It's amazing how quickly time passes between diapers and diplomas.
Most parents can attest that the 18 years they have with their children are fleeting, which is why traveling with them is so important. They want to show them the world before they’re old enough to venture into it themselves.
So where should you go to make the most of that precious time? From Costa Rican rainforests to Japanese shrines, African safaris to European cruises, there’s no shortage of unforgettable destinations for families. But not every place is perfect for every age. Some trips are better suited to toddlers than teens — and vice versa. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of vacation ideas tailored to each stage of childhood.
But before you dive into planning, here’s a little advice: No trip is perfect. There will be chaos, last-minute changes and probably a few meltdowns. Still, the memories you make — those messy, magical, meaningful moments — will almost always outweigh everything else.
Family Pool Time
Lisbon Oceanarium
Ages 0-4
If you’re a parent of a baby or a toddler, there’s no doubt you could use a vacation. This is the stage when you are needed more than ever — and all you want is a break. Any parent will tell you: When it comes to traveling with little ones, expect the worst but hope for the best. The bottom line? Make it as easy as possible.
We suggest hopping on a plane and heading to a Mexican paradise, where gorgeous beaches await. At Cancun-area resorts such as the Hyatt Ziva, Hotel Xcaret México and Generations Riviera Maya, parents can take advantage of kids’ clubs, babysitting services and kid-friendly buffets and pools. Families love swim-up rooms, which offer direct pool access — so parents can relax while their little ones nap just a few steps away. Many of these resorts are all-inclusive, which means food, fun and relaxation are all built-in.
If Mexico isn’t on your bucket list, Portugal is another excellent option. The southern European country is known for its stunning landscapes and, of course, its port wine, but it also has a reputation for being incredibly family-friendly. Families with babies and toddlers are often given priority, whether it’s boarding a train, skipping long lines at attractions or pre-boarding a flight. Portugal also boasts stunning beaches, incredible food and a world-famous oceanarium where toddlers can press their noses to the glass and marvel at recreated ecosystems from the Indian, Antarctic and Pacific Oceans.
Costa Rica
Banff National Park
Ages 5-8
At this age, kids are early into their school years and are beginning to explore the world around them. They’re learning about continents, the environment and animals, which is why children of this age group would thrive in Costa Rica. This Central American country is often considered the perfect first international trip for families.
Children in this age range are no longer babies and have more energy to explore. They can wander through cloud forests, spot sloths and monkeys, hike to waterfalls or soak in hot springs. Rainforests and beaches abound — as do family-friendly adventures.
There’s also plenty of fun to be had in another corner of the world — Banff National Park, in Alberta, Canada. The park’s natural beauty draws tourists from all over the world, especially in summer, when wildflowers bloom. Families can take gondola rides up Sulphur Mountain, go on easy hikes or fish in the glacial waters of Lake Minnewanka.
If you opt for a winter visit, kids can learn to ski in the Canadian Rockies, go ice skating or even try dogsledding. What elementary-aged kid wouldn’t love to be pulled through the snow by a team of huskies?
Galapagos Islands
Cruising in Greece
Ages 9-12
When a child turns 9, they’ve officially become a “big kid.” They’re better at everything — traveling, sleeping, helping their parents — and they’re still all about family time.
One adventure they’ll likely never forget lies 560 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The Galápagos Islands, a remote volcanic archipelago, is a magical destination where families can kayak and snorkel among penguins, green sea turtles and sea lions. Visitors call it a giant, open-air classroom thanks to its diverse wildlife — and its beaches are some of the best in the world.
This age is also perfect for another type of travel: cruising. While you can do this just about anywhere, cruising through Europe is popular with families. It allows travelers to explore multiple destinations in a short amount of time while also enjoying the perks of sailing on a ship. Spend your days touring countries like Italy or Greece and enjoy your nights in the comfort of your cabin, only to wake up in another magical European city. After a long day of sightseeing, kids can return to the ship to swim, relax and enjoy their favorite foods, like mac and cheese, chicken tenders and pizza.
African Safari
Australia
Ages 13-15
Teens can be hard to impress. Traveling with kids in this age range often requires persuasion — or the occasional bribe. But mention an African safari, and chances are they’ll jump on board.
A safari offers the chance to explore rich ecosystems, observe wildlife up close and learn about nature and conservation. Depending on where you go, you might share breakfast with giraffes, visit a Maasai village or take in the view from a hot air balloon.
This age opens up the door to a lot of amazing opportunities — including taking a trip Down Under.
Australia is home to koalas, kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands National Park.
In Australia, families can mix outdoor fun with cultural experiences: snorkel and hike for a few days, then tour the iconic Sydney Opera House (or attend a performance). You can even rent a camper van and road trip your way around the country. Best of all, there’s no language barrier — English is the primary language, so getting around is easy for most American travelers.
Kyoto, Japan
Zorbing in New Zealand
Ages 16-18
Forget the easy hikes and the kids’ clubs: This is the stage of life at which teens want experiences that are worth putting their phones away for. They’re older, smarter and more mature, which means they can enjoy everything from museums to upscale restaurants — and even handle longer travel days — without much complaining.
Especially if they’re headed to Japan.
The Land of the Rising Sun is popular with teens for its sheer variety. They can admire Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines and witness age-old rituals, stroll through tranquil Japanese gardens and take part in authentic tea ceremonies, or dive into the world of manga, anime and cosplay. They can explore bustling cities like Tokyo, see what the Japanese version of Universal Studios is like or take a history tour and learn about the bombing of Hiroshima. Even the restaurants will grab a teen’s attention — some operate by way of culinary robots, while others serve foods like sushi from conveyor belts.
Some teens may prefer a more outdoorsy, adventure-filled escape. If that’s the case, then New Zealand is a great option. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand consists of two main islands — the North Island and the South Island. It appeals to families with older teens because parents are more willing to let them take part in experiences they wouldn’t have agreed to when they were a few years younger.
One example is a popular pastime called zorbing. Invented in New Zealand, zorbing involves rolling down hills inside giant inflatable balls. If that’s too wild, head to the country’s geothermal areas and play in bubbling mud pools. You can even dig your own hot tub at low tide in spots where underground hot water meets the sea. Other things to do here include rafting, zip-lining or cruising through picturesque fjords.
There’s a reason why this stunning country is on so many bucket lists — just like all the destinations above.
Make your list, begin planning your trips and start making those memories — before your 18 years are up.