miss family travel

43 real-world family travel tips that actually work

Editor's Note

Family travel is a whole other ballgame. The strategy, gear, planning, expectations and number of times you may answer "Are we there yet?" make it an entirely different sport than solo or adults-only trips.

While traveling with kids is arguably quite different than taking a trip without a child (notice we didn't call it a "vacation" with kids), it doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, there are countless ways to experience memorable moments and make lifelong memories with your kids, whether you hike the mountains of Machu Picchu or ride the newest coaster at Disney World .

Related: TPG's 10 top family vacation destinations

To make the journey a little easier, we've compiled our 43 favorite family travel tips. Whether you're traveling with infants, teens or some of both, these tried-and-true tips are bound to ease travel headaches and ensure your family travels are as fun and carefree as possible.

Travel tips for infants and toddlers

Having a baby does not mean the end of your time as a traveler. It may cause you to temporarily pause your adventures, and it will certainly change how you travel. But traveling with a baby is still worth the effort.

While it's true that your baby may not remember the details of your trips during the first few years, quality time together is invaluable. You will always remember their first big vacations.

Some travel is often easier with a small, snuggly baby than with a growing, active toddler, so don't be afraid to plan something while your little one is still young.

Use the right travel stroller

If you plan on traveling with a stroller, you want one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver through the airport or rough terrain, if necessary, once you reach your destination.

Related: These are the 13 best travel strollers for your next trip

If you choose to gate-check your stroller, foldability isn't as important. Instead, prioritize protecting your stroller from dirt and damage by investing in a stroller with a bag. For long layovers, you can request to have your gate-checked stroller delivered to you between flights so that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport. Just ask the gate agent when you check your stroller.

To keep your hands free and your baby snuggled, you may choose to baby-wear through the airport or on a flight (though most airlines don't allow it during takeoff and landing).

The Transportation Security Administration rules state that infants may be carried in a sling or carrier while going through the walk-through metal detector, so you shouldn't have to remove them for security — at least, according to the rules.

If it's not too hot, baby carriers and slings also come in handy at theme parks, which allow baby-wearing on many family-friendly attractions. Just be sure you ask about safety restrictions before you ride.

Breastfeeding mamas should consider carriers that allow easy access for on-the-go nursing, such as those in sling or wrap styles.

Consider a Doona

If you don't want to lug both a car seat and a stroller and your baby weighs between 4 and 35 pounds, you're in luck: The Doona can serve the function of both. It transforms very easily from a stroller to a car seat and back again, all while your baby is strapped in.

Because of their convenience, Doonas are great for flights, cab rides, Uber rides and, frankly, any part of your busy life with a baby.

Think twice about flying with a lap infant

Most airlines allow children younger than 2 to fly as lap infants instead of purchasing separate seats for them.

The cost savings can be hard to pass up, and during those early months when the little one is nursing or sleeping a lot, it can be the easiest way to go. However, if your baby is fussy or you are flying solo, you may feel more comfortable keeping them in their car seat. If they can sleep through anything or you have someone you can split baby-care duties with, you may have more success flying with a lap infant.

If you do purchase a seat for your baby, there are dozens of portable car seats out there that are much easier to travel with than the bulky car seat you may have at home.

Get a car seat just for travel

The Cosco Scenera is a perennial favorite when it comes to travel car seats. At around 10 pounds and only $50 to $60, this car seat is a winner for travel when you need something easy and affordable. It's rated for rear-facing little ones weighing between 5 and 40 pounds or forward-facing kiddos weighing 22 to 40 pounds.

Another model to consider is the WAYB Pico portable car seat, which was recommended by several TPG readers.

Use a car seat on the plane

Every kid is different, but if your little one sleeps well in a car seat in the car, they may do the same on a plane. If your kids are generally comfortable in car seats and have their own seat assignments on the plane, consider bringing the car seat on board for a secure flight experience.

Related: Car seats that are airline approved

Bring a Boppy pillow if you're holding an infant

TPG's senior director of engineering Mitchell Stoutin recommended using a Boppy nursing pillow for long flights with an infant. In addition to being handy for nursing, it gives your baby a comfortable place to rest. He also advised stashing your Boppy in a vacuum Ziploc bag to save space when not in use.

Sign your kids up for frequent flyer programs

Once you make the transition to buying your child a seat — either because they turn 2 or because you think having a separate seat will work best for your family — sign them up for a frequent flyer account and let the miles start rolling in.

No minimum age requirements exist for kids, so enroll them while they're young to maximize their earnings.

Related: Earning frequent flyer miles for your kids just got a little easier

Most airlines let families with young children board early in the process, but as long as your family has assigned seats, you don't need to worry about rushing to board before others.

Instead, have one parent get all the gear ready and board first while the other waits as long as possible before bringing the baby on board. This will help minimize the amount of time you have your little one in tight quarters, reducing the likelihood of a meltdown or further disrupting their schedule.

Pack your carry-on strategically

Think about everything you may need to easily access for yourself and your baby before organizing your carry-on. That way, you don't forget any of your must-have items or struggle to find them while on board.

Consider packing food, diapers and extra outfits for at least twice as long as you think you'll need them for your little one while in transit. Don't forget to also bring clothes, snacks and drinks for yourself so you have everything you need.

As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to have enough essentials to survive at least 24 hours off of what you bring on board, as you never know what is going to happen.

Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash sacks

Avoid packing a suitcase without tossing in a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags or trash bags. They can be used to stash snacks and store wet or dirty clothing.

As TPG executive editor Scott Mayerowitz shared, large black garbage bags can also work as blackout shades in a pinch.

Related: The best family beach vacation destinations to kick off summer

Find a space in your hotel for the baby to sleep

In the best-case scenario, you'll have accommodations with at least two bedrooms so your baby has a dark, quiet place to sleep while you relax without disturbing them. However, there are times when having multiple rooms isn't possible.

If you only have one bedroom, try putting a crib in a hotel closet or bathroom to achieve the same result.

Travel with gear that will help your baby sleep in the hotel

When it's time for the baby to sleep, there are numerous sleep tents, shades and white noise machines to choose from. Here are a few of our most trusted options:

• SlumberPod .
• SnoozeShade for Pack 'n Play .
• BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light .
• White Noise Lite app for iOS and Android .
• Hatch Rest Nightlight and Sound Machine .
• Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtain .

You don't always need to buy new gear for a successful trip, though. One reader suggested using painter's tape to cover outlets as a quick, cost-effective way to baby-proof your hotel room.

Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out

Have diapers and essentials shipped to your final destination

While you need plenty on hand for that first day or two, you can purchase what you need from Amazon and have it shipped directly to your destination instead of traveling with an entire week's worth of needed items like diapers and wipes.

Alternatively, you can use a service like Shipt or Instacart to have essentials delivered to your hotel or home rental after you arrive.

Pack the snacks

This is true for all ages but especially applies when traveling with infants.

Don't ever assume anything baby-appropriate will be available while you are in transit. The last thing you want is the stress of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute.

To avoid this potential headache, pack enough formula, snacks and more so you have whatever your little one may need to stay happy and content.

Related: How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

Travel tips for preschoolers

The good news is that when kids are old enough for preschool, they don't need quite as much sleeping and transportation gear.

With preschoolers, you'll want to pay particular attention to toys and activities that will keep them entertained, night lights that will help keep the "scaries" away and a few other important travel essentials.

Bring mess-free toys

When choosing toys to pack for a flight or road trip, keep in mind that you don't want anything that will create a mess or get lost easily, such as Legos or slime.

For mess-free coloring, we love Crayola Color Wonder Markers and coloring pages. If you're taking a long flight or road trip, consider suction toys that can stick to a car or airplane window.

Related: 14 mistakes parents make when traveling with kids

Pack hidden toys to reveal during your trip

A surefire way to keep your child content for extended periods of time is to hide some toys until your travel day arrives so they feel new and exciting. You can even wrap them up or dole them out periodically throughout your trip — we recommend packing one toy for each hour of a flight — to add an element of surprise.

Try visiting a dollar store or dollar aisle in a store to dial up the surprise factor. Trust us, the $5 investment will pay off in spades.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

Consider an inflatable booster seat

If your child has graduated to a booster seat (congrats!), there are inflatable and fold-flat booster seats available that are easier to haul when traveling by car.

While there are several options currently on the market, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a TPG reader favorite.

Use a stroller

Should you find yourself covering lots of miles on your trip, having a stroller can come in handy, even if you don't normally use one at home.

For example, at a large theme park like Disney World , you may find yourself needing a stroller until your kid is 6, 7 or even 8 years old if you are moving quickly and want them to easily keep up (or if you know they will fall asleep before you are ready to call it a night). This may mean renting one when you get there, though you may prefer to have your own if you're doing more than spending time at Disney.

Get stroller straps

Because it isn't socially acceptable to AirTag children (though they do come in handy for finding lost luggage ), we instead suggest getting stroller straps that bigger kids can hold on to while you push younger children in the stroller. We're particularly fond of the Tagalong Stroller Accessory .

Preschedule car service from the airport

If you need car seats or want to be sure you have a ride waiting for you when you land, Uber and Lyft now both have options for prescheduling a ride if you need one.

While the best service depends on where you are going, one option to try is Blacklane . Consider having your driver meet you inside at baggage claim if you're traveling with a lot of gear.

Pack a night light

For kids who are afraid of the dark, night lights may come in handy. This affordable nightlight is small, sleek and easy to pack.

If you are going on a cruise and don't have access to traditional power outlets, TPG senior travel editor Erica Silverstein suggests bringing along battery-operated tea lights instead.

Travel somewhere with a kids club

A magical milestone in travel is when your child turns 3 and is potty trained, as this unlocks access to a variety of kids clubs.

Whether you're on a Disney cruise (like the new Disney Wish cruise ship , pictured below) or at a resort with a kids club (some of which are free to use), children's clubs are great for preschoolers.

By going somewhere that caters to younger children, you'll be able to get a well-deserved break while the kiddos are taken care of.

Plan down days and afternoon rest

Even if your preschooler has dropped daily naps at home, it's still smart to build some downtime into your vacation schedule. This is especially important because it's likely that their sleep schedule will be a little off while you're traveling and that your vacation will be more action-packed than what they're used to at home.

To help your overtired kid adjust, plan a relaxing pool day or take an afternoon break in your hotel room to keep crankiness at bay.

Travel tips for elementary-age kids

As kids get older, they can do more while on vacation with less help, but the tried-and-true tricks for keeping them entertained may no longer work.

Because their brains are developing and becoming more complex, elementary-age kids will need to have access to more activities while they're away from home. As a result, you'll need to adjust your strategy for vacations so they continue to have a good time.

Use packing cubes for the family

This tip applies to all age groups but can be especially helpful when your child starts taking more of an interest in choosing their own clothes. By relying on packing cubes , you can keep clothing for every member of your family organized while saving space.

If you decide to use packing cubes, there are a couple of good methods to choose from.

You can have a packing cube for each day of your trip and put your family's clothing for each day in one cube. This works well if you will be making multiple stops and don't want to pack and unpack everything.

You could also pack each family member's clothing in a separate packing cube, which is helpful when you are encouraging kids to get dressed on their own and choose their own outfits.

Leave 1 day free in the schedule

We've already covered the importance of leaving some flex time in the afternoons, but if you are traveling for more than a long weekend, we highly recommend leaving an entire day unscheduled. That way, the kids can either rest and chill or you have the ability to say yes to something they spot along the way.

Depending on your child's interests, you may want to use your free day for activities like splashing around at a water park, checking out some animals at a zoo, enjoying an epic ice cream-tasting adventure or spending more time at the kids club.

The key is to leave this day flexible so you can cater some activities to what your kid is enjoying the most.

Take advantage of your hotel's club lounge

Club access can be invaluable when traveling with kids.

If you stay in a club-level room at a hotel , you'll often have daily access to breakfast, snacks and drinks. An added bonus is that the club can serve as a gathering spot for enjoying more time (and often gorgeous views) with them.

Related: Can you use a World of Hyatt club lounge access award for someone else?

Plan trips with another family

This is the age where having other kids around really starts to matter.

If at all possible, try planning the trip to at least overlap with time spent with cousins or friends. Doing so will virtually guarantee the kids will have a better time, which means you will, too.

For these types of trips, you may want to look into finding a good vacation home rental .

Related: Why the best big family vacation may be skiing

Travel tips for tweens and teens

Traveling with tweens and teens is completely different than traveling with younger kids — something you probably know all too well if you are currently living with them.

At this age, kids are well on their way toward becoming full-fledged adults. As a result, they deserve a taste of the space, privacy and independence that comes along with adulthood.

Build an activity bag

It's easy to assume the phone will do the trick, but TPG editor Kristy Tolley is a proponent of custom activity bags to keep kids (including older ones) occupied on long trips.

For your activity bag, consider anything from snacks to quiet toys to new games for their Nintendo Switch to art supplies — whatever will keep them entertained while you get to your final destination.

Double-check downloaded content

Wi-Fi on airplanes can be quite finicky. Even if you pay for it, there's never a guarantee it'll work for the entirety of your flight. Because of this, download movies, music, games and more to your device (or your child's) before your trip.

When downloading movies or TV shows, turn to multiple sources like Netflix, Disney+ and Apple. That way, if you run into issues with one provider, you still have content from the others.

Also, remember that messaging others is free on many flights, so be sure your teen has the airline app downloaded if you want them to be able to keep using services such as iMessage while in the air.

Enroll your child in TSA PreCheck

Until they turn 13, kids traveling with a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck will be allowed to go through the expedited security line even if they themselves don't have TSA PreCheck.

Even after they turn 13, kids 17 and younger can typically use the TSA PreCheck lines with their parent or guardian as long as the teen has the indicator on their boarding pass.

If you have a credit card that reimburses fees for TSA PreCheck , you can recoup the cost of your child's application. Note that Clear continues to work to bring kids through until they turn 18.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Consider connecting rooms

The days of squeezing two or three kids into one queen-size bed are probably long gone once they reach their teenage years. Not to mention, trying to have the whole family use one bathroom is an ordeal you likely won't want to go through.

To keep the peace, consider reserving connecting hotel rooms .

With connecting rooms, you'll have double the beds, bathrooms and storage space. Plus, teens and tweens will have the space and privacy they need without you being too far away to keep an eye on them.

Related: Big news for families: Hilton to guarantee adjoining rooms with 'Confirmed Connecting Rooms'

Let kids choose a few activities (or plan the whole day)

At this age, kids are not just along for the ride. Give them some input (and independence) by allowing them to help plan your trip. Odds are they'll be more engaged by being involved in the planning.

Bring a friend

While planning trips with other families is a good strategy with elementary-age kids, by the time kids are teens, just bringing along one of their friends could be sufficient.

To keep the costs down, consider using an airline companion certificate to bring along that friend without spending extra.

Go somewhere with a teens club

If you are visiting a resort or destination where you may be going light on activities, lean into places that have a space just for teens.

Cruise ships are fantastic when it comes to this, as they often have kid-focused spaces divided into pretty distinct age ranges. For example, Disney Cruise Line has a club for kids ages 3 to 12, another for those between 11 and 14 and then one for teens ages 14 to 17.

By taking advantage of clubs that are broken up into designated age groups, your teen can have plenty of fun without the annoyance of hanging out with younger kids.

Related: Child turning 18? Here's everything you need to know before the next time they travel

General family travel tips

Some family travel tips transcend age groups.

Regardless of how old your kids are, where you're traveling or how you're getting to your vacation destination, there are a few tips you'll always want to keep top of mind.

Utilize airport lounges

Airport lounges are becoming more and more kid-friendly, as they offer dedicated family rooms with toys and kids shows on TV, plus food that will please picky eaters. Additionally, if you have a long layover or are dealing with flight delays or cancellations , you'll be much more comfortable waiting in a lounge instead of at your gate.

You can purchase a day pass to many lounges but may be able to get yourself and your family in for free with certain credit cards or airline status. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express grants the cardmember and one guest complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges and access to Centurion and Escape lounges, though complimentary guest access depends on how much you spend annually.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Upgrade to a suite

Similar to springing for connecting rooms, upgrading to a suite will buy you additional space and, sometimes, a pullout sofa that adds another sleeping option.

You'll also have more room for your family's belongings and areas for relaxing and dining so your kids don't spend all their time jumping, eating and lounging on the beds.

Check for reciprocal zoo and museum memberships

If you have a membership to your local zoo or museum, you may be able to use reciprocal benefits for free or discounted entry to other zoos and museums that you can visit on vacation.

This information is usually available on your zoo or museum's website, but you can also check lists on the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' page about reciprocal admissions or on the North American Reciprocal Museum Association website .

Get a travel tracker that doubles as a memento

There are so many unique travel souvenirs you can get that also serve as keepsakes for remembering your child's travel "firsts."

These Junior Frequent Flyer flight logbooks allow you to record your child's flights while teaching them about aviation.

If a national park visit is in your future, order a standard or junior National Parks Passport and collect stamps every time you visit a new park.

Don't forget important medicines

When you are away from home, you have to be prepared for anything. That includes unexpected sicknesses and accidents.

Pack kid-safe and grown-up medicines, as well as Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and other first-aid necessities in your carry-on bag so you won't be without them if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Bring an extra bag

If you are traveling between a cold climate and a hot one, pack a lightweight tote bag that can fold into your carry-on so you can easily gather up everyone's coats once on the plane. By keeping this tote tucked away until you're on board the aircraft, you'll enjoy an extra allowed bag, saving you the headache of trying to determine where to put bulky coats.

Get Global Entry for each family member

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which allows kids to travel with an eligible adult until they turn 18 (in most cases), anyone wishing to use Global Entry to expedite reentry into the U.S. needs to apply for the program.

Global Entry can save valuable time spent waiting in line. However, you'll need to apply well in advance of your trip so you have time to submit your application, complete an in-person interview and await approval.

Similar to TSA PreCheck, you can use a credit card that will reimburse your child's Global Entry application fee.

Try out the games built into many spaces

It's easy to miss, but many resorts, theme parks and cruise ships have a hidden layer of fun that ranges from traditional scavenger hunts to interactive activities you can unlock with an iPhone or similar device.

While the youngest travelers won't benefit from these types of experiences, they can be fun for a variety of age ranges, especially elementary-age kids and tweens.

Related: Disney World rolls out all-new MagicBand+: Here's what this wristband can do for your trip

Bottom line

Family travel has its own built-in challenges, but it also comes with immense rewards.

By knowing all the tips and tricks to traveling with kids, having the right gear with you, mapping out a game plan and having the right attitude and realistic expectations, you can have a memorable vacation every member of the family enjoys.

You may not get to do everything you want or sometimes feel like it's more of a hassle than a vacation. However, if you're willing to be flexible and appreciate when things go according to plan — even if the end result isn't quite what you had hoped for — you'll find yourself eager to book your next family trip before you have the bags unpacked and put away.

Related reading:

• 20 best all-inclusive resorts for families
• The best travel credit cards
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
• 8 quirky US theme parks you have to see to believe
• The best Disney World hotels for your next magical stay

Pulling Your Kids out of School for a Family Vacation

Thinking about taking your kids out of school for a family vacation? It may seem like no big deal, but don't be surprised if you're met with some resistance. It's a hot-button topic that can draw strong opinions from parents and educators alike. 

The decision to take your child out of school is not as simple as it may seem at first, and no matter how well planned, school absences tend to be disruptive. Reassure your child's teacher that vacations during the school year will be the exception and not the rule, And impress upon your child that taking a fun trip means there will be extra work to get caught up. 

Pros and Cons

There are some good reasons why parents might plan a family vacation during the school year. Many parents believe that travel is educational in itself and there is a great value to expanding a child's world.

On a practical note, travel is less expensive and destinations are less crowded during off-peak times compared with  spring break or summertime . There is even an argument that school policies that forbid families from taking children out of school during off-peak travel times are unfair to those who would not otherwise be able to afford to take any family vacation at all. 

Some families cannot take a vacation in the summer. When parents have jobs that offer little flexibility in scheduling, they take vacations when they can. Others might argue that their kids get good grades and can afford to miss a day or two.

On the other hand, missing days of class might adversely impact how well a child does in school. Educators are under constant pressure to stay on schedule, and they insist that good attendance is one of the keys to academic success.

Teachers may also believe it can be disruptive to the whole class when one child misses school unnecessarily. In addition, teachers may feel an unfair burden to schedule extra help sessions or make-up tests to get a kid who has been absent back on track. 

What to Check

Is it okay to take your kids out of school? Or should it be avoided at all costs? That is something each family needs to decide for itself. But whatever your inclination, you should think it through. Here are some questions to ask:

What are the state and school policies:  There's a wide spectrum for how different states approach unnecessary absences. Each state has truancy laws, which vary in strictness and penalties. Consider that, until 2015, truancy was a class C misdemeanor in Texas; even after its decriminalization, hefty fines are in place for offenders. In several states, parents can be fined for taking their kids out of school for more than a few days at a time.

While no school encourages unexcused absences, some have strict attendance policies regarding missing school for a vacation, even going so far as to deem it "illegal." Other schools take a holistic view, considering the child's grades and how many previous absences have occurred during the year.

Most schools will permit a few missed school days, so long as students make up missed work within a reasonable amount of time. Talk to other parents about their experiences, and contact your child's teachers or school administrator to find out how the school handles absences due to travel.

How many days of school would your child miss: Shorter trips are more advisable, and larger trips work best when piggybacked on a scheduled school break.

When choosing travel dates during the school year, think strategically. Consider extending a holiday week or weekend into a getaway. By adding vacation days to the beginning or end of an existing school break, such as Thanksgiving, Indigenous People’s Day Weekend, or Presidents' Day Weekend , your child misses fewer days of school.

Would your child miss any major tests:  When it comes to missing school, not every week is equal. Take a look at your school's calendar with an eye toward testing weeks. Typically, there are certain weeks (often around the middle and end of each quarter) when there are more important tests than usual. In the spring there may be an entire week or two of standardized testing. Your child will want to avoid being absent during these times. 

How old is your child: In general, it is easier for younger kids in elementary school to miss a few days of school. As kids get older and progress into middle school and high school, the stakes become higher, and it can be harder to improve grades after an absence, especially if your family vacation falls near the end of a quarter.

In general, as kids move through middle school and high school, teachers become increasingly inclined to put the onus on the student to find out what schoolwork was missed and schedule make-up labs and tests. A very mature teen might be able to manage without any trouble, but most kids will need some guidance. 

Is your child doing well in school: Some kids can miss a few days of school and get caught up without missing a beat. Other kids will struggle with concepts or become stressed out with juggling makeup work and current homework. Consider your child's academic standing and also his temperament.

Is your child's teacher on board:  Teachers might not love the idea of a mid-semester vacation, but they will surely appreciate ample notice. Try to let them know several weeks in advance, and find out the teacher's preferences for completing assignments. Confirm how long your child will have after her return to hand in missed work and take quizzes or tests.

Does your child understand the downside: Before leaving on vacation, make sure your child understands that skipping school for a vacation comes with a sting in the tail. They are still responsible for completing missed schoolwork, so come up with a plan that makes sense. Will your child bring classwork along on vacation or will he make up the work when he returns? Explain that, after your trip, there may be a few afternoons of extended homework until they are caught up.

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Smart Parent's Guide to Walt Disney World

The Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

Disney Travel Planning: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise

20 Fun Places to Take the Kids in NYC

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Where to Go on a Family Vacation in 2019

Raising a Young Traveler: Why Your Child Should Help Plan the Next Family Trip

The Top 15 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Las Vegas

How to Plan an Awesome Family Vacation on a Budget

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Ultimate Family Travel Bucket List: 119 Adventures Around the World

This family travel bucket list is filled with over 100 family adventures around the world. We love to travel as a family! There are so many places to explore together, the options sometimes seem endless.

Organized by region, this family bucket list will inspire you to plan your next family vacation, long-term travel, outdoor family vacation, or once-in-a-lifetime family adventure! We’ve also indicated age ranges when applicable, though, of course, this may vary by family.

Some of these adventures were part of our Family Year Out ( what is a family year out? ), and others we’re still hoping to see and do!

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our recommendations are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

Talking with your family about bucket list ideas? At the bottom of this post download free Mobile Wallpaper images to satisfy your wanderlust!

Know where you want to head? Use the Table of Contents to skip around!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Family Travel Bucket List

We’ve compiled a list of over 100 family-friendly adventures around the globe- organized by continent. The more we travel, and check a few family bucket list adventures off of the list, the more we realize how incomplete any list is. The more we travel, the more we want to see, and the more we realize how many unique things there are to do around the world!

Family Travel Bucket List Europe:

Some of our favorite trips through Europe include a month in Florence (here’s our best list of things to do in Florence and what to eat in Florence ), and a month in Croatia , including Zagreb , Split , Plitvice , and Zadar .

We also spent a month around the holidays in Vienna, Austria. Vienna is a walkable, enchanting, city, that is one of the safest cities in Europe .

1. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

All the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard symbolize London for me. Ideally, pop into Buckingham Palace for a tour after the ceremony. Buckingham Palace has been the official London home of the Royal Family since 1837.

Changing of the Guard usually occurs at 11 am, except for Saturday and Tuesday. Make sure to check the official schedule before you go.

2. Visit Stonehenge at Sunset

Stonehenge is closed to the public by sunset, but you can book a special access ticket to watch the sun dip behind the stones.

The Stone Circle Experience gives you access to inside the stone circle either before or after general admission hours. These are timed tickets that allow you to wander among the stones up until 9:00 in the evening. Children are welcome (under 5 are free), but please don’t touch the stones.

If you are concerned with visiting at sunset, you can combine Stonehenge with a trip to Windsor Castle, and the famous town of Bath, all in a one-day trip from London. What a great way to see three bucket-list-worthy sites all at once (and it’s affordable!)

Book Now: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Tour from London

3. Road Trip around Scotland

Explore Edinburgh, search for the mythical Nessie in Loch Ness, see the reindeer in Cairngorms National Park, and visit the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides Islands. We’re hoping to do this soon, hopefully in the warmer summer months!

4. Stay in a Castle in Ireland

The beds are quite short, but you’ll never forget a night in a real Irish Castle. We stayed at Cabra Castle , in county Kingscourt and I’d go back in a heartbeat!

We arrived after dark on a rainy night, so we didn’t get to explore the grounds as much as I would have liked. It feels very grand to pass a suit of armor on your way down to dinner!

5. Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Azores

Put on your mask and snorkel and go see the dolphins where they live and play! Best for ages 8 and up.

The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic with a population of just under 250,000 people. They are an autonomous region of Portugal, with a subtropical climate. The Azores are a 2 1/2 hour flight from Lisbon .

The beaches are rocky and the terrain is wild- you’ll find geothermal hot springs, active volcanos, and natural lava swimming holes. These islands are great places for whale watching and dolphin experiences.

6. Sing Do-Re-Mi in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is known as the birthplace of Mozart, has dramatic views of the Alps, and you can visit some areas where the Sound of Music was filmed.

To really get into the spirit, take Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour of the areas shown in the film. They have bikes for adults and kids, as well as tandem bikes.

You can also take a Sound of Music tour by bus that includes stops in the town of St Gilgen Mozartplatz, and the town of Mondsee, where you’ll see the Basilica St. Michael where the wedding of Maria and Baron von Trapp was filmed.

Book Now: The Original Sound of Music Tour

Salzburg is a wonderful place to visit for Christmas- explore the festive markets and take a carriage ride through town. A day trip to Salzburg is easy from both Vienna and Munich.

7. Tour the Colosseum in Rome

There is so much history in Rome (and also a lot of cats). Eat gelato and take in centuries of ruins. I loved Rome and could have stayed for weeks.

I went to the Colosseum on my own, and think I would have learned a lot more, with a tour guide. When we visited as a family we booked a guided tour of this incredible place to help it come alive for all of us.

Book Now: Guided Tour of the Colosseum

Interested in Rome? Don’t miss our 4-day Itinerary for first-timers with kids, the best hotels in Trastevere , and our recommendations for the best golf cart tours , and tours of the Roman catacombs .

8. Picnic Under the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the first landmark that my kids recognized from outside our country. Visiting it will turn what they have seen in books or on maps into a real place that exists outside their imaginations.

Choose a treat or two from one of the gorgeous patisserie windows and picnic near the famous monument. There is so much security set up around the perimeter, that getting actually under the Eiffel Tower is more difficult than it used to be!

9. Visit the Guernsey Islands

A little off the beaten path, but easy to get to, these Channel Islands get the most sunshine in the UK!

Enjoy afternoon tea, look for puffins, learn to surf, kayak, or relax on a sandy beach. Older kids will want to tour the tunnels built by the Germans during their occupation during World War II.

As a bonus, these islands don’t count toward your Schengen Area days!

10. See the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

This small bronze statue welcomes visitors to Copenhagen harbor. Denmark is consistently rated as one of the happiest countries in the world.

Take a picture next to the mermaid, stroll through the old city, then hop on a canal tour to see the city from the water. Head over to Nature’s Playground in Valbyparken to climb and explore.

11. Marvel at the Alhambra in Spain

The Alhambra in Granada is a large palace complex with elaborate gardens, and water features. You can easily wander all day here if you love staring at intricate tile patterns like I do!

The Alhambra was the royal residence and court in the mid-13th Century, it then became a Christian court in 1492. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a top example of Moorish architecture, and a fascinating mix of the East and the West.

I traveled to Granada pre-kids just to see this astounding site, and I can’t wait to explore this bucket list palace with the kids!

12. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam was one of Waker’s favorite stops in Europe, and we’re excited to share it with the kids!

Rent a boat to explore the canals or rent bikes to cycle around this flat city. Visit the Rijksmuseum   to see Rembrandts and Vermeers, then head over to the Van Gogh Museum for more fabulous art.

Visit the Anne Frank House to explore the secret annex where she and her family hid for years. This can be an emotional visit, use your judgment for age appropriateness.

13. See Tulips in Bloom in the Netherlands

From mid-April to early May, the tulips bloom in breathtaking fields of color. You can see the tulips about 40 km from Amsterdam in an area called Bollenstreek.

This area is also famous for stunning views of traditional Holland. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are a popular place to view the fields. You can rent a bike to explore the area, or even take a helicopter over the fields.

14. Visit Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall

Checkpoint Charlie is a famous access point between East and West Berlin during the cold war. There is a museum there, and they’ve left the checkpoint booth, sandbags, and flags so that you can imagine what it might have been like during the cold war. You’ll find it at Friedrichstraße 43-45.

To view what’s left of the Berlin Wall, head to the East Side Gallery to see the longest stretch of surviving wall. More than 100 artists have decorated this area of the wall. Start at the Warschauer Straße or Ostbahnhof railway stations.

15. Visit the Acropolis in Athens

Seeing the Acropolis tower over the city of Athens is an awe-inspiring sight. Climb the hill and explore this archeological wonder.

The amount of history surrounding you can be overwhelming- try this Mythology Tour to put it into perspective and keep the kids entertained.

Book Now: Acropolis Mythology Tou r

Make sure to stop by Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard. Consider adding a day trip to your family holiday to see the Temple of Poseidon as well.

16. Explore the Greek Islands

The blue and white color palette of the Greek Islands just oozes relaxation. Take a morning ferry from Athens and enjoy the ride over.

The Cyclades Islands are the closest to Athens and offer plenty of great options. I’ve spent time on Santorini and Naxos and loved them both for different reasons.

Interested in Santorini? Check out this one-day Santorini itinerary .

Mykonos is also on our list of possible islands. From beautiful beaches to a calm atmosphere, wonderful fresh food, ruins, volcanos, and stunning sunsets, Greece has it all. It’s best to visit from late May to September.

17. Eat Chocolate and Waffles in Brussels

Who doesn’t love, chocolate, waffles, french fries, and beer for grown-ups? Brussels offers specialties in all these areas! See the famous Mannekin Pis statue, then visit the Royal Palace and the Musee de Magritte.

18. Explore Medieval Castles in Romania

Bran Castle is the most famous of Romania’s Medieval castles, but its connection with Dracula is tenuous, and it can get crowded.

Corvin Castle and Peles Castle are beautiful and less visited castles. While you are there, sunbathe on the edge of the Black Sea, visit the Berca Mud volcanoes, and stroll the old town of Sighisoara.

19. Take a Boat into the Blue Cave in Croatia

Similar to the Blue Grotto near Capri, the light inside this cave is supposed to be incredible. The Blue Cave is on Bisevo Island, you can take a speedboat here from Split or Dubrovnik. You’ll enter the cave in a wooden boat- it’s best to visit on a bright sunny day, ideally between 11 am and noon.

Book Now: Blue Cave Small Group Tour

20. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia

Cappadocia in central Turkey is known for its tall rock formations called “fairy chimneys”. This otherworldly landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the best ways to see this area is by hot air balloon- most balloons go up in the early morning for sunrise. To visit the area, take a flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir.

Base yourself in Goreme and stay in a cave hotel. Make sure to visit Uchisar Castle and the underground city of Kaymakli.

Taking a hot air balloon ride has long been on my travel adventure bucket list! I had planned to take one over the deserts of Jordan but windy conditions canceled the flight.

You can also take a balloon ride over coffee farms in Columbia, the temples of Bagan, Myanmar, or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The most inexpensive place to fulfill this travel dream is the town of Vang Vieng, Laos.

Hot Air Balloon rides are generally for ages 6+, though some companies go by height (minimum 4′ 6″). Keep in mind that the balloons are loud, so bring ear protection for sensitive ears.

21. Visit the Palaces of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is called the “Venice of the North”, and Russia’s “Cultural Capital”. Ever since I read War and Peace I’ve been dreaming of seeing the grand palaces where extravagant balls were held followed by a horse and sleigh ride home.

Visit the grand palace of Peterhof – often compared to Versailles. It has 147 fountains for the kids to run around outside, including some “trick” fountains.

Head 30 km South to see Catherine’s Palace , the summer palace of the tzars.

Lastly, visit the Winter Palace , which houses the world-famous Hermitage Museum . Best for ages 8+.

22. See the Bolshoi Ballet

See a performance of the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet on the historic stage of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. You can also take a guided tour of the theater .

23. Go Dog Sledding

Head up to the Northern reaches of Europe to try dog sledding. A form of transportation that has been used for over 2000 years, dog sledding is an ideal way to experience nature in near silence.

Svalbard, Norway is famous for its dog sledding. There are also opportunities in Finland, Andorra, Greenland, and Iceland!

24. See the Northern Lights

Seeing the swirls of the northern lights is definitely a family travel bucket list item! We hoped to see them during our time in Iceland, but no luck. Northern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard in Norway, and Abisko, Sweden are locations with a high chance of seeing this phenomenon.

25. Explore the Fjords of Norway

Take the Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flåm, with riveting scenery along the way. Pass endless waterfalls, then take a boat ride through the fjords.

Don’t miss Balestrand, the village that inspired Disney’s Arendelle in the Frozen movies. The best time to visit is June through August. Expect to see snow, even in the height of summer.

26. Watch Whales and Puffins in Iceland

There are lots of amazing things to do in Iceland , but visiting Iceland in the summer means you can see puffins and whales! Puffin tours run from May to August. Look for smaller boats that can get you close to the birds.

This whale watch out of Husavik is on a wooden sailing boat the kids can help sail. Ages 7+ for this tour, others are for all ages.

Book Now: Whale Watch on a Wooden Boat

27. Visit Santa’s Village

Just a few kilometers from Rovaniemi, Finland on the Arctic Circle, is Santa’s Village . Open every day of the year, come meet the reindeer and Santa himself at his main office!

There is no charge for the village or meeting Santa. The Arctic Circle is denoted by a beam of light, and you can get a certificate for crossing the circle. You can get your passport stamped and send postcards from Santa’s Post Office.

You can also visit huskies, go sledding or ice tubing, visit a snow castle, and more!

Family Travel Bucket List Asia :

We started our adventures through Asia with Sri Lanka, then India. We’ve loved our time in SE Asia, including a month in Bali. We also highly recommend a visit to South Korea!

28. Visit Tibet

Stroll through Lhasa, visit the Potala Palace, and learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture. See the emerald-colored, freshwater Yamdrok Lake, visit monasteries, and explore the Himalayas.

Yowangdu Experience Tibet has a great article on Lhasa – covering everything from safety to traveling around.

Tibet is at a high altitude, and the sun can be harsh- make sure to bring sunscreen, and plan to take time to acclimatize to the altitude.

Travel to Tibet is best for kids 5+ based on the risk of altitude sickness. The best times to visit are April-June and September-October.

29. Explore Bhutan

I’m intrigued by this small, landlocked, Himalayan nation where archery is the national sport. Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the holiest site in Bhutan, which is built into the side of a cliff.

The government requires all tourists to have a preplanned itinerary with a Bhutanese guide. To visit you must pay a daily tourist fee, per person. Adults pay approx. $250 USD per day, children ages 5-12 pay approx. half and children under 5 are free.

While this makes Bhutan very expensive to visit, it also ensures that the tourist attractions are never crowded, or disrespected.

The best times to visit are from October-December and March-April. Due to altitude and the difficulty of the trek to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan is best for ages 7+.

30. Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

The ABC trek in Nepal is very popular- it will generally take you about 14 days starting and ending in Kathmandu. The scenery along the route is breathtaking, and you’ll stay in traditional tea houses along the route.

You’ll need a guided trip for this outdoor family adventure- I trust G Adventures , I used them in Jordan, and have spoken with other travelers who have used them all over the world.

Book Now: 15 Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The minimum age is 12 for the Annapurna tour. You can also trek to Everest Base Camp, also ages 12+.

Families with younger kids may want to consider a five-day Poon Hill trek. While in Nepal, don’t miss Chitwan National Park- you may see a One-horned Rhino!

31. Find Tigers in the Wild

See tigers, leopards, and sloth bears in Royal Bardia National Park or Chitwan National Park in Nepal. Explore the parks through guided tiger walks, jeep tours, and canoe rides.

Nepal takes animal conservation very seriously, so the animals here are well protected, You can also travel to Ilam in Eastern Nepal to try to spot the endangered red panda.

32. Visit Mustang

I’d never heard of this place until a friend mentioned it, and now it’s definitely on our family travel bucket list!

Mustang is a region of Nepal, close to the Tibet border. It is considered the “lost kingdom”, and was its own kingdom until being incorporated into Nepal in 2008.

Tourists first entered this area in 1992. The Nepalese government now offers a 10-day permit to enter the area with a guide. This International Traveller article has more information. Ages 12+.

33. Slide Down the Great Wall of China

Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, located about a two-hour drive from Beijing. Take the gondola to the top of the wall, then walk down the sloping wall until you reach the metal alpine slide.

The ride down takes about five minutes. You are in your own bobsled with a brake, so you control your speed. You’re not actually sliding on the Great Wall, but down the mountain to the base of the wall.

34. See the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are a series of 2,000-year-old clay statues that guarded the tomb of China’s first Emperor. They were discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974.

You can visit three pits in the Terracotta Museum to see over 8,000 clay warriors, jade weapons, and bronze chariots. Each warrior is life-sized and unique- with different expressions, faces, and clothing.

Originally each warrior was painted and carried a real weapon. The Terracotta Museum is located about an hour East of Xi’an.

35. Ride the Trans Siberian Railway

The Trans Siberian Railway is world-famous. Spend a few days onboard watching the scenery, then step off and enjoy a few days in a town along the way.

There is no set route, but rather a network of rail lines across Russia. The three main routes are Moscow to Vladivostok (the original route), Moscow to Beijing (via Mongolia), which takes about 5 days non-stop including two border crossings; and Moscow to Beijing (via Manchuria) which does not include stops in Mongolia. Here’s a handy map .

Consider starting in Moscow, stopping in Ekaterinburg, Irkutsk (visit Lake Baikal), Ulaanbaatar, and finally Beijing. Adventure Family Life wrote a great post on taking the train with kids which has a lot of useful information.

Children under 5 are free, but they have to share a bed with a traveling adult. Children 5-10 are half-price.

36. Sleep in a Yurt in Mongolia

Spend a few days in Ulaanbaatar, visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, and see the giant equestrian statue of Ghengis Khan. Head to the Gobi desert to stay with a family in their ger (yurt), and climb the dunes at Khongoryn Els.

See the Flaming Cliffs, then head to Karakorum, the old capital of Mongolia. Finish with a trip to the Mongolian grasslands and Khustai National Park to see wild horses.

37. See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The cherry blossoms bloom across Japan in the Spring, starting in late January in the South, and blooming in Tokyo around late March, or early April. You can check forecasts to see predictions for the year.

Called sakura, this is a time of celebration and gatherings of friends and family. Many Japanese celebrate hanami, where they picnic and quietly contemplate life.

Mount Yoshino is a popular spot for hanami, as there are over 30,000 cherry trees. Look for sakura-flavored treats available only during this time.

38. Stay at a Traditional Ryokan in Japan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn. They can be found all over Japan, but are especially prevalent in areas around hot springs, and the Kyoto area.

You stay in a room with a tatami floor and a futon, which often converts into your dining space. An elaborate traditional dinner is served, as well as breakfast. A bit more expensive than other housing options, they offer a window into Japanese culture and traditions.

We are hoping to stay in a ryokan at Shibu Onsen when we visit the snow monkeys!

39. Visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is such an iconic building, of course, it had to make our family travel bucket list! Fly into New Delhi, spend a few days there, then head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Arrive for sunrise, then enter via the East gate. After you are done exploring, head to Agra Fort to see where Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned after his son seized power.

The Taj Mahal is India’s biggest tourist attraction, it was built using the labor of 1,000 elephants! We wrote a full guide to visiting the Taj Mahal .

From Agra take the train to Jaipur to see “the pink city”, then see wild tigers in Ranthambore National park. Head back to New Dehli, or continue on to Udaipur, the “city of lakes”, then Jodhpur, “the blue city”.

40. Sleep in a Monastery in Myanmar

Myanmar (Burma) is off-limits in 2021, but we’ll leave this intriguing country on our travel bucket list for down the line.

Travelers have written of the beauty and isolation of this country which had just opened up to tourism before the current political climate closed it again.

Hopefully sleeping on a thin pad on the floor of a monastery will be one of our family adventures when the situation calms down.

41. Stay in a Stilt House in Myanmar

Visit the floating gardens of Lake Inle and stay in a bamboo house built on stilts. The woven bamboo allows for air circulation to keep the house cool. Apparently, tomatoes grow year-round in the gardens here!

42. Explore Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a laid-back attitude and miles of sandy shoreline, it’s also one of the best places in the world to spot a blue whale.

Climb Lion Rock, visit a turtle hatchery on the Southern coast, and take photos of the stilt fisherman! Visit Yala National Park to try to spot a leopard (we saw one named Amber!), and see elephants and water buffalo in the wild.

You can also visit a tea plantation and take a train ride through the beautiful countryside from Kandy to Ella. Some of our favorite beaches are Hiriketiya Beach and Hikkaduwa Beach . Ready to visit? Check out our Sri Lanka itinerary to get started!

43. Cruise Halong Bay

Board a traditional junk boat and cruise Halong Bay in Northern Vietnam. A few hours from Hanoi, the bay is known for its towering limestone rock formations. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the most popular spots in Vietnam.

Choose a two-night cruise if you can- you’ll escape the crowds on the second day. There are so many tour operators, the hardest part is choosing which boat to take!

Most boats stop at Surprise Cave and Ti Top Island, and some offer cooking classes or other activities onboard. An alternative is Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay which are less crowded. October to March is the best time to visit.

Check Prices: Halong Bay Tour

44. Visit the Temples of Angkor Watt

Waker and I visited Angkor Watt as part of our honeymoon, and were excited to take the kids there to explore. We spent a month in Cambodia, and found that Siem Reap has become a hipper town, than we expected, with lots of great coffee options .

Check out our guide to the Angkor Temples , as well as all the other amazing things to do in Siem Reap , Cambodia. Consider taking a food tour to learn about Khmer cuisine .

45. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

When we visited Thailand in 2013, we visited an elephant center where we fed, rode on, and bathed the elephants. We discussed it at the time and felt that our dollars were supporting the care of the animals (who are notoriously expensive to feed).

Animal tourism has evolved since then, and we are now more careful to only support places where the animal’s natural behaviors are encouraged.

We’d love to expose our kids to the wonder of elephants, but in a place where there is no riding or unnatural training. As such, we are hoping to visit an elephant sanctuary to interact with rescued elephants.

Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is one option that is on the well-worn tourist route.

We highly recommend a visit to the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri, Cambodia. You can spend a half-day walking through the jungle with the elephants, and the other half of the day volunteering around the facility.

Responsible Travel has a great list of Elephant Sanctuaries around the world that you can feel good about supporting.

46. Lounge on a Thai Island

The island beaches of Thailand are well-known for a reason! So many options for relaxing in a tropical paradise. We spent part of our honeymoon in Koh Samui, then took the kids to hang out on Ko Phi Phi, but there are endless options for islands to explore.

47. Relax on the Gili Islands, Indonesia

The Gili Islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. There are no cars on the islands, you either walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn cart to get around.

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the islands with the most nightlife and a night market. Gili Meno is the smallest, least populated island and is known for its turtle sanctuary.

We opted for the middle-sized island of Gili Air, and spent part of our “babymoon” there- it was a bumpy boat ride from Lombok to get there, but the island itself is absolutely lovely.

Family Travel Bucket List Middle East:

The Middle East is packed with history- Petra is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and Israel has the most important landmarks for three major religions packed into one city. Abu Dhabi and Dubai pack in family-friendly activities as well- from jaw-dropping architecture to amusement parks.

48. Visit the Ruins of Petra in Jordan

I grew up with the Indiana Jones movies, and ever since I realized Petra was a real place I’ve wanted to visit!

I explored Petra and other places in Jordan for the first time on a G Adventures tour in 2013 and it was just as magical as I’d hoped. Waker didn’t have time off from work, and I knew (hoped) we’d be starting a family soon, so I joined the tour solo, and loved it!

I met lots of friendly people and saw a lot more through the tour than I could have managed in the same amount of time on my own.

Petra is absolutely a bucket list family adventure! We returned in 2022 and explored as a family.

Petra at night is spectacular. There is a musical concert in front of the Treasury (the most well-known facade), and the walkways and treasury area are lit by candlelight.

49. Sleep Under the Stars in Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum desert is stunning- ride a camel, climb rock arches, and sleep under the stars. We visited on our tour of Jordan but didn’t get a chance to sleep overnight in this beautiful desert, as it was a cold time of year.

50. Float in the Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea is a strange experience- the sea is over 30% salt, so you are extremely buoyant. The mud is supposed to be wonderful for your skin, so you slather it all over yourself and then float in the sunshine.

You can enter the Dead Sea from the Jordanian or the Israeli side, as the middle of the sea forms part of the border between the two countries. I visited the Jordanian side, we could see drones patrolling the Israeli border.

51. Visit Jerusalem

The Holy City for Jews, Muslims, and Christians, there is a ton of history packed into Jerusalem. Visit the old city, the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Al Aqsa mosque.

Consider a day trip to Bethelem to see the Church of the Nativity (it is easiest to take a tour), or a day trip to the Dead Sea.

It’s worth noting that everything in Israel (restaurants, public transportation) shuts down for the Sabbath from Friday late afternoon to Saturday night. Holy sites generally require that shoulders and knees are covered.

52. Visit the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

This mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE is one of the grandest in the world. It is massive- the equivalent of four football fields. Construction began in 1996 and took 12 years to complete.

An international collaboration, the mosque combines Persian, Mughal, and Moorish architecture. The Grand Mosque includes 82 domes and has the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

There is no charge to visit the mosque, but you will need to reserve a time . Visit early to beat the heat. There are free guided tours available- don’t miss these tours! You’ll be inside the main space, while others crowd around ropes on the outside.

Women will need to cover up- bring a headscarf, the mosque provides black abayas in a couple of sizes to borrow. Men are also requested to dress conservatively.

53. Tour Iran

Iran is a tricky place for Americans to visit politically, and the State Department currently warns strongly against it. I’ve heard amazing stories from other travelers who found the local people warm and inviting. My Pinterest is filled with images of mosques and tile work in Iran, I’d absolutely love to visit!

Unsure about visiting? Check out this article from Intrepid Travel (from 2018). Even when the situation is a bit more stable, Americans, Brits, and Canadians can only visit on a tour.

Plan to book a tour at least three months ahead as the visa process can be quite long. Note that debit cards and credit cards will not work in Iran.

There are some tours for younger travelers like this tour for ages 5+ from Shiraz to Tehran. I would probably wait until the kids are older and opt for a longer tour like this one from Intrepid Travel for ages 15+.

Family Travel Bucket List Oceania:

54. road trip around new zealand.

We are really hoping to road trip around New Zealand in late 2021, early 2022 (now aiming for 2023!) depending on when the borders open. We are all really excited for the dramatic landscape of New Zealand, and it’s soo far from us in the US that this will be a real treat!

Ideally, we’ll use a relocation service to rent a vehicle, then drive from Auckland stopping at Hobbiton, Rotorua for Geysers, the Redwoods, on to Wellington, then across to the South Island.

We will pan for gold, see a glow worm cave, then head to Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the penguins in Dunedin. We’ll pause at Lake Tekapo to try to see the Southern Lights, then head to Christchurch, and possibly out to Kaikoura to see the whales.

55. Explore a Glow Worm Cave

Taking a boat ride through a glowworm grotto sounds so magical! Arachnocampa Luminosa are unique to New Zealand, you can see them by exploring caves, or going for a guided kayak trip or night hike.

The most famous caves are the Waitomo Caves on the North Island where you go 150 feet underground to see the glowworms in large limestone caves.

On the South Island, you can visit the Te Anau caves . Cruise across Te Anua lake before entering the glowworm grotto. All ages.

Check Prices: Te Anau Caves Glow Worm Tour

56. See the Southern Lights

I didn’t know the Southern Lights existed until I started researching New Zealand. Now the Aurora Australis is definitely on our family outdoor adventure bucket list!

We are hoping to see them at Lake Tekapo, which is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Other good places to see them in New Zealand are Stewart Island and Invercargill.

You can also see the Southern Lights from Tasmania, Australia; Antarctica, and the South Georgia Islands. Some stargazing tours do have an age limit of 6+.

57. Swim with Wild Dolphins

Swim with wild Dusky Dolphins, Hectors Dolphins, and Common Dolphins with Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura, New Zealand.

You can’t touch the dolphins, but you’ll swim in their natural environment with a snorkel and fins and let them engage you as much as they desire. You can also watch from the boat if you prefer. Ages 8+ to swim with the dolphins.

While in Kaikoura, you can also kayak beside whales, seals, and dolphins.

Book Now: Kaikoura Wildlife Kayak Tour

58. Fly to the Top of a Glacier

When exploring New Zealand, don’t forget the glaciers! This helicopter tour will take you around both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers before landing in the snow for you to experience them firsthand. These glaciers are the largest in New Zealand and the most visited. They flow almost down to sea level.

59. Explore the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback has such a mystery to it- wild camels, lizards, crocodiles, and poisonous trees!

I did a 7-day tour from Adelaide to Alice Springs and had a fantastic time. We took the dirt roads, stopped for hikes, and camped at night. We visited the opal mines in Cooper Pedy, toured Uluru, and ended in Alice Springs. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole trip fascinating.

I’d love to take my kids when they are a bit older and do something similar. A lot of tours have you flying into Alice Springs to visit Uluru, I would avoid these, half the fun is getting there!

60. Cuddle a Baby Kangaroo

I got to cuddle a joey on my tour of the Australian outback, and you should too! We visited Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage in Cooper Pedy- they take in baby kangaroos from all over Southern Australia and raise them until they can be re-homed.

Most of these babies come to them when the mothers are killed on the roads, but the joeys survive in the pouch. They use cloth pouches to simulate the mother and bottle feed them. It’s such a treat to hold them and see what affectionate animals they are.

61. Visit Uluru

Uluru is a sacred sandstone formation in the middle of Australia. Aboriginals believe it was formed by ancestors in the Dreaming. Once called Ayer’s Rock, it was returned to its aboriginal name.

The Anangu people still hold ceremonies in caves at the base of Uluru, and only certain tribe members can climb the rock.

As a tourist, you can walk around the base of the rock and learn about its history and its place in aboriginal culture. It is a beautiful place, and its dominance over the surrounding flat landscape is awe-inspiring.

62. Climb the Harbour Bridge

Ready to climb high over Sydney? Climbing the Harbour Bridge gives you incredible views over Sydney Harbor, including the iconic Sydney Opera House. You clip onto the side of the bridge (so there’s no chance of falling).

It’s exhilarating and totally safe at the same time. I debated whether to spend the money to do this when I was in Sydney, and I’m so glad I did!

63. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on earth. While there have been worries about coral bleaching and many will say there are better, less touristed spots to dive, this is still definitely on our family bucket list for outdoor adventures!

Visit December-February for the warmest waters and best visibility, March-November is colder, but you are more likely to see large whales.

64. Sail the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are 74 islands close to the Great Barrier Reef in Northeastern Australia. They are known for their tropical climate, white sand beaches, and great diving, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Whitehaven Beach is famous for its white silica sand. You can take a day cruise, charter a yacht, or settle in for a three-day cruise experience.

65. Relax in Fiji

Fiji has lots of resorts that cater to families- with pools, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs. Explore the boardwalks of Kula Eco Park, visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, or take a day trip to visit additional islands (Fiji has 333 of them).

The best time to visit is April through October. Fiji is located to the East of Australia, and North of New Zealand. It is about a four-hour flight from Australia’s East coast.

Family Travel Bucket List Africa:

We’ve visited Morocco as a family, but still have a lot of Africa to see together!

66. Visit the Egyptian Pyramids

Egypt is high on our family adventure bucket list! S recently became intrigued by the tombs and history of Ancient Egypt, so we’ve been reading a lot about it.

Start in Cairo, and visit the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Don’t miss the Egyptian Museum where King Tut lies. Visit Saqqara and the tombs and pyramids there.

Fly to Aswan and take a cruise down the Nile to Luxor in a traditional dahabiya or felucca. Visit the Kom Ombo temple (which we just read about in our Little Passports book) and the Crocodile Museum.

In Luxor, visit the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. If you have time, head to the Red Sea to relax, or take a train from Luxor back to Cairo.

67. Scuba Dive in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive. The water is warm and clear, and wildlife is abundant.

Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam are three of the top spots to dive. There are healthy reefs and world-famous wrecks to dive. During the summer you may spot whale sharks and manta rays.

68. Find the Big Five on an African Safari

The Big Five you try to spot while on safari are: the African leopard, African lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant, and rhinoceros.

Tanzania is known for its game parks- the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are amazing. These more famous parks tend to be more expensive than some others, including Kruger in South Africa. You can also visit the Addo Elephant National Park which is in a malaria-free zone in South Africa.

Some parks allow for self-drive tours. If it is your first time on Safari, I’d advise against this. Our driver was instrumental in ensuring we had a fabulous safari experience. He started us with the smaller animals- on day one we were thrilled to see baboons, by the third day we probably would not have been so enthusiastic.

Our driver was also in contact with other drivers, so he could reroute us when a leopard was spotted in another section of the park.

69. Climb Kilimanjaro

I summited Kilimanjaro with a close friend in 2007- it was tough and incredibly rewarding. If your family is into long treks, this should definitely be on your family bucket list!

The glaciers at the top of Kili are slowly melting, so go as soon as you can! The official minimum age to climb is 10, but 12+ is probably a safer estimate.

70. Relax in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a beach resort destination off the coast of Tanzania with amazing sand beaches. You can also see giant tortoises that are nearly 200 years old on Changuu Island, a protected marine park known for its diving and snorkeling.

Zanzibar is a self-governing state in Tanzania- it consists of two big islands and many small ones. Zanzibar is sometimes called the Spice Islands because cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper grow there.

The old city of Stone Town is a pleasant maze and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The food in Zanzibar is a mix of Indian, Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, and African influences.

Zanzibar is mostly Muslim, so women dress modestly. At one point these islands were the center of the Arab slave trade, so you can visit a former slave market as well as the Mangapwani Caves which were used as holding pens.

To reach Zanzibar take a fast boat from Dar Es Salaam. The best time to visit is June-October.

71. Explore the Souks of Morocco

Morocco is a deluge of sounds and smells. The souks (markets) are fascinating mazes. I visited in 2002 and loved it. I was a little worried about being there on the first anniversary of September 11th but found the people incredibly warm. We visited as a family in 2022, and all enjoyed driving around the country seeing the deserts and the mountains.

Marrakesh and Fez are both “don’t-miss” cities, we created a 10-day Morocco itinerary that includes these as well as Chefchaouen (the blue city), and the beach town of Essaouira.

71. Sleep in a Bedouin Tent in the Desert

One of my favorite memories of visiting the dunes of Merzouga (the red sand dunes where The Mummy movies were filmed) was sleeping in a Bedouin tent in the desert.

We rode camels out to the dunes and had dinner around a campfire. After dinner our Berber guides tried to teach us some basic drumming skills, then we settled down to enjoy the quiet stillness of the desert.

Nowadays, most tents in the desert are rather luxurious- complete with electricity and flush toilets, but it’s still a fun experience.

72. See Lake Retba in Senegal

Lake Retba is called “Lac Rose” for its unusual pink color. The color is created by specific bacteria that are drawn to the salt in the lake. More than 60,000 metric tons of salt are hand-harvested from the lake each year and exported across Western Africa.

Less than an hour’s drive from Dakar, you can swim in the lake or take a rowboat out onto it. The best time to visit is November to June when the salt content is the highest.

73. Look for Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda has some of the last Mountain Gorillas on Earth- there are less than 1,000 left in the wild. The classic gorilla tour includes flying into Entebbe, then taking a jeep to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you will trek in by foot to see the gorillas.

You have about an hour to observe the gorillas and are required to keep a distance of at least 7 meters from them.

Next, you’ll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see the traditional safari Big Five, then to Kibale Forest National Park to see chimpanzees and monkeys of various sorts.

The best times to visit are during the drier months of December to February or June to August. Book early, as permits to see the gorillas are limited. You can also do a Gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Parc National de Volcans.  Ages 16+.

74. Explore Tunisia

Tunisia offers a mix of Mediterranean and Arabic cultures. Explore the historic ruins of Carthage, then head to the enormous Colosseum at El Jem.

Venture into the Sahara desert to see where scenes from the planet Tatooine in Stars Wars were filmed. The planet in the movie was named after the nearby town of Tataouine. The underground house where Luke lived with his aunt and uncle is a hotel in Matmata- you can stay there. The best time to visit is October to May.

75. See Penguins in Capetown

Head to Boulder’s Beach in False Bay to see African penguins. Normally found in Southwestern Africa, a pair appeared here in the 1980s and bred. There are now over 2,000 penguins.

There are viewing platforms and boardwalks to let you safely watch the penguins in this protected area. You can also take a double kayak out to see the penguins from the water.

Book Now: Simon’s Town Penguin Kayak Paddle Tour

The penguins are most active between February and August. All ages for viewing, ages 5-8+ for kayaking depending on the company.

76. See the Namaqualand Desert Bloom

For a few weeks every year, the desert blooms- and is covered with flowers of all colors, including some flowers not seen elsewhere in the world. The peak of color is from early to late August depending on the year.

Start in Springbok, South Africa (about 5 1/2 hours north of Capetown), and head south, stopping at the Goegap Nature Reserve and Skilpad Wildflower Reserve. 

Stop in Niewoudtville where many local farms will open their gates for tourists. Next is Cedarberg and Clanwilliam. The Namaqualand Flower Route is popular, and the scarce accommodation fills up quickly. You may need to book up to a year ahead.

77. Visit Victoria Falls

David Livingston was the first Westerner to see this waterfall and named it after the British queen in 1855. Its native name is Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders”. It is almost a mile wide, and twice the height of Niagara Falls.

The falls form the border between Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Livingstone, Zambia. Whichever country you enter, get a UniVisa upon arrival, so that you can visit both sides of the falls in one day.

78. Relax on the Beaches of Mozambique

Mozambique sits between South Africa and Tanzania, with miles of secluded beaches along the Indian Ocean and great dive spots.

We’re hoping to take a few weeks to chill with friends in Vilanculos as part of our Family Year Out . Vilanculos made this list of the best beaches in Mozambique. The best time to visit is from May to November.

79. Explore Madagascar

The fourth-largest island in the world, Madagascar has so many indigenous species, that it’s sometimes called the “eighth continent”.

Madagascar has three UNESCO World Heritage sites and the only native population of lemurs remaining in the world. Stay in a treehouse, explore the rivers, and see the rock formations of the Petit Tsingy.

Learn about native Malagasy culture, see the giant baobab trees and take a night walk through the rainforest. The best time to visit is from May to October. Recommended for ages 8+.

Family Travel Bucket List North America:

We love road-tripping around the United States, enjoying wacky attractions like Meow Wolf in Santa Fe , or Trees of Mystery in the California Redwoods. Our kids still talk about visiting the Jelly Belly Experience (CA) and the Crayola Factory (PA).

We’ve also visited a lot of National Parks- from smaller parks like the Wright Brothers Memorial , Mammoth Cave , Great Sand Dunes (don’t miss tips for sand sledding ) and Craters of the Moon , to the larger, more famous parks of Glacier , Yellowstone , and Yosemite .

We also love exploring Canada and Mexico. We spent six weeks crossing Mexico, (check out tips for driving in Mexico ) including stops in Ensenada , Puerto Vallarta , the beautiful small town of Yelapa , and historic San Miguel de Allende .

80. Road Trip Across the USA

Whether it’s Route 66 with all its kitsch photo opportunities or circling the National Parks, the American Road Trip is a classic family adventure. Pack the cooler, get ready to sing songs, and eat motel breakfasts!

We took on an Epic 60+ day cross-country family road trip from Connecticut across to Los Angeles, and up to Santa Rosa, CA this summer. We saw friends, hiked in National Parks, and explored big and small towns along the way.

We embarked on a second road trip in the early fall through the American Northwest , followed by a road trip across the Mexican border into Baja Norte .

We got lots of family road trip tips to help you make the most of your road trip, from the best road trip snacks to road trip activities , to a complete list of road trip essentials .

81. Ride Horses on a Dude Ranch

I’d love to take my girls for a week at a dude ranch! Most of them assign you a horse for the week- you help to take care of it as well as ride it. There are campfires, s’mores and games for the kids, and relaxing time for the adults.

82. Visit the Famous National Parks of Utah

Utah has some amazing National Parks including Bryce, Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands. On our summer road trip, we stayed in Bryce Canyon , and hiked in Arches and Canyonlands from a base in Moab .

If you’ll be visiting three or more National Parks, be sure to get an American the Beautiful National Parks Pass. This annual pass grants you admission to National Parks, Monuments, and Preserves. The pass covers everyone in your car, or up to four adults, and means you can leave and re-enter the park easily.

Buy Now: Annual National Parks Pass

82. Climb the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty is a New York City icon. Take the ferry out to see her and climb all the way to her crown! The same ferry will take you to Ellis Island as well.

The crown of the statue was closed after September 11, 2001, for security purposes. There were plans to reopen it before 2020 closed the interior of the statue completely.

Check the official website for updates. You can find more details about visiting the Statue of Liberty in our Beginners Guide to New York City

83. Spend Autumn Leaf Peeping in New England

I grew up in New England, so the seasonal change of colors is easy to take for granted. If you haven’t visited to see the fall colors, you really must!

Peak viewing is usually late September in Northern Maine, and about mid-October in Connecticut. Use this Fall foliage map to see color predictions by state.

Leaf peeping can be combined with other fall activities such as Fall festivals, apple picking (and eating apple cider donuts), corn mazes, and hayrides.

84. Explore the National Mall, Washington D.C.

The National Mall in Washington D.C. is full of monuments, memorials, and museums, all free to the public. From seeing the original signed Declaration of Independence to Dorthy’s Slippers from The Wizard of Oz , there’s always more to see and do. Visiting Washington DC with kids is always a great idea!

When you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit Mt. Vernon , Washington’s family estate.

85. Visit New Orleans and Eat Beignets

New Orleans is known for its Mardi Gras parties (and those are lots of fun!) but there’s plenty for families to do as well. Wander the French Quarter and visit Jackson Square to hear musicians and see fortune-tellers.

Visit the Presbytère Museum to learn about Hurricane Katrina, and then see some Mardi Gras costumes and learn about the history of the celebration.

Make sure to stop for beignets- little square pastries covered in powdered sugar that resemble fried dough- at either Cafe du Monde or Café Beignet. 

Listen to some live jazz and try some Creole dishes like po’boys or gumbo. Ride a streetcar, take a steamboat cruise up the Mississippi, or an airboat swamp tour to look for alligators.

Check out the Artmazing Gallery – 13 selfie rooms, including one where money rains down on you!

You may also consider visiting the Whitney Plantation which focuses on the lives of the enslaved people on the plantation, it’s about an hour’s drive from New Orleans.

86. Watch a Rocket Launch at Kennedy Space Center

Watch a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral! Check the calendar, launches include unmanned rockets and SpaceX capsules headed to the International Space Station. Watch from the visitor center viewing area next to the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

The Kennedy Space Center has so much to offer! Visit their rocket garden to see real rockets, see the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and learn about the Apollo missions.

Step inside an astronaut training simulator to learn to pilot a space shuttle. Kids 10+ can opt for the full Astronaut Training Experience , which is a 4-5 hour program that includes simulated mars terrain.

87. Swim with Manatees in Florida

Crystal River, Florida, is the only place to legally swim with manatees. The water stays warm here all year round, so in the winter around 400 manatees migrate here, though you can visit them year-round. These endangered mammals each weigh about 1,000 pounds and are slow and gentle.

You can take a tour from Crystal River or a day trip from Orlando (about 90 minutes away) that includes manatees, lunch, an airboat ride, and a trip to Homosassa State Wildlife Park. Ages 3+.

Book Now: Manatee Tour from Orlando

88. Visit Cuba

I’d love to take a family trip to Cuba! It’s so close to the United States, yet we have been restricted from visiting for so long. The rich culture, colorful buildings, and beautiful beaches all sound enchanting.

I’d love to visit during the Havana Jazz Festival in December. Plan to explore Havana, stay in Casa Particulares (local homes), take a salsa class in Vinales, and relax on the beach in Trinidad.

Cuba is currently difficult for Americans to travel to, hopefully, these restrictions will loosen over the next few years. You’ll need a government permit to visit and a travel visa.

The easiest way to do this is through a tour company that can provide a Support the Cuban People travel license , though this can get expensive. Options include private tours with Global Family Travels , and group or private tours through Cuba Explorer .

Once you arrive your debit and credit cards won’t work, and you will probably need a local sim for your cellphone. Internet access may be limited. The best time to visit is December to May.

89. Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a must-see. Plan to spend a few days exploring it. We are staying inside the park this summer so we can see the sunrise in the park and take a few hikes. We also took a helicopter ride over the canyon!

Update: We didn’t love it. In fact, we might skip the Grand Canyon on our next road trip!

90. Raft the Colorado River

An adventurous way to see another side of the Grand Canyon is to raft the Colorado River through the canyon. Plan for at least 3-4 days of rafting, and camping on the river’s edge at night. Ages 10+.

91. Visit Yellowstone Park

Old Faithful should be on every family’s outdoor travel bucket list! We wrote a 3-day guide to Yellowstone with kids . The famous geyser inside Yellowstone Park erupts around 20 times per day.

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. You can view the spring from above from a viewing platform on the Fairy Falls trail.

Explore Yellowstone Canyon- take in the view from Artist’s Point then head out on Uncle Tom’s trail.

Don’t miss the Lamar Valley drive where you may see wild bison, deer, or bears. This drive can be combined with visiting Mammoth Hot Springs.

92. Explore Native American History

There are lots of places to explore various Native American cultures around the United States. These experiences help balance some of the European-biased histories we were taught in school.

On our cross-country road trip , we visited several places that largely focus on the colonial and settler experience- from stops at Colonial Williamsburg to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Kansas. While both include the native experience to some extent, it is not their focus. We also learned about the Oregon Trail by visiting some of the stops along the trail.

To balance this with some of the native experience, we started the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC (which we don’t recommend for families). We then visited the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, NC which is focused on the Cherokee people, which we highly recommend! The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK also has a living history village (focused on 1710) and an exhibit on the Trail of Tears.

Explore Mesa Verde National Park (check out our tips for the best of Mesa Verde ) to learn about the Pueblo people. and Taos Pueblo to learn more about how the Taos people are combining modern life with ancient traditions.

93. Visit Disney

A Disney theme park visit should definitely be on every family’s travel bucket list! While I’m not one to visit Disney again and again (and we generally don’t include theme parks in our plans), Disney magic is pretty special. I’m excited to see the kid’s faces light up when we see some of their favorite characters!

We visited Disneyland in December of 2021. We spent one day in Disneyland and had a Park Hopper starting in California Adventure for the second day. At ages 4 and 7, our kids were the perfect age to soak up the wonder and loved seeing the characters, the parade, and the fireworks show.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Lulu . This hotel is an easy 10-minute walk from the parks, with a shuttle stop right outside the hotel. The rooms were cute and comfortable.

94. Kayak or Swim in a Bioluminescent Bay

We kayaked to a bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, it was amazing! There are beaches around the world that sometimes have bioluminescent plankton, but they can be unpredictable.

A Nomad’s Passport did a great post pulling together options around the world. All of these experiences take place after dark, so many are for ages 8+.

We were able to snorkel with bioluminescent plankton in Columbia, on the Rosario Islands .

95. Take an Alaskan Cruise

I’m not a cruise person generally, but an Alaskan cruise would be the exception! I’d love to take a cruise on a smaller boat and be able to kayak out to see the wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Our kids love watching PBS’s Molly of Denali , so we’re all excited to learn more about Alaska and its native traditions.

96. Swim with Manta Rays

Head to Kona on the Big Island, Hawaii to swim with manta rays. You’ll see the sunset from your boat, then snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. You can also scuba dive with the rays.

You’ll have a float with a light shining down- the light attracts the plankton, and the manta rays then come to eat the plankton. These reef manta rays can grow up to 18 feet, on average the rays in Kona are about 12 feet.

Book Now: Swim with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii

Swimming with Manta rays is also available in the Maldives, the Galapagos, and the Great Barrier Reef. Often at those locations, you’ll see manta rays where they go to get their skin cleaned, rather than where they are feeding.

97. Drive the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana in Maui starts in Kahului and winds along 64 miles to the town on Hana. You’ll explore the rainforest, and see waterfalls, roadside stands, and other attractions including the seven sacred pools and a red-sand beach.

The drive is stunning. When I drove it we listened to audio commentary via cassette while we drove- now you can download Gypsy Guide to your phone before you leave. Take your time, stop along the way, and don’t rush! The journey is the destination in this case.

98. Snorkel with Sea Turtles

Watching a large sea turtle gently swim by is an amazing experience! I swam with them in Hanauma Bay , on Oahu. Hanauma Bay is within a volcanic cone and is a marine life conservation area. The Bay now limits visitors and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to give the wildlife a break.

You can also take a snorkeling tour to Turtle Canyons on Oahu or Turtle Town on Maui to snorkel with Green Sea Turtles in the open ocean.

Book Now: Maui Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour

You are most likely to see the turtles between 11 am and 2 pm. There are many beaches you can visit in Maui where you have a high chance of seeing sea turtles- including Slaughterhouse Beach, Black Rock Beach, and Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town). On Oahu try Laniakea Beach, Kahe Point, and Kaupo Bay.

99. See Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is often associated with the Great American Road Trip. You can visit either the American or Canadian side. From the American side, don’t miss the Cave of the Winds, and take the Maid of the Mist out to Bridal Falls. Ponchos are required of course.

From the Canadian side, take the Hornblower cruise out to the falls, ride the SkyWheel, or take a helicopter ride above the falls.

100. Practice your French in Montreal

Dust off your French language skills for a visit to charming Montreal! Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal while eating poutine.

Visit Mount Royal and take a paddleboat out onto Beaver Lake. Check out the botanical garden, the planetarium, or Voiles en Voiles- a pirate ship that houses ropes courses, rappelling, and aerial activities.

Have Barbie fans in your house? Don’t miss the free 5,000-square-foot Barbie Expo exhibit.

101. Explore Sunny Vancouver

Less than an hour from the US border, Vancouver is known for its sunny days and easy access to snow-capped mountains. Explore Stanley Park where you’ll find playgrounds and totems carved by native peoples.

Take a water taxi over to Granville Island for a great public market and a sprinkler park. Take the gondola up Grouse Mountain, or visit Victoria island to have high tea at the Fairmont Hotel.

102. See Polar Bears in Churchill

Head to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears in the wild. In October and November, the bears gather in groups, waiting for the “big freeze” so they can head out onto the ice for seal hunting.

Take a tour to see the bears in an all-terrain tundra vehicle, watch for arctic foxes and see the Northern lights. Ages 8+.

Travel Bucket List Central and South America:

I traveled overland through Central America in my 20s, then we spent over 5 months in South America as a family. We loved practicing our language skills and watching how the language and culture shifted from Colombia to Peru (don’t skip Lima ), to Argentina and Brazil (we wished we had longer in Sao Paulo ).

We also wrote travel tips for South America specifically for families- you’ll often find lines just for families when traveling here.

103. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

In the 1400s Pachacuti built the citadel of Machu Picchu high in the (now Peruvian) Andes. A four or five-day hike brings you to the ruins of this city.

Plan to acclimatize for a few days in Cusco due to the 11,000-foot elevation. There are also fabulous day trips from Cusco to other areas of the Sacred Valley. If you have time, don’t miss Ollantaytambo as well.

Cusco will be the starting point for your Inca Trail hike. On day three you’ll be at over 13,000 feet before descending into Machu Picchu. The trail can be narrow and has steep steps. Best for ages 12+.

There is a one-day Inca Trail hike alternative that is more suitable for families with younger kids. You’ll still enter at the Sun Gate but without the strenuous multi-day hike.

Book Now: One Day Inca Trail for Families

104. Explore the Bolivian Salt Flats

Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat- covering more than 10 kilometers. These flats create a mirror effect reflecting the sky in the wet season (November to March), and a patterned effect in salt during the dry season (May to October).

The salt flats are at over 12,000 feet. They can be reached from the town of Uyuni, or on a tour from La Paz. Multi-day tours include seeing wild flamingos, hot springs, and colorful lakes.

105. Explore Patagonia

Trek through Las Glaciares National Park, stare in awe at the Perito Moreno Glacier, or even take a kayak up close to it (ages 14+).

See the emperor penguins in Tierra del Fuego National Park- the only place they live in the wild outside of Antarctica. This area on the very tip of Argentina is known as the “End of the World”.

Patagonia can be explored from Chile or from Argentina. Flying is often the easiest way to get around as there are large distances between cities.

106. Ride Horses in Mendoza

Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most famous wine regions, but it’s also home to grasslands, mountains, and the gaucho culture (cowboy culture). Take a horse ride across the hills and enjoy Asado (traditional barbeque) for lunch. Ages 6+.

107. Explore the Amazon Rainforest

Most of the Amazonian rainforest is within Brazil. After exploring Rio de Janeiro, head to Manaus, then take a boat to where the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimoes meet.

Dine at a floating restaurant, see lily pads as big as kids, then head out on a boat to cruise through the Amazon. You’ll see macaws, monkeys, piranhas, and more.

You can also explore the Amazon from Peru – either the Iquitos or Tambopata region. The high season is from December through March. Ages 8+.

108. Visit the Galapagos Islands 

A visit to the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies of the Galapagos Islands is definitely high on our family adventure travel bucket list!

The Galapagos Islands are about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. You can choose to do a boat-based or land-based exploration of the islands.

The Galapagos can be expensive to get to, you can also visit Isla de la Plata “the poor man’s Galapagos” to see blue-footed boobies. Visit the Galapagos any time of year, ages 8+.

109. Watch Boats go Through the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a 50-mile feat of engineering that opened in 1914. You can visit easily from Panama City and watch a boat slowly move through the locks.

The Miraflores Locks is the best place to watch- there is a detailed explanation of the canal in the visitors center, then head to the viewing platform to watch the boats. Best for ages 12+.

110. See the Caño Cristales River in Columbia

The Caño Cristales River has been described as a “liquid rainbow”. During July, August, and September, a water plant blooms turning the river red, white, black, and yellow. Located in the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, accessible from the town of La Macarena.

Colombia has some fantastic family destinations, including Medellin , Guatape , Jardin , and Cartagena .

111. Swim with Stingrays in Belize

Head to Shark and Ray Alley to swim with nurse sharks and large stingrays. The animals are used to the idea that the boats bring food and will come quite close to snorkelers. Most tours leave from Caye Caulker in Belize.

You can also swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman- you’ll find large South Atlantic rays in an area dubbed Stingray City. Antigua also has opportunities to swim with Southern Rays. Ages 6+.

112. Visit the ATM Cave in Belize

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is the most popular cave in Belize. This cave was a spiritual site for the Mayan people and was discovered by them around 300 AD. The cave was opened to the public in 1998.

Archeologists believe that human sacrifice took place in this cave, including the sacrifice of small children. Pottery, human remains, and other artifacts are still in the cave for viewing. No cameras are allowed in.

The journey to the cave involves a trek through the jungle, swimming, darkness, and scrambling over rocks. The cave is located about an hour’s drive from San Ignacio. At least ages 8+.

113. Experience Tango in Buenos Aries

Buenos Aires is the “Paris of South America”. Visit the colorful La Boca neighborhood to enjoy the street art and watch impromptu performances of the tango. Stop at a cafe to try some delicious alfajores.

While you are in La Boca, take a walking tour of the Boca Junior soccer stadium. Many restaurants offer a dinner and dance show where you can watch more tango.

We spent one month in Buenos Aires during our Family Gap Year . We loved our time there and would all love to go back.

114. Spy on Sloths in the Wild

Sloths generally hang out in lush tropical jungles, often sleeping high up in trees. Make sure not to touch them as this is very stressful for the animals!

Sloths can be found around Costa Rica- in the Arenal area try taking a guided walk of the private Bogarin Trail. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve also has sloths, though mostly nocturnal, so you’ll need to take a night walk. The Rincon de la Vieja National Park has sloths, though you may need a guided tour to spot them.

In Peru, visit Tambopata National Reserve and take a night walk through the jungle to spot sloths. Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve near Iquitos has brown-throated sloths, and you may also see pink river dolphins or jaguars!

We were lucky to spy a sloth in the wild while visiting the colorful, vibrant city of Cartagena .

115. Climb Temples in Tikal

Tikal absolutely took my breath away. Incredible temples are spread over acres of thick Guatemalan jungle. Monkeys scream from the trees and lemurs dance around your feet. Of all the ruins that I’ve visited across Central America, this is the one I’d most like to return to.

Tikal was a Mayan city that at one point housed up to 100,000 people. Only a fraction of the city has been excavated. You can climb the main temples, for a wonderful view across the jungle canopy. Most temples have narrow steps and no railing, so I’d advise at least age 8+ to get the most out of the site.

116. See Solstice at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a Mayan ruin on the plains of the Yucatan. Just a few hours drive from Cancun, It’s most famous for its main temple which acts as a calendar. On the yearly equinoxes, as the light hits the temple it looks like a serpent slowly descending the stairs of the temple. There is a light show each evening that recreates this phenomenon, but I’d love to see it in actuality!

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Go early in the day, as the heat can get intense, and shade is limited. The best time to visit is November to April.

117. Get Wet at Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina is another one of the new “Seven Natural Wonders” of the world. It is actually made up of 275 separate waterfalls.

To visit from Brazil, fly from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu. From there, you can visit the falls by either taking the Cataratas Hiking Trail to a boardwalk with views of the falls, or you can take a boat closer to the falls. You can opt for a “wet” or “dry” boat, depending on how close to the falls you’d like to get.

In Argentina, fly to Puerto Iguazu. On this side of the falls, there are more hiking trails with views of the falls. Take the green trail to the lower circuit trail- it has eight viewpoints and some places to stop and rest. Boat rides on the Argentine side are for 12+ only. A lot of visitors opt to visit both sides of the falls, crossing the border is pretty easy.

Family Travel Bucket List Antarctica:

We haven’t made it here yet, but we hear it’s amazing!

118. Explore Antactica

Head over the rough seas of Drake’s Passage to get to Antarctica! See waddling penguins, sunning seals, calving glaciers, and enormous icebergs.

The elusive Southern Lights can be seen year-round, though your best chance during the touring season is in March. Tours range from 10-20+ days in length. The summer months of December to March are the best time to visit. Best for ages 8+.

119. Step onto South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

There are no residents of these islands, and they are claimed by both Britain and Argentina. The famous explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried here. These islands along with the Falkland islands are sometimes combined with Antarctica on longer cruises.

The South Georgia Islands have kelp forests and the largest colony of emperor penguins on earth. You’ll also see albatross penguins, king penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals. Ages 10+.

There You Have It: Family Travel Bucket List

I had so much fun putting together this ultimate family vacation bucket list- the more research I do, the more places I want to add to our family travel bucket list! I hope this helped you put together some family travel bucket list ideas for your next big adventure.

Did we miss any travel adventures that are on your family bucket list? We’re always willing to add new ideas or destinations!

Need advice about traveling with kids? Check out our best family travel tips and tips to stay safe when traveling.

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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European Bucket List: 9 Can’t Miss Family Travel Activities

by Eric Stoen | Dec 13, 2017 | 2 comments

Eric Stoen of Travel Babbo has traveled to Europe at least twice a year with his kids (7, 10 and 11) since they were born, and they always seek out memorable experiences. We asked him what activities other traveling families should have on their European bucket lists.

When we’re planning a trip to Europe, or anywhere else for that matter, we start looking for activities far in advance. If there’s a festival taking place, we want to know the best way to experience it. If there’s an amazing guide for a walking tour, we want to book that person. If there’s a small cooking class that sounds perfect, we want in. We don’t over-plan, but we plan wisely. If we have two weeks in Paris , we may book three or four activities in advance.

Our standard activities tend to fall into a few categories: cooking classes; kid-friendly walking and museum tours; kid-friendly cultural performances; and animals/nature. But we’ll also plan trips around unique events that only take place periodically or only in one place.

So what are the very coolest things we’ve done that you can do, too? Here are my top nine European bucket list activities.

The LEGO Inside Tour

LEGO lets fewer than 200 people a year go behind the scenes of its operations, factory and Legoland park in Billund, Denmark . I heard about the Inside Tour years ago but the minimum age is seven, so I waited until my son was seven and we went. It’s seriously the coolest three days ever for kids and adults alike! Not only was going behind the scenes fascinating, but you spend time with LEGO designers and engineers and can ask them anything you want. Plus you get to shop in the LEGO employee store! Be sure to look into the tour well in advance — the ticket window for the following year is only open very briefly every fall.

The lobby of LEGO Headquarters. Photos weren’t allowed at most stops on the tour.

Falconry at Ashford Castle

Staying at Ashford Castle , we walked over to Ireland’s School of Falconry  (on the castle grounds) and met up with our falconry instructor Conal. He fitted the kids with gloves and taught them the basics of hunting with Harris Hawks – basically the hawks fly away, you put food hawk food (small rodents or chick parts) in your glove and hold out your arm, and the hawks fly back to you to eat before taking off again. The falconry would have been fun anyway, and indeed there’s falconry throughout the world, but the setting put the experience over the top – walking around the castle grounds and through a forest of moss-covered trees straight out of Harry Potter was magical! The kids are still talking about it a year later, and my 11-year-old has every intention of applying to be an intern in a few years.

With Harris Hawks in the forest

Climbing to the Top of the Duomo

In Europe, with all of its hilltop towns and church towers, there’s no shortage of places to climb. Florence ‘s Duomo is unique, however, since you climb to the top on a narrow passageway wedged between the outer dome and an inner dome. We’re in Florence at least once a year and it’s the one activity that’s always on our list. A reservation is required. I highly recommend climbing first thing in the morning, so that you won’t have to squeeze past anyone on the way up.

Looking out from the top of Florence’s Duomo.

Macaron Making in Paris

You can’t go wrong with any cooking class in Paris , or in all of France for that matter, but our absolute favorite was making macarons at  Cook’n With Class in Montmartre. We made three flavors: yuzu/chocolate; passion fruit/black currant; and salted caramel, and best of all, we got to take them back to our apartment where they disappeared over the next few days. I’d recommend this for kids age five and up, since it’s 3+ hours and our four-year-old lost interest partway through.

Making macarons in Paris

Pasta Making in Italy

We’ve done a lot of cooking classes in Europe. Other than macarons, above, we’ve had the most fun making pasta in Italy. From our classes in Venice , Florence and Cortona , the kids have become really good in the kitchen, and we now make all of our own pasta from scratch at home. It’s hard to beat an evening where you learn something, you have fun, and you have an amazing meal at the end!

Making pasta in Florence.

Spending Two Weeks on a Greek Island

We love the Greek islands! The easiest way to see the islands is via cruise ship . The problem, though, is then you’re on an island with thousands of other day trippers and you don’t get much of a feel for the real Greece. So twice the past three summers we’ve headed to Naxos and spent 2-3 weeks becoming locals —basing out of a hotel on the beach , exploring the island, discovering and returning to amazing restaurants, and soaking up Greek culture. And we’re completely comfortable with our kids running around town on their own. We chose Naxos because it’s not a cruise ship stop and it’s less expensive, and it’s close to Paros, Mykonos and Santorini for quick trips. Perfectly idyllic!

Walking around Naxos Town.

Having a Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

We’ve been to Paris half a dozen times, and if you ask our kids what they remember the most, they’ll tell you it’s our frequent picnics at the Eiffel Tower/Champ de Mars park. Eating outside at the tower serves two purposes. First, it’s cheap. You can pick up amazing bread, cheese, meat, fruit, veggies and desserts on nearby Rue Cler and you’ll spend a lot less than you would in a restaurant. Second, the kids run and play and they’re not stuck in a Parisian cafe for 2+ hours. And if you forget wine, there’s always someone walking around with bottles for sale. Probably my favorite dinner spot in the world.

Evenings at the Eiffel Tower are perfect!

Taking an Art Class

In Europe we’ve made frescos, mosaics, books, and paper, and we’ve painted, sketched and drawn in a dozen countries. Every experience has given our kids new skills. But if I had to highlight one class/activity that we got the most from, it would be the Drawing London class we did with Context Travel. We met up with their guide, a highly-accomplished illustrator, who took us through several London museums and taught our kids the art of shading. My 10-year-old son has been perfecting those techniques every day since then, and has become quite good. It’s amazing when one of your kids really clicks with a guide and it changes his life! And it could have happened just as easily anywhere else in Europe.

Sketching with our guide at the British Museum.

Attending the Salzburg Music Festival

The Salzburg Festival has been taking place almost every summer since 1920, and it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to classical music and opera in one of the top family-friendly European cities . While you can stumble upon classical performances everywhere in Europe, Salzburg is nice because they have kid-oriented concerts and operas throughout the summer — typically far shorter versions of their standard performances. Our kids have particularly liked the child-oriented operas, and they especially enjoy dressing up in traditional Austrian outfits to fit in with the local kids. Highly recommended, even if you’re skeptical that your kids will appreciate the performances!

Two of the kid-friendly operas we attended at the Salzburg Festival in 2014.

How about you? What would you add to this list of European bucket list activities for families?

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• 5 simple ways to be a better tourist - August 29, 2019
• Travel Tips: How to Entertain Your Kids on Really Hot Days - July 3, 2019
• A Perfect Trip to Singapore - May 23, 2019

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The museums and art galleries across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales) are brilliant. They have so much to offer for people of all ages and most of them are free entry.

Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

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European Bucket List: 9 Can’t Miss Family Travel Activities

By Eric Stoen on December 13, 2017 • Last Updated September 22, 2019 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Disclosure here .

A Europe Family Bucket List!

When we’re planning a trip to Europe – or anywhere else – we start looking for activities far in advance. If there’s an amazing festival, we want to know the best way to experience it. If there’s a wonderful guide for a walking tour, we want that person. If there’s a cooking class that sounds perfect, we want in. We don’t over-plan, but we plan wisely. If we’re going to  Paris  for 2-3 weeks, we’ll book three or four activities in advance.

Our standard activities fall into a few categories: cooking classes; kid-friendly walking and museum tours; kid-friendly cultural performances; and animals/nature. But we’ll also plan trips around unique events that take place periodically or are specific to one location.

So what are the very coolest things we’ve done that you can do, too? I wrote up a list for Travelocity. Three of my nine European bucket list activities are below. The full Travelocity post is HERE , and is linked from the bottom as well.

The LEGO Inside Tour

LEGO lets fewer than 200 people a year go behind the scenes of its operations, factory and Legoland park in Billund, Denmark . I heard about the Inside Tour years ago but the minimum age was seven, so I waited until my son was seven and we went. It’s seriously the coolest three days ever for kids and adults alike! Not only was going behind the scenes fascinating, but you spend time with LEGO designers and engineers and can ask them anything you want. Plus you get to shop in the LEGO employee store! Be sure to look into the tour well in advance — the ticket window for the following year is only open very briefly every fall.

Note: LEGO recently changed the minimum age for the Inside Tour to ten. So disappointed!

The lobby of LEGO Headquarters in Billund – one of the few places I was allowed to take pictures.

Falconry at Ashford Castle

Staying at Ashford Castle , we walked over to Ireland’s School of Falconry  (on the castle grounds) and met up with our falconry instructor Conal. He fitted the kids with gloves and taught them the basics of hunting with Harris Hawks – basically the hawks fly away, you put food hawk food (small rodents or chick parts) in your glove and hold out your arm, and the hawks fly back to you to eat before taking off again. The falconry would have been fun anyway, and indeed there’s falconry throughout the world, but the setting put the experience over the top – walking around the castle grounds and through a forest of moss-covered trees straight out of Harry Potter was magical! The kids are still talking about it a year later, and my 11-year-old has every intention of applying to be an intern in a few years.

With Harris Hawks in the forest

Climbing to the Top of the Duomo

In Europe, with all of its hilltop towns and church towers, there’s no shortage of places to climb. Florence ‘s Duomo is unique, however, since you climb to the top on a narrow passageway wedged between the outer dome and an inner dome. We’re in Florence at least once a year and it’s the one activity that’s always on our list. A reservation is required. I highly recommend climbing first thing in the morning, so that you won’t have to squeeze past anyone on the way up.

Looking out from the top of Florence’s Duomo

Click HERE to read this post on Travelocity’s Inspire Hub. My other six top activities are listed there.

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Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, a grand california family road trip.

• By Dana Rebmann
• June 24, 2020

California offers a nearly infinite variety of fun for traveling families, from beaches and mountains to amusements parks and national parks. It’s the picking and choosing what to do and what not to do that gets hard. If you’re looking for your family’s best shot at doing it all, buckle up and think about hitting the highway for a Grand California Family Road Trip. We’ve outlined a family-friendly route that covers the highlights from San Francisco to San Diego . If you’re short on time, condense your trip to focus on Los Angeles and San Francisco only. Whatever you manage to see and do, one thing is certain: California with kids is sure to please!

Guide to a Grand California Family Road Trip

The phrase “family road trip” evokes a variety of reactions, ranging from freewheeling fun to outright fear. Loading the kids in the car and taking off is certainly easier and cheaper than schlepping from one airport to the next in the wee hours of the morning, all the while hoping the flight remains on time. But loading the kids in the car also means, well, the kids are in the car. Truth be told, family togetherness bliss only lasts so long. So when its time to plan a trip to California, be sure to do your research.

A successful road trip is a road trip that’s fun! The memories make you smile when it comes up in conversation, and the trip you’d do all over again if you could. But the best thing is that it’s really easily done. Good destinations are the foundation of the trip, with a balance of set activities and free time to do whatever you may or may not stumble upon along the way. Get one successful family road trip under your belt and more will follow — it doesn’t matter if the kids are five or 15.

Want help planning a vacation to California with kids?

We're ready when you are! Our Family Travel Advisors can help you book vetted accommodations, arrange private tours and excursions, and more. Click to get started!

Adventure Behind the Wheel: Guide to 9 Nights on the Road

If you’ve never planned a family road trip, pulling together your first adventure behind the wheel can feel a little overwhelming; this is especially true in California with kids , where there’s often a good reason to stop the car every few miles and take in the view from the side of the road. We’ve put together the Grand California Family Road Trip. Short enough to fit into the school calendar’s definition of spring break, yet long enough to see what makes California such a great family destination.

Our itinerary plans for nine nights on the road. You could just print it out and go, but the best part about this road trip is the flexibility it offers for families to make it their own. It doesn’t matter whether you head up or down the coast, you won’t miss a memory. Family trips in California are flexible because there are so many options depending on ages and interests.

In each of these destinations, we’ve highlighted must-see and do activities, plus tried and tested gems with kids that are more off-path.

San Francisco: 2 Nights

What to do: You could spend two months in San Francisco with kids and do something new every day, but since you only have two nights to call it home, you need to use your time wisely. There is no denying Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy, but it’s something almost all first-time visitors to San Francisco want to see. Using it as a starting location, you can also cross off many of the city’s other must-dos, like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge along with a cable car ride. Celebrate a perfect road trip day with ice cream at the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.

Golden Gate Park sees 13 million visitors each year. It’s the third-most-visited park in the United States, and it’s easy to understand why. With options like the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, the Conservatory of Flowers and the Koret Children’s Quarter and Golden Gate Park Carousel, you can’t go wrong.

If you have the luxury of a few extra days in your road trip itinerary, San Francisco is a great launching point for exploring Yosemite or Lake Tahoe .

Must See and Do

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Golden Gate Park
• Cable Car Ride

Gems to Add

• California Academy of Sciences
• de Young Museum
• Conservatory of Flowers
• Koret Children’s Quarter and Golden Gate Park Carousel
• Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

Monterey Peninsula: 1 Night

California’s Highway 1 offers some of the most stunning stretches of coastline you’ll ever see. While there are a number of vistas where you can look but not touch, the Monterey Peninsula offers plenty of beaches where families can get out of the car and play in the sand. Lovers Point Park and Beach is only about a mile from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

If your kids are wiggly and just need to be outside, the Dennis the Menace Playground may be a good fit. Created in 1956 with the help of the comic strip creator Hank Ketcham, it has slides, climbing walls, tunnels and even a real locomotive for kids to climb on. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve nearby may be one of the best state parks you’ll ever visit. There are numerous trails offering views of the coast; the stroller-friendly Carmelo Meadow Trail can be done in less than 10 minutes.

With a walking labyrinth, an alphabet garden and a cut-your-own herb garden, organic grower Earthbound Farm runs a one-of-a-kind farm stand in Carmel Valley. The organic frozen yogurt is pretty darn tasty too!

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Dennis the Menace Park
• Earthbound Farm
• Lovers Point Park and Beach
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Santa Barbara: 2 Nights

As you travel from Monterey to Santa Barbara , consider quick stops at Big Sur , Hearst Castle or San Luis Obispo. Although you could easily fill an entire trip along this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, press on toward Santa Barbara this time around.

On paper, your time in Santa Barbara with kids  looks deceptively long, but chances are you’ll arrive later in the evening and pull out of town in the morning, so you’ve really only got one full day to play here. Don’t underestimate the power of State Street. Shopping (especially if you’ve got tween and/or teenage girls) and tasty extras like ice cream take time.

Speed up your trip to California’s oldest working wharf by jumping on Santa Barbara’s Downtown Shuttle. The open-air, trolley-like electric vehicle runs every 15 to 30 minutes and drops you directly in front of Stearns Wharf. Walk the wharf and maybe check out the Ty Warner Sea Center or hit the beach and the water. A kayaking trip out of Santa Barbara Harbor to what’s affectionately known as Sea Lion Buoy is a great activity for school-age kids and up.

• State Street
• Stearns Wharf
• Santa Barbara’s Downtown Shuttle
• Ty Warner Sea Center
• Kayaking Santa Barbara Harbor

Los Angeles Area: 2 Nights

Time for a celebration: You’ve made it from San Francisco to Los Angeles!

If seeing Disney tops your list during your visit to the  Los Angeles area with kids , dedicate your stay in town to just that. It takes time to do Disneyland right. Even if you sneak in and out of town without meeting the mouse known ’round the world, you can still get your amusement ride fix and snap photos of some California icons.

Get your feet sandy on Santa Monica Beach and walk to the food- and ride-loaded Santa Monica Pier. There are plenty of places to catch sight of the Hollywood Sign, including on the drive to Hollywood Boulevard. It’s a touristy spot, and different than most first-timers expect, but it’s one of those locations that is hard for folks to go home without seeing. But the newest star to call Hollywood home can claim real stars as former neighbors: Space Shuttle Endeavour is a must-visit at the California Science Center.

• Disneyland & California Adventure
• Santa Monica Beach and Pier
• Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Boulevard
• Amusement rides on Santa Monica Pier
• Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center

San Diego: 2 Nights

After traveling down the California coast, San Diego is your last stop, and relaxing on the shore may be just what your family needs. The beach at Coronado Island offers a great tidepool and there are lifeguards on duty. Take time to recharge, then head to Balboa Park. Along with being home to a whopping 15 museums, the nation’s largest urban cultural park is also home to the city’s wilder side, the San Diego Zoo. If you are in need of gifts to take home for family and friends, Seaport Village is a fun place to do some shopping and is a safe spot to give teens freedom to wander a bit.

TIP: If you have less than a week, consider combining the Los Angeles and San Diego portion of this itinerary and focus your time on southern California.

• San Diego Zoo
• Balboa Park
• Coronado Island
• Seaport Village
• Kids’ surf lessons at Menehune Surf School

Relevant Links:

Browse our best vacation ideas and accommodations for California with kids

5 best museums in San Francisco for kids

How to make the most of a San Francisco CityPASS with kids

72 hours in Los Angeles with kids

10 fun things to do in San Diego with kids

A perfect Northern California road trip itinerary

Best kid-friendly wineries in Northern California Wine Country

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Could this trip work backwards? If you started in San Diego and ended in San Francisco? Also, we are thinking of adding San Luis Obispo so would that go before or after Santa Barbara?

Hi Munira, you absolutely can do the reverse! San Luis Obispo is north of Santa Barbara, so you could stop en route to San Francisco as you drive north. Happy travels!

Hi I am planning a trip for my daughter and I, she will be 15. I grew up in northern California and have some spots I know I want to show her and do with her. I love the suggestions in this article, they are a great jumping off point. I want to make sure our trip has several great hikes, maybe surfing lessons, bike rides, and possibly kayaking. I’d like to start in the redwoods and end in SoCal

Hi April, we’d be happy to help with your trip plans! One of our expert Family Travel Advisors will reach out in email. Happy travels!

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Hi Kristi We are are a family of four including two kids, 8 and 5. We travel in mid July from out of the US and want to spend 8 days in California including Disneyland San Francisco , Grand Canyon, San Diego, others? We can arrive in San Francisco airport and leave from Lax . Would you be able to provide recommendations as far as a road trip that includes a good mix of activities . One concern I have is whether we could rent a car in one city and return it on another ? Thank you!

Hi Harvey, Thank you for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in California will reach out to you on email to see if we can help with your road trip. Thanks! -Amie

Hello, Our family of four are planning to travel California in the beginning of April. I am desperate to find some help with planning. Would you please help me out? Thank you!!

Hi HeeSun, absolutely, we can help. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in California will reach out in email. Happy planning!

We are planning a trip in May for our family. Two adults and 3 boys ages 11,10 and 6 would love someone to contact me Thanks!

Hi Jill, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Travel Advisors who specializes in California will reach out in email to tell you about our service and how we can help. Happy planning.

This is an awesome comprehensive list of California destinations…great roundup! I would emphasize Yosemite National Park. There’s really nothing like it anywhere else in the world.

We’re a family of 5, 2 adults and children aged 13, 11 and 1. We’re planning a road trip from San Fran to San Diego in early July over 18-19 days. This route looks perfect but we’d like to take a more leisurely pace. Can you please help?

Hi Siobhan, absolutely, we can custom-design an itinerary for your family’s preferences. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in California will reach out in email. Happy travels!

Hi There, We are a family of 5 with three kids planning a trip to LA in Mar (23rd) next year. Kids ages are Boy 12, girl 7 and boy 2. We would like to cover the theme parks, san fran, grand canyon, Yosemite and any beaches. Can you please advice where to stay if we are on a budget and a plan. Leaving on the 16th Apr

Hi Gayani – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! Happy to hear that one of our advisors has been in touch already. Enjoy the planning!

HI! we are a family of 4 , (kids aged 11 and 9) , travelling from Italy, we are planning a trip to Califormia this summer 3 -4 weeks in august starting from LA , we would then like to do the national parks, San Francisco and the Grand Canyon. Can you suggest an itinerary?

Hi Francesca, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! A Family Vacation Advisor specializing in California will reach out in email to talk about how we can help. Happy travels!

Please have someone contact me.

Hi Lisa, we’ll be glad to have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in California reach out in email. Thanks for using our site!

Hello! In which place on the Highway 1 would you spend more time on a future trip?

Hi Bruno! All the stops along the way are very different, but the Central Coast near Cambria is a wonderful part of the state for families who want to settle into one spot for a week. If you’d like help planning your full road trip, let us know and one of our Family Travel Advisors will reach out in email. Thanks!

Hello! I am trying to plan this for my Moms 60th birthday. I am a family of 2 adults and 3 children (3,6,12) from NJ and my brother, his wife and three kids, (7,8,2) from Hawaii are looking to meet my Mom and sister (22) could you have Kristi contact me please Id love to see if something like this could work for all of us. Thank you!

Hi Aimee – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We’ll have one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in California reach out in email. Happy planning!

Hi there. We are a family of 4 (1 tween girl and one teen girl? We are looking to come to CA the first week of July for 9 nights and 8 days. We have to stay in Hollywood or Santa Monica for at least 3 nights as my brother lives there. We would like to see beaches, surfers, maybe whales, and other tourist places. What would you suggest. We are coming from Atlanta and have not booked flights yet so we can fly into one area and sly out of another. We want some beach time but not everyday. I would love to go to a winery but the kids would hate it. Would love to hear your suggestions,

Thank you for your travel request. A Family Travel Advisor will contact you shortly.

A great place to stay for the weekend in Newport is the Newport Dunes. There is RV slots if you are traveling with one or beach cottages to rent if not. So much fun there, we go multiple times a year.

Planning a California trip in June. Can a travel agent reach out to me. Unsure of things to do. We are coming for a graduation but plan on staying extra days to see California

Hi Sinobia, absolutely! One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in California will reach out in email. Happy planning!

We’re a family of four (14 yr.girl & 9 yr.boy). We booked a 10 days California trip March 5 to 15 from Toronto to LA. Booked hotel in Fairmont Santa Monica for our first night, the rest still on planning stage were to stay. The kids looking forward to have fun at Universal Studio and Disneyland. My husband and I, bucket list is to see San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge(booked Fairmont San Francisco, check in March 8 and check out March 10) and if possible if we still have time to go a Tour bus trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam. We’re planning to ride the sightseeing tour bus in Hollywood and San Francisco. Checking on taking bus from LA to San Francisco or driving (insurance/cost). Any suggestions and advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Lisa

Hi Lisa, It sounds like you have a great start planned. I’ll have one of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in California to reach out to you in email to set up time to chat about how we can help with the itinerary. Happy Planning! Best, -Amie

Interested in a trip similar to this in mid June. 2 adults and one child age 17. We have 5-6 nights. Any suggestions would be great

Hi Kate, Thank you for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in California will follow up in email regarding next steps to use our service. Happy Planning!

Hi, we are a family of five planning to do a CA roadtrip in April 8-18 with our kids who are 7, 6 and 18 months. How is the weather then? What would you suggest? We’d like to do some of Highway 1. and then up from San Fran to Portland. Please advise.

Hi Corinne – Sounds wonderful! I’ll have one of our Family Travel Advisors reach out to you in email to see how we can help. Thanks!

We are a family of five coming to California in April for 8-10 days, kids 8-12. I would like to do San Fran to Carlsbad, but my husband thinks it’s too much time into the car. Suggestions?

Hi Maria! Our California expert will be happy to advise you – I’ll have her reach out. Thanks!

Hi, Thinking about planning a summer trip to Cali with 2 adults/2 kids(7,12). We live in FL so the beaches, and Disney are nice, but we do have them here. We love San Fran area so we can start there. What is North of San Fran,anything to see? or should we head south instead?? How far is Yosemite/Lake Tahoe? What is there for kids in Carmel and Santa Barbara? Thanks

Hi Jennifer! Please excuse the delay – your comment didn’t show up in our feed immediately. Our California expert will reach out to you about your trip plans. Thank you!

Hello, we are planning a trip to California probably sometime in May. I could use some help with this process. Any additional information or suggestions are welcome! Thank you!

Hi Haley, Wonderful! Our Family Vacation Advisor specializing in California will follow up with you in email shortly. Happy New Year! Best, -Amie

Hi! We are planning a California trip in march. Just me hubs and our lil man age 2. Could you please email me an itinerary please. Thanks!

Hi Liyana – Everything we do is customized per family taking into the consideration of the ages of the kids. I’ll have one of our Family Travel Advisors who specializes in California reach out to you in email. Thanks! -Amie

Hi, We are a family of 6, we have 4 children aged 10-5 and would love to do a 10/14 day trip in California in May/June 2017. Could give us some ideas on price and anything you would recommend? Thanks, Joanne

Hi Joanne – I’ll have one of our Advisors specializing in this itinerary email you. Thanks! -Amie

Im planning the ultimate 50th birthday trip for myself and my BFF. She’s from England and Im a Texan but California Coast is my destination choice! Now to find the things both of us will enjoy- that sand castle school is on the list for sure! Im excited!

Hi! We are planning a road tripping Southern California in August. I know it’s hot but we only have this window of time. We either will fly into San Diego airport or John Waybe and drive towards the other. Will 4-5nights be enough time? We’d love at least 2 nights in San Diego and may see the Zoo, balboa park and lots of resting and relaxing. Also legoland, San Clemente, Laguna beach and Newport Beach. We love beaches, good food, coffees, parks etc! Two kids 8 and 6. Any advice of timing and what to definitely see?? Thanks so much!!

Hi Jane – In addition to the articles on the website, we run a full family-focused vacation planning service. I’ll have our Advisor specializing in California reach out to you in email. Thanks! -Amie

Hi, We’re planning an 8 day trip San Francisco-LA. We’ll be travelling two adults and two kids (ages 7 and 12). However, we want to spend at least 2 nights in Napa Valley. How would you modify your proposed itinerary? Thanks, Aida

Hi Aida – We provide a service where we do custom itineraries for families traveling through California. I’ll have our Family Travel Advisor specializing in this itinerary reach out to you! -Amie

Hi Jo- I’ve just sent you an email. The whale watching is fantastic around Monterey with blue whales and humpbacks common during summer. Not to mention the otters and sea lions – you’ve chosen a fun trip. Thanks, -kristi

Hi. Great info! We are a family of 2 adults, 4 children aged 5-11 from Denmark. We are doing the Cali road trip in July, but would like to add a whale watching trip around Monterey Bay, among other things. Any suggestions, or would you put me in touch with one of your experts. Also, we are having trouble picking hotels/resorts…. Thanks. Jo

Hi Jo, Our Family Travel Advisor for California will reach out soon in email to help. Best, -Amie

Hi this is a fantastic read as we are doing this trip in Aug/Sep- we want to stop for 5 nights in SoCal, do you think that’s too long in Santa Barbara? We want beach, kids stuff, relax, restaurants, coffee! Also do you think Yosemite in August is worth 2 nights in an RV or will we roast?! Do you guys have advice on RV parks for that stretch of coast, if so it would be great to speak to someone? Kiri

Hi Kiri- I’m Ciao Bambino’s California road trip expert. 5 nights in Santa Barbara is not too long as there are fun day trips nearby. Yosemite is always worth a stop! It’s hot during the day and cool at night. I’m not an expert on RV Parks but if you need assistance with routing and activities that is something I can help you with. Feel free to reach out at [email protected] Thanks, -kristi

Could you please put me in touch with an advisor to assist with planning a California coast trip for our family?

Hi Shani, I’ve sent this to our California Family Vacation Advisor Kristi. She will be in touch shortly! -Amie

Hi, Could you please have Kristi contact me regarding a CA coast trip? I spoke with her last year, and we had to postpone our trip, but would like to go ahead and plan now.

Hi Shani – Glad to hear that you’re ready to move forward with your plans again! I’ll pass along your request to Kristi. Happy planning!

Hello, I am in the UK and looking to book a holiday in January. Our girls are 3 and 4. What would you recommend for a road trip given the weather?

Hi Becky – We can help! One of our Family Vactation Advisors will reach out to you in email. Thanks! -Amie

We are a family of 6. Kids age 12-19 and 2 adults. We want to go to Cali and west coast in August. We have 8 days. What do suggest??

Hi Jill – I’ll have one of our Family Vacation Advisors who specializes in California reach out in email. Thanks! -Amie

Hi, we are planning a trip to California with a 19 month old in September, planning to fly into either LA or San Diego( 6 hours) then either work our way north or south along big sur but also depending on where we fly into. Any recommendations on that and where we should go?

Hi Cara – Our in house travel agency specializing in crafting a California Road Trip for families. I’ll have one of our Advisor reach out in email. Happy Planning! Best, -Amie

We are planning a similar trip for August with kids in the same range. Would love to hear any suggestions as well.

Hi Amy – Thanks for reaching out to us! I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in California get in touch via email to talk about how we can help with your plans.

Hi we’re planning on a California trip in May this year. We have a 3 and a 1 year old. We want to see the obvious sights in California. Disney, Hollywood Blvd etc. and spend abit of time on a nice beach somewhere. Can anyone recommend family places to stay and where to start. Planning on spending a week to 10 days Thank you

Hi Anna – I’ll have our Family Travel Advisor who is a California specialist reach out to you. Thanks! -Amie

This itinerary looks great. Would it be appropriate for a family trip in early-mid November?

Hi Janine. California is a year round destination for travel. In November, the locals won’t be sunbathing at the beaches but they will be surfing and boogie boarding with wet suits so there is still beach activity. I specialize in California road trip planning and will reach out in case you need additional help planning your family vacation. Thanks! -kristi

Hi cyclops- Feel free to leave your email or email us at [email protected] if we can help you plan your trip. Thanks, -kristi

Hi – That’s a great start to your road trip, especially the Monterey Peninsula which offers beautiful drives , beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities hiking, kayaking or even on a pontoon boat. Depending on your interests and the ages of the kids there are other less touristy areas along the coast that you might like as well. I specialize in California road trip planning for Ciao Bambino and will reach out in case you would like help planning your trip. Thanks, Kristi Marcelle

We are a family of 8 (6 adults and two small children) and are planning a road trip during the Christmas week (Dec 19-27). We will be starting from San Francisco. Can you give us some ideas of places to visit during that time? We are thinking of Monterey, Carlsbad/San Diego and Santa Barbara. Any other spots that will be good during that time especially with Christmas? Any places to avoid? We don’t need to see San Francisco and Los Angeles, Disney, Universal Studios.

Approximately how long are the drives in the above itinerary.

Hi Matt, Each stop is more or less 2-3 hours from one another. Thanks! -Amie

Hi Anne, the weather is usually fine in March, always a bit chillier in Northern California than Southern California which hovers in the 70s midday. In SoCal, it’s flip flop weather all year round though in March the locals aren’t sunbathing and swimming in the ocean though they are surfing and boogie boarding with wetsuits. If you’d like any help planning your trip, we offer full itinerary planning with hotel booking and activities recommendations. California is my specialty so let us know if we can help. -kristi

Thanks for the great article. I am from deep south, so like warm weather, so I am planning a September trip (also like less crowds). San Francisco (2 nights) to Monterrey (1 night) to Santa Barbara (1 night) to San Diego (2 nights) is our plan. We can’t decide whether to skip LA or do 1 night. We won’t have kids with us but our real question is whether September would change anything in your recommendations or thoughts?

I wanted to see if the weather over early March is good for this trip with kids along the coastline of California or if it is cold still

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Traveling Party of Four

I miss traveling: here are 25 genuine reasons why.

• December 28, 2020
• Family Travel
• 15 Comments
• by Jenny Bhatia

2020, a year we will never forget. I miss traveling.

Everything is different—so many things I have taken for granted. My travel philosophy will never be the same, but maybe that is a good thing.  

As I hung the ornaments on our Christmas tree this year, I felt deeply nostalgic. I always purchase an ornament on our adventures. Every year I am brought back to our travel memories while decorating the tree. This year, 2020, all I had to show for our journeys was toilet paper and mask ornaments. And a kind yet mischievous friend even sent me a virus with a Santa hat ornament. Funny girl.

I asked my traveler friends what they miss the most about traveling, and they had a lot to share. I am not the only one feeling nostalgic. 

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

25 Genuine Reasons Why Why I Miss Traveling.

The #1 Reason Why I Miss Traveling is the Liberating Feeling of Leaving It All Behind.

What I miss the most about traveling is the liberating feeling of leaving it all behind, relaxing, and spending time with my family. Vacation has become a time to recharge and rejuvenate. We sleep in, explore, purchase snacks from the local market, and eat a healthy lunch. We have our downtime in the afternoon, a light dinner, and get a good night’s restorative sleep. We return to life at home, recharged and motivated, ready to face the daily grind. But we are always planning our next adventure.

I miss traveling, but I am hopeful for the future. 

#2 ~ Learning through new experiences — Kyle from  ViaTravelers .

Kyle misses the ability to be out and about exploring and learning through experiences.

For me, travel is a way to digest the way of life. It’s refreshing because it allows me to absorb and get away from the noise we often get caught up in routine life—noise that surrounds the internet, the news, etc. 

Traveling, you’ll constantly get to see, feel, and taste something new. It’s the ultimate way of learning that stimulates your senses along the way. The future of travel will be different, but I think at some point we will revert to some level of the old normal. 

I think there are still going to be many people who are hesitant about crowded spaces, crowded cities, etc. If you can have the right precautions in place, that could be a good opportunity to see some cities for a reasonable price. 

Here is Kyle’s most recent travel post,  23 Best Travel Gifts of 2020.    My favorite gift is the packing cubes; they are life-changing.

At Least It’s NOT a Pop-Up 😎

Twice a month emails. They’re informative, fun, and sometimes random.

#3 ~ The people you meet and what you learn from them — Zoe from   Zoe Goes Places .

Here is my note from Zoe.

For me, travel has always been about two things: the places you experience and the people you meet. Throughout the ups and downs of 2020, those places remain standing, albeit tinged with an edge of sadness without the buzz of locals carrying on their lives around them.

But, the thing I miss most about pre-pandemic travel is the people that you meet, the stories they tell, and the recommendations they share. A little excitement about being on the other side of the world. Finding people who speak the same language as you, perhaps even from the same part of the world as you. Sharing a taxi or bus ride, swapping stories over drinks in a bar or a hostel, agreeing to get up at dawn the next day to see the city’s must-see sunrise attraction! 

This unscripted part of travel is so much of the travel bug that gets to so many of us. I would hate for 2020 to make travelers more isolated from each other. So, to all the travelers out there, let’s remember to keep connected in the future!

Read about beer, wine, carbs, coastlines, and Pula’s day trips—I think it is absolutely worth visiting.  

Bistra from   Your Cultural Tour misses meeting new people, too.

She shared her hope for the future of travel after the current crisis is over.

2021 is around the corner, and this got me thinking about how travel will change after the turbulent 2020. One of the things I love most about traveling is the opportunity to meet local people, talk to them, even work with them. As my passion is to share inspiring people and their stories with the world, it’s natural that we need the environment to meet and spend time together. 

Well, I think that will change. People wouldn’t be so open to meet a stranger, invite them to their home, and be physically in the same space. All of this is affected by safety measures, social distancing rules, etc. 

To finish on a positive note, maybe people will find other and more effective ways to connect, I hope so. I have a lot of faith in humanity, even after a crisis. 

Read more from Bistra  here , and meet two Ugandan locals with a passion for empowering women and promoting sustainable tourism. 

#4 ~ The freedom travel provides—Veronika Primm from  Travel Geekery .

Now more than ever, I feel the lack of freedom, which travel provides. I was one of the lucky few, having been able to take two trips abroad over the summer. It only made it clearer that travel indeed cannot be taken for granted, as I may have forgotten in the past. 

Travel is a privilege, and we should always keep that in mind. The feeling of freedom, whether it be not knowing what I’ll do on a given day or where I might sleep in a few days, is so much more increased when one’s traveling. 

Humans are explorers, and some feel the highest boost when exploring foreign lands, where the language spoken is unknown to us, where buildings look different, and customs are unlike ours.

This year has made travel within our home countries essential. And that was a good thing, too. There were times when I was not too excited to discover my own backyard. That has changed tremendously, and the appreciation is back. I’ll be forever grateful when I’ll be able to travel again. I will always remind myself to savor it to the fullest since you never know when it can be taken away. 

Learn about three coastal trails with breathtaking views for hiking in Brittany, France, in  Veronika’s most recent post.   

Nothing can take our travel dreams away.

Freedom is what I miss the most about travel—Sandra Joseph from  Poof Bee Gone.

As a solo traveler, I’ve gotten used to the flexibility of coming and going as I please. I don’t have to consult anyone else about their schedules or finances before I can take off. My only concern is getting “my act” together. 

Before COVID-19, I truly believed I had freedom. All that changed once the government put in restrictions. It was a rude awakening —t his was the first time as an adult that someone else restricted my time to this degree. To this day, most of the COVID regulations were contradictory and didn’t make much sense to me! Now that we’re all getting a greater understanding of the virus, I’m so expectant of travel restrictions loosening. 

I miss the carefree travel days of old. 2020 has made me a little nervous about traveling internationally. I would have to familiarize myself with COVID details before traveling to any other country. Good or bad, at least I know the full extent of U.S. policies. For now, I will stick to domestic travel. 

The cruising industry has suffered the most since they have yet to resume operations in the U.S. I have a credit pending with Carnival, and I can’t’ wait for the “freedom” to use it!

For a trip around The Grand Canyon and Sedona (one of my personal favorite places to visit in the US), here’s a thorough post by Sandra, The Grand Canyon’s Splendor, and Sedona, Arizona’s Majesty .

#5 ~ Planning for my next adventure.

I Miss Travel Planning .

Travel Planning is almost as exciting as the travel itself. Researching a new destination, planning travel days, deciding on attractions and activities, creating an epic itinerary, and filling up my travel planner are activities that give me joy.

Plus, travel planning provides something for us all to look forward to and dream about. Gosh, I miss that feeling.

#6 ~ Not having a big trip planned in the future—Holly Connors from   Four Around The World .

The biggest thing we miss is that almost empty feeling of not having a big trip planned in the future. We almost always have an overseas adventure in the works. The planning and research is a big part of the fun. 

While we can still plan larger trips within our own country, it doesn’t feel quite the same since it is relatively familiar compared to a new destination and culture.

The feeling that we don’t know when this may change is unsettling too, with no signs of international travel returning anytime soon. It gives the vibe that while many of us may want to travel the same way again, things may always be a little different in the future. Which does bring some extra caution when traveling with kids, especially. 

We look forward to visiting new places again, but for now, local travel will become a focus. 

A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns sounds perfect for the times;  here is an ideal itinerary   by Holly.

Since we are on the subject of not traveling, I gathered up twenty gift ideas for you and your traveling friends stuck at home; click here for the list.

This T-shirt with departure and arrival airport codes is one of my favorites . Custom Travel Art carries lots of options for dreaming about travel and saving memories of past adventures.

#7 ~ Getting to journal my thoughts and reflections—Maria from  Maptrekking .

One of the things I miss most about travel is getting to journal my thoughts and reflections. No matter how lightweight I used to travel, I always seemed to find room for my travel journal in my small carry on backpack. It was a Christmas gift from my sister, a fellow travel lover, so taking it with me also reminded me of her. 

Journaling always helped me to understand how a particular place or culture had affected me. Writing helped me to slow down and dig deep in my thoughts, which revealed how I was actively changing with my surroundings. 

Even before 2020, my partner and I were convinced that slow travel practices like taking time to reflect and journal were powerful and transformative. Now with the travel changes that 2020 brought, we appreciate the privilege of travel even more and will prioritize slow, meaningful travel experiences in the future.

#8 ~ Being able to travel for the sheer enjoyment of travel—Elliott from  TheTravelKind.

I miss being able to travel for the sheer enjoyment of travel. 2020 has seen restrictions imposed upon anybody who wishes to cross a border, and while it is still sometimes permitted, it seems only business-related justifications are accepted.

This is a certain freedom that has been taken from us – the ability to spontaneously wake up in a mountain forest just because you want to smell the fresh air or to hop across to Prague just to hear a different language. Instead, only travel deemed “essential” to the continuity of existence based upon a government opinion is the only way to physically escape the place where we live. 

Going forwards, I feel that us nomadic minds will never take travel for granted again. Even the sight of a grubby airport carpet will bring us an iota of joy. Travel will be less spontaneous as we more carefully balance up the benefits of travel insurance covering pandemic-related cancellations. Instead of deciding upon destinations we simply want to see, we may start to eliminate options purely for the inconveniences that local restrictions have upon us. 

Learn how to venture between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the most popular of the Canary Islands, in  Elliot’s thorough post on how to take the ferry between the two islands.

#9 ~ The Food—Meg Alexander from   Have Toothbrush Will Travel.

Staying at home during 2020 and cooking meals on my own has me longing for one key element of travel – the food. I am craving all types of international cuisine. The strange, unusual, and exotic just as much as the savory and sweet signature dishes. 

My first trip post-pandemic will be food-focused, possibly Greece, Italy, Japan, or Thailand. Bring me all of the cheese, noodles, and sushi, please! If 2020 has taught me anything, besides the fact that I am a lousy home chef, it will be to add cooking classes into my future travel itineraries. It can’t hurt to learn a few recipes, source local ingredients, and be prepared to recreate my favorite international cuisine at home in the event of another global pandemic. 

Meg wrote about  her favorite meals in Asia , and now I am hungry. And I miss food traveling, too.

#10 ~ Sitting at a bar and chatting with the bartender—Donna Emperador from   Explore the Road with Donnamarie .

This might sound crazy, but what I miss most during the pandemic is sitting at a bar and chatting with the bartender. I know this doesn’t sound exotic, but my husband, Dan, and I enjoy finding places off the beaten path and starting up conversations with the bartender; this is a great way to get inside information on local hot spots, culture, and local events. This often leads to chatting with locals and really getting a chance to soak up the local culture. 

Right now, we have had to do this virtually through online experiences, but it’s not the same. Luckily, I don’t think this will affect us too much in our future travels because we tend to like smaller, less crowded places. We will probably be cautious about how much space we leave between us and the next set of customers.

Donna and her husband have a unique experience to share, read about their  cozy night on an alpaca farm , the perfect place to social distance.

#11 ~ Immersing into a different culture.

The best way to learn about a different culture is to immerse yourself fully. Learn about the cuisine, especially the story behind the cuisine. Research proper social etiquette, respectful clothing and fashion, and the local traditions. Meet the locals and find out where they eat and where they play. I miss traveling into a different world and learning about them and myself.

#12 ~ Those first few moments when you see a new place for the first time—Or Amir from   My Path in the World .

I love traveling for dozens of different reasons, but nothing quite beats those first few moments when you see a new place for the first time. It feels like my senses are going crazy – my eyes are trying to absorb every single detail, I can hear every little sound, and I can even smell and taste this new place. My Heart also starts racing with excitement, and there’s a good chance I’ll get so emotional that I’ll have tears in my eyes. 

Whether I had traveled to Italy, Romania, Greece, or South America, I’ve always had that feeling. Sometimes we take that initial excitement for granted because not every new place is impressive to us, but I’ll definitely cherish this feeling even more after this year.

When I finally do go back to traveling, I know I want to focus on underrated destinations. I’m still obsessed with Europe and miss it terribly, so I can’t wait to revisit it, and luckily, this continent is full of hidden gems that are yet to be discovered.

Or published a round-up post about the  12 Best Italian Road Trips , from a few days to two-week treks through a unique and stunning country.

#13 ~ The anticipation of traveling—Denise Macuk of   Chef Denise.

Since planning a trip in 2020 has been impossible, what I really miss most is just that, planning and having something to look forward to! The anticipation of traveling almost anywhere and having a trip to look forward to can get me through some really tough days. 

When my husband and I planned our last trip to France, we had maps covering our dining room table for months. We scheduled how many days we would spend where, navigated our driving route, and researched some key things we wanted to do. 

Of course, as a chef, many of those things involved food! Sometimes, while going through the motions, the planning didn’t seem like fun. But coming home from work and focusing on something wonderful in our future was so exciting, even though we had been to France many times.

So, not being able to plan a trip, and not knowing when we will be able to, is like not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! I sure will be happy to plan our next adventure!

If you love butter and want to learn a few fun facts about French cuisine, read this,  Traveling for the Food of France. 

#14 ~ Visiting family—Donna from   Packed for Life.

Like many people, one of the hardest things about this year has been not visiting family. With aging parents, it is important for us to make it home as much as possible. While I am grateful that technology allows us to keep in touch, nothing beats an in-person hug and visit. 

Also, coming from Northern Canada, where there are only five hours of sunlight in winter and limited dining options, our family is missing the opportunity for a sunny escape and tasting new foods. 

Last year we were eagerly awaiting our  trip to Cuba .  Surprisingly, I miss the anticipation of the trip as much as the travel itself—the dreaming, planning, and packing (and repacking due to my “always be prepared” tendencies). 

I am looking forward to the time we can once again give our young daughter the chance to see and experience the world in new ways, build resilience through challenges, and learn the importance of connecting with people in their own language. Growing up in a generation where travel was easily accessible, what 2020 has taught us as a family, is not to take our blessings or the ability to travel for granted.

#15 ~ Learning a new language—Deb from   Spanish Latin America.

For someone who loves traveling and loves learning languages, I have no doubt that traveling in Latin America was the best way to learn Spanish for me. To practice Spanish, I mostly hung out with my Latin friends. I also went to language exchanges and had conversation partners. And simply being around people and listening to them helped me immensely in learning a brand new language. 

In my opinion, traveling is such a great and effortless way of learning a new language. And this is something I miss very much for not being able to travel during the pandemic. While taking classes online is definitely helpful, practicing a new language is best done when traveling in a country where the language is spoken. 

When I look back on 2020, I think I did take it for granted in the past. After being shut down for months, I realized how much I miss learning languages while traveling.

Learn more about why traveling to a Spanish speaking country or island is the  best way to learn Spanish.

#16 ~ Editing 1000+ images.

I never thought I would say this, but I miss going through all of those images, tossing the bad ones, clipping strangers out, and editing the good ones. Y’all know this task can take hours and is so tedious, but, I can’t wait to sit there and edit again.

#17 ~ The feel of being “on holiday” or away from the normal routine of life — Ariana from   World of Travels with Kids .

The thing I miss most about traveling is the feel of being “on holiday” or away from the normal routine of life. When on the road, life is more about meeting our essential needs – finding a place to sleep and eat – than things like earning an income or cleaning the house! 

In addition to less of the daily grind, we do focus on having fun – whether it is playing cards after dinner or seeking out zip lines or ropes courses – we are “lighter” than during normal life. 

I also love the stimulation and challenges presented by travel – there are often unexpected obstacles that stimulate us! It is also fascinating to see, feel, and touch new places. 

2020 has taught me that mindset is incredibly important – so we can’t go on holiday – we can have holidays at home. Don’t worry about the mess, eat fun food, and play games, and take more of our’ travel mindset’ into our daily life. 

If you are looking for the best family holidays in Australia, here is a thorough post from Ariana,  The Best Family Holidays Australia Has to Offer.

#18 ~ I miss sipping on an adult beverage, well, from anywhere.

Relaxing after a day of exploring, editing pictures, planning the next day, while sipping on a glass of champagne or local cocktail of choice is one thing I miss the most. Tasting local Tequila in Sedona, sweet Bacardi Rum in Puerto Rico, hot mulled wine in London, and a tasty brew from the local brewery in Blue Ridge — all experiences that bring back happy memories and dreams.

#19 ~ The overall food experiences that I enjoy, like street food, bustling food markets, and just stumbling onto something new—Allan Wilson from  It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor.

When the pandemic hit, I was in Northern Ireland housesitting for my parents while they were off on a round-the-world cruise. At the same time, my wife, who is a food blogger and fantastic cook, was stuck out in Thailand for their shutdown. Meaning I was stuck and alone on a diet of  Northern Irish food , which is not the most exciting of cuisines, and more so when you’ve been brought up on it.

I did expect to miss travel at the time, but I was almost happy to take a break from it, with no obligations to jump on any new flights. 

But when it comes to travel, it is the food that motivates me, and my excitement for any new destination is browsing local convenience stores and scoping out the street food. And while we do have world food markets here, it is more the overall food experiences that I enjoy, like street food, bustling food markets, and just stumbling onto something new. 

Instead, I am living on an unhealthy diet of sausages and bread. But we do have plans to arrive in Thailand again soon, and, with a focus more on slow travel, we will be in no hurry to leave.

#20 ~ Long Driving Days—Cosette from   KarsTravels.

I miss those long driving days when on a road trip or when driving across France or Germany to a vacation rental. 

Usually, we go on a road trip over the Summer, to a snow destination in February and France in May. All these come with long driving days normally. This year we had only two long driving days in February, and after that, lockdowns started, and traveling wasn’t the smartest thing to do. 

Over the Summer we were able to go on a road trip, but since we stayed in The Netherlands, the driving days were short. I never thought I would miss the 10 to 14 hour driving days, with traffic jams and sitting down for hours. But I do. 

I would love to pack up the car and just drive a whole day to somewhere in Europe or the USA. These long driving days always bring new memories and new places to us. After 2020 I don’t think I will think so easily about traveling when there’s a virus outbreak somewhere else in the world. When it happens again, I will think twice about going to another country, even if the virus isn’t in that country.

Imagine a 21-day road trip from New York to Orlando; Cosette describes  all of the nature stops and attractions in this post.  

#21 ~ The journey—Ciara from   Wellness Travel Diaries.

The journey, be it from plane to train, an epic road trip or a smooth sailing cruise – one of the things I miss most about travel is the journey itself and what it brings. The journey adds to the exciting anticipation of reaching your destination, as well as meeting strangers along the route. 

While I knew the travel journey naturally would be missed, missing the experience of meeting strangers was a complete shock to me. But when I look back on every great adventure I’ve had – taking the night train through Eastern Europe to Kiev, Ukraine, jumping off a boat in the middle of the turquoise waters of Ibiza, Spain – the company and mingling with strangers is by far the greatest thing that adds beautiful depth and adventure on trips. 

Conversing with strangers provides a deep sense of unity when traveling, an ease into the culture you’re experiencing, and they always have the best food recommendations in the city you’re visiting. 

As 2020 comes to a close and traveling may be different in 2021, one lesson this season has taught is to embrace the unknown,  focusing on wellness when traveling  is important, and to be extra kind to all those you meet. 

#22 ~ I miss travel day.

I love travel day—waking up excited for our upcoming adventure, making last-minute packing decisions, loading the car, and off we go. The exhilaration of embarking on an epic holiday is something that I desperately miss and will never, ever take for granted again.

#23 ~ I miss the airport.

My husband freaks out the second we drive up to the airport, then we all end up in a frenzy. We have improved upon airport drama immensely with multiple interventions applied ( learn more HERE ).

I have grown to love the airport. Arriving early is key. Send your bags away, get through, TSA, find your gate, and your holiday begins.

Read a book, have an adult beverage, do some yoga, research your destination, and just chill.

I miss the airport and anticipate seeing a tarmac soon.

#24 ~ And I miss flying.

Flying, something I have never been a fan of, is something that I will never take for granted again. I would give anything to hang out at the gate and feel the excitement of when our boarding time is announced.

Then gathering all of my flight entertainment and settling in for a long flight to somewhere dreamy.

#25 ~ I miss the feeling of arriving back home after a long vacation.

As much as I love leaving it all behind and exploring the world with my family, I still love that feeling of coming home—that my luggage made it all the way home, I remembered where I parked my car at the airport. And everyone is safe, healthy, and rejuvenated for life after the holiday.

Driving into my neighborhood after a long vacation is a peaceful feeling and always makes me smile.

What do you miss the most about traveling? Is there anything you thought you wouldn’t miss?

And will this experience of 2020 change the way you explore the world?

Our time will come when we can freely go and explore. Stay positive and keep dreaming.

15 Comments on I Miss Traveling: Here are 25 Genuine Reasons Why

What a fun post! It is interesting to read so many different perspectives. And it’s nice to know we’re not alone!

So true. And we all are kinda similar in the things we miss the most.

I love this so much! Thanks again for allowing me to vent. You can never have enough of it in 2020.

Absolutely. Thank you for contributing. Be safe.

Oh how I miss traveling! I miss being away from home with my family, learning new things, and eating new foods. But I think I miss sharing the world with my kids the most. I want them to have the experiences of going new places and learning from being immersed in new things (not from sitting in a classroom). Hopefully, we will get to travel again soon!

I miss all of those things, too. Hopefully, soon we can get back to it.

Traveling is something I’ve been hoping to do, especially in different countries! My goals have been pushed back this year, but hopefully, that ends soon.

Yes, hopefully soon. Maybe by the end of this year.

Ah, I miss traveling. It’s my form of self-care to keep me sane. I started a blog this year to reminisce 🙂 And wrote some poetry!

Travel is my mistress as she knows me And I savor every moment we have On a mountain or somewhere by the sea To anywhere and everywhere I love

Beautiful. I love it.

#11 & #12 really hit me. I miss the first few moments of being in a totally different country and then getting immersed in the culture.

Me, too. I miss it so much. Hopefully, soon.

I felt like a prisoner on a tiny, rainy and in deep covid trouble island all year long! If as a species we can learn anything, we should never allow a repeat of 2020! But I fear this is only the beginning of even crappier things… And I am an optimist!:)))

Ugh, I know. I miss getting on an airplane and flying off to somewhere fun. Maybe later this year, I sure hope.

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The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Santa Clara, California

By Sayan Ghosh

Welcome to sunny Santa Clara, California, where family fun is just around the corner! This vibrant city in the heart of Silicon Valley offers a delightful mix of technology, culture, and outdoor adventures. So, pack your sunscreen and get ready to explore the ten best family-friendly activities Santa Clara has to offer.

1. California’s Great America

Start your Santa Clara adventure with a visit to California’s Great America . This thrilling amusement park features a wide range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. From roller coasters to water slides, there’s excitement for everyone in the family.

2. Santa Clara University

Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque campus of Santa Clara University . It’s not just for students; the beautiful gardens and historic buildings make for a tranquil and educational outing.

3. Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

While not technically in Santa Clara, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is just a stone’s throw away and offers a world of interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages.

4. Levi’s Stadium

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a tour of Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers. Even if it’s not game day, you can explore the stadium, visit the team’s museum, and even walk on the field.

5. Central Park

Central Park in Santa Clara is a family favorite. It boasts playgrounds, a serene lake, and picnic areas. Bring a blanket and enjoy a relaxing day in the California sunshine.

6. Intel Museum

For a dose of tech history, head to the Intel Museum. It’s an engaging experience that teaches visitors about the history of computing and the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley.

7. Santa Clara Central Library

The Santa Clara Central Library offers more than just books. It hosts family-friendly events, storytelling sessions, and a vibrant children’s area. It’s a great place to encourage a love for reading in your little ones.

8. Historic Murphy Avenue

Explore the charming Historic Murphy Avenue in nearby Sunnyvale. It’s a bustling street filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for a family stroll and a taste of local cuisine.

9. Baylands Park

For outdoor enthusiasts, Baylands Park is a must-visit. It offers hiking trails, playgrounds, and fantastic views of the bay. It’s an ideal spot for a family picnic and birdwatching.

10. K1 Speed Indoor Karting

Get your adrenaline pumping at K1 Speed Indoor Karting. It’s a safe and thrilling experience for the whole family. Race against each other and see who the speed demon in the family is.

The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Santa Clara, California – Summary

Santa Clara, California, is a fantastic destination for families with a diverse range of activities to enjoy. From the excitement of California’s Great America to the educational experience at the Intel Museum, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the tranquil beauty of Santa Clara University’s campus, and venture to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose for interactive learning. Central Park provides a peaceful retreat, while Levi’s Stadium offers sports enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes look. The Santa Clara Central Library promotes reading and storytelling, and Historic Murphy Avenue offers charming shopping and dining. Nature lovers will appreciate Baylands Park, and thrill-seekers can race at K1 Speed Indoor Karting. Santa Clara promises a sun-soaked, fun-filled adventure for the whole family!

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We Asked Experts: When Is It Okay for Children to Miss School for Vacation?

By Jessica Puckett

It’s a not-so-hidden secret that traveling during shoulder season —when prices are cheaper, crowds are thinner, and weather is cooler—can lead to a much more enjoyable trip. But for many families with school-aged children, travel is often limited to major holidays , spring break , and summer vacation ; times when prices and crowds can reach a fever pitch.

Faced with this reality, parents might find themselves asking the same question: when is missing school for a vacation okay? And as with many parenting quandaries, there's not one right answer. “Factors such as the child’s age, point in the school year, learning needs, social functioning, and constitution are important to consider,” Laura Philips, senior neuropsychologist and senior director of the learning and development center at the Child Mind Institute , tells Condé Nast Traveler.

Some parents may be under the impression that missing school won't impact younger children, she adds. However, at those ages, children are learning foundational skills like reading and writing. “A missed learning opportunity, as well as missed reinforcement of newly learned skills, can set them back relative to their classmates and class expectations at a time when academic learning compounds," says Philips.

So, when is it okay to take your kids out of school to travel? How do you explain absences to teachers? And what’s the best way to make sure children don’t fall behind in class? With so many questions to sort through, we talked to experts spanning education, travel, and child development about how parents can best decide if traveling during the school year is right for their family.

Traveling as a family allows parents and children to share memorable experiences, no matter the time of year.

Why travel during the school year?

No matter what time of year family travel takes places, experts agree that vacationing as a family is important. “The quality time and shared experiences that family vacations provide are really important in terms of strengthening familial relationships, attachment, and security,” Phillips says.

Families who step outside of their rushed daily routine find it can bring meaningful experiences that otherwise wouldn’t happen. “There’s enormous value in removing daily activities, chores, and other obligations that allow us to enjoy conversations and experiences that we don’t always slow down to do at home,” says Tonya Denmark, who runs the family travel blog Detailed Oriented Traveler . “Especially as children become older, they often have more obligations that take them out of the house. Extracurriculars, friends, and jobs, plus homework and college prep, leave little time to just enjoy family company. Travel removes much of that.”

The lower prices available during the off-season can also put the benefits of a vacation in reach for families who might not normally be able to afford a trip. Plus, with fewer crowds, the opportunity for a truly immersive trip is much higher: “When you take kids out of school to travel, whether it’s a stand-alone trip or you’re simply extending an existing school holiday, you’re likely traveling when others aren’t,” says Eric Stoen, who runs family travel blog Travel Babbo . “That means you’re seeing Egypt with very few other tourists, so you can get the best guide, and it’s that much easier to dive into the history.”

What’s more: Phillips says that through travel, kids have the chance to learn other valuable life skills like adaptability, problem-solving, planning and organization, and independence. Some parents who are avid travelers try to make the most of these opportunities on family vacations, like Colleen Lanin, founder and editor of Travel Mamas , who tries to give her children different responsibilities when traveling. “Children can learn geography and help with navigation during a road trip; kids can help with math by calculating the time it will take to reach a destination or how much a meal or activity will cost,” Lanin says.

Other parents have found their family trips have led their children to develop creative skills, interests, and hobbies. “Some of our kids’ talents have come from travel,” Stoen says. “We’ve done cooking classes and art and music workshops around the world, and each of our kids is talented in all three areas. I have no idea if my son would still be an amazing artist if he hadn’t been inspired by our guide in London ten years ago.”

What are some of the potential downsides?

Missing school for vacation can potentially send young students mixed messages about attendance, Phillips says, noting that these types of trips might unintentionally signal that school isn’t as important as other commitments. “Parents also want to be mindful of setting a precedent that school attendance is ‘optional’ or negotiable, which could lead to issues with commitment or responsibility, or lead students to believe they have an ‘out’ anytime they are feeling uncomfortable or bored,” she says.

There’s also the not-so-fun issue of falling behind on schoolwork to consider. “We know a lot of students fell behind during the pandemic because of remote learning,” says David Albert, chief communications and marketing officer for the New York School State Boards Association . “If you have a student who is not at grade level, I would definitely think carefully before pulling that student out of class.”

By Olivia Morelli

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Devra Ferst

Making up lost time in the classroom while also keeping up with new material isn’t easy for many children. “Anytime a student is absent it means lost instructional time, and it also can mean extra work for the teacher,” says Albert. “As you get into the high school grades, things become more challenging in terms of missing instructional time and the pace is going to be quicker in terms of the things that you’re learning."

That can mean a lot of post-vacation stress for kids, especially in the current academic environment in which “students are experiencing unprecedented levels of school performance-related anxiety and pressure to do well,” Phillips says. But, that doesn't mean there aren't measures parents can take to minimize downsides and accentuate the benefits of an off-season family vacation.

How to strike the right balance for your family

One step that parents can take is to have an honest conversation with their child’s teacher before leaving on a trip that could disrupt the student’s learning. “Certainly parents can reach out to the teacher and see if there are going to be assignments, and if the student could get those assignments in advance,” Albert suggests.

Stoen, of Travel Babbo, says his family has had luck with this work-ahead method. “When I pulled my son out of Kindergarten for a week to visit Panama , Easter Island, and Iguazu Falls, his teacher gave him a math workbook for the plane all about the Panama Canal and Easter Island. It was amazing,” he says. “When I took my daughter to Antarctica, she sent back reports to her first-grade class. Their teachers are real people who also love to travel.”

But once again, a child’s age and grade level will influence how realistic it is for them to keep up while missing class. “We primarily pulled our kids out of school when they were younger,” Stoen says. “By the time they were in middle school, they didn’t want to miss school at all. That’s the downside: when the kids feel like travel interferes with their school projects or social lives. So we listened to them and really tried to respect that. We still took them out, but only for a day here and there, so that we could get a head start on travels” before school breaks, he says.

Indeed, talking with your kids and trusting your parental instincts are sure ways to make the best travel decisions for your family. “Parents know their children,” says Albert. “And if they know they have a very motivated child who’s going to do the work regardless of whether they’re on vacation or not, that can be a factor as well.”

For some parents and children, the benefits of shoulder-season travel outweigh the potential downsides. “I have taken my kids out of school for many family trips over the years,” Lanin, of Travel Mamas, says. “I am sure they will long remember touring masterpieces in the Louvre in Paris, hiking and kayaking with a member of the Navajo Nation in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, and riding camels through the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Travel is meaningful and fun, and that’s what life should be.”

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Taking Off From School to Take In the World

Vacationing during the off-season has long been considered a cost-saving boon. But can families with school-aged children take advantage? Should they?

By Lauren Sloss

For her family vacation next year, Liz Thimm has booked a 10-day trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama, in February. She requested time off from her pharmacist job a year in advance, checked out guidebooks from the library and has shared itinerary ideas with her daughter and son — who are 11 and 9 — to involve them in the planning process. One thing she has not and will not do? Schedule the trip around a school vacation.

Much of Ms. Thimm’s approach to planning comes from the high costs and time constraints endured during a spring-break vacation the family, who lives in Wauwatosa, Wis., took to Puerto Rico in 2019.

“We paid $2,260 for four seats, had a six-hour layover on the way there and a 2:15 a.m. departure on the way home,” she said. “And those were the cheapest tickets we could find.”

Taking a trip during the off-season traditionally offers travelers fewer crowds and reduced fares and has long been considered a boon for budget-conscious planners. This trend is all the more pressing as the appeal of a traditional summer vacation has diminished, particularly after this year’s hot , crowded , expensive and natural - disaster - filled season.

But can families with school-aged children take advantage? While tacking on a day or two before or after winter and spring break has been a relatively normal occurrence for some families, now some well-off parents, emboldened by the rise of remote work and schooling in the pandemic and fed up with the record-breaking high prices of peak-season travel, are saying yes.

“People are feeling more freedom to be flexible,” said Natalie Kurtzman, a travel adviser with Fora Travel in Boston, noting that many of her clients with families are increasingly comfortable extending school breaks, and skipping a few days of classes in the process, to avoid high airfare prices that tend to appear during vacation periods.

“You can see that parents are becoming more and more brazen about doing it,” said Karen Rosenblum, the founder of the Spain Less Traveled travel agency.

But teachers and school administrators worry about ramifications, like students falling behind in schoolwork, and the mixed messages that the practice of skipping school might send.

“I feel like education is a privilege, and some students see it as a burden,” said Joanne Davi, a middle school teacher at St. Peter Martyr School in Pittsburg, Calif., who has noticed a major uptick in students missing school to travel since the pandemic. “When you make choices over school, that often translates to how students make choices during the day.”

More travel year-round for all

Not all families in the United States are ditching school. This year, in its U.S. Family Travel Survey , the Family Travel Association noted that summer and spring vacations remain the most popular times for families planning trips. But 56 percent of respondents found the timing of school breaks to be a challenge, and 59 percent cited affordability as their most pressing issue.

Travel costs are just one part of the financial equation, of course. Since the pandemic, many Americans have been struggling to keep up with a rising cost of living . Persistent inflation has led to changes in spending behavior , including, for some, around travel.

“Affordability has always been the most challenging thing. We’ve seen that since the survey began in 2015,” said Lynn Minnaert, a professor at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland and co-author of the 2023 Family Travel Association study. “But now, prices are the highest I’ve ever seen them. Being able to travel off-season would make a big difference for many families.”

Anecdotally, at least, a desire for scheduling flexibility is taking root. Melissa Verboon started the Facebook group Travel With Kids in 2017 and writes a blog covering her family’s travel; she said that the group’s membership had grown since the pandemic, with more conversations centering on traveling during the school year. Ms. Verboon, who lives in Holiday, Fla., and has four kids (15, 13, 11 and 9), believes that family time at home during the pandemic was a major impetus for reimagining vacation scheduling, as well as reimagining the types of trips that parents could take with their children.

Stephanie Tolk voiced similar thoughts. Ms. Tolk currently lives in Portland, Ore., but in 2021 and 2022, traveled internationally with her husband and two daughters for more than a year.

“People had bought into the idea that their kids went to school at 8:15 and that you don’t see them again until 4 in the afternoon. That was all shattered in 2020,” she said. “I found that I wanted more time with my kids.”

Easier with younger children

For parents eager to travel with their offspring year-round, a prepandemic truth remains: It’s significantly easier with younger, grade school children who have fewer academic, extracurricular and social demands. Ms. Thimm, whose daughter started middle school this year, has discovered that school-year travel planning is more challenging.

“I’m getting a little more nervous about taking her out, and she doesn’t want to miss out on anything that’s going on in school,” she said.

Alison McMaster, a travel adviser and corporate travel planner who lives outside Boston, has been traveling with her two sons, now 11 and 13, during the school year since they were young, sometimes tacking on extra days or weeks to school breaks. The family has even spent close to a month in destinations like Peru, Colombia and Europe.

“The education that they’re going to receive by way of international travel and cultural experiences outweigh days missed in the classroom,” she said. “The best version of my kids is when we are traveling.”

She’s unsure, however, if she’ll be able to pull off an extended trip this year.

“As they’ve gotten older, it’s become more important for them to be physically present in school,” she said of the shift from elementary school. The upper schools require more work and holding students more accountable. “There’s a sort of unspoken pressure,” she said

Ms. McMaster’s sons attend a private school, which has been generally accepting of their absences, extra work and increased accountability aside. But public elementary and secondary school systems, which educate about 50 million students, or about 88 percent of U.S. schoolchildren, have varying levels of tolerance for missed days of school. In recent years, they have also been contending with a rash of absences , travel-related or not, and plunging test scores among their students.

In Ms. Thimm’s Wisconsin school district, families may receive a letter from the school district requiring a meeting between the parents and school staff, should a child miss more than 10 days of classes.

“We’ve never gotten a letter; my kids are both great students and we usually only pull them out for five to seven days,” she said. “But last year, my son had Covid and he was out for five days because of that. I was definitely stressed about a trip we had planned, knowing that he couldn’t get sick again and miss any more school.”

In Ms. Davi’s school in California, a student missed the first three weeks of classes this year for a trip. Others have traveled to Las Vegas, Disneyland and Washington, D.C. The school’s policy allows these absences, so long as the administration is informed beforehand, but teachers are not obligated to put together work packets for children missing class for vacation.

“I tell the students, ‘We continue without you, so the responsibility is on you when you get back,’” Ms. Davi said, adding that classroom work and other assignments are online on Google Classroom. Whether or not a student will check in and keep up is “case by case.”

“There are some students who are intrinsically motivated as it is,” she said. “But then, there are students who are completely cut off. They come back and have no idea what’s going on.”

Out of the classroom, out in the world

For some parents, the incompatibility of school schedules with travel desires leads families to drop out of school systems altogether, at least for a little bit.

“Worldschooling,” a loose term that refers to making travel a central part of a child’s educational experience, can involve a monthlong trip to Europe, or years spent traveling. Parents might try to stick to the curriculum of a school back home using workbooks and remote learning tools, or choose to engage in more free-form, interest-driven learning.

Ms. Tolk worldschooled her daughters during their years on the road. The girls were 10 and 12 when they left, and while she and her husband initially tried to stick to a semi-strict schedule — daily math lessons, grammar exercises and spelling lists — they quickly found themselves easing up, focusing instead on the places they were exploring.

“We ended up doing a lot of family projects. All four of us would research something we were interested in and present it to each other,” she said. While they were in Egypt, one daughter did a project about ancient makeup traditions in Egypt, while another delved into the story of the wife of King Tutankhamen.

Though there has long been a small community of families who travel with their children, Ms. Tolk believes that the pandemic and social media have both made worldschooling a more approachable option. She is currently working to set up three worldschooling hubs through her company, Deliberate Detour , where families can meet up for learning and socializing, in Peru, Guatemala and Mexico.

Meanwhile, her daughters, now 12 and 14, are adjusting to attending public middle school in Portland, which has been challenging. The day feels long and overly structured, while other students strike the girls as closed-off. The jury’s still out on how they’ll fare academically, though so far, they are finding the work easy, said Ms. Tolk. Still, the value of these trips remains incomparable for her family.

“I’ve had a life of really impactful, powerful, transformative international experiences,” Ms. Tolk said. “I always knew that I wanted that for my children.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

THE 10 BEST Santa Clara Things to Do with Kids

Things to do in santa clara with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Levi's Stadium

2. Intel Museum

3. Santa Clara University

4. Our Lady of Peace Church

5. Central Park Library

6. California's Great America

7. Central Park

8. Ulistac Natural Area

9. Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Center

10. AMC Mercado 20

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Family’s $15k carnival cruise vacation canceled just 2 days prior, without their knowledge, after sharing booking number on facebook.

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A Kentucky family’s $15,000 Carnival Cruise vacation they had been planning for a year was canceled just two days before the ship was set to sail after they accidentally shared their booking number online in a case of identity theft.

Tiffany Banks was devastated to learn that her trip aboard the Carnival Celebration ship with her husband and their four kids was canceled without her knowledge the day before the family was going to fly to Florida to leave on the boat.

Banks said in a series of TikTok videos that she had no idea their vacation, for which they had already paid in full, was trashed until she got an email about off-ship excursion cancellations and called to investigate.

A Carnival customer service representative told her that she had canceled her $12,000 reservation for the ship’s largest room — the Excel Presidential Suite — through the online system.

The mom and nurse practitioner said she went into “a full-blown panic” and she and her four kids were all in tears.

“We have nearly $15,000 tied up in for this vacation including excursions. The room itself was I think $12,000 or $13,000, and then we’ve got a few grand tied up in excursions, and actually with almost $2,000 for flights,” she said in a May 12 TikTok video.

Banks said she never canceled the trip and wondered if it was a system glitch.

Carnival said the room they had booked was now reserved by another customer and offered the family two interior rooms — the cheapest on the ship — instead, but the mom did not feel it was an adequate replacement.

Carnival also refused to offer a full refund as its cancellation policy states that no money will be returned within 15 days of the cruise date.

The family flew to Miami and tried to board the ship anyway, hoping for a last-minute solution, but were unable to get on and the ship sailed off without them, Banks said in a teary follow-up video.

They instead stayed at an Airbnb in the Sunshine State, hoping to make the best of their change of plans while the mom shared frustrating updates on TikTok.

In one clip, she responded to “haters” who accused her of hiding things or not sharing the full story.

“I’m an open book. I talk too much. I give out too much information — that’s just me naturally,” she said in remarks that would become an ironic prediction of what was to come in the saga.

A few days later, Carnival called Banks back with an explanation of how her long-awaited cruise trip was canned.

The cruise line told Banks that she was the “victim of a form of identity theft” but that there was no security breach on Carnival’s part, according to a recording of the call she shared on TikTok.

Banks and her husband accidentally shared their cruise booking reference number when posting a screenshot of an email with the countdown to their vacation on Facebook a few weeks out, according to the clip.

The same day they posted the booking number on Facebook, someone created an online Carnival account and added the number to their profile.

Then, 48 hours before the cruise sail date, the person canceled the family’s entire cabin booking, the Carnival rep told Banks in the recording.

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Banks said Carnival told her that it believes the IP address of the person who canceled was in British Columbia but it was unable to get an identity of the fraudster.

The company offered her future cruise credit for $10,404 contingent on the mom posting on social media “something to the effect of Carnival has now resolved the issue.”

But Banks said she wasn’t interested and questioned the ease with which someone was able to take over her booking with no verification process.

“We’re not sailing with Carnival ever again,” she said.

The Post reached out to Carnival but did not immediately receive a response.

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On 'Jersey Shore Family Vacation,' the Situation and Vinny 2.0 get physical over Angelina

2 minute read.

The dust up in the desert almost turned into a donnybrook.

Things became heated when Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino tried to mediate the conflict between Angelina Pivarnick and Sammi “Sweetheart” on the Thursday, May 2, episode of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation.”

Mike took offense when Angelina’s boyfriend, Vinny “2.0” Tortorella, implied that both he and Angelina were making “dumb ass comments” in the room of the Tucson, Arizona, resort where the cast is decamping.

“If you knew what she filmed behind your back, you'd be pretty upset, too,” said Mike to Vinny 2.0. “If you knew what she filmed behind your back, you wouldn't be sitting there with your smug face.”

“I (blank) don’t have a smug face,” said Vinny 2.0.

Mike then grasped his worry stone, given to him by a shaman in the Arizona desert last episode, and brought it down a notch.

“I have a beautiful life, I have a beautiful family, beautiful friendships, also, sick Versace fit right now,” said Mike of his black and gold robe. “I'm looking too good right now to come out of character.”

Mike and Vinny 2.0 then proceeded to play wrestle to lessen the tension.

“What are you guys going to do next? (Blank) each other?” Angelina said.

“This is what happens when you don't plan any activities,” Deena opined. “Come on!”

Viewers got a little more clarity about when the Angelina and Sammi’s beef started. Blame it on the Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s charcuterie party that aired on the Sept. 14, 2023, episode. Angelina feels Sammi did not have her back when the rest of the cast teamed up on her.

“Why are you sulking about thee charcuterie party? That's all you have against what else?” Sammi said.

More: On 'Jersey Shore,' Sammi's Jets TikTok called a 'chess move' against Angelina

Angelina then brought her dog Peanut into the fight.

“I have no beef with Peanut,” Sammi said.

Things escalated earlier in the show after the roomies learned Angelina had publicly complained about Sammi in the comments of a "Jersey Shore" Instagram group post.

“Yup, I bring her back, she buys a home and then she bullies me,” Angelina commented.

“I have a store, Sweetheart Coast (on the Ocean City boardwalk) and Justin (May, her boyfriend) and I had jobs prior to coming back, so the fact that Angelina is acting like she really brought the house (in Pine Beach) out of her own pocket, it's mind blowing,” Sammi said.

Angelina is still upset about Sammi appearing in the TikTok video with Alexis Bawden, wife of New York Jets running back Nick Bawden, with whom Angelina is feuding.

“Sam is Miss TikTok because she thinks she got over on me with the TikTok giving clout to some (blank) who's been saying I DM'ed her husband,” Angelina said. “So thank you for that Sam, you're an (blank).”

“Jersey Shore Family Vacation” airs 8 p.m. Thursdays on MTV.

Subscribe to app.com for the latest on the New Jersey celeb scene.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; [email protected]

Santa Clara County man was where he most wanted to be when he died on Mt. Shasta: Family

F riends of an avid outdoorsman who died climbing Mt. Shasta remember his passion for California’s outdoor spaces and zest for introducing others to the state's rivers and forests.

David "Davy" Albert Lopez of Campell was only 49 years old when he died of a heart attack on May 17 at Avalanche Gulch, according to his longtime college friend and climbing partner Garett McDermid of Sacramento.

The former Navy Seal called 911 and performed CPR for 45 minutes after Lopez collapsed on the mountain, he said. Climbing rangers also tried to revive him, but Lopez was gone, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.

“He died doing what he loved,” Lopez’s sister, Tina Engel of San Jose, said. "If I asked my brother, ‘How do you want to die,' he’d say, ‘Quick, painless and on a mountain. It was just too soon.’”

Lopez had a family history of heart issues, McDermid said, but that didn’t stop him from living his life to the fullest.

Lopez spent 30 years taking friends on outdoor adventures in California

Lopez loved Mt. Shasta and other California recreation sites, and he shared his love of the outdoors with family, friends and strangers destined to become friends, those who knew him said.

One of his closest friends, Michael Kim of San Diego, credits Lopez for turning him — "a city boy" — onto outdoor recreation during their freshman year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1992. “The first time I slept in the great outdoors, I went camping with Davy,” he said.

The two friends became rafting guides and took climbing, hiking and caving trips together; joined by an ever-growing circle of college friends inspired by Lopez to come play outdoors, Kim said.

Lopez volunteered for the campus' outdoor adventure organization, planning and researching trips for students as far away as Costa Rica, including some of the most challenging (level 5) whitewater rafting adventures, according to Engel.

"He included everyone else in his adventures, even complete strangers,” said McDermid, who also met Lopez at Cal Poly.

Lopez spent summer breaks working on a fishing boat in Alaska. His skills learned in extreme outdoor conditions made him indispensable. "He was the guy they sent in the ice cold ocean" to free nets caught on the boat, Engel said. 

Even with good planning, the wilderness isn't always predictable.

McDermid and Lopez joined a college kayaking and rafting trip down the Russian River, which flows south through Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Unusually high rough water flipped McDermid in his kayak, he said, and bucked a few people out of their rafts, prompting a visit from a helicopter search and rescue team.

“We made the front page of the Sacramento Bee,” McDermid said. “Davy’s mom still has" the clipping."

Kim and Lopez graduated in 1999 after seven years of school and dozens of outdoor trips. "We took the slow route," Kim said.

Lopez took a job as an electrician for Redwood City Group, working on projects all night so he could go camping or whitewater rafting during the day, Engel said.

“He tried taking me rock climbing at Castle Rock…near Saratoga Springs,” she said. It went well until they began to rappel down the rock face. About 12 feet down, Engel started crying in frustration.

Her brother reassured her and helped her down, but from that time on, the siblings went camping instead of climbing, she said.

Friends share adventure sliding down Yosemite's Royal Arches

At monthly dinners, Lopez entertained his huge family ― he had 70 cousins ― and friends with his stories about his latest adventures, according to Engel.

Kim’s favorite memories of Lopez are trips where things went wrong, he said, laughing.

In their mid-40s, Kim and Lopez decided to recreate one of their college climbing adventures: An ascent of the 1,400-foot Royal Arches in Yosemite National Park. “It’s the ultimate beginner climb,” Kim said, but “this time we were much older, much fatter.”

While ascending, Kim said he did something he knew he shouldn’t. He tossed their water bag to Lopez, who missed it. “We never found that bag again,” Kim said.

The two men made it to the top "much slower" than they did in their 20s, arriving at nighttime thirsty and cold, dressed in shorts and T-shirts. Their muscles cramped from dehydration, but it was too late to descend. So they tried to sleep with their legs stuffed in their emptied backpacks, and they coiled the ropes around their upper bodies to stay warm.

“We ended up spooning each other for the rest of the night. Every time we laughed, our muscles would start cramping,” Kim said.

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When they descended the next morning, instead of rappelling, they slid down much of the slope to reduce muscle cramps. By the time they reached bottom, their own bottoms were visible, Kim said. “We had tattered shorts. We covered our butts with our harnesses" and went to a restaurant to eat pizza, burgers and fries, razzing each other the whole time.

Lopez died before fulfilling dream to climb Mt. Shasta

Lopez died before he could fulfill one of his lifelong goals: To reach the summit of Mt. Shasta, according to his sister, but he was exactly where he wanted to be when he died.

The most popular route up the mountain, reputed to be John Muir's favorite, is a 7,000-verticle-foot climb through rockfall, snow and ice, according to the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center. Best times to climb are usually April to June, when there’s enough snow to hold loose rocks in place .

Lopez tried to scale the mountain using that route "about two years ago," but his climbing partner injured his knee halfway up, Engel said. At the time, her brother vowed he’d be back.

That’s what he and McDermid planned to do when they entered Avalanche Gulch on May 17, she said.

McDermid described on social media the spot on Mt. Shasta where Lopez died: "I noticed the red hue of the alpenglow on the snowy mountain around us. It was beautiful.” Minutes later, “it hit me: Davy was gone.”

In addition to his sister and friends, Lopez is survived by his wife, Megan, their daughters, Sienna, 13, and Scarlett, 11, and his parents, David and Elaine Lopez, all of Campbell.

“My brother was my dad’s best friend,” said Engel, whose only other sibling, Jenny, died in April.

She and Lopez planned a family trip to Yosemite in September, she said. “I’m still going to do it. I promised my brother I’d take his kids.”

McDermid created a GoFundMe page for her sister-in-law, Megan Lopez, and her two nieces at tinyurl.com/3emjm94d . As of May 31, donors gave more than $7,000 toward the $12,000 goal, according to the online fundraising platform.

Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic  and on Facebook . Join Jessica in the  Get Out! Nor Cal  recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Santa Clara County man was where he most wanted to be when he died on Mt. Shasta: Family

Utah gains another LDS temple. This one is especially hard to miss.

Apostle gerrit gong dedicates the building, recalls family ties to the area..

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) The Taylorsville Utah Temple boasts a prominent place on the west side.

Soaring heavenward like a stone sentinel next to a major Salt Lake Valley freeway, the Taylorsville Temple on Sunday joined the expanding tally of Utah temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Apostle Gerrit Gong, whose wife, Susan Lindsay Gong, is a native of the west-side suburb, dedicated the single-spired, three-story, 70,000-square-foot edifice, which commands a prominent presence near Interstate 215.

“The Taylorsville Utah Temple is close to many faithful members. Many faithful members will be blessed by the opportunity to serve as temple patrons and as temple ordinance workers,” Gong said in a news release . “Serving as a temple ordinance worker is a special service and blessing. It blesses, refines, sanctifies. It allows others to give and others to receive something they choose and need but cannot do for themselves.”

The apostle recalled going to Taylorsville for the first time 45 years ago to meet his then-fiancee’s family.

This temple has “special meaning for our Lindsay family,” Gong explained in the release . “When he was a young bishop, our father, together with the members of the Taylorsville Second Ward, built the chapel on the same site which became the stake center and is today the site for the Taylorsville Utah Temple. This place is home, a place of roots and wings, for many faithful and wonderful families and individuals.”

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Apostle Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Susan Gong, a Taylorsville native, walk around the Taylorsville Utah Temple on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

The Utah-based faith’s first and only Asian American apostle pointed to the many areas to be served by the temple.

“These are faithful, honored stakes and communities which have grown up, including in Bennion, Kearns, Magna, Midvale, Murray, Granger, Hunter and Taylorsville,” Gong said. “This heart of the valley represents being ‘one in the household of faith and fellowship of the Saints.’”

The Gongs teamed up on Halloween in 2020 for a ceremonial groundbreaking of the structure.

The Taylorsville Temple becomes one of 19 functioning Latter-day Saints temples in Utah, joining Bountiful, Brigham City, Cedar City, Draper, Jordan River (South Jordan), Logan, Manti (rededicated in April), Monticello, Mount Timpanogos (American Fork), Ogden, Oquirrh Mountain (South Jordan), Orem , Payson, Provo City Center (converted from the former Provo Tabernacle ), Red Cliffs (St. George — dedicated in March ); Saratoga Springs, St. George and Vernal.

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) The Taylorsville Utah Temple is pictured on the day of its dedication, Sunday, June 2, 2024.

The Layton Temple is scheduled to be dedicated June 16 by apostle David Bednar.

The faith’s most-celebrated temple, the iconic six-spired Salt Lake Temple, in the heart of Utah’s capital, is undergoing extensive renovation and is expected to reopen in 2026.

The space-age Provo Temple, meanwhile, is being torn down and overhauled. It will be renamed the Provo Rock Canyon Temple.

Eight more temples — Deseret Peak (Tooele), Ephraim, Heber Valley, Lehi , Lindon, Smithfield, Syracuse and West Jordan — are either under construction or in planning stages.

When all are completed, Utah will be home to 30 temples of the state’s predominant faith.

Latter-day Saints view these buildings as Houses of the Lord and, unlike their more common meetinghouses, places where devout members participate in their highest religious rites such as eternal marriage.

Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible

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Kate Middleton to miss Colonel's Review ahead of Trooping the Colour amid cancer recovery

Kate announced in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Kate, the Princess of Wales , will not join other members of Britain's royal family at an annual event in June as she continues her recovery from cancer .

Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William , will not attend this year's Colonel's Review, the ceremony held one week before Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade, held to mark the reigning monarch's official birthday.

In Kate's absence, a military general will carry out the role of Inspecting Officer at the Colonel's Review, to be held in London on June 8, according to Kensington Palace.

The palace has not said whether Kate will attend Trooping the Colour, which is scheduled to take place the following week, on June 15.

Kate's last official public appearance was in December, when she attended a Christmas morning service at Sandringham with William and their three children , Princes George, Louis and Princess Charlotte, and other members of the royal family.

In March, the 42-year-old princess announced in a video message that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun chemotherapy.

New portrait of Kate Middleton draws strong reactions online

The palace has not shared what type of cancer Kate was diagnosed with, or any further details of her treatment.

When she announced her diagnosis, Kate asked for privacy for herself and her family, saying, “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”

The palace said at the time that Kate will return to official duties when she's cleared by her medical team to do so.

The last update on Kate's well-being came on May 1, when William responded to a fan who asked how Kate and their children were doing.

"We are all doing well, thank you," William said to the fan, who greeted him outside James' Place, a mental health-focused nonprofit organization for men that William visited in Newcastle, England.

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Last year's Trooping the Colour was an historic one for the royal family as it was the first to be held in the reign of King Charles III , William's father.

Prince William shares 1st update on Kate Middleton since cancer diagnosis

Kate and William and their three children attended the event alongside Charles and his wife Queen Camilla and other royal family members.

Charles, 75, who was also diagnosed this year with cancer , will attend the Trooping the Colour ceremony, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

The king will conduct his review of the troops in a carriage alongside Camilla, according to the palace.

Charles returned to public duties in late April, just over two months after Buckingham Palace announced his cancer diagnosis.

The palace has not disclosed publicly what type of cancer Charles was diagnosed with, nor what type of treatment he is undergoing.

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The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina

Contestant Alejandra Rodriguez competes in the swimsuit category during the final of the Argentina Miss Universe pageant, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. The 60-year-old lawyer is hoping to make history by becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Contestant Alejandra Rodriguez, 60, competes in the Argentina Miss Universe pageant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Contestant Alejandra Rodriguez, right center, competes in the Argentina Miss Universe pageant, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. The 60-year-old lawyer is hoping to make history by becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Contestant Alejandra Rodriguez competes in the Argentina Miss Universe pageant, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. The 60-year-old lawyer is hoping to make history by becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Miss Rostro Alejandra Rodriguez competes in the Argentina Miss Universe pageant, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. The 60-year-old lawyer is hoping to make history by becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Contestants perform during the Argentina Miss Universe pageant, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Alejandra Rodriguez, a 60-year-old lawyer, is hoping to make history by becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.

Alejandra Marisa Rodríguez, a hopital legal adviser whose entry into the competition had been cheered as a triumph over ageism in a youth-obsessed world, fell short of the Miss Argentina crown. But she did take home the title of “best face,” one of several pageant categories including best evening gown, best swimsuit and most elegant.

Contestant Alejandra Rodriguez competes in the Argentina Miss Universe pageant, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

During the contest she thanked everyone who celebrated her success in the Miss Buenos Aires competition last month. Her win there, after Miss Universe eliminated its long-standing age limit, generated a frenzy of global media attention that vaulted her from obscurity to local fame.

In an instant the soft-spoken lawyer from the city of La Plata, south of Buenos Aires, was doling out moisturizer tips to women striving to achieve her surreally smooth face and promising the public there was truth to the adage that age is just a number.

“As a result of what happened to me, I believe a new door has opened for many people who perhaps did not have it easy,” Rodríguez told The Associated Press backstage after the event, still dressed in her red cocktail dress with slits revealing her legs. “It was adventure and I had no expectations of this other than taking on a new challenge.”

For the swimsuit portion of the Miss Argentina contest, Rodríguez chose a modest one-piece suit with a shawl draped over her shoulders, giving the crowd a shimmy as fans whooped and blew air horns.

But the judges preferred Magali Benejam, a 29-year-old actress and model from Cordoba who donned a skimpy blue bikini and sky-high stilettos to win “best swimsuit” and ultimately beat out the 27 other contestants to be crowned Miss Argentina.

“I’m so excited and so grateful to be here because the competition was not easy,” Benejam told AP. She will represent Argentina in Mexico City for the global competition in November.

Even Benejam’s victory would have been impossible a year ago, as the pageant had long capped the age of contestants at 28. This year, for the first time in its 73-year-history, the Miss Universe contest is welcoming any participant over age 18.

It’s just the latest in a series of changes for a contest that has been a lightning rod for feminist criticism since “bra-burning” protests upended the 1968 Miss America contest.

Contestant Alejandra Rodriguez, right center, competes in the Argentina Miss Universe pageant, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

For decades, the Miss Universe pageant openly described itself as an extravaganza of unmarried women in their late teens and twenties strutting around for judges to rate their looks and personalities. As more and more people found that troubling, organizers realized how far the contest trailed behind the culture.

Over recent years, as #MeToo and social justice movements swept the globe, Miss Universe raced to persuade skeptics it was more about minds and spirits than bodies.

It stripped away many controversial eligibility requirements, opening the field for married, pregnant, lesbian and transgender women , and it nixed all mentions of “beauty” from its website.

Yet, as the contest stressed empathy, confidence and authenticity as feminine ideals, the mentions of “young woman” remained in place, and with it, the ban on crow’s-feet.

While many women praised Rodriguez’s decision to compete at age 60, others questioned whether she was setting an unreasonable standard for older women. Her award-winning face, statuesque figure and sculptured features made her blend in with the younger cohort onstage.

“It’s contributing to a sense that everyone should be able to look like this, all 60-year-old women should have the appearance of youth and freshness, as if they were 25,” said Lala Pasquinelli, an Argentine feminist activist. “If they don’t, it’s because they aren’t willing to make the sacrifices.”