The Best Family Vacation Destinations, Chosen by a Travel Advisor

We looked for short transfers, family rooms, villas or connecting rooms, and activities that work across ages. Health and safety counted too: for young children we favor malaria-free safari areas and destinations with excellent medical care.

We also checked the fine print families often miss. Many safari lodges set minimum ages for game drives or walking, and some resorts limit children in certain room types, so every pick here has good options for kids.

Under-fives do best with shorter flights, a beach, a villa with a kitchen and a pool, and a malaria-free destination. Six- to twelve-year-olds are the sweet spot for wildlife, snorkeling and theme parks. Teens want adventure, cities and a little independence; Tokyo and a safari with walking and night drives both deliver.

Traveling with grandparents? Choose fewer hotel changes and private guides who can split the group by energy level. Our multigenerational travel guide and flying with kids guide go deeper.

School holidays set the calendar and the price. Summer lines up with East Africa’s dry season and Alaska’s cruise season; the winter break is the Southern Hemisphere summer, perfect for Cape Town; spring break suits Mexico, Japan and Europe’s cities.

The best levers are a suite or villa instead of two rooms, resorts with kids’ clubs and family offers (which vary by property), and private-vehicle safaris that let you set the pace. Booking early secures connecting rooms, which are always limited.

Book 9 to 12 months ahead for school holidays and earlier for safari camps with family tents. Check every passport early; children’s passports are valid for only five years, and applications for children under 16 need both parents’ consent. See our guide to passports for minors.

Gigi plans flight times around naps and school dates, books connecting rooms and family tents, and arranges guides who are good with kids. Pack with our family vacation packing list.