Travelling with kids can be a challenge… but it’s worth it! Those experiences on family vacations are the type of memories that are deeply rooted and will be cherished for a lifetime. Those 18 years go by quickly. It’s a bit cliché to say the years go by in a blink, but like all clichés, that’s because it’s true. The countdown starts the day they were born, and no matter how much we may want to… we can’t slow it down.

A common question I get is “Where can I go with my kids,” so I’ve put together a list of my top suggestions.  In this 3 part series, I will focus on places close to home, Europe, and those a little more adventurous.

Here are a few of my favourite family vacation options…

Walt Disney World

For those who follow me, you know that this choice is no surprise.  In my opinion, no family vacation list is complete without Disney! A Walt Disney World vacation is almost a right of passage. Disney does a great job of immersing families in a carefree environment where everyone is a kid again. Whether you bring them when they are little and the “Disney magic” is very real, or you visit when they are older with more stamina for the parks and can enjoy seeing childhood favourites, a Disney vacation is a family vacation fairy tale dream come true.

 

National Parks

In Canada, we have 48 National Parks and among them, you’ll find some absolute “must-dos” for family vacations. With Banff National Park in Alberta being one of the most popular, there are many other parks in British Colombia, PEI, and Manitoba.  What about driving the  Trans-Canada Highway between Vancouver and Calgary and visiting Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks?  This is one of the best places in Canada to see carpets of wildflowers in sub-alpine meadows.  For those looking for a challenge, try hiking the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk Trail to see some amazing Glaciers.

Family Cruise

Sailing the high seas is one of the best options for a stress-free vacation for families with kids of all ages. With almost all of your activities and dining included in your stateroom price, cruising can be a great value as well.

Cruises offer the perfect balance of high energy fun and relaxation. Cruising is an excellent way to see the world. While you may think of the Bahamas or Caribbean, there are also options for more adventurous families. Consider itineraries like Alaska, the Mediterranean, or the Baltics.

New York City

NYC is like a giant playground for kids of all ages and my kids still talk about it from our visit 4 years ago. There is something for every interest under the sun. Explore world-class museums, zoos, iconic attractions, take in a Broadway show, take a food tour through Chinatown, Little Italy, and a host of celebrity restaurants, have ice cream at Serendipity, and spend the afternoon wandering through Central Park.  One thing is for sure, there will be no time for boredom on this vacation.

New York City is the perfect place to take teenagers. Even the most jaded teen won’t be able to resist posting selfies from iconic NYC locations on Instagram and Snapchat.

Hawaii

Aloha! There’s no place quite like Hawaii. It’s the perfect relaxing beach vacation. No matter which island, or islands you pick, you can’t go wrong.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to active volcanos, Kona coffee plantations, and lush gardens. Maui is a popular choice for many families with its abundance of gorgeous beaches, the scenic road to Hana, and quaint fishing villages like Lahaina. On Oahu, you can take in the solemn history of Pearl Harbor, the world-famous Waikiki, and try your hand at surfing the iconic waves of the North Shore. Then there is the unspoiled beauty of the island of Kauai with the dramatic Waimea Canyon, the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast, and the beauty of Poipu Beach.

We’ve got 2 more weeks of suggestions to fill out your 18 summers of travel with your family. Be sure to check back next week to find out our top recommendations for European vacations with the family.

Any of these suggestions pique your interest?  Contact me and we can discuss the details and what your vacation priorities are. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

For more information, and assistance with your future vacation plans, schedule an appointment to chat with us HERE.

Happy Travels!