#family-travel

#family-travel

It isn't farfetched to say that train-loving is a rite of passage for many young kids. The sound of the engines, the well-dressed conductor, the tickets - it's a lot to take in as a young person. So it's fitting then, that train-focused attractions and hotels are SUCH a thing, especially here in America, where train travel once was the main innovative connector.

When Ellis and Scotty Harry welcomed their second child, Bennett, in September 2024, they knew they wanted to celebrate by doing something memorable-and maybe just a little ambitious. They were also staring down a long Pacific Northwest winter with a toddler and a newborn, which made the idea of flying south especially tempting. "We wanted to go somewhere warm but still mountainous," says Ellis. "We love a beach vacation, but after a week, we're ready to move on. Chile gave us summer in February and the dramatic landscapes we crave."

The secret (according to me) is to anticipate the unexpected, which is why a "just in case" bag is a must-have. From dead phone batteries to cranky kids who refuse to sleep, I've curated 10 carry-on "just in case" items that have proven their worth on countless trips. Whether facing a delayed flight, a forgotten essential, or the general chaos that comes with traveling as a family, these picks will help make traveling with kids easier-not perfect, but easier.

As a parent to two young kids, traveling can be exhausting, and lugging around excess baggage is the last thing I want. So, this summer, my husband and I decided to try only packing carry-ons - three backpacks, two small suitcases, one weekender bag, and one laptop bag - for our family's monthlong vacation to the UK. We navigated rainstorms in London, cooler nights in Cambridge, heatwaves, and the occasional delayed train, but never once felt as though we underpacked.

One of my greatest joys in life is traveling with my children, who range in age from 10 to 15 years old. We regularly take road trips throughout the United States and they have also been to various destinations in Africa, Europe, and Asia over the years. As much as I enjoy these trips, I often feel like I am forcing my children to live out my travel dreams when we spend the night freezing in the desert

Located a five-minute (private and always on hand) shuttle ride away from the Nobu Hotel Marrakech, the buyout-only Nobu Riad is within haggling distance of the Jemaa El Fna Square and souks. Once a nobleman's private residence, the property was previously rented by the room until Nobu (and owners of Puente Romano Marbella, Nobu Hotel Marbella, and the upcoming Nobu Beach Inn) acquired it in 2020 and transformed it into a design-focused upscale abode.

One of the biggest shifts has been a growing demand for unique experiences. By taking advantage of flexible work opportunities, more Americans are embracing the appeal of a digital nomad lifestyle. What was once seen as an option mainly for solo travelers and young couples is now growing among a new demographic: families. Recent studies show that digital nomad families have increased in 2025, with about 15% of digital nomads now traveling with their children.

When you think of Orlando, visions of Disney World, Universal Studios, sunshine, and palm trees will likely pop into your head. And while Orlando is home to some of the best and newest theme parks in the world, it also plays host to some incredible Airbnbs with enough rooms to house an entire cast of characters-or your extended family. Whether you're looking for a top-rated Airbnb in Orlando that's a little more subdued, where relaxation and winter sun are top of mind,

"I made them hold those signs,"

My 3-year-old daughter and I enjoy vacationing at all-inclusive resorts as a worry-free way of bonding. When activities and dining are included in the upfront fee for the stay, it's easy to stay flexible - and I like that I don't need to stress about budgeting as we go. Since our 2024 trip to Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico was so fun, I wanted to try an all-inclusive stay again this year with a different brand.

It actually started about four years ago. Carlos heard about this reputable program out of state. We looked it up, joined the waitlist, and in 2021, he went with our oldest son for the first time. Since then, we've gone every year.

The ultimate set-up is a large suite or chalet-style space within a hotel, with your own lounge area. Are the balconies safe? Ostensibly a strange question, but I continually see furniture placed next to balconies (a hazard for excitable children when heads are turned) and swiftly pull it right back or even into the bedroom. I always ring up ahead and check that the bathrooms aren't clad in slippery marble floors, and if so, if they provide several rubber mats.

She had run out while on vacation, and her 2-year-old son desperately needed to be put down for a nap. So in the rain, wearing heels, the clock ticking toward a messy and imminent deadline, she hopped on an electric rental scooter that she did not know how to ride. Every place she tried seemed to have fancy face creams but no diapers. She didn't know the French word to ask for them.

Seattle is an exceptionally kid-centric city thanks to its plentiful activities and family-friendly hotels and Airbnbs. It's a place where orcas breach within sight of skyscrapers, boats zip around the waterways, and the smell of salt air mingles with freshly caught-and tossed-fish.

New Zealand's North Island offers diverse family adventures, from Auckland's food scene to Māori cultural experiences in the Bay of Islands and magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

The Westgate Town Center Resort in Kissimmee offers affordable family fun with attractions such as Shipwreck Island Water Park and a Jurassic Park Mini-Golf Course, complemented by various dining options.

Traveling back to London with my mom, now as a mother to my own 8-year-old, felt equal parts nostalgic, fun, and refreshing. We saw the world in Notting Hill and browsed antique maps at the amazing Portobello Print & Map Shop.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 leans hard into that advantage. Built on Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), its flat floor and six- or seven-seat layouts make it a proper lounge on wheels.

For Jo Piazza and Nick Aster, a camper van trip through the national parks of Colorado and Utah was a way to reconnect with adventures they loved pre-kids.

To survive long road trips, comfort is key. I encourage my kids to wear whatever makes them feel the most relaxed. My older kids usually wear sweats while my youngest often wears pajamas.

Scotland offers fantastical landscapes and character-building activities for children, along with family-friendly hotels providing cosy shelter after packed itinerary days.

In popular German tourism destinations, hundreds of hotels and resorts cater specifically to families, offering amenities like playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities.

Airport concierge services like SkySquad at BWI can meet families curbside to assist with check-in, carry bags, and help navigate security, offering relief for travelers with children.

With my kids, everything new we do depends on the delivery. Knowing that they would moan if I simply said, 'Everyone needs to roll their own carry-on,' I decided to invest in cute, fun bags for them.

The Iberian Multi-Generational Adventure Cruise focuses on quality family time by bringing generations together to create meaningful moments and experiences during a sun-washed journey along the Iberian Peninsula.

Jumby Bay Island in Antigua is refined yet relaxed, chic yet unpretentious, with nearly everything included, from meals and drinks to activities to a kids club.

At first, our family's trip to Bora Bora felt like the ultimate tropical escape - there's nothing quite like relaxing in a beautiful overwater bungalow above crystal-clear water at a resort in French Polynesia.

Sonoma offers a charming, laid-back pace perfect for families, showcasing that Wine Country can be enjoyable for travelers of all ages, not just adults.

The Iconn E4 XK embodies Lifestyle Campers' iconic Aussie legacy, offering a spacious layout and versatile kitchen, making it perfect for adventurous families.

Money-Conscious Campers often think camping is cheaper than other vacations, but costs can add up; planning ahead and researching campsites can help save money.