This is the second part of our Turkey travel conversation on Her Travel Expert podcast. We covered Istanbul and Cappadocia in Part One, so this post picks up with the rest of the trip.

Antalya: Beautiful Coast, Ancient Streets, and One Very Long Boat Ride

After spending the first part of our trip in Cappadocia, we flew to Antalya. The flight was another Turkish Airlines experience, and I was once again very happy about the sandwich. Not sponsored. I was just very happy about the sandwich.

Antalya was beautiful. It is a coastal city on the Mediterranean, with turquoise-blue water and cobblestone streets. We only spent about one night there, so we had just enough time to get a taste of it before moving on.

Duden Falls

Our first stop was Duden Falls, or the upper Duden Falls. It was a walking trail rather than a hiking trail, and it was lush and shaded. That was especially welcome because the coast was incredibly humid that day.

The trail was a nice way to relax. You could get misted by the falls and the stream, and there were little cave-like areas along the way. It was super pretty and very green.

We also saw another section of the falls where the water drops dramatically toward the Mediterranean. There were public parks around that area, along with vendors selling things like Turkish ice cream. It was a nice place to spend some time, although we only got a short visit.

Exploring Antalya’s Old City

We were dropped off near Hadrian’s Gate, which is still standing. That was one of those moments when the history major in me was very happy. Turkey has so many places where you are looking at something ancient and thinking, Oh my gosh, that’s in the Bible.

We spent most of our time exploring the city and its neighborhoods. Even the old doors were cool and photogenic. It was the kind of place where I would have been happy to just wander around, take pictures, and see what we found.

Unfortunately, our tour also included another shopping stop.

Another Shopping Stop? Of Course.

This time, it was jewelry. We were taken to a store where they explained a particular gemstone that is common in Turkey. It was interesting to learn about, but then we saw the jewelry prices.

The night before, we had bought Noah’s girlfriend some earrings for what we remembered as about $10. Then we saw similar-looking earrings in the jewelry store, and the price was completely outrageous. We were done.

This was another one of those stops where we asked the tour guide if we could leave. It was, at that point, the third shopping stop we had been taken to during the trip. We had already talked about these kinds of experiences in Part One, so if you missed that episode, go back and listen to it.

Eventually, we got outside and sat down while the rest of the group finished shopping. I told the tour guide that we knew what was going on and asked him to stop taking us to these places. He did not seem particularly happy about that.

The Pirate Ship We Could Have Skipped

We also took a pirate ship excursion in Antalya. I think we expected it to be a quick trip out to see the falls from the water, but that was not what happened.

The boat went back and forth in the same area for about an hour. It was hot, and there was a bar on board, but I was not drinking at the time. I eventually fell asleep.

Honestly, I would have rather spent that time exploring the city or having lunch. We had heard there was a cable car that was supposed to be part of our itinerary, but we did not do it. I think the boat may have been a replacement for that, although I would have preferred the cable car or simply more time in town.

Antalya looked like a beautiful city, but we did not get to see much of it. That was the downside of only spending one night there.

Paragliding Over Pamukkale

After Antalya, we drove toward Pamukkale. Along the way, we were offered the chance to go paragliding for $75 per person.

Eden wanted to do it. I did not. Jonah did not. Noah did not.

But I was not going to send Eden up a mountain in a van full of random men by herself, so I decided I would go with her. I hate heights, but I figured I could do it.

Then Jonah decided he would go, too. Noah was the last holdout, but eventually he decided to go as well. So all four of us ended up in a van with the paragliding equipment, heading up the mountain.

I had always wanted to try paragliding. It was one of those bucket-list things. I just had not really thought through the part where you run off the side of a mountain.

The Ride Up

The van was ancient, and the guys looked a little suspicious, although not necessarily in a bad way. We got to the takeoff point, and there were no waivers. We just paid $75 per person and went.

Each of us was paired with a different guide. They strapped us into the equipment, and we waited for the wind to be right.

The others went first, and I was the last one to take off. You run toward the edge of the cliff, and the guide helps you get into the air. It is actually a fairly smooth ride once you are up.

My Very Slow Running Style

When it was my turn, the guide told me to run. So I ran.

Then he told me to stop because the wind had died down.

I was already scared out of my mind. Now I had to back up and wait for the wind to come back. When it finally did, he grabbed me and said, “I told you to run. Why didn’t you run?”

I was running! I explained that I am a slow runner. I am a slow swimmer. I was doing my best.

The problem is that when you are attached to another person and trying to run off a mountain, it is a little difficult. I was afraid the wind would die again and I would plunge to my death.

Eventually, we got going. The ride itself was smooth, but I hated it.

The View Was Beautiful. I Was Not.

The others loved it. They said it was a 10 out of 10 experience. I would never do it again, but I am glad I did it.

The views were incredible. We were gliding over Pamukkale, the ancient ruins, the necropolis, and the amphitheater. It was beautiful.

The guides had GoPros, so we got a lot of photos and video. I think some of the footage of me is probably my favorite footage we have ever taken because I look absolutely terrified.

They kept telling me to smile and pose. I was trying to put my arms out and my legs out, but I really just wanted to be on the ground. I did not want to look at anything. I wanted to be alive and safe.

The Landing

The landing was fine for most of us. I was the last person to go, so I had watched everyone else land.

When it was my turn, I saw the others on the ground. Then my guide completely overshot them. We flew past everyone, and some guy came running to get us.

We had to go around and land again. It was ultimately fine, but I was horrified. I just wanted everyone down on the ground.

The others loved it, and I am glad they enjoyed it. I just do not think I will be doing it again.

Pamukkale: The White Travertine Pools

After paragliding, we went to see Pamukkale on the ground. The travertine pools were beautiful. They were bright white, with bright blue water, and they looked almost like infinity pools going over the side of the cliff.

It is one of the most photographed places in Turkey, and I could see why. It was very pretty.

Cleopatra Pool

We also went to the Cleopatra Pool, which was a thermal pool with ruins from a Roman temple. There were columns and other ruins in the water, so you could swim around them.

The water was warm but not too hot. The pool was also very crowded. I thought it was cool, but I was ready to go after a while.

The Travertine Pools

The travertine terraces were beautiful, but they were also incredibly slippery. The limestone was so slick that I felt like I was going to fall several times.

There were people playing and swimming in the pools, and I could not understand how they were doing it without slipping. There was also a trough-like area where water was pouring through, and people were sitting in it.

We also saw some art and an open-air museum area with ruins. There was a lot to explore, but I think we were all ready to move on after spending time in the pools.

Kusadasi: A Relaxing Night by the Sea

After Pamukkale, we continued on to Kusadasi, where we stayed at the Efe Hotel. It was a nice hotel, and we had a balcony that overlooked the sea and the bay.

There were a couple of cruise ships out in the water, which made sense because Kusadasi is a cruise port. We arrived late, so we checked in and then walked around the town.

The sunset was beautiful, and the beach town was very pretty. I was glad we got to relax and explore a little.

We found a restaurant that we really liked, and the food was great. I had Adana kebab, which I seemed to get pretty much everywhere we went. The bread everywhere in Turkey was also so good.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel. It was a meze-style breakfast, with lots of little cups of food that you could pick and choose from. I really liked that. For some reason, it is one of the things I remember most about the hotel.

Ephesus: The Highlight of the Trip

The next day, we went to Ephesus. This was one of the highlights of the entire trip.

We had been to Rome, seen the Colosseum and the Forum, and visited the Acropolis in Greece. We had seen a lot of ancient Roman structures, but Ephesus was incredible.

There is a reason it is so popular.

The House of the Virgin Mary

Our first stop was the House of the Virgin Mary. We learned that after the crucifixion of Jesus, two of the disciples took Mary to Ephesus, where she lived out the rest of her life.

I had not known that she had lived in Turkey until we were there. It was one of those moments where you realize how much history is in this part of the world.

We toured the house, which had been rebuilt after damage. There were also fountains nearby where people could drink the water, and each fountain was supposed to have a different meaning, such as wealth or health.

There was also a wall where people could leave notes. We did not know about it ahead of time, so we did not have anything to write with.

Walking Through Ancient Ephesus

The ruins of Ephesus were huge. There was an outdoor amphitheater, and we saw two amphitheaters in total. The first one we went into was so big that I thought it was the main one, but then we saw another one that was even bigger.

The library was also incredible. We learned that it had held thousands of scrolls before it burned, and the facade was still standing. You could walk through it and see where the library would have been.

It was impressive to see how much of the city was still there. We were literally walking down ancient Roman roads, and the ruins were very well preserved.

The Toilets

One of the things we laughed about the most was the toilets.

There was a toilet room where a bunch of people would sit next to each other. Apparently, this was a place where people would talk, catch up, and discuss politics.

We also learned that slaves would sit on the toilets to warm them up before people used them.

I had never really thought about ancient Roman toilets before, but apparently, they were a social gathering place. Who knew?

The Cats of Ephesus

I also loved the cats. There were cats all over Turkey, and people seemed to take care of them. There were quite a few cats at Ephesus, too, sitting on the ruins and columns.

They were very cute, and I was happy to see them.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. I would go back to Ephesus in a heartbeat.

I also heard that Windstar Cruises has a unique experience where they take you into the library at night for a dinner. That sounds incredible. I had seen something about it before and thought it would be amazing to do.

Ephesus was a great end to a really incredible trip. It had history, culture, and food. It had everything.

Returning to Istanbul

After Ephesus, we returned to Istanbul for one final night.

We found a little restaurant in the heart of the city, and I had an incredible kebab with yogurt, spices, and fried eggplant. It was one of the best things I ate on the trip.

We ate on a little rooftop patio, and it was a wonderful way to spend our last night in Istanbul.

Looking back, I wish I had booked a slightly longer trip. I think another day in Cappadocia would have been nice, and there was definitely more to do in Istanbul.

We also spent very little time in the beach towns. It would have been nice to have a beach day in Antalya, but I had booked the trip without doing much research, so I did not really know what to expect.

Our Final Thoughts on Turkey

Despite the issues we had with the tour company, we got to see and do a lot in a short amount of time.

If you can only do part of the trip, we all agreed that Cappadocia was the number one thing. Istanbul was phenomenal, too, but Cappadocia was the place that really stood out.

We got by fine with English. There were only a couple of times when we had trouble communicating, but most of the time, we were with the tour company, so it was easier.

One thing we learned was that gestures can mean different things in different countries. We had an experience where we thought someone was saying no to us, but they may have actually been saying yes. We were confused, and it was a good reminder that it is worth learning a little about local culture before you travel.

I also think doing a tour can be a good idea for a trip like this. There was so much to see and learn about, and it would have taken a lot of time to plan it all on our own. We would not have gotten nearly as much information without a guide.

Even if you do not do a full tour, I think hiring a tour guide when you are in town is worth it, especially in a place like Ephesus. There is so much history there that having someone explain it makes the experience even better.

And finally, the food was really good. We never got sick, and I ate a lot of kebab.

So, if you are planning a trip to Turkey, I would definitely recommend it. Just do your research, watch out for shopping scams, and make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy the places you are visiting.

And if you missed Part One, go back and listen to it. That is where we talked about Istanbul and Cappadocia.

You can listen to this episode on Spotify:

The post Turkey Part 2: Antalya, Pamukkale, and Ephesus appeared first on Mommy Travels.

The good news is that family travel does not have to end when your kids get older. It just has to change.

The beach vacation that worked beautifully when everyone was four may not be quite as exciting when your child is 15. Meanwhile, a destination packed with hiking and adventure might have sounded exhausting when you were traveling with a toddler but suddenly becomes the perfect vacation once your kids are old enough to carry their own luggage and stop licking airport floors.

The best family vacation depends heavily on the age of your kids and what your family actually enjoys doing together. Toddlers need convenience, short travel times, and plenty of opportunities to burn off energy. School-age kids often love resorts, attractions, and hands-on experiences. Teenagers usually need more independence and activities that don’t feel like something Mom picked because she saw it on Facebook. And adult children? Well, now you may finally be able to take that trip without packing snacks for everyone, although they will probably still ask if you brought any.

I’ve traveled with kids at many different ages, from the toddler years to traveling with teenagers and now adult children. One thing I’ve learned is that there is no single “best family vacation.” The best trip is the one that fits your family at the stage you’re in right now.

This guide will help you figure out where to go.

Quick Guide: The Best Family Vacations by Age

If you just want the short version, here you go.

Traveling with toddlers? Look for easy destinations, family-friendly resorts, cruises, and places where you don’t have to spend half the vacation convincing someone to get into a car seat.

Traveling with elementary-age kids? Theme parks, family resorts, cruises, beaches, and destinations with plenty of hands-on activities tend to be winners.

Traveling with tweens? Start adding more adventure, independence, and activities that make them feel slightly less like they’re on a vacation designed for babies.

Traveling with teenagers? Adventure travel, cruises, national parks, international trips, and resorts with plenty to do can all work incredibly well.

Traveling with adult children? This is where family vacations get interesting again. Beach resorts, international destinations, cruises, food-focused trips, adventure travel, and luxury vacations can all be fantastic options.

Now let’s get into the details.

Best Vacations With Toddlers

Traveling with a toddler can be magical. It can also involve carrying a tiny human through an airport while wearing a backpack, pulling a suitcase, and wondering why you ever thought checking a bag was optional.

The best toddler vacations make life easier on parents while still giving little ones plenty to do. You generally want to avoid vacations that involve hours in the car every day, complicated transportation, or attractions where your child spends most of the time being told not to touch things.

At this age, convenience matters almost as much as the destination itself.

Family-Friendly Resorts

A good family resort can make traveling with toddlers dramatically easier. Look for properties with multiple pools, splash areas, easy beach access, kid-friendly restaurants, and enough space that you’re not spending every afternoon hiding in a dark hotel room during nap time.

An all-inclusive resort can also be especially appealing with young children because meals and snacks are readily available. Anyone who has ever traveled with a toddler knows that they can go from “I’m not hungry” to “I am literally starving” in approximately seven seconds.

Read: 25 Best All Inclusive Resorts for Families

Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the destinations I would consider for families with young children because there is so much available without requiring you to plan every minute of the day. Pools, beaches, kid-friendly activities, and family accommodations can make it easier to create a vacation that works for both parents and kids.

Read: Beaches Turks & Caicos Review

Disney Cruises

A Disney Cruise can be one of the easiest vacations for families with toddlers because the entertainment, food, activities, and accommodations are all in one place. You unpack once, and the vacation essentially comes to you, which is a beautiful thing when traveling with someone who considers running away in public a hobby.

There are activities for kids, family entertainment, pools, and plenty of opportunities for parents to relax without having to spend the entire trip figuring out what to do next.

• Disney Cruise Tips
• 16 Things You Need to Know about Castaway Cay – Disney’s Private Island
• Disney Dream Cruise Review
• Disney Fantasy Stateroom
• Disney Cruise Fish Extender 101

Palm Springs

Palm Springs can also be a surprisingly good option for families who want a relaxed vacation without an overwhelming itinerary. Pool time, family-friendly hotels, easy dining, and nearby attractions give you enough to do without turning the vacation into a military operation.

Read: Palm Springs Travel Guide

What Makes a Great Toddler Vacation?

When choosing a destination for a toddler, prioritize:

• Short or easy travel days
• Family-friendly accommodations
• Pools or beaches
• Plenty of outdoor space
• Easy access to food
• Flexible schedules
• Activities that don’t require standing quietly for three hours

The simpler the logistics, the more likely everyone will actually enjoy the trip.

Best Vacations With Elementary-Age Kids

Once kids are out of the toddler stage, vacations start getting easier in some ways. They can usually walk farther, remember more of the trip, and hopefully no longer believe that licking the floor of an airport is an acceptable pastime.

This is a fantastic age for family travel because kids are excited about almost everything.

Theme parks? Amazing.

Hotel pool? Amazing.

A buffet with unlimited dessert? Possibly the greatest thing they have ever experienced.

Cruises

Cruises can work incredibly well for elementary-age kids because there is always something happening. Between pools, kids’ clubs, entertainment, shore excursions, and family activities, boredom is rarely the problem.

The bigger challenge may be convincing your children that they cannot eat soft-serve ice cream 14 times a day.

All-Inclusive Resorts

This is also an excellent age for all-inclusive resorts. Kids can spend hours at the pool, enjoy water parks and activities, and still have plenty of family time.

Look for resorts with:

• Water slides
• Kids’ clubs
• Family suites
• Beaches with calm water
• Evening entertainment
• Activities for different ages

Read: Best All Inclusive Resorts for Families

National Parks With Younger Kids

You don’t have to wait until your children are teenagers to introduce them to national parks. The key is choosing the right activities.

Scenic drives, wildlife viewing, short hikes, junior ranger programs, boat tours, and easy adventures can all make national parks exciting without requiring your children to hike 12 miles uphill because you saw a beautiful picture on Instagram.

• Glacier National Park
• 6 Things to do in Yellowstone with Kids
• 14 Best National Park Experiences and Tours
• A Guide to All 9 National Parks in California

Grapevine, Texas

For families looking for a shorter getaway, Grapevine can be a great option with plenty of family-friendly attractions, hotels, and activities. It is the kind of destination where you can fill a weekend without needing a spreadsheet, color-coded itinerary, and emergency backup plan.

There’s a Great Wolf Lodge, a Gaylord, Chicken n Pickle, Meow Wolf, and so much more in a small area. Even the Grapevine Mills Mall is packed with things to do like a Sea Life and LEGO World.

Houseboating With Kids

Houseboating can be an incredible family vacation for elementary-age kids, especially if your family loves being outdoors and spending time on the water. There is something pretty special about waking up surrounded by water, swimming during the day, and having your own little floating vacation home.

But this is one I would only recommend for families whose kids can swim. Houseboating is not the same as staying at a resort with a pool and a lifeguard nearby. Kids need to be comfortable in the water, and parents need to be prepared to supervise them closely around the boat, the dock, and any swimming areas.

If your kids are confident swimmers, houseboating can be a fantastic way to combine adventure, relaxation, and family time. You get the freedom to explore, enjoy the scenery, and spend your days doing as much or as little as you want.

• 8 Tips for Houseboating with Kids
• Lake Shuswap houseboating

Best Vacations With Tweens

Tweens can be a tricky travel age. They’re too old for some of the things they loved when they were younger, but they’re not quite old enough to have the independence of teenagers. They may want adventure one minute and Wi-Fi the next.

The best tween vacations give them opportunities to feel a little more grown up while still including plenty of family activities.

Adventure Resorts

Resorts with zip lines, water sports, climbing activities, snorkeling, and other adventures can be a great fit for this age group.

The goal is to find activities that are exciting enough that your tween doesn’t immediately ask if they can go back to the hotel and watch YouTube.

Disney Aulani

Disney Aulani in Hawaii is a great option for families with tweens because it offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and activities that appeal to different ages. You can spend the day at the pool or beach, explore the resort, enjoy Hawaiian culture, or head out for other island adventures.

What I like about a destination like Aulani is that it gives families room to do their own thing. Your tween can enjoy the activities that interest them while you still get plenty of time together as a family. And, of course, there is always the possibility that everyone will agree on something for at least five minutes.

• Disney Aulani One Bedroom Villa Tour
• 10 Free Things to do at Aulani Disney Resort in Oahu, Hawaii
• 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Aulani

Cruises With Activities for Older Kids

Cruises can continue to work well during the tween years, especially ships with water slides, sports courts, surf simulators, escape rooms, teen spaces, and other activities designed for older kids.

• Norwegian Bliss Activities Galore!
• MSC World America Cruise Ship

Beach Vacations With More Than Just a Beach

A beach is great, but tweens often appreciate having additional activities available.

Look for destinations with:

• Snorkeling
• Paddleboarding
• Boat trips
• Adventure parks
• Water sports
• Wildlife experiences

This is a good age to start introducing more active experiences into your family vacations.

Best Vacations With Teenagers

If you think family vacations have to stop once your kids become teenagers, I have good news. They don’t. You just have to stop planning the exact same trip you took when they were six.

Teenagers often want more adventure, more independence, and experiences they can actually tell their friends about when they get home. Sitting on a beach for seven straight days may sound fantastic to you. Your teenager may need a little more going on.

And if your teen absolutely hates traveling, be sure to read Best Vacations for a 16-Year-Old Who Hates Sightseeing.

National Park Adventures

National parks can be an excellent choice for teenagers, especially when you include activities beyond simply driving around and looking at scenery.

Glacier National Park is a perfect example. Add whitewater rafting, hiking, wildlife, and some truly spectacular scenery, and suddenly your teenager may voluntarily put their phone down.

For our family, rafting was one of the experiences that made Glacier especially memorable.

• Glacier National Park: A Beautiful Montana Adventure with Fishing, Rafting and More
• 14 Best National Park Experiences and Tours
• A Guide to All 9 National Parks in California

International Travel

Teenagers are old enough to appreciate experiences that go beyond the typical family resort vacation.

Vietnam and Turkey, for example, both offer adventure, history, incredible food, unique landscapes, and experiences that feel very different from everyday life.

Exploring places like Hanoi, climbing Múa Cave, taking a boat through Trang An, and traveling through different parts of the country can create the kind of family memories that stick.

• Best Holiday Destinations With Teenagers
• La Fortuna Costa Rica with Teenagers
• The Best Cities in Germany For Teenagers
• Turkey with Teenagers: A Fun-Filled Family Adventure

International travel can also give teenagers more ownership of the vacation. Let them help choose activities, restaurants, or excursions. They are much more likely to be excited about a trip when they don’t feel like they are simply being dragged along on yours.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone can also be a fantastic family trip with teenagers, particularly when you combine the park with nearby experiences and avoid trying to cram the entire vacation into one exhausting day.

Flying into Cody gives families another way to experience the area, and the combination of western history, outdoor adventure, wildlife, and Yellowstone itself can make for a memorable trip.

• A Family Trip to Yellowstone and Cody, Wyoming: The Perfect Western Adventure

Resorts With Plenty to Do

Teenagers can absolutely enjoy an all-inclusive resort, but choose carefully. A beautiful resort with one pool and a quiet beach may be heaven for adults. Your teenager may be finished with the entire experience by Tuesday afternoon.

Look for resorts with activities like:

• Teen Clubs
• Water sports
• Adventure parks
• Multiple pools
• Sports
• Snorkeling
• Excursions
• Evening entertainment

The goal is to give everyone enough options that no one has to pretend they are having fun.

• 18 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Teenagers

Best Vacations With Adult Children

One of the best parts of having adult children is that family travel becomes a completely different experience. You no longer have to choose a destination based on whether there is a splash pad. You can eat dinner after 7 p.m. Traveling with adult children opens up an entirely new world of vacation possibilities.

All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts can work particularly well for families with adult children because everyone can choose how they want to spend the day.

Some people can relax by the pool. Others can book excursions. Someone can sleep until noon without ruining the entire vacation schedule.

The best resorts for adult families have a combination of great food, beautiful pools and beaches, activities, and enough space for everyone to enjoy time together without feeling like they’re all living on top of each other.

Xcaret Arte near Playa del Carmen remains one of my favorite family resorts because there is genuinely enough to do for different ages.

International Adventures

Traveling internationally with adult children can be one of the most rewarding types of family travel.

Vietnam is a great example of a destination where everyone can have a different favorite part of the trip. One person may love the food. Someone else may love the scenery or history. Another person may just be thrilled that they got an Instagram photo they actually like.

Either way, you’re experiencing something together that feels different from everyday life.

• One Day in Hue, Vietnam: How to Make the Most of a Short Visit
• 20 Most Beautiful Greek Islands

Best Multigenerational Family Vacations

If you’re traveling with grandparents, parents, teenagers, and younger children all at once, choosing a destination gets a little more complicated.

The best multigenerational vacations give people choices.

That doesn’t mean everyone has to do everything together. In fact, trying to make everyone participate in every activity is one of the fastest ways to turn a family vacation into a group therapy session.

Instead, look for destinations where different generations can enjoy the same trip in different ways.

• 12 Caribbean Resorts Perfect for Multigenerational Trips
• 26 Best Places to Vacation with Grandkids in the United States

Cruises

Cruises are one of the easiest multigenerational vacation options because there are activities for nearly every age group.

Grandparents can enjoy entertainment and dining. Younger kids can participate in kids’ programming. Teenagers can find activities and spaces designed for them. Parents can occasionally sit down and drink something while it is still cold.

Large Family Resorts

Large resorts can also work well, especially when they offer multiple pools, restaurants, activities, and room configurations.

The key is finding accommodations that give everyone enough space.

• Velas Vallarta an All-Inclusive Family Resort
• Paradisus Los Cabos a Family Friendly All-Inclusive Resort
• Grand Bahia Principe Tulum a Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort

Beach Destinations

A beach vacation can be one of the easiest options for a multigenerational family because everyone can participate at their own level.

Some people can spend the day in the water. Others can sit under an umbrella and read. No one has to hike six miles unless they have made some questionable life choices.

• 11 Best Madagascar Beaches
• Best Beaches in La Paz
• 13 Best Beach Vacations with Kids
• 25 Best Underrated European Beach Destinations

How to Choose the Right Family Vacation

Before booking your next trip, ask yourself a few questions.

What Ages Are We Traveling With?

This is the obvious starting point, but don’t just think about the youngest child.

A destination that works beautifully for a four-year-old and a 10-year-old may not work as well when you’re also traveling with a teenager who would rather be literally anywhere else.

Try to choose a destination with something for everyone.

How Active Is Your Family?

Some families want to see everything. Others want to find a pool and remain there until checkout. Neither approach is wrong, but choosing the wrong vacation style can make everyone miserable.

Be honest about what your family actually enjoys doing.

How Much Independence Does Everyone Need?

This becomes increasingly important as kids get older. Teenagers and adult children may not want to spend every minute with the family, and that’s perfectly fine.

A cruise, resort, or destination with multiple activity options can make it easier for everyone to enjoy the trip without being attached at the hip for seven days.

What Is Your Realistic Budget?

The “best” vacation isn’t helpful if it requires selling a kidney.

Consider the total cost, including:

• Flights
• Hotels or resorts
• Food
• Activities
• Transportation
• Excursions
• Travel insurance
• Those mysterious vacation expenses that somehow appear every single time

Sometimes a more expensive resort can actually save money if meals and activities are included. Other times, the cheaper hotel ends up being much more expensive once you start adding everything else. You can use our Vacation Budget Calculator to plan your own budget.

Family Vacations Change—and That’s a Good Thing

No matter what stage your family is in, there is a vacation out there that can work for all of you. You just may have to accept that your idea of the perfect trip and your teenager’s idea of the perfect trip are probably not going to involve the same amount of lounging.

And that is exactly why family vacation planning is a sport.

The post Best Family Vacations by Age: Where to Go With Toddlers, Kids, Teens, and Adult Children appeared first on Mommy Travels.

I also had a chance to visit my daughter while I was in Austin, and that was when the Grand Wagoneer really won me over. I parallel parked it. Easily. In Austin. A city where I do not know my way around particularly well and where parking can sometimes feel like an Olympic event with no medals and way more people judging you. The combination of cameras, including the 360-degree bird’s-eye view, made maneuvering this enormous SUV surprisingly easy.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is Still a Big Deal—But Now There’s a Big Price Difference

The first thing you need to know about the 2026 Grand Wagoneer is that Jeep has made a significant pricing change. The Grand Wagoneer is now the brand’s luxury flagship, while the Wagoneer nameplate has moved to Jeep’s electric lineup. The 2026 Grand Wagoneer starts at $63,995, and the Summit Obsidian starts at $94,310. That is a substantial difference from the previous model year, and it is worth looking again if you had previously decided the Grand Wagoneer was too expensive.

The Summit Obsidian is the trim I drove, and it is a very different proposition from a basic family SUV. It is a full-size luxury SUV with a 420-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, four-wheel drive, and a long list of standard features. The engine produces 468 lb-ft of torque, and Jeep says the Grand Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.

It Is Huge, but It Does Not Feel Like a Chore to Drive

I have driven a lot of large SUVs, and some of them feel like you are piloting a small building. The Grand Wagoneer is definitely large, but it has a much more manageable feel than you might expect. The ride height gives you a commanding view of the road, and the steering and camera system make it easier to place the vehicle than I anticipated. I was comfortable driving it through Austin and out to the ranch, and I never felt like I was wrestling with the size of the SUV.

The Grand Wagoneer also has the kind of power that makes sense for a vehicle this large. The 420-horsepower engine is more than enough for everyday driving, highway trips, and getting a full load of passengers moving without drama. I liked that the power was there when I needed it, but the vehicle did not feel like it was constantly trying to prove something.

The Cameras Are a Game Changer for Parking

The parking experience was one of my favorite things about the Grand Wagoneer. It has a lot of cameras, including a 360-degree bird’s-eye view, and I found that incredibly useful in a vehicle this large. It is one thing to read that a vehicle has a surround-view camera system; it is another thing to actually use it while parallel parking and think, “Oh, I can do this.”

The Running Boards Are a Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference

One of the things I appreciated most was how the power running boards work. When I clicked to unlock the vehicle, the mirrors folded out, and the running boards extended. That is a small detail, but it is exactly the kind of thing that makes a large SUV more family-friendly. If you have small children, getting in and out of a tall vehicle can be a production, and having the running boards automatically extend makes the process much easier.

The Grand Wagoneer is also spacious enough that you do not feel like you are climbing into a vehicle and then immediately trying to figure out where everyone’s knees are supposed to go. The front seats are comfortable, the second row has plenty of room, and the third row is genuinely usable. I have spent enough time in third-row SUVs to know that “seats seven” does not always mean “seven people will be happy.” This one is much closer to the latter.

The Third Row Is Actually Comfortable

The third row was one of the biggest surprises for me. I had plenty of headroom and legroom, and I did not feel cramped sitting in the back. That is important because a third row is only useful if people can actually sit there without looking like they are being punished for something. The Grand Wagoneer’s third row is roomy enough that adults can sit back there, and that makes a big difference for families who regularly carry older kids or extra passengers.

The second row also has plenty of power outlets and its own climate controls, which is another feature I appreciated. Everyone can have their own little zone, and that makes long drives much more comfortable. The third row also has its own power and sunroof, which is a nice touch because the people in the back do not feel like they have been sent to a separate country.

The Interior Is Loaded with Technology

The Grand Wagoneer has a lot of screens—seven, depending on how you count them—and it is one of those vehicles where you can spend a little time just discovering all the things it can do. The front display is fantastic, and the heads-up display was one of my favorite features. It can show navigation information, the speed limit, and other important driving information right in your line of sight.

The heads-up display was especially useful for me in Austin because I was driving in an unfamiliar city. I did not have to keep looking down at the navigation screen to figure out where I was supposed to go. It was right there in front of me, which made the whole experience feel easier and less distracting.

The rear-seat entertainment screens are another family-friendly feature. The second-row passengers can have their own screens, which is great for keeping kids entertained on road trips. There is also a front passenger display, so the person sitting next to you can have their own screen without taking over the driver’s screen.

Safety Features Are Everywhere

The Grand Wagoneer is loaded with safety features, and that is one of the things I would want to point out to anyone considering it for a family vehicle. The safety technology includes lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, rear pedestrian alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and more. Jeep says the Grand Wagoneer has more than 170 standard and available safety and security features.

I also appreciated that the vehicle has features that make it easier to keep an eye on what is happening around you. The cameras and driver-assistance systems are not a replacement for paying attention, but they are helpful tools that make driving a large SUV more manageable. For families, that is a meaningful benefit.

The Interior Is More Spacious Than My Minivan

I drove a minivan for 17 years, so I have a pretty good understanding of what it means to have a vehicle that is genuinely spacious. The Grand Wagoneer surprised me because it felt even more spacious than the minivan I drove for all those years. That is saying something, because minivans are not exactly known for being stingy with legroom.

The ride height is also much better than a minivan. You sit up higher, you have a better view of the road, and the whole vehicle feels more like a luxury SUV than a family shuttle. I liked that combination of space, comfort, and the ability to get out on the road and enjoy driving.

The Summit Obsidian Is a Luxury SUV That Happens to Be Family-Friendly

The Summit Obsidian has the kind of features you would expect in a luxury SUV, including massaging front seats, premium leather, and a very comfortable interior. The seats are a big part of the experience, and I could see how the massaging seats would be a welcome feature on a long road trip.

The vehicle also has off-road technology, which makes sense for a Jeep. Sadly, I did not spend the day doing serious off-roading, but I did off-road a little bit. I liked knowing that the Grand Wagoneer is not just a luxury vehicle that happens to have a Jeep badge. It has the capability to get you out to a ranch or down a rougher road without making you feel like you are doing something the vehicle was never intended to do.

My Verdict: I Loved It

I really loved the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Summit Obsidian 4×4. It is big, comfortable, powerful, and packed with features that make sense for families. The 3rd row is genuinely usable, the cameras make parking much easier, the running boards make getting in and out more convenient, and the heads-up display is a fantastic feature for driving in unfamiliar places.

The biggest thing I would tell someone considering it is this: if you previously looked at the Grand Wagoneer and decided it was too expensive, look again. The 2026 model year has a much lower starting price than before, and Jeep has kept a lot of the luxury features that made the Grand Wagoneer appealing in the first place. It is still a big, expensive SUV, but it is a very compelling option if you want something that can handle family life, road trips, and a little adventure without feeling like you are driving a giant compromise.

Sources

• Jeep Grand Wagoneer official specifications
• Jeep Grand Wagoneer official model page

Read Next:

• 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Review
• 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon

The post 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Summit Obsidian 4×4 Review appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Because trailer tires tend to look good, travelers frequently pay more attention to tires on their towing vehicle. However, their condition is as crucial as that of regular tires, since they also contribute to a safe and comfortable journey. This is why trailer tires should be a part of your pre-trip inspection.

Your Vacation Starts Before You Leave the Driveway

The most enjoyable journeys are often seamless, with fewer to no issues between different destinations and without worrying about what can go wrong. The time is better spent playing family travel games and admiring natural beauty on scenic routes till you reach your destination and experience all it has to offer.

This peace of mind on the road doesn’t have to cost much. A few minutes of checking your trailer is often enough to prevent hours of frustration from being stranded and waiting for help. While unexpected situations can happen, preventing some potential problems in advance is a game changer.

Add Trailer Tires to Your Travel Checklist

When going on vacation, you’ll spend most of your energy trying not to forget anything important, which depends on the location you’re traveling to and activities you want to experience.

Destination-appropriate clothes, footwear, and personal items like glasses and medications are necessities, along with the rest of your stuff. You can’t go on a summer trip without coolers, food, and drinks. And whatever you do, do not forget some toys; otherwise you’ll never hear the end of it.

Family members complicate packing with their unique interests. Some prefer camping, others might enjoy the beach more, while the more adventurous might opt for hiking or cycling. All of this adds extra equipment for safety and enjoyment.

When you add all this weight to your trip, you can’t forget that your trailer and its tires are carrying that weight. So, next time you check the car, top the gas tank, and charge your gadgets, remember to check your trailer tires. It would be a shame to ruin an otherwise perfect getaway for a simple oversight.

Trailer Tires 101: What Beginners Actually Need to Know

If it’s your first time towing a trailer, don’t worry. Knowing a few things about their tires is enough to keep the journey safe and pleasant.

Trailer Tires Are Different

There are many tire types, and not all of them are made for the same purpose. Trailer tires are sturdier and keep the trailer stable on your adventures. Mixing them with regular tires is bad since it leads to premature tire failure.

Size Matters

When replacing an old trailer tire, make sure it’s the right fit to prevent possible issues on your journey. What may look like a good tire may not be the right one for your trailer. Look for a tire size recommended by the trailer manufacturer or in the owner’s manual and stick with that size.

Weight Matters

When packing all the gear for the trip, your trailer tires need to be strong enough to handle the load throughout your adventure. Otherwise, a tire failure is imminent. A bit of research prevents this. Check your trailer manual and tires’ sidewall code to know how much they can safely carry. If you’re having trouble figuring out the details, don’t worry. Contact a qualified professional; they’ll help and recommend suitable tires.

The 5-Minute Trailer Tire Check Before a Road Trip

Before heading out on cross-country travels or weekend getaways, create a habit of doing a small trailer tire inspection. A routine check can be the difference between making memories or stressing on the side of the road.

Look at Them

Walk around the trailer and look for visual signs of damage on trailer tires. Noticing cracks, bulges, and embedded objects lets you replace them and prevent headaches down the road. Look for uneven wear as well, as it can compromise your safety. If you have a hunch that something is off about a tire, but can’t tell what it is, visit a mechanic. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Check the Air

Properly inflated tires are needed for a safe journey. Any deviation negatively affects the quality of the trip. This is why you should maintain tire pressure that fits your trailer and tire setup. To find accurate values, use a tire pressure gauge on your cold tires, then inflate or deflate them as needed.

Don’t Forget the Spare

A spare that hasn’t been checked won’t help when you need it. When the unexpected happens and a tire goes flat, you want the spare ready so you can quickly resume the journey. So be sure to always include it in your regular checks along with the rest of your trailer tires.

Look Underneath

Inspect the surroundings of the tires. A trailer part could be rubbing against them, damaging them in the process. Check the wheels for any damage. Tires should fit perfectly. If anything is amiss, replace those parts to prevent potential accidents.

Take a Walk Around

Once you’re done with the tires, step back and take another look at your trailer. Check the hitch, safety chains, and lights, among other things. Making sure everything is in order gives you confidence to start your trip relaxed and enjoy the drive.

Don’t Let a Flat Tire Ruin Family Vacation

During your vacation, a tire problem doesn’t have to be the end of the world. It’s troublesome to deal with on a hot day and with impatient kids, but being prepared makes the hurdle easy to overcome.

Basic roadside supplies allow for quick tire replacement. A tire pressure gauge is good to have to ensure the tire pressure is at the right level once you’ve got the spare on.

In case the tire issue has led to some mechanical problems, it’s good to have power banks to keep your phone charged and call for roadside assistance. Some situations are beyond your power, but staying cool-headed and having the right equipment can make them a breeze.

How Often Should You Check Trailer Tires?

Regular tire inspections at your mechanic‘s help prevent major issues. However, some circumstances also benefit from extra checkups.

Avoid tire problems by inspecting them if the trailer sat idle for a long time, since outside elements might have damaged them. It’s also a good idea to check trailer tires before and during longer trips to stay safe when help is far away. Examine them if something feels off about the trailer, if it begins to sway, or if you’ve opted for a different load composition. Addressing an issue early prevents it from escalating later on.

Choosing New Trailer Tires Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Selecting new tires for your trailer can be intimidating, but knowing what information to look for makes the process easier.

See what kind of trailer you have and what tires would suit it based on the information supplied by the manufacturer. This includes tire size and load information. Consult a professional if you need assistance. Tell them what trailer you have and how you are using it.

Consider the type of travel you’ll go on. Different trailer tires fit different journeys. Trailer tires fit for winter won’t do you any good in summer conditions.

Other Trailer Travel Tips

Caring for tires is important, but don’t forget to dedicate enough time to plan and enjoy other things. Here are some tips that make that happen.

Traveling with a tight schedule can lead to more frustration down the road. Leave some space in case things take longer or the family wants to explore a certain location. Planned fuel stops make sure you avoid running out of gas mid-trip. Pack necessities, but remember you don’t need everything.

Taking regular breaks is crucial, particularly on longer trips. It prevents driver fatigue, allows passengers to stretch, and kids can play around. This is also a perfect time to have refreshments. In case you need them during the drive, make sure they’re accessible. Inform yourself about possible routes you can take to safely pull off and rest when needed.

The Family Road-Trip Trailer Checklist

Enjoying a family trip doesn’t take much. A simple checklist helps keep the necessary things ready for a smooth journey.

Start by checking your trailer tires, including the spare. Make sure they’re properly inflated and without visual damage like cracks, cuts, or bulges to avoid getting stranded.

When packing the luggage, secure everything tightly to avoid swaying. Learn how much your trailer and its tires can handle to avoid overloading and tire failure.

Things like water and snacks should be within arm’s reach, particularly on exhausting summer trips. If you’re traveling with kids, have a book or a tablet ready to keep them entertained while on the move.

Have roadside assistance information ready just in case. Knowing you can rely on someone in a crisis lowers anxiety and shortens the time spent stranded.

Hit the Road With Confidence

Preparing for a vacation can be stressful when trying not to forget anything necessary. There’s a lot to consider: the luggage, accommodation, routes, trailer, and tires. However, a plan or checklist streamlines the process and gives you peace of mind, knowing you did everything you can to make the trip a success.

With the worry out of the way, the family can focus now on the destination. Will you kayak on a lake, camp and relax, or travel through national parks and make unforgettable memories? The choice is yours. Just don’t forget to enjoy every mile you take.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Trailer Tires appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Girlfriend getaways are different. You can sleep in. You can spend an unreasonable amount of time deciding where to eat. You can shop without someone sighing dramatically outside the dressing room. You can order dessert simply because you want dessert. And, most importantly, you can spend a few days with women who understand exactly why you needed to get away in the first place.

Over the years, I’ve taken girls’ trips all over the country, and I’ve learned that the best girlfriend getaway destinations aren’t necessarily the places with the biggest attractions. They’re the places where you can easily combine great food, fun activities, a little shopping, a little pampering, and plenty of time to actually talk.

Because let’s be honest: If your itinerary is so packed that you need a vacation from your vacation, somebody has made a scheduling error.

These are some of the best girlfriend getaways in the United States, from wine country and charming small towns to big-city adventures, mountain escapes, beach towns, and destinations where staying out way too late is practically part of the itinerary.

1. San Luis Obispo, California

Best for: Wine, beaches, food, and a little adventure

San Luis Obispo County, or SLO CAL, is one of my favorite discoveries for a girls’ trip because it manages to combine several things women usually want from a getaway without making you drive three hours between each activity.

You can spend one day wine tasting in Edna Valley, wander around downtown San Luis Obispo, head to the coast for brunch, explore Pismo Beach, and squeeze in an outdoor adventure without feeling like you’re constantly sitting in the car.

On my own girls’ trip to SLO CAL, we went wine tasting, ziplined at Santa Margarita Ranch, explored Old Edna, enjoyed champagne brunch overlooking the Pacific, visited tide pools, rode e-bikes, and ate very well. Basically, it checked all the important boxes.

The area is also a nice alternative to some of California’s more famous wine destinations. You get vineyards, coastal scenery, excellent restaurants, and charming towns without quite as much of the “everyone else had the same idea” feeling.

Don’t miss: Edna Valley wine tasting, downtown SLO, Pismo Beach for an e-bike ride, and brunch with an ocean view.

Perfect trip length: 3–4 days.

Read next: Girls’ Trip to SLO CAL: Wine, Beaches, Brunch, and Just Enough Adventure

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Best for: Food, music, cocktails, and a trip with some personality

Memphis is a fantastic girlfriend getaway for a group that would rather eat barbecue and listen to live music than spend the weekend sitting beside a resort pool.

Start with Beale Street and Memphis’ legendary music history, then work your way through the city’s food scene. Barbecue is obviously part of the plan, but Memphis has much more going on than ribs and blues.

You can tour Sun Studio, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, explore the city’s neighborhoods, grab drinks, and spend an evening listening to live music.

And Memphis has something that makes it particularly good for a girls’ trip: you can build the weekend around experiences rather than attractions. There’s plenty to do, but you don’t need a military-grade itinerary to have a good time.

Don’t miss: Beale Street, live music, Memphis barbecue, Sun Studio, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Perfect trip length: 3 days.

Read next: Girls’ Weekend in Memphis

3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Best for: Cabins, mountains, wine, and girls who want to relax

Gatlinburg is an excellent choice when your group wants a mountain getaway without completely abandoning civilization.

Rent a cabin with a hot tub, stock the kitchen with snacks and wine, and give yourselves permission to have a slow morning. Then head out to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, browse the shops in town, visit local wineries or distilleries, and find a good dinner.

Fall is especially gorgeous when the mountains turn into a sea of color, although summer and spring are also popular times to visit.

The real advantage of Gatlinburg for a girlfriend getaway is having a comfortable house where everyone can hang out together. Because sometimes the best part of the trip is sitting around the kitchen table at midnight talking about everything and absolutely nothing.

Don’t miss: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a cabin with a hot tub, local tastings, scenic drives, incredible hiking, and downtown Gatlinburg.

Perfect trip length: 3–4 days.

Read next: Gatlinburg Girls Trip

4. Gruene, Texas

Best for: A laid-back Texas girls’ weekend

Gruene is one of those Texas destinations that feels tailor-made for a girlfriend getaway. You can spend the morning shopping in the historic district, have lunch at the Gristmill, float the Guadalupe River, grab drinks, and end the night dancing at Gruene Hall.

And if your group is anything like mine, you’ll probably want to add a wine tour, a cooking class, or some sort of Texas souvenir-shopping mission.

Gruene is particularly good for a group that wants a road-trip-friendly girls’ trip rather than a destination that requires flights and a complicated transportation plan.

Don’t miss: Gruene Hall, the Gristmill, boutique shopping, the Guadalupe River, and a Hill Country wine tour.

Perfect trip length: 2–3 nights.

Read next: Gruene, Texas Girls Trip

5. Fredericksburg, Texas

Best for: Wine lovers and women who believe shopping is an activity

Fredericksburg is one of the easiest girlfriend getaways to recommend because it checks so many boxes: wine, food, shopping, cute accommodations, spas, and Texas Hill Country scenery.

Spend a day touring the wineries along Wine Road 290, then head back into town for boutiques, restaurants, and cocktails. You can also add a spa day, explore local German heritage, or simply rent a house and spend an afternoon hanging out.

Fredericksburg is particularly good for a group that wants a little luxury without needing a five-day vacation to justify the trip. And yes, you should probably leave room in your suitcase.

Don’t miss: Wine Road 290, Main Street shopping, a spa treatment, German-inspired food, and a leisurely dinner.

Perfect trip length: 2–3 nights.

Read next: Fredericksburg Girls’ Trip: Wine, Dine, and Shop Till You Drop

6. Georgetown, Texas

Best for: Small-town charm without giving up good food

Georgetown is another Texas Hill Country option that deserves more attention as a girlfriend getaway.

The historic downtown square is packed with shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and places to sit outside and catch up with your friends. It’s also close enough to Austin to combine the two if your group wants a little more nightlife.

For a slower weekend, though, you can stay right in Georgetown and enjoy the small-town atmosphere. This is the destination I’d choose when everyone says they want to “get away,” but nobody wants to spend half the weekend traveling.

Don’t miss: Georgetown Square, local boutiques and restaurants, Blue Hole, and nearby Hill Country attractions.

Perfect trip length: 2–3 nights.

Read next: Girlfriend Getaway to Georgetown, Texas

7. Montana

Best for: Big skies, outdoor adventures, and getting away from absolutely everything

Montana is the girlfriend getaway for the group that wants to trade traffic and email notifications for mountains, lakes, hiking trails, and ridiculously beautiful scenery. There are several ways to do Montana, depending on your travel style.

For a more polished getaway, look toward places such as Big Sky. For a combination of mountain scenery, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm, Whitefish is a fantastic option. Glacier National Park can turn the trip into a full-blown adventure.

You can hike, horseback ride, raft, explore mountain towns, enjoy a great dinner, or simply sit outside and stare at the scenery.

Montana is also one of those destinations where you don’t have to fill every minute. Sometimes the activity is simply looking around and saying, “Wait. Is this real?”

Don’t miss: Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Big Sky, scenic drives, hiking, and a mountain lodge.

Perfect trip length: 4–5 days.

Read next: Western Montana Girls Trip: Horses, Hikes, and Off-Roading

8. New York City

Best for: Shopping, restaurants, shows, and maximum energy

New York City is the opposite of a relaxing girls’ getaway—and that’s exactly why it’s fun.

If your group wants Broadway shows, incredible restaurants, museums, shopping, cocktails, rooftop bars, and enough neighborhoods to explore that you could come back ten times and still have things left to do, New York is hard to beat.

Spend a morning wandering through the West Village, shop in SoHo, walk the High Line, have cocktails somewhere fabulous, and see a Broadway show.

The key to a successful New York girls’ trip is accepting that you cannot do everything. Pick a neighborhood or two each day and embrace the fact that you’ll still leave with a list of things you didn’t get to do. That’s a good excuse to come back.

Don’t miss: Broadway, SoHo, the West Village, the High Line, Central Park, and at least one memorable dinner.

Perfect trip length: 3–5 days.

Read next: Girls Trip To New York City

9. Carlsbad, California

Best for: Beach time without the chaos

Carlsbad is a great choice for girlfriends who want a California beach getaway but don’t necessarily want the energy of Los Angeles or the expense of some of California’s more famous coastal destinations.

You can spend your mornings walking along the beach, book a spa treatment, shop, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and watch the sunset with a cocktail. It’s also easy to build in some nearby adventures, including exploring other North County San Diego communities.

This is the trip for when everyone agrees that what they really need is to sit somewhere pretty and do less. Honestly, an underrated vacation strategy. No matter what you do, stay at Omni La Costa Resort and make sure to hit the spa.

Don’t miss: Carlsbad State Beach, the village area, spa time, coastal walks, and a sunset dinner.

Perfect trip length: 3 days.

10. Sedona, Arizona

Best for: Wellness, hiking, spas, and dramatic scenery

Sedona is practically designed for a girls’ trip.

The red rock scenery is spectacular, there are hiking trails for different ability levels, and the destination has a strong wellness scene. You can spend the morning hiking, the afternoon at the spa, and the evening enjoying a great dinner while watching the sun disappear behind the red rocks.

If your group is into wellness, yoga, sound baths, spiritual experiences, or simply pretending you’re the kind of person who wakes up early to meditate, Sedona gives you plenty of options. And if you aren’t into any of that, don’t worry. You can just get a massage and call it personal growth.

Don’t miss: Red Rock State Park, scenic hikes, spa treatments, Uptown Sedona, and a sunset experience.

Perfect trip length: 3–4 days.

Read Next: Girlfriend Getaway to Sedona, Arizona

11. Las Vegas, Nevada

Best for: Girls who want to have a VERY good time

Las Vegas is one of the easiest girlfriend getaways in the country because you can make it whatever you want. Want to spend the weekend at a spa? Done. Want to see a show? Easy. Want to shop, eat amazing food, sit by a pool, drink cocktails, gamble a little, or stay out until an hour that would have horrified you ten years ago?

Vegas has you covered. And Vegas isn’t just for bachelorette parties. In fact, I think it’s often more fun when you’re traveling with longtime friends who can appreciate a great dinner, a ridiculous show, and a little people-watching.

Don’t miss: A show, a great dinner, the Sphere, a pool day, shopping, and cocktails.

Perfect trip length: 3 nights.

Read Next: Plan a Perfect Girls’ Trip to Vegas

12. Portland, Oregon

Best for: Foodies, coffee lovers, and women who like their trips a little quirky

Portland is an excellent choice for a girlfriend getaway that doesn’t feel overly polished or predictable. Spend the morning drinking excellent coffee, browse Powell’s City of Books, explore neighborhoods filled with independent shops, eat your way through food carts, and visit the Portland Japanese Garden.

You can also make the trip more outdoorsy with a visit to Forest Park or a day trip toward the Columbia River Gorge. Portland is especially good for girlfriends who like to wander without having every minute planned.

Don’t miss: Powell’s, McMenamin’s Edgefield, Portland’s food carts, the Japanese Garden, local coffee, breweries, and the Columbia River Gorge.

Perfect trip length: 3–4 days.

13. Seattle, Washington

Best for: Food, coffee, markets, and city-meets-nature adventures

Seattle gives you the best of both worlds: a fun city with excellent restaurants and neighborhoods to explore, plus spectacular natural scenery nearby. Start at Pike Place Market, where you can easily lose an hour or three sampling food, shopping, and watching the famous fish throwing.

Then explore neighborhoods, grab coffee, enjoy waterfront views, and plan a day trip if your group wants to get outside the city. Seattle is also a great destination for a group with different interests. One person can shop, another can geek out over coffee, another can chase food, and someone else can insist everyone go hiking.

Don’t miss: Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Space Needle, Seattle coffee, and a nearby nature excursion.

Perfect trip length: 3–4 days.

14. Savannah, Georgia

Best for: Southern charm, food, cocktails, and leisurely wandering

Savannah is one of those destinations where you should resist the urge to overplan. Walk through the historic district, explore the squares, browse boutiques, take a food tour, have cocktails, and linger over dinner.

The city is beautiful, atmospheric, and easy to explore at a leisurely pace, which makes it ideal for girlfriends who want plenty of time to talk. Savannah also makes a great choice for a birthday trip or milestone getaway because you can make the weekend feel special without needing a packed schedule.

Don’t miss: Forsyth Park, the historic squares, River Street, boutique shopping, a food tour, Paula Dean’s restaurant, and cocktails in a beautiful historic setting.

Perfect trip length: 3 days.

15. Charleston, South Carolina

Best for: Foodies, history, shopping, and a little Southern glamour

Charleston is another destination that seems to understand the assignment when it comes to girlfriend trips. The city combines beautiful historic architecture with excellent restaurants, shopping, rooftop bars, and plenty of opportunities to simply walk around and explore.

Spend the morning wandering historic streets, stop for lunch, shop in the afternoon, and get dressed up for dinner. You can also add a beach day if your group wants some time near the water.

Charleston is especially good for girlfriends who want their trip to feel a little elevated without being stuffy.

Don’t miss: Historic Charleston, King Street shopping, excellent Southern food, rooftop cocktails, and nearby beaches.

Perfect trip length: 3–4 days.

How to Choose the Best Girlfriend Getaway for Your Group

The hardest part of planning a girls’ trip usually isn’t choosing a destination. It’s getting five women with five different opinions to agree on one.

Before you start arguing about where to go, figure out what everyone actually wants.

If your group wants wine:

Choose San Luis Obispo, Fredericksburg, or Montana.

If you want a beach getaway:

Choose Carlsbad or San Luis Obispo.

If you want shopping and restaurants:

Choose New York City, Charleston, or Las Vegas.

If you want mountains and outdoor adventures:

Choose Gatlinburg, Montana, or Sedona.

If you want a relaxed Texas weekend:

Choose Gruene, Fredericksburg, or Georgetown.

If you want music and nightlife:

Choose Memphis, Las Vegas, or New York City.

If you want wellness and relaxation:

Choose Sedona, Carlsbad, or San Luis Obispo.

If you want a little bit of everything:

Choose San Luis Obispo, Seattle, Charleston, or Savannah.

Why You Should Actually Take the Girls’ Trip

One of the best things about a girlfriend getaway is that it doesn’t have to be a major vacation.

You don’t need two weeks off work. You don’t need to spend $10,000. And you certainly don’t need to wait until everyone’s schedules miraculously align, because that day may arrive sometime around 2047.

A long weekend is enough.

The point isn’t necessarily where you go. It’s getting out of your normal routine, spending uninterrupted time with people you love, laughing until your stomach hurts, eating something you didn’t have to cook, and coming home with stories that will eventually become the stories you tell over and over again.

So pick a place, open the group chat, and actually make the reservation. Because “We really need to take a girls’ trip sometime” is not a travel plan.

The post 15 Fun Girlfriend Getaways in the United States appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Disney World can be magical, memorable, and completely worth the money for families who love Disney. There is a reason people go back again and again, and there is something pretty special about watching your kids experience the parks, meet characters they adore, and completely lose their minds when they finally get to ride that attraction they have been talking about for six months.

But there is another conversation I think families need to have before they hand over what could easily be $10,000 or more for a Disney World vacation.

What else could we do with that money?

Because $10,000 is a lot of money for a family vacation. It may be worth every penny to you, and if Disney World is your dream trip, then by all means, book the trip. Life is short, and sometimes you should absolutely buy the Mickey-shaped snack.

But if you are sitting there thinking, “I really want to take my family somewhere amazing, and Disney World is just the first thing that comes to mind,” then it might be worth looking around a little before you commit.

Depending on where you live, when you travel, how many people are in your family, and how fancy you like your vacations, that same $10,000 budget could potentially take your family somewhere completely different.

You could relax on a Caribbean beach. You could sail on a cruise ship. You could take your kids to Europe. You could road trip through some of America’s most spectacular national parks. You could stay at an all-inclusive resort where, brace yourself, you don’t have to pull out your wallet every time someone wants chicken nuggets.

The point isn’t that these vacations are better than Disney World. The point is that $10,000 gives you options.

First, Let’s Talk About Why Disney World Can Reach $10,000

Disney World does not have to cost $10,000. Families can absolutely visit for less, especially if they travel during promotional periods, stay at a Value Resort or off-property hotel, skip extras, and carefully watch their spending.

Disney currently offers special ticket promotions throughout the year. For example, its 2026 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket starts at $436 per person before tax for eligible travel dates. Disney also offers resort discounts and other promotions at different times of the year.

But a Disney vacation can climb in price surprisingly quickly when you add a nicer hotel, several days of park tickets, food, Lightning Lane purchases, flights, airport transportation, souvenirs, and all the other things that somehow find their way onto your credit card.

A recent NerdWallet analysis estimated that a seven-night Disney World trip for a family of four, including Disney-owned accommodations, park tickets, and three meals a day, could range from approximately $6,210 at the Value level to more than $14,000 at the Deluxe level. Those numbers do not necessarily include every expense a family may have, such as transportation to Orlando or souvenirs.

So, yes, $10,000 for a Disney World vacation is entirely possible. It isn’t difficult to get there, unfortunately. That got me thinking about what other family vacations could fit into a similar budget.

1. Take Your Family to an All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico or the Caribbean

If the thought of paying for every meal, snack, drink, and activity separately makes your eye twitch, an all-inclusive resort might be worth considering.

With an all-inclusive vacation, much of your spending is bundled together before you even leave home. Depending on the resort, your package may include accommodations, meals, snacks, drinks, pools, beaches, entertainment, and some activities.

That doesn’t mean every all-inclusive resort is identical. Some are very budget-friendly, while others are luxurious enough to make your $10,000 disappear before you have even unpacked your swimsuit.

But destinations such as the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Punta Cana, Jamaica, and other Caribbean destinations can offer families a completely different kind of vacation experience for a similar overall budget.

Instead of waking up early to rope-drop a theme park, you could wake up, wander down to breakfast, and spend the day at the beach or pool. Your biggest decision might be whether to go snorkeling, kayaking, or simply continue doing absolutely nothing.

And frankly, there is something beautiful about a vacation where “What are we doing today?” can be answered with, “Whatever we feel like.”

For families who want more activity, many resorts have water parks, kids’ clubs, sports, entertainment, and excursions available nearby. For families with teenagers, a resort can also offer enough independence that parents are not required to spend every waking second entertaining another human being.

That’s a vacation feature I personally feel deserves more appreciation.

2. Take a Family Cruise

A cruise is another vacation where a large portion of your costs can be bundled into the initial price.

Your accommodations, transportation between destinations, and many meals and entertainment options are generally included in the cruise fare. Of course, there are extras. There are always extras. Cruise lines did not build those beautiful ships by accidentally forgetting to sell you a drink package.

Still, a $10,000 budget could potentially provide a family with a very nice cruise experience, depending on the cruise line, itinerary, cabin category, and travel dates.

You could sail around the Caribbean, visit Mexico, explore Alaska, or even consider certain European itineraries. Some families might prefer spending their vacation visiting several destinations instead of spending multiple days at one theme park destination.

The other advantage is that you only have to unpack once.

As someone who has traveled with children, I cannot overstate how much I appreciate a vacation where I am not repeatedly packing everyone’s belongings into a vehicle while wondering how a family of four somehow accumulated seventeen wet towels.

Cruising isn’t perfect for everyone. Some families want more time in each destination, while others don’t enjoy being on a ship. But if you want entertainment, activities, multiple destinations, and food without constantly calculating the price of every meal, it is worth comparing before automatically booking Disney World.

3. Take the Family to Europe

Yes, Europe. Before someone immediately says, “You cannot take a family to Europe for $10,000,” let me be clear: you absolutely can spend far more than $10,000 on a European vacation. You can also spend significantly less.

The final price depends heavily on your departure airport, the destination, the time of year, airfare, accommodations, transportation, and how you travel once you arrive.

But families who are willing to plan carefully may be surprised by what is possible.

Instead of spending your vacation standing in line for Space Mountain, you could be eating gelato in Italy. Your kids could see the Eiffel Tower, walk through ancient ruins, explore castles, ride trains between cities, and experience a completely different culture.

And while Disney World creates wonderful memories, there is something pretty incredible about watching your child realize that the world is much bigger than the neighborhood they grew up in.

Europe does require more planning. You have to consider passports, flights, transportation, jet lag, and the fact that your children may suddenly discover that European hotel rooms are not always designed with an American family’s need for approximately twelve beds in mind.

Still, if your children are old enough to appreciate history, food, culture, and the experience of exploring somewhere new, I would absolutely compare the cost before automatically assuming Disney World is your only option.

4. Take an Epic National Parks Road Trip

You do not have to leave the United States to have a vacation your kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

For $10,000, a family could potentially plan an incredible national parks trip with rental cars or their own vehicle, hotels or vacation rentals, park passes, guided activities, and plenty of restaurant meals.

Imagine taking your family to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Or planning a Southwest road trip that includes Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and other incredible destinations.

You could go rafting in Montana, explore Glacier National Park, see wildlife in Wyoming, or build an entire trip around some of the most beautiful places in the country. The best part is that a national parks trip can be customized for your family.

You can go luxury and stay at beautiful lodges. You can stay in cabins. You can book vacation rentals with a kitchen. You can camp if your family enjoys that sort of thing, which mine would describe as “sleeping outside on purpose.” The point is that your budget can go toward experiences rather than primarily toward admission to attractions.

Your kids may not come home with a Mickey balloon, but they might come home talking about the time they saw a bear, went whitewater rafting, or stood in front of a glacier. Those are pretty good souvenirs too.

5. Spend a Week at a Beach Destination

A beach vacation can be as simple or as luxurious as you want it to be.

For a family with a $10,000 budget, you could potentially book flights and accommodations somewhere beautiful, rent a car, enjoy restaurants, and add experiences such as snorkeling, boat trips, dolphin encounters, deep sea fishing, surfing lessons, or other excursions.

You could look at destinations in Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, or elsewhere depending on your budget and where you are flying from.

And unlike a theme park vacation, you don’t necessarily need to plan every hour of every day.

There is a lot to be said for giving your family some actual downtime. Children can play in the pool or ocean. Teenagers can sleep until a completely unreasonable hour. Parents can sit in a lounge chair and pretend they cannot hear anyone asking for another snack.

Everyone wins.

A beach vacation can also work well for multigenerational families because grandparents, young children, teenagers, and adults can all enjoy the same destination without requiring everyone to have the exact same idea of fun. That is practically a miracle.

6. Book a Family Adventure Vacation

If your family gets bored sitting by the pool, you could put that $10,000 toward an adventure-focused vacation.

Think horseback riding at a ranch, whitewater rafting, ziplining, hiking, ATV tours, kayaking, snorkeling, skiing, or learning how to surf.

You could build an itinerary around Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, Costa Rica, or another destination that offers outdoor experiences your family actually enjoys.

This is where I think families sometimes get stuck in a travel rut. They know Disney. Their friends have been to Disney. Their children have seen Disney commercials. So Disney becomes the automatic answer.

But your family might actually enjoy something else more. If your kids would rather hike than stand in a 90-minute line, that matters. If your teenagers would rather go rafting than meet a character, that matters too. And if you would rather spend your vacation looking at mountains than checking wait times on an app, well, I think you know where I’m going with this.

7. Combine a City Vacation With Something Your Kids Actually Want to Do

Another option is building a trip around one major destination and then adding experiences your family would enjoy. Maybe your family wants to visit New York City and see a Broadway show. Perhaps Chicago, San Diego, Boston, Washington, D.C., or another major city is on your list.

You could combine museums, food, sporting events, tours, shopping, and nearby attractions. Or you could create a two-part vacation. Spend several days exploring a city and then finish with several days at the beach. Visit San Francisco and then head somewhere along the California coast. Explore Washington, D.C., and then spend a few days relaxing elsewhere.

The beauty of having a $10,000 vacation budget is that you have room to build something around what your family actually enjoys.

Not what Instagram says your family should enjoy. Not what every other family at your child’s school is doing. And not what you feel obligated to book because your kids watched Frozen approximately 4,000 times when they were five.

So, Is Disney World Still Worth $10,000?

It absolutely can be. If Disney World is a dream vacation for your family, your kids love Disney, and you have always wanted to experience the parks together, then the memories may be worth every penny.

Disney also continues to offer promotional tickets and resort discounts during select travel periods, which can significantly affect the overall cost of a trip. In 2026, for example, Disney’s 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket starts at $436 per person before tax for eligible summer dates, while other resort and package offers are available for select stays.

But before you spend $10,000, I think it is worth doing one simple thing. Make a list of your family’s other dream vacations. Price them out. Look at what your money could buy you in Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the national parks, or on a cruise ship.

You may look at those options and decide Disney World is still exactly where you want to go. Great. Book the trip, eat the Mickey-shaped snacks, and enjoy every minute. Or you may realize that for the same amount of money, your family could see a part of the world they have never experienced before. There is no wrong answer here.

The goal isn’t to convince families to stop going to Disney World. The goal is to remind families that when you are spending $10,000 on a vacation, Disney World is not your only choice. And honestly, before I spend the equivalent of a small used car on a vacation, I want to make sure I have at least looked at all the other cars in the parking lot.

The post If You’re Spending $10,000 on Disney World, Here Are Other Family Vacations You Could Take Instead appeared first on Mommy Travels.

I know this struggle personally. When my son Noah was 16, he absolutely hated traveling with me, which made family trips considerably more challenging and, at times, downright frustrating. I love travel. I love exploring new places, trying new food, wandering through cities, visiting historic sites, and generally squeezing every possible experience out of a destination. Noah, at 16, was not exactly interested in my carefully curated cultural enrichment program.

And here’s the thing parents sometimes learn the hard way: one miserable teenager can ruin an entire family vacation. You can be standing in front of an incredible landmark thinking, “This is amazing!” while your teenager is three feet behind you looking like someone just canceled Christmas.

So if you are planning a vacation with a 16-year-old who hates sightseeing, I would not try to convince them that sightseeing is actually fun. That battle is probably not worth your blood pressure. Instead, choose a trip where the destination itself provides plenty of things teenagers actually want to do.

The good news? There are plenty of them.

What Makes a Good Vacation for a Teen Who Hates Sightseeing?

The trick is to stop thinking about the destination first and start thinking about what your teenager likes to do.

Does your teen love water? Sports? Adventure? Video games? Theme parks? Sleeping until noon? Meeting other teenagers? Eating? All excellent clues. And yes, “sleeping until noon” can absolutely be incorporated into a vacation strategy.

For a teen who dislikes sightseeing, the best trips usually have plenty of built-in entertainment so you aren’t constantly asking them to leave the hotel and “just look at this one thing.” You also want some independence built into the trip. At 16, your child is old enough to want some control over their vacation, but not old enough for you to happily abandon them in another country while you go sightseeing alone.

That makes resorts, cruises, adventure destinations and theme parks particularly good choices.

1. A Cruise Is One of the Best Vacations for a 16-Year-Old

A cruise can be almost perfect for a teenager who hates sightseeing because the ship is the vacation.

You don’t have to drag your teenager through museums or historic neighborhoods to fill the day. Depending on the ship, there may be pools, waterslides, sports, entertainment, games, food, gaming areas and teen spaces. And perhaps most importantly, teenagers have opportunities to meet other teenagers.

Royal Caribbean is particularly worth considering for families with older teens. Its current teen spaces are designed for ages 13 to 17 and include places to hang out, play games, watch movies, listen to music and socialize with other teens.

That social aspect can make a huge difference. A teenager who thinks spending the afternoon with Mom is approximately the least exciting thing imaginable may suddenly become very enthusiastic about a vacation once there are other kids his age around.

Disney Cruise Line is another option, particularly if your teen still enjoys Disney but has aged well beyond the character-meet-and-greet phase. Disney’s Vibe teen spaces are designed for ages 14 to 17, and activities can include games, music, karaoke, dancing and other teen-oriented programming.

The other major cruise advantage is that you can still visit destinations without making sightseeing the entire point of the trip. If your teenager is willing to get off the ship, great. If not, there is still plenty to do onboard.

My sons loved to hit the buffet, then the gym, back to buffet, and then the pool. A buffet is paradise for a teenage boy’s appetite.

2. All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean

If your teenager’s ideal vacation involves a pool, unlimited food and absolutely no requirement to learn about the local architecture, an all-inclusive resort might be your answer.

The key is choosing the right all-inclusive. A quiet resort designed primarily for couples is probably not going to make your 16-year-old suddenly embrace family travel. You want somewhere with enough activities that they can entertain themselves without you becoming their cruise director.

Look for resorts with things such as waterparks, watersports, sports courts, teen clubs, game rooms, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, evening entertainment and plenty of food options.

This is where I would also pay attention to the resort’s age range. A resort can be “family-friendly” and still feel like preschool with a swim-up bar. Your teenager may not be thrilled about spending a week surrounded by toddlers in floaties.

Club Med is one example worth researching because its current Teens Club & Chill Pass is specifically designed for ages 11 to 17 and includes activities aimed at older kids, including sports, creative activities and outdoor adventures.

For a 16-year-old, I would prioritize activities and independence over fancy decor. A gorgeous resort with nothing to do may photograph beautifully on Instagram and feel like a hostage situation by day three.

These have been some of our favorite all-inclusive vacations during the teen years:

• Beaches Turks and Caicos
• The Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun
• Hotel Xcaret Arte (kids have to be at least 16 to stay here)
• Margaritaville Cap Cana Island Reserve
• Grand Bahia Principe Tulum
• Fiesta Americana Cozumel
• Allegro Cozumel Resort
• Cayo Espanto
• Grand Velas Riviera Maya
• Hacienda Encantada Resort in Los Cabos

3. An Adventure Vacation

Some teenagers don’t hate travel. They hate being told to walk around and look at things. There is a difference.

If your teenager loves adrenaline, consider building the vacation around an adventure instead of sightseeing. Think ziplining, rafting, surfing, snorkeling, diving, ATV excursions, mountain biking, hiking to waterfalls, or other active experiences.

Costa Rica can be a particularly good fit for an active family because the trip can revolve around experiences rather than traditional sightseeing. You can spend your days doing activities and your evenings relaxing rather than marching your teenager through a list of landmarks because a travel website said you should.

Hawaii can work well for similar reasons. If your teen isn’t interested in historical sites or cultural attractions, you can focus on surfing, snorkeling, hiking, beaches, and other outdoor activities.

The important thing is to match the adventure level to your actual teenager. Don’t book a seven-day extreme-adventure itinerary for a kid whose idea of athleticism is walking to the refrigerator.

4. Theme Park Vacations

If your teenager says they hate sightseeing but somehow has no problem walking 20,000 steps around a theme park, congratulations. You have discovered the loophole.

Theme park vacations are excellent for teens because they provide an obvious purpose for every day. You’re not wandering around saying, “Let’s see what we can find!” You’re standing in line for a roller coaster they desperately want to ride.

Universal Orlando is especially appealing to teenagers because the parks have a strong emphasis on thrill rides and immersive attractions. Universal itself highlights attractions ranging from The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and other high-energy experiences.

And unlike sightseeing, a theme park gives your teenager something tangible to look forward to. They can pick rides, restaurants and activities, which gives them some ownership over the trip.

That matters more than parents sometimes realize. At 16, your child is getting closer to adulthood. They don’t necessarily want you to plan every second of their vacation anymore. Giving them a say can turn “I don’t want to go” into “Can we do this next?”

5. A Beach Vacation With a Lot to Do

There is absolutely nothing wrong with booking a beautiful beach vacation and doing very little. In fact, sometimes this is exactly what your family needs.

But if you have a teenager who gets bored easily, I would choose a beach destination where there are plenty of activities beyond lying on a lounge chair. Look for destinations with snorkeling, parasailing, jet skis, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, boat trips and other water activities.

The goal isn’t to create a packed itinerary. It’s to give your teenager options.

Maybe you want to spend the morning reading by the pool while your teen plays beach volleyball. Maybe they want to snorkel while you sit on the beach. Maybe everybody meets up for lunch and then spends the afternoon together.

That can be a much better family vacation than forcing everyone to participate in every activity together. Here are some of our favorite beach vacations for this age:

• Disney Aulani
• Oahu Travel Guide
• Panama City Beach Travel Guide
• 10 Day Family Vacation to Halkidiki, Greece
• Costa Rica Travel Guide

6. A Big-City Trip Built Around Food, Shopping and Entertainment

Not every teenager hates cities. Some just hate historical sightseeing. If your teen likes shopping, sports, concerts, food or pop culture, build the trip around those interests.

New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas and other major cities can work surprisingly well if you skip the traditional “here are the 47 things you must see” approach.

Take New York City, for example. You don’t necessarily need to spend the day dragging your teenager through museums. You could build a trip around Broadway, shopping, restaurants, sporting events, and neighborhoods that actually interest them. My son hated Broadway, so keep that in mind before buying those tickets.

The same concept works almost anywhere: find your teenager’s thing and make that the centerpiece of the trip. You may even sneak in some sightseeing without announcing it as sightseeing. Sneaky parenting is still parenting.

7. A Ski or Snowboarding Trip

If your teenager enjoys skiing or snowboarding, this is another vacation where the activity is the destination.

Instead of spending the day looking at attractions, you’re outside doing something. Ski resorts also provide plenty of opportunities for teens to spend time with other people their age, and the activity itself gives everyone something to talk about.

Even if your teen isn’t an expert skier, resorts often offer lessons and other winter activities. Just make sure you research the resort’s teen programming and terrain before booking because “ski resort” covers a pretty enormous range of experiences.

And yes, you should probably accept that your teenager will be significantly better at skiing than you within approximately 14 minutes.

8. A Vacation Where You Let the Teen Help Plan

This may be the most important advice in the entire article. If your 16-year-old hates family travel, let them participate in planning the trip.

Give them three or four options that fit your budget and let them choose. Or let them choose one activity each day. You don’t have to hand over the entire itinerary and hope for the best. You simply need to give them some ownership.

For example, you might say, “We’re going to spend five nights somewhere warm. Would you rather do a cruise, an all-inclusive resort or Universal Orlando?” Now your teenager has a decision to make instead of a vacation being something that is simply happening to them.

You can also agree ahead of time that everyone gets some vacation time to themselves. Maybe Mom gets an hour at the spa while the teenager hangs out at the teen club. Maybe everyone meets for dinner but spends the afternoon doing separate activities.

That doesn’t mean you’re not having a family vacation. It means you’re recognizing that your 16-year-old isn’t six anymore.

What I Learned From Traveling With a 16-Year-Old Who Hated It

Looking back at traveling with Noah at 16, I wish I had understood sooner that I didn’t need to make him love the things I loved about travel.

I love exploring. I love seeing something I’ve never seen before. I love wandering through a city with no particular plan and somehow finding a fantastic restaurant. A 16-year-old boy may not experience any of those things as “magical.” He may experience them as “Can we go back to the hotel now?”

And honestly, that’s okay.

The goal of a family vacation isn’t to create a miniature version of yourself who appreciates exactly the same things you do. The goal is to spend time together and create experiences that everyone can enjoy—even if everyone enjoys them in slightly different ways.

For a teenager who hates sightseeing, I would choose experiences over landmarks, activities over itineraries and flexibility over a schedule packed from 8 a.m. until bedtime.

Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of giving your teenager something they actually want to do. A cruise with friends, an all-inclusive with a great pool, an adventure vacation, a theme park trip or a beach vacation full of water activities can turn a teenager from “I hate traveling” into “When are we going again?”

And if you can accomplish that without hearing “This is so boring” 47 times before lunch, I would call that a successful vacation.

Quick Take: Best Vacations for a 16-Year-Old Who Hates Sightseeing

Best overall: A cruise with a strong teen program and lots of onboard activities.

Best for active teens: An adventure vacation with rafting, surfing, ziplining or other hands-on activities.

Best for water lovers: An all-inclusive resort with a waterpark, watersports and teen activities.

Best for thrill seekers: Universal Orlando or another major theme park destination.

Best for independent teens: A resort or cruise where they can safely spend some time with other teens.

Best for families with different interests: A cruise or large resort where everyone can choose different activities.

The biggest mistake to avoid: Booking a destination based entirely on what you want to see and assuming your teenager will magically be excited about it.

Trust me. I’ve been there.

Sometimes the best family vacation isn’t the one where everybody sees the most. It’s the one where everybody has enough fun that nobody is plotting an escape by day two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best vacation for a 16-year-old who hates sightseeing?

A cruise is one of the strongest options because the ship itself offers entertainment, dining, pools, sports, social spaces and teen programming. Large resorts and theme parks are also excellent choices because they allow teens to stay active without requiring traditional sightseeing.

Are cruises good for teenagers?

Yes, particularly ships with dedicated teen spaces and activities. Royal Caribbean currently offers dedicated spaces for teens ages 13 to 17, while Disney Cruise Line’s Vibe is designed for teens ages 14 to 17.

What should I look for in a resort for a 16-year-old?

Look for resorts with teen clubs, sports, water activities, pools, waterslides, entertainment and opportunities to socialize with other teenagers. The more options your teen has, the less likely you are to become their sole source of entertainment—which is a job nobody applied for.

Should I let my teenager help plan the vacation?

Absolutely. Giving a teenager some control over the destination or activities can make them more invested in the trip. You can still establish the budget and overall parameters while allowing them to choose some of the experiences.

What if my teenager doesn’t want to go on vacation at all?

Don’t take it personally. Teenagers are often at an age where spending time with friends can feel more exciting than spending time with their parents. Choose a vacation that includes activities they genuinely enjoy, give them some independence when appropriate and avoid making every moment a mandatory family activity.

Sometimes the best travel strategy with a teenager is simply finding the sweet spot between “We’re spending time together” and “I promise I won’t make you look at another historic building today.”

Read Next:

• Best Holiday Destinations With Teenagers
• 18 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Teenagers

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO or Whimstay for last-minute deals. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area, I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions, I always check CityPass, GetOut, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour, I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

Often, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars. Do not take Uber in 3rd world countries.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

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The post Best Vacations for a 16-Year-Old Who Hates Sightseeing appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Today, there are some genuinely excellent free educational websites for kids that can help with everything from math and reading to science, history, art, geography, and even emergency preparedness. Some are designed specifically for younger children, while others work well for elementary and middle school students.

As a mom, I know the goal isn’t necessarily to turn every minute of screen time into a lesson. Sometimes you just need your child to do something that is slightly more productive than watching the same YouTube video for the 47th time. These websites are a good place to start.

A couple of these aren’t completely free, so I’ve clearly labeled those rather than playing fast and loose with the word “free.”

1. Time for Kids

Time for Kids is a great way to get children reading about what’s happening in the real world without handing them the adult news and then spending the next hour explaining why everyone is yelling at each other.

The site is designed for young readers and covers current events, science, history, geography and other topics in an age-appropriate format. It’s particularly useful for kids who are ready to move beyond traditional reading practice and start building background knowledge about the world around them.

Best for: Reading, current events, and general knowledge
Cost: Free content is available

2. National Geographic Kids

If your child has ever asked approximately 900 questions about animals, National Geographic Kids is going to be a hit. The site is packed with animal information, science, geography, videos, quizzes, puzzles, games and the wonderfully named “Weird But True!” facts.

There is a particularly good science section with experiments and activities, including topics such as elephant toothpaste, water experiments and other hands-on science activities.

Best for: Science, animals, geography and curious kids
Cost: Free website content

3. Ready Kids from Ready.gov

This one might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “fun educational website,” but hear me out. Ready.gov has a kids’ resource library with games, coloring pages, activitie,s and preparedness resources designed to help children learn what to do during emergencies.

It’s an especially useful resource because emergency preparedness is one of those things kids should know about but probably aren’t going to request as their weekend activity. The site includes resources for families, educators and different age groups.

Best for: Emergency preparedness and life skills
Cost: Free

4. NASA Kids

Space-loving kids, rejoice. NASA has a dedicated collection of educational resources for young learners covering space, Earth science, the solar system, technology and more.

NASA’s current kids’ resources include games, videos, articles, hands-on activities and investigations. There are also resources about Earth science and biomes, so your child doesn’t have to leave planet Earth entirely to learn something interesting.

Best for: Space, science and Earth science
Cost: Free

5. National Museum of Wildlife Art – Educational Resources

The National Museum of Wildlife Art offers educational resources centered around wildlife and art. Its education programming includes resources for educators and students, and youth educational tours are offered free of charge with advance scheduling.

This is a nice option when you want to combine art with nature rather than treating every subject like it lives in its own little box. Kids can explore wildlife, artwork and the relationship between the two.

Best for: Art, wildlife and visual learning
Cost: Free educational resources

6. PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS remains one of my favorite recommendations for younger children because it manages to make educational content feel like entertainment rather than homework wearing a fake mustache.

The site offers hundreds of games featuring familiar PBS KIDS characters, along with activities, videos and resources for parents. There are games focused on reading, storytelling, math, science and engineering, and the PBS KIDS Games app is also free.

Best for: Preschool and elementary-age kids
Cost: Free

7. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids is one of the standout options if you’re looking for something genuinely free. It is designed for children ages 2 to 8 and includes interactive activities, books, lessons and games covering early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math.

The biggest selling point for parents is right there on the website: Khan Academy Kids is 100% free, with no ads or subscriptions. It also incorporates social-emotional learning and creative activities, so it’s more than just a digital worksheet factory.

Best for: Ages 2-8, especially early reading and math
Cost: Free

8. Starfall

Starfall has been around for years, and there’s a reason it has stuck around while many early-2000s educational websites have disappeared into the internet graveyard.

The platform focuses heavily on early literacy and math, with content ranging from preschool through elementary school. Starfall was originally created as a free public service to help children learn to read and has expanded to include language arts and mathematics.

Some content is free, while additional activities are available through paid memberships, so think of this as a free-to-start resource rather than an entirely free site.

Best for: Early reading, language arts and math
Cost: Free content; optional paid membership

9. Funbrain

Funbrain has games, books, videos and activities for kids from Pre-K through eighth grade. The current site organizes content by grade and subject, making it much easier for parents to find something appropriate without wandering around clicking random buttons and hoping for the best.

There are free activities covering math, reading, problem-solving and literacy, along with games and books.

Best for: Pre-K through middle school
Cost: Free

10. Scholastic Learn at Home

Scholastic is another name parents have probably known since approximately forever, and its online learning resources are a good extension of what the company has traditionally done with children’s books and magazines.

Scholastic Learn at Home features learning journeys built around fiction and nonfiction stories, with activities designed to get kids reading, thinking, creating and exploring. Stories are organized by topics, making it easy to find something based on your child’s interests.

Best for: Reading, nonfiction and elementary learning
Cost: Free resources available

11. Coolmath4Kids

Getting kids excited about math can be a little like getting them excited about cleaning their rooms. It is possible, but sometimes you need a strategy.

Coolmath4Kids uses games, puzzles, lessons and interactive activities to make math practice considerably less painful. Kids can work on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and other concepts while also tackling brain teasers and logic puzzles.

Best for: Elementary math and problem-solving
Cost: Free

12. Storyline Online

Storyline Online takes one of the simplest educational activities—being read to—and gives it a digital upgrade. The site features actors reading children’s books aloud, allowing kids to listen to stories while following along.

It’s a particularly nice option for younger readers, reluctant readers or those moments when everyone is tired and you would like someone else to do the reading for a change. There is nothing wrong with outsourcing bedtime occasionally.

Best for: Reading and literacy
Cost: Free

13. Smithsonian Learning Lab

This one is fantastic for older elementary students, middle schoolers and curious kids who like to go down educational rabbit holes. Smithsonian Learning Lab is a free interactive platform that lets users explore millions of Smithsonian digital resources, including images, recordings, texts, videos, artifacts and educational collections.

You don’t have to be a teacher to use it. The platform is open to anyone interested in exploring Smithsonian resources, and kids can discover collections covering history, science, art and culture.

Best for: History, science, art and research
Cost: Free

14. Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a great resource for kids who learn best by doing. Its Science Snacks collection includes hands-on science activities designed to help children explore concepts through experimentation rather than simply reading about them.

This is one I especially like for keeping kids occupied during school breaks because you can turn the activities into little science experiments at home. Just be prepared for the possibility that “educational experiment” will eventually become “why is there water on the ceiling?”

Best for: Hands-on science and experiments
Cost: Many free activities and resources

15. NASA Space Place

Yes, NASA made the list twice, but I’m not apologizing. NASA Space Place is specifically designed to make science and space topics approachable for kids through games, activities, articles and interactive content.

Children can explore topics such as Earth, the solar system, the universe and technology. There are also hands-on activities that can turn a rainy afternoon into something slightly more productive than everyone arguing over the remote.

Best for: Space, Earth science and STEM
Cost: Free

16. Brighterly

If your kid needs more than a website to click around on, Brighterly takes things a step further by pairing them with an actual tutor. Before diving into lessons, it runs a quick check to see where your child is solid and where they’re shaky, then builds a plan around that instead of a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

The lessons happen 1:1, so your kid gets someone paying attention specifically to them and closing gaps before piling on new material. It’s not free like the rest of this list, but it’s a different kind of resource entirely — closer to hiring a patient math or reading coach who actually shows up on time.

Best for: Kids who need real tutor guidance, not just games and videos
Cost: Starts around $17.7/class (no free version beyond the demo)

What Are the Best Free Educational Websites for Kids?

If you’re trying to figure out where to start, I wouldn’t send your child to all 16 websites and announce that summer vacation has been canceled. Instead, choose resources based on what your child actually enjoys.

For younger kids, PBS KIDS, Khan Academy Kids, Starfall and Funbrain are excellent places to start. For kids who are obsessed with animals and science, National Geographic Kids and NASA offer plenty to explore. Older elementary and middle school students may get more out of Smithsonian Learning Lab, Time for Kids and Scholastic Learn at Home.

For math specifically, Coolmath4Kids is a fun free option, while Brighterly is worth considering if your child needs more personalized instruction. Brighterly is not free beyond its introductory demo, but it is a very different type of resource because it connects students with tutors and creates individualized learning plans.

A Few Tips for Making Educational Websites Actually Work

The trick with educational websites is remembering that your child is still a child. If you tell them, “Go spend an hour doing educational activities,” they may suddenly develop a fascinating interest in staring at the wall.

Instead, let them choose from two or three options. If they’re interested in animals, start with National Geographic Kids. If they’re working on math, try Coolmath4Kids or Khan Academy Kids. If they want to explore something completely random, let them loose in the Smithsonian Learning Lab and see where their curiosity takes them.

I also wouldn’t worry about making every activity perfectly aligned with whatever they’re currently learning in school. One of the best things about these resources is that they can encourage kids to explore subjects simply because they’re interesting. Sometimes a child starts with a game about planets and ends up reading about astronauts, which is exactly the kind of accidental learning I can get behind.

Final Thoughts

There are now more free and affordable resources available for kids than ever before, whether you’re looking for reading practice, math help, science experiments, current events, or something to keep curious minds occupied during school breaks.

The key is finding resources that match your child’s age and interests rather than treating screen time as automatically educational just because the word “learning” appears somewhere on the homepage. Pick a few good sites, let your child explore, and remember that learning doesn’t always have to look like sitting at a desk with a worksheet.

And if your child learns something while having fun? That’s a parenting win. We will take those wherever we can get them.

Read Next:

• Tasks for Toddlers
• 9 Ways Kids Can Earn Money

The post 16 Best Free Educational Websites for Kids That Make Learning Fun appeared first on Mommy Travels.

We enjoyed 4 wonderful days hosted by 2 resorts on our way to Colombia this summer. Here’s how we did it:

BUENAVENTURA RESORT, EL CHIRÚ

We headed straight to the Buenaventura Resort from Tocumen International Airport, a two hour scenic drive that’s a straight shot down Route 1. If you need a break on the way, ask your driver to stop at Quesos Chela in Capira for one or two of their famous empanadas filled with fresh local cheese. 

Be careful not to snack too much, since you are about to eat some amazing food at this plush resort on the Southern coast on the stunning Gulf of Panama, also known as Panama’s Riviera Pacifico. 

DINING

The restaurants on the massive property offer an excellent set of options for resort guests. Breakfast happens at Criollo, with selections from the buffet and made-to-order items. I made sure to fill a bowl with curtido, a tasty typical pickled vegetable mix, to accompany the bread, cheese, and local fruit that I feasted on each morning. 

Our first night, after a fresh passionfruit, gin, and lychee cocktail by the lake at the Palapa Bar, we dined indulgently at Tai Kai, munching on fried shrimp and sushi, plus fruit-infused sake prepared by the omni-present hotel mixologist, Yason Blandon. The insanely fluffy Japanese-style soufflé cheesecake and the signature flan set us up for a sound night’s sleep, after a stroll through the central square of the hotel past the historic chapel. 

The centerpiece of the square, an almost 100-year-old corutú tree whose branches stretched in every direction, got us excited to see the other 200 carefully preserved trees on the property, including teak, moringa, and the majestic Panama tree. 

PROPERTY TOUR

After a morning splashing around the expansive main pools, we hopped on a golf cart (free bikes are also available) to tour the many highlights of the resorts, including those native trees, the beachfront clubs, luxe residences, and the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Golf Course (there are 18 more holes on the way). We checked out the sports clubhouse, which offers a huge list of facilities for everything from karate and pilates classes to an olympic size pool, padel courts, and a popular kids’ camp. 

We stopped for lunch at Mansa where the chef showed off the latest menu items, including a show-stopping local lobster risotto. We squeezed in a sunset happy hour sip and paint session on the Chiringuito beachfront before watching Panama get trounced in a World Cup match among a friendly crowd at the Lobby Bar. The delicious day ended with a hearty Panamanian style dinner at Criollo and our last flan of the visit. 

THE SANTA MARIA

We got dropped off at the gorgeous Santa Maria Resort just before lunch the next day. I had visited Panama City two years before as a guest of the Bristol Panama (which, along with its excellent in-house restaurant Salsipuedes, is also on the list of discounted hotels for Copa stopovers), and enjoyed all kinds of activities including a fascinating trip to the Canal, so I wanted to explore some new Panama City adventures.  

That said, the Santa Maria is a delightful place to stay put and hang out. There’s a world-class 18-hole golf course, with an urban golf club offering lessons, a driving range, and a putting green. Elevators whisk you directly from your room to the serene luxury Spa for massages and treatments. The large, contemporary pool is open 24 hours, and the kids’ area is furnished with the cutest mini Adirondack chairs I have ever seen. The comfortable guest rooms feature sweeping views of the city in the distance, and there’s lots of lovely shopping and dining, including a brand new food hall, just across the street in Santa Maria Village.

CASCO ANTIGUO

Rested up and ready for adventure, we headed to Panama City’s Casco Antigua (about 20 minutes away) for a walkabout and a Geisha coffee tasting. We ducked into several historic hotel lobbies, strolled the old town streets, and shopped for souvenirs and handicrafts, including molas, the hand-stitched fabric tapestries made by indigenous people of Panama. The cupping (technical term for the coffee experience) included super-informative chats with the resident coffee experts and is a unique must-do. 

MY FAVORITE COCKTAIL

Panama City is the home of some excellent cocktail bars, and Amano in particular deserves a visit. On my first trip, I tried a savory Dirty Margarita made with mezcal and olives that I have never stopped talking about, so this time I returned for another and had my mind blown once again. Their renditions of the classics are executed excellently, and their originals, creative without being ridiculous and reasonably priced, are accompanied by an engaging, hand-illustrated menu. There’s an international bar food menu I did not get to sample, but the environment is friendly, casual, and completely welcoming. Stop in on your way back to Santa Maria. 

MORE GREAT FOOD

The ultimate reason we barely left the resort during our 2-day stay? The food. Led by Spanish chef David Izquierdo, the restaurants offer incredible food influenced by Chef’s native culture, global influences, and the vibrant local cuisine. One night a week, Mestizo transforms into a cheese-lovers’ fever dream, centered around a 12-foot groaning board of international cheeses on offer. Breakfast at Mestizo is equally extravagant, with an entire room devoted to a rainbow of Panamanian tropical fruits, plus hand-sliced Iberico ham, pan con tomate, and just about anything else your heart desires first thing in the morning. Evenings, the outdoor Aqua pool bar becomes a Neapolitan pizza bar, with spritzes alongside. And don’t skip lunch at the clubby Grill House, with simple elegant steaks and seafood, and all-you-can eat French fries. 

OUTDOOR FUN 

On my next visit to Panama City, my local ex-pat friends recommended we take a day trip to Taboga Island via a 30-minute ferry ride, to catch some views of dolphins and the freight ships heading to the Canal locks. On arrival, we’ll explore the pretty town, have lunch at a beachfront hotel, and soak up the sunshine. Another, boat-free option–spend a fun day at the Flamenco Island Marina on the Amador Causeway. 

Those activities, along with a stop at the Biomuseo, some dim sum at Palacio Lung Fung, a hike through Metropolitan Park, and dinner at Fonda Lo Que Hay, should keep you amused on your Panama City stopover. 

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO or Whimstay for last-minute deals. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area, I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions, I always check CityPass, GetOut, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour, I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

Often, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars. Do not take Uber in 3rd world countries.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

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The post 2 Great Panama Resorts to Visit on a Stopover  appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Here are five actually wearable yoga outfits that pack easily, travel well, and make you look like the wellness goddess you’re pretending to be.

1. Airport Flow to Hotel Stretch

Because you know you’ll be doing half your yoga in airports and hotel rooms anyway.

• Top: Alo Yoga Real Bra Tank – A built-in shelf bra, moisture-wicking fabric, and a low-impact-friendly design make this a great travel yoga top. It also looks like an actual top, which is important when your post-yoga activity is airport people-watching.
• Bottom: Vuori Halo Low Rise Slim Flare Retro Pants – Flared, ridiculously comfortable, and polished enough that you can go from stretching to grabbing coffee without looking like you just escaped a fitness class.
• Layer: Vuori Halo Modern Full Zip Hoodie – Soft, easy to layer, and perfect for those airplane cabins that apparently need to be kept at Arctic research station temperatures.
• Shoes: adidas Ultraboost Women’s Running Shoes – Lightweight, supportive, and comfortable enough for airport walking, sightseeing, and the inevitable sprint to the gate because someone decided boarding would happen 14 minutes early.

Pro tip: Pair with large sunglasses and an iced matcha for that I’m a wellness influencer, obviously, energy.

2. 🌴 Tropical Retreat Ready

You booked the yoga + piña coladas package. It’s fine. You’re still “grounding.”

• Top: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Cropped Tank – Soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking, and equipped with a built-in shelf bra. Basically everything you want when your biggest decision of the day is whether to attend yoga or go directly to the pool.
• Bottom: Sunzel Flare Leggings – High-waisted, stretchy, and available in plenty of colors. They have the same comfortable, flared-leg vibe as the old yoga pants without requiring a treasure hunt through a discontinued-product graveyard.
• Layer: Women’s Linen Button-Down Shirt – Lightweight and easy to throw over your yoga clothes after class when you’re heading to brunch, the beach, or somewhere that serves something with a tiny umbrella in it.
• Shoes: Teva Original Universal Sandals – Comfortable, lightweight, and practical enough for beach walks and casual exploring.

Optional bonus: A wide-brimmed hat. Because you’re not about that forehead wrinkle life.

3. 🧘‍♀️ City Chic Rooftop Vibes

For when your yoga mat sees as much rooftop tile as it does actual grass.

• Top: Vuori All The Form Logo Tank – This one has a built-in shelf bra, stretch fabric, and a polished enough look to work outside the yoga studio. It is basically athleisure doing its job.
• Bottom: Vuori All The Form 7/8 Leggings – Sleek, stretchy, and designed for workouts and yoga while still looking pulled together enough for wandering around town afterward.
• Shoes: Vans Classic Slip-On – Easy to get on and off, comfortable for walking, and particularly useful when you’re going through airport security and have zero interest in wrestling with complicated footwear.

Perfect for: Rooftop yoga, farmers market strolls, or “accidentally” ending up at a wine tasting.

4. 🌄 Mountain Wellness Retreat

For glamping, forest bathing, or simply not freezing in your savasana.

• Top: Beyond Yoga Forever Tank – A soft tank with a built-in shelf bra and adjustable straps that works well for yoga, hiking, or layering under a jacket when mountain temperatures decide to be dramatic.
• Bottom: G Gradual Women’s Stretch Ankle Pants – Comfortable, stretchy, and practical for travel, hiking, and outdoor activities without looking like you are headed out on an eight-hour expedition.
• Layer: REI Co-op Women’s Rainier Rain Jacket – A lightweight waterproof layer is one of those things you are thrilled to have when mountain weather suddenly changes its mind.
• Shoes: Women’s Trail Running Shoes – Look for a lightweight trail shoe with good traction so you can comfortably move from yoga class to a morning hike.

Pro tip: This outfit can take you from downward dog to s’mores by the fire pit without a wardrobe change.

5. ☕ No-Yoga Yoga Outfit

Look, sometimes the mat never makes it out of your suitcase. That’s ok. This is a judgment-free zone.

• Top: Vuori All The Form Tank – A built-in shelf bra and stretchy activewear fabric make this an easy choice for travel days when your workout consists primarily of carrying your suitcase and walking to coffee.
• Bottom: Vuori Daily Track 7/8 Leggings – Comfortable enough for lounging and travel but polished enough to wear around town. Vuori currently offers several leggings and tanks that are designed specifically to transition between workouts and everyday wear.
• Layer: Oversized Denim Jacket – The easiest way to make leggings and a tank look like an outfit rather than the clothes you wore while binge-watching something on the plane.
• Shoes: adidas Gazelle Women’s Sneakers – Retro, cute, and much more versatile than a dedicated running shoe when your primary workout is walking around a new city.

Pro tip: Toss a yoga mat in the trunk. No one needs to know it’s been there for six months.

Travel-Ready Style Tips

• Packable pieces: Crease-resistant fabrics are a must—no iron required!
  
• Pack light: One key adidas piece per outfit brings function without bulk.
  
• Mix & match: All items pair well across outfits—less luggage, more looks.
  
• Layer cleverly: Transitional layers keep you warm in AC-airport-to-outdoor shading.

Final Stretch

You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort when it comes to yoga travel outfits—especially when a few staple adidas pieces do all the heavy lifting. These outfits work on the mat, off the mat, in the lounge, or during spontaneous adventures that involve zero downward dogs but lots of photo ops.

Pack smart, stretch often, and look fabulous doing both.

Read Next:

• Best Swimsuits for Women Over 40
• Stylish Pickleball Outfits for Men & Women

The post 5 Cute Yoga Outfits for Women to Wear While Traveling appeared first on Mommy Travels.