I’ve been completely stuck trying to plan our next family trip. Paralyzed, really. One of the dangers of travel planning: seeing so many amazing family vacation ideas. A variety of opinions, not enough school breaks, and a house full of active boys who thrive on trails, waves, and wildlife—not museums or crowded streets.
Sure, there are plenty of places I’d love to explore solo with a latte in hand. But family adventures? They need movement, mud, mountains, or water. Cities are usually “too people-y,” and quiet museums, well, that’s a hard pass.
I thought I’d share our family’s true Top 10 Travel List—the places that make us curious, and promise the kind of memories we’ll talk about forever (or at least until the next growth spurt).
Expedition Cruise Through the Galápagos
This one feels like stepping straight into a nature documentary. I booked my dream trip with Lindblad Expeditions for a client and her family for next summer and can’t wait to see it evolve. Snorkeling with playful sea lions, spotting blue-footed boobies, and walking beside ancient tortoises. Yes, please. And doing it all from a small expedition-style ship makes it even better. For a family of animal-loving adventurers, this is bucket-list magic.
Chasing Waterfalls & Hot Springs in Iceland
Iceland is wild, dramatic, and weirdly soothing all at once—kind of like parenting. One minute you’re staring at a volcano, the next you’re floating in a geothermal spa, wondering how this place is even real. With glacier hikes, black-sand beaches, waterfalls around every turn, and endless space to roam, it checks all our “keep the boys tired” boxes.
Slovenia’s Lakes, Caves & Alpine Charm
Slovenia feels like stumbling onto a secret level of Europe. Lake Bled looks like it was hand-painted. Lake Bohinj? Even better. Add in caves you can boat through, cozy Alpine villages, emerald-green rivers, and the Julian Alps—and I’m shocked it’s not overrun. Adventure + peace + beauty = a perfect combination for our family.
A Family Return Trip to Greece
I’ve been before, but I’m dying to take my family back. Greece has this easy, joyful energy—like the whole country is in vacation mode. I want to explore more islands, introduce the boys to authentic Greek food (because they think they know what feta tastes like), wander new villages, and dive deeper into history. Crete, Paros, Naxos, and the lesser-known north are all calling.
Hiking the Dolomites in Italy
The Dolomites look like someone turned the difficulty setting on “epic.” Jagged peaks, cozy rifugios serving hearty meals, trails that reward every step—it’s the perfect combination of challenging and breathtaking. This would be our dream “active escape,” and yes, I’m fully prepared to bribe the children with unlimited gelato to make it happen.
A Safari Adventure in Africa
If there’s one trip guaranteed to shift your perspective, it’s this. Early morning game drives, spotting lions and elephants in the wild, learning about conservation efforts, and watching sunsets over the savannah. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a life-changing experience. I’m sure I’d be an emotional mess watching this all through my children’s eyes.
Skiing in Europe
Maybe it’s Zermatt, Switzerland—the Matterhorn, chocolate, and skiing all rolled into one trifecta of happiness. I introduced the kids to fondue last year, so they’re officially “culinary ready” for the Swiss mountains.
Or perhaps Courchevel, France—part of the massive Three Valleys, where you can ski all day and still not repeat a run. Or we might even return to the Dolomites in Italy for more hiking-and-skiing combo adventures.
Fresh powder, cozy alpine villages, and epic family fun? Sign us up.
A Road Trip Through Ireland
Ireland is pure magic for the senses. Rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, ancient castles, and cozy pubs (we discovered in Australia that being around friendly drinkers can help drown out the “energy” of children). Road-tripping means plenty of stops, snacks on demand, and the freedom to explore—exactly the kind of family-friendly adventure we love.
The Caribbean Side of Costa Rica
I’ve been many times and love this country, but the kids haven’t experienced it yet—which feels like a crime I need to fix immediately. On the Caribbean coast, I’m excited about taking them white-water rafting, spotting sea turtles, listening to howler monkeys, and soaking up that pura vida rhythm. Adventure, culture, and joy all in one place.
London — A Harry Potter-Focused Adventure
Normally, cities aren’t our first choice—too many people, too many lines, too much everything. But when your kids suddenly become deeply invested in spells, wands, and reenacting Quidditch matches in your living room, you go to London. Studio tours, filming locations, magical shops. And yes, I fully plan to nerd out right alongside them.
That’s Our List (For Now)
Travel planning with a family is never simple—but dreaming is half the fun. Whether we check off one, five, or all ten of these trips, this list is our compass for adventure, and a reminder of why we love exploring together.
If any of these destinations sparked a little wanderlust for your own family, I’d love to help turn the inspiration into a plan—whether it’s soon or someday.
