Our 10 Best International Family Vacations for First-Timers

Length: 10 days

Places Visited: Rome, Florence, Amalfi, Vatican City

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Italy is a popular destination for all types of travelers, offering you one of the best international family vacations. Ancient Rome comes to life in the Colosseum and your family’s favorite flavors are highlighted during a gelato-making class. The trains are easy to navigate and tourism infrastructure across the country makes it safe and simple to explore in an engaging way.

Witness the famous art of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and more, or relax with stunning views of the Mediterranean shoreline at the renowned Amalfi Coast. Our Italy Family Vacation: Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast is the perfect inspiration from which you can personalize your trip according to your needs, expectations, and interests.

Length: 13 days

Places Visited: Hakone, Kobe, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Japan’s unique blend of modern and ancient life offers a different lens through which you can experience one of the best international trips for families.

Our Endless Appeal of Japan: Immersive Family Tour lets you discover the beauty of Kobe and the thrilling glow of Tokyo. The trains are always on time, the safe environment encourages children of all ages to visit, and the variety of activities will delight different personalities.

Enjoy an active exploration around the edges of Mount Fuji and the waters of Lake Ashi, or take your time admiring the craft of artisans in the form of vibrant orange arches in Kyoto. From palaces to floating gates, markets to a breathtaking observatory, Japan will captivate your entire family.

Length: 10 days

Places Visited: San Ignacio, Belmopan, Placencia Peninsula

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Belize brims with excitement that can capture the attention of all types of families. Find one of the best international trips with our 10-Day Family Adventure of Ancient Maya, Caves, and Barrier Reefs in Belize.

The country’s proximity to the US makes it easy to reach, with quick flights from most states, coupled with an established tourism infrastructure on the mainland and Cayes for simple movement across the country. Snorkel the second-largest barrier reef in the world, trek through jungle terrain to reach hidden Mayan ruins, and meander through maze-like caves to reach caverns as large as cathedrals.

Whether looking for waterfalls or howler monkeys, Belize is an exceptional destination in which to discover as a family the wonders and excitement of the tropical wilderness and local heritage.

Length: 11 days

Places Visited: Crete, Athens, Santorini, Chania, Rethymnon

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Connect your children to the stories of the ancient world by visiting the ruins of the past across Greece.

On your Athens, Crete, and Santorini Luxury Family Tour you can combine the mystery of history with the natural beauty of the land and sea to create a perfect escape. Greece has a family-oriented culture, making it easy to find activities, food, and accommodations that suit everyone.

With tours that tell the stories of Zeus and scavenger hunts that explore the legend of the Minotaur, you can relax on a sunset cruise around Santorini’s caldera, discover the remaining artistic marvels of the Parthenon at the Acropolis, and so much more.

Length: 17 days

Places Visited: Bangkok, Ayutthaya Province, Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Thailand and Laos may sound like a surprising trip for your first international family vacation, but the two countries blend tropical beaches with mountain beauty and welcoming culture with exciting discoveries.

Our 17-Day Luxury Family Vacation: Adventures in Thailand and Laos demonstrate how the countries offer luxury, with established tourism infrastructure for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable family trip.

Hike to mountaintop temples. Learn the art of Muay Thai. Snorkel in pristine water that connects to powdery white-sand beaches. Whether eager to taste mouthwatering cuisine or interested in learning how to craft local pottery, you will partake in a memorable and secure family adventure.

Length: 19 days

Places Visited: Santiago, Casablanca, Puelo, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine, El Calafate, Buenos Aires

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

If your family thirsts for active adventure, our 3-Week Family Tour of Patagonia and the Capitals of Chile and Argentina can immerse you in action, no matter the age of your children. Patagonia is an untouched wilderness where hanging glaciers, frozen walls, glistening lakes, and snowcapped mountains capture the drama of the natural landscape.

The established tourism routes around Chile, Argentina, and Patagonia ensure safe and enriching environments for your family to explore. Whether climbing glacial slopes or cycling around wine estates, horseback riding across the famous pampas or learning how to tango, your trip will be wondrous and flavorful.

Length: 10 days

Places Visited: S​​hannon, Dromoland, Adare, County Limerick, County Cork, Foynes, Ballyseede, Dingle, The Burren, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, County Wicklow, Tipperary, Dublin

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Our Ireland for Families: Charming Castles and Countrysides will immerse you in the fairytale atmosphere of the Emerald Isle. Mythology, folklore, and majesty exude from Ireland’s landscapes, making every stop part of a grander story.

Flights from the US are easy, relatively quick, and often direct making it simple for a first-time international trip with your family. Spend time exploring the grand estates, cycle around the lush countryside, and participate in local Irish traditions. As you discover the allure of the soaring Cliffs of Moher or the charming towns on the Ring of Kerry, you’ll quickly find how welcoming Ireland is.

Length: 9 days

Places Visited: Cape Town, Shamwari Game Reserve, Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

A safari is not always the obvious choice for your first international trip with kids, but our South Africa Safari & Vacation with Teens: City, Beach, and Bush can be a life-changing experience for your entire family. Flight time aside, South Africa is an incredible destination that brims with luxury in a safe environment.

Safari infrastructure is renowned for its client-focused approach, offering an experience that will feel exclusive to you and your kids. From witnessing elephants, lions, and Cape fur seals, your family can embrace the unique thrills of wildlife encounters.

Length: 12 days

Places Visited: Auckland, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, Queenstown, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Milford Sound

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

New Zealand is considered one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in the world. Its reputation as a great place to raise a family, combined with its prominence as a destination for adventure, makes our Ultimate New Zealand Family Vacation an exciting way to explore the country.

Cruise the glassy fiord waters of Milford Sound, journey through Middle Earth with a Lord of the Rings ATV tour, and float beneath the ethereal light of glowworms dangling from the ceiling of Waitomo Caves. For your first international trip with family, New Zealand can offer an unforgettable mix of thrilling excursions and natural beauty.

Length: 9 days

Places Visited: Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Arenal Lake, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Costa Rica is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the world and our Classic Family Costa Rica Vacation highlights the different ways you can enjoy your trip with kids of all ages and interests.

Major airports across the US have consistent connections to Costa Rica, with easy flight times similar to those between Los Angeles and the Hawaiian Islands.

From leaning into your interests in nature with a naturalist guide in a cloud forest to walking along hanging bridges, listening for the thunder of a powerful waterfall, or lounging on the golden sands of a tropical beach, Costa Rica lets your family explore or relax.

Traveling as a family will give you and your kids unforgettable memories as you explore history, culture, and cuisine. From tropical adventures to captivating safaris, regal castles to shimmering glaciers, you have endless possibilities to explore as you experience the diversity of the world, whether traveling with toddlers, young children, or teens.

Find more inspiration to personalize your vacation with our family vacations and tours or enjoy uncovering new perspectives on things you can do with our family travel guide.