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Why The Family Traveler™

Welcome to The Family Traveler! We look forward to assisting you with your travel needs for years to come.

The Family Traveler was created with your family in mind. We understand that each and every family is unique and so are your travel needs. What works for one family is not always the best trip for another.

The Family Traveler works with you to match your distinct travel needs. By exploring various options and looking at past vacations, we work together to find the best vacation for your family to enjoy and remember for a lifetime.

Our families are traveling around the corner and around the world. They come to us from all over the United States and enjoy all sorts of vacations including resort stays, cruises, national parks, safaris, adventure travel, customized independent travel, group tours, multi-generational travel, traveling with other families, grandparents traveling with grandchildren, and more. We love to assist with special celebrations (such as 50th anniversaries and post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah trips) and also with maximizing your frequent flyer and frequent stay programs.

We are SO excited to announce our new partnership with the awesome Virtuoso-affiliated Gifted Travel Network.  This new host relationship allows us to take advantage of added amenities and higher service levels with hotels, cruises, tours, and more.  In addition, we have access to invitation-only top hotel elite programs for similar benefits and with the Gifted Travel Network’s latest endorsement by the new Forbes Travel Guide.  We look forward to passing along even more value and service to you and your family.

We look forward to planning your next trip!

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9 U.S. National Parks Kids Should See Before…

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The Family Vacation Guide

All of the inspiration you need to help plan your next family vacation…

Whether you want to vacation in the US or travel overseas, you’ve landed on the ultimate resource to help to discover the best destinations that the whole family is sure to enjoy. From roundups of the best family resorts to the must-visit beaches, attractions and more, you’ll find all of the inspiration you need to plan and book your next trip.

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Family Travel 

Planning family travel has never been so complicated. Before hitting the road, there are tons of questions to ask about safety, comfort levels, and bringing together family members who live in different places, especially when it comes to a multigenerational trip or that first big vacation with young kids. (Of course, there’s always the option of ripping up the holiday travel calendar entirely .) But regardless of how big or small your summer plans may be, we have plenty of ideas for how to capture the essence—and joy—of travel over the coming months, from places to stay both near and far, to trip ideas that cater to your kid's latest obsession. Plus, inspiration for future trips down the line (cue the best kid-friendly cruise itineraries to book now) and heaps of advice from well-traveled parents.

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42 real-world family travel tips that actually work

Editor's Note

Family travel is a whole other ballgame.

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

While traveling with kids is quite different from traveling without a child, it doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, there are countless ways to experience memorable moments and make lifelong memories with your kids, whether you hike the mountains of Machu Picchu or ride the newest coaster at Disney World .

Related: TPG's top family vacation destinations

We've compiled our 42 favorite family travel tips to make the journey a little easier. These tried-and-true tips are bound to ease travel headaches and ensure your family travels are as fun and carefree as possible.

Travel tips for infants and toddlers

Having a baby may cause you to temporarily pause your adventures, and it will certainly change how you travel. But traveling with a baby is still worth the effort.

While it's true that your baby may not remember vacations that happened during their first few years, quality time together is invaluable, and you will always remember their first big vacation.

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

Use the right travel stroller

If you plan on traveling with a stroller, you want one that is lightweight, easily foldable and can smoothly maneuver through the airport or on rough terrain once you reach your destination.

Several strollers fold up small enough to fit in the overhead bin on most major airlines, but foldability isn't as important if you choose to gate-check your stroller.

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

Instead, prioritize protecting it from dirt and damage by investing in a stroller bag. For long layovers, you can request to have your gate-checked stroller delivered to you between flights so that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport. Just ask the gate agent when you check your stroller.

Practice babywearing

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

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

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

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

Consider a Doona

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

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

Think twice about flying with a lap infant

Most airlines allow children younger than 2 years of age to fly as lap infants .

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

Related: Childproof your next trip with these must-have baby travel gear items

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

Get a car seat just for travel

Every kid is different, but if your child sleeps well in a car seat in the car, they may do the same on a plane. If your kids are generally comfortable in car seats and have their own seat assignments on the plane, consider bringing the car seat on board for a secure flight experience. You may also want to bring your own car seat if you plan to rent a car or use a ride-hailing service once you reach your destination.

Related: Car seats that are airline approved

The Cosco Onlook is a perennial favorite for travel car seats. Weighing around 10 pounds, this car seat is a winner for situations where you need something easy and affordable. It's rated for rear-facing little ones weighing between 5 and 40 pounds or forward-facing kiddos weighing 22 to 40 pounds.

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

Bring a Boppy pillow if you're holding an infant

A Boppy nursing pillow can be a lifesaver on long flights with an infant. In addition to being handy for nursing, it gives your baby a comfortable place to rest while giving your arms a break. To save space, you can stash your Boppy in a vacuum-seal bag when you're not using it.

Sign your kids up for frequent flyer programs

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

No minimum age requirements exist for kids, so enroll them while they're young to maximize their earnings. Several airlines allow families to pool their miles if you want to manage your family's points in one account.

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

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

Pack your carry-on strategically

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

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

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

Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash sacks

When you're packing for a trip, never travel without a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags or trash bags. They can be used to store wet or dirty clothing. In a pinch, black garbage bags can also work as blackout shades for your hotel room.

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

Find a space in your hotel for the baby to sleep

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

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

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

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

• SnoozeShade for portable cribs
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
• White Noise Lite app for iOS and Android
• Hatch Rest night-light and sound machine
• Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtain

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

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

Have diapers and essentials shipped to your final destination

While you need plenty on hand for that first day or two, you can purchase what you need from Amazon or use a service like Shipt, Target Circle 360 or Instacart to deliver essentials to your hotel or home rental after you arrive.

Pack the snacks

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

Never assume anything baby-appropriate will be available while you are in transit. The last thing you want is the stress of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute.

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

To avoid any potential headaches, pack enough formula, snacks and more so you have whatever your child may need to stay happy and content.

Travel tips for preschoolers

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

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

Bring mess-free toys

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

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

Related: Mistakes parents make when traveling with kids

Pack hidden toys to reveal during your trip

A surefire way to keep your child content for extended periods of time is to wait to give them some new toys until your travel day arrives, so they feel fresh and exciting. You can even wrap them up or dole them out periodically throughout your trip.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

If you don't want to splash out too much cash, visit a dollar store or the bargain aisle in a grocery store — you may be surprised at what you find. Trust us, the $5 investment will pay off in spades.

Consider an inflatable booster seat

If your child has graduated to a booster seat (congrats!), inflatable and fold-flat booster seats are much easier to haul around when traveling by car. While several options are currently on the market, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a TPG reader favorite.

Use a stroller

If you plan to cover many miles with your kid during your vacation, having a stroller can be handy, even if you don't always use one at home.

For example, at a large theme park like Disney World , you may find yourself needing a stroller until your kid is 6, 7 or even 8 years old — it helps you move quickly, allows them to keep up easily and gives them a place to sleep if they get drowsy before you are ready to call it a night. You could rent one once you reach your destination, or you may prefer to have your own.

Get stroller straps

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

Preschedule car service from the airport

If you need car seats or want to be sure you have a ride waiting for you when you land, Uber and Lyft now both have options for prescheduling a ride if you need one. Blacklane is another high-end option. If you're traveling with a lot of gear, consider having your driver meet you inside baggage claim.

Pack a night-light

Night-lights are useful for kids who are afraid of the dark. This affordable night-light is small, sleek and easy to pack.

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

Travel somewhere with a kids club

A magical milestone in travel is when your child turns 3 and is potty trained, as this unlocks access to various kids clubs at resorts and on cruise ships (some of which are free to use).

Whether you're on a Disney cruise or at a resort with a kids club , these areas are great for preschoolers. By going somewhere that caters to younger children, you can get a well-deserved break while the kids are taken care of.

Plan down days and afternoon rest

Even if your preschooler has dropped daily naps at home, building some downtime into your vacation schedule is still smart. Their sleep schedule will likely be a little off while traveling and the vacation will be more action-packed than what they're used to at home, so it's important to set aside time for rest.

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

Travel tips for elementary-age kids

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

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

Use packing cubes for the family

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

If you decide to use packing cubes, there are a couple of good methods to choose from. You can have a packing cube for each day of your trip and put your family's clothing in one cube. This works well if you will be making multiple stops and don't want to pack and unpack everything.

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

Leave 1 day free in the schedule

We've already covered the importance of leaving some flex time in the afternoons, but if you are traveling for more than a long weekend, we highly recommend leaving an entire day unscheduled. That way, the kids can rest, and you will have the ability to say yes to a spontaneous activity that they'd like to do.

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

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

Take advantage of your hotel's club lounge

Club access can be invaluable when traveling with kids.

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

Related: Guide to World of Hyatt club lounge access awards, including how to use them for someone else

Plan trips with another family

At a certain age, having other kids around really starts to matter.

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

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

Travel tips for tweens and teens

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

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

Build an activity bag

It's easy to assume a phone will do the trick, but activity bags can keep kids (including older ones) occupied on long trips.

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

Double-check downloaded content

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

When downloading movies or TV shows, use multiple sources like Netflix, Disney+ and Apple. That way, if you run into issues with one provider, you still have content from the others. Also, remember that messaging others is free on many flights, so be sure your teen has the airline app downloaded if you want them to be able to keep using services such as iMessage while in the air.

Enroll your child in TSA PreCheck

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

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

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

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

Consider connecting rooms

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

To keep the peace, consider reserving connecting hotel rooms .

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

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

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

Bring a friend

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

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

Go somewhere with a teen club

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

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

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

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

General family travel tips

Some family travel tips transcend age groups.

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

Utilize airport lounges

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

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

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Upgrade to a suite

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

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

Check for reciprocal zoo and museum memberships

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

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

Get a travel tracker that doubles as a memento

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

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

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

Don't forget important medicines

You must be prepared for anything when you are away from home. That includes unexpected sicknesses and accidents.

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

Bring an extra bag

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

Get Global Entry for each family member

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

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

As with TSA PreCheck, you can use a credit card and be reimbursed for your child's Global Entry application fee. Or, if you wait to apply until Oct. 1, kids under 18 will be exempt from the application fee .

Try out the games built into many spaces

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

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

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

Bottom line

Family travel has its unique challenges, but it also comes with immense rewards.

By being armed with a few tips and tricks, having the right gear with you, mapping out a game plan, and having the right attitude and realistic expectations, you can have a memorable vacation that every member of the family will enjoy.

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

Related reading:

• Best all-inclusive resorts for families
• The best travel credit cards
• Must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
• Quirky US theme parks you have to see to believe
• The best Disney World hotels for your 2024 stay

• Destinations
• Hotels & All-Inclusives
• Theme Parks

50 family vacation ideas for the best trip ever

Discover the best family vacation ideas from familyvacationist's team of family travel experts..

The best family vacation ideas build memories that can last a lifetime. But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing family vacations everyone will love. This list of family vacation ideas pulls from the first-hand experiences and favorite vacation memories of our team of family travel experts.

We’ve organized the best family vacations into categories such as all-inclusive family resorts, theme park vacations, cruise vacations, and other family fun. Jump to any section below to explore our list of the best family vacations selected by our experts.

The best family vacation ideas:

• All-inclusive family vacations and resorts in the U.S.
• All-inclusive family vacations and resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico

Family cruise vacations

• Theme park and water park vacations

National park and camping vacations

• Staycations and Road trip vacations
• Group tours and guided family vacations

All-inclusive family vacation ideas and resorts in the U.S.

All-inclusive resorts make the best family vacations because they take the stress out of the vacation-planning process. You probably picture tropical vacation spots when you think about all-inclusive family vacations, but there are some great resorts here in the United States as well. These are the best family vacations in the U.S. where everything’s included.

1. Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive Resort by Wyndham

Port st. lucie, florida.

A lot of resorts claim to offer something for everyone in the family. But Florida’s Sandpiper Bay All Inclusive Resort by Wyndham  (formerly called Club Med Sandpiper Bay) actually delivers on the promise. It has multiple pools, water sports, golf, a spa, private beach access, and kids clubs for different age groups.

The Mini Club is for ages four to 10 and Latitude 27 keeps tweens and teens ages 11 to 17 busy. There’s even a “Pajama Club” in the evenings. Better yet, this one of the rare truly all-inclusive resorts in the country.

Florida’s Atlantic coast beaches are 10 minutes away, and the resort offers an activity-rich experience that includes tennis, volleyball, jet skiing, and swimming. Should you ever want to leave the all-inclusive oasis, Sandpiper Bay’s Port St. Lucie location puts you just two hours from Disney World and Universal Orlando. It’s just an hour from Palm Beach.

• Explore more: Florida all-inclusive resorts

2. Mohonk Mountain House

New paltz, new york.

With its jaw-dropping location on the shores of Lake Mohonk, Mohonk Mountain House is the perfect New York vacation destination for families who love swimming, kayaking, and row boating. Surrounded by of acres of woodland, the resort is an especially good choice for hikes and picnics during fall family vacations when the weather is crisp and the leaves are changing. 

At Mohonk Mountain House, you get an all-inclusive-like experience that covers three meals per day and most activities, though extras like horseback riding, rock climbing, and spa treatments are not part of the daily rate. It’s an easy driving destination for many families on the East Coast. The resort is just 90 minutes from New York City, three hours from Philadelphia, and 3.5 hours from Boston. 

• Explore more: All-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families

3. Grand Hotel

Mackinac island, michigan.

A stay at the nearly all-inclusive Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island has been one of the most popular family vacation ideas in the U.S. for generations. This is a true throwback experience. Not a lot has changed on Mackinac Island since the resort’s grand opening in 1887.

Victorian homes, car-free streets, and horse drawn buggies are all part of the experience. But there’s a lot more to do here than marvel at the old-timey charm. Cycling the bike-friendly streets, playing mini golf, eating ice cream, and kayaking along the shores of the eight-mile island are all part of the family fun.

Summer events like the annual Fudge Festival (August) and Lilac Festival (June) keep families coming back to this Midwest family vacation destination. As for the Grand Hotel at the center of it all, its family vacation packages typically include resort amenities and meals (breakfast and dinner) in the nightly rate.

• Explore more: Family resorts in the U.S.

4. Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa

Oahu, hawaii.

On the island of Oahu in Hawaii, family vacations get a decidedly Disney spin at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa . The resort’s mostly all-inclusive rates include nightly bonfires, character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, walking tours, ukulele lessons, a kids club, and a game room.

There are also special kid-friendly pools, lazy rivers, and a splash pad. With its abundance of offerings and plenty of fun add-ons like luaus and paddle boarding, there’s a lot to recommend this Disney spot in Hawaii.

• Explore more: Hawaii all-inclusive resorts

5. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort

Rio grande, puerto rico.

Like Hawaii, Puerto Rico is another passport-free family vacation idea with year-round warm weather. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico borders El Yunque rainforest and is home to three lagoon-style swimming pools featuring a waterslide and waterfall to keep kids happy.

For the grownups, there are two golf courses and a full-service spa. You can also try your luck at table games and slot machines at the on-site casino. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar is not fully all-inclusive, but you can frequently find family vacation packages that come close. The meal plan package includes three meals per day, unlimited drinks (including alcohol), and a round of golf.

Even when the meal package is not offered, it’s possible to save money here with the resort’s other ongoing promotions. These include AAA and AARP discounts and a bed-and-breakfast rate.

• Explore more: Puerto Rico all-inclusive resorts

6. Woodloch Resort

Hawley, pennsylvania.

With all the bumper cars, go-karts, splash pools, and a jungle gym, you’d be forgiven for thinking the kids club at Woodloch Resort is an actual theme park. The kid-friendly amenities at this family-run Poconos resort go way above the ordinary. Are tailored by age group, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

If ever a resort were designed specifically to help families play together, it’s this one. Hayrides, pony rides, bumper boats, organized games, and bowling are among the fun things to do together with the kids. With accommodations ranging from adjoining rooms to multi-bedroom suites make it easy to configure your stay, and seasonal stay-and-play vacation packages help keep costs down.

• Explore more: Family hotels with kids clubs

7. Hotel Del Coronado

Coronado island, california.

Family vacation ideas don’t get any better than a stay at a kid-friendly beach resort like Hotel Del Coronado . Located on California’s Coronado Island, it has been catering to families for more than a century. Both a National Historic Landmark and a thriving vacation destination, this kid-friendly beach hotel sorts its 901-plus guest rooms into different “neighborhoods,” including the original Victorian inn and luxury multi-bedroom residences done up in modern beach house style.

A private beach with food and beverage service ups the relaxation factor. If your idea of a good family vacation includes getting out of the water, surfing or stand-up paddle boarding lessons are available. An ocean-themed kids program for ages five to 12 leans into The Del’s location on the Pacific Ocean with fun and immersive educational experiences for children.

• Explore more: Beach resorts in the U.S.

8. C Lazy U Ranch

Granby, colorado.

World-famous C Lazy U Ranch is an all-inclusive guest ranch not far from Rocky Mountain National Park. It pairs classic dude ranch activities like trail rides with gourmet meals and kid-friendly amenities like a ropes course and zip line.

The ranch has seasonal children’s programming year-round for ages three to 17 that makes it an especially great pick for family reunions and family vacations where the adults can use a little alone time. Cabins can accommodate up to 11 guests.

• Explore more: Dude ranch vacations in the U.S.

All-inclusive family vacation ideas and resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

If you have a passport, your family vacation ideas list gets even bigger. From Caribbean family resorts to all-inclusive beach resorts around the world, here are our personally approved picks for family vacations with no surprise fees.

1. Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa

Vieux fort, st. lucia.

The best thing about Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa on St. Lucia is the Splash Water Park. It’s the island’s largest water park with two giant water slides and a lazy river. But what makes Coconut Bay truly special are the separate family area (“Splash”) and grown-ups only (“Harmony”) with their own guest rooms and pools. 

There’s also an on-site paintball facility, a kitesurfing and windsurfing center, a kids’ club, nine restaurants, and seven bars. And with adjoining rooms that sleep up to six, Coconut Bay is a great family vacation idea for larger families.  

• Explore more: All-inclusive resorts for families of 5+

2. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya

Playa del carmen, mexico.

Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya brings SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life in a five-star all-inclusive resort setting. Every room is a swim-up oceanfront suite at this beachfront resort. Family vacation highlights include character breakfasts, live shows and entertainment, and a six-acre outdoor water park. It’s also just 30 minutes from the Cancun airport.

• Explore more : Mexico all-inclusive resorts for famili es

3. Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort and Waterpark

Runaway bay, jamaica.

At the all-inclusive Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort in Jamaica, it’s all about the water. The Jewel Lagoon Water Park has water slides, raft rides, and a lazy river with rock grottos and waterfalls. The pool and beach are a hit with the whole family, too. Evening fun includes live entertainment and drive-in movies. 

• Explore more : Jamaica all-inclusive resorts for families

4. Royalton Antigua, an All-Inclusive Resort and Casino

Five islands village, antigua.

Just a half hour from Antigua’s International airport, ultra-family-friendly  Royalton Antigua is situated along a pristine private beach and shadowed by a dramatic 18th century fort. It’s a true luxury family resort with eight restaurants, five bars, three swimming pools, a spa, a special hangout areas for kids and teens, and some gorgeous overwater bungalows.

Daytime activities include kayaking, snorkeling, dance classes, beach volleyball, and tennis. Evenings end with live performances at an open-air theater.

• Explore more : Antigua all-inclusive resorts

5. Planet Hollywood Costa Rica Beach Resort

Culebra, costa rica.

With its movie memorabilia, walk-of-fame, red carpet, and Stars Kids Club, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Costa Rica is a family vacation favorite for younger kids and teens alike.

Other popular amenities at this Costa Rica family vacation hotspot include multiple swimming pools, a splash zone, a spa, and seven onsite restaurants. The all-inclusive resort also curates special experiences such as zip lining, canopy tours, horseback riding, and water sports like snorkeling and sailing excursions. 

• Explore more : Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts

6. Club Med Columbus

San salvador island, bahamas.

The beachfront Club Med Columbus (from the brand that pioneered all-inclusive family vacation ideas) is a favorite among active families. Here you can go kayaking or paddle boarding, learn to sail or windsurf, join a fitness class, or enjoy scuba diving all in the base price. Older kids and teens can break off from the family for a bit to enjoy organized events arranged by the resort.

• Explore more: Bahamas all-inclusive resorts

7. Holiday Inn Resort Aruba

Oranjestad, aruba.

Situated on a pristine strip of Aruba’s famous Palm Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Aruba ‘s inclusive vacation package lets kids eat free. It also offers unlimited drinks and a $75 spa credit for the adults in the family.

You pay a reduced rate on kayak and paddle boat rentals, sunset cruises, and other activities offered by Pelican Adventures. The resort’s a la carte dining options and spacious rooms with ocean views are also popular for family vacations.

• Explore more: Aruba all-inclusive resorts

8. Ocean Club and Ocean Club West

Turks and caicos.

There’s plenty for families to do at the two Ocean Club Resorts. Stay at either Ocean Club or Ocean Club West to enjoy all the perks of both. Water-loving kids and parents will enjoy the shallow reefs of Grace Bay Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. For the horse lovers in the family, there’s horseback riding on the beach.

• Explore more: Caribbean family resorts

9. Bocawina Rainforest Resort

Hopkins, belize.

Bocawina Rainforest Resort grants you an all-access pass to Belize’s Mayflower Bocawina National Park. You also get unlimited guided and unguided excursions there.

Resort activities include ziplining, waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, and cave tubing. All together, it makes this all-inclusive resort on Belize’s Caribbean coast one of the best family vacations for active and adventurous types. 

• Explore more: All-inclusive family resorts around the world

10. Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels all inclusive

Oistins, barbados.

On Barbados, Sea Breeze Beach House is an all-inclusive beachfront oasis perfect for family vacations with kids and teens. Three swimming pools mean there’s always something to do in the sunny weather. Its secluded bay makes snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters safe and easy.

A stay at this resort also gets you access to its sister property, O2 Beach Club and Spa. There you can try out activities like aqua aerobics, beach cricket, and yoga.

• Explore more: Barbados all-inclusive resorts

11. Club Med Punta Cana

Punta cana, dominican republic.

At Club Med Punta Cana , tweens and teens ages 11 to 17 get their own vacation fun through Club Med Passworld. It’s a unique program that offers activities like horseback riding, water sports, archery, and a flying trapeze. Dance parties and outdoor movies on the beach add to the appeal. Even for hard-to-please teens and tweens will enjoy it.

Explore more all-inclusive vacation ideas by age and interest:

• All-inclusive resorts for toddlers
• All-inclusive resorts for teenagers
• All-inclusive resorts where kids stay free
• All-inclusive resorts for multigenerational vacations

Equal parts theme park and resort, cruises are popular family vacation ideas that all ages can enjoy. Here are some of the best choices for a family cruise vacation. 

Family vacations at sea

Disney cruise line.

Choosing the right cruise line for your family is the most important decision you can make. Disney Cruise Line has been the standard bearer for family vacation ideas at sea since its launch in 1998. Later this year he family-favorite line will debut a brand new ship, Disney Treasure , and a brand new private island destination, Lighthouse Point. Disney’s first private island, Castaway Cay, is another highlight for families.

Other family cruise lines

Lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, Carnival, and MSC are also good family cruise options. The most exciting family vacation at sea to come along in years belongs to Royal Caribbean, whose newest ship ( Icon of the Seas ) debuts this year and holds the distinction of being the largest cruise ship in the world.

It sails Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, features distinct “neighborhoods” for families traveling with kids and teens, and boasts the world’s largest waterpark at sea.

Explore more family vacation ideas at sea:

• Best cruise lines for families
• Best kids sail free cruise deals

Theme park vacations

Disney family vacation ideas

One of the most time-tested family vacation ideas, a theme park vacation is a surefire way to delight everyone in your family. Now more than 100 years old, The Walt Disney Company continues to innovate with new roller coasters, attractions, and hotels at its theme parks. These include the fully immersive Star Wars land at Hollywood Studios in Florida, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and TRON Lightcycle/Run at Magic Kingdom.

For a Walt Disney World vacation in Orlando, book a stay at one of the Disney World Resort hotels to take advantage of special perks like extra time inside the parks. At Disneyland Resort, there are plenty of affordable and convenient hotels near Disneyland for families on a budget, many of which are within walking distance of the parks.

Explore more Disney family vacation ideas:

• Guide to the best Orlando theme parks
• Guide to Disney Genie and Genie+

Universal family vacation ideas

Over at at Universal Studios in Florida, all eyes are focused on the development of Universal’s third Florida theme park, called Epic Universe, which is set to open in 2025 and is rumored to have a third Harry Potter theme park area to go alongside the two existing Harry Potter lands. Meanwhile, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster continues to thrill families and the new Minion Land recently opened.

Explore more Universal family vacation ideas:

• Guide to Universal Orlando Resort
• Guide to Universal Orlando hotels

More theme park vacation ideas

Disney and Universal may have the biggest theme parks in the U.S., but they’re far from the only amusement parks worth planning a whole vacation around. Here are some other theme park family vacations consider.

Explore more theme park vacation ideas:

• Best amusement parks for little kids in the U.S.
• Best indoor theme parks in the U.S .

Dubbed “America’s Best Idea,” the country’s national parks are also one of the best family vacation ideas anywhere in the U.S., and their geographic diversity makes them an option for all four seasons.

1. National parks to visit in spring

In spring, national parks tend to not be as hot or crowded, and National Park Week in April brings free admission on top of the nice weather. Some of the best parks to visit with kids this time of year include New River Gorge National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Everglades National Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

• Explore more: National parks to visit in spring

2. National parks to visit in summer

The summer months from late May to early September are peak season for many national parks. With kids out of school and family vacations in full swing, national park visitor numbers swell. But spacious parks like Kenai Fjords, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park do a good job of managing crowds and keeping the experience special. 

• Explore more: National parks to visit in summer

3. National parks to visit in fall

When kids go back to school and cooler temperatures arrive, the crowds thin out at some of the country’s most beloved national parks. Crisp autumn weather makes for more pleasant hikes, and the shorter days make it easier to catch the sunset at parks like Yosemite, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, and Badlands National Park.

• Explore more: National parks to visit in fall

4. National parks to visit in winter

Winter in the Great Outdoors might not be one of your top family vacation ideas, but maybe it should be. Many of the top national parks in the U.S. are located in deserts and tropical locations, making winter a prime season to visit places like Death Valley and Saguaro National Park. And if you’re a family that loves winter sports, both Grand Teton and Acadia National Park reveal whole new sides of themselves in the winter months. 

• Explore more: National parks to visit in winter

5. More family vacation ideas in national parks

One of the best-kept secrets of America’s national park system is the hut-to-hike hiking trips through Montana’s Glacier National Park, which consists of two dramatic backcountry lodges (Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet). Hut-to-hut hiking offers family-friendly amenities like hot meals and comfortable beds without the need to carry heavy overnight gear like tents or sleeping bags on your day hikes. And in terms of spectacular mountain views, it rivals the Swiss Alps for sheer natural beauty.

Licensed tour operator Glacier Guides offers guided hikes through Glacier National Park that are geared toward families with kids ages 10 and up. For outdoorsy families looking for a significant upgrade from tent camping, this hut-to-hut experience is one of the best family vacation ideas in the country. Glacier Guides’ backcountry family vacation packages include a three-day Granite Chalet trek and a six-day hut-to-hut adventure that features horseback riding and an optional half-day whitewater rafting trip.

Nationwide, fourth graders are eligible for a national parks pass through the Every Kid Outdoors Program. The pass grants entry to all children under 16 in the group and up to three accompanying adults. You can also use recreation.gov to find a campsite in or near a national park or to get a permit.

Explore more national park and camping vacation ideas:

• Best national park lodges in the U.S.
• Best campgrounds and RV parks for families

Family staycations

You don’t have to travel to popular family vacation spots like Washington, D.C. or San Diego to have a great time with the kids. Sometimes it’s easier (and a lot less expensive) to let the family vacation come to you. Instead of searching for cheap flights and then choosing between a hotel and vacation rental for accommodations, you can turn a week at home into one of your best family vacation ideas ever. 

Taking a staycation doesn’t have to mean just staying at home and doing nothing. Instead, treat it like an opportunity to transform your home into a family vacation destination.

Have a nice big backyard? Pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Set up an outdoor movie screen and introduce your kids to a favorite childhood movie on the big screen.

Take day trips to museums, aquariums, botanic gardens, or a state park or local park. Head to your local children’s museum if your kids are younger. Explore local beaches and turn your staycation into a family beach vacation. Blow up an inflatable pool and turn your backyard into a homemade splash pad water park. 

And if the biggest barrier to your vacation is expensive airfare for the whole family, book a vacation rental or find a hotel deal within driving distance, making a road trip part of the experience. Most of all, treat your staycation like a real vacation. Turn off your work email notifications. Change up who cooks dinner or let the kids choose their favorite takeout food.

Take a lazy afternoon and read a book. Make breakfast for the whole family. Relax screen time restrictions for the kids. Play a board game. Spend a day doing outdoor activities and hanging out together. Family vacations at home are only limited by your imagination.

Family road trips

You may not remember every family vacation you went on as a kid, but you probably remember at least one road trip. That’s because there’s something quintessentially American about the family road trip experience. It’s practically a rite of passage for many families.

What makes a road trip one of the best family trips isn’t just the scenery or wherever your ultimate destination may be. It’s also a chance to spend hours at a time together—in the car, at roadside attractions, at rest stops and restaurants. Telling bad jokes, playing car games, forcing your kids to listen to “real music” for a change: It’s all part of building memories they’ll remember when they have their own kids.

Explore more road trip ideas:

• Family road trip ideas every kid will love

Private group tours and guided family vacations

Like all-inclusive vacations, there’s something liberating about family travel adventures where a small group tour company handles all the details of your family vacation. It’s especially welcome when you’re dreaming of a family vacation to someplace you’ve never been before. Here are a few family vacation ideas that are perfect for small groups led by professional guides.

Explore the mysteries of Egypt with Adventures by Disney

Family vacations don’t get any better than an overseas trip with Adventures by Disney, the small-group tour operator known for its authentic experiences, attentive guides, and kid-friendly activities. And family vacation ideas don’t get any more big-ticket than Adventures by Disney’s 10-day Egypt vacation .

Imagine exploring the world-famous Valley of Kings, standing in awe before the Great Pyramid at Giza, visiting the Temple of Isis at Philae, snorkeling in the Red Sea, sailing the Nile on a felucca , shopping at a 700-year-old night market, and learning to cook traditional Egyptian dishes in a chef-led class.

Now imagine it all without any of the hassles or hangups (or whining) you might expect on even the best family vacations. That’s part of the magic of traveling with Adventures by Disney. This year, these Egypt family vacation packages start at $8,549 per child and $8,999 per adult, a true bucket-list family vacation with a price tag to match.

Discover Paris and Normandy with G Adventures

Cross Paris and Normandy off your family vacation ideas bucket list with the nine-day France Family Journey small-group tour from G Adventures and National Geographic.

Tailored to families looking for unique bonding experiences, this kid-friendly trip takes in the history, art, and culture of France with visits to iconic monuments in Paris, cave dwellings in the Loire Valley, the gardens of Versailles, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont-Saint-Michel. Plus, you’ll learn about World War II history and get an in-depth look at D-Day where it happened on the beaches of Normandy.

National Geographic Family Journeys from G Adventures are meant to bring families together on active vacations in some of the most impressive family vacation spots in the world. Each of these family vacation ideas is designed with kids as young as seven years old in mind, and each itinerary is infused with National Geographic’s unique sense of appreciation for storytelling, wildlife, culture, and history.

Bookings are open for June and July family vacations this year, with per person prices starting at $3,899; and June, July, and August tours in 2025. Other National Geographic Family Journeys from G Adventures include bucket-list family vacation destinations like Iceland, Japan, South Africa, Peru, Costa Rica, Morocco, and Vietnam. In the U.S., family vacation spots include Yellowstone and Alaska.

Enjoy a taste of Thailand with Intrepid Travel

If a long-tail boat trip through the canals of Bangkok sounds like a great family trip idea, the Thailand Family Holiday from Intrepid Travel might be the perfect family vacation idea for you. On this 12-day kid-friendly family vacation package, you’ll discover the markets of Bangkok, visit rescued elephants at a nature park, explore the history and ruins of Ayutthaya, and see up close how others live on an overnight homestay with a local family. 

One of the best parts of small-group travel on family tours like this is traveling with other families. With Intrepid Travel, the typical group size is about 10 people made up of three to five families (defined as any group with at least one child under the age of 18). Often the kids will form their own groups during a trip, giving parents a chance to rest or socialize, too. 

Intrepid’s Thailand Family Holiday is available to book on multiple dates this year and even 2025. Prices start at $1,841 in both this year and early 2025 (slightly less for kids). The minimum age for children is five years old, and there’s a 10 percent discount for children 17 years and under.

Travel from Machu Picchu to the Amazon with Intrepid Travel

Speaking of Intrepid, families with budding adventurers will love exploring Peru’s cultural and biodiversity on the company’s  Peru Family Holiday . In addition to exploring the Sacred Valley, you’ll visit Machu Picchu for a once-in-a-lifetime experience your family will never forget.

The trip’s price tag of $2,759 per adult includes hotels, transportation, and breakfast each day, plus three lunches and two dinners. It costs slightly less for kids under 17.

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22 Best Family Travel Destinations Worldwide (Vacation Inspiration)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 23, 2024

Looking for some family travel inspiration ? This guide features some of the all-time favorite family vacation destinations by families that live and breathe travel. This list includes family-friendly vacation spots from all over the world.

We are always looking for nice destinations to visit with family. In this quest for new ideas for family travel destinations, I decided to reach out to other traveling families and ask them to share their all-time favorite, best family travel destinations worldwide.

I received a variety of responses covering an amazing variety of family-friendly destinations from all over the world. From winter holidays in the Arctic to desolate beaches in the Pacific, from city breaks to ski resorts – there is something in here for everyone.

I’m happy to say that some of the world’s most well-traveled families have helped with this article. These are one by one families that have seen a lot of the world and they share their absolute favorite places to travel with family that they keep on going back to .

With their help, this guide to the world’s best family travel destinations was born. In this post, you’ll find some great family trip ideas and plenty of inspiration for family vacations for many years to come.

Read about the travel bloggers’ favorite family travel destinations and scroll all the way down to the bottom to find out our personal favorite as well!

Featured image by Eric Stoen from Travel Babbo

Some of the best family travel destinations worldwide:

1. Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Recommended by Caz and Craig from YTravelBlog.

One of our favorite destinations for families is the Port Douglas Daintree region in Tropical North Queensland .

Port Douglas has the largest reef system and the oldest rainforest in the world to explore. What more can you ask for? Our girls loved snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, zip-lining over the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, playing on stunning beaches, searching for wild crocodiles on riverboat cruises, and enjoying delicious exotic ice cream made from the rainforest fruits.

It’s a relaxed and beautiful tropical destination with plenty for all members of the family to love.

TIP: You can also easily visit Daintree as a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. You can find the best selection of organized tours here .

Here you can find everything you possibly may want to know about visiting the Daintree Rainforest .

READ ALSO: Australia with Kids

Recommended by Kevin and Christina from Wandering Wagars.

There are few places in the world that offer the opportunity for a family adventure like Iceland .

Where else can you spot Blue Whales from a schooner, swim in ice-cold glacier water while continents tear themselves apart around you, and feel the roar of Europe’s largest waterfall, all within a few hours drive of each other. If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. You can even lookup the Prime Minister in the phone book.

Icelandic people understand the unique needs of children and families. It’s rare to find a restaurant that doesn’t have an area set aside for children to play.

Furthermore, Iceland is really easy to visit on your own. In summer, you can drive the entire Ring Road , or just focus on the South Coast attractions – there’s plenty to see and do, also with kids. If you don’t feel like driving in Iceland in winter , you can just stay in Reykjavik and make a couple of day trips.

You can read more about Kevin and Christina’s family trip to Iceland on their blog.

Our experience: We have been to Iceland multiple times and in all seasons and indeed, it’s a great place for a more adventurous family trip! On our blog, you can find a huge selection of Iceland destination guides, itineraries, and practical tips. Check our Iceland travel guide for the complete overview.

LEARN MORE: Top Places to See in Iceland

3. Bali, Indonesia

Recommended by Eric from Travel Babbo.

Bali has become one of our favorite family travel destinations the past couple of years. There’s a perfect mix of beaches and culture, and there’s always something to do, from attending festivals (which seem to take place all the time) to visiting water parks to hiking through rice fields.

The weather is warm year-round, although the rainy season (November through March) is exactly what it sounds like. The food is excellent and inexpensive. My 10-year-old’s favorite restaurant in the world is Cuca, near Jimbaran Beach.

Bali’s hotels are amazing, and virtually all welcome kids. We’ve stayed at hotels on the beach, but also in villas with private plunge pools overlooking river valleys and villas surrounded by rice fields. We always try to do activities through our hotels, like fish feeding, anti-gravity yoga, rice planting, ceramics, and local walks. We’re never ready to check out.

Even though there are more tourists every year, Bali never feels touristy. Ubud retains a really cool, artsy vibe. Plus there’s a monkey forest there – what kid doesn’t want to be surrounded by monkeys?

You can find more tips for visiting Bali with kids on Eric’s blog.

4. Costa Rica

Recommended by various families, including us.

Costa Rica is one of the most recommended family travel destinations in the Americas. It has all the ingredients for a perfect family-friendly travel experience: tropical climate, beaches, rainforests, lots of sightseeing possibilities, fun adventurous activities, and a big variety of wildlife.

No matter what kind of a family travel experience you’re looking for, Costa Rica makes it all possible.

Looking for a relaxing family vacation at a beautiful resort? Head to one of the many coastal destinations.

Looking for an adventure and action-filled vacation with teens? Check out the La Fortuna – Arenal area , aka the adventure capital of Costa Rica.

Want to see wildlife? Visit the famous Manuel Antonio National Park !

Or plan a road trip and see the best that Costa Rica has to offer, and add some relaxing pool/beach time to make it fun for the whole family.

The good thing about Costa Rica is that it’s an extremely family-friendly destination. And – if you’re coming from the USA, you won’t have to cross too many time zones. It’s also a place that you can visit the whole year round (a tropical rain shower is always possible, however).

Here you can find a sample 2-week Costa Rica itinerary that covers some of the best places, gives you plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, get to know the culture, try some fun activities such as zip-lining or wild water rafting, and also plan some relaxing time by the pool or at the beach.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

5. Crete, Greece

Recommended by Paul from A Luxury Travel Blog.

The Greek island of Crete is somewhere we’ve frequently holidayed as a family. Crete has everything we could possibly want – a lovely climate, pure relaxation, great beaches, excellent food, and a beautifully slow way of life. There are some superb hotels on the island too!

We’ve often been drawn to a small fishing town Elounda which has some excellent luxury accommodation and plenty to see and do.

If you are looking for a family-friendly destination in southern Europe, a place that has is all, then you can’t go wrong with the Greek Islands and especially Crete!

Check Paul’s blog for all things luxury travel .

6. Whitefish, Montana, USA

Recommended by Nicole – The Passport Kids.

If you are thinking about experiencing what a winter wonderland would be like, our recommendation is the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort in Montana, USA. The resort offers many family-friendly amenities and activities including daycare and kids ski & ride school directly on the resort.

Enjoy some outdoor winter fun with snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing or sledding; then cozy up by the fire with some hot chocolate.

The resort and city of Whitefish offer a small-town American feel where life slows down for a while but still offers a great selection of hotels, restaurants and shopping.

Check Nicole’s blog for more information about Whitefish ski resort .

7. Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA

Recommended by Karen from Family Travels on a Budget.

Gulf Shores, Alabama is perfect for families because it’s got all the beach without all the crowds!

We love Gulf Shores for its white sand, seashells, sunsets, and seafood. But what makes it special is the space — wide beaches and smaller crowds mean we have more space to unwind.

Gulf Shores is more than a beach, though. We also enjoy hiking and biking the trails at Gulf State Park, catamaran day trips, paddle boarding and sunset dinners at local restaurants. It’s our home away from home — at the beach!

Read more about Alabama Beaches here.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Recommended by Keri from Baby Globetrotters (and one of our personal favorites too).

Everything about Cape Town is simply breathtaking! Nestled beneath the unmistakable Table Mountain, many start their South African adventure at the lively V&A Waterfront.

Near to the city, you will find the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Tree Canopy Walkway, the Table Mountain Cable Car or why not take a ferry and tour around the now infamous Robben Island?

Heading further out of Cape Town for a couple of days is a must – head to where the oceans meet at the Cape of Good Hope, visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach and spot the seals at Hout Bay.

Next head east to the Stellenbosch wine region – so many family-friendly wine farms it’s hard to choose where to start. Finish off your Cape Town adventure with a simply breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from Signal Hill or Camps Bay.

Find out more about Cape Town family vacation on the Baby Globetrotters blog.

Our experience: We completely agree with Keri – Cape Town and the whole of South Africa is amazing with kids and one of our own personal favorite places in the world. Here you can find more tips for visiting South Africa with young kids and here you can find a sample itinerary for the best of South Africa .

LEARN MORE: Best Places To See in South Africa

Recommended by several families, including us.

If you are looking for a truly unique family vacation destination, then definitely consider Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It’s such a special place (and totally different from anything else on this list), but it has so much to offer for families!

From beaches to deserts, impressive skyscrapers, and sensational attractions for the whole family, there’s so much to see and do in Dubai that you can easily fill several family vacations here and never get bored.

Visit the world’s highest building, ride a camel in the desert, spend time at one of the many theme parks, or go swimming at some of the world’s most impressive water parks… These are just a few of the amazing things to do in Dubai with kids !

And while visiting a destination like this with the whole family can quickly get quite expensive, there are quite a few really nice free and cheap things to do in Dubai as well.

Furthermore, Dubai enjoys warm weather the whole year round (albeit a bit too hot in the summer months), and it’s a perfect family vacation destination for off-season travel as well.

What we also love about Dubai is that it’s extremely multicultural, and kids can get in touch with different traditions. We were pleasantly surprised by the food in Dubai as well! With so many cuisines and middle-eastern touches, the food is absolutely delicious. It’s also another great way to introduce your children to different cultures.

Here you can find more information and fun facts about Dubai , read more about the best tours in Dubai , and also find out how expensive Dubai is .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Dubai

10. Cambodia

Recommended by Alanna from The Travelling Hams.

Most people don’t think of Cambodia as a family-friendly destination, but we wholeheartedly disagree! The country is full of stunning nature and some of the most beautiful temple ruins in the world.

Our toddlers loved exploring the ruins as much as we did! For our kids, the ruins were the ultimate playground. Each equipped with crumbling stairs to climb, plenty of rocks and leaves to play with, and even some wildlife to watch. It’s a great way to challenge their senses and it gives you a chance to enjoy them yourself – a double bonus!

Cambodians are some of the friendliest people in Southeast Asia. They love to stop you and chat about your children and give friendly pats and pinches. For those with really young ones- they even help to watch your children while you get a few mouthfuls of food in!

11. Rovaniemi, Finland

Recommended by Erin – Travel with Bender.

If you ask our kids out of the 67 countries they have been to in their 6 years of life, which was their favorite, they would unanimously agree – Finland . More specifically Rovaniemi to the North of Helsinki. Why? So many reasons!

First, it’s where the real Santa lives. When you send a letter to Santa it goes here. You can see all the pigeon holes from around the world with letters to Santa. You can even post your own! You can spend an evening with the elves in the forest, decorating trees, baking cookies, and learning Santa secrets.

In addition, when you are not visiting Santa, you can spend days doing all kinds of fun winter outdoor activities. Ride husky sleds through a winter wonderland, take a reindeer sleigh through the forest, opt for a snowmobile safari that also visits reindeer and huskies, or go snow tubing down giant hills and through ice caves.

Top that with snowmobiles to capture a glimpse of the Northern Lights and a hot dinner of reindeer meat and what could be more perfect?!

Here you can read more about winter holiday in Roveniemi Finland .

12. Portugal

Recommended by Alex – My Life Long Holiday.

Central Portugal has been a family favorite for us since my parents emigrated there a few years back. The area has such a laid-back vibe, great food, culture, and beautiful scenery.

For adventurous families, there are activities like cycling, hiking, and kayaking. But my kids equally like exploring little old villages up in the mountains which haven’t changed for ages, so long as there’s ice cream at the end of it!

The Portuguese love children and you’re welcomed wherever you go with genuine smiles and warm hospitality. Add to this the warm sunshine and you have the formula for a relaxing, easy holiday.

Check Alex’s blog for more inspiration for a trip to Portugal.

Our experience: Inspired by Alex’s suggestion, we decided to visit Portugal with kids . And we were hooked – it’s one of the most beautiful and family-friendly travel destinations in Europe! In fact, we loved it so much that we went back to Portugal and the Portuguese islands several times.

Nowadays, we go to Portugal a few times a year and the whole family loves it. Here you can read about one of our absolute favorite destinations – Algarve with kids . And here, you can find an overview of our Portugal travel tips .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Portugal

13. Philadelphia, USA

Recommended by Eileen – FamiliesGo!

Philadelphia is close enough to home that it has been a frequent day trip for us. Now that we travel with a child we have begun to stay for a night or two, which has given us a new appreciation for all that this city has to offer for families.

Federal Hall is a must-see on your first visit (the Declaration of Independence was signed here). The city also has a lot of family-friendly museums.

Please Touch Museum will be a hit with younger kids, while school-going children will appreciate the Franklin Institute and the sprawling Museum of Art.

Philadelphia is also known as a great city for eating out. I recommend Federal Donuts near Rittenhouse Square, Hawthorne’s near South Street and Reading Terminal. Great city break for families.

Here you can read more about Philadelphia with kids .

LEARN MORE: How to See the Best of Philadelphia in One Day

14. The Canadian Rockies

Recommended by Melissa – Parenthood and Passports.

As a family who wants to see as much of the world as possible, it’s rare for us to visit the same destination twice. But there is one place we return time and time again: The Canadian Rockies .

The Canadian Rockies are one of the most naturally beautiful wonders on earth. The mountains have a rugged, majestic appeal. Nestled between them are glacial lakes that shimmer a vibrant shade of blue.

Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Rockies is one of the most family-friendly places we’ve ever visited. The establishments are very accommodating to children, and the area is great to explore with kids.

Banff is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from easy hikes to backcountry camping and winter mountain sports. We love exploring outdoors and hope to instill that same passion in our daughter. I can’t think of a better place to do so.

Read more about visiting Banff here.

15. Cook Islands

Recommended by Karilyn – No Back Home.

One of our favorite family destinations is the Cook Islands in the South Pacific . For West Coast travelers it’s a short overnight flight with only a 3 hour time change.

The largest and main island, Rarotonga, is actually quite small with a ring road only 29 miles long! You will be welcomed to the island by beautiful white beaches with excellent snorkeling in calm lagoons and lush green mountains as your backdrop.

With plenty of adventure activities from hiking to buggy driving to kayaking to private islands, your family will have the time of their life in this island paradise!

Read more about the family-friendly Cook Islands here.

16. Glacier National Park, USA

Recommended by Craig and Bryanna – Crazy Family Adventure.

Glacier National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the USA and for a good reason. It’s also an amazing family travel destination! The views are out of this world, hiking is amazing, and there are so many fun activities for the whole family!

We really enjoyed driving the scary yet breathtaking beautiful Going to the Sun Road. You can see glaciers, waterfalls, and stunning mountains. There is also so much wildlife and you may even see a mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or a bear! We really enjoyed hiking to Hidden Lake, on the Trail of Cedars, and Apakuni Falls.

Each hike has something to offer from being able to step into the frigid cold glacier water, to seeing amazing waterfalls, or a lake surrounded by mountains. Everywhere you turn in Glacier National Park you are met with a view more beautiful than the last!

Read more about visiting Glacier NP .

LEARN MORE: Glacier National Park itinerary suggestions

17. Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Recommended by Bethany – Flashpacker Family.

Our family’s new favorite destination is the Big Island of Hawaii . Hawaii is such a special place but the Big Island really takes the cake. You can do everything here!

You can swim with turtles , stay in beautiful resorts, enjoy a luau, go whale watching and snorkeling, hike to waterfalls, visit a volcano, and even sail in a submarine.

The Big Island is great for families because it’s easy to rent a car, drive around and enjoy something new every day. There’s no excuse to be bored on the Big Island!

TIP: If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, don’t miss Maui – one of the most beautiful islands. Here you can find Maui itinerary suggestions and here you can read about the very best Maui activities . It’s a wonderful destination for families as well!

18. Florence, Italy

Recommended by Scarlet – Family Focus Blog.

Our favorite family travel destination so far has been Florence in Italy . And yes, it’s a city, but Florence is wonderful for families because there is so much to do and see both indoors and outdoors!

It is a great city to walk around in and explore and make memories that will last a lifetime. The whole family will enjoy the delicious Italian food, culture, and attractions.

In addition, Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany region with the beautiful rolling hill landscapes, charming little towns, and the most friendly locals that absolutely adore children!

More tips for a family trip to Italy .

Our experience: It’s not a secret that Italy is one of our absolute favorite countries in the world and we have visited with and without kids countless times. Tuscany is indeed a wonderful region for a family vacation and Florence is the most beautiful of the Tuscan towns . Rent a villa or look for a nice hotel with a pool, and you can have the best family trip ever – a perfect combination of sightseeing and a relaxing vacation.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Florence & Tuscany Itinerary

19. Hamilton, New Zealand

Recommended by Nadine – Le Long Weekend.

Our favorite family travel destination is Hamilton in New Zealand . Hamilton is New Zealand’s best-kept secret when it comes to family holidays.

Our favorite activities include the Waikato Museum with its dedicated kid’s discovery areas; the Zoo where cheeky Kaka land on your shoulder in the walk-through aviary; and the themed Hamilton gardens which will transport you into a new civilization at every turn!

But what really sets Hamilton apart are the many ‘destination playgrounds’. These amazing parks have the usual fun fixtures, water features, in-ground trampolines, and multi-story playhouses. Great for keeping the little ones busy while you enjoy coffee from a nearby cafe!

Read more about Hamilton, New Zealand on Nadine’s travel blog.

20. Florida Keys, USA

Recommended by Carrie Anne – Everything Mom .

When thinking about traveling to Florida with the kids the first place to pop into your mind is probably Orlando. Perfect if you’re looking for thrill rides, but the Florida Keys can offer families the chance to experience the more natural side of the state, specifically Marathon .

Take in a little history exploring the oldest home in the Florida Keys outside of Key West as well as remnants of the Flagler Railroad that connected all of the Florida Keys.

Kids, especially those too young to enjoy more adventurous water pursuits, will love a nature scavenger hunt, swimming with fish, or meeting rescued birds at the Wild Bird Sanctuary. You can even enjoy lunch under a large tiki hut restaurant just off of the scenic Seven Mile Highway.

Marathon also makes a great family destination due to how close it is to the other islands such as Key West and Islamorada. This amazing place proves that your Florida family vacation adventure doesn’t have to include any roller coasters.

21. Dordogne, France

Recommended by Kirsten – Kids are a Trip.

The Dordogne region in France is one of our favorite places to explore as a family. With beautiful castles, rivers for canoeing, and medieval towns for exploring, it is the perfect place to get away from everything and spend some quality time with your kids.

We especially enjoyed the bucolic landscape and the friendliness of the locals and found there was plenty to do for families.

If you want to learn more, please read Kirstin’s post about her family visit to Dordogne .

22. Swiss Mountains

Our personal recommendation.

This list wouldn’t be complete without me sharing at least one of our personal favorite family destinations as well. And if I have to choose just one, it has to be Switzerland!

Switzerland in general, and the Swiss mountains , in particular, has been one of our favorite travel destinations for years. We just love the Swiss Alps!

We try to go to Switzerland at least twice a year: skiing in winter and hiking in summer , and every time we don’t want to leave. Kids have asked several times if we could just move to Switzerland…

Charming mountain villages and small towns have such an amazing atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. Add to that stunning landscapes, great food, and a huge variety of things to see and do for families with children, and you cannot go wrong planning a family trip to Switzerland.

TIP: Some of our favorite places include the Lucerne area , Zermatt , Mt Titlis , Grindelwald , Jungfraujoch , and Schynige Platte , to mention just a few.

Here you can read more about some of our favorite places in Switzerland .

LEARN MORE: Perfect Switzerland Itinerary for First Trip

So, this is a small selection of great vacation destinations for families. I hope you found some inspiration for your next family vacation!

What’s your favorite family destination? Let us know – leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Best Travel Gear for Kids – family traveler’s favorites.

TIP: For more family travel ideas, please check our guides to the best spring break destinations in the USA and the best spring break destinations in Europe .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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Saturday 13th of January 2024

Thank you for this list. I will be using it to plan our upcoming family vacations.

Monday 15th of January 2024

Glad to help, Jay. Happy travels!

Chitra Gupta

Friday 23rd of June 2023

Hi, we are a family of 4, kids aged 19 and 14 and have been to switzerland, dubai, milan, honkong, paris, istanbul already. We are unable to decide our next travel destination for November. What would you suggest?

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi Chitra, that's a tough choice indeed. Purely season-wise, I'd look into Southern Hemisphere for November I suppose. South Africa is amazing for a family trip and Namibia as well. Also Thailand could be a great option or Australia if you have more time. There are so many options. It also depends on where you live and how much time you have. We have quite some articles about the destinations mentioned above on our website, you can use the search button for some inspiration. Good luck!

world nomad

Friday 19th of May 2023

What an amazing article Wish I could go to all these places Your suggestion for sightseeing that is not tropical for August around the world? Cities and sightseeing is the focus

Monday 22nd of May 2023

There are many places that are not too warm in August. UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, also pretty much anywhere in Poland or Baltic States. If you are looking for destinations around the world, consider South Africa or Namibia (more nature), and certain parts of Australia (also cities). There are plenty of options. :) Good luck!

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Beautiful locations, please share more.

Ha ha, I could easily add a few dozen other places to this list. There are so many amazing destinations all over the world, and more places are family-friendly than people tend to think. Our personal favorite countries to visit with kids are Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. Happy travels!

Thursday 3rd of March 2022

Hi Jurga, thanks for all the suggestions. It's not easy to decide where to go next. We are a family of 4, kids age 8 and 11, and were thinking of Costa Rica, but are also considering Iceland. Thoughts?

Monday 7th of March 2022

Iceland vs. Costa Rica? They are so different... CR is warm, tropical, with beaches and pools, lots of fun outdoor activities, wildlife, and it's rather cheap compared to Iceland. Iceland is amazing but in a very different way - incredible vast landscapes, the most beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, great hot springs and geothermal pools to swim in... But - depending on when you travel - it can be really cold and - in winter - also dark. Even in summer, you'll usually need sweaters, jackets, etc. Iceland is also much more expensive... I think you should do a bit more research and see what interests you the most, or let it depend on the season - Iceland in summer and Costa Rica in winter. But if it's your first family trip, I honestly think that the entire family, and especially the kids will enjoy Costa Rica more, even if just for the weather. But after you do that trip, definitely do Iceland next - it's one of a kind!

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My Family Flies 15 Hours to India Every Year — Here Are 10 Items That Make the Trip Easier, From $20

From neck pillows to light-blocking eye masks, these travel must-haves start at just $20.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Preparing for a long flight with your family is an adventure in and of itself. It's not just about packing your stuff, but also packing up lots of fun and making memories. As a first-generation immigrant and parent of two kids, flying is more than going on a trip — it is a way to connect with my family and friends who are almost 8,000 miles away in India. Since my children were babies, we’ve made this annual long-haul journey across continents. And while every trip brings forth new challenges, there are tips and tricks I have learned over the years that mitigate some of that anxiety. 

Here are 10 travel accessories that I always bring with me no matter how old my kids get. From noise-canceling Bose headphones that are comfortable for kids’ ears to an adjustable footrest that attaches to your tray table, these items make long flights with my family manageable and comfortable — and you can get them for as little as $20.

Mlvoc Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Travel pillows are one of the most underrated luxuries of any travel, especially on long flights. I didn’t get a travel pillow until my kids were a little older, and once I did, I wondered why I ever traveled without one. My favorite is this memory foam neck pillow , which boasts over 22,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. It’s easy to see why this is a customer favorite: The memory foam contours to your head for long-lasting comfort, and it keeps your neck from falling too far to the side or the front. It comes with a breathable cover, eye mask, earplugs, and carrying case, and since it’s machine washable, you can just pop it into the washer after every trip to get rid of any germs. 

While I love it as a sleep-deprived parent, it’s also a great pick for kids who still take naps or just like to snooze. One Amazon shopper appreciated that this pillow allowed their kids to get some rest “on long car rides to their sports games/tournaments and road trips,” while another owner loved that the packable pillow kept them “comfortable” on long flights to Dubai and Bali with their family.

Thule Compression Packing Cube

Anyone who travels with kids knows that packing light isn’t really possible. When you add extra clothes, toys, snacks, diapers, and everything else that you need to pack for a long-haul trip, your carry-on bag always feels too small. That’s why I love to travel with packing cubes, especially compressive options like these from Thule , which feature a wide, accessible opening and zippers that compress soft goods by eliminating excess air from the bag. 

My favorite part is the frosted fabric that allows me to see what's inside for quick access, which comes in handy when my son spills water on his shirt as soon as the flight takes off or my daughter wants a sweatshirt mid-fight. These packing cubes also fit most carry-on luggage and come in two sizes.

  This Amazon shopper called it a “best-in-class” packing cube and was impressed by its moisture-proof abilities: “When one of my bottles of liquid spilled into my suitcase on a recent trip, my clothes in the Thule packing cubes remained completely clean and dry,” they noted. Plus, the cubes are popular with parents: they “kept my messy kid's luggage so organized,” one happy customer shared .

Bose Noise-canceling Headphones

If there is one thing you want to splurge on for a long flight with kids, it’s high-quality headphones. The Bose Noise-canceling Headphones boast over 26,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, and my kids agree. Both of my kids have a pair, and it’s relaxing for them to listen to an audiobook or music without the distraction of the plane’s ambient noise. Plus, it gives me some personal time while they’re busy listening to their devices.

The padded band and soft ear cups are comfortable for long flights, and they don’t apply much pressure against your head so you can wear them for hours without your head feeling heavy. They also just work so much better than the generic plastic headsets the flight attendants hand out. The noise-canceling abilities are particularly impressive, owners note: “With 10 levels I can block out most of what is going on around me, when it is safe to do so,” said one shopper , so there’s no more listening to your neighbor’s loud conversation.

Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes

When I’m traveling with my kids, one of my top priorities is keeping everyone clean and healthy. These Wet Ones hand wipes come in thin TSA-approved packets, so they’re easy to toss into my carry-on so I can wipe down our seats before a long flight. Plus, they’re great for sticky hands after snacktime — or meals on our trips to India — and the 20-count packets have a tight seal to keep the wipes moist.

They’re also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin, which is important to me as a mom. Other parents agree: The multi-purpose wipes are great “for hand wiping, spills, messy clothes, mud off of shoes, dusting, or in a pinch without a clean restroom, etc.” shared one shopper who took a six-week family road trip, while one customer with eczema called the alcohol-free wipes “a lifesaver.”

BrüMate ReHydration Insulated Water Bottle

Staying hydrated on flights is very important for a variety of reasons. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and constipation, so the Aerospace Medical Association recommends about 8 ounces of water for every hour you’re on a flight. For long flights, this adds up to a lot of water that would quickly become room temperature in a plastic bottle. With a 25-ounce capacity, this BrüMate ReHydration Insulated Water Bottle keeps lots of water cold for several hours, and the straw is particularly handy for spill-prone kids. 

As a mom, I appreciate that this bottle is leakproof—no one wants to sit in a wet soggy seat for 15 hours (I may or may not be speaking from experience). It comes in several fun colors, so every member of the family can choose their own.

Travelers Club 5-piece Kids’ Luggage Set

Kids’ luggage helps get little ones excited about an upcoming trip while also teaching them responsibility and independence. This five-piece set includes a roller suitcase, backpack, lunch bag, neck pillow, and luggage tag, which are available in several fun patterns, like dogs, butterflies, and donuts. The 18-inch carry-on roller has a telescoping handle and fits into the overhead compartment.

One shopper , who bought this for their 4-year-old grandson, shared that “he was so excited to be pulling his own luggage through the airport” while another happy customer appreciated that “The inline wheels on the larger suitcase glide smoothly, allowing my kids to roll their luggage effortlessly without any assistance.” Note that this set is not recommended for kids who are 3 years old and under. 

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

Achieve business-class comfort without business-class prices with this hammock-style footrest. The memory foam airplane footrest is installed over your tray table so you can elevate your feet and stretch them out. After listening to my kids’ constant fighting over who gets to use it on our travels, I finally caved and bought one for each of us. 

The straps are adjustable, so they work for little legs and adults, and the whole thing rolls neatly into a travel pouch when not in use. One shopper who took the footrest on an overseas flight shared that “I was able to sleep a little better because my feet were supported.”

Manta Sleep Mask

A sleep mask is a must if you want to get quality shuteye on long-haul flights. It not only blocks the cabin’s overhead lights but also the reading light from your seat neighbor. An Amazon favorite with nearly 10,000 five-star ratings, the Manta Sleep Mask blocks out light without causing uncomfortable eye pressure thanks to its carved-out C-shaped eye cups. Since it’s adjustable, it can fit kids and adults alike, and it comes with a case and wash bag. (It’s also fully machine washable.)

One Amazon shopper called it a “100 out of 10 must buy,” reporting that it blocks all light, allowing them to sleep “in bright rooms and even while napping outside in my swing under the full sun.” The whole family will enjoy it too: One owner shared that their youngest kid “fights” them for the mask since they love it so much.

Goal Zero Venture 35 Portable Charger

How many times have you sat down on your airplane seat only to realize that your charging port doesn’t work? When you’re traveling with kids who want to spend hours and hours watching in-flight entertainment, you’d better hope their devices; batteries last. My flights home to India average 15 hours, so no matter how much charge I have on my tablet and phone, it is not going to last the whole way. That’s why I always travel with an external power supply like the Goal Zero Venture 35 Portable Charger Power Bank , which has two USB ports and one USB-C port so it’s compatible with all kinds of devices. The power bank also includes an integrated 50-lumen flashlight — perfect for getting up and stretching your legs mid-flight when the lights are all off.

With an impressive five volts of power, you can charge the whole family’s devices at once. One pleased customer shared that their family “Charged two Nintendo switches, two tablets, and our two phones the entire weekend and the Goal Zero was still at 75 percent by the end. Happy kids and happy parents!”

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Hydrating Mask

It’s no secret that overseas travel is exhausting, especially with kids. Parents deserve some self-care while navigating family trips, and I highly recommend the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Hydrating Mask , which keeps my skin moisturized and dewy despite the dry air onboard. 

While I don’t like sacrificing my grooming routine for air travel, some things do need to be adjusted because of TSA liquid guidelines, so I appreciate that this mask is only 1 ounce and fits easily in my carry-on. And it’s not just for when you’re jetlagged, noted one shopper : it’s an “amazing nighttime moisturizer,” too.

At the time of publishing, prices were as reflected in the article.

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European castles, private chefs, and a startup school: These families are ditching the US to live the American dream abroad

Shirly and Erez Weinstein had in many ways achieved the American dream. They immigrated to the United States from Israel in the early aughts, bought a house in the suburbs of Atlanta with access to high-quality public schools for their two kids, and excelled in their tech careers. There was just one problem: They weren't happy.

"Our life was just really busy," Shirly Weinstein told me. "Work, school, after-school — we hardly had any down time or time as a family."

They also weren't satisfied with the education options for their kids. "We wanted something more from school," Erez Weinstein said. "We tried Montessori, charter, public, but all these different options felt like more of the same."

The kids felt similarly. "Life was boring," Ella, their 11-year-old daughter, told me. So, to shake things up, in 2018 the family sold most of their possessions, bought an RV, and started traveling full time around the US and abroad while homeschooling.

For the next four years, the kids did not attend formal classes, instead learning from their experiences in different countries, and did occasional academic work on digital platforms like Khan Academy. Then, in 2022, the family learned about Boundless Life , a startup trying to build a global network for digital-nomad families , complete with built-in community, project-based education, and furnished homes where families live for three months at a time.

While the phrase " digital nomad " might conjure an image of a single 27-year-old software engineer writing code from a hostel in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Boundless Life — which has locations in Portugal, Indonesia, Italy, and Greece — targets a different demographic of long-term travelers: parents and their elementary-school-age children. The startup's aim, according to its cofounder Mauro Repacci, is to allow parents "the freedom to travel as a single person might, but with your kids."

Boundless Life is one of a handful of programs — like the Green School in Bali and The Hive in the Dominican Republic — that cater primarily to international students and their remote-working parents. While there isn't great data on it, experts I spoke with say that only a small fraction of the estimated 35 million global digital nomads are traveling with children — which makes sense. Whether figuring out school or supporting kids' ability to maintain lasting friendships, many parents are wary of uprooting their families' lives for long-term travel.

But with the growth of remote work and newfound energy to reimagine education in response to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are jumping at the opportunity to make "nomading" with children a real possibility.

Last summer I visited the Boundless campus in Sintra, Portugal. When I arrived by train from Lisbon, it was easy to see why the company had chosen the medieval mountain town as its pilot location. The Moorish castles and orange clay roofs give the town a classic European charm, and it has just the right amount of creature comforts and English-speaking waitstaff to please less adventurous travelers. At just shy of 400,000 inhabitants, Sintra is also big enough to absorb the 25 Boundless families without the expats dominating all the local haunts. 

The Boundless community, which includes families from around the world, felt a bit like a family camp. Families each had their own private accommodations scattered throughout the city, but they frequently spent time at one another's apartments for meals and aperitifs. Parents went out for afternoon espressos and lingered at school drop-off to chat about business opportunities before heading to a mosaic-tiled coworking space replete with WiFi and Portuguese custard tarts.

In the school, a remodeled two-story building blocks away from Sintra's castles, mixed-aged groups of students hunched over tubs of water to learn about density and volume. For lunch, the kids ate organic meals provided by a local chef. After school, kids from different families entertained themselves in the cobblestone streets and parks under light adult supervision. 

Tim, a freelance computer programmer from Ohio, joined Boundless in 2022 after taking his kids out of school at the start of COVID. "The school said 'Zoom Kindergarten,' and I said screw that," he told me.

One couple from Seattle — Edward, a marketing consultant, and Jessica, an entrepreneur — not only pulled their four kids under 13 out of school to sign on with Boundless Life, but they also persuaded another family to join them for the experiment. "We wanted to travel, but you can't babysit a 1-year-old and homeschool a 7-year-old at the same time," Jessica said. "Education was the question. If we could figure out the education piece, the rest would fall into place."

According to Boundless' cofounder and head of education, Rekha Magon, Boundless' vision is for families to hop to Sintra for a semester and then to Italy's Tuscany region for another, all while their children progress through the same curriculum, which extends from preschool to age 12. "Education should be removed from a single building and exist in the world," she told me. 

Related stories

I've had more social interactions in the past week than months back home — and I didn't have to send a single email to coordinate.

This was perfect for the Weinsteins, who consider themselves part of the worldschooling movement — a growing community of families who have decided to eschew traditional education in favor of long-term travel and "learning from the school of life," as Erez Weinstein told me.

Compared with all the education options they had tried in Atlanta, Boundless was the first school that seemed to align with their desire for project-based learning with a global perspective. "If Boundless had locations all over the world, we would be set," Shirly Weinstein said. "It's beyond travel. It's experiencing the world." 

And while the kids seemed to be thriving, perhaps the true beneficiaries were the parents. As one Boundless parent told me, "I've had more social interactions in the past week than months back home — and I didn't have to send a single email to coordinate."

Boundless had recreated the village.

As a Brazilian from Montreal with Italian ancestry, Mauro Repacci is a fitting founder for a company that promotes global citizenship. The idea for Boundless came about after Repacci and his cofounder Marcos Carvalho sold their previous company, a home-buying platform called NestReady, and were looking to take a sabbatical. It was the summer of 2021. COVID restrictions were loosening and the built-up demand for travel was palpable.

"During the pandemic, like many people, we started to ask how we wanted to live our life, how we wanted to raise our kids," Repacci told me. "And we felt like we were limiting ourselves by staying in the same country for a long time." He added, "We felt something was missing." He started to tell friends about his aspiration to travel and take time off — perhaps a few months in Costa Rica, another few in Europe or Southeast Asia. His friends were intrigued by the idea of long-term travel but had hesitations about their kids falling behind in school.

Repacci and Carvalho started a WhatsApp group with dozens of friends and friends of friends who were all trying to figure out how to make long-term travel work with kids. They researched international schools and looked into the feasibility of hiring a private tutor to travel with them full time. Their brainstorming quickly transformed into a business idea. 

According to Lona Alia, the head of revenue for the nomad-travel-insurance provider SafetyWing, several factors have led to the growth of digital-nomad families. "There's remote work, the availability of high-speed internet, flexible schooling, and Airbnb," Alia, who is part of a digital-nomad family herself, told me. But perhaps the biggest factor is a cultural shift toward the value of experiences, Alia said. "Many people are realizing that the traditional path of acquiring material goods isn't necessarily the key to happiness, and are instead choosing to invest in experiences, such as travel."

For the Boundless founders, figuring out the education piece of the puzzle was key. For families to actually be able to make the leap, Boundless would need a curriculum that was rigorous enough to adhere to parents' standards and flexible enough so families could bounce between locales without their kids falling behind. To solve the problem, Repacci and Carvalho brought on their head of education, Magon, and head of brand and product, Elina Zois. 

Boundless decided to base its educational model on the Nordic Baccalaureate, an interdisciplinary curriculum based on the Finnish education system that emphasizes project-based work, experiential learning, and cultural immersion. Classrooms are multiage and class sizes are kept small — fewer than 15 kids a class for students under 6 and fewer than 18 for those ages 6 to 12. During my visit, the school felt like a more expansive definition of what an education could be. Learning was not limited by the four walls of the classroom — it took place in parks, pottery studios, restaurants, and museums.  

Several educators I spoke with were skeptical about how the Boundless framework would translate into meaningful learning experiences for students from a range of academic needs, and how students would be able to integrate their Boundless experience if they transitioned back into more traditional school environments.

But parents I met told me Boundless had sparked a level of intellectual curiosity in its children that spilled over to "normal life" upon returning stateside. "Getting to try out a different type of school was life-changing," one parent said. After returning to US public school this year, they said their kids were doing better than they had before doing Boundless. "Not because anything is better at their school this year than last year, but because they are different," the parent said.

The company serves about 85 families and 250 kids during any given semester. But despite some early success, Boundless Education, like the organization itself, is still very much a startup. The school isn't accredited — though it's undergoing the accreditation process — and the administration is still figuring out the kinks, like how to quantitatively measure student growth and how to cater to older and more advanced students' needs.

There are also financial and cultural barriers to joining Boundless. For one, there's the price. It costs the equivalent of about $1,600 a child, a month, to take part in Boundless Education, and the equivalent of $460 a parent, a month, for coworking and concierge services — and that doesn't include the cost of housing. Though participants were relatively diverse racially and culturally, most of the families I met in Sintra were high earners from North America.

Plus, there are cultural and logistical challenges to picking up your family and living around the world for months at a time. Boundless advises families on how to obtain digital-nomad visas for countries that offer them, but the prospect of working abroad long term can be challenging depending on your country of origin. 

"The biggest barriers to more people nomading are in-laws, grandparents, and a lack of imagination," Andreas Wil Gerdes, a leader in the worldschooling movement, said. "For 200 years, the majority of people have lived in a work-centric model of existence. Finally, people are going back to a life-centric model, but it will take time to catch on."

Gerdes is generally supportive of Boundless' mission but commented that the company served a limited slice of those who might be able to benefit from living and learning abroad. "Boundless is the brain-dead solution for people who don't want to have to make any decisions," he said. "But it's a step in the right direction."

On my last night in Sintra, the Boundless families gathered together at Praia de Maçãs, a beach 20 minutes from downtown. Kids dashed in and out of the waves, occasionally running to shore to grab a snack or tug at their parents' trunks. "How long have you guys known each other?" I asked a few preteens who were building castles in the sand. "I dunno. A few days," one said, barely looking up.

Standing there on the edge of the European continent, I realized that although Boundless is cloaked in the sheen of a venture-backed startup, the business is actually a return to a more collective form of child-rearing. Sure, there's an app that parents use to interact, a curriculum that uses the UN sustainability goals for lesson plans, and a business model that's a response to a global workforce trend. But as I immersed myself in this network of families who were loosely looking after one another's children, Boundless felt more retro-chic than modern. 

I came to Sintra thinking Boundless might be too good to be true, but perhaps that was a failure of my own imagination.

After leaving the beach, I joined the families for pizza at an outdoor restaurant. There were no iPads at the dinner table or calendar invites needed to organize the get-together. In a community full of families, conversations were not dominated by talk of academic tutors and afterschool programs. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. 

I came to Sintra thinking Boundless might be too good to be true, but perhaps that was a failure of my own imagination. Maybe I, like so many others, am still too attached to the idea that school ought to look like 20 students facing the same way in a classroom for seven hours a day. Sure, Boundless is an expensive, turn-key study-abroad experience for elementary-school-age children and their parents, but it's also a refreshing take on what it means to give a child an education, which, especially in America , is in need of a refresh.

Certainly there are risks of uprooting children from their routines and communities. Programs like Boundless may not be attractive or accessible to everyone, and it's unclear whether Boundless will be able to scale its programming to meet the growing demand. But when I think about the atomization of our modern lives, each of us cordoned off in our little boxes made of ticky-tack, learning from textbooks and digital apps, I see Boundless as a welcome alternative. Perhaps the world is the classroom we've been waiting for.

Simone Stolzoff is a writer and author from San Francisco. His debut book, The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work , was published by Penguin Random House earlier this year. 

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Bilt, Paris Hilton are offering a month of free rent: Here's how it works

This month, bilt's winners will also get 500,000 hilton honors points for travel.

Walgreens, Bilt launch automatic FSA/HSA savings program

Bilt CEO Ankur Jain explains how members will be able to use their FSA/HSA accounts toward their Walgreens purchases.

Bilt, a home and neighborhood loyalty program, is attempting to entice new users by offering them a chance to win a rent-free month through its family feud-style game. 

Every month, celebrities will join Bilt Rewards members in an online game of family feud called "Rent Free." Each month a new celebrity will be tapped to join Bilt's CEO Ankur Jain, who hosts the game. Ten winners will earn up to $2,500 to cover their rent for the month. 

This time, the company is teaming up with Paris Hilton, and giving every Bilt member Hilton Honors Gold status, which is the second-highest tier in Hilton's elite status program, through the end of the year. 

This month's winners will not only get a free month of rent in October but 500,000 Hilton Honors Points for travel.

YOUR NEXT WALGREENS TRIP MAY NOT COST YOU AS MUCH. HERE'S WHY.

Here's how its monthly game works: 

You have to be a member to play, though it's free to sign up, and you don't have to have the Bilt Mastercard. 

At the end of each month, the company asks Bilt members questions about what's happening in the culture right now. 

A shot of Bilt’s founder Ankur Jain and chairman Ken Chenault (Bilt)

Members will team up with a celebrity guest to guess the three most popular responses to each question. They have until the first day of the following month to plug in their answer on the Bilt app or website . 

The more you both get right, the better your chances of winning, according to Bilt. 

The company was founded by Jain on a mission to help people maximize their biggest expenses. It has dubbed itself as the first rewards program that allows renters to earn points on rent and subsequently build "a path towards homeownership." 

BILT REWARDS STOPS RENTERS FROM ‘LIGHTING YOUR MONEY ON FIRE,’ FOUNDER AND CEO ANKUR JAIN SAYS

Today, Bilt members can earn points on rent payments at more than 4.5 million homes across the nation. Those points can be transferred for things like travel, dining or fitness classes. 

Bilt Rewards founder and CEO Ankur Jain. (Bilt Rewards)

Last year, the company began looking into how they could expand the loyalty program into a user's local neighborhood, which captures about 80% of a person's discretionary spending. 

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The neighborhood program rewards members for things such as spending at local restaurants, workout classes and for using Lyft's rideshare service. 

However, it also helps users take advantage of their unused flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) funds when shopping at Walgreens. 

Bilt's existing partnerships include more than 21,000 restaurants and 3,500 fitness studios in addition to Lyft. 

City of Asheville Hurricane Helene information and updates

Find recovery resources here.

9/28 at 9:14 a.m..

Water Service update, Transit Service suspended

The water consumers of City of Asheville Water Resources Department, in Buncombe County are experiencing periods of low pressure and outages in the distribution system due to weather conditions generated by Tropical Storm Helene. Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increases the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system. There is the potential for temporary loss of water service.

Therefore, when water service is restored consumers who have electric power are advised to boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation). Those without power are advised to use bottled water for the purposes mentioned above.

Vigorous boiling for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.  This advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.

Water customers who currently have water are encouraged to fill bathtubs in preparedness for loss of water.  

ART System Alert Update: 9/28/24

UPDATE:  In order to best support the current state of emergency ART services are suspended until further notice. The service continues to face local power outages, road conditions, and staffing shortages.  

Instead of regular route services, ART buses have been redirected to support relief efforts. ART was able to successfully transport over 578 individuals in need to shelters.

ART will communicate a roll-out plan to resume service when more information is available. We appreciate your patience and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.

Stay up to date on any service changes that may affect your travel plans by checking the Service Alerts page . To get notices via text or email about changes, sign up for iRide email alert s , or text “NextART” to 41411.

9/27 at 9:11 p.m.

Update on local restoration efforts

Emergency crews are out navigating hazardous conditions as they assess damage in impacted communities. Due to the severity of destruction experienced and ongoing flooding challenges we expect an extended restoration effort. 

Water Utility

Weather conditions have resulted in at least one significant water line break. As a result, customers in parts of the system are experiencing reduced or no water pressure. Because large portions of the city are still underwater and many roads remain closed, Water Resources’ ability to assess the system is extremely limited. As a result you may experience low pressure or no water.  If you have water, but do not have the ability to boil it because of lack of electricity, please rely on bottled water for consumption.

While crews have been able to travel in areas that are passable, the problem area, or areas, still have not been identified. 

Like other utilities affected by Helene, fully restoring service to the water system will take some time and we greatly appreciate your patience while we dedicate every available resource to the effort.

Community Partners

The City of Asheville also encourages community members to monitor other government or service provider websites and social media for their latest information as well.

Buncombe County has established a NON-Emergency line for community reports of things such as downed trees and debris: 828-250-6650 . 

Please call 9-1-1 for life threatening situations including down power lines.

• National Weather Service
• NCDOT Twitter: NCDOT_Asheville for local information or @NCDOT for regional/ statewide information
• Duke Energy
• Code Purple will be active Thursday and Friday.

Know your information sources

Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:

City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.

9/27 at 5:56 p.m.

Parks Update

All parks and community centers will remain closed through Sunday, September 29.

9/27 at 5:50 p.m.

Curfew in effect

A curfew will be in effect within the city limits of Asheville from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. beginning tonight, Friday, September 27. The curfew is to ensure the public’s safety and will be in effect until further notice.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep our community safe. 

9/27 at 2:24 p.m.

City of Asheville Emergency Responders continue critical emergency response

City of Asheville emergency responders and staff from each department continue life saving efforts in response to Tropical Storm Helene.

Crews continue to work throughout the community around the clock, responding to calls for assistance including swift water rescues, evacuations, transportation to shelters, and downed trees on powerlines, houses and roads. Asheville Fire Department has upscaled their operations with up to 200 firefighters filling emergency response roles.

The FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina National Guard are in town to assist our rescue efforts. A FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team is in Asheville with 82 personnel and 19 vehicles including buses, tractor trailers, box trucks, tow vehicles and rescue boats. The National Guard team is assisting efforts by providing a team of 8 personnel and high profile vehicles that can navigate through flooded waters. 

Even though it may appear that the storm has passed, we want the community to understand that the devastating after effects of Helene including rising rivers, downed powerlines and power outages, flooded roads, and damaged homes will affect our community for days to come. The City of Asheville is dedicated to using all resources possible to continue to serve our community, businesses and visitors.

For non-emergency situations, please call 828-250-6650. For life threatening situations, always call 911.

9/27 at 12:33 p.m.

Boil Water Advisory

All customers are currently advised to boil water (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation). Those customers without power are advised to use bottled water for the purposes mentioned above.

Vigorous boiling for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.     

Water customers are strongly urged to conserve water whenever possible.  This advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.

9/27 at 11:14 a.m.

ART Service Update

Due to changing weather conditions and flooding, regular ART service will not resume today, 9/27. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Tomorrow, 9/28: Dependent on road conditions, service is scheduled to resume at 10:00 AM. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if there are any changes.

Stay up to date on any service changes that may affect your travel plans by checking the Service Alerts page . To get notices via text or email about changes, sign up for iRide email alerts , or text “NextART” to 41411.

9/27 at 10 a.m.

Art service to resume.

ART Services are scheduled to resume at 2:00 PM today, 9/27. Service levels will be dependent on weather and road conditions. We will provide updates if the circumstances change.

9/27 at 7:12 a.m.

City Offices closed on September 27

All City of Asheville offices will be closed on Friday, September 27. Online services including water bill pay and permit applications remain available. Emergency services and storm response remain operational.

Reminder – ART Transit services will begin at 2 p.m. today.

9/27 at 6:22 a.m.

Mandatory evacuation of the swannanoa river valley area is in place.

Due to the catastrophic rain in the area, the North Fork Reservoir auxiliary spillway has been activated. The dam is performing as designed, and the volume of water flowing downstream will increase as the storm intensifies.  Due to the high risk, a MANDATORY EVACUATION of the Swannanoa River Valley area is in place.  All residents within the designated area downstream of the reservoir are required to move to higher ground.  If you need assistance to evacuate, please call 911.

Shelter is available at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville (87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801) Explore Asheville has worked with local hotels to make rooms available for residents who are seeking shelter from the storm. Those rates are available here .

Flash Flood Warning

Emergency alert

The National Weather Service has turned a FLASH FLOOD WARNING into effect for the Asheville area until 8:15 a.m. This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under evacuation order.

9/26 at 9:45 p.m.

9/26 at 8:30 p.m..

ART SERVICE UPDATE

For tomorrow, 9/27 – Due to potentially dangerous and unknown weather conditions, ART services will begin at 2:00 PM.  This delay is also to ensure that all routes are clear and there are sufficient drivers available for operations. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if circumstances change.

9/26 at 2:30 p.m.

Asheville Rapid Transit

With the possibility of an extended boil water advisory or water outage due to severe weather from a tropical storm, City of Asheville Water Resources Department customers should include in their preparations these steps:

• Keep several gallon jugs of potable water for drinking, cooking, preparing bottles, brushing teeth and sponge baths. Keep enough for the entire family to have water for 24 to 72 hours. A good rule of thumb is to have one gallon of water for each person or pet in the household for each day you are out of water service.
• Keep several gallons of non-potable water for flushing toilets. It is advised to remember that toilets do not have to be flushed every time they are used to help conserve your water supply. The easiest ways to flush your toilet is to fill the tank with water and then flush as normal or pour water directly into the bowl until the pressure forces it to flush.
• Under any circumstances (emergency or non emergency) it is best to not flush any foreign objects other than toilet paper. Sanitary products such as wipes and feminine products should be placed in the trash. If disposed of in the toilet, it will take more water to flush the toilet and significantly increase the likelihood of clogged plumbing. 

During an extended outage in the water system, emergency responders will work to ensure potable water is available to customers. However, having an emergency preparedness plan will help you and your family be ready for an unexpected event.  

If your area is going to be affected by no water service or low water pressure during a tropical storm, an AVL Alert is the fastest and most direct way to be notified. If you are not signed up to receive AVL Alerts, please click here to do so. 

9/26 at 11:00 a.m.

Trash, recycling, and brush collection information.

Stormwater staff will  be using AVL Alerts to alert community members of issues in their more immediate area. So please make sure to sign up for AVL Alerts

Traffic / Road Closures

We are advising community members to monitor the WAZE app for real time closure and hazard information. Additionally Drive NC.gov 

The County has established a NON-Emergency line for community reports : 828-250-6650. This for things like downed trees, debris, power line concerns. Please c all 9-1-1 for life threatening situations

9/26 at 9:00 a.m. 

Additional asheville rapid transit (art) impacts, events/ facilities impacts.

• The WNC Nature Center will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Meetings / Commissions Cancellations

• All City of Asheville Board and Commission meetings Thursday and Friday are canceled.

9/25  at 8:30 p.m.

Heavy rains from Helene impact Asheville Rapid Transit (ART) routes and Parks and Recreation facility openings

Due to a road closure on Lodge St, detours are in place for ART Routes S1 & S5. 

Bus stops  along Lodge St, Sweeten Creek Rd., and London Rd., will be missed until further notice.

This includes: 170, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616 , 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649,  and 650

All Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) parks, community centers, and facilities are closed on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27 due to inclement weather. Previously scheduled activities, events, programs, and rentals are canceled during this time.

We will continue to monitor weather conditions and announce any schedule changes as they become available. Visit this page for a list of APR locations.

9/25 at 4:10 p.m.

The City of Asheville will experience heavy rainfall and strong winds beginning tomorrow as a result of Hurricane Helene.

Staff from across the City are already hard at work preparing Asheville to weather the rain and wind forecasted to come our way. 

Asheville Fire is proactively preparing for major weather impacts by activating specialty teams to include boat teams, saw teams, team leaders, safety officers, battalion and division chiefs for the duration of the weather event. This will allow Asheville Fire to continue to provide excellent service to the community while these personnel will respond to storm related emergencies. 

Stormwater crews have been inspecting construction sites for on-going stormwater projects,  clearing debris from flood prone areas, testing equipment in preparation of restoration efforts, and clearing storm drain grates. 

City of Asheville staff across strategic departments will be on call and available to respond throughout the storm. Staff are meeting to coordinate preparation and response throughout this weather event to adjust plans as needed. 

The National Weather Service  forecasts 10 to 15 inches of rain are expected to accumulate in the Asheville area with potential for flash or localized flooding. You can follow updates at The National Weather Service website .

Tips to Prepare

• Be Prepared.   Develop an emergency plan and create an emergency kit .  Visit NCReady for additional information. Inform yourself about floods.
• Keep a supply of fresh water and non-perishable food on hand.
• Fuel your vehicles. 
• Clean out storm drains near your home or business, removing any debris.
• Create an inventory of your personal property and its approximate value. Save receipts from expensive items.
• Have a battery-operated flashlight.
• Have a battery-operated radio, TV, or internet access that does not rely on electricity.
• Do not approach downed power lines. Report a down power line here. 
• Sign up for AVL Alerts .

Driving Tips: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Due to the potential of fast moving storm waters or flash flooding, the City of Asheville advises community members to use caution on the roads. If possible, travel when only necessary.  If you must travel, the City will be updating on the AVL Alert system and updating maps on Waze to provide updated road information.  As always, when there’s the potential of high water on the road, the phrase to keep in mind is: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Where to follow for information

Asheville Fire Department

During storm-related emergencies, the City of Asheville’s Fire Department is the lead agency to coordinate and manage the action plan and operations during the incident. As always, Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

City of Asheville

You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.

The Waze App   will be a source of information on road closures and hazards.

Impacted Services or Events  

As our community prepares for a weekend of wind and rain, it’s important to note some scheduled services, activities and events have been or have the potential to be impacted.

Parks &  Recreation

• Amboy Riverfront Park
• Azalea Park
• Azalea Dog Park
• Carrier Park
• Craven Street Bridge Boat Access Area
• French Broad River Park
• French Broad River Dog Park
• Jean Webb Park
• Pearson Bridge River Access Area
• Recreation Park
• Riverbend Park

Sanitation 

• City of Asheville waste collection will run as scheduled. If any trash or recycling is missed Thursday due to weather-related issues, it will be collected Monday. Normal brush collection routes may be delayed in order to assist with emergency operations.

ART services 

• There are no disruptions to Transit schedules at this time. Any delays or route changes will be communicated and noticed through iRide and Transit app
• The Block Party Career Fair scheduled for September 26 has been canceled.
• Aston Park Tennis Center and the Municipal Golf  Course are open until weather dictates a closure, and will reopen as possible. Please call the clubhouses in advance to check the status.
• AFD Fire Prevention Kick off event scheduled at the outlets on September 28 has been canceled.