best european travel companies for families

7 Companies You Can Trust for Great Family Vacation Packages

Updated January 9, 2023

Planning a successful family vacation is work—but not if you let a packager do the work for you. Buying a vacation through a tour operator frees you from the tedious details of deciding where to stay, what to eat, when to visit each attraction, and how to get to each place. Travel packagers take care of all the logistics, and truly expert ones know their destinations deeply, so their inside knowledge may even be able to provide you with special perks. We like these seven tour operators’ family trips—they cover a variety of destinations, styles, group sizes, and prices, and they have proven themselves with families over the years.

Austin Adventures keeps groups small: It aims for a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio and vets those guides for charisma, making sure the leader has a personality kids will want to follow. Family groups explore Europe, New Zealand , Latin America, and North American national parks (a company specialty). Austin excels in outdoorsy outings such as horseback riding, glacier trekking, kayaking, and bicycling (always on trails, never on highways). The company strives to add excitement with what it calls unexpected “wow moments”—like the reward of ice cream and brownies served after a hike to the top of Angels Landing in Bryce National Park. Many trips follow a 6-day/5-night schedule plan, although international tours are longer. On departures for families with teens, expect more pedaling, paddling, and hiking to panoramic views, such as in the San Juan Islands , Yellowstone National Park , and the Kenai Fjords region. 

Kids’ ages:  6–12 (Alaska: min. age 7); 13+ for family teen trips Group size: 12–18

Tauck , founded in 1925, launched Bridges in 2004 to cater to the family market through deeper cultural experiences. In Rome , visit the Sistine Chapel after hours without herds of tourists (pictured); in Cusco , Peru, make chocolate; and in London , zoom along the Thames in a speedboat. On Tauck’s increasingly popular European river boat family departures (the company owns its own vessels), visit multiple destinations but unpack only once. In port, you and your kids bike through the countryside, learn to make marzipan, and visit a Camargue ranch to meet cowboys and their legendary white horses. On board, kids fly kites, cook with the chef, and learn local phrases. For cruises, Tauck adds three guides and a family host to the ship’s standard staff. For land trips, one driver/escort leads. 

Kids’ ages: 8–17 Group size: 40 (up to 130 on river cruises)

Originally known as R Family Vacations and rebranded as KelliGregg Travel in 2022, this inclusive company gears trips toward LGBTQ+ travelers and their kids, friends, relatives, and allies. In addition to expanding its offerings for grown-ups, KelliGregg continues to organize its summer highlight under the R Family banner: a big cruise featuring show tunes, LGBTQ+ comedy acts, family dance parties, theater camp, outdoor adventures, and a lot more. 

Kids’ ages: any age Group size: varies per trip type

There’s something special about having a friend in a foreign destination. Thomson Family Adventures creates that connection with Friends Across Borders, a digital pen pal initiative available for families who book many of its trips. Your kids correspond ahead of time with local children whom they then meet during the journey. In places with scarce internet and computer access, ground partners personally print and deliver messages. The goal is to immerse kids in the culture, whether it's through activities such as swimming with whale sharks in Baja , sailing in Ireland , or hiking in the Andes (pictured). Some trips cater to families with teens or multigenerational participants. On departures with more than eight people, a Rafiki (Swahili for friend) travels along to keep the kids engaged. Trips always have one driver and one guide.   

Kids’ ages: 8–16 typically (some trips accept younger kids) Group size: 8–12

Among the more than 50 itineraries in over 40 countries visited by  Adventures by Disney , you can count on getting hands-on local experiences, guides with a gift for storytelling, and time built into the schedule for parents and kids to be both together and apart. You and your children might craft bento boxes at a Japanese cooking school, try archery at a Scottish estate, and learn hurling in Ireland. At other times, adults might sample wines at a vineyard in Tuscany while kids are taken to pick herbs for infusing olive oil. During adults-only dinner nights, kids grab a meal and watch a Disney movie. Daily activities are focused on local culture, not Disney characters—although you may expect a few surprise appearances from those along the way. Tours of Southern California grant private access to the Walt Disney Studios & Archives and Jim Henson Studios, which are normally closed to the public. In Europe, Disney partners with AmaWaterways for river cruises. Overall, many ABD trips are 8 days/7 nights, but the company also operates shorter Escapes that can be booked on their own or added to an itinerary. 

Kids’ ages: 6+ (though kids as young as 4 may be allowed depending on the trip) Group size: 38–40

The Sierra Club , one of the oldest U.S. conservation organizations, calls its trips “adventures for a cause.” By leading organized rafting, hiking, canoeing, and volunteering vacations for families, the Sierra Club connects kids to the outdoors, hoping to turn them into future protectors of the environment. Family excursions explore the United States: Wind down rivers in Utah, Oregon, and Idaho (pictured); or base your brood at an Adirondacks’ lodge for hiking, canoeing, swimming, and mountain biking. On service trips you might do things like clearing trails in the Tahoe National Forest or working with animals on a Pennsylvania farm. On Sierra Club Outings, the naturalist leaders are volunteers. 

Kids’ ages: 6+, depending on the trip Group size: 12–15 (up to 24 for raft trips)

National Geographic Family Journeys (in partnership with G Adventures) were launched in 2020 as a subset of Nat Geo's 300 or so vacations for a general audience. These family-specific itineraries are developed alongside experts such as scientists and researchers, who emphasize sustainability and supporting local culture. On these trips, you and your kids might taste-test noodles cooked by teens learning culinary arts in Hoi An, Vietnam (pictured); plant seedlings at a tree nursery in Costa Rica; or fashion your own Carnival mask in Venice . Pre-departure, parents receive field guides with advice on sparking children’s interest in the area, and kids get tips on photographic storytelling. Two “Chief Experience Officers” (aka enthusiastic guides) lead families through the 8- to 13-day itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Iceland, France, Costa Rica, Peru, Alaska, and other adventurous places. 

Kids’ ages: 7–17 Group size: 20 

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Europe Tour Companies

List of europe travel companies & tour operators with 258056 reviews.

Expat Explore Travel

• Excellent - 4,391 reviews for Europe tours

The team from Zara tours guiding and supporten us on the Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro was outstanding. We was taken good care of at all times, on the treck, in the camps and when needing assistance. All did their outmost to make our trip as good as possible for us to succeed to the top of Africa. My warmest reccomendations for them.

The hotel and food for breakfast was not good in Paris

• Excellent - 5,603 reviews for Europe tours

Ri was incredible! So lovely, caring and always brought the right energy! Definitely made the trip fun and interesting with so many laughs! She has the best vibessss, let's go Riii :))

Embarking on my first solo Contiki tour was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but our guide made the entire experience unforgettable from the very start. Her vibrant personality and welcoming nature immediately put everyone at ease, transforming our group into a close-knit community. Her talent for uniting people was unparalleled. With her infectious energy and clever puns, she had a way of making every day feel special and fun. She knew exactly how to balance moments of laughter with informative insights, ensuring we all felt engaged and excited. No challenge was too big for her. Whether it was addressing individual concerns or managing group dynamics, she handled everything with grace and efficiency. Her commitment to our enjoyment was evident, always making time for us and prioritizing our experience. Her extensive knowledge about each destination added incredible depth to our journey. She shared captivating stories and took us to hidden gems that we would have never discovered on our own. Her passion for the places we visited was truly inspiring. Saying goodbye was tough, as we had all formed such strong bonds and unforgettable memories. Even after the trip, she kept in touch, showing genuine care for everyone in the group. I can't wait for the chance to travel with her again.

Europamundo

• Good - 3,209 reviews for Europe tours

This is an amazing tour.

Here are the pros and cons of our trip thru Europamundo: Cons: Some hotels have no Fridge or microwave which after long days of walking and bus rides should be a must On 1 day in France, the itinerary drops you off in middle of city and you have to find your own way back to hotel as they dont schedule the bus to take you back. We had elderly, small children and large families making it difficult. Thank goodness for our guide Raymundo for going out of his way to get people back safely. We missed 2 stops due to scheduling and accidents. We were in a group from France to Switzerland and then to Italy, but when we got to Italy 2 other couples and my wife and I were pulled to a different bus even though itinerary didnt change. We thought this was BS on Europamundo for breaking us away from our original group when they could have taken the new passengers in Italy and put them on the bus they moved us too. The breakfast at hotel every day never changes which made people grow tired of scrambled eggs and lunch meats. Some Hotels AC did not work and dont believe in pillows. Your throw pillows have more cushioning than the pillows. Now the Pros: Our guides Raymundo, Eric, Marciano, and Ava were the greatest. They made the trip fun and stood out each on their own. You get to do a lot on your own which is good cause we liked seeing all the churches while others in group did not. Could be a con but also a pro is you can choose where to eat however prices are extremely expensive so having included meals might be better.

Italy on a Budget Tours

• Excellent - 376 reviews for Europe tours

Perfect getaway for anyone in need of a good rest and quality time with their partner. We loved every moment. Amazing tuk-tuk ride, easy bag transfers. Exquisite wine tasting with two course meal. The hotel in Tuscany with the room walking out onto one of the pools- amazing. Fantastic restaurant on site! Our SPA session was relaxing with a beautiful dinner (spectacular view) afterwards. Walking distance from medieval town.The tour guides were great, high energy, friendly and welcoming. I’m so glad I booked this as our Tuscany experience.

My sister and I did the Mama Mia Tour throughout Italy May 27-June 8. Each one of our tour guides was amazing, we had Carlo and Max in Rome, Giovanni in Sorrento, and Nedas in Florence and Venice. All of them were so fun to tour with, always happy to take our picture and since the groups were smaller we could be a bit more customizable with our experience and what we wanted to see during walking tours of the city! The guides were probably one of my favorite parts of the trip because after spending so much time with them they began to feel like more of a friend than a tour guide which was awesome! I really enjoyed the welcome dinners as well to help break the ice with fellow travelers and get to know the guides better. They all were very funny and knowledgeable of the location we were at and happy to provide food/activity recommendations for our free time. The only critique I would give the company is we were often not meeting our guides at the accommodation, we were asked to meet them somewhere in the city whether that was a train station or a specific street in the city. Being in a city I had never been to before this was a little difficult at first, especially when the meeting point was far away. I wish they would put us in direct contact with who we are meeting so we can message them if we are lost or running late, and who we should be looking for. With that being said, we had a couple times where we arrived at the meeting point and nobody came or came much later once I called the company a few times, which I think could have been resolved if we were just given the contact of who we were meeting from the beginning or making a WhatsApp group chat of some sort for the group to send updates and communicate better. But after one incident of a meeting point mix up the company was very accommodating in helping us the rest of the trip and adding a gondola ride in Venice for us to make up for a hiccup in Rome. Overall I would recommend this trip to other fellow travelers! You see such amazing things with amazing tour guides and I would do it again and again!

• Excellent - 912 reviews for Europe tours

We’ll planned and we’ll informed once on the trip

Would have preferred more free time for shopping and hotels closer to shops.

• Excellent - 142 reviews for Europe tours

Top travel. Very well organized, never waited for a driver, all hotels were will informed, no problems. Hotel quality was good for the price, sometimes a little to far away, but always good to travel by car, bus, or moto. We are really planning more trips after such a good worry-free experience

Lack of communication on all tours. Having to go to a second company to answer all our questions instead of going directly to TourRadar. You should not source your services.

• Excellent - 1,925 reviews for Europe tours

A well organised tour with excellent tour director and very safe driver.

Was an excellent trip. Rose, our tour guide was awesome! She was very personable, funny, knowledgeable about all things UK and had great suggestions for free time. Jason our coach driver, was an excellent driver, extremely helpful and all around nice. Even our one day driver Daniel was great. Jason was required to take a day off. I would recommed this trip to anyone looking to go to the UK. Also, I would recommend Trafaglar to anyone looking to take a tour of another country.

Dorak Tours

• Excellent - 52 reviews for Europe tours

Fantastic tour of the sites of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Our guide Yasemin was exceptional. She was very knowledgeable and ensured everything went smoothly. Would highly recommend

All my expectations were met.

• Excellent - 74,902 reviews for Europe tours

Our Guide Elena was superb, super efficient, no detail left out, super friendly, courteous, made everyone feel valued & welcome, any questions answered immediately any problems resolved speedily, like a couple left their ph behind at the motel we weren’t going back to, she sorted it with good results. Elena made the tour for us, keep her on she’s an Italian Gem. Also our Bus driver Stephano was the best! Safest expert we were in good hands, man he can drive and he’s the best looking driver ever! You should be on the next Vogue womens Fashion Magazine! Happy to do a reference! Review from NZ Kiwi sisters travelling June 2024,

Excellent. Everything was smooth as advertised.

Choose Balkans

• Excellent - 321 reviews for Europe tours

Excellent comprehensive tour. I fully recommend it. Our tour guide Ilir was excellent and very accommodating.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Great sights and accommodation.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,757 reviews for Europe tours

Really enjoyed the first part in Spain and Portugal, helped especially by the guide. The Moroccan guide was a disappointment, Chefchouen and Fes wonderful, not sure why we went all the way to Marrakech for more of the same, and the tired hotel didn’t help. So pleased the group was a fantastic bunch. We had a ball in spite of other things.

Could have been (should have) a day or two longer. I think there is enough to see in Ponta Delgada to justify a day there. Also, I would like to see the tour end where it starts. In Ponta Delgada.

Travel Talk

• Excellent - 6,443 reviews for Europe tours

The countries are wonderful and the Travel Talk team is organized, knowledgeable and treats all travelers with much respect. The hotels are very nice and sleeping outside of Dubrovnik makes sense due to costs while giving exposure to Trebinje that you would not be possible otherwise… The issue is that the timing is too tight, it is worth having more time in each place and not have 2-3 hours in certain places like Tirana, Kotor or Mostar.

The Balkan tours by Tour Radar is an excellent value for money oriented 8 nations tour in 12 days. Fantabulous tour and great experience. Their Tour Managers ( Mr.Vojin Munchan & Spyros Varveris) are GEMS. Have excellent knowledge about History, Geography and Politics of this entire region. Local tour guides were also good professionals. Macedonian one was Prof of Tourism . Every one on earth if possible and affordable, I shall strongly recommend this tour as well as the operator.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 645 reviews for Europe tours

Greg Colgin was our travel director and made the trip memorable. He is knowledgeable, caring, extremely organized, and concerned about our wellbeing. He made the trip fun with his little extras. The itinerary was good. We saw a lot in the amount of time we had.

Greg was positive, knowledgeable, fun, and very organized. He provided creativity, kept our time as very fun and informative. Wanted to make sure he was available to answer questions and to meet everybody’s needs.

Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi …

• Excellent - 154 reviews for Europe tours

It was very well organized, Placido was a great guide and I enjoyed it. The pace was just right, and the itinerary was good. The only thing I found misleading was the extra charges for some activities, entrance fees and city taxes. It would be better if they were all listed as additional fees, apx 150 EUR extra per person.

There was great confusion among my tour friends because this tour in reality is very different from how it is described. The tour company offers two different tours (round-trips starting at Palermo and Catania). In fact, wherever you start, you join in to the tour from the other starting point en route. So at Palermo our new group of 16 joined a 24 person group that started at Catania, and when we reached Catania, they left and were replaced by a new 20+ person group. So this is almost always (according to the guide) a 40 person, full-bus tour. Additionally, there are Spanish language tours by the same company using the same routes. This means the schedule and activities are designed for two, 40-person, full-bus tours to operate simultaneously (again, I checked this with the tour guide, who confirmed it). The guide and driver were very good. Some of the included dinners were poor in quality. We had one unannounced hotel change, and the hotels in general were average. Some of the days were very taxing physically, especially the day in Syracusa, with 15000+ steps. Overall, Sicily is a great tour destination, and this tour hits the highlights.However, the tour did not quite meet our expectations due to its size.

Epos Travel & Tours

• Excellent - 43 reviews for Europe tours

This 10 day tour was excellent plus plus at least 10 out of 10 Great variety of accommodation,historic sites,food plus many more special activities created by our 2 special guides

This was a spectacular tour led by a wonderful guide, Argiris. It incorporated classical antiquity, mythology, beautiful nature, and excellent food. The pace was good and the lodging welcoming and local. From the sunset at Meteora to the grave of Agamemnon, from the childhood of Alexander the great to the wedded home of Helen of Troy we experienced more than we could have hoped for. Epos travel even assisted us with medication recovery from Greek customs and delivered my son's misplaced sport coat in Athens.

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7 of the best European destinations for families

With travel springing back into action, Europe may be the perfect place to take your family on an international trip .

While you can't really go wrong with the classics, there are many amazing, family-friendly destinations to visit beyond iconic cities such as London or Paris .

In addition to focusing on choosing locations with activities for families , it's important to consider the distinct cultural aspects of each country in Europe.

Mediterranean cultures truly love kids and are used to having them running around everywhere, including in bars and restaurants. Other destinations have history and attractions that are particularly apt for teens or best for those with smaller babies . Many spots have plenty of wide-open space and fresh air for kids to run around or feature family-friendly beaches . Likewise, many European destinations are exceptionally welcoming for LGBTQ+ families .

Whether you're traveling with teens, small children, your infant, grandma and grandpa or beyond, these are some of the best destinations to visit in Europe with your family.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh has one of the most epic castles in all of Europe. It's practically a village complete with a royal palace, cathedral, war museum, one of Europe's largest cannons (Mons Meg) and of course, all the classic castle features that capture a child's imagination: turrets, dungeons and the like. Kids from little to old and even adults will love exploring all this massive castle has to offer.

Afterward, children will love running around the picturesque hills of Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat (make sure to watch "Camelot" with the family before the trip). Arthur's Seat, which is actually an extinct volcano, is reachable via hikes of varying difficulty, including an easier, more child-friendly route that requires more driving and less walking. Those traveling with a stroller may want to skip this activity, though.

In general, Scotland is perfect for families coming from the U.S. or Canada that don't want to deal with a language barrier. Plus, the country has lots of open space where kids can breathe in fresh air throughout its 900 islands and two national parks. And, of course, the real Harry Potter train also operates in Scotland .

Related: Fun activities for families visiting Edinburgh

Madrid, Spain

Taking your children to bars and restaurants in Madrid — actually, in all of Spain — is practically a national pastime, and no one will stare at you if little Liam has a meltdown or baby Becky is tired and won't stop crying for a bit. Just sip your beer and take it in stride like Spanish parents do.

Many of the capital's metro stations have elevators which make moving around with a baby easier. Madrid is extremely walkable (believe it or not, your stroller wheels buzzing over the cobblestones will lure your little angel right to sleep). If you're traveling with anyone older, you probably won't find ageism in Madrid. Everyone from babies to retirees hangs out in the squares till the wee hours of the night (or morning), especially during the summer months. Just note that July and August are very hot times to visit. (Here are some of the best times to visit Spain .)

A city that's also extremely welcoming to LGBTQ+ families (be sure to enjoy dining and shopping in the Chueca neighborhood), Madrid has plenty of activities that let families see the top attractions together.

Book guided child or family tours of some of the top art museums such as the Prado and the Reina Sofía, or simply enjoy wandering squares like Plaza Mayor or green spaces like Retiro Park.

Salzburg, Austria

If your child's all-time favorite movie is "The Sound of Music," you should definitely plan to head to Salzburg , a charming city that's just as welcoming to children as it is to adults. From activities such as a Toy Museum to an interactive Water Museum, there's much for children to learn about while still having fun.

For those aforementioned "Sound of Music" fans, a walk around the Mirabell Palace Gardens might seem familiar, as several scenes from the movie were filmed there. Plus, the city's family-friendly beer halls and gardens will keep both the adults and the kids entertained.

Visiting the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched on an overlook, is also fun with kids — they'll love its hilltop location and listening to the massive mechanical organ known as the "Salzburg Bull." But what they might love most about the adventure is the funicular ride on the way up, offering bird's-eye views of the palace and city down below.

Related: 11 good hotels for your next trip to Austria

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam might actually be best for toddlers or preschool-age kids, since you can strap your little one in a bike seat and roam the city.

Teens can enjoy the city's bike and canal culture as well as its compelling history. Many students read "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank in middle school, making this the perfect age for your tweens to visit the Anne Frank House and connect it to what they've learned from the book.

You can also arrange countryside bike tours with your older kids, tweens and teens that take you through the flat, Amstel River area past windmills and to clog and cheese factories. For younger kids, consider a ride on the city's historical tram , which operates on Sundays. The city is particularly LGBTQ+ -friendly, too.

Related: 12 mistakes made by Amsterdam tourists

Crete, Greece

With endless options for beach days, Crete is a laid-back island paradise for a relaxing family vacation. It's the largest Greek Island, meaning there are plenty of sandy shores for everyone. Children will have lots of space to run around and play without bothering other beachcombers.

Although there are many kid-friendly beaches on the island, the shallow waters of Elafonissi Beach are especially great for families, and the kids will love that the sand has a pinkish tone, too. Crete also has a few water parks that the whole family will enjoy.

For a sun-free day, Crete features Minoans World, a 3D museum and 9D cinema experience, as well as the CretAquarium and Natural History Museum. Teens can enjoy sailing lessons and food tours or wander the colorful, floral-lined streets of Chania.

The Dolomites, Italy

While it is possible to enjoy spots like Rome and Florence with kids, a family trip to enjoy the great outdoors is also a great choice. The Dolomites, a mountain range in northern Italy , make for a nature-filled, enjoyable family getaway.

While there are plenty of difficult hikes, there also are many rural walks suitable for children, with beautiful scenery including resident goats, lakeside picnics, former war trench visits and waterfall adventures. With so much open space, there doesn't have to be much to "do" here — you can let your children run around and enjoy the rolling hills or many parks, especially ones close to the cable car exits, which boast pretty cool equipment such as towers, tunnels, huge slides and even zip lines.

Although this area is heavily influenced by its proximity to Austria, you can still find traditional Italian delights like pizza , pasta and gelato that will quickly cure your child's crankiness. And while this is a popular ski area in the winter, you may want to visit in the warmer spring, summer and early fall, especially if you have smaller kids or don't want to deal with snow.

Ireland 's verdant landscape and rugged, open expanse make it the perfect destination for families with energetic kids. The country is small, around the same size as the state of Indiana. Since driving distances are short, it's easy to visit myriad destinations without too much car time, minimizing those "Are we there yets?" and bouts of carsickness.

Start in Dublin, checking out kid-friendly attractions like the Irish Emigration Museum and Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe. Many areas worth a visit are located within easy reach of Dublin, such as Glendalough, a monastic glacial valley home to the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the Blarney Castle, site of the famous Blarney Stone.

Kilkenny is a medieval town near Castlecomer Discovery Park, home to the longest zip line in Ireland. In Limerick, kids can even hunt for fairies along special trails. Just make sure to pack your raincoats and rain boots.

Related: Dublin and Edinburgh on points

Bottom line

The logistics of planning a family getaway to Europe may seem complicated — it's true that the continent has fewer family-friendly, larger hotel rooms . You may also be wondering how locals manage to get their strollers up to their apartments in capital cities.

But Europe is generally extremely welcoming to traveling families. With just a little extra research and organization (and picking the right destination), families of all different shapes and sizes with kids of varying ages can have an incredible vacation.

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• NETHERLANDS
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EUROPE4KIDSTOURS

Family friendly tours of europe.

Activities for families and children

with our dynamic and private guides!

WE MAKE HISTORY COME ALIVE

Beyond the guide books, europe with kids.

We at Europe4KidsTours are truly passionate about planting the seed of curiosity and excitement in your children’s hearts so travel will not only become a bonding experience for the entire family but it will open horizons and will make your children’s love for art, culture and history blossom. Our staff has created and selected wonderful tours and activities to make you and your children feel at home with our experts and professionals wherever you may go in Europe with Kids! We are here to assist you every step of the way to make your most precious time of the year a meaningful, memorable experience! And we know that  happy kids make happy parents. Time to schedule your next trip!

Katja Hansel, founder of Rome4KidsTours and Europe4KidsTours

Europe with Kids - The Top Picks

THE DIVINE RACE HUNT OF THE VATICAN

COLONNA PALACE MAGIC FAMILY TOUR

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LOUVRE TREASURE QUEST – KIDS TOUR

FAMILY FIRST TIMERS: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT OF MUST SEE SITES

ATHENS COOKING MASTERCLASS

THE GREAT ATHENS TREASURE HUNT

DYNAMIC LONDON HIGHLIGHTS WALKING TOUR

ABSOLUTE LONDON DRIVING TOUR

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Coming to Rome with your kids? There is so much to do but where to start. We are the answer for you! The Rome Kit4Kids will make your family time much more special and fun, edutaining.

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I could not recommend this company enough. They were fantastic & so accommodating to my requests & requirements. We created a custom made tour itinerary after many many emails! They never lost patience with me & managed to create an itinerary which was perfect for us. Thank you so much Europe 4 Kids for enriching our time in Rome!

We had a wonderful tour in Athens with our two children ages 9 and 5. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and charming, bringing to life these historic places with activities along the way to enhance an understanding of the sights. He kept our children engaged and interested for the whole duration. We all learned so much and had fun too. This tour will be a treasured lifelong memory for our family!

We used Europe4Kids last year and were so impressed. This year, we had 2 full days in London and wanted to see major sites and Harry Potter themes throughout the city. Our guide, Laura, was amazing!!! Friendly, knowledgeable, kept the kids (and us) engaged with stories. Another successful travel experience with Europe4Kids!!!

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• European Vacations

13 Best Bucket List Family Vacations in Europe 2020

May 31, 2018

See recent posts by Nicole Wiltrout

While many destinations claim the overused cliche of “there’s something for everyone,” Europe lives up to the hype. Determine the type of experiences your family most enjoys when traveling, and you’re bound to find a destination within Europe that offers this for a vacation to remember forever. These are the best bucket list family vacations in Europe.

It’s hard to find a more ideal European destination for families than Italy . Not only do Italians love children, but the cuisine is some of the best you’ll find around the world and extremely pleasing to children’s palettes. Italy offers a great mix of culturally interesting cities like Rome , Florence , and Venice , which are full of history, art, and architecture… not to mention gelato shops on nearly every corner! But families return year after year for the beautiful settings and incredible countryside, like those found in Tuscany, Lake Como, or the Amalfi Coast.

Recommended Hotel: Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

2. United Kingdom

With no language barrier other than that charming accent, the UK makes for a popular location for a first family trip to Europe. London has so many iconic landmarks that kids will immediately recognize from books and movies , like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Checking Scotland off the bucket list is easy, as Edinburgh is a four-hour direct train ride from London. Or round out the trip by exploring England’s own beautiful rural locations, like the Cotswolds, Devon, or Cornwall. For families with limited time, it’s fun to just stay in London for a week and do day trips to smaller cities like Bath, Windsor, or Oxford. If this all sounds too touristy, consider Wales . It’s one of Europe’s undiscovered secrets and full of rugged natural terrain, beaches, and spectacular castles.

Recommended Hotel: The Rubens at the Palace

Related: 7 Exotic Family Vacation Spots Where English Is Widely Spoken

What parent doesn’t dream of the moment their child sees the Eiffel Tower for the first time? Paris  has long been a favorite city for families, with its charming carousels, incredible art museums, Seine river cruises, and parks that look straight out of a Monet painting. But don’t miss the French countryside, where your children can play in castles in the Loire Valley, roam through lavender fields in Provence, or hike through caves from man’s earliest days in the Dordogne. Consider renting an apartment in Paris or a gite in the countryside to really live like a local and embrace the French lifestyle, even if it’s only for a couple of days.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel les Theatres

Spain is such a great microcosm of what’s most appealing about a family vacation in Europe. Spain has incredible cities like Madrid and Barcelona , so full of art, architecture, museums, and parks. The two connect easily by high-speed train. Families can then head north for mountains, coastal villages, and often slightly cooler weather and fewer crowds. But southern Spain is even more popular, offering picture-perfect towns and smaller cities, like Granada (where a tour of the Alhambra is a must) and Seville (home to flamenco). And for families who feel like no trip is a vacation without time on a beach, don’t miss what Europeans have long loved about Spain—their sunny coastal regions like Malaga .

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Roger De Lluria Barcelona

Whether you’re tracing your family’s Irish ancestry or just want to finally see for yourself those legendary green fields dotted with sheep after countless movie and book scenes, Ireland makes a great family destination. As far as flights go, it’s typically one of the shortest and cheapest European routes from North America. Once you arrive, families enjoy the leisurely pace of a trip here: lots of outdoor hikes, farm visits, famous driving routes, sheer cliffs, and maybe even some adventures like falconry or Irish dancing lessons. Dublin is walkable and feels less overwhelming than other larger European cities. Castles that have morphed into hotels and resorts are worth incorporating into travel plans for a true touch of Irish luxury.

Recommended Hotel: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

Related: Vacation Like Royalty: 5 Best Castle Hotels for Families

6. Switzerland

Outdoorsy, adventurous families should strongly consider a summer trip to Switzerland. The hiking is some of the best in the world, and the country is incredibly easy to get around given its highly developed and efficient train system. This is ideal for families who don’t want to drive while in Europe, but still want to get to smaller villages. The ski resorts do a phenomenal job of offering fun, family-friendly summer experiences, like mountain biking trails and toboggan runs. Cap off each day’s adventures by swimming in refreshing mountain lakes. This is one to save up for—Switzerland can be a very pricey destination, but the hotel quality is top-notch. What might be considered a 3-star hotel in Switzerland would be equivalent to a 4-star elsewhere in Europe.

Recommended Hotel: Gstaad Palace

7. Portugal

On the flip side, families can get incredible value and not compromise at all on quality with a trip to Portugal. It’s one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Families typically begin and end their trip in Lisbon, a fascinating, lively city that always surprises visitors with its beauty and charm. A day trip to Sintra (or even a longer stay there) will allow your family to see some of the most picturesque castles and palaces in all of Europe. Upon leaving Lisbon, round out the trip with relaxation on the beach in one of the coastal regions like the Algarve or Cascais. This is one European destination that’ll leave your family feeling like you truly had a vacation, not just a European sightseeing slog.

Recommended Hotel: Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort & Hotel

Norway first got on the radar of many traveling families because of the popularity of Disney’s Frozen . But interest hasn’t subsided since. It’s also a popular re-direct for families who are considering Iceland, as there are many similarities between the two countries (in climate, scenery, and even the opportunity to catch the Northern Lights). Most visitors come to Norway for the fjords, the stunning mountains-meet-water landscape formed by glaciers. The Norway in a Nutshell tour makes planning your route and transportation easier and it will allow you to see much of the most picturesque views and be in areas that cater toward tourists. Driving is also fairly easy throughout Scandinavia, so more independent-minded families can consider renting a car and creating their own route through the countryside.

Recommended Hotel: Citybox Bergen

Related: 6 “Frozen”-Inspired Vacations Your Kids Will Love

A trip to Germany is a real treat for families who love to mix city exploration with natural, outdoor experiences. Munich is a great starting point: rent bikes and ride through the Englischer Garten, stopping for food and refreshments at beer gardens along the way. You’ll be joining hundreds of local families, and most have live music and playgrounds for kids to enjoy while parents sip and socialize. You can also visit the BMW Museum, wander the Viktualienmarkt for interesting foods to try, people watch in the Marienplatz, and explore the Deutsches Museum (the largest science museum in the world). As you venture out of the city, Bavaria offers jaw-dropping castles like the famous Neuschwanstein (said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle), hiking in the foothills of the Alps, and relaxing lakeside resort towns like Tegernsee.

Recommended Hotel: Aloft Munich

From ancient ruins to gorgeous beaches, the possibilities are endless for families traveling to Greece . Visit Athens for a modern city with ancient ruins, making it a perfect balance. The islands offer stunning scenery with beaches that will make everyone happy.  Don’t forget the literary side of Greece, either. If you have a kid who loves the Percy Jackson series , they’ll love visiting spots that Percy explored. There are even tours you can take that cater to the books. If your kids are into Greek Mythology , visiting the places mentioned in various myths are sure to be a hit. Head to Crete to visit the home of Zeus, check out Mount Olympus, the Temple of Poseidon, or, if you really want to delve in, take a day trip from Mykonos to the island of Delos, which has no modern architecture.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Erato

11. Austria

Skiing, caves, and dinosaur parks are just a few of the exciting adventures that Austria has to offer for your family. Head to Vienna and have a day of fun at Wiener Prater, the world’s oldest amusement park; check out the city’s many museums, including the ZOOM Children’s Museum; explore the city in a fiaker (horse-drawn carriage), or take in a children’s concert at the Haus Der Music. If it’s caves you’re after, Carinthia has the Obir Stalactite Caves, complete with a light show and a dragon that comes to life! If you’re looking for a ski vacation, head to Tyrol, where there are plenty of family-friendly ski resorts. For fans of  The Sound of Music , it’s Salzburg you’ll be interested in. You can also visit Mozart’s birthplace and residence, not to mention take a tour of a salt mine.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Sacher, Salzburg

12. Czech Republic

Maybe the Czech Republic isn’t on your list… but it should be!  Prague , considered the “heart of Europe,” has so much to offer for families. Prague Castle is sure to delight everyone, and the Prague Zoo and National Technical Museum (where every exhibit is interactive) are also a must when visiting the capital city. Northeast of Prague, in Milovice, you’ll find Mirakulum Park, a “child’s dream come true” that has eight towers that interconnect through a system of footbridges, tunnels, and ladders. There’s even a rope center for the more daring kids. In the southern part of the country, you can explore the life of monks in the middle ages at the Minorite Monestary.

Recommended Hotel: Aria Hotel Prague

Families that may only do one European trip with their kids and who want to get the most out of the experience should consider a European cruise. Popular routes through the Mediterranean or the Baltic Seas allow families to see several different countries and cultures hassle-free. If your children have grown accustomed to Disney trips or family-oriented beach resorts when it comes to vacation, a cruise allows you to see Europe in a way that’s not too far out of your family’s comfort zone. It will give everyone a taste of destinations you might consider returning to in the future, while still having lots of entertainment and fun on board the ship. Families with older kids and those who dislike large ships can check out some of the river boat cruise lines, several of which are beginning to cater to children in meaningful ways. This allows you to get deeper into the continent and experience more of the smaller towns and cities, and avoid the crowds of the major ports of call in Europe.

Related: 4 Best River Cruises for Families

What to Pack for Your Next Trip

Women’s/mom’s summer outfit, shop the look.

'Nuria' Espadrille

Polarized Sunglasses

Straw Wicker Earrings

Men’s/Dad’s Summer Outfit

Vintage Round Sunglasses

Casual Button Down Shirt

Chino Shorts

Leather Platform Sandals

Summery dressy outfit for boys.

Piqué Polo Shirt

Chino Stretch Pants

Dress Socks

Dress Shoes

Summery dressy outfit for girls.

Kids' Flutter Sleeve Dress

Geo Metal Bobby Pin Trio Set

Letter Initial Necklace

Sunscreen Lotion

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

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Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Europe to Book This Summer

By Issy von Simson

A well-executed family vacation can be difficult to get right. With adults seeking a rejuvenating escape and children craving a dynamic adventure, trying to strike the balance can leave either party feeling short-changed and frustrated. Thankfully, there are a number of mesmerizing hotels peppered throughout Europe that have mastered the art of family vacationing.

From a hill-side stay in Cyprus and a getaway on Portugal's wild West oast to a peaceful retreat in rural France, we've has selected the most idyllic stays that will satiate the travel-bug in all members of the family.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kimpton Aysla Mallorca

Mallorca, Spain

Hammock chairs and bulbous ceramics, geometric tiles and woven lampshades, are just a few of the standout design features at Kimpton Aysla Mallorca. Outside, little paths wind past pomegranate and olive trees, punctuated by wicker seats and benches so that, at night, the garden resembles a fairy grotto. You can venture out on the hotel’s e-bikes to experience the cheap thrills of Santa Ponsa and the smart marina at Puerto Portals, where there’s a quieter beach, but mainly this is a place to lie back and let the island do its thing. Aysla opened last autumn, and this season will bring T-shirt-painting and ceramics sessions, along with a Mediterranean grill, and the Asian restaurant is great for sushi-loving teens (there are seats at the counter where we watch chefs slice tuna and stir-fry bibimbap). We’ve never been to a small hotel with so many pools—two outside and one inside. Surprisingly for Mallorca, the island where modern tourism was invented, there are few other resorts open year-round, making this a no-brainer for quick-fix, out-of-season holidays. —Rick Jordan

Price: Rooms from around $394

Tuscany, Italy

This former hunting estate is set in more than 2,470 acres of wild-flower meadows and beech and pine forests. We visited in deepest autumn, but in the summer a lake offers swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. For grateful parents, there is yoga and an on-site spa offering massages. And for kids, the utterly charming staff brought a relaxed and fun energy, even during the swanky dinners in Le Felci, one of two restaurants. The ecological ethos extends to the food: 70 percent of the produce used at the hotel comes from the mountain, so breakfast included the estate’s own organic yogurts, cheeses, jams, and juices, while dinners were mostly rich, hearty, and meaty Tuscan dishes of pork, rabbit, and beef. The younger and pickier guests among us were plied with fantastic burgers, cotoletta cutlets, and fries on repeat. —Clare Coulson

Price: Rooms from around $465

Paphos, Cyprus

Anassa is supremely beautiful. A glossy supermodel of an estate and one of the best hotels in Cyprus , it cascades down the Paphos hillside like flowing golden Champagne, a mirage of effortlessly chic, traditional white buildings with blue shutters and terracotta roofs, manicured gardens and gently swaying trees, infinity pools, lush lawns, and cappuccino-shade sands. But your kid doesn’t care about any of that. What they do care about is the daily breakfast and supper banquets, where tribes of children dart excitedly between buffet tables, wondering how long they have to wait before they can hit the spectacular spread of kids’ desserts (so good the adults go in for its ice cream with all the toppings too). They care about the toys magicked up on the beach, the zoo trips, pottery lessons and baking at the excellent kids’ club open to babies from just four months, or the self-captained boat trips they can paddle off on (along with their adults), out into the serene, memory-forming Mediterranean blue. Parents, meanwhile, are passionate about the hotel’s suitcase-saving Baby Go Lightly service, which ensures all vacation-changing essentials, from baby wipes to strollers, are on-hand upon arrival, the early restaurant sittings, evening kids’ activities and babysitting options. It’s no wonder so many families return year after year to this now decades’-old dream of a destination, until one generation slides into another. — Becky Lucas

Price: Rooms from around $516

MarBella Elix

Igoumenitsa, Greece

You should choose to arrive at MarBella Elix by private boat transfer from Corfu. Even the surliest adolescent will be exhilarated by the Mediterranean breeze, the coves and caves, and secluded beaches. Like a hidden Bond villain’s lair, the hotel, opened in May 2021, emerges from the pine-covered hillside, with a funicular running down to the cream-colored sands of Karavostasi beach. In another life this was a favorite hangout of German campervanners. Today it’s one of the best beach hotels in Europe , home to inviting sunbeds and a smart beach restaurant and bar, Azure. From strollers and baby monitors to the well-stocked shop and the heated and shaded children’s pool, all the key ingredients are here. The hotel draws on its surroundings, with complimentary sailing tasters and snorkeling around underwater meadows, hiking, yoga, and mountain biking on land. A London creative events company organizes everything from stargazing to Greek-mythology games for children come summer. Choose from nine family-room options, some with panoramic private pools or two stories—all of them, like the rest of the hotel, comfortable but super smart; beachy but beautifully pared back. — B.L.

Price: Doubles from around $388

Airelles Château de la Messardière

St. Tropez, France

St. Tropez’s hedonistic charms are famous, and this is a glorious invitation to flop beneath olive trees amid the soothing peace of a 30-acre estate away from the main event. The fairy-tale château , the latest Mediterranean opening from the group behind Le Grand Contrôle in Versailles, is all turrets and cupolas with a sun-blazed ochre façade. The suites spoil with sea or pool views, Ralph Lauren homewares and citrus products from Parisian perfumer Blaise Mautin. Creative dining panders to every tantrum and tiredness level: Italian in the Carrara bistro, real McCoy Provençal at the Thirties L’Auberge des Maures (which moved here from downtown St. Tropez last year) or pan-Asian at Nobu-partnered Matsuhisa (kudos for the DJ and itinerant magician). Seafood and cocktails with lavender, thyme, and other local herbs seduce guests in the superlative beach club on A-lister Plage de Pampelonne. But where are all les enfants? Having a ball at the kids’ club extraordinaire, a palatial villa with activity rooms (Lego kingdom, arcade games, art studio, pottery workshop, cinema, you name it), trampolines, tennis courts, a treehouse, pirate-ship playground, and smart outdoor pool.

Price: Doubles from around $844

Paphos city and its melee may be moments from Almyra, but you’ll be hard-pressed to drag yourself from the hotel’s family comforts. Every age group is catered for, from the five freshwater pools—including one for kids, heated and partially shaded by a beautiful olive tree, and one sleek adults’-only option, some distance away—to tennis and swimming lessons for the easily bored, and the mighty, multi-spaced kids’ club. Split into groups from four months to teens, it guarantees the most attention-grabbing activities—from rather impressive art projects to exploring the nearby harbor and castle. It comes armed with every piece of kit a young human could possibly need, including the space-saving Baby Go Lightly service (also on offer at Anassa , which is owned by the same family), enabling you to pre-order most paraphernalia ahead, from car seats to swim diapers.

Parents can therefore shoot off stress-free to the adults’-only wellness spa for a spot of sage-smudging, meditation and massage. You actually want to spend time all together? Book an experience: maybe picking and pressing olive oil, or trekking to where Aphrodite met Adonis. The ultimate highlight here, however, is the food. From heavenly sushi and miso cod at cool Japanese-Mediterranean fusion spot Notios, to super-fresh fish and salads served with a serenade at beachside Cypriot restaurant Ouzeri, all dishes are wonderfully distant from chicken nuggets. Somehow this reasonably priced family-owned hotel manages to be laidback enough for rambunctious crews, yet smart enough for grown-ups after a real escape. —B.L.

Price: Rooms from around $253

Ikos Andalusia

Málaga, Spain

As you cycle along the boardwalk that leads to Estepona, it’s fun to peek over walls at the other hotels and villas—a Malibu-like jumble of architectural styles that track Marbella’s evolution. Ikos arrived in 2021 with a fresh approach and an aquatic symmetry—buildings are set either side of four main swimming pools, leading down to the beach—that would have the designers of the Alhambra tipping their hat. Dolphin inflatables and pool-side rosé appear throughout the day, the day’s newsletter perused—aqua aerobics at 9 a.m., perhaps, with football for teens before lunch.

This is the brand’s first hotel outside Greece , but it’s the smartest, an Ibizan-style chiringuito writ large in white walls, rattan, and straw lampshades. Ikos’s great idea was to redefine the all-inclusive concept for those who’d never normally consider it. Room service and bottles of Taittinger are covered, as is a round of golf if desired, and there’s an urban buzz to the many restaurants, mostly devised by Michelin-grade chefs (try the Spanish and Greek first), and bars (cocktails by Shoreditch-based Marian Beke). What’s more, guests are encouraged to connect with the region. A day’s Mini Cooper rental is thrown in and the all-inclusive perks are extended to local restaurants, meaning you never feel hemmed in. The only downside is the Melissa Odabash kaftans in the pool shop are not included.

Price: Doubles from around $716

Praia do Canal

Aljezur, Portugal

You’ll find Praia do Canal where the drama of the Atlantic pounds limestone cliffs and surfers dot the waves. This is Portugal ’s wild west coast, and the resort sits just inland on its own 500 acres, in a protected spot with scope for exploring. Praia do Canal’s particular beauty lies in its privileged sense of space. There are paths to follow through the forest; bicycles to ride down bumpy tracks to a pebbled beach; and expanses of verdant lawns beyond the seemingly never-ending infinity pool.

The subtle kasbah aesthetic that pervades the airy, modern, and somewhat minimalist rooms is a nod to the Algarve’s Moorish heritage. Two-bedroom family suites lead to lawns inset with private pools so parents can keep a close eye on splashing children. Regional dishes such as codfish and chickpea purée and veal with sweet-potato chips blend vague familiarity with new tastes for young palates (or there’s always wood-fired pizzas), while local products are to the fore for parents: cheeses from Odemira, Serpa, and Evora; the black pork of Barrancos and Estremoz; fish from the sea at the end of the gardens.

Cocktails made with fruit from a strawberry tree at the Medronho Bar and an Elemis-stocked spa with glass walls that appear to melt into the leafy landscape complete the parent-pleasing picture.

Price: Doubles from around $275

Limassol, Cyprus

If you’re the sort of parent who likes to be reminded that you’re still cool, you’ve probably had one beady eye on this hotel opening. Nobu Matsuhisa chose its designers—New York’s Rockwell Group, along with SB Architects and WA Interiors—as one of his conditions before agreeing to open his restaurant, Matsuhisa Limassol, here.

Everything is contemporary and subtly masculine. However, the stylish aesthetic doesn’t render the place child-repellent. The hotel is shrewdly divided into two wings. One is adults-only with a spa. The other, open to families, has a cozy crèche and shiny, well-stocked kids’ club. There are separate infinity-pool areas for grown-ups and children, while baby bathtubs and bottle warmers can be borrowed free of charge. Excellent babysitters can also be arranged should you wish to reclaim your evenings. Amara has two big-gun restaurants: Michelin-grade Ristorante Locatelli, with possibly the best beach views in all of Cyprus , and Nobu’s ultra-cool Japanese-Peruvian outpost. Believe it or not, children are made to feel extremely welcome at both, no matter how much food they may be splattering, with the friendly team happy to cater to any whims. —B.L.

Price: Doubles from around $564

One&Only Portonovi

Portonovi, Montenegro

Mountains, pine forests and preserved medieval villages ring the sumptuous, fjord-like Bay of Kotor. More recently, slick superyacht marinas have been popping up along the shore. The latest is Portonovi Village, home to the first European outpost of the glossy One&Only marque that is more often seen on the beaches of Mauritius and the Maldives . It has pulled out all the stops here. Children start the day devouring doughnuts at breakfast before joining the melée at KidsOnly, a club for treasure hunts and telescope making, science labs, and stick-raft building.

Parents lurk by the pool in Chanel beachwear, ordering Veuve Clicquot by 11 a.m. The most health-conscious focus on recalibration in the heavyweight Chenot Espace, which offers medical-grade diagnostics and transformative treatments from wellness pioneer Henri Chenot. While the Chenot diet is legendary, and effective, it would be a shame to miss out on all the other sensational food (and perhaps foolish to attempt a detox on a family holiday). Sabia turns out the best Italian dishes this side of the Adriatic—don’t skip pizza-making in the kitchen. In summer, the kids’ club is open for movie nights on request, meaning parents can slip off to sushi suppers at the Tapasake Club. It’s not often that indulgence can be this family-friendly.

Price: Doubles from around $881

Six Senses Ibiza

Ibiza, Spain

The understated, haute-bohemian Six Senses was the most significant Ibiza hotel opening of last year, and it raises the game for the entire Balearics with its legions of staff, immaculate interiors and impossibly cerulean views. Set in the far north, it is not just physically removed from the action, but feels a world away from the posadas that pump out poolside techno. Merging with lush gardens bursting with pomegranate, pomelo and quince trees, the family-friendly junior suites (which can fit up to two children) are prepped with bespoke midcentury-modern furniture to please the adults and a fenced terrace that will contain crawling babies.

While grown-ups are enjoying the contemporary Middle Eastern cooking at the open-air HaSalon or sushi at BondSt, the kids’ club offers the earthy activities one might expect from Six Senses, such as yoga and art made from recycled food, while older children can join apothecary classes where fragrant lotions are mixed from their home-grown herbs, or have a junior reflexology treatment in the spa. Hotel cars are available for safe passage to that first trip to Pacha. No, you are not invited. Just cross your fingers and hold on till dawn.

Price: Doubles from about $415

Cretan Malia Park

Crete, Greece

A considered boho revamp has given this classic Greek Islands hotel on the northeast shore of the island a second wind. Opened by the Sbokou family in the 1980s, with low-rise buildings set in tropical gardens of banana trees, palms, and cacti, it is now drawing in a curious Euro crowd. On the private beach, Italian couples kick back and sunbathe, a bookish Parisian flicks through the latest Prix Goncourt-winning novel, and a group of Germans order a round of Negronis. Little ones come out of the kids’ club giggling before splashing into the river-like swimming pool, racing for the pink-flamingo and crocodile inflatables. Teens hang out at The Place, with its hammock-strung outdoor cinema where parents are kindly invited not to come. The modernist spaces were cleverly designed more than three decades ago—despite having 204 rooms the property never feels overcrowded. Nature envelops it all: the many trees provide shade throughout the grounds and the grassy lawn makes everything smell cool and fresh even in the searing summer heat.

When Agapi and Costantza Sbokou undertook the complete renovation in 2019, they focused on sustainability and the Cretan soul of the place. Designer Vana Pernari opted for knocked-back tonal textures for the interiors with lots of ceramics, wood and stone, plus nature-inspired jungle green and Aegean blue alongside works by urban artists Thanassis and Dimitris Kretsis. Make a beeline for the deluxe family bungalows—with their built-in bunks and separate bedrooms for the grown-ups, they get snapped up early. At Mouries restaurant, the large open kitchen with a huge fireplace hosts cooking lessons using vegetables from the garden during the day and becomes a farm-to-table taverna after sunset. It’s lovely to feast on local flavors under the starry sky listening to the sound of the lyre. This is definitely an elegant new look for Malia.

Price: Family bungalows from about $323 per night

Puente Romano

Marbella, Spain

Wander out to the balcony around sunrise and beyond the bougainvillea and ceiba flowers rustling in the breeze you’ll hear the Mediterranean rolling in. Built like a traditional Andalucian village with whitewashed walls, sky-blue ceramic tiles and winding terra-cotta pathways, Puente Romano opened in the late 1970s just down the Golden Mile from its older sister The Marbella Club . And after a series of refurbishments and embellishments—including a Six Senses spa, Nobu outpost and turbo-charged tennis club where Novak Djokovic’s coaches Pepe Imaz and Marko Djokovic give lessons to guests—it may even have the edge now. While most of southern Spain’s smartest stays shout about their seclusion, this hotel is firmly rooted as a local hub—there will be a gang of cocktail-sipping marbellís at Ibiza offshoot El Chiringuito, weekending madrileño couples strolling on the silver-sand beach, and Valencian children trotting to cooking classes in the dynamic kids’ club. It is a busy machine of a place veiled as a laidback hangout.

Dawn beach yoga gives way to lazy breakfasts of mushroom omelettes, just-cut jamón, and freshly squeezed orange juice at Bali-feel Sea Grill before a dip in one of the pools. The spa gets crazy booked up for its new CBD-oil massages, as do martial-arts sessions in the just-revamped gym (the wellness and fitness program is ever-changing). In the evening, as the sky swirls dusty pink, everyone gathers by the first-century Roman bridge at buzzy La Plaza. Punchy chili-coconut Mojitos do the rounds; superstar Dani García’s team delivers wood-fired tapas and succulent steaks; and Nobu chef Eleni Manousou works magic with market-fresh produce in spinach and miso salads or spicy salmon maki. The sun-baked Costa del Sol sometimes gets short shrift, but for an all-singing, all-dancing, everything-at-your-fingertips break, this is about as reliable as it gets.

Price: Junior suites start at $918 per night for a family of three

Halkidiki, Greece

While Sani Resort as a whole, with its stellar reputation, is a failsafe option for exhausted parents any time between May and October (and even better for those with under-fours who can avoid school holidays), picking which part of the sprawling set-up to stay in is trickier. But this year the focus is on Porto Sani, tucked away in the lush manicured grounds like a secret hangout. What it lacks in beach frontage it more than makes up for with bobbing-boat views and finger-clicking-quick access to the shops and restaurants of the marina. Last year saw a good, thorough refurb of the hotel—rooms now channel a stripped-back, sun-bleached palette with pale duck-egg blues, abstract seascapes on the walls, and hessian and rattan making an appearance in the sitting rooms. And while that all sounds nerve-rackingly easy for children to trash, this is actually one of the most family-friendly parts of the complex.

Kids go wild for the looping, lagoon-like swimming pools; there is a mass of choice when it comes to rooms (suites, extra bedrooms, interconnecting, with a garden, with a pool); and Annabel Karmel makes a starry appearance on all the menus. The gelateria is a 30-second scoot away, as is a brilliant supermarket for picking up any forgotten essentials—although you’ll find practically everything you need in your room. There is a kind of village vibe here, with children forming little tribes, ordering their own juices from the bar, plotting and planning to go into the kids’ club at the same time. It’s hard to ask for more than that. Be sure to pre-book dinner reservations before you even get on the plane. It sounds nuts, but if you want that sunset slot at gorgeous sushi restaurant Katsu or at the pretty taverna Ouzerie in Sani Club, you need to be on the ball.

Price: Rooms from around $719

Ostergotland, Sweden

Ulrika Krynitz and Håkan Strotz have been running a farm here at Odeshög since 1993 and their extraordinary hideaway, three hours east of Gothenburg , is bound up in their love of the environment. Meaning ‘inspired by nature’, the eco-lodge takes you right to the heart of it, with 10 fairy tale treehouses and turf-roofed wooden huts buried deep in the forest. The hand-built cabins are cozy and—most importantly—have no electricity. The idea is to embrace a stripped-back existence in all its simplicity: if it’s dark, light a candle; if it’s cold, start the fire. That simplicity is a guiding factor, with composting loos, resident chickens, and a complete lack of screens, but that’s not to say this spot isn’t special or delightful. It has all the best elements of nature right here: clear water to swim in, a marked trail lined with wild strawberries, the sound of birds to wake you up. For city dwellers needing a biophilic lift, this is it.

The main clubhouse, where breakfast is served, is a two-minute walk past horse paddocks and sheep pastures. Beyond, Lake Visjö glitters in the early-morning light, waiting to be explored with canoes and paddleboards. The sauna is ready, piping hot, on your return. Vegetarian food is included on a cook-it-yourself basis, much of it grown in the nearby vegetable patch by Krynitz and her gang; local meat, beers, and wine are also available. In the evening, a medley of adults stir pots over crackling fires and share cooking tips in the semi-open kitchen barn while children tumble in hammocks and make new friends. Occasional activities might involve Strotz gathering the kids to pick wild cherries or collect eggs, but overall everyone’s free to roam and enjoy the Scandinavian landscape in a relaxed and thoughtful way. It’s a true rewilding experience.

Price: Cabins for a family of four from around $489 per night, full board (minimum two nights)

Stari Grad, Croatia

One of last year’s most interesting but under-the-radar openings in the Med is Maslina , a hideout on the rocky coastline of Hvar. Not one of Dubrovnik’s grandes dames, or the more barefoot lo-fi hotels that dot the islands, but something in between. The positioning is high end, high level, high expectations, but with a 21st-century spin and sustainability at the forefront. From a distance, the low-rise wood-clad buildings are barely distinguishable from the earthy green of the Aleppo pine and olive trees—natural building materials were integral to architect Tomislav Alujević’s design. Inside, everything is open and minimal: sheer linen curtains divide the lobby and library, and a huge slab of Brać stone makes up the reception desk. Interiors don’t distract from the sea outside; the hypnotically blue swipe of Adriatic is glimpsed through every window. It’s this water you will be drawn to for snorkeling, kayaking and exploring the many swimming spots.

For those happier on dry land, the kids’ club hosts cooking classes and climbing-wall sessions, plus farm tours and tree planting. During the day, everyone pads around in their swimsuits, wandering up from sunbathing decks or the saltwater pool for a long lunch. There are cycling and trekking routes through lavender fields, as well as wine and olive-oil tastings at nearby producers, but if you’d rather stay horizontal the spa treatments incorporating sound healing and reiki are very good. Come nightfall, the vibe turns sultry; cocktails served in golden glasses, dinner by candlelight. If you’re staying in one of the villas, definitely book the babysitter and room service for the children.

Price: Doubles from around $443

The Unbound

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This is where the cool Dutch crew pop to for a countryside blast, but amazingly it’s only a 30-minute cycle ride from the capital’s central Grachtengordel neighborhood. Another world appears at the outskirts of Amsterdam -West as the landscape changes from canals, bikes, and medieval architecture to green polders, ever-changing widescreen skies and fresh breezes blowing in off the North Sea. At The Unbound, young families rent a cabin for the weekend to unwind. Children quickly clamber straight to the natural playground and forget that thing called the iPad ever existed while their parents sink glasses of wine on the sunny deck or nip between the barrel sauna and the dip bath overlooking the pond. Don’t come expecting the pizzazz of Soho Farmhous — things are pretty relaxed but incredibly comfortable.

The forward-thinking, architect-designed free-standing cabins, made from sustainable European wood, sit on stilts and are linked by boardwalks. Interiors are stylishly pulled together by Studio Pistache, with a vintage Ligne Roset Togo sofa, exclusively designed fabrics, and merino-wool blankets. The family-friendly lodges include The Lighthouse, which has its own hot tub, The Barn, modeled on traditional farm buildings, and The Wikkel, partially constructed from cardboard. There is cabin service, which means it’s possible to order in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or wander to The Daily shop, fully stocked with wine and food, for supplies to bake your own margherita pizza in the outdoor ovens. But the hub of the place is The Unbound restaurant. Devised by Swiss chef Ralph Schelling, who has worked for big names such as Ferran Adrià and Heston Blumenthal, dishes are inspired by the produce from the organic vegetable fields. Yet there’s no need to dress for dinner. Kick back, relax and no one will bat an eyelid at muddy wellies under the table.

Price: Cabins for a family of four from around $225 per night

Cabü by the Lake

Co Cavan, Ireland

It is fair to say that this is one of Ireland’s undiscovered counties. The lake-strewn swath of countryside always seemed to be on the way to somewhere else. Not so any more—the recent arrival of Cabü by the Lakes has put its tranquil charms firmly on the map. Surrounded by the bosky beauty of the Killykeen Forest Park and overlooking Lough Oughter, this cluster of hipster hideaways embraces the great outdoors with its riff on the rustic retreat. A two-hour drive from both Dublin and Belfast, this is where you will find clued-up Irish families eager to immerse themselves in nature. Its wooden huts, loft, and lake houses are dotted among trees and a wildflower meadow, and interiors tap into the cabin-in-the-woods trope with kilims, woolen blankets, and vintage botanical prints. There are fully stocked kitchens, wood-burning stoves, and barbecues, but also Netflix-enabled TVs and Wi-Fi for rainy days. Children can run wild in the 100-acre, car-free grounds and there is direct access to the hiking and biking trails of the forest park. The jetty by the lake has boats and fishing rods for hire to explore the waterlogged landscape of islands, lakes and channels that teem with swans, ducks, and fish. Given the unpredictability of the weather, The Sitooterie is a clever call—an inside-outside space with twinkling fairy lights, cozy blankets, comfy chairs, and a blazing fire to keep chills at bay. The snappily curated Cabü Corner sells coffee and groceries, as well as homeware, gifts, and books. Drop into the Cabin Club for an Aperol Spritz or eat every meal there, taking advantage of the all-day menu and Argentine-style night-time grills. There are also hot tubs and saunas, or steal into the woods for Japanese-style forest bathing surrounded by the swaying trees. This is a Swallows and Amazons fantasy but with all the frills.

Price: Cabins from around $250 per night (minimum two nights)

Les Hortensias du Lac

Landes, France

Life is sweet on the shores of Lake Hossegor, a few hundred yards from the rollers that draw surfers from around the world to this southwest corner. Both rugged and cool, the Landes region is usurping the nearby Basque Country in the hearts of Parisians. They come here with their children for August holidays to sidestep the chi-chi hotspots of Ile de Ré and Juan-les-Pins, to roam the countryside and have space to plant their parasols on the beach. Most families hole up in the wooden-shuttered houses between the lake and the sea, but this summer they’ll be clambering for rooms here. This classic hotel, tucked into the pines, was taken over and transformed by the Domaines de Fontenille group: after a top-to-toe renovation it now looks like a kind of midcentury-modern Hamptons surf lodge. The restaurant with its bulb-string-lit terrace serves up a sunny menu of pan-fried squid, mussels, and hay-roasted chicken.

Bedrooms are light and bright, and downstairs whisky decanters and loose-covered sofas have made way for jute rugs on polished-concrete floors, decorative surfboards stacked in a corner, cane benches, and velvet footstools. It feels smart, but also somewhere for wet footprints coming in from the pool or sandy toes from the beach. And the real focus is the sea. The surf clubs that run along La Côte d’Argent offer lessons to everyone from first-timers to near-pros, and there are all sorts of surf competitions and festivals to watch, as well as paddle-boarding on the lake and yoga back at the hotel. A fresh way to tap into the salty-haired vibe of the area, but without the villa hassle of having to cook supper or make the beds.

Price: Rooms from around $297

Les Maisons de Campagne

Ile-de-France, France

The fairy-tale Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu looks on first appearance like any other obscenely romantic, 17th-century French country house: clipped yew trees, a glassy moat, and a portico with pretty turrets peeking out. But inside, the atmosphere is more hip house party with pops of kitsch. Where once might have stood suits of armor there’s an old-school popcorn trolley outside a cinema room, and a big screen displaying the day’s activities, such as yoga and karaoke. Industrial-look lighting and wild wallpapers lend style, and every living space has a help-yourself beer fridge. Help yourself is a running theme at this spot, for not only does it represent a fresh spin on the château, but a reinvention of the all-inclusive, too.

Here, paying upfront and not sweating the small stuff is done the slick way, designed to appeal to Parisian families for whom it’s just an hour’s journey. The focus is on unfussy pleasures: rowing on the moat and borrowing scooters to explore nearby towns. At the pool, baskets of armbands are one of many thoughtful touches that act as analgesics on stressed parents. Food is of course a self-serve affair, but very nicely done with colorful salads, rich dauphinoise, and dorada sizzled on the barbecue out back. Then, as the shadows lengthen, grown-ups retreat to the pétanque pitch with wine. Everything is chilled, and life is sweet.

Price: Rooms from around $182 per night

Casa Das Arribas, Portugal

Built for a wealthy family in the 1940s by influential Portuguese architect Raul Lino, this white-on-white estate—high on a cliff in the old seaside village of Azenhas do Mar—lay abandoned for 15 years until it was modishly revived by its German owner Chris Kraus two years ago. Outpost is now a collection of six cool, clean-lined apartments set in a tropical garden staring vertiginously down to the Atlantic Ocean, while the midnight-green forests of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park creep up behind. They showcase Lino’s pared-down vision and love of space and simplicity. Most have views on at least two sides, plus polished-concrete worktops and exposed ceiling joists. Original terra-cotta tiles, stone fireplaces, and robust, locally made wooden furniture give the place an air of rugged refinement (and parents a sense of relief that there’s nothing too obvious for the children to smash). The Ocean Saloon is the pick of the bunch, with glass doors looking out to a private terrace and roaring, in-your-face sea views. Wool rugs in block-colored stripes, an oval ceramic bath and a swirling sculptural pendant lamp—designed by Kraus in the style of Le Klint—add character.

In summer, the hotel is filled with fresh-faced, outdoorsy European families. A shared tennis and basketball court, gym, swimming pool, spa, and store cupboard stocked with skateboards, games, and yoga mats keep everyone on their toes, meaning young ones are adequately exhausted by bedtime. Surfing is a way of life in these parts, and the practically private beach—a minute’s walk from the garden gate—offers sheltered waves suitable for the youngest budding boarders. Massages and fitness classes can be arranged, as can childcare—especially useful for a quick grown-ups-only day trip to Lisbon (about 45 minutes away). But with its hypnotic scenery and soothing, stripped-back interiors, it’s easy to stay put at this crazy–good-value hangout.

Noah Surf House

Casa de Prata, Portugal

A sleepy village overlooking a beach pounded by Atlantic waves doesn’t scream child-friendly destination. Yet under-the-radar Santa Cruz, north of Lisbon , has quickly established itself among in-the-know parents. That’s in no small part due to this hip eco-hotel designed by the couple behind gorgeous Areias do Seixo a few miles away. Noah exhibits the same artistic flair but with a more industrial aesthetic. Rooms are in the main house or boxy wood-clad bungalows, their roofs tufted with grass, and kids love the bunks suspended by cables with rope ladders. Teens roam between the skatepark and chill-out room with its table football, or commandeer the hot tub while adults take a deep inhale of salty air from the daybeds around the pool. The ocean beckons as soon as the sun rises but only the most dedicated surfer would miss breakfast with eggs from the resident chickens.

If conditions are too rough off Santa Cruz’s 11 beaches, head north to buzzing Peniche or south to pretty Ericeira, some of the best beaches in Portugal. For dinner there are two options: the restaurant offers twists on local classics such as Ibérico pork pica pau with spices, and Noah Beach House, right on the sand, is big on seafood. In terms of design, bare bricks and chunky furniture are offset by fishing nets, octopus traps, even an upturned boat—this artful flotsam and jetsam reflects a determination to repurpose. Sustainability extends beyond the styling: instead of air-conditioning, thick walls keep rooms cool; rain water is collected and food composted; 70 per cent of energy for hot water is generated by solar power; and everyone is given metal water bottles to reuse. This is somewhere to teach kids good environmental practice, as well as surfing. The modern way to holiday.

Price: Rooms from around $206 per night

Sciacca, Sicily

An evergreen beachside hangout, this hotel was a labor of love for Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi when it opened more than a decade ago on the southwest coast of Sicily. The huge estate between the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the fishing village of Sciacca remains as slick as ever. Its architecture, a pared-back, modernist affair, has stood the test of time, the whitewashed buildings sitting strong in the rugged landscape dotted with olive groves and fragrant citrus trees. New this summer are 20 Hollywood Hills-style villas with private pools, and while they might look terribly grown-up, with earthy tones of terracotta and ochre and handcrafted ceramics, they come kitted out with night lights, safety plugs, baby baths and other crucial paraphernalia. The whole place is subtly but deftly geared towards the smaller members of the family.

Fussy eaters won’t have anything to complain about, feasting on spaghetti al pomodoro on colorful plates at Liolà trattoria. Food miles are minimal—the fish at all four restaurants is fresh from the sea. Extra energy is burnt off in the sports clubs where professionals train in everything from football to windsurfing, on the tennis courts, dive-bombing into the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and cycling around the 230-hectare grounds, which are flat enough to navigate with a buggy. The kids’ club is full of singing-and-dancing Sicilian Mary Poppins organizing fun and games. Toddlers can take naps in a cool sleep room while parents have theirs under the parasols on the sandy beach or on a treatment bed in the state-of-the-art spa. Smart, easy to get to and high-octane, this may be where Diane von Furstenberg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Bradley Cooper come to attend Google Camp, but it’s also a laidback refuge for those looking for some vitamin D–fueled downtime and to feel the sea breeze on the whole family’s skin.

Price: Rooms from around $633 per night

Craveiral Farmhouse

Alentejo, Portugal

Eight years in the making, this project—a self-sustaining quinta set in the dusty hills of Odemira in the Alentejo—has finally come to fruition. The founders became fixated with the idea of communal living; of forging a place where families could get up close to nature and experience the workings of a modern-day farm—and their rambling, village-like set-up offers exactly that. Whitewashed houses are clustered around courtyards, with simple wooden terraces for watching fiery sunsets; inside, they’re light and bright, with jolts of color (a mustard armchair, a navy Hästens bedframe) and slate kitchens for stashing eggs fresh from the hen coop. Rooms are just a bicycle-pedal from the main house, with its curving walls that offer shelter from the Atlantic breeze and a huge pool where children can splash and parents can snooze on loungers. Interiors are cool and contemporary: beneath undulating ceilings are Nordic-style tables, on which breakfasts of charcuterie and soft cheeses, lemon cake and sun-sweetened nectarines are served next to the open fireplace. The buttery suede sofas are less forgiving of sticky fingers, but once the kids are in bed, it’s a great spot for a nightcap, in reach of the help-yourself bar and some very drinkable honey liqueur. Supper is pulled straight from the vegetable patch and whipped up by Portuguese grandmothers: chilled melon and garlic soup, black pork with tangy tomato bread, rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon. Even the Vicentino Alvarinho, from the nearby winery, is a love affair with local living. As is the cork that lines the sauna—the sleek concrete spa is a beauty, with a hammam lit by burnished copper lanterns—and the logs that carpet the entrance. Sustainability runs through Craveiral’s veins: rainwater is collected and filtered; old trees become fuel for wood-burning stoves. A stay here is delightful—a place where children can ride horses by day, and then sleep with nothing but an open door and a billowing curtain between them and the great outdoors.

Price: Rooms from around $219 per night

Beach House

Antiparos, Greece

Greece is a shoo-in when it comes to a sure-fire, happiness-through-the-ranks holiday. Turbo hotels, with kids’ clubs, a clutch of restaurants, and private beaches, are dotted across the direct-flight islands and throughout Halkidiki on the mainland; unsurprisingly they come with crowds of repeat guests. For those seeking a slower pace, a simpler barefoot offering in the harder-to-reach parts of the Aegean scratches a more adventurous itch. Antiparos is barely more than a dusty islet, half an hour by ferry from Paros. It’s the antithesis of Crete’s package trips, Mykonos’s party-hard beach clubs, or the teenage rite-of-passage scene in Corfu’s Kassiopi. In fact, there’s very little going on. Opened six years ago, Beach House is a Cycladic villa right on a sheltered bay on the south-east coast—a rustic set-up where good vibes rule. The nine rooms are simple, with blue shutters and bougainvillaea-framed terraces, and the three family suites are the ones to book. Mornings on the beach are especially lovely. Breakfast on wooden tables, cats weaving in and out of chair legs, is a feast of any-way eggs, thick yogurt, honey, and spanakopita. Kids can mess about in the playground, where activities are laid on during most of July and August, while grown-ups stay horizontal on sunbeds. The beachfront bar plays trip hop, and the rosé is ice cold. Lunches and suppers showcase authentic food with a deft hand: catch of the day, octopus risotto, seafood spaghetti, plus a marginally less fishy children’s menu. Yoga sessions and boat rides are available; the clear sea is great for swimming and snorkeling (there’s no pool). It feels like a mini Formentera. Supremely low-key but nails all you really need: good food and good wine, lots of fussing over the children, charming staff, and comfortable beds.

Price: Family suites from around $419 per night

Bonnelles, France

French country hotels have traditionally tended to be stand-on-ceremony château-grand or heavily upholstered floral-chintz classics. Not places, really, for those prone to tantrums. Which is why this laid-back spot —a cluster of reimagined old barns, like a stripped-back Soho Farmhouse or countrified Hoxton, on the 200-hectare Le Haras de La Cense equestrian estate 40 minutes outside Paris—was such an exciting opening. It seems the boho Marais folk agree: on weekends it’s packed out with couples in matching Ray-Bans soaking in the Nordic baths and Carven-clad parents with artful tattoos chasing toddlers around the lobby. Franco-American owner William Kriegel teamed up with two clever collaborators to make Le Barn’s studied ease so on point: Edouard Daehn and Paris design agency Be-Pôles, which had a hand in The NoMad hotels in New York and L.A. , and the Côte d’Azur’s Les Roches Rouges . Rooms have a Shakerist, functional minimalist design: Barbour-fabric curtains, enamel mugs and plates, retro camping chairs. Activities are an all-get-stuck-in affair: bikes with child seats already installed are propped outside the front door, guarded by hotel dog Clark. There’s a rowing boat on the little lake, mini orange life jackets flung over the bench next to it, plus a pirate-and-princess-filled dressing-up box and plenty of paths for rambles through the surrounding forest. Saturdays see more planned events, from mural workshops to archery trials. Naturally, horses are a big part of the action: the smallest riders (from age three) bob along on mini Shetland ponies, and graceful shire horses take the whole gang out for a carriage ride before supper at La Serre greenhouse restaurant. This is the rural good life, with a hefty dose of nonchalant Parisian cool.

Price: Rooms from around $248

Vila Monte Farm House

Algarve, Portugal

Most people flying to Faro rush straight to the coast, to the clipped golf courses of Quinta do Lago, the wide beaches of Vale do Lobo, the hit of dark, chilly Atlantic blue on the horizon of any of the seaside sunspots. It’s a well-trodden path. More interesting, though, is to look the other way, back at the hills, to the farmland, where the manicured lawns and indentikit villas make way for scrubby olive groves and crumbling villages. Moncarapacho is less than half an hour from the airport but a million miles away in essence. Vila Monte has somehow managed to remain a bit of a secret, a mini estate of whitewashed buildings that blend Moorish architecture with Andalusian hacienda style. The grounds are exquisitely pretty: lush gardens, aromatic cypress trees, thick herbaceous borders, orange and fig trees, ripe fruit weighing down the branches. Inside, the look is Comporta-cool, thanks to Portuguese design maven Vera Iachia: rattan headboards, sisal rugs on stone floors, pergola-shaded terraces casting shadows on day beds. It’s a big enough place that staying put is perfectly possible—there are terrapin-filled ponds, a chef’s table set in the kitchen garden, two pools, a tennis court, a kids’ club, and film nights with popcorn. But there are also trips with a local fisherman to harvest razor clams and oysters (eaten straight away on the boat, washed down with chilled white wine), and adventures exploring the wilder beaches east of Tavira, with their white sand dunes and warm water. At night, after wood-fired thin-crust pizzas and chocolate mousse served from a giant sharing bowl, children run wild across the fairy-lit lawn, collecting carob pods. Back in the room, a plate of freshly baked warm cookies awaits by the bed—a gesture that defines the place rather well.

Price: Rooms from around $295 per night

São Lourenço Do Barrocal

Alentejano, Portugal

The Alentejo in Portugal has long been a weekend escape for Lisbonites lucky enough to have farms there. A land of horses and cows, cork and olive trees, its plains stretch under a vast blue sky. This is the Pampas of Europe. When José António Uva inherited his family’s 780-hectare estate at just 26, he devoted the next 14 years to remodeling its ancient village as a hotel. Opened in 2016, it has a barefaced beauty: the whitewashed, brick-floored cottages (with Gaggenau kitchens and bright living rooms), the charming restaurant and Susanne Kaufmann spa are simply dressed with local textiles and crafts. The feel is refined yet relaxed farmhouse. But it’s the mementos displayed—black-and-white photographs, a child’s shoe, a skipping-rope—that give the place a kick of whimsical nostalgia.

Fun and games are cheerfully retro: from treasure hunts to horse-and-trap rides. And all around is this natural playground, with neolithic monumental stones to clamber over, meadows to picnic in, and vineyard trails to explore by bike. Children can dip their toes into their own pool (there is a separate, deeply tranquil one for adults). Fish-finger fanatics will be inspired to try the field-to-fork traditional dishes once they’ve helped chef pluck carrots from the organic vegetable garden. Meanwhile, grown-ups can get a taste of the terroir with the estate’s own wines. Barrocal has been home to tight-knit clans for literally ages—prehistoric tribes, Roman settlers, 19th-century farmers, and now, in José António’s two small children, ninth-generation Uvas. Here is somewhere for families to spend proper time together and get a bit dirty in the dusty earth of one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. A future classic.

Price: Rooms from around $594 per night

Huus Gstaad

Saanen, Switzerland

While Gstaad’s still an old-school place with long-etched family connections, fresh arrivals can scrape their boots on the welcome mat. And in a town where, until recently, diners could be admonished for wearing shirt-sleeves, a new informality has been embraced. The Huus (not in Gstaad, actually, but in neighboring Saanen) opened at the end of 2016, a chalet-style huus of the type insisted upon in these parts; but inside there’s a refreshingly open-plan frame of mind. A hodgepodge of sofas, chairs, and stools create little islets of sociability in the sprawling lobby-living space, with a well-stocked bar on one side and box-shelves of interesting books and objects rising up on the other. Bright pendants give pops of color, as do fabrics in heathery purples and oranges, while river stone, slate, and pebbles add more texture to the ubiquitous wooden panelling. Family suites are kitted out with cool Mammut rucksacks and hiking blankets, with balconies for mountain gazing—the view, across rooftops to the snaggle-toothed, Eiger-like peak, private planes buzzing down on the valley airstrip, should come with its own string-soaring John Barry theme.

Switzerland is flat-out expensive, so the sheer amount of complimentary activities here is a massive draw: from e-bike tours (actually cycling up the hill will make your calves bulge like Popeye’s), abseiling and sledding to fondue parties, swimming, and, amazingly, ski tuition and kit for the under 10s, making this a great choice for those first, faltering lessons. At the very least swing in the gondola up the flanks of Rellerli, where there’s a trampoline, curious cows, and a metal-sided luge snaking down the mountainside—a whole lot of fun. Back at the hotel, small feet will soon learn to navigate from the pool and junior spa to the games room or play-chalet. Food is taken seriously here, with cloches removed to reveal lavender-smoked veal or red mullet, and arancini or sole fillet for kids (there’s also a separate dining space for younger, messier ones). This is a generous, ready-for-all-occasions den for a summer or winter Alpine fix.

Price: Rooms from around $526 per night

Costa Navarino

Peloponnese, Greece

Vassilis Constantakopoulos, aka The Captain, was a man with a vision. Having made his billions in shipping, he dedicated his life to regenerating Messinia, the Peloponnese peninsula where he grew up, and the result was this estate of hotels and villas, golf courses, and restaurants, all with a committed eco punch. It sounds vast and unwieldy, but the design is clever, the landscape swallows up the buildings, the stone echoes the surrounding villages, and the dunes still have a feeling of wildness. Environmental awareness and conservation are all encompassing—rainwater reservoirs keep the rolling fourways a vibrant green, waste water irrigates plants, and the beaches are protected because of the sea turtles who lay their eggs there (the Barbouni beach club even closes at 5 p.m. so as not to disturb them).

Pick between the Romanos and Westin hotels. The former is more reserved, the latter more obviously family friendly, though they share everything—the restaurants, sunbeds on the beaches, swimming pools and spas. Two kids’ clubs come with an army of dedicated local teachers to entertain their charges, and a long-as-your-arm menu of activities including Young Gardeners, which takes them out to the hotels’ vegetable patch to sow and harvest. After a busy morning of gardening, children squeeze onto benches under an ancient olive tree to tuck into Greek salad drizzled with local olive oil. Older children can launch themselves at the climbing wall, bowling alley, tennis courts, water slides, or movie theater, or sign up for football coaching, while parents munch on Kalamata olives and taste wine from the hotel vineyards. For more adventurous guests, there are 10 major sites on the doorstep, including the Palace of Nestor, which was, fittingly, renowned for its hospitality.

Price: Rooms from around $229 per night

Santa Marina

Mykonos, Greece

Remember announcing pre-parenthood that having children wouldn’t change your holidays? This could be as close as you’ll ever get to realising that statement, without actually leaving the little ones at home. Looking out from the deck of the bar across the water, the DJ’s house music playing discreetly in the background, it feels like you might just have beaten the system. The hotel sums up Greek chic. A family-run classic hideout, it was treated to a full refurbishment a few years ago by the owner, Christiana Papageorgiou. Out went the traditional taupe and in came coral artwork, bamboo furniture, basket lamps and vintage-style travelling trunks. Unlike the town’s party beaches and narrow streets, it is not short on space. Tiny tantrums are easily hidden; there is room to run around. Vast rattan day beds with hoods are great for lunchtime snoozes under super-size beach towels. Lunch is served as early as you want, and there’s a constant stream of fruit smoothies and ice cream by the pool. Forget bringing the buggy: there is a lift to all levels of the estate, which is cut rather impressively into the rocks. There is also a sleek boat that zips around the island to the beach clubs, so no time is wasted on winding roads in Greek taxis. Not that there is any reason to leave. This is the only private stretch of sand on Mykonos, and it’s all yours. Beach attendants are incredibly friendly and attentive, despite the obligatory dark glasses and swagger, and there is no shortage of sunbeds, front row or otherwise. The sceney Buddha-Bar attracts plenty of private yachters coming ashore, so parents more accustomed to spooning lobster spaghetti into kids’ mouths can still get a small hit of the party vibe.

Price: Rooms from around $524 per night

Six Senses Corchevel

Courchevel, France

Here is a snowy village with more Michelin-star restaurants than anywhere in the Alps, more five-star hotels than anywhere in France except Paris. It is ritzy, over-the-top, fur-draped, diamond-bright... but not necessarily easy to navigate with small people. But now Six Senses has teamed up with family-holiday masterminds Scott Dunn to offer smart smoked-oak apartments in a sprawling chalet, complete with massages and herbal scrubs in the spa, and game-changing childcare. It’s a package as delicious as a hot chocolate up the mountains, and all just a two-minute walk from the Croisette. This is something new for Courchevel. And while there may be stellar hotels among the trees and beside the pistes, an apartment is heaven when you have children who need feeding at antisocial hours. A fridge, a microwave, a proper oven! There’s also a Scott Dunn hamper with all the basics—milk, teabags, butter—along with the good stuff, such as a bottle of Laurent-Perrier, olives, and thick salty potato chips. The hand-holding extends to ski passes (waiting for guests on the dining table), boots and skis, a children’s club, and transfers up and down the mountain. A concierge will make reservations at La Cave des Creux, a nanny will do the ski-school pick-up, and a therapist will treat wind-whipped skin with an Organic Pharmacy facial. This is a go-big-or-go-home kind of trip that makes the thought of organizing the next one yourself rather unpalatable.

Price: Three-bedroom family apartment from around $4,610 per night

Porto Zante

Zakynthos, Greece

The promise of a villa that has all the bells and whistles of a hotel is pretty irresistible. The space, yes, the privacy too, but also the bed-making in your wake, the sweeping up of toys and trails of crumbs. So it’s surprising that this tucked-away spot on Zakynthos ’s green east coast, with its nine houses on a hillside above an immaculate bay, remains so under the radar. This is not driftwood, sun-faded, rustic Greece . Rooms are decked out in Armani Casa and Bang & Olufsen, with Bulgari soaps and lotions (and special kids’ versions) in the bathrooms, while outside teak sunbeds shaded by zingy, canary-yellow umbrellas surround each pool (stocked with a menagerie of inflatables plus baby pool seats and armbands). It’s the kind of supremely well-thought-out place that means for once there isn’t more luggage than people traveling. Cots, stair gates, strollers, and highchairs are already there. Down on the beach are buckets, shovels, and wheelbarrows, with paddle boats, paddleboards, and sea kayaks on standby for the energetic. The kids’ club is filled with craft materials and table-football games, and offers treasure hunts, mini zumba classes, and smoothie-and-dance parties. In the evening, the lovely Vasiliki Bekioti can babysit while you slip down paths lined with bougainvillaea and giant geranium to Maya, the Asian restaurant with a terrace that juts out over the Ionian. But a restaurant that comes to you is much easier. Course after course can be set up at a white-linen-covered table under the pergola, the baby monitor still in range as you sip buttery Greek Chardonnay. Everything is seamless, in part because the owner is a perfectionist. Are the tempura oysters at Maya just-so crisp? Is the Roots Rakomelo, a honeyed digestif that tastes of Christmas, served at the ideal temperature? Is the sand on the beach swept in perpendicular lines? The answer here appears always to be yes.

Price: Two-bedroom villa from around $6,595 per night

Casa la Siesta

Cádiz, Spain

Arriving here with children feels akin to smuggling a toddler into a nightclub: very much not the done thing. The hotel is a grown-up hideaway of stepped lawns and terraces, winding paths and olive and citrus trees sunk into a cleft between dusty hills. Tables for two sit beneath draped vines, and garden nooks are set with day beds for afternoon snoozing. In other words, a retreat where wheeling swifts are the only thing dive-bombing the saltwater pool. For a few weeks a year, however, they elbow out the couples to let families in, with activities that stretch from circus skills and mobile-making to trampolining and pool games, all overseen by a tomboyish childcare whizz and her team. There’s an imaginative children’s menu plus all the pool inflatables, bubbles, and glitter they could ever want (and someone else to clear it up). Complimentary babysitters will relieve you of your charges for an hour or two so you can drink wine and read a sentence of your book before dozing off in the shade. These weeks are the brainchild of the hotel’s owners, Lee and Amelia Thornley, who run the design studio Bert & May and, being parents themselves, are well-versed in the challenges of family vacations. The nine-room finca has been deliciously restored in a restrained, rustic style, with tactile plaster walls, antique dressers, stone arches, iron balustrades, and airy rooms with balconies and bathtubs. For larger families there’s the new two-bedroom villa, The Stables, set away from the hotel but with a direct phone line to reception, so room service can be ordered. Or there’s a three-bedroom casita with its own pool and terrace, and—better yet—a yurt for grumpy teens. This is a supremely clever choice for anyone with a phobia of big, all-singing-all-dancing resorts.

Price: Rooms from around $276 per night

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Family tours are a fun and hassle-free way to see the world with your kids in 2024..

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The best family vacation ideas create the kind of formative memories that stay with kids all the way into adulthood. But planning those memorable family travel adventures can be exhausting, especially when simply trying to choose a restaurant for dinner can ignite bickering. That’s why parents often choose family tours, which eliminate almost all the hassles from the vacation planning process.

When you travel on guided family tours, you get knowledgeable leaders privy to locals-only spots and hidden gems you’d probably never find on your own. They handle all the tedious details and decisions before you depart and organize everything during your trip, freeing you to simply have fun. Guided family tours almost always include accommodations and at least some meals for the ultimate in vacation ease.

2024’s Best Family Travel Tour Companies for Group Tours and Private Tours

While family group tours are not for everyone, they’re a great option for families who enjoy mingling with others as they explore the world. Here are my most highly recommended picks for 2024’s best family tour companies operating in popular family vacation spots in the U.S. , Europe , the Caribbean , and around the world.

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1. Adventures by Disney

Disney and families go together like milk and cookies, so it’s no wonder  Adventures by Disney  (ABD) is a leading provider of family tours. Adventures by Disney offers more than 40 family adventures to destinations on all seven continents. Most of ABD’s tours for geared toward families, but the company does offer a few adult-exclusive itineraries as well. Adventures by Disney’s guided family tours are led by knowledgeable Disney-trained trip leaders called Adventure Guides, who take care to every detail and ensure a memorable vacation from start to finish. 

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You can expect Disney’s trademark magic to shine through with special activities for children, exceptional service, and VIP experiences such as up-close photos with the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, sailing past polar bears in the Arctic, and horseback riding in the shadows of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. After your first trip, you’ll be eligible to join the company’s Adventurer Insiders program for special savings on trips throughout the year. 

Quick Facts about Family Tours with Adventures by Disney

• Average guided tour group size:  30 people.
• Price category:  Upscale.
• What’s included:  Disney-trained Adventure Guides, family-friendly accommodations, transfers, most meals, and gratuities for housekeeping, drivers, and waitstaff.
• What’s not included:  Airfare, alcohol unless specifically noted, and gratuities for your Adventure Guides.
• Primary audience:  Families.
• Destinations:  More than 40 destinations across all seven continents.

2. Family Tours from G Adventures

Tour operator G Adventures  believes travel can change the world, and its family guided tours aim to open the world to kids by introducing them to diverse people and cultures. The company also offers exclusive tours in partnership with National Geographic, which means adventure-loving families with children age seven and older who are interested in wildlife, photography, and geography can book a  National Geographic Family Journey with G Adventures to places like Iceland, Morocco, and Alaska.

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G Adventures has a range of small group tours for families to suit most travel styles and ages, including hard-to-please teens and tweens. Most trips blend must-see destination highlights with meaningful cultural exchange. Enthusiastic guides are hand-selected for their desire to work with families.

Quick Facts about Family Tours with G Adventures

• Average guided tour group size:  12 people.
• Price category :  Moderate.
• What’s included:  Accommodations and some meals.
• What’s not included:  Airfare.
• Primary audience:  Family tours are generally appropriate for ages six and up.
• Destinations:  More than 750 trips in 100+ countries across all seven continents.
• More tours: 10 Best G Adventures Tours to Take in 2024

3. Family Tours from Trafalgar

From family tours to foodie adventures to safaris, Trafalgar has an itinerary to fit your style. All of Trafalgar’s tour directors have at least three years of road experience, and many have been with the company for decades. Tours cover all accommodations (typically four-star hotels) and most meals, activities, and transportation during your trip. One-of-a-kind experiences such as dining with locals, sleeping in a castle, and VIP entry to iconic sights sweeten the deal. 

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Children as young as five are welcome on Trafalgar’s travel tours for families. Notably, Trafalgar also offers single-parent vacations . From meeting a real-life cowboy in the American West to experiencing life as a gladiator in Rome to letting your inner Harry Potter loose in England, the company’s family vacations provide adventure for all ages. ( Read our full Trafalgar review here .)

Quick Facts about Family Travel Tours with Trafalgar

• Average guided tour group size:  40 people.
• Price category:  Moderate.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, daily breakfast, many meals,   luxury coach transportation, Wi-Fi in most countries, airport transfers, and luggage handling.
• What’s not included:  Airfare.
• Primary audience:  Family tours are generally appropriate for ages five and up.
• Destinations:  All seven continents, with kid-friendly trips to Europe, Britain, and the American West among the most popular options for families.
• More tours: 10 Best Trafalgar Tours to Take in 2024

4. Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Explorers Sailings

The only expedition cruise tour company on this list, Lindblad Expeditions is a great fit for families looking to feel safe, supported, and seen on a big adventure.

On itineraries featuring the National Geographic Explorers program (Alaska, Galápagos, Baja California, Iceland, and select Antarctica cruises), certified field educators lead kid activities that range from learning to drive zodiacs, snorkeling, ziplining, and helping with citizen science projects. And each sailing is staffed by a crew of expert naturalists, biologists, and other science and wildlife experts.

Several of the company’s ships have adjoining rooms so families can turn two cabins into a suite that sleeps four comfortably. Guests—including kids—have plenty of room to roam onboard, to spots including a lounge with a library and the ship’s bridge, where the crew will happily show kids navigation tools. Meals have plenty of options (and ways to keep even picky eaters happy) and the dining room vibe is casual enough to keep mealtimes easy.

On a recent Lindblad cruise, I got a firsthand look at just how much a culture of safety is woven into every part of the journey. As a parent, I appreciated the extra care the entire crew takes, especially since activities like snorkeling off small boats and water landings could otherwise feel a little dicey with kids.

Quick Facts about Family Tours with Lindblad Expeditions

• Average guided tour group size:  The number of guests varies by ship size, but the range is 28 to 148 guests per sailing. Most ships hold around 100 people.
• Price category:  Lindblad defines itself as a luxury adventure outfitter
• What’s included:  An expert crew that includes naturalists, scientists, and an expedition leader; comfortable and polished staterooms; transfers; meals; and all activities
• What’s not included:  Airfare and gratuities for crew
• Primary audience:  People with an environmentally conscious mindset who are looking to explore remote and wild places with an emphasis on conservation
• Destinations:  100+ itineraries across all seven continents.

5. Intrepid Travel’s Family Tours

Responsible, experience-rich travel is a mission at not-for-profit  Intrepid Travel , with small group trips geared to young adults, women, solo travelers, active travelers, and families. On its family tours, groups are made up of three to five families from all over the world, plus a guide. Many participants have an interest in the preservation of indigenous cultures, climate education, and conservation, so fast friendships with like-minded participants tend to develop quickly.  

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Personal connections with locals are an integral part of the Intrepid experience: Kicking a football with Massai tribesmen in Kenya, learning about indigenous cultures in Costa Rica, and baking bread from a traditional recipe with a Berber family in Morocco are just a few examples. Family trips prioritize kid-friendly hotels with swimming pools and activities like riding in a tuk-tuk through the streets of Bangkok or searching for wildlife with a wolf tracker in Yellowstone National Park. 

Quick Facts about Family Tours with Intrepid

• Average guided tour group size : 12 people.
• Price category:  Budget.
• What’s included:  Accommodation, local transport, and some meals.
• What’s not included:  Airfare, travel insurance, and tips.
• Primary audience : Middle-age females and solo travelers, though families are well represented; some tours are geared specifically towards families.
• Destinations : More than 1,000 trips to 100 countries across all seven continents.

6. Luxury Family Tours with Abercrombie & Kent

Group tour operator Abercrombie & Kent  pioneered the concept of luxury small-group travel more than 60 years ago, and today the company continues to lead the pack with small group journeys to more than 100 countries and on all seven continents. Highlights include wildlife safaris to Kenya and Tanzania, history-focused trips to Israel, and Peruvian explorations to Machu Picchu. On family tours with Abercrombie & Kent, a Resident Tour Director remains with the group throughout, facilitating a richer understanding of local customs. He or she is assisted by specialized local guides who encourage guests to take a meaningful dive into immersive insider experiences.

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Your tour price includes everything from meals to activities to hotels, which are high-end properties suitable for discerning guests. Mid-journey laundry service, luggage transfers, and Internet are also included. Participants are often Gen X and baby boomer couples. The company’s luxury family itineraries to places like Costa Rica and the Galapagos are timed with school breaks . 

Quick Facts about Luxury Family Travel Tours with Abercrombie & Kent

• Average guided tour group size:  14 people.
• Price category:  Upscale.
• What’s included:  Inter-itinerary flights, accommodations, luggage transfers, meals, mid-journey laundry, activities, and expert guides.
• What’s not included:  Airfare to and from your destination, though a flight concierge is available 24/7 to assist with airline delays.
• Primary audience:  Gen X, boomers, and multigenerational families.
• Destinations:  More than 100 countries across all seven continents.

7. Butterfield & Robinson’s Family Tours

Guided tours with Butterfield & Robinson often include biking and hiking, though you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy strolling a serene country lane or pedaling an e-bike on a flat path. The company’s family adventures cater to children as young as eight and are designed and test-driven by actual parents to prioritize a balance of family togetherness and adults-only time . Families with older kids will also find special itineraries for traveling with teens and young adult children. A walking trip in Peru or biking in Cambodia and Vietnam allows your family to bond in a whole new way.

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The presence of other young people creates the opportunity for peer friendships to blossom, though all of the company’s family tours leave room for independent activities and cultural experiences, so you’re not tethered to the group. On Butterfield & Robinson trips, accommodations are curated to fit the region you’re visiting; you’ll never stay at a cookie-cutter chain hotel. And while meticulous planning goes into each trip, you can expect impromptu pit stops and last-minute simple pleasures that make travel so worthwhile. 

Quick Facts about Family Travel Adventures with Butterfield & Robinson

• Average guided tour group size:  10 people.
• What’s included:  Accommodation, meals, wine/drinks, and guides.
• What’s not included:  airfare, pre- and post-trip accommodation, and travel insurance .
• Primary audience:  Butterfield & Robinson’s family tours are geared toward active travelers who want to dig deeper into a destination.
• Destinations:  55 countries across six continents.

8. Family Tours with REI Adventures

If you love fresh air family adventures that celebrate America’s rich natural beauty,  REI ‘s guided family tours will fit like a glove. Kayaking, hiking, and biking in the U.S. are their specialty. There are typically two guides on every trip, and they know the secret swimming holes, the primo selfie spots, and exactly what species of bird is singing in the early morning. The guides do it all from prepping meals to sharing information about wildlife. 

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REI offers trips for hard-core adventurers, solo and female travelers, and active families. Travelers with children ages eight to 17 may select small group adventures specifically for families, like hiking in Yosemite National Park, kayaking in the San Juan Islands, or trying a treetop aerial challenge course in the Great Smoky Mountains. Guides on family tours are trained to keep kids engaged. On some trips you’ll camp under the stars in comfy tents (your guides will set up the tents); on other trips you’ll sleep in comfortable lodges. REI members receive a discount, as do children. 

Quick Facts about Family Travel Tours with REI Adventures

• What’s included:  Camping gear, meals, and national park fees.
• What’s not included:  Transportation to the trip’s starting point.
• Primary audience:  Family tours are geared toward kids ages eight to 17 years old.
• Destinations:  Eight states including Wyoming, Alaska, and California.

9. Road Scholar

Not-for-profit  Road Scholar  trips attract lifelong learners who are keen to plunge beneath the surface rather than just skim it. The company caters to baby boomers and seniors, with programs for skip-gen vacations (grandparents and grandkids traveling together) and multigenerational vacations (grandparents, parents, and grandkids traveling together). These trips present multiple opportunities for adults and kids to learn together. But while incorporating learning into a family vacation can be a welcome benefit, the kids will be having so much fun they may not realize how much knowledge they’re absorbing. 

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All of Road Scholar’s family tours have two group leaders who know how to appeal to varying ages, interests, and attention spans. They take care of logistics while local instructors add expertise on a range of topics. Mount Rushmore and the Badlands ,   whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon , and  discovering iconic landmarks in Paris  are some of the most sought-after family itineraries . 

Quick Facts about Family Tours with Road Scholar

• Average guided tour group size:  22
• Price category :  Moderate 
• What’s included:  Accommodations, most meals, hands-on experiences, gratuities throughout the program, and the Road Scholar Assurance Plan
• What’s not included:  Travel to and from the program and trip cancellation insurance 
• Primary audience:  Baby boomers and seniors, including grandparents traveling with their grandkids
• Destinations:  150 countries and all 50 states in the U.S.

10. Tauck Bridges

Family-owned  Tauck  has been offering epic guided vacations for nearly 100 years. In 2003, the company launched its family travel tours called Tauck Bridges , which are designed for family travelers of all ages (parents with kids, skip-gen trips for kids with grandparents, all three generations traveling together, etc.) with 20 itineraries in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Highlights include exploring the Alps, listening to Irish music, and viewing slot canyons in the American West.

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The distinguishing factor of these family tours is they’re created with an eye toward engaging all generations so that everyone in the family will have a great time. Tauck’s trip guides are known for their personal touch and have expertise in local customs, traditions, flora, and fauna. Meals and hotels are always top-notch.

Quick Facts about Family Tours with Tauck Bridges

• Average guided tour group size:  35 people.
• Price category :  Upscale.
• What’s included:  Gratuities, sightseeing and admissions, most meals, airport handling, luggage transfer, and taxes.
• What’s not included:  Airfare and adult beverages.
• Primary audience:  Tauck’s family tours cater to multiple generations traveling together.
• Destinations:  More than 100 destinations in 70+ countries across all seven continents.

11. Family Travel Adventures with Austin Adventures

Tour operator Austin Adventures  forged its reputation by specializing in tours to America’s national parks, and the company remains an expert in this area. Its guided group family trips are ideal for anyone who gravitates towards hidden gems and the lesser-known side of national parks. If you book a trip to Yellowstone, for example, of course you’ll watch Old Faithful erupt—but you’ll also hike a semi-secret trail. Activities such as rafting and zip lining up the fun factor for kids.

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Guides are first-aid certified, and with a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, there’s plenty of time to chat and get acquainted. The guides on family tours, some of whom are teachers during the school year, know how to plan kid-friendly activities that allow parents time to relax. All but one meal is included, presenting the opportunity to have an evening on your own or perhaps with newfound friends. Austin Adventures offers popular family tours to bucket-list destinations like the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and New Zealand.

Quick Facts about Small Group Family Adventures with Austin Adventures 

• Average guided tour group size: 12 people.
• What’s included:  Meals and snacks except for one dinner, any necessary equipment and gear, and accommodations.
• What’s not included:  Airfare to your destination, gratuities for guides, alcoholic beverages, and one dinner.
• Primary audience:  Its family tours are best enjoyed by active families.
• Destinations:  21 countries in North America, Europe, South America, and Africa.

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Just because you’ve had kids, doesn’t mean your traveling days are over. We’ll take you to the best family vacation spots and beyond, with family-friendly stays and experiences that will spark the joy of travel, make real connections, and excite the whole family.

Adventure for all ages

Our family getaways feature experiences that keep everyone happy, from little ones to teenagers and adults. Visit the Harry Potter highlights like Platform 9¾, sail around the Greek Islands, become a medieval archer in Ireland or an archery pro in England, learn how to make (and eat!) pizza in Italy, or go ziplining on the slopes of a volcano in Costa Rica.

Enriching experiences

Inspire your family’s sense of adventure and watch your children light up with wonder. The best family vacations are full of pinch-me moments, like staying in an ancient castle in Wales or a ranch in the Wild West of America. Learn about wildlife conservation in Costa Rica, experience life on a family farm in Ireland, or learn about Roman history by transforming into a gladiator!

Taking the stress out of travel

With all the logistics and must-do experiences covered, the only thing you need to worry about is having fun, together. Expect quality stays, luxury transport and plenty of meals included - and that means a whole lot of full tummies and happy faces. Our expert Travel Directors unlock the magic of travel at every turn, so you can focus on making memories and exploring the world together.

All you need to know about Family Tours

How can i travel with my family on a budget.

With kid-friendly accommodation, meals and transport included on our family vacations, you can easily stick to your budget and focus on having fun. We also include all the must-do experiences, and let you know all the optional experiences before your family tour, so you won’t be hit with any surprise costs.

What's the best family vacation destination?

Family friendly vacations can be found all over the world, from the outback of the United States to the jungles of Costa Rica to the islands of Greece. Some of our favorite family vacation spots include Italy, Switzerland, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica and the United States.

What are good family trips?

The best family vacations include adventures that are fun for the whole family. We love family beach vacations to places like Greece and Costa Rica, historical adventures like experiencing life as a gladiator in Italy, and nature trips like boarding an Old West train to the Grand Canyon.

Why is family travel important?

Travel is one of life’s greatest teachers. From grandparents to kids, everyone will learn new skills and discover a world of cultures and new ideas while spending precious time together, like only family vacations can bring. Your journey will also inspire a sense of wonder and connection for all, and we think that’s one of the most valuable things you can have in life.

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Family Travel

Tauck Bridges trips are designed for family travelers of all ages and generations to enjoy together. From celebrating different cultures and traditions, discovering natural wonders and learning about history firsthand, these trips help build bridges of understanding between young and old, locals and travelers, all over the world. They are also designed to include interactive experiences that not only invite everyone's participation, they're lots of fun for every age and generation!

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Celebrating 20 years in enriching guided family travel

  When we launched Tauck Bridges in 2003, we had one goal in mind: to craft guided family-oriented trips that every age and generation would enjoy experiencing together. Shared enrichment is the watchword of our family brand and each of our trips is designed to show families the world differently than anyone else.

Unlike travel companies that offer separate programs and activities for kids and adults, our family guests experience the fun together, not apart. Each journey is led by a dedicated Tauck Director hand-picked for their experience with family travelers and for their passion and expertise in travel. They take care of all the day to day travel details of every trip, even tipping, so that families are free to experience the joys of travel without any of the work– or the worries.

Fully planned and all inclusive

With a knowledgeable Tauck Director leading the way, everyone can feel like a kid again. Enjoy activities designed for family fun and shared enrichment, as you experience the essence of the destinations you explore together.

Memorable Experiences

Imagine visiting the Louvre and the Sistine Chapel, after hours, without crowds. Or snorkeling with seals near tropical islands time forgot. You can ride gondolas, vintage Fiats, horses, and a special Ice Explorer; flightsee over an Alaska mountain and Lake Powell; and learn to waltz in a private Viennese palace. All included and all awesome to experience with your family.

Milestone Moments

From birthday, anniversary and graduation celebrations to family reunions for the whole clan, Tauck Bridges marks the occasion with unforgettable experiences and meaningful moments you'll long remember.

Closer Connections

Travel has a way of bringing the world closer, bridging generations and cultures like few experiences can. To foster connections with the people and places of the destinations your family will discover, you'll cook with chefs, saddle up with cowboys, meet schoolchildren in Peru and the Maasai in Tanzania, and more, sharing memories that last lifetimes.

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Seek out the "Big 5" on a wildlife safari in Tanzania and sail over the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon…explore spectacular national parks and live like a cowboy in North America's Wild West…cruise along the beautiful Blue Danube, stopping to steal a scene from The Sound of Music , or through the Gálapagos, enchanted islands that time forgot…zipline through the Costa Rican rainforest canopy or go to gladiator school in Rome. When you journey the world together with Tauck Bridges, your family vacation trips forge bonds that only strengthen over time.  

Italia bella: rome to venice, blue danube: family riverboat adventure, red rocks & painted canyons, tanzania: a grand family safari, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

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Family tours

Who needs a ball pit and a buffet when you've got the whole world to play in?

The clue’s in the title. These trips are for families only (including any aunts, uncles or cousins who’d like to come along, of course). As long as you’re traveling with a child under the age of 18, you’re a family in our eyes. Plus, unlike other travel companies, children aged 17 years and younger receive a 10% discount off the price of their trip.

Traveling the Intrepid way is a bit like traveling with a group of friends. These trips are made up of 3–5 like-minded families, and the kids tend to hit it off straight away, allowing you to enjoy some well-earned R&R. We often find the whole family ends up making friendships with people from all over the world, staying in touch long after the adventure ends.

Intrepid’s family group sizes are small enough to avoid the crowds and reach some out-of-the-way places, but big enough for a good social mix. Our average group size of 10 allows us to hop aboard local boats, buses or trains, eat at friendly, family-run restaurants and kick back in traditional accommodation and homestays.

We know the biggest challenge on a family trip is keeping the kids entertained. So we’ve planned in advance. Nearly all of our hotels feature pools, and each day has a great mix of action-packed adventure and flexible free time. Your local leader can also suggest activities based on your kid’s hobbies or school curriculum.

Our leaders are specially trained to run family adventures, so you’re well taken care of. You can also rest easy knowing we conduct safety assessments on all our activities to meet local standards as well as our own comprehensive safety policy.

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.

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23 Best Tour Companies for Families

Tour companies are a great way to take all the guesswork and stress from your family vacation! Below, you’ll find the best tour companies for families. They come in a wide range of travel styles and experiences, so chances are you’ll find something that your crew will love.

You can find very traditional tour companies, but these days there are also ones that specialize in all kinds of adventure tours and educational tours. I didn’t designate my list based on these types, because they often cross over into all 3 specialties. Many of these companies often have charitable and conservation efforts attached to them, so you can have a meaningful vacation supporting the local community!

On my list, you’ll find tour companies that base trips around themes, run large groups and private custom tours, and focus on topics like wildlife or local culture and history. So, keep reading for my top picks!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

The Best Tour Operators for Planning a Family Vacation

1. national geographic expeditions.

National Geographic works with G Adventures in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe to offer your whole family a fully guided vacation. 

They have 1- to 2-week long itineraries with experiences around themes of conservation, exploration, art, history, and culture. 

All meals and transportation are provided along National Geographic Family Journey routes, as well as hotel accommodations. This is a great option for multigenerational families starting with age 7 and up.

We experienced their Morocco itinerary, Ancient Souks to the Sahara , and thought it was a fabulous trip. You can read all about our trip to Morocco with kids . You can also read G Adventures reviews to see how they compare to other agencies.

2. Adventures by Disney

Disney’s award-winning tour company offers a variety of both land and sea trips for every type of traveler on 5 continents. You can book a private family trip hiking the Grand Canyon or join a cruise on the Rhine River with stops in 4 countries. 

Most trips range from a few days to 2 weeks, but you could also book your dream Disney vacation with a 24-day private jet adventure across 6 countries! 

All expenses are included (except flights) but make sure to read through the descriptions because age ranges and accommodations are different, depending on the trip.

If you want to see what an Adventures by Disney vacation looks like, check out our Adventures by Disney Costa Rica vacation .

3. Thomson Family Adventures

Thomson’s has twenty years of experience in the travel industry which explains why they’re so good at adding personal touches to family vacations. They’re the best for small group travel, where they pair families with kids of similar ages. 

You’ll find trips based around cultural or sports experiences at destinations in 11 countries across 6 continents. They also specialize in catering to the needs of multigenerational families, from age-appropriate activities to destination family reunions.

4. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel has created different types of adventures, including single-parent vacations, teen family vacations , and more. 

Choose from a variety of cultural and action-based trips over 6 continents, including Australia and New Zealand. They work to pair together 3-5 families with similar interests for small tour groups that feel like a giant family. 

And Intrepid Travel also focuses on educational experiences, encouraging conversations around endangered animals, environmental preservation, and personal responsibility.

5. Tour Radar

Tour Radar has a massive range of options when it comes to choosing the right adventure vacation for your family! They have more than 160 countries across the planet to choose from, as well as countless types of experiences, from culinary or cultural trips to wellness or safari trips. 

Work with their booking agents to join a group, book a private adventure, or choose a self-guided adventure. 

And while there aren’t specific age limits to Tour Radar excursions, make sure to check descriptions because age limits vary depending on the activities on the itinerary.

6. Lindblad Expeditions

Spend quality time with the family on a luxury cruise adventure with Lindblad Expeditions . You’ll tour with adventure guides who specialize in working with children through the National Geographic Education program.

Visit unique and remote places across every continent on the planet and enjoy different water and land-based experiences. This is a great way to combine eco-tourism, an elevated family cruise experience, and educational travel.

7.  Road Scholar

For unique experiences, consider Road Scholar , a not-for-profit education organization that’s been putting together multigenerational learning adventures for close to 40 years!

Road Scholar is the world leader in educational travel for boomers and beyond. With educational adventures hosted by expert faculty in more than 100 countries and all 50 states, Road Scholar truly is a university of the world.

Choose from a variety of travel itineraries across 6 continents including Antarctica. The trips are led by a featured expert in a variety of fields, from history to wilderness, and are geared toward 50+ travelers, but they also offer programming for families and grandparents/grandchildren.

8. Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is a classic tour company, but it is super easy to navigate their tour options based on activity (such as hiking, cultural encounters, or nature). Choose from a number of tours to dozens of countries and cities in Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, the Americas, and Europe.

Search for trips by difficulty levels, but even beginners can enjoy active travel experiences. Age suggestions for children are based on difficulty levels, while some trips have customizable difficulty levels to meet your family’s needs.

9. Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures prides itself on its attention to detail and on finding unique things to do when planning your family vacation itinerary. They specialize in small group and family tours in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and New Zealand.

With Austin Adventures you’ll have once-in-a-lifetime experiences like seeing baby turtles hatch or snorkeling to see an underwater volcano! Most of their trips are for ages 6 and up with activities like hiking, cycling, and city exploration.

10. Trafalgar

Trafalgar is an award-winning travel company known all over the world for its personalized vacations and amazing customer service. They have a variety of family vacations set across 6 continents with a focus on experiences for children of all ages.

Each vacation has specific experiences, like mingling with locals at your destination, observations of nature and wildlife, and opportunities to give back. They even have an entire page dedicated to single-parent family vacations that are fully planned so that the parent can relax and enjoy their vacation too!

OARS started almost 50 years ago in California as a family-run company offering river tours on the Colorado River. Today their legacy of river conservation and family-oriented fun has helped them grow.

While their most popular river run continues to be the Colorado River, they’ve grown to include rivers in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. OARS offers family adventure vacations for ages 4 years and up with a variety of difficulty levels from beginner to experienced.

12. Tauck Bridges

Tauck Bridges is probably the world’s best family tour company with almost a century of experience. This family-owned brand offers a variety of vacations with activities for multigenerational groups.

You can enjoy exclusive events created just for Tauck family tours. They have hundreds of destinations across all 7 continents with both land tours and cruises. 

13. Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent focuses on small group luxury travel. Their “Resident Tour Directors” know the destinations inside and out, ensuring your family trip is one to remember.

Currently, their family adventures cover Costa Rica, Alaska, Galápagos, and Kenya and Tanzania (together). Each itinerary has a recommended minimum age so you can ensure kids (and adults) will get the most from their experience. If you want a tour company that handles ALL the small details, this might be the one for you.

14. Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours has experience planning trips for all ages and wish lists. They want to make the vacation as easy as possible for you with a curated collection of destinations that focus on family fun and unique experiences.

Destinations include Europe, Asia, Africa, and Egypt. These trips are specifically designed for children under 15 and include comfortable accommodation and transportation curated for your group.

Family Tours to Europe

15. epic travel.

If you’re looking for a tour operator that creates custom itineraries specifically tailored to your family, Epic Travel is the company for you. Based in Portugal, their agency is well versed in planning trips to Morocco, the Azores, and Portugal. No request is too big.

If you are traveling with a multi-generational group , let Epic handle all of the details. They are well versed in luxury and adventure tours, so if this sounds like your family, reach out to them.

Whether you want a private tour or are looking to celebrate a special occasion, they will ensure the best experience possible. Tell them Kirsten Maxwell sent you and they’ll give you a welcome gift when you arrive at your destination.

Want to know more about our Portugal experience with Epic Travel? Check out what they planned for us in the Duoro Valley !

16. Ireland Family Vacations

Jody Halsted began traveling around Ireland as a single person and continued after she got married and had children. Today she’s turned her extensive travel into a thriving intimate business with Ireland Family Vacations . She’s my go-to recommendation for all things related to travel in Ireland with kids .

Why not work with her to create your dream family holiday to Ireland? She offers a variety of services, including free itinerary e-books, online vacation planning phone calls, and custom trip itineraries booked by Jody herself. 

Jody also offers a few group trips each year for families to join her for unique travel experiences that the common tourist may never know about!

17. Hidden Iceland

Take your next family vacation to Iceland and hike glaciers or take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Hidden Iceland offers a variety of day trips, overnight trips, guided trips, and self-led trips out of Reykjavik.

Families can choose from small group options, some of which have an age limit of 8 and up while others are adult-only. There are also premium self-drive itineraries that can be customized and include all accommodations that your family will need.

South America Tours for Families

18. our whole village.

Our Whole Village is a family travel company founded by parents. The company has the vision to create memorable family vacations with meaningful experiences that are educational, ethical, and environmentally friendly. They plan travel around the world, but their specialty is South America itineraries.

Our Whole Village will create a personal package with a custom itinerary and all of the accommodations so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

They’ll plan activities based on the age of your children and suggest destinations across the globe based on your family’s needs. We’ve been wanting to try their Peru adventures forever!

19. Kuoda Travel

Kuoda Travel is another South American specialist, known for creating unique family tours that inspire lifelong travelers.

Their itineraries are the perfect mix of education and adventure, so all ages are sure to learn something along the way. These are private tours created just for your travel group, so you tell them what you want and Kuoda Travel will make it happen!

Best Tour Companies for Families Traveling the US

20. rei co-op adventure travel.

REI has developed a multitude of active travel adventures to the top-rated national parks in the United States. They have an entire family travel division with experiences for the thrill-seeking family! 

While REI doesn’t have an age limit for kids, staff will talk with you to figure out if a trip is suitable for your child. You can take 3 to 6-day trips with challenging outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, kayaking, and more.

21. UnCruise Adventures

In the almost 30 years since UnCruise started as an Alaska cruise company, they’ve come to appreciate the wide world and respect native cultures. 

Today, they’ve extended their reach to a handful of destinations in North, Central, and South America. 

Your family can enjoy educational adventure travel with cruises, land tours, or a combination of both. Bring kids ages 8 and up for a deep discount and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly accommodations.

We took an UnCruise Adventures Alaska cruise and thought it was perfect for a multigenerational trip. It’s a smaller ship which allows guests to get up close and personal with Alaska’s natural beauty.

We like to call it a “choose your own adventure” ship because every day is different and every family member can choose the activity they want to try. Highly recommend UnCruise!

African Family Vacations

22. alluring africa.

If you’re looking for travel planners to create the perfect travel itinerary, Alluring Africa is the company you need. Think of them as safari matchmakers who design one-of-a-kind vacations based on your family’s unique preferences.

They are also committed to responsible tourism and delivering the best possible experience which is why they are consistently named among the best safari experts in the world.

For help with your family safari, click here and use my code KAAT to schedule a complimentary consultation and waive their $250 trip planning fee.

Best Tour Companies for Families Visiting Japan

23. inside japan.

Inside Japan offers personalized family-friendly tours of Japan that all ages will love. They take care of all the details and all you have to do is show up.

The family is front of mind with their itineraries and they ensure kids have just as much fun as the adults. Does your child have a special interest like robots or fashion? They can tailor the trip to include something just for them. With over 20 years of experience, Inside Japan is sure to create the best family trip for your group.

Book a Family Travel Expert For International Travel

When it comes to the best tour companies for families, you can find adventure trips that challenge you as well as tours geared towards every generation of your family! You don’t have to go to a kid-themed resort or stick to children’s activities.

Book a tour with a certified child expert so you can enjoy the thrill of an active vacation while having peace of mind that your child is safe and making memories. Or let your guide plan cultural experiences like cooking classes that both the grandparents and the grandkids will love!

Just keep an eye out for age limits when it comes to tour companies. Some have them and some don’t.

This also goes for transportation— some provide flights to and from home while some don’t. Make sure you’re getting the experience your family is looking for. But that shouldn’t be too hard to find with all the great options on this list!

Best African Family Safari Lodges

Where to take family photos in lake tahoe.

Europe Unveiled: A Family Road Trip Adventure for All Ages

Embarking on a family road trip across Europe is a dream come true for many adventurous souls.

The continent is a treasure trove of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking quality family time, a road trip through Europe offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll unveil the magic of a European road trip and highlight some of the best places to visit along the way.

The Joys of a European Road Trip

A road trip through Europe, often referred to as road trip Europa , offers a unique and enriching experience for families. Here are some reasons why embarking on a road trip across this diverse continent is an adventure of a lifetime:

• Diverse Cultures: Europe boasts a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. Traveling through different countries allows you to immerse yourself in this diversity, exposing your family to a world of new experiences.
• Educational Value: A European road trip is an excellent educational opportunity. Children can learn about history, geography, art, and more by visiting museums, historic sites, and landmarks scattered throughout the continent.
• Scenic Landscapes: Europe’s landscapes are incredibly diverse. From the picturesque villages of the French countryside to the majestic fjords of Norway, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery at every turn.
• Delicious Cuisine: Europe is a gastronomic paradise. Each region has its own culinary specialties, and your family can indulge in a wide array of delectable dishes, from Italian pasta to Spanish paella.
• Family Bonding: Spending extended time together in a car fosters bonding. Road trips provide opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and unforgettable memories.

Now that we’ve established why a European road trip is a fantastic choice for families, let’s explore some of the best places to visit along the way.

Best Places to Visit in Europe

Europe is a continent steeped in history and brimming with diverse cultures, making it a treasure trove of incredible destinations. Here are some of the best places to visit in Europe: 

1. Paris, France

Start your journey in the City of Love, Paris. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Don’t forget to savor croissants in charming cafes and take a Seine River cruise for a unique perspective of the city.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Head south to Barcelona, where you can explore the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí, including the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The city’s beaches are perfect for some relaxation and fun under the Mediterranean sun.

3. Rome, Italy

Continue your adventure to Rome, where ancient history comes alive. Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican City. Indulge in authentic Italian pizza and gelato.

4. Vienna, Austria

Drive east to Vienna, a city steeped in classical music and imperial grandeur. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and enjoy a concert of Mozart or Strauss compositions.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Head north to Prague, a fairytale city known for its stunning Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and the iconic Charles Bridge. Stroll through cobblestone streets and savor hearty Czech cuisine.

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Make your way northwest to Amsterdam, a city of canals and cultural richness. Explore the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and take a canal cruise to admire the city’s unique architecture.

Pro Tip: If you could see yourself starting a company in the Netherlands after your visit, there are many nuances you’ll need and want to consider before incorporating. Key is finding a Dutch law firm that specializes in litigation, corporate law , employment, intellectual property, tax collection, and more.

7. Budapest, Hungary

Continue your journey to Budapest, where you can relax in the city’s famous thermal baths, explore Buda Castle, and take in the breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion.

8. Athens, Greece 

Head southeast to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, and delve into the city’s ancient history and vibrant street life.

9. Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Drive along the beautiful Adriatic coast to reach Dubrovnik, a stunning medieval city known for its fortified walls and crystal-clear waters. Walk along the city walls for panoramic views.

10. Oslo, Norway

Finally, head north to Oslo, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Norway. Explore the Viking Ship Museum, take a fjord cruise, and hike in the surrounding forests.

Go Have An Adventure!

As you prepare for your family road trip adventure through Europe, remember that the journey itself is just as important as the destinations you’ll explore. It’s an opportunity to bond, learn, and create lasting memories together. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and historical wonders that will enrich your family’s understanding of the world.

While we’ve highlighted some of the best places to visit, keep in mind that Europe has an abundance of hidden gems and lesser-known treasures waiting to be discovered. Don’t be afraid to take detours, explore off-the-beaten-path villages, and engage with locals to truly immerse yourselves in the European experience.

A European road trip will undoubtedly be a transformative experience for your family, filled with laughter, discovery, and a deeper connection to the world. So, get ready to hit the open road, immerse yourselves

My family moved to Europe for the summer — our Airbnb cost $4,000 less than sending my kid to day camp in the US

• I moved my family to Switzerland for the summer instead of sending my kid to day camp.
• Our two-month Airbnb rental in Zurich fits five people and costs less than his day camp would have.
• The decision wasn't purely economical; My son is also getting to experience a different culture.

Summer camp is expensive, and even if you're willing to pay for it, your kid might not get a spot .

When I started researching day camps for my 5-year-old son in New York last year, I found that many would set us back by almost $10,000 for just one child — and we weren't even considering overnight camps. 

That high price tag generally includes transportation to and from the camp, breakfast and lunch, daily activities, and swimming lessons. But a lot of day camps have drop-off at about 9 a.m. and pickup at 2:30 p.m. or 3 p.m., when my partner and I are still working. So, in some cases, the price of camp doesn't even cover full-time childcare during work hours. 

Instead of dealing with lottery systems and day-camp costs, which averaged $87 a day per child in 2022 a(nd $96 a day in 2023 ), my husband and I, both remote workers based in the US, decided to spend the summer in Zurich , with our son and in-laws. 

Renting our accommodations abroad cost significantly less than sending our child to summer camp, and it came with perks. 

Our long-term Airbnb rental in Zurich was cheaper than many US day camps

We found that renting an Airbnb with three bedrooms and an office in Zurich was more cost-effective than enrolling my child in summer camp from June through August. 

The rental, which spanned from July 9 to August 18, cost us about $6,000. The owner offered us a discount for the extended stay and was willing to arrange the rooms to accommodate our living situation. 

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We could've booked a cheaper and smaller place, but we went with a larger home with laundry and two bathrooms since my in-laws came with us to help care for our son. Paying for the extra space to house my in-laws and a week-long soccer camp in Zurich was still cheaper than the day camps in the tristate area. 

We also used points to cover most of our flights and split food costs with my in-laws to keep expenses down.

There are benefits of living abroad as a family that aren't financial

Aside from the financial benefits, the experiences and lessons my son learned while living abroad are invaluable. He was exposed to different cultures, foods, and ways of life.

Staying in Zurich for an entire summer also gave my family the opportunity to explore places far outside the tourist track. We planned trips to places we would've never likely explored otherwise, like Feldkirch, Austria, and Vaduz, Liechtenstein. As an added bonus, we signed our little one up for a week of a local soccer camp in Zurich, which cost about $300.

Plus, my son is a train fanatic, so we put several rail trips on our itinerary. He'd been so eager to see Big Ben, so we also planned a weekend trip to London , which is just a 90-minute flight from Zurich.

My husband and father-in-law love cycling, so living here gave them the chance to catch the Tour de France at the French border. The memories created from these trips were priceless. 

Because my husband and I can do our jobs remotely , we were able to spend this summer abroad without compromising our professional commitments or paychecks.

My husband's company is based in Switzerland, and I work with editors on the East Coast, so our schedules allowed us to take turns watching our son. And when we were both working, my in-laws helped take care of him.

I'd consider making these extended family trips a tradition

This summer was a bit of an experiment. I'd always wanted to live abroad for a short period of time, and I could potentially see us extending our stay during summers down the road. 

If possible, it would be great to rent a different home base to explore another region in depth. I even saw an intriguing camp called Alpine French School , which incorporates both French lessons and activities. I'd love for my son to have the opportunity to learn a new language and make friends from around the world.

I'm also not closing him off from day camps in the US, especially as he gets older and forms stronger bonds with kids at school. Perhaps we can even switch between day camp and family vacations every year. 

Spending time together as a family and seeing new places is extremely important to my husband and me. With limited time to travel during the school year, summer offers the best opportunity to explore.

This story was originally published on July 20, 2023, and most recently updated on June 26, 2024.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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