Ideal Destinations for Family Travel

If they haven’t already, now is the time for family travelers to start thinking about their 2023 vacation(s). From tropical adventures filled with sunshine and beach time to city-focused getaways packed with culture and entertainment, here are five?destinations?around the world that families love.

Oahu

The island of?Oahu?is a favorite destination among family travelers with plenty of activities for vacationers of all ages. From animal-focused experiences like the Honolulu Zoo, Sea Life Park Hawaii and the Waikiki Aquarium to interesting attractions like the Hawaiian Railway Society and Kualoa Ranch, there’s something for everyone.

In addition to entertainment, Oahu is home to a variety of kid-friendly digs like Ko Olina Resort and Turtle Bay Resort. Or, for groups looking for a taste of Disney Magic west of the mainland U.S., travelers can book a stay at?Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa?where they can interact with popular characters, embark on exciting excursions and more.?????

Norway

Speaking of Disney, kiddos will love seeing their favorite characters come to life with a Frozen-inspired adventure in Norway. After a February 2023 announcement from Disney’s Bob Iger, Norway can expect another jump in family travelers with the anticipated release of Frozen 3. While the film may be fictional, some scenes were inspired by very real places. Take for example Akershus Fortress which acted as the model for Elsa and Anna’s castle or St. Olaf’s Church, the inspiration for the chapel in which Elsa was crowned Queen of Arendelle.

In addition to movie-inspired adventures, Norway has plenty of options for every type of traveler to enjoy. For a fun and informative stop, visitors can spend some time at one of the region’s many niche museums including the Viking Ship Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum and The Holmenkollen Ski Museum. Or, for thrill-seeking vacationers, travelers can get outdoors with activities like biking, hiking, skiing, fishing, dog sledding and more.?

Los Angeles

Sunny California is making its way to many families' vacation wish list thanks to the?recent openingof Universal Studios Hollywood’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The new immersive and interactive land invites travelers to enter the familiar world of Mushroom Kingdom where they can explore and play alongside beloved characters like Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.

In addition to catching thrills at?Universal, travelers will love checking off classic to-dos in Hollywood. From famous museums and attractions like Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and The Getty to sights unique to the area like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Monica Pier, there really is no place quite like?LA. For a fun road trip just outside the city, families can visit popular spots like Malibu, Anaheim and Long Beach, CA too.

St. Maarten

For a tropical family escape, the West Indies is always a fan favorite. Beloved for its crystal-clear blue waters, gorgeous stretches of white sand beaches and abundance of diverse wildlife, the Caribbean is an unmissable destination for travelers of all ages.

St. Maarten?is a popular choice among family travelers, and with plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation and adventure, it’s not hard to see why. Nature lovers can spend their time exploring local attractions like Loterie Farm, Butterfly Farm, Parotte Ville Bird Park and Tiki Hut Snorkel Park. Then, for some St. Maarten history and sightseeing, travelers can visit iconic spots like Front Street, Fort Amsterdam and the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, a special effects museum dedicated to one man’s love of puppets, movie magic and Star Wars.

Cabo San Lucas

Families looking to experience a new side of Mexico might consider heading to Cabo San Lucas. While pricier than Cancun, travelers love Cabo for its luxurious hotels, dreamy beaches, rugged landscape and family-friendly vibe. And all-inclusive-loving travelers need not fret, there are still plenty of hotels and all-inclusive resorts to choose from in this stunning destination.

As for things to do, families can head to the ocean for a taste of aquatic fun in the form of whale watching, swimming, parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking and even a?Cabo Submarine tour. Or, for those who prefer to stay on dry land, vacationers young and old can try their hand at exciting activities like horseback riding, zip lining, off-roading and more. Alternatively, travelers can lean into the area’s luxurious reputation with a visit to a high-end spa or resort for a relaxing day in paradise.?????

Paris

A well-rounded destination for arts and culture, great food, and iconic sights, the City of Lights is unlike anywhere else in the world. And while the city is famously home to picture-perfect monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Arc de Triomphe, what travelers might not know is that Paris is home to over?2,185 historical and contemporary monuments making it a fantastic place to learn and explore.?

With so many exciting attractions, visitors will never run out of things to do. As for family travelers, attractions like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the Menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes, Jardin d’Acclimatation, Disneyland Paris and Les Catacombes take the cake. The destination is also home to a variety of family-friendly tours geared towards travelers of all ages including scavenger hunts, food tours, hop on hop off bus tours and more.