One of the most challenging parts of parenthood is looking for affordable vacations for your family. Yet whether your dreams consist of a fun-filled trip within the U.S., or a jaunt that’s a bit more far-flung, you’d be amazed how many of this year’s best family vacations offer something for every member of the family.
Best Family Vacations for 2018: Awesome Places to Visit this Year
1. All-Inclusive Warm-Weather Getaways
An all-inclusive resort where kids stay free may seem like it’s too much to expect in the exotic Caribbean or festive Mexico. But there’s a surprising number of resorts specialize in creating affordable vacations for families. When planning fun family getaways, you’ll appreciate the organizational help of a well-established chain such as Holiday Inn or Palace Resorts. These resorts make reserving rooms, ordering meals, and planning activities easy.
You’ll usually find that kid-friendly, all-inclusive resorts situated on smooth beaches with gentle waves for younger swimmers, yet also provide cool pool areas for teens and adults to hang out.
Along with kids’ activities, all-inclusive resorts feature special areas that cater to adults, like spas and golf. These adult-friendly activities are common in warm weather family resorts. But most of them allow two kids under 12 stay free, and the meals are all-inclusive.
Look for similar deals for best family vacations elsewhere in Cancun and other popular areas within Mexico. You’ll also find these family resorts in the Bahamas, as well as Caribbean destinations such as Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua.
2. All-American Best Family Vacations
History, breathtaking views and affordable family fun are within a day’s drive for most Americans. Cross-country trips are equally tempting!
California’s Disneyland and Florida’s Disney World are at the top of most kids’ wish list. And why not indulge them? Plenty of affordable family-friendly resorts and motels surround both of these world-famous parks.
In addition to budget-friendly places to stay near both of the Disney parks, scores of other attractions are to be found. Disneyland is near Knott’s Berry Farm and Adventure City, for example, while Disney World’s neighbors include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort (home of that now-iconic teen and preteen favorite, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter).
Interested more in Americana than you are on amusement park rides? Check out historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C. These areas are not only crucial places for your family’s budding patriots to visit, but both locations have plenty of kid-friendly activities and affordable local lodging.
If you really want to get your kids away from their gadgets and your spouse away from work woes, go where unplugging isn’t just preferred — it’s required! America’s natural parks offer millions of acres of hiking, camping, swimming, fishing and animal spotting, all at affordable prices. Pack up the RV and go to famous national parks like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Yellowstone — all of which make great places to hike, camp, roast hot dogs — and make great memories. If you’re concerned about crowds and don’t have a lot of time for your vacation, don’t worry. State parks are also plentiful, and there’s sure to be one near you.
3. Journey to Exotic Lands
Are you the type to beat your friends to all the hottest travel spots? There’s no reason to stop now that you’re a parent, even if you’ll have your brood with you. According to Travel + Leisure magazine, there are still plenty of undiscovered, vacation-friendly travel destinations to explore in 2018 — as well as some that are making a comeback.
Among the magazine’s picks for trips that provide adventure mixed with great food and reasonable lodging is colorful Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen is being rediscovered by tourists because it’s on the leading edge of the “new Nordic food” craze.
Are you tired of the usual beaches? Check out a completely different kind of waterfront vacation on Mauritius, an island off the coast of Africa famous for its Indian Ocean beaches. This exotic spot has become more accessible of late because it is allowing more daily flights.
For a taste of Old Europe with beaches, ancient villages and wineries to explore, consider Šolta, an island off the coast of Croatia. The area is still relatively undiscovered, but improved ferry service makes it easier to plan a family vacation around.
Hungry for more best family vacations? Watch this video from MindChop and check out the top vacation spots in the world!
No matter what you’re planning, don’t settle for less than a trip which meets your budget, provides the right blend of comfort, safety and adventure for your crew — and which, most importantly, provides plenty of opportunities to spend time together.
Do you know other places for the best family vacation this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
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