How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation this Summer
A family vacation is one of those rare times when everyone can step away from their daily routines and enjoy each other’s company. While planning can become overwhelming when trying to balance everyone’s travel wishes, there’s a destination out there to suit every family. But there’s one thing every destination has in common and it’s that you get to watch moments of connection unfold. At the end of the day, it’s not just about where you go but the time you spend together that truly makes a family vacation, well, a family vacation. Below are just a few ideas to spark inspiration to break from routine
Cruising to New Horizons
The first step to a family vacation is deciding on a destination that aligns with the interests of everyone involved. Antarctica might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of “vacation,” but this summer offers a chance to change it up and visit a place most only dream about. Just think: after some days of fine dining and spa treatments out at sea, you suddenly find yourself sipping champagne in your oceanview suite, watching the Antarctic sun dip below the horizon while the kids enjoy youthful activities onboard. You’ll realize this is not just a vacation; it’s your family’s journey to the planet’s final frontier.
Upper premium and luxury cruises can offer an exciting way to explore the world, with many cruise lines having ports on all seven continents. If your family seeks adventure, expedition cruises offer a unique opportunity to tick off new destinations on your bucket list. Lindblad Expeditions, for example, is an upper premium cruise that offers the opportunity to travel aboard the National Geographic Explorer, which voyages across the Atlantic Ocean from pole to pole each year, spending winters in Antarctica and summers in the Arctic.
All-inclusive expedition cruises can also travel far to meet the frozen blue waters of Antarctica. On these kinds of cruises, the smallest details are taken care of for you so you can kayak through glacial bays or deep-dive in a submersible to explore ocean depths, and even get an up-close look at volcanic cones and cliffs. It may be different from your past travels, but the new is exciting, and witnessing penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitats is sure to leave a lasting impression.
For Families Seeking Warmer Adventures
But the cold isn’t for everyone. So if you’re thinking more of tropical beaches and sun tans, the Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. This is the smallest country in Africa yet it offers visitors some of the most incredible blue waters, sandy beaches, and tropical surroundings. It is the perfect destination for those seeking to unwind on soft, sandy beaches, snorkel in the shallow waters with tropical fish, or simply relax under the shade of palm trees.
To name a few specific islands, Anse Intendance is a stretch of beach with an untouched shore that feels like your own private oasis. It is quite an escape from the outside world. Anse Source d’Argent is another notable island that is known for its striking granite rock formations and crystal clear shallow water. There are also various nature trails nearby so there is always a chance to adventure away!
Explore the Great Outdoors
Speaking of land adventures, you can explore the famous Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s Patagonia region. This is perfect for those who have always wanted to trek in the Chilean Patagonia. The Chilean Fjords have some of the most dramatic and pristine glaciers and waterways that nature has to offer. On the other hand, Torres del Paine National Park is a bit more popular—and for good reasons. With its granite towers, turquoise lakes, and the possibility of spotting the region’s wildlife, the park offers trails for all skill levels. From family-friendly walks to multi-day treks like the famous W Circuit.
You could also head over to Alberton Orchards for a scenic hike around the Albertan Gorge in Montana. Hiking vacations at Alberton Orchards go far beyond the trails, offering activities for all ages. The destination provides an all-inclusive and fully customizable experience that blends a western-style ranch with agrotourism found in Tuscany, giving you the best of both worlds. This destination is famous for its whitewater rafting and fly-fishing, but you can also go dirt biking and target shooting at their on-site gun range. A perfect way to bond with your family in the middle of Montana’s warm and tranquil landscapes, unwinding with farm-to-table cuisine and a glass of wine from the orchard’s vineyard.
These are just a few destinations that offer an opportunity to step away from the usual and reconnect with the people who matter most. Wherever you choose to go, let this summer be about experiencing something new and making lasting memories as a family.
