There are millions of places around the world that you could visit for your next getaway. Go off the beaten path and visit somewhere in the middle of the US, or a remote location in Africa or Asia. Or stick to the more traditional locations that have been built for tourism. These are my top 5 must-do vacations for those with kids.
5. Cruises
I couldn’t choose just one here. All of the major cruise lines are amazing in their own ways. A Disney Cruise puts in right in the mix with your favorite characters. A more luxurious cruise like Princess or Celebrity will make you feel like a King or Queen with their incredible staterooms and available butler services.
All of these cruise lines feature ports around the world so whether you want to enjoy tropical locations in the Caribbean or South Pacific or Hawaii, experience some of the old world charm of Europe, or hike through the lush greenery in Alaska or Canada, I guarantee you’ll find something your family will love.
4. Disneyland
Not to be confused with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, Disneyland is the OG Disney theme park located in Los Angeles, CA. Everyone should have the opportunity to visit Disney’s original creation at least once, making it a must include in any top 5 list. This park is smaller and you’ll have to deal with LA’s horrendous traffic but don’t count out this destination.
For Marvel or Avengers fans, Disney recently opened up the Avengers Campus which features new attractions and epic food experiences like Pym Test Kitchen, Pym Testing Lab, Shawarma Place, and Terran Treats. The new section of Disneyland just opened so I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but you can be sure this is on the top of our list of must do’s.
3. Universal Studios
This holiday will be our first visit to Universal Studios but I have helped several friends and family plan their vacation to this Orlando theme park and everyone loves it. Universal is much smaller than Walt Disney World but features immersive experiences into several of your favorite movies. Probably the most famous of which is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal Studios features 2 parks – Universal’s Island of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida – and 1 water park – Universal’s Volcano Bay. Recent reports are that they are working on building out more parks to rival Disney World. And for the Halloween lovers out there, you can see another side of these parks when they transform in to their world-leading Halloween theming.
2. Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts
Rated the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort, Beaches Resorts are the perfect compliment to their adults-only counterpart – Sandals Resorts. There are less locations to choose from with only 3 currently – 2 in Jamaica and 1 in Turks & Caicos. But all 3 are beautiful and provide a great family atmosphere.
Personally, I love all-inclusive resorts and cruises because I don’t have to worry about coming back to unexpected credit card bills because I got carried away (don’t judge – we all do it!). All-inclusive at Beaches is more than just included dining and drink options. You’ll also get to enjoy some of the coolest water sports like jet skis or kayaks, or – for those certified – enjoy some of the best SCUBA diving in The Caribbean. Oh, and for parents that want a break, Beaches resorts offer complimentary, certified nannies for all ages, all day, every day.
1. Walt Disney World
How could you not put Walt Disney World at the top of a family vacation list. Fine, it’s not exactly cheap to visit but I promise you will not be disappointed. Disney has spent billions on perfecting the guest experience. Use the MyDisney app to manage tickets, book dining reservations, access your room (if you stay on property), and much, much more.
Visit the classics like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, It’s A Small World, Tower of Terror, or Space Mountain. Or visit new areas like the Star Wars experience inside Hollywood Studios. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, Star Wars land is easily one of the most impressive sections of any theme park; I highly recommend it. We have been to Disney every year for the last 4 years and there are still several things we haven’t had a chance to do. And they keep adding new stuff!
Disney World consists of 4 parks – Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom – and 2 water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. A Park Hopper pass will allow you to jump between the regular parks, while Park Hopper Plus will also let you bounce in and out of the water parks.
Learn more about Walt Disney World
Once you figure out your next vacation destination the planning doesn’t stop there. Where are you going to eat? How are you going to get there? Are there any COVID policies or restrictions? How should you plan your day to maximize your time there? How do you book amenities like a spa day or cruise excursions? That’s where a travel planner comes in. When you’re ready, call, text, or email and let me plan your perfect vacation.
