The Best Destination to Take Your Kids at Each Age — From Infants to College Graduates

From a beach escape with your baby to cultural immersion with your recent college grad, there is a perfect trip for every family. If you loved traveling before starting a family, you likely dream of continuing to explore the world with little ones in tow. One of the most exciting parts of parenthood is the way children enrich and amplify almost every experience.

Of course, choosing the right destination for each stage of childhood can be challenging. As kids grow, travel expenses often increase, but the rewards of a well-planned family vacation far outweigh the challenges. Here are the best places to travel with kids based on their age, ensuring maximum fun and exposure to the wonders of the world.

Best for Infants (Ages 0-1): A Mexican Beach Resort

You’ll hear it from every parent: Travel while your baby is still a baby because it will never be easier. While sleep deprivation is real, a short flight to Mexico for some rest, relaxation, and vitamin D might be just what the doctor ordered. Many resorts in Mexico cater to families, offering baby-friendly amenities like cribs, babysitting services, and shallow pools.

Best for Toddlers (Ages 1-4): The Island of Hawaii

Toddlers are natural explorers, captivated by every new sight and experience. The Big Island of Hawaii offers surreal lava flows, lush waterfalls, and fewer crowds than other islands. Resorts like Mauna Lani feature thoughtful programming for kids, including Hawaiian language lessons, crab hunting, and lei-making. Protected ocean ponds provide a safe place for little ones to experience the sea, and whale-watching cruises can delight even the youngest travelers.

Best for Elementary Schoolers (Ages 5-10): Rome, Italy

At this age, kids begin learning about history in school, making Rome an exciting and educational destination. Seeing the Colosseum, exploring the Vatican, and engaging in hands-on experiences like gladiator school and gelato-making classes bring history to life. A visit to the Explora children’s museum or a treasure hunt in Villa Borghese adds extra fun to a Roman adventure.

Best for Tweens (Ages 11-13): A Montana Dude Ranch

Tweens crave independence but still need structure, making a dude ranch the perfect vacation. Montana’s vast landscapes provide endless outdoor adventure, from horseback riding and fly fishing to treasure hunts and wildlife spotting. The Ranch at Rock Creek offers activities like sapphire mining, photography classes, and mountain biking, making it an unforgettable experience for kids and parents alike.

Best for Teenagers (Ages 14-17): An African Safari

Teenagers can be difficult to impress, but an African safari is sure to leave them in awe. The thrill of seeing exotic wildlife up close, tracking animals, and engaging in cultural exchanges with the Maasai people makes this trip extraordinary. Many safari camps cater to families with teens, offering immersive experiences that blend adventure with education while allowing for quality family time away from screens.

Best for College-Aged Kids (Ages 18-21): Queenstown, New Zealand

It takes an exciting destination to lure college-aged kids into a family trip, and Queenstown delivers. As the "adventure capital of the world," it offers thrilling activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, helicopter tours, and skiing. For those who prefer a slower pace, hiking trails, wine tasting in Central Otago, and scenic lake cruises provide a well-rounded mix of relaxation and excitement.

Best for Post-College (Ages 22 and Up): Japan

Japan is an ideal destination for young adults ready to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience. Tokyo's bustling urban landscape contrasts with Kyoto's serene temples and bamboo forests. Traveling by bullet train, visiting historical shrines, enjoying authentic cuisine, and staying in a traditional ryokan make this a meaningful and transformative trip. A visit to Mount Fuji for outdoor adventures, followed by relaxation at a hot spring, provides a perfect balance of exploration and reflection.

Let us help you plan the perfect family vacation!

No matter your child's age, there's a perfect destination to create lasting family memories. Whether it's a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous safari, or a cultural deep dive, traveling together fosters connection and broadens horizons for everyone. Start planning your next family adventure today!