Best Family Vacations
Just as every family is unique, every family's ideal vacation is different. The perfect trip depends on the budget, the time of year, the duration, the distance, the size of the family, the ages of the children, and a number of other factors. U.S. News Travel has compiled a list of the world's best family vacations, featuring once-in-a-lifetime trips for a variety of family types. Tailor-made for the family photo album, these destinations are sure to create lasting memories.
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: With no language barrier and similar food options as the U.S., London makes for an easy introduction to Europe. Families particularly enjoy the free museums (like the National Gallery), as hotel accommodations and transportation can cost an arm and a leg. Your tiny princes and princesses will also likely find Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace's Royal Collection to be the fodder of dreams. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in London
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: The roar of a lion gets the blood rushing in both kids and adults. Going on a safari in Serengeti is a one-of-a-kind experience with your family. As you cruise along the savannah in a jeep keep your eyes peeled for galloping gazelles and hungry-hungry hippos. You'll get closer to wild animals than you ever thought possible. And with millions of creatures in the Migration, you're bound to see a fair share. Read More»
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: There's no replacement for good, old family bonding in a tent or under the stars. Pair that with Yellowstone's natural setting, and you're in for a treat. When you're not melting marshmallows around the fire, your family can visit famous sights, like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Old Faithful. The park boasts a number of stores, hotels, and range stations that can serve you if the need arises. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Yellowstone
Why Go: The Galapagos Islands are essentially the world's best zoo—with no cages. The bizarre and the beautiful creatures, like giant tortoises and colorful finches, that inhabit this tropical paradise will consume whole memory cards in your camera. With kids in tow, families can best explore these islands on a cruise, which will provide comfortable amenities and accommodations.
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: Entire worlds await you in Orlando. Recently, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal's Islands of Adventure has been luring muggles in droves. But, for younger children, Walt Disney World is still "The Happiest Place on Earth." Parents, may find a day here to be utterly exhausting, but Mickey's wonderland remains a rite of passage for youngsters, so you might as well settle into your fake log and take the plunge down Splash Mountain. Read More»
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: Watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring moment, which is made only more special when shared with your family. The majesty of this natural wonder should not be understated, and neither should the many ways of enjoying it. Whether you raft down the Colorado River, hike the Rim Trail, or camp near Havasu Falls, your family will never forget their time here. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Grand Canyon
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: Buenos Aires is quite possibly the most kid-friendly city in South America. First off, it's safe and less chaotic than other cities, like Rio de Janeiro. Families have plenty of parks to explore and numerous food options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. There are also several kid-centric attractions, such as the Museo Argentino del Títere (a puppet museum) and the Museo de los Niños (an interactive children's museum). Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Buenos Aires
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: Gigantic Asian metropolises are not typically family-friendly, but Hong Kong is an exception. This multi-island territory boasts two theme parks (Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park) that offer thrill rides for kids and adults. Also, exploring Victoria Harbour aboard the Star Ferry or from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is enjoyable for visitors of all ages. When the crew gets weary, head to one of Lantau Island's sandy shores, like Cheung Sha Beach. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Hong Kong
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: Yosemite wins over families with its easy accessibility. Just a few hours by car from San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, this national park can be comfortably enjoyed by families over a holiday weekend. There are also adequate accommodations, signage, and park facilities to make park visit easy for large groups. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Yosemite
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: When a history lesson comes with gelato, your kids will be eager to learn. With Rome as your classroom, tour the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and more for a glimpse of ancient times. You'll find attractions around every corner, which is a great motivator for children to walk through the city streets without putting up a tantrum. Plus, local culinary specialties like pizza and pasta satisfy every little ones' demands. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Rome
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: You'll find both history and beaches to entertain the family here on Oahu island. Waikiki Beach is the obvious answer to "What shall we do today?", but the USS Arizona Memorial and 'Iolani Palace may have something to say about that. With its affordably priced accommodations and variety of activities, Oahu stands out among the Hawaiian islands as the best for families. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Honolulu - Oahu
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: While nearly every family loves their time on the beach, not all sandy destinations serve them well. With tons of Caribbean islands to choose from, travelers find the Cayman Islands well suited for family travelers thanks to attractions like Stingray City. The soft Cayman sands, like those found along Seven Mile Beach, slope into calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Cayman Islands
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: Here, there's something for every age group. Your first stop should be Sentosa Island, Singapore's tourist-centric destination, which boasts a Universal Studios theme park, miles of sandy shores, a golf course, and much more. In the city, you'll also find loads to do, like riding the Singapore Flyer. Last but not least, the world-renowned Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are wild adventures just minutes from downtown. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Singapore
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: New Zealand's adventure capital packs quite a punch. Ever considered a synchronized bungee jump with your kids? Even if you're not that wild, your family is sure to enjoy other Queenstown activities, like white-water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, skydiving, skiing, and snowboarding. The possibilities are limitless in Queenstown. We can promise you that, with all these thrills, a vacation here will be one to remember. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Queenstown
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: If you have a little cowgirl or boy bandit on your hands, taking them to Calgary is a must. The spirit of the Wild West lives on in this Canadian stronghold. Although the Calgary Stampede in July is the event of the year, you'll still find the city's bronco-bucking ways at Heritage Park and the Scotiabank Saddledome, home to the NHL's Calgary Flames. Families also relish trips to Prince's Island Park and Calgary Zoo. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Calgary
Also Consider for Best Family Vacations...
in Best Family Vacations