Traveling with Kids? Here’s the Perfect Trip for Every Age and Stage

You can travel with kids at any age, anywhere in the world. And if you’re adventurous enough to do it, go for it! But the truth is, certain destinations just work better depending on your child’s age and stage. Matching your trip to your kid’s current developmental bandwidth can mean less stress and more magic during your hard-earned time away. 

So if you need a little guidance in this department (or are chronically type A, like me, and want to plan your family’s vacations for the next 18 years..) see my top picks by age/stage below. As a travel agent who books 20+ family vacations a year, this is the firsthand feedback I hear time and again. 

Baby’s First (or 2nd or 3rd) Birthday? Go All-Inclusive.

Let’s be honest: that first birthday trip? It’s not really for the baby. It’s for you. You’ve survived the first year of parenthood and you deserve to sip something tropical while someone else handles the cooking.

A kid-friendly all-inclusive resort lets you have everything at your beck and call, so you don’t have to worry about packing up the car for every meal or excursion. My personal favorite tip is to book a swim-up room, so partners can take turns sunbathing or taking a dip while baby naps. 

Not all all-inclusives are made equal, though, and if you want quality I recommend choosing one in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica. While many others exist, these Caribbean nations have it down to an art. 

Ages 5–8? Explore a National Park.

At this age, your kids are curious, full of energy, and love wide open spaces filled with critters and water to explore. This makes U.S. national parks the perfect destination for this age.

There are over 400 National Park Service sites that offer a Junior Ranger program, which typically consists of a small, interactive workbook (think scavenger hunt) that you complete with your kiddo and have a real-life park ranger review. This is how they earn that coveted Junior Ranger badge.

Go ahead and buy a park pass for a fun gift and start checking these off your list! This makes for a fun family oriented bucket-list. 

Every national park is unique and has something incredible to offer, so find the one nearest you and start planning! 

Ages 7–14? Costa Rica is the place.

This is the sweet spot for adventure and Costa Rica knows how to deliver. Your kids are old enough to zipline through the rainforest, but still young enough to get wide-eyed at monkeys swinging through the trees. You’ll definitely be seen as cool after this trip (and that gets harder as the teen years go on…). 

What you can expect from Costa Rica is volcanoes, waterfalls, sloths, monkeys, zip-lining, and more! You can opt for thrilling hikes some days and relaxing beaches or hot springs on other days. It provides the perfect balance for everyone in the family. 

There are many family-friendly resorts and lodges that offer adventure packages that can give you everything you’re looking for in one place. 

Teens in Tow? Time for Disney.

I know, I know. Disney is for EVERYONE. But, Disney with teens hits different. They can stay up later, ride everything, and actually remember the trip. Plus, you don’t need to schedule nap breaks or pack 12 snacks “just in case.”

You can also really utilize those park hoppers to enjoy extra dining reservations, grown-up date nights, and all the fireworks shows your heart can handle because they’re old enough to be trusted (on their own for short stints) in the most magical place on Earth.  

Milestone Trip? Europe. 

For the big moments—like a high school graduation or a Sweet 16—Europe can be an unforgettable gift. Older teens are finally old enough to appreciate the culture, the cuisine, and the history without getting bored or overwhelmed. 

Europe during these milestone moments can really build that travel confidence, as it is planned special for them. They’re old enough to make some planning decisions, and you’re there as their support. Think about exploring museums, castles, and other historical monuments they’ve learned about in school and sharing those cultural conversations with that (big) kid you’ve spent so many years raising. Talk about a tear-jerker moment of pride! 

These are the moments you’ll build an inseparable bond that will last into adulthood as they’ll see you living as a human full of wonder alongside them as well, and not just as a parent. 

You can go anywhere with your kids. But the right trip, at the right time, can be the difference between a magical adventure and a meltdown-filled week you’d rather forget. Think of these suggestions as your travel cheat sheet and remember, whatever age they’re at now, it’s the perfect age to make memories. This list is not a hard and fast rule, as anywhere can be special at anytime if you’re with the ones you love! 

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About the Author:

Shay is a seasoned travel agent who books 20+ family vacations a year and loves helping parents plan stress-free, unforgettable trips with their kids. Need help booking your next family adventure? Email Shay at jettotravelco@gmail.com or follow @jettotravel on socials for weekly travel tips, tricks, and chats.

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