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1. Washington D.C
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Washington D.C. is the perfect choice if you want to blend a family vacation with learning opportunities. There are dozens of museums, historical sites, and monuments you can visit throughout the city for free – helping you get the most out of your vacation budget. Central D.C. is walkable and easy to navigate, even if you’re pushing a stroller or walking with toddlers.
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We included this recommendation on our list of 20 destinations to visit in 2025 as an ideal option if you’re looking for a weekend break. If you’re not ready to tackle air travel with your family, several AmTrak routes run across the East Coast to Union Station. Have your camera ready! You can see the Capitol as soon as you step out of the train station.
2. Orlando, Florida
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
Orlando is somewhere most families dream of visiting – even if you’re not a theme park enthusiast. While Orlando can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly attractions and ways to reduce the cost of your vacation, from multi-park tickets to booking a self-catering apartment.
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The Sunshine State is only getting even more popular in 2025 with the recent opening of Epic Universe, the first new theme park in Orlando since the late 1990s. Universal’s latest theme park includes lands dedicated to Harry Potter, Super Mario, and How To Train Your Dragon. It’s set to rival the popularity of even Disney World’s iconic Magic Kingdom with the competition responding by running several vacation deals this summer to attract visitors.
3. Aruba
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
If you want to escape the sun, head to Aruba. The island in the Southern Caribbean Sea is known as “one happy island” and is surprisingly affordable. It’s easy to find a direct flight to Aruba from most major U.S. airports and the variety of hotels and accommodation guarantees that you’ll find something to suit your family size and budget. Aruba is a great alternative to a luxury resort stay in the U.S. or a beach getaway in Europe.
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Be ready to relax your toes into the sand at Eagle Beach. There’s plenty to fill your daily itinerary, so you’ll want to include plenty of sunscreen in your travel checklist. If you want to swap the crystal clear water for hiking or birdwatching, spend a day at Arikok National Park, which takes up almost 20% of the island.
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort
Speaking of National Parks, don’t overlook The Great Smoky Mountains. It holds the ground as America’s most visited national park, putting Gatlinburg on the map. Although the area is popular with tourists due to its proximity to the park’s main entrance, it’s still an affordable vacation.
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Don’t make the mistake of assuming Gatlinburg is just a gateway to the national park. It’s a walkable area with plenty of independent shops and restaurants, as well as museums focusing on topics as varied as the Hollywood Star Cars Museum and the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum.
Add a day trip to Anakeesta to your vacation itinerary, along with Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and a stop by one of Gatlingburg’s famous pancake houses.
5. New York City, New York
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
It’s New York calling! We get it. A trip to the Big Apple can feel daunting, even if you’re going solo without kids. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer size and scale of New York, but the city is full of hidden gems, budget-friendly experiences, and must-visit attractions. Many of the city’s most popular destinations for families, including Bronx Zoo and the American Museum of Natural History, offer free (or “suggested donation”) days every week, helping lower the cost of your vacation.
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There are ways to do even the most popular activities for less. Want to see the Statue of Liberty up close? Skip the paid cruises and take the Staten Island Ferry. Looking to catch a Broadway show? Try your luck with rush tickets at the theatre box office or use TodayTix to find last-minute deals.
Want a solo day in the city without your kids? Check out our recommendations for the best day spas in NYC.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade
Flying for the first time can be an anxious experience – but Lisbon is worth a trip across the Atlantic. This city has long been overlooked in favor of other popular European destinations, such as Barcelona and Paris. However, this is a perk if you want a family European vacation without breaking the bank.
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Lisbon feels like stepping into a bygone era with its family-run restaurants, independent boutiques, and stunning Renaissance architecture. If you’re heading to Portugal, make sure to leave plenty of space in your itinerary to search for pastel de natas, also known as Portuguese custard tarts. They’re the perfect mid-day snack with a coffee (or juice for the kids!) and are a great reward after walking around the city.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a European city that’s all over our social media feeds in 2025. Although famous for its nightlife and picturesque canals, Amsterdam has plenty to offer younger visitors. While a visit to the Anne Frank House is best suited for teenagers, the Van Gogh Museum has activities for guests of all ages. The Nemo Science Museum is the perfect way to get kids off their devices with interactive exhibits that add learning experiences to your family vacations.
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There are plenty of day trips you can take if you’re staying in central Amsterdam, including Klimpark Fun Forest with 10 different climbing courses to explore. Invest in an ‘I amsterdam City Card’, which gives you access to 70+ museums and attractions, along with a free canal cruise and unlimited use of public transport for the duration of your card.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: The Scotsman Hotel
Are your family fans of history or movies like Harry Potter? Pack your travel pillow and get ready for a trip to Edinburgh. With its mysterious alleyways, historic castles, and rich tradition, it’s no surprise that Scotland’s capital has a spot on our list of the best family vacations. Edinburgh Castle looms over the city, acting as a constant reminder of its heritage.
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There’s no shortage of museums and sightseeing opportunities, from the National Museum of Scotland to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Museum of Childhood. Make sure to bring your hiking boots as there are plenty of hiking routes that take you through the city to the historic spot of Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, offering some of the best views over the city.
9. Palm Springs, California
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Parker Palm Springs
Palm Springs is famous for hosting Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the US – but it also has lots to offer for families. The newly open Palm Springs Surf Club is perfect for kids who love to be in the water. You can relax in the lazy river while the kids get an adrenaline rush exploring the five waterslides and modern wave pool.
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Other family-friendly attractions in Palm Springs include the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. There’s no shortage of private accommodation to rent in the area, making it ideal if you need a little more space than you’ll find in most hotel rooms.
10. London, England
London is one of the easiest cities to visit with kids, especially if you’re confident navigating public transport. Whether they’re fans of Paddington Bear, Sherlock Holmes, or Peppa Pig, there’s plenty to explore in England’s capital. Blend culture with history by including spots like the Tower of London, the London Transport Museum, and Kews Gardens in your itinerary. No family trip to London is complete without a stop by Hamley’s toy shop for a souvenir.
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There are also plenty of day trips you can do from London, including Legoland Windsor, the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and Stonehenge.
11. Keystone, Colorado
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: River Run Townhouse by Keystone Resort
Photo by Arina P Habich on Shutterstock
Heading to a ski resort is one of the most popular choices for a family vacation. If you want to keep things quiet, skip the mainstream ski resorts and head to Keystone instead. It recently became an incorporated town and saw the launch of the Kindred Resort earlier this year, Keystone’s first major development in two decades and home to the Keystone Ski & Ride School. Not a fan of skiing? You can also go hiking, mountain biking, or even play golf instead.
12. Singapore
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Thanks to events like the F1 Grand Prix, Singapore is making a name for itself as one of the best destinations in Asia for a family vacation. It’s seen major investment in recent years and offers immersive experiences at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari and Sentosa Island, where you’ll find Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A Aquarium.
13. Dublin, Ireland
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Photo by Schager on Shutterstock
Get your family away from the screens with a trip to Dublin. The city itself is highly walkable with dozens of tourist attractions, from the National Gallery of Ireland to the National Wax Museum and Dublin Castle. If you’re planning on visiting other parts of Ireland during your visit, hire a rental car as public transport is limited.
Pro tip: You’ll use euros (€) in the Republic of Ireland and sterling (£) if you visit Northern Ireland.
14. Verona, Italy
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Indigo Verona – Grand Hotels des Arts
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Discover the setting of Shakespeare’s most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet. Verona offers the perfect escape to Italy if you want a more laid-back vacation than a trip to Rome or Venice. Nestled in the northern region Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to dozens of Roman ruins with family-friendly activities, including the Museum of Natural History, the Giusti Gardens, and the Children’s Museum. Verona is famous for its gelato, so leave for dessert!
15. Scottsdale, Arizona
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, Luxury Collection
Photo by Matthew Hamilton on Unsplash
If you want to add a touch of wellness to your family vacation, head to Scottsdale. It has over 50 resort and day spas with its iconic Arizona Boardwalk offers year-round entertainment for kids. Many of the hotels here cater to families and there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions, including OdySea Aquarium, the Musical Instrument Museum, and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
16. Sydney, Australia
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Head down under for your next vacation. If you want to grab a budget-friendly deal, head to Sydney from September to November or March to May. Taronga Zoo is one of the city’s main attractions, along with the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Pack your SPF and swimming trunks for a trip to Bondi Beach and get ready to soak up the sun.
17. Salt Lake City, Utah
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If your family has a sense of adventure, consider Salt Lake City for your next holiday. It offers scenic hiking routes and trails, including the Bonneville Shortline Trail and Donut Falls. It’s within driving distance of both Arches and Capitol Reef National Parks and is packed with museums and educational experiences, such as the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation.
18. Tokyo, Japan
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Regular readers of the ZenHotels blog won’t be surprised to see Tokyo on this list. The city is the current darling of the traveling world and has lots to offer families of all ages. Indulge in the best of Japanese cuisine, learn about local history by visiting historic temples, and explore Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions. Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, and the Ghibli Museum all deserve a spot on your itinerary. Head to the glass-floored observation decks at the Tokyo Skytree for the best views of the city.
19. Gold Coast, Australia
Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Circle on Cavill – HR Surfers Paradise
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If you want a beach vacation with a twist, consider the Gold Coast. There’s no shortage of shady gold beaches with something for toddlers and teenagers alike. You’ll even find unique theme parks like Dreamworld and Warner Bros. Movie World, along with international favorites like Sea World. Make sure to book a surfing lesson or two during your visit!
20. Bali, Indonesia
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Bali might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a family vacation, but its affordability makes it a great option for an international trip. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience with experiences like Waterbomb Park in Kuta, the Scared Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and the luxury resorts in Nusa Dua. Your money will go further in Bali, giving you an unforgettable vacation without a high price tag, even when factoring in your flight costs.
Book Your Next Family Vacation with ZenHotels
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help plan your next family vacation, whether you’re to the United States or going on a bucket list trip to Europe. Looking for more options for your next vacation? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
