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21 Best Summer Family Vacations To Take This Year
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21 Best Summer Family Vacations To Take This Year
Sunny days, water fun, and some quality time with the whole family… This is the recipe for the best summer family vacations. Each year parents worldwide work hard on finding the right destination for the perfect family trip. So to help you in your quest, we created the perfect summer family vacations guide with gems worldwide.
From private sailing cruises in the Greek islands to the best selection of state parks in the U.SA, here are the top recommendations by parents of the Gowhee App.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, and your favorite beachwear, and make this summer family vacation count!
1. São Miguel, Azores Islands
São Miguel is a natural paradise with opportunities for the best summer family vacations, thanks to its incredible wildlife and nature’s playground. It’s one of the world’s coolest destinations for families. It’s the largest island in the Azores, and kids love seeing the whales and dolphins that play in its waters.
Where To Stay: The Quinta da Mao guest houses are right in the middle of the island and have everything you need.
Nearby Attractions: Parque Terra Nostra is an incredible garden with a thermal pool.
>>> Get 10% OFF your stay at the Quinta Da Mao Guesthouse, with your Gowhee App Membership.
2. Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a charming Portuguese hill town where visitors can discover whimsical palaces, extravagant villas, and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. It’s right out of a fairy tale!
Where To Stay: The Chalet Saudade vintage guest house is charming and quaint but has all the modern amenities and conveniences you could want.
Nearby Attractions: The Pena National Palace is a beautiful work of architecture surrounded by gardens and parks.
>>> Get 10% OFF your nightly rate at Chalet Saudade, with your Gowhee App membership.
3. San Diego, California
San Diego has loads of fun things to do, with attractions that kids will remember forever. These include Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and the many museums and cultural treasures at Balboa Park. We all know that the best summer family vacations always include some form of beach time! Well San Diego has that too as well as incredible hotels to make the experience complete.
Where To Stay: The San Diego Bayfront Hilton, which has great pools for the kids to splash in.
Nearby Attractions: Balboa Park is a hub for San Diego activities– it’s home to over sixteen museums, multiple performing arts venues, cultural experiences, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Salt Lake City is a safe, walkable city on the shores of the gorgeous Great Salt Lake, which makes it one of the best summer family vacations destination. Kids can enjoy swimming and other fun activities.
Where To Stay: The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel is right in the heart of Temple Square and offers cribs and rollaway beds so everyone can stay comfortably.
Nearby Attractions: Once you’ve explored the city, wind down with a round of mini-golf at Fat Cats.
5. The Mountains of Austria
Whisk your kids away on a European adventure to Austria on summer vacation! Your family will fall in love with the beautiful landscape and classic European charm without the hefty price tag. Your kids will feel like they’ve just stepped into a storybook.
Where To Stay: Kids stay free at the La SOA Chalets
Nearby Attractions: Austria is a mountainous country, so even if you’re going in spring, you can still toboggan down a mountainside on the Mieders Alpine Coaster.
>>> Kids stay FREE in La SOA Chalet, with your Gowhee App membership.
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6. Discover the State Parks of North Carolina, USA
There are lots to do in North Carolina! If you need summer ideas for families, you can check out the state’s famous barbecue. This is the perfect state to do a road trip with kids from the mountains to the ocean, North Carolina has a lot to offer.
Where To Stay: The High Hampton resort offers numerous activities designed to get you and your family to connect with each other and nature.
Nearby Attractions: Carowinds theme park is home to over 60 thrill rides, the Carolinas’ biggest water park, and all the down-home cooking you can eat. The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum has lots of fun exhibits and interactive play opportunities for kids.
7. Rome, Italy
Enjoy a Roman holiday with your kids in the Eternal City! There are many incredible works of art and ancient structures to see and explore. Kids will really love the gelato shops, pizza, and fresh pasta that can please even the pickiest eaters.
Where To Stay: The beautiful Hotel Artemide in the heart of Rome is a perfect place to stay.
Nearby Attractions: No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the beautiful Basilica Di San Pietro. Afterward, stop in to enjoy a delicious meal at Da Tonino.
8. Crete, Greece
The Greek island of Crete is becoming on the most popular summer family vacations spot, and rightfully so! You will immerse your kids in history and mythology and relax all at the same time. Whether you’re up for some horseback riding on beautiful white-sand beaches or exploring archaeological ruins, Crete is has adventures for the whole family.
Where To Stay: The Elounda Residence offers your kids their own private water park!
Nearby Attractions: Kids love Crete’s beaches, but Elafonsi Beach is a particular favorite– the sand there is pink!
9. Paris, France
This list of wonderful summer family vacations places wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention Paris! This city’s unique charm and culture is of course well known. But GoWhee’s families have all the ins when it comes to enjoy the city of lights with kids, like a local!
Where To Stay: Center Parcs Village Nature Paris, offers all the comfort of inclusive resorts, with kids clubs and swimming pools, at the doorstep of the French capital.
Nearby Attractions: If your kids are Disney fans, Disneyland Paris is right outside the city!
10. Baja California, Mexico
Baja California is a great place to get away from it all. It’s home to beaches, wildlife, and many other relaxing activities for your family vacation. The food there is also out of this world, so we always recommend it for a great summer family vacations experience. You can enjoy your stay in this little paradise with this great bucket-list.
Where To Stay: The Casa Bougainvillea offers gorgeous views of the ocean, the mountains, and the desert. It has comfy bunk beds that kids just love.
Nearby Attractions: The Tijuana Cultural Center, or CECUT, is a museum and is home to the only IMAX theater in Tijuana.
>>> GET 10% OFF your stay at the Casa Bougainvillea Airbnb with your Gowhee Membership, try it now.
11. Orlando, Florida, USA
With sunshine, beach and tons of kids attraction, Florida is always on top of our list of the best summer family vacations for parents. The thrill never stops there. There are a lot more to see than Disney like this list of alternatives theme parks or all these hidden gems.
Where To Stay: The Walt Disney World Resort has 25 different hotels to choose from. They offer a tiered pricing structure, so no matter what your summer budget is, there’s a Disney Resort for you! They all offer early entry to the parks and free transportation, as well as themed pools and play areas.
Nearby Attractions: If you want to relax after a busy day at the park, you can throw some axes at Rockstar Axe Throwing to take the edge off.
12. Quebec City, Canada
Charming Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. There are lots to see and do in this fortified town straight out of a storybook. Kids will love exploring the city and discovering its many hidden treasures, while parents will love how safe it is.
Where To Stay: L’Hôtel Québec is designed for families and features a seven-story playground, swimming pool, exotic animal encounters, arts and crafts, and tons of other fun activities for the kids.
Nearby Attractions: The whole family can enjoy the lovely terrace dining experience La Cour arrière du Festibière. You also can’t miss shopping in the Quartier Petit Champlain, a cobblestone street that doesn’t allow cars. Kids can run around and have fun without any safety worries!
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13. Washington, DC, USA
The US capital is a great place to explore many museums and cultural institutions. It is not always on the best summer family vacations lists but Kids can learn about history, or just admire the many beautiful parks, memorials, and landscapes. Museums offer A.C and its proximity to the water can make this city a great place for this year’s break.
Where To Stay: The Capitol Hill Hotel has a convenient location and great amenities for kids.
Nearby Attractions: The National Zoo is home to many amazing animals, like Komodo dragons and giant pandas.
14. One-of-a-Kind Cruise in Turkey
Enjoy deep blue waters and the beauty of the Turkish coastline when you take a kid-friendly sailing cruise! Cruises are perfect for kids because everything’s included. food, activities, and other amenities. Flaka Cruises even offers a private cabin for the kids; they’ll feel so grown up!
>>> GET 10% OFF All-inclusive Flaka cruises with your Gowhee membership, try it now!
15. Banff, Canada
Banff is famous for its winter skiing, but it’s lovely in summer as well! Summer vacation in Banff is all about sunshine, mountain adventures, and beautiful moments that will create lasting cherished memories.
Where To Stay: The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort has a swimming pool and a free shuttle to downtown Banff. They also have suites with kitchens if you’d like to do your own cooking.
Nearby Attractions: The town of Banff has a charming downtown that is super fun for kids. They can enjoy the playground at Banff Rotary Park and find a new favorite candy at the nostalgic Banff Candy Store.
16. Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital is a picturesque city with a long history. Dating all the way back to medieval times, your family will love experiencing its ancient buildings, historical sites, street art, and memorials.
Where To Stay: Your family can enjoy a stay in the historical Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Your kids will feel like they’re in their favorite fairy tales!
Nearby Attractions: At Gallagher’s Boxty, you and your family can experience one of Ireland’s unique culinary specialties, the boxty! Boxties are savory pancakes made with potatoes that come with lots of different fillings. Kids will also love Butler’s Chocolate Experience, where they’ll get to decorate their own chocolate figure and learn chocolate-making tips from a master chocolatier.
17. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the Official Hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland, so you may not think of it as the best summer family vacations spot, but It’s a wonderful place to camp and sees the Northern Lights. Kids and parents will both enjoy the fresh air and comfortable climate in this Nordic country.
Where To Stay: The Rovaniemi Aurora Lodge Cabin. It is the perfect glamping experience. Nearby Attractions: The cabins are located right on the river with a sauna and all amenities you need for kids!
18. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo is a tropical paradise in beautiful Costa Rica. When you vacation here, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and exciting jungle adventures.
Where To Stay: Occidental Tamarindo is an all-inclusive resort that has a pool and offers outdoor activities for children.
Nearby Attractions: Fly through the trees while you zipline at Diamante Eco Adventure Park or enjoy floating downstream on a real lazy river adventure for older kids 12 and up.
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19. Vermont, USA
Spend some time in the great outdoors and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer. Summer in Vermont means swimming in fresh, cool water, cruising on Lake Champlain, chowing down on fresh produce, picking blueberries, and hiking through beautiful old-growth forests. Vermont is the perfect place for a truly relaxing vacation and for making family memories that will last a lifetime.
Where To Stay: The Hotel Vermont offers charming rooms with trundle beds for the kids.
Nearby Attractions: The deep blue waters of Lake Champlain are the perfect backdrop for summer adventures. While you’re there, check out the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and stop for a bite at local institution Al’s French Frys.
20. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is a sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea that’s just waiting for you and your family. Explore the beautiful beaches and luxuriate in the warm breezes– you can really relax and get away from it all here.
Where To Stay: All-inclusive resorts make family vacations so easy. The PortBlue Club Pollentia Resort & Spa has everything you need, including easy access to the beach and nature park, as well as a massive swimming pool.
Nearby Attractions: When you’re on Mallorca, you could spend the whole vacation on the beach if you wanted to. If you want to add to the fun, Katmandu Parks at Calvía Beach lets your kids ride and slide on a summer adventure.
21. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Desert sunsets and awe-inspiring vistas await you at the Grand Canyon, so it is not hard to see why it made the list of best summer family vacations for this year’s trip. When you and your family vacation at one of America’s oldest national parks, you will get to experience a landscape so beautiful that it almost doesn’t feel real.
Where To Stay: The Grand Hotel offers spacious rooms in a sprawling chalet-style hotel with a swimming pool and hot tub.
Nearby Attractions: If you’re visiting Grand Canyon National Park, you obviously can’t miss The Grand Canyon itself. You can take a guided tour by donkey! Kids will especially enjoy learning about the canyon to earn their Junior Ranger badges when you stop in at the Yavapai Museum of Geology on the canyon’s rim.
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10 Family friendly Ski Resorts in Europe
10 Family friendly Ski Resorts in Europe
Family ski vacations are an essential experience for European families. But finding family-friendly ski resorts with great amenities for both adults and kids is not always easy.
So the Gowhee App team has curated a list of family-friendly ski resorts in Europe, with a great ski experience and accommodations with amazing amenities for everyone.
1. Gstaad, Switzerland
- The ski experience at Gstaad
This is a great resort for a family ski holiday since it has many level of slopes and offers some amazing activities dedicated to kids.
For instance, Saaniland is a winter playground with snow castles, slides, ice rink and more. There is even a mascot to make the whole experience more fun. One family-fun activity that is sure to please kids and adults alike is Tobogganing, a must-try when in Gstaad. - The Ermitage resort is the perfect combination of luxury and family-friendly accommodation. Parents can enjoy the extensive spa treatments and salt-water pool while children use the playroom, watch a movie at the home cinema or enjoy the cake buffet in the lounge. Rooms come equipped with the essentials like crib, tub, kitchen and laundry is available.
3. Tannheimer Berhbahren, Austria
- The ski experience at Tannheimer bergbahnen.
In the Tannheim-Zöblen-Schattwald, there are leisurely descents for children and beginners There is an Ice Age adventure land, based on the famous film, for young and old in Tannheim. In the 10,000 m² snow park you can see the mammoth, the cave bear, and the saber-tooth tiger. A 123 m long conveyor belt takes all guests comfortably to the top. Then they can then ride the toboggan run, which starts directly between the mammoth’s legs and leads past Macrauchenia down into the valley.
- La S.O.A Chalets Resort is a perfect location for families who want to experience the great outdoors, relaxation, and great food. The resort offers a complete set of amenities for children like an indoor playroom, a nature playground with a sensory river walk, and individual bedrooms with bunk beds and toys. All chalets are equipped with a private sauna to enjoy after ski lessons and some units are wheelchair accessible.
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4. Levi, Finland
- The ski experience at Levi
For junior skiers, Levi offers 10 children’s slopes and their own South Park Junior terrain park, two children’s play areas Kids’ Land and Leevilandia, a ski school for kids, guided activities, and delicious food. For smaller children and first-timers, there is a Mini Park which offers the smallest boxes and obstacles to get started with freestyle skiing. - The Break Sokos Hotel Levi is cozy and perfectly located close to the zero-point ski lifts. Although not a luxurious resort, it offers many amenities great for families like an indoor kids’ playroom and free sled rentals. It also offers unique experiences like pet a reindeer and dog-sled ride. You will find all the necessities for a great family stay such as laundry onsite, high chair available, suite layout rooms and crib upon request.
5. Grand Kronenhof, Switzerland
- The ski experience at the St Moritz
St. Moritz was voted Europe’s best ski resort. They have all the activities for a great family ski trip such as ice skating and horse-drawn carriages.
If you are a foodie family, this is the place for you! There’s something here for every taste and craving.
The legendary Alpina Hütte serves regional delicacies with breathtaking views. If you’re in the mood for sweets, at the el Paradiso chalet, you can sample “the best cream slice in the world,” according to the New York Times. - The Grand Hotel Kronenhof is an elegant hotel with luxurious suites, fine dining options, spa with extensive views of the mountains and more. Do not let it’s glamorous design scare you, the resort also received the Family hotel hallmark of excellence for all that it offers for children. Kids have their own restaurant, a beautiful kid’s club with professional nannies, an entire program dedicated to kids such as in room surprise at arrival etc… Enjoy their half board option for a care-free family vacation.
6. Pizol, Switzerland
- The ski experience at Pizol
The Children’s Land Pardiel has 3 conveyor belts and two children’s slopes. Children can learn skiing or snowboarding for the first time here in a playful and safe way. Each slope is designed with a themed world with characters and forest elements that the kids love. The Bad Ragaz gondola lift is available nearby to get to the family-friendly mountain restaurants on Pardiel, so it’s great for families with small children. - The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a kid-friendly luxury resort that caters to your every need. On-site daycare, separate pools for families and adults, and wonderful spas. Connecting rooms are available with the kitchen in units. They offer a Linus Package, which includes bathrobes for kids, special activities, a gift, and many other perks.
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7. Avoriaz, France
- The ski experience at Avoriaz.
This unique car-free, 100% ski-in ski-out” pedestrian ski resort gives the space and freedom to explore their new skills. There are dedicated play areas for children like The Lil’Stash. But they are truly catering to families with the array of unique activities they provide such as the igloo village or electric snowmobile for kids. - The Club de Vacances Belambra is at the foot of the slopes / Franco-Swiss ski area “Les Portes du Soleil”. They offer a Guaranteed stay without a car with parking provided at the entrance to the resort and horse-drawn carriages to get around. There is also a nursery that welcomes babies and toddlers from 6 months and up to 5 years and 11 months.
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8. Carezza Ski, Italy
- The ski experience at Carezza
Most of the slopes are easy and intermediate, perfect for the whole family. There is even a toboggan run at the Hubertusbahn lift.
The König Laurin and Naniland are two children’s practice areas that have several moving carpets, a playground, and fun characters that kids love.
There is a Ski school for kids, an adventure course, children’s carousel, wave run, and even child care. - The Moseralm is a boutique-style resort dedicated to making families’ holidays memorable and relaxing. Kids and parents have their own spa to enjoy with a pool and dress-on sauna, kid’s playroom available, a playground, and tons of little touches to make them feel welcome.
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9. Oberjoch (Bad Hindelang) – Iseler, Germany
- The ski experience at Oberjoch (Bad Hindelang) – Iseler
There are many Ski Schools that operate here and a lovingly designed ski practice area in Schneekinderland. Other highlights include the ski jumps and slalom course, a zone with steep-walled curves, the fairy tale forest with animals, the mascot, a snow carousel, and a Regenbogenwald (rainbow forest). In another area, there is a circus tent in which the ski children can enjoy punch and cookies.
- At the Kinderhotel of Oberjoch, you can leave your kids in good hands with one of the 25 experienced kid coaches. With your kids safely busy with the abundance of resort activities, you can finally take advantage of some alone time and hit the more expert slopes or take a visit to the panoramic sauna.
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10. Arinsal & La Massan, Andorra
- The ski experience at Arinsal & La Massana
Vallnord Pal-Arinsal ski area has excellent skiing and snowboarding for beginners, as well as a good range of runs for intermediates. The ski school here is widely recognized as being excellent. There are a variety of runs, as well as some great off-piste areas if you want more of a challenge.
- The Ushuaia resort is located at the foot of the slopes and in the Comapedrosa Natural Park so that you can have a complete snow experience and enjoy nature as well. The rooms and suites are large, comfortable, relaxing, and have incredible views of the Pyrenees of Andorra. The resort offers a great kid’s club program called the Kangaroo service.
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10+ Tips for International Travel with Kids
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Family travel can be a lot of fun if you are prepared! Traveling internationally requires even more preparation, between extra documentation, regulation, and discovering another culture and language…
GoWhee App families know first hands what it takes to plan a vacation abroad and they shared the best tips for international travel with kids.
1. Buy a Car Seat
If you’re planning on renting a car on your international family trip and you have a child or children who need a car seat, it can be worth it to actually buy a car seat when you arrive at your destination. Norms and safety standards differ from country to country, and when you use the seats that come with some rental cars, you don’t know the seat’s history.
This can be a huge safety issue! If you bring your car seat from home, you will have to check it and risk loss or damage, which also creates a safety issue. Instead, a Gowhee mom recommends sending one adult and the older kids to pick up the rental car and buy the car seat at a local store and come back to the airport to pick up the rest of the family members.
If your child is a little older and can be placed in a booster seat. Look for lightweight booster seat options like the Bumble Bum car seat.
10 Tips for International Travel with Kids
2. Get Out on Day 1 To Stave Off Jet Lag
When you move through several time zones, jet lag can be a real bummer. To avoid the worst effects of jet lag, try to book a flight that arrives during day time and then get out, and do things with kids until it gets dark in the new time zone. Your body’s circadian rhythm adjusts more easily to a natural day/night light cycle.
Staying hydrated can also help– an excursion to a cafe might be just the thing to keep everybody energized! If you must take a nap, try to limit the nap to twenty minutes to half an hour. That way you’ll get a little bit of refreshing energy but your body won’t think it’s time to get a full night’s sleep.
>>> Find tons of quiet coffee shops, restaurants etc… to allow your kids to nap by using the “quiet” filter on the Gowhee app, here.
3. Triple Check Passport Validity Dates
Check, check, and check again when your passport and your child’s passport expire. Some countries won’t let you in if your passport expires within six months of travel. It can take months to get a passport renewed, so make sure that you won’t have any ugly surprises on your international family trip by making sure you know when your passports expire.
4. Look Up Visa Requirements Ahead of Time
Many countries require a visa for international trips, even if you’re just visiting as a tourist. These can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months to get, so find out what visas you’ll need while you’re planning your travel and file for them immediately.
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5. Bring a Notary Authorization
If your party doesn’t include both parents, make sure you have a notary authorization, also called a letter of consent, from the other parent to travel with the child. This is especially important for blended families. It is advisable that all legal guardians sign this document and that it’s notarized so that customs authorities easily accept it.
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7. Travel Light To Let Kids Participate
Traveling light makes traveling with kids so much easier. Young kids pre-school age and up can be in charge of their own bag if you travel light. Create packing lists for each person and stick to them– don’t feel tempted to bring a million extra things “just in case.” Plan for emergencies in the initial packing lists to help with peace of mind and cut down on extra baggage. Use packing cubes and capsule wardrobes with interchangeable outfit parts to reduce the amount of luggage you need.
And don’t worry about packing too many toys. While you should definitely bring your children’s comfort objects to make bedtime easier, kids really do play best with their environment and don’t need their whole toybox on a trip. A couple of small toys or an activity book to keep them entertained while waiting is usually enough.
>>> Find Airbnb ad other accommodations with toys and kids amenities, here.
6. Use the Family Line at Airport Security
Find out if there is a family line in airport security to go faster and without stress. Some airports have a specific family/priority line which allows you to move faster and be surrounded by understanding passengers. If you’re leaving from the United States, the TSA has an app (MyTSA) that lets you check security wait times in advance so that you can find the quickest line.
You should also be aware that liquid limits for breast milk, formula, and juice for young children are not the same as liquid limits for other liquids. While most liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, there are no limits for breast milk, formula, or juice for young children. You can also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers and all baby food through security in your carry-on luggage, even on international flights.
7. Invest in a Travel Stroller
An important part of traveling with young children is having the right stroller. When you’re traveling abroad, don’t bring your normal stroller. Instead, look for a travel stroller that is compact like this one. Gigantic jogger strollers might be great for your daily activities, but they’re difficult to park and take up a ton of room.
You also want a stroller that can handle all kinds of terrain, from cobblestone streets to the rough trails you might find in a national park. A small, umbrella-style stroller is easy to gate check or even store in the overhead compartment, which makes it easier to keep kids happy and sleeping during any wait or layover times. Finally, having a dedicated travel stroller means that you don’t risk the damage or loss of your kids’ regular stroller.
>>> Find tons of parks and places to go for a stroll at your destination, here.
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9. Arrive Early & Use Priority Boarding
Don’t get to your airplane’s gate at the last minute, especially for international flights. Instead, make sure to show up early and use your airline’s priority boarding time for kids under 5. This allows you to settle and get your kids comfortable before takeoff. Getting to your gate early also means fewer worries for you, which means less stress for the travel portion of your family vacation.
Families also recommend using the bathroom near your gate, before boarding. It is the perfect time to change the diaper, put on comfy clothes, and clean up.
10. Bring a Change of Clothes Everywhere
Wherever you go on your family vacation, bring a change of clothes for everyone in your day bag. You might be far from your accommodations and need to freshen up. Sometimes little kids can make big messes, and so having a change of clothes can mean the difference between an uncomfortable, fussy child and a clean, happy child. Pack a fresh outfit for everyone in a large, sealable plastic bag. If anyone has to change, you can put the dirty clothes in the bag to keep the rest of the items in your main bag dry and clean.
Bonus Tip: Use the Gowhee App
The Gowhee App is super helpful to find places anywhere in the world, for the whole family to have fun. There are over 18 categories, from hotels and restaurants to playgrounds and museums.
Since all places are reviewed by parents, it helps to deal with last-minute needs, for instance, if you need to find a restaurant with a bathroom with a changing table. (not always obvious in Europe), Gowhee has that kind of information.
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- Allow families to spend less time planning and more time having fun!
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10 Best Christmas Towns to Visit with Your Kids
Holidays with kids is all about magic, twinkling lights, and meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Some towns are especially famous for their holiday’s celebration vibe, so you can make wonderful memories with your family.
Are you scrambling to find the best Christmas towns to take your kids to during the holidays? To make matters easier on you, we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas towns to take your kids to this holiday season, so you don’t have to find them yourself!
1. Helen, Georgia, USA
Helen, Georgia is a picturesque German-inspired Christmas town known for its Busch Gardens-style buildings and decorations. According to some Gowhee members, it is the #1 Christmas town USA!
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Christmas town has plenty of fun things to do for families and places for kids to enjoy this holiday season. For example, you and your kids can witness the Lighting of the Village. This event occurs towards the end of November to kick off the holiday festivities.
Kids will especially love stopping by a town’s staple, Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen! Filled with candy and other homemade treats.
Another activity your kids will love is the Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired shopping experience. You can find everything from unique souvenirs to festive candy treats for the whole family!
2. Rovaniemi, Finland
Going to Rovaniemi, Finland is a guarantee to put you in the holiday spirit! Did you know that the town itself is called the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus”?
The town is located near the North Pole which makes it a true winter wonderland. Plus they are doing a great job at setting up festive activities for families. For example, you and the kids can go on an Aurora Hunting Tour to find the Northern Lights in the sky!
Another fun activity for kids is a sleigh ride pulled by huskies or reindeer! Finally, you and the kids can cross the Arctic Circle since this town is located near the North Pole!
3. Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Lancaster is magical all year long! We have heard that you can smell chocolate cooking in the nearby chocolate factories while taking a walk in town. So it is no surprise that you will find many ways to celebrate the holidays with kids there!
Celebrations start early in Lancaster, and they carry to New Year with a fantastic show! There are really fun things to do with kids like a scooter ride with Santa or enjoying a petting event with Santa and goats.
If you are in town for the season, you will need to spend a day in Hershey Park of course! With over 5 million lights decorating the park and amazing things to see like the “kisses fountain”, the whole family will leave with wonders in their eyes.
If your kids are older and you feel a little adventurous, Lancaster has a very unique drive-thru Christmas light show. Every year the Refreshing Mountain zip-lining course puts on their Christmas spirit and gives back by organizing a donation-based drive-thru show, as well as offering zip-lining fun.
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4. Manchester, Vermont, USA
This real-life Christmas town is a snow-covered winter wonderland of festive fun! Located near many ski slopes, this small town offers many great restaurants, a beautiful old-school bookstore with tons of toys, and a beautiful park with a waterfall.
Kids will enjoy the train ride called the Elf Express departs from the R.K. Miles Depot Station. Inside the train, elves and Santa walk through the aisles spreading the holiday spirit and treats to the passengers!
Don’t miss the Lighted Tractor Parade that usually happens at the beginning of December! If you’re looking for a crafty activity to participate in, you and the kids can attend one of the Christmas workshops at the local art studio in town.
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, is one of the best Christmas towns to visit with your kids because it offers many festive kid-friendly activities!
The Christmas Market is one of the main reasons families travel to this town. There are hundreds of vendors providing festive holiday gifts and delicious food. But if you are in town for the holidays, do not miss the live music every evening and weekend, where a brass band plays music in the main Market Square.
Another fun activity for kids is going to the Christmas museum, where you can learn all about German Christmas traditions, the commercialization of Christmas, and the origin of Santa Claus!
If you are looking for a kid-friendly coffee shop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you can head over to Cafe Lebenslust. They offer delicious cakes and pastries, in a layback atmosphere, while providing toys to keep kids busy.
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6. Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia, is one of the most unique Christmas towns to take your kids to during the holidays.
The town claims to be the birth of the first decorated Christmas tree over 500 years ago. Moreover, every year, the Art Academy puts up extraordinary tree lighting ceremonies, with nontraditional Christmas trees made out of materials like wood and glass.
Riga also hosts a Christmas market filled with unique vendors offering sentimental treats and gifts every year. The Christmas market also has a carousel with wooden animals for your kids to ride on! If your kids are big animal lovers, they can pet barnyard animals and play with giant rabbits at the Christmas market!
Finally, you can see the Riga Castle or the Latvian National Museum of Art if you want to visit somewhere other than the Christmas market.
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7. Prague, Czech Republic
Located in Central Europe, Prague is a Christmas town painted in a blanket of snow that will make this Christmas season even more memorable.
You and your kids can take a walk along the Vltava River to see the city’s holiday lights, go to the local Christmas market, or get some hot cocoa at Cafe Slavia!
If you’re looking for a sit-down activity, you can take your kids to the Nutcracker Ballet. Prague is known for its long history of musical performance, so you don’t want to miss it! Keep in mind; tickets sell out fast, so you need to book ahead of time.
If you are looking for a place to get dinner, kids will fall in love with this unique restaurant: Vytopna Railway Restaurant. Although their burgers are delicious and the staff is super friendly, this kid-friendly restaurant is known for serving drinks in a fully operating mini-train rail cart.
Finally, taking your kids on a relaxing river cruise is a great way to get out and see the sights! Don’t worry about the cold; the cruise provides heaters, so you can stay warm on your journey down the river!
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8. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Quebec City is a wonderful place to visit during the winter (and especially during the Holiday season). You’ll have the ultimate winter wonderland with snow everywhere and many things to do as a family.
If you are looking for tiny cobblestone streets with a European charm. Quartier Petit Champlain carries a magical atmosphere all year round, but even more during Christmas time.
Kids can meet Santa himself at Félix Leclerc park and then head over to ‘La Petite Cabane à Sucre’ and try the maple syrup ‘tire’, a must-try when visiting Quebec!
Old Quebec also holds a beautiful German Christmas market in the heart of the historic center. There are multiple stands from Château Frontenac to the Place d’Youville. It’s a great opportunity to put some layers on and beat the cold with some hot chocolate or mulled wine for the adults.
Stroll in the Rue St-Jean from Château Frontenac, to find the perfect restaurant for dinner, but not before you stop at the ice rink of Place d’Youville. You can rent some ice skate and reserve your spot here.
If you have an extra day in town, head outside the city center to Frima La Magie de Nöel where you’ll be transported to Santa Claus village.
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9.Leadville , Colorado, USA
Leadville is this charming town nestled in between Vail and Breckenridge (2 hours west of Denver). It has original buildings from the 1800s, easy access to almost 10 ski resorts, and a guaranteed white Christmas!
With an elevation of 10,200 feet, the town is nicknamed ‘The Cloud City’, which makes for lots of snow from late November through April. However, because of its location and proximity to the sun, it stays surprisingly sunny and feels warm.
Leadville is less than an hour from Vail but offers some great budget-friendly options to ski like the Copper Mountain offers a wide variety of terrain, despite its size. You can also find tons of budget-friendly games, toys, books, winter gear, and clothes at Matchless Treasures Thrift Shop.
Although the town has fewer than 3,000 people, is extremely kid-friendly and has great food options at Katie O’Rourke’s Irish Pub or Ridgeview Cafe.
The whole family will have a blast at the Durch Hendry Sledding Hill, which is free to go tubing, But if you’re looking for indoor activities, you can visit Fire on the Mountain to paint pottery or pick up art supplies.
If you are ‘dreaming of a white Christmas’, you know where to find it. And after a day hitting the slopes, don’t forget to get a warm cinnamon roll, with hot cocoa by the fire in a wood log cabin.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Located in the Netherlands, Amsterdam makes a beautiful family vacation destination for the holidays.
You and your kids can go ice skating and capture some adorable family photos, go to the Amsterdam Christmas Market, or partake in festive Dutch treats!
Another fun, family-friendly activity is witnessing the Amsterdam Lights Festival. You can either walk through the city or take a canal tour packed with warm blankets and hot chocolate! Each year international artists set up over 30 displays of lighted artwork to celebrate the holiday season.
For days, where the kids prefer to stay warm, Amsterdam is filled with indoor playgrounds options like the Wondr place.
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