Ideas for Planning Unforgettable Family Vacations

The reasons to start planning an unforgettable family vacation are numerous: more time to relax, connect, bond, and share incredible adventures. But taking that leap and actually getting a trip booked and on the calendar often feels overwhelming. There are so many questions that hold us back from making lifelong memories, from where to go, to where to stay, to what to do once you get there.

Fortunately, Ciao Bambino’s luxury travel advisors have the answers. We know the best way to structure a trip, whether it is an action-packed three weeks in multiple locations or a more laid back long weekend in one relaxing place. Plus everything in between!

We’ve all fallen down the rabbit hole of endless internet research cycles when planning travel. Which sources to trust and which to dismiss leaves us questioning ourselves. Rest assured that wherever a void in reliable information exists, our advisors have a recommendation to fill the gap. There’s not a vague, anonymous review to be found in our reliable network of travel service providers. The continual feedback we receive from satisfied clients keeps our intel fresh and relevant.

Destinations

In this current global environment, the choices for where to travel next with your children are truly limitless. Some seek the solitude of remote national parks in exotic locations. Others want the comfort of traveling closer to home, like Christmas in New York City or an educational immersion tour through Washington DC. We have helped many families navigate their first foray overseas, but we also plan trips for veteran worldwide trekkers looking for exceptional, bespoke itineraries.

We’ve traveled to all seven continents with our own children, and we’ve sent happy clients to nearly every corner of the world and most regions of the U.S. There’s nothing we love more than sharing this expertise with our clients.

Clearly, choosing the right family destination is our bread and butter, and it is how we start every full planning service. We get to know each family’s preferences and interests, and lay out options that are sure to pique an interest. Getting a sense of how each location option might look at a high level is designed specifically to make the decision process much easier for our clients.

Accommodations

A great place to stay often makes all the difference when planning a vacation. It is typically the largest line item in the vacation budget, and it is important to make sure this investment exceeds expectations. Often this is where our qualifications as trusted luxury travel advisors are most valuable to our clients, allowing us to help them choose the right accommodations for their unique needs.

For some, a great kids club is key so that the adults can enjoy some child-free time. A private pool might be a highly desired amenity for others as they crave time to bond. Foodie families often desire onsite Michelin star dining or multi-bedroom villas with private chefs.

Whatever is at the top of the wishlist, we can help clients select from a vetted list of options around the world. And because we’ve often experienced these 5 star properties ourselves, we offer insider tips for getting the most out of a stay, from the best sleeping configurations to which floor offers an incredible view.

Activities

Because we plan thousands of family vacations a year, we know how to check off every item on each family’s personal bucket list and to maximize the vacation enjoyment at the carefully chosen destination.

Want to take a sunrise hike in the Grand Canyon? We can book a guide!

Seeking up close and personal animal encounters in the Galapagos? Let’s discuss the species you most want to see!

Looking to play the world famous golf courses in Scotland? We’ll secure you a tee time!

Hoping for more exclusive, behind the scenes experiences at Walt Disney World? VIP access is our specialty!

Does dinner in a local home sound fun? Let’s take it up a notch and make it a cooking class!

The biggest factor of all when booking these amazing experiences for our clients is that they are truly family friendly. Tour guides that love children, opportunities for kids to get involved in a meaningful way, and authentic cultural immersion that’s fun and active are what we value most of all as a company. This is why we connect our families with the best on-the-ground partners in places all over the world.

It’s no surprise that what we repeatedly hear from our clients is that their vacation was exceptional for their children just as much as it was for them as parents, and in a way they never could have planned on their own.

It is what keeps families coming back to us for every trip they take.

The Extras

We can also help with other details, like ground transportation and travel insurance. These logistics can feel tedious, and yet when poorly planned, can quickly derail a vacation. Put our professional expertise to work as the finer details of an itinerary come together.

Multigenerational trips can also be particularly challenging, as the more people going, the more people to please! Yet they are more popular than ever. We’ve learned all the helpful questions to ask in advance of a trip, which help to ensure that every member of the family has a great time, from great-grandma to the newborn baby.

The videos below introduce a few of our luxury travel advisors and highlight their experience planning unforgettable family vacations around the world. Take a look and let’s get started!

Advice from our Family Travel Advisors

Must-See Destinations in Scotland

by Brendan Considine

Our team Scotsman describes what families love to see and do in the kingdom of the Gaels.

Spain & Portugal Highlights for Families

by Amy & Kiki Annis

Our mother/daughter Advisor team chat about destination gems in both countries.

Why Visit the Galapagos Islands with Kids

by Anna Sizer

Anna explores what makes these unique islands so special for families.

Tips for Planning That Bucket List Trip to New Zealand

by Kristi Marcelle

Three things to consider before planning your trip.

Advice for Planning Multigenerational Trips

by Melissa Smith & Katie Stewart

Extended family trip ideas and essential planning tips.

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip with Kids

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