfort experience in Washington’s stunning White Salmon River Valley. Just an hour from Portland, this 120-acre escape lets you and your grown-up crew take guided hikes, engage in whitewater thrills and toast to togetherness at local wineries. There’s no roughing it here: The overnight experience is leveled way up in safari-style tents decked out with king-size beds, plush linens, ensuite bathrooms and gas fireplaces. At night, gather for live acoustic music, s’mores by the fire and stargazing.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas for empty-nest getaways on Ciao Bambino

9 places to make travel memories with college-age kids

Castle Hot Springs: A magical oasis in the Arizona desert

Where to stay in St. Lucia for a parents-only escape

Santorini shines in fall at the Canaves Collection hotels

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.