Family travel can be one of the most enriching experiences, creating lasting memories and broadening horizons for both parents and children. At hudsonfamily.net, we believe in inspiring families to explore the world together. Exposing children to different places and cultures fosters positive growth and development, promising invaluable life lessons beyond the classroom.
If you’re feeling inspired to embark on a family adventure, the next exciting step is choosing the perfect destination.
Reflecting on our own family travels, our destination choices were often influenced by family visits, weddings, and recommendations from friends. While safety and age-appropriateness were considerations, we generally embraced a “world is our oyster” approach. Through these experiences, we gained valuable insights into family travel dynamics and discovered which destinations truly shine for specific age groups.
Years ago, I shared our insights in a post titled “The Best Age to Travel Everywhere”, a guide I’ve consistently updated with our evolving experiences. For ongoing travel inspiration, I also maintain “Top Spots lists,” aiming to catalog every destination, hotel, and activity we’ve loved. Hopefully, these resources spark an idea for your next family trip, perhaps to a place you hadn’t previously considered.
Of course, our blog is filled with detailed accounts of our family adventures. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to explore six Asian countries in three weeks, embark on a journey around the world, or even let your children choose your annual vacation destination. Maybe these specific itineraries aren’t for you, but we hope our stories and photos ignite your own unique family travel dreams, whether grand or wonderfully simple.
Answering the Big Question: “Where Should We Go?”
Despite all these resources, I still receive numerous emails each week asking for destination recommendations tailored to specific ages, like “Where should we go with a 7-year-old?” or “What about a 13-year-old?”. I’ve always responded personally because I hesitated to write this very post. Why?
Because there’s no single “perfect” destination for a specific age. Every child is unique, with different interests and personalities.
The most rewarding trip at any age is one that resonates with your child’s passions. Consider your child’s interests and choose a destination that aligns with them. Then, truly make the trip about your child (or children), focusing on their enjoyment and engagement.
Reassurance and Specific Suggestions: “No Really, Where Should We Go?”
I understand that many parents still desire concrete suggestions. So, here are some ideas! I also welcome your thoughts in the comments, acknowledging a crucial point: you are right. Whatever suggestion I make that you might question, you’re likely right to question it for your child. Paris at two instead of 12? Absolutely possible and wonderful for some families. Your child loved India at seven? Fantastic! Every family’s experience is valid, because you know your children best.
Age-by-Age Guide to Great Family Vacation Spots
Ages 0-3: The World is Your Oyster for Family Travel
For families with children aged three and under, the destination is truly secondary. With the exception of perhaps adults-only resorts, you can confidently take toddlers and babies almost anywhere. You’ll likely be carrying them or using a stroller regardless of location. Dreaming of seeing the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, Dubrovnik, or Iceland? Go for it! Flights might be a bit challenging with children under two, but remember that flights are temporary, while the memories you make at your destination are lasting. Parenting realities like nap schedules and meal times travel with you, but young children are remarkably adaptable.
Important Note: While destination is flexible, the principle of tailoring the trip to your child still applies. If your little one dislikes long car rides, avoid destinations requiring extensive driving. And for now, lengthy museum visits might be traded for parks and playgrounds.
Toddler exploring Naples, Italy during a family vacation
Age 4: Australia – An Amazing Family Vacation Spot
Having visited Australia five times with my family, including for New Years 2025, I can confidently recommend it as a fantastic destination for young children. The English language is a significant advantage. Australia boasts unique wildlife encounters, stunning beaches, and familiar food options for picky eaters, similar to those in the US or Europe. Getting around is easy, even without a car – we’ve always relied on public transportation. While activities like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge have age restrictions (minimum age eight), most experiences are accessible to four-year-olds.
[Four-year-old girl with koala souvenir in Sydney, Australia, a great vacation spot for families
Related Blog Post: A California Getaway to Australia to Cuddle Koalas
Brisbane Hotel Recommendation: The Brisbane Hilton. Central location and budget-friendly.
Age 5: Spain, Italy, and Portugal – European Family Vacation Gems
Italy holds a special place in my heart, and we’ve been traveling there with our children since they were babies. However, Spain and Portugal are equally beloved by many families, and we explored both with our kids when they were very young. These three European countries are exceptional: rich in history, offering delicious cuisine, pedestrian-friendly cities, and abundant kid-friendly outdoor dining options. Plus, they all have beautiful beaches. Considering that your five-year-old is likely not yet in school, or only in Pre-K or Kindergarten and less likely to miss critical schoolwork, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April/May or September/October. You’ll avoid peak tourist crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather.
Our children, ages 3 and 5, playing in an olive orchard at a Tuscan villa we rented for a month.
Related Blog Posts: Kid-Friendly Adventure in Trentino, Italy’s Stunning Val di Fassa; Adventures with Kids in the Dolomites: Two Days in Trentino’s Val di Fiemme; Florence with Kids – What to Do and Where to Stay in Our Favorite City; A Villa in Tuscany for a Month; How to Visit Cinque Terre
Barcelona Hotel Suggestion: Hotel DO Placa Reial – perfectly located with connecting rooms for larger families.
Florence Hotel Suggestion: Palazzo Belfiore – apartment-style with a great location and laundry facilities.
Rome Hotel Suggestion: Albergo del Senato – overlooking the Pantheon.
Venice Hotel Suggestion: Hotel al Ponte Antico – one of our favorites, consider booking two rooms for families.
Cascais Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Baia – loved for its location and views.
Age 6: Costa Rica and Panama – Tropical Family Adventure Spots
Costa Rica offers an ideal blend for families with six-year-olds: beaches, wildlife, and exciting activities. Consider basing yourselves at a resort while venturing into national parks to spot monkeys and sloths. Panama provides a similar experience to Costa Rica, with the added attraction of the Panama Canal (fascinating for all ages), and often with fewer crowds and lower prices. Both countries are easily accessible via direct flights from many US cities, making them fantastic Great Family Vacation Spots.
Our family in Costa Rica, with children ages 6, 9, and 11.
Related Blog Posts: Punta Islita – Amazingly Family-Friendly Costa Rica; A Panama Vacation with Thomson Family Adventures
Costa Rica Hotel Suggestions: Hotel Punta Islita and Los Suenos Marriott. Both are kid-friendly with excellent room setups and beach access.
Panama Hotel Suggestion: We haven’t yet found a truly amazing hotel in Panama to recommend.
Age 7: Scandinavia or Canada – Outdoor Family Vacation Adventures
Seven is an ideal age to embrace the great outdoors. Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden, are exceptionally kid-friendly with safe, walkable cities and stunning nature easily accessible by public transport. In Oslo, take the T-Bane to Sognsvann for hiking, lakeside picnics, or even a (refreshing!) swim. Forests along the T-Bane lines offer berry picking in season. In Sweden, fly into Stockholm, then take a train to Köping and a taxi to Kolarbyn, an eco-lodge where you can sleep in forest huts, canoe to a floating sauna, and cook meals over campfires. Mushroom and berry foraging in the surrounding forests adds to the magic!
Forest hut at Kolarbyn Eco-Lodge in Sweden, a unique family vacation spot
If you prefer to stay closer to home (especially for US-based families), consider Canada. Similar to Scandinavia, Canada offers breathtaking nature and cool cities. While parts of the year are cold and dark, June to September are perfect, and Alberta is fantastic in winter. Activities abound, from kayaking and hiking to ice skating and snowshoeing, plus incredible wildlife encounters and vibrant cities to explore. And English is widely spoken. We especially love Manitoba, centrally located and accessible, and Alberta, home to Banff and Lake Louise – truly great family vacation spots.
[Family canoeing at Oak Hammock Marsh in Manitoba, Canada, a great vacation spot for nature-loving families
Family snowshoeing at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, a perfect winter family vacation spot
Related Blog Posts: Manitoba, Canada with Kids: Three Days of Animal Adventures! and Exploring the Magical Forests of Central Sweden.
Sweden Hotel Suggestion: Kolarbyn Eco Lodge – a unique, camp-like experience with no electricity or wifi.
Winnipeg, Manitoba Hotel Suggestion: The Fort Garry Hotel – centrally located with spacious suites.
Lake Louise, Alberta Hotel Suggestion: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – an iconic and unforgettable hotel.
Age 8: Antarctica or Japan – Unforgettable Family Vacation Spots
My first blog post was about taking my daughter to Antarctica at age eight. It was the perfect age – she was captivated by the animals (penguins, seals, whales), loved playing in the snow and ice, and was engaged and enthusiastic throughout the trip. She handled hikes and kayaking with ease and her lighter weight even meant she didn’t sink into the snow as much as the adults! Returning with my other daughter at 12 was equally magical. Many people postpone Antarctica until retirement, but that’s a missed opportunity. Take your kids, starting around 8-10 years old – they’ll be amazed.
Eight-year-old girl in Antarctica, an adventurous and educational family vacation spot
However, Antarctica isn’t for everyone. My son hasn’t expressed interest, and it’s a significant expense. Japan is another excellent option for eight-year-olds. It offers a fascinating cultural experience, blending ancient temples with modern anime culture – a unique mix of zen and vibrant energy. My daughter adored Japan at both seven and eight.
Family in Kyoto, Japan, exploring cultural sites on a family vacation
Related Blog Posts: Antarctica with an 8-Year-Old; Adventures with Disney Antarctica: A Magical Expedition; Tokyo with Kids Made Easy; Kyoto with Kids
Tokyo Hotel Suggestion: The Park Hyatt Tokyo – experience Lost in Translation vibes at this iconic hotel.
Kyoto Hotel Suggestions: Kyoto Inn Gion – a charming inn in a great location. For a splurge, consider the new Park Hyatt Kyoto.
Age 9: Bali – A Tranquil and Cultural Family Vacation Escape
Both of my daughters chose Bali for their 9-year-old trips, and it’s easy to see why. Bali offers a beautiful blend of beaches, wildlife (the Ubud Monkey Forest is a must-see for kids), culture, yoga, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a wonderful transitional destination for children who are becoming more independent and seeking deeper experiences, making it a great family vacation spot.
Rice field in Ubud, Bali, a peaceful and cultural family vacation destination
Related Blog Post: Bali with Kids
Hotel Suggestions: Bali offers countless amazing hotels! In Ubud, Komaneka at Monkey Forest is a great choice within walking distance of town. Tanah Gajah outside of Ubud offers tranquility (though ownership may have changed). For beachfront bliss, Kayumanis Jimbaran is a favorite.
Age 10: African Safari or Amazon Rainforest – Adventurous Family Vacation Spots
Our family safari in Tanzania and Kenya when our kids were 5, 8, and 10 was incredible, but we found age 10 to be particularly ideal. While younger children can certainly enjoy safaris, the vaccinations and medications often recommended for African travel can be challenging for younger kids (our 5-year-old struggled with malaria pills). Longer safari drives are also easier for older children. Ten is truly a sweet spot for an African safari adventure. That said, many families successfully travel to Africa with younger children – some even from birth!
Family in Kyoto, Japan, exploring cultural sites on a family vacation
If an African safari is beyond your budget or desired travel distance, consider the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. It remains my favorite family trip ever. I took my daughter at eight, and there were children aged 7-14 on our boat – ten was a perfect age range. The Amazon offers incredible wildlife encounters, thrilling adventures, and the bonus of being “unplugged” from the internet – a welcome break for both kids and adults! These are truly great family vacation spots for adventure.
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The Taj Mahal at sunrise, a must-see cultural experience on a family vacation to India
Related Blog Posts: An African Safari with Kids; How to Book an Affordable African Safari; Packing List for a Family Safari; Five Tips for Taking Your Kids on an African Safari; The Amazon Rainforest with Kids: A Magical (Unplugged) Expedition
Age 11: Greece – A Mythological and Historical Family Vacation Journey
We’ve taken our kids to Greece almost every year since they were born. The Greek Islands in summer are simply magical. While Greece is wonderful at any age, age 11 is particularly special. By this age, children are likely learning about Greek history and mythology in school, making a trip to Greece bring these subjects vividly to life. Exploring ancient ruins and hearing the stories firsthand creates a powerful and engaging learning experience, making Greece one of the great family vacation spots.
Family snowshoeing at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, a perfect winter family vacation spot
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Family at Phousi Mountain in Laos, experiencing Southeast Asian culture on a family vacation
Related Blog Posts: Naxos Greece: Our Favorite Island | Three Weeks on the Greek Island of Naxos (with Kids); Paros Greece with Kids; A Day Trip to Santorini from Naxos
Hotel Suggestion: Nissaki Beach Hotel on Naxos is our absolute favorite place to stay in Greece.
Age 12: Paris – A Classic and Cultural Family Vacation City
Similar to Italy and Greece, we’ve been introducing our children to Paris since they were very young. Paris is enchanting at any age. However, Paris is home to world-class museums, and younger children may have shorter museum attention spans. By age 12, children are generally more willing to spend a couple of hours in a museum, especially with engaging, kid-focused tours. Twelve-year-olds also tend to enjoy Paris’s shopping scene more, adding another layer of fun to a family trip to one of the great family vacation spots.
Eight-year-old girl in Antarctica, an adventurous and educational family vacation spot
Related Blog Posts: Tips for Visiting Paris on a Budget; The Best Things to Do in Paris with Kids; 10 Tips for a Perfect Family Vacation in Paris
Hotel Suggestion: Hôtel de Londres Eiffel – conveniently located near Rue Cler, the Eiffel Tower, and public transportation. They offer family-friendly multi-room setups. We also often rent apartments in Paris for more space.
Age 13: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand – Southeast Asian Family Vacation Adventures
At 13, your child might still crave beach or animal-focused vacations, or perhaps a Disney cruise with teen-friendly activities. However, if your teen is open to more cultural immersion, Southeast Asia is an excellent choice. It’s a safe and accessible region (truly, nothing to be intimidated by), the food is incredible, and there’s an abundance of awe-inspiring sites. Vietnam and Laos remain relatively less touristy, while Cambodia (especially Siem Reap) and Thailand attract more Western tourists. Southeast Asia offers diverse great family vacation spots.
Combining cultural exploration with beach or resort relaxation is easily arranged in Southeast Asia, offering a balanced family vacation.
Eleven-year-old girl walking through Paros, Greece at sunrise, a beautiful family vacation spot
Rice field in Ubud, Bali, a peaceful and cultural family vacation destination
Related Blog Posts: Asia with Kids: A Crazy Three-Week, Six-Country Itinerary; Soneva Kiri: Kid-Friendly Perfection in Thailand; Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam: Pure Relaxation!
Vietnam Hotel Suggestions: Almanity Wellness Resort in Hoi An and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay further south were favorites. For Ha Long Bay cruises, Hera Cruises is highly recommended.
Laos Hotel Suggestion: Satri House in Luang Prabang offers colonial charm.
Cambodia Hotel Suggestion: Any of the Shinta Mani hotels in Siem Reap are wonderful: Bensley Collection | Shinta Mani | Shinta Mani Shack.
Thailand Hotel Suggestion: The Peninsula in Bangkok is a personal favorite in Bangkok. On the islands, Soneva Kiri on Ko Kood is an exceptional splurge if budget allows.
Age 14: India – A Culturally Rich and Adventurous Family Vacation
India is a personal favorite, and while family travel is possible at any age, it’s worth noting that India can be chaotic and stomach ailments are common. India is less about beaches and more about immersive culture, vibrant colors, and adventure. Imagine riding camels in Rajasthan’s desert, witnessing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, exploring ancient forts, or taking a Ganges River boat trip past cremation ceremonies in Varanasi. Attending festivals and even showing your children Mumbai’s slums for a dose of reality are powerful experiences. My son at 10 found India overwhelming, making it perhaps better suited for teens. India offers truly unique great family vacation spots.
Sunset over the Amazon River in Brazil, a magical and unplugged family vacation spot
Related Blog Posts: Around the World (Again) with a 10-Year-Old!; Ten Incredible Places to Visit in India; The Time I Went to a Royal Wedding in India
Jaisalmer Hotel Suggestion: The Suryagarh – a literal palace, truly amazing!
Mumbai Hotel Suggestion: The Taj Mahal Palace – iconic and well-located, choose the Palace wing.
Age 15: Patagonia, Faroe Islands, or Greenland – Hiking and Adventure Family Vacation Destinations
What do Patagonia, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland share? Besides stunning beauty, remoteness, off-the-beaten-path appeal, and adventure, they all offer incredible hiking opportunities. While our kids are reasonably outdoorsy and enjoy hikes, longer hikes were challenging with shorter legs when they were younger. As they’ve grown, hiking has become easier and much more enjoyable. For families seeking serious adventure at 15 (or even earlier, depending on your children), these destinations are fantastic choices for great family vacation spots focused on nature and activity.
Eight-year-old girl in Antarctica, an adventurous and educational family vacation spot
Family hiking in the Faroe Islands, exploring sheep pastures on a family vacation
Hiking through sheep pastures in the breathtaking Faroe Islands.
Family snowshoeing at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, a perfect winter family vacation spot
Related Blog Posts: Spring Break in Patagonia; A Multi-Sport Adventure in Argentinian Patagonia; An Amazing Week in the Faroe Islands (with Kids); South Greenland: Kid-Friendly Adventure in a Stunning Destination; The Beauty of Unplugging in South Greenland
Patagonia Hotel Suggestion: Tierra Patagonia – an exceptional hotel in a stunning location.
Faroe Islands Hotel Suggestion: Gjaargardur Guesthouse Gjogv – our favorite hotel in the Faroe Islands.
Greenland Hotel Suggestion: Consider staying on a sheep farm for a unique Greenland experience! More details in my blog post.
Age 16: The Maldives – A Luxurious and Relaxing Family Vacation Reward
We are huge fans of the Maldives. Six Senses Laamu is our absolute favorite resort worldwide, perfect for honeymooners, couples, and families with children of all ages (though 7+ is perhaps ideal as kids can bike around, even on long overwater villa jetties). However, I’m suggesting the Maldives for age 16 because it’s often a splurge trip due to cost and travel distance. From California, the Maldives are practically as far as you can get! Making it a perfect destination for a special 16th birthday trip focused on relaxation, fun, independent exploration, and luxury – truly one of the great family vacation spots for teens.
Toddler exploring Naples, Italy during a family vacation
Related Blog Posts: Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives: Our New Favorite Resort Anywhere; Six Nights in Paradise – A Return to Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives
Hotel Suggestion: Six Senses Laamu. The Maldives are filled with incredible hotels, but we wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else.
And as mentioned in the introduction, please share your thoughts in the comments below! What destinations would you suggest for specific ages? What do you agree or disagree with?
Travel Health Insurance
A quick but important note on travel insurance. Despite our extensive family travels, we hadn’t previously purchased trip or health insurance – until my wife’s knee injury highlighted the importance. We now have an annual plan through G1G. It’s definitely worth considering, regardless of your family travel destination.
Travel Points and Miles
For those wondering how to afford some of these destinations, I’ve written a post on how we travel inexpensively. A key strategy (almost a travel-hacking cliché these days) is flying for free using points and miles. If you take just one piece of advice from my website, get a credit card that earns points/miles and use it for all possible purchases. I recommend a card without foreign transaction fees for international travel.
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