Planning family travel has never been so complicated. Before hitting the road, there are tons of questions to ask about safety, comfort levels, and bringing together family members who live in different places, especially when it comes to a multigenerational trip or that first big vacation with young kids. (Of course, there’s always the option of ripping up the holiday travel calendar entirely.) But regardless of how big or small your summer plans may be, we have plenty of ideas for how to capture the essence—and joy—of travel over the coming months, from places to stay both near and far, to trip ideas that cater to your kid's latest obsession. Plus, inspiration for future trips down the line (cue the best kid-friendly cruise itineraries to book now) and heaps of advice from well-traveled parents.
Family Travel
Summer inspiration and advice
7 Family Cruises to Book Right Now
By Fran Golden
Family Travel Experiences Catering to Your Kid’s Latest Obsession, From Dinosaur Digs to Rocket Launches
By Debra Kamin
What to Pack for a Family Beach Trip, According to Well-Traveled Parents
By Nila Do Simon
Places to stay
13 Airbnbs That Will Fit Your Whole Family
By Meredith Carey and Alex Erdekian
The Best Family Resorts in Hawaii for Your Next Getaway
By Alex Erdekian and CNT Editors
22 Airbnbs We'd Rent Just for Their Pools
By Madison Flager and Meaghan Kenny
The Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
By Regan Stephens
How to School Your Children from Anywhere, According to People Who Have Done It
By Iona Brannon
Planning
- Family Travel
The Best Vacations for Kids at Every Age: A Trip Guide for Parents
You have 18 summers with your kids before they're too cool to travel with you. Here's how to make every year count.By CNT Editors
- Family Travel
The Complete Guide to Family Travel
Vacation ideas, gear and toys, and true stories from very honest parents.By CNT Editors
- Shopping
How to Plan a Seamless Family Camping Trip
Step-by-step guidance on finding a campsite during high season, easy and delicious meal ideas, and games that'll turn your kids into lifelong campers.By Lauren Matison
- The New Standard
Can We Take a Family Vacation If Our Kids Haven’t Received the COVID-19 Vaccine Yet?
In our Ethical Traveler advice column, we tackle the tricky moral dilemmas and questions that arise when traveling during a pandemic.By Debra Kamin
- Family Travel
How to Ensure Your Family Sits Together on a Plane
Even in basic economy.By Jessica Puckett
Traveling with babies
- Family Travel
Everything You Need to Know Before Flying With a Baby or Young Kids
A parents' guide to reaching your destination with minimal stress.By Laura Dannen Redman and Noah Kaufman
- Adventure
Camping With a Toddler Isn't Easy, But I Promise It's Worth It
What one single mother learned from a first camping trip with her young son.By Rachel May
- News & Advice
Why You Should Enroll Your Baby in Airline Loyalty Programs
Everything you need to know to get your little one earning airline perks.By Sarah Firshein
- Solo Travel
What I Learned While Traveling Alone With a Baby
How to deal with a baby solo on trains, planes, and automobiles.By Sarah Firshein
- Shopping
How Do I Convince My Husband to Go to Europe With Our Two Small Children?
In this month's Women Who Travel advice column, we answer one mother's question about taking that first big trip with kids.By Megan Spurrell
- Women Who Travel
A Primer to Breastfeeding and Pumping While Traveling
What to know about everything from pumping pods to getting breast milk through TSA.By Cassie Shortsleeve
- Family Travel
How to Survive a Red-Eye Flight With a Baby
The baby might sleep—but will you?By Sarah Firshein
- Shopping
Traveling With an Infant: 6 Things I Learned on Our First Big Trip
Lessons and surprises when two becomes three.By Sarah Firshein
The 7 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families
By Debra Kamin
Our favorite gear
- Shopping
15 Gift Ideas for Budding Travelers
Kids of any age can explore the world through these well-chosen goodies.By Juliet Izon
- Style & Culture
29 Children’s Books That Will Teach Your Kids About the World
These travel books for kids, recommended by authors, librarians, and bookstore owners, will tide you over until your next family vacation.By Caitlin Morton
- Family Travel
9 Items That Make Flying Alone With Kids Less Stressful
Hands-free or bust.By Juliet Izon
- Shopping
13 Products That Make Traveling with a Baby Easier
From car seats to compact strollers.By Cassie Shortsleeve
- Family Travel
11 Beach Essentials for Families with Babies
Streamline the packing process with these pieces of beach gear.By Nila Do Simon
- Shopping
The Essential Disney Packing List
Portable fans, waterproof sunscreen, and more essentials.By Valerie Marino
Kid friendly activities
- Destinations
15 Best Things to Do With Kids in New York City
A family trip can include famous landmarks and museums, but also range across the city to new playgrounds and public parks along the waterfront and surprising green spaces that will delight visitors.By Sunshine Flint
- Destinations
15 Best Things to Do in Paris With Kids
Dinner boats, dragon slides, amusement parks: you'd think this city was built for little ones.By Daisy de Plume
- Destinations
10 Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids
It's not all espressos and aperetivo hours. Rome has plenty to do with little ones.By Maresa Manara
- Destinations
Best Things to Do With Kids in Barcelona
There’s loads to keep kids engaged and off the iPad, whether they’re into soccer, science, animals or ice cream.By Gemma Askham
- Destinations
12 Fun Things To Do in Austin with Kids
If anyone is keeping the city's famous slogan—Keep Austin Weird—alive and well, it's the half-pints.By Stirling Kelso
- Destinations
12 Things to Do in New Orleans With Kids (That Are Fun for You, Too)
The best of New Orleans when you're visiting with kids.By Stirling Kelso
- Destinations
12 Best Things to Do in Tokyo With Kids
If your kids like ninjas, samurai, giant robots, and playful animals—and, really, who doesn’t?—they’re going to love Tokyo.By Diana Hubbell
On a Road Trip Through Oman, Navigating Grief and Parenthood
By Ashlea Halpern
15 Best Family Vacation Spots in the US, From Cape Cod to Charleston
By Kimberly Wilson and Jamie Spain
We Asked Experts: When Is It Okay for Children to Miss School for Vacation?
By Jessica Puckett
The Best Diaper Bags for Traveling Parents
By Cassie Shortsleeve
9 Things to Know Before Letting Your Child Fly as an Unaccompanied Minor
By Rachel Chang
Travel Firsts: A Tanzanian Safari With My Toddler in Tow
By Ashlea Halpern
11 Family-Friendly Paris Hotels That Set a New Bar for Kid-Focused Amenities
By Luciana Bellini
In Costa Rica, Reconnecting With My Teenage Daughter
By Shoba Narayan
What Can You Do About Crying Babies on Planes? Our Editors Weigh In
By CNT Editors
The Best Kids’ Luggage: Lightweight Suitcases & Backpacks Young Travelers Will Love
By Juliet Izon
Retracing the Steps of My Ancestors, the Wild Scots of Galloway
By Mary Winston Nicklin
A Sneak Peek at ‘Disney Treasure,’ Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship
By Megan duBois
Bye-Bye, Baby: This Airline Is Creating an Adults-Only Section
By Charlie Hobbs
Understanding My Nigerian Father Through His Love of Agege Bread
By Nneka M. Okona
For Surfing Moms, Getting Into the Water Can Take a Village
By Juliana Shallcross