In the quest to find the perfect family getaway that pleases everyone, we turned to seasoned travel professionals for their advice. From involving everyone in vacation planning to considering diet, beliefs, and travel comfort, discover the top four criteria these experts—including a founder and a Travel Expert—use to select destinations that satisfy the whole family.
- Involve Everyone in Vacation Planning
- Balance Activities and Consider Comfort
- Recommend Cruises for Diverse Interests
- Consider Diet, Beliefs, and Travel Comfort
Involve Everyone in Vacation Planning
When choosing vacation destinations that cater to the interests of all family members, I use a collaborative approach that involves gathering input from everyone beforehand.
For instance, during our last family vacation planning, we created a list of must-see attractions and activities each family member wanted to experience.
I then researched destinations that offered a mix of those interests, ensuring there were options for everyone, whether it was outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxation spots. We ended up selecting a location that featured beautiful hiking trails for nature enthusiasts, interactive museums for the kids, and serene beach spots for some much-needed relaxation.
By involving everyone in the decision-making process and ensuring the destination offered diverse activities, we created a memorable trip that satisfied each family member’s interests and fostered great family bonding.
Aseem Jha
Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Balance Activities and Consider Comfort
When it comes to choosing destinations that cater to everyone in the family, I’ve found that balance is key. One approach I always use is making sure the destination offers a mix of activities that appeal to different interests—whether it’s adventure for the thrill-seekers, culture for the curious minds, or relaxation for those who just want to unwind.
For example, when planning a family trip, I often look for places that offer both outdoor activities and cultural experiences. A destination like Costa Rica is perfect for this. There are options for zip-lining through the jungle or hiking near volcanoes, which the more adventurous in the family love. At the same time, there’s the chance to explore local villages, learn about wildlife, or just enjoy some downtime at a beautiful beach, which caters to those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
I also consider accessibility and comfort, especially if there are younger kids or older family members involved. It’s important that there are easy transportation options, family-friendly accommodations, and a variety of food choices that suit everyone’s preferences.
Lastly, I always try to involve everyone in the planning process. I’ll ask each family member what they’d like to get out of the trip, and we make sure the destination has a little something for everyone. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable a trip is when everyone feels like their preferences have been considered! This way, the trip feels like a shared adventure, with something exciting for each person to look forward to.
Stephanie Webb
Travel Expert, Tripshepherd
Recommend Cruises for Diverse Interests
I cannot share one criterion in particular, but when I am dealing with a family composed of members of different ages and interests, I typically suggest a cruise. Cruises are available the world over, and particularly larger ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, have a variety of activities for folks of all ages.
Not only are cruises convenient for families, as passengers set themselves up in a cabin for the duration of the cruise, but they also offer something onboard for everyone. There are kids’ clubs, waterslides, and games for younger passengers; trivia, shows, fine dining, and relaxation options (think spas and poolside lounging) for the adults.
Passengers can even surf on surf simulators, earn their SCUBA certification, or do indoor skydiving! As for shore excursions, whether they want a Caribbean cruise with ports on tropical islands, snorkeling, and beach breaks; cruises in Europe or Asia which also include cultural activities; or even adventure travel anywhere on earth (zip lines, surfing, diving, glacier walks, kayaking), cruises truly have unlimited options.
Jennifer Do
Travel Agent, Travel Blogger, and Travel Writer, Jennifer’s Path
Consider Diet, Beliefs, and Travel Comfort
When we plan a trip, we try to make sure that vegan and vegetarian members can have a positive experience at any destination we go to. For example, in Mexico, we eat a lot of meat, and sometimes many vegan people don’t choose to come here. However, when doing research before traveling anywhere, it is important to take into account the local cuisine and the places where you can eat. This factor is also important for some members of my family, as some of them have diabetes. With this, we always choose to travel to places that have diverse options so that our food or diet does not give us a hard time on our family trip.
In the case of my family members, not many share the same religious beliefs. That is why, when my mom and I started planning our trip to Italy to do a religious tour, we looked for people in our family who want to travel, accept, or agree to do these kinds of trips more focused on spirituality. This was also a factor when my cousin traveled to Thailand to a Buddhist temple, and my parents did not want to go as they did not find so much passion in going to such a place. It is very important for the family members to have a good and fun time together on the trip.
For long road trips or flights that last many hours, we always consult with all family members to determine who is willing to endure the hours of travel. This is important since some people suffer from sciatica problems, prostate problems, or simply are not willing to endure so many hours to the destination we have chosen.
Mariana Montes
Local Tour Guide and Travel Writer, Vibe Adventures
