Planning family travel has never been so complicated. Before hitting the road, there are tons of questions to ask about safety, comfort levels, and bringing together family members who live in different places, especially when it comes to a multigenerational trip or that first big vacation with young kids. (Of course, there’s always the option of ripping up the holiday travel calendar entirely.) But regardless of how big or small your summer plans may be, we have plenty of ideas for how to capture the essence—and joy—of travel over the coming months, from places to stay both near and far, to trip ideas that cater to your kid's latest obsession. Plus, inspiration for future trips down the line (cue the best kid-friendly cruise itineraries to book now) and heaps of advice from well-traveled parents.
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Family Travel
Summer inspiration and advice
Cruise
7 Family Cruises to Book Right Now
From the first rollercoaster at sea to quieter kids-only programming, every member of the family gets the vacation they want on these ships.
By Fran Golden
Family Travel
Family Travel Experiences Catering to Your Kid’s Latest Obsession, From Dinosaur Digs to Rocket Launches
Plan a vacation that lets your young ones live out their ultimate fantasies.
By Debra Kamin
Family Travel
What to Pack for a Family Beach Trip, According to Well-Traveled Parents
From waterproof phone cases to tents you can open with one hand.
By Nila Do Simon
Places to stay
Family Travel
13 Airbnbs That Will Fit Your Whole Family
Whether you're the Hawaii, Disney World, or Grand Canyon-type.
By Meredith Carey and Alex Erdekian
Family Travel
The Best Family Resorts in Hawaii for Your Next Getaway
From Maui to Kauai, these spots will keep everyone in the family happy.
By Alex Erdekian and CNT Editors
Places to Stay
22 Airbnbs We'd Rent Just for Their Pools
Luxurious rentals around the world, all with private pools you won't want to leave.
By Madison Flager and Jamie Spain
Inspiration
The Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
Searching closer to home for a coastal family getaway this year? From Puerto Rico to Wisconsin, Americans can get creative in their quest for sun and sand.
By Regan Stephens
News & Advice
How to School Your Children from Anywhere, According to People Who Have Done It
With remote work on the rise it's easier than ever to relocate abroad with school-age kids—a feat these families have accomplished.
By Iona Brannon
Planning
- Family Travel
The Best Vacations for Kids at Every Age: A Trip Guide for Parents
You have 18 summers with your kids before they're too cool to travel with you. Here's how to make every year count.By CNT Editors - Family Travel
The Complete Guide to Family Travel
Vacation ideas, gear and toys, and true stories from very honest parents.By CNT Editors - Shopping
How to Plan a Seamless Family Camping Trip
Step-by-step guidance on finding a campsite during high season, easy and delicious meal ideas, and games that'll turn your kids into lifelong campers.By Lauren Matison - The New Standard
Can We Take a Family Vacation If Our Kids Haven’t Received the COVID-19 Vaccine Yet?
In our Ethical Traveler advice column, we tackle the tricky moral dilemmas and questions that arise when traveling during a pandemic.By Debra Kamin - Family Travel
How to Ensure Your Family Sits Together on a Plane
Even in basic economy.By Jessica Puckett
Traveling with babies
- Family Travel
Everything You Need to Know Before Flying With a Baby or Young Kids
Everything you need to know before flying with an infant or young child, according to parents who have been there—done that.By Noah Kaufman and Jessica Chapel - Adventure
Camping With a Toddler Isn't Easy, But I Promise It's Worth It
What one single mother learned from a first camping trip with her young son.By Rachel May - News & Advice
Why You Should Enroll Your Baby in Airline Loyalty Programs
Everything you need to know to get your little one earning airline perks.By Sarah Firshein - Solo Travel
What I Learned While Traveling Alone With a Baby
How to deal with a baby solo on trains, planes, and automobiles.By Sarah Firshein - Shopping
How Do I Convince My Husband to Go to Europe With Our Two Small Children?
In this month's Women Who Travel advice column, we answer one mother's question about taking that first big trip with kids.By Megan Spurrell - Women Who Travel
A Primer to Breastfeeding and Pumping While Traveling
What to know about everything from pumping pods to getting breast milk through TSA.By Cassie Shortsleeve - Family Travel
How to Survive a Red-Eye Flight With a Baby
The baby might sleep—but will you?By Sarah Firshein - Shopping
Traveling With an Infant: 6 Things I Learned on Our First Big Trip
Lessons and surprises when two becomes three.By Sarah Firshein
Family Travel
The 7 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families
Tick every box on your (and your kids') wish lists, from indulgent spa offerings to fluffy resident alpacas.
By Debra Kamin
Our favorite gear
- Shopping
15 Gift Ideas for Budding Travelers
Kids of any age can explore the world through these well-chosen goodies.By Juliet Izon - Style & Culture
29 Children’s Books That Will Teach Your Kids About the World
These travel books for kids, recommended by librarians and bookstore owners, will tide you over until your next family vacation.By Caitlin Morton and Kat Chen - Family Travel
9 Items That Make Flying Alone With Kids Less Stressful
Hands-free or bust.By Juliet Izon - Shopping
13 Products That Make Traveling with a Baby Easier
From car seats to compact strollers.By Cassie Shortsleeve - Family Travel
11 Beach Essentials for Families with Babies
Streamline the packing process with these pieces of beach gear.By Nila Do Simon - Shopping
The Essential Disney Packing List
I've visited the most magical place on earth more than a hundred times—here's what I always pack.By Megan duBois
Kid friendly activities
- Destinations
15 Best Things to Do With Kids in New York City
A family trip can include famous landmarks and museums, but also range across the city to new playgrounds and public parks along the waterfront and surprising green spaces that will delight visitors.By Sunshine Flint - Destinations
15 Best Things to Do in Paris With Kids
Dinner boats, dragon slides, amusement parks: you'd think this city was built for little ones.By Daisy de Plume - Destinations
10 Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids
It's not all espressos and aperetivo hours. Rome has plenty to do with little ones.By Maresa Manara - Destinations
Best Things to Do With Kids in Barcelona
There’s loads to keep kids engaged and off the iPad, whether they’re into soccer, science, animals or ice cream.By Gemma Askham - Destinations
12 Fun Things To Do in Austin with Kids
If anyone is keeping the city's famous slogan—Keep Austin Weird—alive and well, it's the half-pints.By Stirling Kelso - Destinations
12 Things to Do in New Orleans With Kids (That Are Fun for You, Too)
The best of New Orleans when you're visiting with kids.By Stirling Kelso - Destinations
12 Best Things to Do in Tokyo With Kids
If your kids like ninjas, samurai, giant robots, and playful animals—and, really, who doesn’t?—they’re going to love Tokyo.By Diana Hubbell
Places to Stay
The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in London
Among the top picks are some icons you might not expect, happy to mix elegance and inclusivity for intergenerational stays.
By Rosalyn Wikeley
Family Travel
17 Parenting Hacks I Picked Up Traveling the World With My Toddler
The best tips that helped Ashlea Halpern survive a three-month, six-continent trip with her toddler.
By Ashlea Halpern
Inspiration
On a Mother-Daughter Trip to the Peloponnese, I Found New Ways to Carry My Greek Heritage
Visiting my family’s ancestral village helped me remember how travel can help us find new beginnings at home.
By Shannon McMahon
Inspiration
Companion Fare: Personal Essays About Traveling With Loved Ones
No matter your relationship, traveling with a loved one is a uniquely intimate adventure. You see places—and each other—anew.
By Charlie Hobbs and Matt Ortile
Family Travel
How We Spent Our Family Vacation: A Nine-Day Safari in Botswana
Where a family of seven relaxed in hammocks, flew over the Delta, and exhilarated in thrilling wildlife encounters.
By Jordi Lippe-McGraw
Air Travel
How to Get Global Entry for Kids—Without Paying the $120 Fee
Seven expert tips to know before getting Global Entry for your kids, including how to nab a last-minute appointment.
By Kat Chen and Judy Koutsky
Places to Stay
14 Family-Friendly Paris Hotels That Set a New Bar for Kid-Focused Amenities
Traveling with children in tow? These are the Parisian hotels ready to cater to every situation.
By Luciana Bellini and Rosalyn Wikeley
Shopping
12 Items That Parents of Young Children Never Travel Without
We asked parents to share the one piece of gear they swear by for flights, road trips, and more.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
Shopping
The Best Diaper Bags, According to Traveling Parents
Parents' top picks from Dagne Dover, L.L.Bean, MZ Wallace, and more.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
Women Who Travel
In Taiwan, Tracing a Travel Writer’s Legacy—Alongside My Mother's Own
On a research trip to Taiwan, writer Kat Chen studies late Taiwanese memoirist Sanmao and gains a new understanding of her mother.
By Kat Chen
Family Travel
The Best Cities for Overnight Layovers With Kids
Do it right and it’s like taking two vacations in one.
By Ashlea Halpern
Inspiration
15 Graduation Trip Ideas for Every Budget
Finally, some time to run and play.
By Megan Spurrell and Jessica Chapel
Places to Stay
The Best Family Hotels in Greece
Our favorite beachside stays that the whole crew will love.
By Lauren Burvill and Annabelle Spranklen
Inspiration
4 Parents Share Their Tips for Enjoying Barcelona as a Family
From Gaudí's quirky imprint on the city to stroller-friendly public transportation, here's what makes Barcelona one of Europe's most family-friendly cities.
By Hannah Towey
Inspiration
On a Family Trip Before College, Discovering Just the Right Time to Finally Do Europe
After decades of delays, a trip through Italy together turned out to be the perfect end of an era.
By Rebecca Misner
The Daily
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