Beach + Relaxation

Why this works for busy families: Unwind, spend time together, enjoy built-in kids’ or teen areas, and lean on a resort base that handles the details.

• Hotel Xcaret México, Riviera Maya – Luxury all-inclusive with family suites, kids & teen zones, waterslides, entertainment, and included access to parks and excursions.
• Sugar Beach, St. Lucia – Family-friendly beachfront resort with spacious suites, pools, and gentle Caribbean waters.
• European Beach Options:
  • Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy – Stay in a village-like setting with family programs such as pasta-making and olive-grove bike rides.
  • Elounda Mare, Crete, Greece – Luxury villas, calm waters, and a resort that blends relaxation with elegance for the whole family.

Culture + Enrichment

Why this works: Give your kids stories to tell, new tastes, and experiences beyond the beach, all without exhausting the adults.

• Portugal: Walk through Lisbon’s tile-clad alleys, ride vintage 4×4s over Sintra’s forested hills, and dip into secret coves by kayak. Taste grilled sardines in Alfama, join a fado night by candlelight, and savor port in Douro Valley estates. Cruise the Atlantic shores, hike misty national parks, explore medieval towns like Óbidos, and watch artisans hand-paint azulejos. This is Portugal in full color—woven with history, food, local craft, nature, and quiet luxury. A couple of favorite hotels- Vila Vita Parc in the Algarve and Tivoli Avenida Liberdade in Lisbon
• Croatia: Combine multiple islands and multiple experiences- yacht excursions, mountain hikes, swimming in crystal clear waters, sightseeing by vintage convertible, strolling cobblestone streets and more. Combine a stay at Palace Elizabeth in Hvar with a stay at Villa Dubrovnik in Dubrovnik (and maybe even add on a private chartered yacht)

Nature + Adventure

Why this works: For families who thrive on movement, exploration, and shared experiences outdoors—without the stress of planning every detail.

• Adventures by Disney – Designed for families who want immersive, premium adventures around the world. Enjoy the ease of expert Adventure Guides who stay with you from start to finish, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and authentic cultural experiences that connect you with your destination (and with each other). How amazing do these itineraries in Peru and Germany sound?
• Backroads – Perfect for active families who love to hike, bike, and explore —while still having every logistic handled. Experienced Trip Leaders, thoughtfully designed itineraries, and small groups make it easy to connect with like-minded travelers and enjoy nature up close. I would love to do this Alps multi-adventure tour or this Prague and Vienna tour
• Iceland – From glacier hikes to geothermal lagoons and black-sand beaches, Iceland’s landscapes deliver adventure at every turn. Families can explore waterfalls, volcanoes, and lava fields with expert guides and still return to cozy lodges each night.
• Belize – Jungle treks, Mayan ruins, and snorkeling in the world’s second-largest barrier reef make Belize a dream for curious, nature-loving families. Pair inland eco-lodges with beach resorts for a balance of exploration and relaxation.