Family Travel - Full-Time Travel

Family Travel

Family Vacation

Have Kids, Will Travel

The teenager doesn’t want to do something or the baby needs a nap. Any way you cut it, family travel can be more of a trip than a vacation. But sometimes, a place is so different, so special, it actually becomes one of those vacations that’s more of an experience—one that maybe is even life-altering, where your now grown up children will tell their future friends or partner about the holidays they used to go on as kids. From domestic and far-flung adventure destinations to food tours on the other side of the earth, these are experiences that the whole family can get behind.

@alaskanadventures

Alaska, USA

Alaska is, for lack of a better word, huge. It’s also full of adventure. Only a two-hour flight from Seattle, it’s not as far away as you’d think. The perfect multigenerational summer destination (still a growing trend in 2019), this state is known for its wildlife (land and sea), jaw-dropping vistas and a favorite amusement for kids: different modes of transportation. “Flightseeing” is a thing here, where you can land on a runway, the water, a mountain or even a glacier.

@clementmdotfr

Puglia, Italy

The “heel” of the Italian boot may be the best beach spot in Italy for families. Beyond its white sand shores, there’s nothing more iconic to this destination than the trulli buildings and homes. These whitewashed stone homes with cone shaped roofs give the area a fairytale-like appearance. Rather than staying in a hotel, rent your own trullo—many even have their own private pools.

@raquelvsa

Portugal

It’s easy to spend 10+ days in Portugal, from the larger cities such as Lisbon and Porto to the southern coastline of the Algarve (we love these Kid & Coe homes to rent for families). For a more exotic feel, visit the mid-Atlantic archipelago of the Azores, also known as “Europe’s Hawaii.” Known for whale, dolphin and porpoise-spotting and its waterfalls, hot springs and geysers, these nine islands may be the best-kept secret in family travel.

@leonardosuwoto

Tokyo, Japan

With the 2020 Olympics coming to Tokyo, plan a trip now so that you can enjoy the new infrastructure and developments before all of the tourists arrive. Wander through an underground food market and the streets of Shibuya on a food tour—it’s a great way to introduce your kids to a new culture. Next up could be Tokyo Disneyland (go during the week to avoid the crowds), followed by an early morning at the Tsukiji Fish Market to watch the tuna bidding and wander through the endless stalls of food and trinkets.

@nomadpixels_

Grand Canyon

This is the perfect road trip destination. If you have small children in tow, hiking the canyon may not be possible, so focus on the side trips. If you plan to visit over spring or summer break, you could stop in Sedona to hike the red rock canyons or visit one of the world’s largest crater sites near Winslow. Bearizona is a must-see wildlife park where the kids can see wolves, sheep, bison and bears, of course.

@thetravelhedonist

Iceland

With nonstop flights, Iceland has become an extremely popular family adventure destination. There will be moments when you’re driving through vast open spaces dotted with horses and others where you’ll pull over to see if suddenly you’re on the moon (or seeing a lot of volcanic ash). Plan to rent a car and experience the Golden Circle to see waterfalls, geysers and geothermal areas. You won’t want to miss a day trip to the glaciers for a boat tour and a night or two in Reykjavik.

@kimberleyy_s

Costa Rica

From jungles to volcanoes and beaches, there’s no reason to sit tight in Costa Rica. Take a few days to walk hanging bridges or go rafting, canoeing and zip-lining near Arenal. Keep the kids up late one night to join a guided tour and see giant sea turtles nesting on the beach. Finish off your stay at a beach region like Guanacaste, where you can surf and enjoy the Pacific coast.

There's more to Greece than the white and blue buildings and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. If you're planning a visit, check out these places below!

📍Kokkinopilos. Preveza
📍Verliga Dragon lake, Thessaly
📍Ithaca island, lonian Sea
📍Aoos springs lake, Epirus
📍Lake Prespes, Macedonia
📍Balda di Stringa waterfalls, Epirus
📍Meteora, Thessaly
📍Pelion, Thessaly
📍Lake Zorika, Epirus
📍Mt Lakmos
📍Crete island, Aegean Sea
📍Gistova Dragon lake, Macedonia

Reel: @farawayfarers
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Swim or kayak through the limestone cliffs of the Twin Lagoon, a must-visit destination for those traveling to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is called "twin" lagoon because it consists of two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff, with one lagoon on top of the other. The water in the inner lagoon is warm and clear, with a stunning turquoise color that makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reel: @travelifejournal
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Take a dip in a series of seven saltwater lagoons located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The Lagoons of Baltinache are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and unique geological formations. The high concentration of minerals in the water gives it a unique buoyancy that makes swimming in the lagoons a unique experience.

Reel: @everchanginghorizon
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Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is one of the most memorable experiences you could have. Haleakalā is a Hawaiian name that means “House of the Sun” and is an awesome place to watch the clear night sky and stars fade away as the sun lights up the sky and the earth.

Reel: @girlchill_sunset
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Just 1 hour from Shanghai by train, Cherry Blossom Valley is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The valley is named after the thousands of cherry blossom trees that cover the area and create a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The trees were originally planted in the 1980s by a group of Japanese experts who were invited to China to help with reforestation efforts. The best time to visit is typically in late March or early April. Get there early to beat the crowds!

Reel: @cyncynti
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New Zealand is unbelievable. See it for yourself:

1. Fiordland National Park
2. A classic backcountry hut trip
3. Blue Pools walk
4. Hooker Lake
5. Milford Sound
6. Lake Pukaki

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Surrounded by lush greenery, towering karst mountains, and the river flowing through, the Detian Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the close relationship between China and Vietnam. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world.

Reel: @sophoebelous
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Escape to a serene and peaceful oasis away from the bustling city of Marrakech at Le Jardin Secret—a beautiful and historic garden where visitors can escape the noise and chaos and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden was originally built in the 16th century and is home to many different species of plants, including exotic flowers, citrus trees, and palm trees.

Reel: @hypermiggzz
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For a magical moment and bucket list travel experience, visit the end point of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Starting in August, the monarchs travel 2,800 miles south from Canada, making a temporary home amid the towering trees of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where the two most popular sanctuaries to view them are el Rosario in the state of Michoacan and Piedra Herrada in Estado de México. Standing in silence while thousands of delicate wings beat in unison is something you'll never forget.

Reel: @juliiathompson
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There's just something beautiful about snow covered landscapes like this popular attraction in southwestern Utah. Known for its unique geology, @brycecanyonnps_gov consists of a series of natural amphitheaters, called "hoodoos," formed by erosion of the rock layers.

Photo: @nathanleeallen
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As we experience a couple more weeks of winter, we can't help but dream of tropical destinations like Hawaii. The warm water, sunny skies, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfers. Hawaii has a vibrant surf culture and community and is also a beautiful place to explore outside of the water, with lush green mountains, stunning beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

Reel: @christopherballadarez
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5 PLACES IN THE U.S. THAT FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PLANET:
1. @sequoiakingsnps, California
2. @canyonlandsnps, Utah
3. @olympic_nps, Washington
4. @whitesandsnps, New Mexico
5. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
6. Knik Glacier, Alaska

Reel: @nathanleeallen
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Imagine getting caught in the rain while kayaking at one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Known for its stunning turquoise-colored lake, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise is home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and moose.

Reel: @reneeroaming
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