Where to Go This Summer: 5 Great Ideas for Families

As families are looking ahead to summer travel and in search of experiences that will allow them to reconnect, our Ciao Bambino Family Vacation Advisor team is a go-to resource when it comes to planning a vacation no family member will soon forget. We personally scout many of the destinations we recommend, from the best family accommodations to immersive cultural activities like art, cooking classes and beyond, and we personalize every client experience around the ages of the children and the objectives for a particular trip.

Our wide array of vetted family-friendly resources enables us to plan incredible itineraries around the world — and best of all, we’ve created an incredible feedback loop where our clients give us real-time updates on what they are loving. We take advantage of this detail to further refine the recommendations we use across our travel agency. Below are a few examples of the types of experiences Ciao Bambino is planning for families this summer. Put these on your bucket list, then give us a call!

5 Unforgettable Summer Vacation Ideas

Croatia

Croatia has a rich history and is ideal for a family who wants a mix of culture and activity. It’s perfect for a 7- to 10-day trip in any of the summer months, though June is ideal. We’ll organize a weeklong itinerary on a private motorized yacht or catamaran with day-trip activities on the shores of the most popular Croatian islands. Families can bike through a lavender field, explore an ancient fortress and eat incredible seafood in Malo Grablje, an abandoned village, all in the same day. Pre-departure activities include a day spent in Split visiting Diocletian’s Palace with a private guide.

Japan

A country where modern culture is larger than life but still steeped in ancient tradition, Japan is a truly transformative destination for families to experience together. Although it’s hot during the summer months, prices are more wallet-friendly. The end of July is best; avoid the rainy month of June and the super-humid month of August. Families who book with us will get a behind-the-scenes look at the Nishiki market in Kyoto. Go behind the shop fronts and meet sake brewers, miso makers, confectioners, tea connoisseurs, umami and more as you get an in-depth introduction to Japan’s culinary techniques and people.

Peru

A perfect mix of history, culture and soft adventure, Peru allows you to fully immerse yourself in the country’s culture. Summer is a great time to visit, especially for hiking enthusiasts, as the trails are dry. Kids will be awed by a pop-up picnic along the Inca Trail, where two porters accompany your family and set up a tent complete with a lunch of traditional food and drinks. You’ll also visit a working hacienda and be treated to a private Paso horse show.

Scotland

Scotland offers families one of Europe’s most charming and walkable cities (Edinburgh) in combination with stunning natural scenery. There’s something for everyone, whether your brood loves history, hiking or Harry Potter. For families traveling during the summer, June or July is the best time to visit. Try to avoid August, when the Fringe Festival is in full swing in Edinburgh … crowds will be large and availability at centrally located hotels will be a challenge.

Our team can book walking tours that retrace the steps of Scotland native J.K. Rowling as she wrote the Harry Potter series; a seaplane ride on one of Scotland’s famous lochs; or a 4×4 driving experience through some of Scotland’s most rugged and beautiful terrain. Active families will also love a Highland Games experience, a class in outdoor survival skills, a falconry lesson or even a 3D battle re-enactment where you can pretend to be William Wallace in Braveheart.

Australia

Exotic in feel yet familiar from films, music artists and other pop culture icons, Australia is at the top of many families’ bucket lists, Though it’s technically winter in Australia, Americans visiting during the U.S. summer months will find the weather pleasant and mild. Kids love Vivid Sydney, a light, music and ideas festival that takes place in June. We can organize a backstage, behind-the-scenes private tour of the Opera House as well as an up-close and personal visit to the Sydney Zoo, including a private feeding with koalas. Looking for the ultimate in luxury? You’ll relish staying at Lizard Island Resort, located on a private island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Relevant Links:

18 summer vacations to take before your kids grow up

10 family vacations that will change kids forever

5 favorite summer vacation ideas to book now

Best 1-week itinerary in Japan with kids

An authentic taste of Peru 

A tour of Scotland with kids

Live with a CB! trip planner: Best places to visit in Australia and New Zealand with kids

Editor’s Note: Photos by Virtuoso.