Travelling together is always a fun way to spend time with your family, and every great family vacation starts with an idea and a good dose of curiosity. Whether you want to explore a destination that is new to all of you, revisit a favorite spot, or introduce younger generations to a special getaway place previously loved by the family, there are plenty of incredible sights waiting to be discovered and rediscovered.

While the pandemic has certainly changed any family vacations planned within the past year, now is the time to start booking for many destinations that families can enjoy while staying healthy and happy to be away from home. So, if you’re ready for a change of scenery, here are some travel adventures perfect for all kinds of families and age groups to whet your appetite!

Bike in Costa Rica, Parasail in the Bahamas, or Snorkel in Mexico

Jacó is a beautiful, energetic beach town that’s located within two hours of Costa Rica’s capital and is known for its carefree atmosphere and exceptional aquatic activities. For something unique to do as a family, rent a family bike that you can all ride at once! Exploring Jacó via bicycle as an economical, fun and healthy way of getting around.

Paradise Island in the Bahamas has its name for a reason! What better way to take in the island than to soar over the turquoise waters and white sand of Cabbage Beach. Choose a family parasailing adventure (no experience necessary!) that includes pickup and drop-off, instruction, and equipment for a daring adventure your family isn’t soon to forget.

In Mexico, located a little northeast of Santa Cruz is La Crucecita, a charming area known as "town.” From there, your family can enjoy a premium family snorkeling experience in the Oaxaca coast! Go snorkeling even if you have limited time, on a half-day tour from Huatulco. See colorful corals and fish as you snorkel in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean with your guide there to assist as needed, and feel relaxed knowing it includes transportation and refreshments.

Parasailing on Cabbage Beach, Courtesy of Viator

Take Advantage of Family Fun in San Antonio

Deep in the heart of Texas is the family-friendly city of San Antonio. Although the city itself is large, its downtown RiverWalk means you can ditch the car and experience the old town, with its vibrant shops and restaurants. Visit The Alamo, walk along the historic River Walk, or have a dinner cruise on the river. Or pick from the excellent selection of activities that will keep your kids occupied for days: experience SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, or for the younger ones, The DoSeum.

The DoSeum is designed for kids, but parents will also enjoy all of the interactive features at this state-of-the-art facility in downtown San Antonio! Exhibits include Little Town, a pint-sized town replica with a grocery store, airport and more; Spy Academy, where kids can test their mathematical skills to crack codes; and Sensations Studio, where curious explorers can play with light, sound and more.

For a more unique experience for older kids to remember for years, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns, just outside of San Antonio. Go deep underground for a tour through vast chambers and deep passages formed over centuries. Guests 10 and older can join the three-hour Discovery Adventure Tour, which includes climbing a 25-foot, mud-covered slope and belly-crawling through the “Birth Canal” tunnel. For kids 13 and older (or their parents!), try the four-hour Hidden Passages tour where you’ll be lowered by rope into deep caverns.

Natural Bridge Caverns, courtesy of the Freestone County Times

Keep Things Simple by Staying at a Family-Friendly Resort or Cruise

Visit Mexico and enjoy some relaxation, knowing that everyone in your family can find something to do. For an extra special time, consider the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, where kids stay free! Kids of all ages can have an adventure that’s exclusively theirs, but there is plenty for adults too. Spa treatments and tours can keep you balanced, so you can also enjoy their newest addition, Rockaway Bay Water Park!

You can also get the same balance of fun for the whole family and ease of mind when staying on a cruise ship! Carnival cruises are notable as a family-friendly choice, where you can have fun spending time together, as well as doing your own things. Enjoy spectacular entertainment, great food, comfortable accommodations, and something different to do every day. With a whole range of activities for everyone, the whole family can utilize every second for relaxation, fun, and making tons of new memories to take home.

Plus, if you book by March 15th, you’ll receive 50% reduced deposits and free price protection on Carnival sailings all the way through April 2023. For something sooner, they are offering a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, FL starting December 26, 2021, or a 4 Day Baja Mexico from Long Beach, CA starting January 23, 2022.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, courtesy of booking.com

Cover Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash