The Best Family Vacations Ideas for 2025 and 2026
- Emily's Travel
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
The idea of planning a family vacation looks different for everyone these days. For some, it’s parents and kids packing up for adventure. For others, it’s the whole crew—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—coming together for a true multi-generational trip. However you define family, the goal is the same: time together, memories made, and a vacation that keeps everyone happy (yes, even the teenagers!).
What “The Best Family Vacation Idea” Really Means 🌟
Our travelers don’t want cookie-cutter trips—they want vacations that fit their family’s unique style. For some, that means total relaxation: beach days, kids’ clubs, and worry-free downtime. Others crave adventure: hiking, ziplining, or chasing wildlife on excursions. Many families prefer a mix of everything—a trip that balances pool time with cultural experiences with naps in between.
And more and more, families are seeking luxury touches: private suites, curated experiences, intimate excursions, or even butler service to make everything seamless.
No matter your family’s travel needs, the best vacation is one that leaves every generation feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. That’s where we come in—helping you match your vision to the right destination and style of travel.
The Best Family Vacation Travel Options
Here's our top family vacation ideas for 2025 and 2026:
Family Vacation All-Inclusive Resorts 🌴
The ease of checking into a resort where everything is taken care of—meals, activities, entertainment, and kids’ clubs—makes all-inclusives a top choice for families and multi-gen groups.
– Hotel Xcaret México, Riviera Maya: This isn’t just a resort stay—it’s a gateway to eco-adventure. Families get unlimited access to Xcaret’s parks, cenotes, and cultural shows, blending fun with discovery.
– AVA Resort Cancun: One of the newest family-friendly resorts in Mexico, this modern property was designed with kids and teens in mind. Spacious ocean-view rooms, lively pools, and plenty of dining options make it perfect for large groups traveling together.
– Nickelodeon Riviera Maya: With its Aqua Nick waterpark, character dining, and themed suites, this resort is a dream for little ones and still has plenty to keep older siblings and parents entertained.
💡 Why it works for multi-gen: Kids dive into the waterpark, grandparents enjoy the spa, and parents get a chance to slip away for a quiet dinner—everyone has space to enjoy their own version of vacation.
Family Vacation Cruise Options 🚢
Cruises remain one of the easiest ways for families and multi-gen groups to vacation together. With dining, entertainment, kids’ clubs, and shore excursions all built in, it’s simple to balance together time with individual freedom.
– Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas (Caribbean): Packed with thrills, splash zones, family suites, and onboard neighborhoods designed to spread out comfortably—this ship truly has something for every age.
– MSC World America (Caribbean): Launching with “The Harbour,” a brand-new family zone featuring splash parks, ziplines, and endless dining, it’s ideal for large groups traveling together.
– Disney, Princess & Royal Caribbean (Alaska): Glacier viewing, whale watching, dog sledding, and cultural experiences bring nature to life for kids, parents, and grandparents alike. Choose itineraries with Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier for the biggest wow factor.
💡 Why it works for multi-gen: Kids can join adventure clubs, grandparents can enjoy panoramic lounges, and parents can mix excursions with downtime—everyone comes together at the end of the day with stories to share.
Best Europe Family Travel Options 🌍
Seeing Europe with kids doesn’t have to mean juggling hotels and trains. (Unless your family is into that type of adventure! In that case, we're happy to show you seamless tour options, too!) Cruises—both ocean and river—offer the simplest way for families to explore together while keeping the ship as home base. We're seeing Europe cruise options rise to the top as a "Best Family Travel" option.
– Mediterranean Cruises: Sail to iconic ports like Rome, Barcelona, and Naples. Parents and grandparents can savor the culture, while kids enjoy hands-on activities like pizza-making, scavenger hunts, and beach time.
– Specialty Luxury River Cruises: While most river cruises are adult-only, select luxury river cruise lines offer departures where children are welcome. These sailings balance curated cultural experiences with family-friendly touches, giving every generation something to enjoy.
💡 Why it works for multi-gen: Grandparents can dive into history and culture, kids get hands-on fun, and parents enjoy the ease of unpacking once—while still experiencing Europe in style.
United States Family Travel Options
Closer to home, the U.S. offers iconic family destinations that bring generations together—especially with world-famous theme parks and unforgettable national parks.
– Theme Parks (Florida & California): From Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld in Florida to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood in California, these parks are designed for families of all ages. With rides, shows, parades, and plenty of dining options, there’s no shortage of excitement.
– National Parks: Families love exploring Everglades National Park in Florida for its wildlife and airboat tours, while California’s Yosemite and Joshua Tree deliver breathtaking hikes, starry skies, and scenic landscapes.
The Most popular Trend of 2026: Luxury Family Travel ✨
Luxury travel isn’t just for honeymooners—it’s trending for families too. Upgrading your vacation can make traveling with kids, parents, and grandparents much easier:
– Booking larger suites or connecting rooms so everyone has space.
– Choosing more private resorts or cruise ships with less people.
– Adding butler service to handle family needs.
– Flying in premium cabins for comfort on long-haul trips.
– Designing exclusive excursions that bring generations together.
Luxury touches smooth the edges of multi-gen travel so the focus stays on quality time, not logistics.
Why Plan With Emily’s Travel
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, grandparents—or all of the above—Emily’s Travel designs vacations that actually work for families. We secure family suites, pace itineraries around nap times, and handle all the details so you can focus on the joy of traveling together.
✨ Ready to plan your family’s next adventure? Whether it’s an all-inclusive in Mexico, a brand-new cruise ship, a national park road trip, or a Mediterranean sailing—we’ll make it happen.
Emily's Travel Inc. is an award winning team of experienced travel advisors based in Minnesota, dedicated to crafting unique and unforgettable worldwide vacations. With decades of expertise in booking cruises, resorts and international trips for individuals, couples, families, friends, and groups, we are your go-to choice for all your travel needs. Our true specialty at heart is coordinating and managing destination weddings, vow renewals and honeymoons for couples and groups around the world as well. Please visit our website for comprehensive information about our travel options, agency details, or to request a trip with one of our expert advisors. Explore Emily's Travel blog, which features our best travel tips and inspiration! For the latest travel deals and updates, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.