Taking a family abroad pulls everyone out of everyday life in a way nothing else can. The usual routines and screen-time habits dissolve, replaced by the shared experience of a new place. Suddenly, the family has to rely on each other to read a map, order a meal in a different language, or simply navigate a street market.
These shared experiences create lasting memories. But to make it happen, you need to choose the right destination for your international family vacation. We've hand-picked these 28 destinations because they offer the perfect balance of adventure, cultural immersion and relaxed family time.
#1. Costa Rica
Best for: Families seeking accessible adventure and close-up wildlife.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–16 years.
What not to miss: A guided Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve walk.
Costa Rica is a majestic natural playground where families can experience thrilling adventures and see exotic wildlife. Start in the Arenal region, a perfect base for touring volcanoes and rainforests. You can walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a monkey’s-eye view of the canopy, then head to Monteverde for an exciting zip-lining experience.
Afterwards, drive to the coast for a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. The park perfectly mixes white-sand beach time with jungle trails where guides can easily spot sloths and capuchin monkeys. Few places blend adventure and accessibility this well, making it perfect for families. In 2023, the AAA Diamonds program expanded to Costa Rica, the first new country in over 30 years. Be sure to stay at a AAA Diamond property when visiting Costa Rica to ensure peace of mind on cleanliness, service and overall hospitality.
#2. British Columbia, Canada
Best for: Families who love epic-scale nature and marine life.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 8–18 years.
What not to miss: A whale-watching boat tour from Victoria.
British Columbia mixes wild, grand-scale nature with safe and accessible cities. Your trip will likely start in Vancouver, a city surrounded by mountains and the sea. The first stop for any family should be Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban rainforest perfect for a bike ride along the seawall. You can base the family right next to the park entrance at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, which sits directly on the famous seawall.
From there, take the ferry to Vancouver Island. The historic, walkable city of Victoria is the world’s best hub for whale watching tours to see migrating orcas. For a wilder experience, drive to Tofino on the island’s west coast for beginner-friendly surfing and boat tours to see black bears foraging on the shore.
#3. Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Best for: Families mixing beach relaxation with culture and nature.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 5–15 years.
What not to miss: Take a Private Cenote tour in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Yucatan Peninsula is an ideal first international trip for families because of its close proximity to the U.S. and its perfect blend of beach time and adventure. You can explore the stunning cliffside ruins at Tulum, Quintana Roo, or rent bikes to ride between the jungle-covered pyramids at Coba.
For a base that offers both luxury and endless activities, book a stay at AAA Five Diamond Hotel Xcaret Mexico, which gives you access to its own eco-parks. The region’s true magic, however, lies in its cenotes. These crystal-clear freshwater swimming holes are an unforgettable way to cool off with the family after a morning of exploring.
#4. Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru
Best for: Adventurous families with older, patient kids.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 12+ years (due to altitude and trekking).
What not to miss: The view from the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu after hiking a portion of the Inca Trail.
A trip to Peru is a true shared experience, but it demands patience and planning, especially with its altitude. Cusco itself is a stunning city of Incan walls and Spanish plazas that serves as the perfect base camp. To soak up that history while staying comfortable, book a room at the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, which is built atop ancient Incan ruins.
Please note that you’ll need to acclimatize in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley for several days. Once your family has adjusted, the journey by scenic train or a multi-day trek ends with the breathtaking, hard-earned view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
#5. The Bahamas
Best for: Families seeking an easy, classic “fly-and-flop” beach vacation.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 2–10 years.
What not to miss: Snorkeling on the world’s third-largest barrier reef.
The Bahamas is one of the simplest, most reliable entries into international travel for a young family. For a resort experience with everything on-site, stays at the AAA Four Diamond Rosewood Baha Mar offer poolside luxury and easy access to the beach. However, the more relaxed and authentic Bahamas experience is found in the “Out Islands” like Eleuthera or the Abacos.
On Harbour Island, for instance, golf carts are the main way to get around, and the famous Pink Sand Beach has incredibly calm, shallow water perfect for toddlers. While many people only get a short stop here as part of a kid-friendly cruise, a week-long stay lets you settle into the island’s slow pace.
#6. Belize
Best for: Adventurous families who want both jungle and beach.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 8–16 years.
What not to miss: Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
Belize is a compact country where you can explore Mayan ruins in the morning and the world’s second-largest barrier reef in the afternoon. It’s also English-speaking, which removes a huge layer of stress for families when touring a new place. Start inland in the Cayo District for cave tubing and climbing the Xunantunich ruins, which are reached by a fun hand-cranked river ferry.
Then, fly to Ambergris Caye for a stay at the Alaia Belize, where you can easily catch a boat to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Kids can snorkel with harmless nurse sharks, rays and turtles in a protected, calm-water channel. It combines an active and rugged vacation with the comfort of a tropical retreat.
#7. Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families who want epic wildlife and a beautiful, easy-to-navigate city.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 8–16 years.
What not to miss: The revolving cable car to the top of Table Mountain.
Cape Town is a brilliant “three-for-one” trip, giving you a lively city, vibrant coastline and a world-class safari in one vacation. To be close to the action, book a room at The Westin Cape Town, which sits right at the gateway to the V&A Waterfront. You’re then just a short drive from the cable car that goes up Table Mountain and the scenic coast, where you can swim with the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
What makes this work so well for families is the easy safari connection. You don’t need to fly across the country for a Kruger Park Safari and deal with malaria precautions. Instead, take a quick flight to the Eastern Cape, which is malaria-free and home to excellent reserves like Addo Elephant National Park, famous for its large elephant herds.
#8. Great Migration Safari, Tanzania
Best for: Families with older kids ready for a true, bucket-list wildlife spectacle.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 10+ years.
What not to miss: 8 Days Great Wildebeest Migration - Mara River Crossing.
The Great Migration in Tanzania isn’t just a safari. It’s the safari all others are measured against. It’s a vast, continuous movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras circling the Serengeti. It’s best to go from January to March, when the herds are in the Southern Serengeti for the calving season, where thousands of babies are born daily.
From July to September, the herds move north for the dramatic, crocodile-filled crossings of the Mara River. A visit here, often combined with a day trip to the Ngorongoro Crater, offers a profound, unfiltered glimpse into the animal kingdom’s life-and-death cycle.
#9. Ancient Pyramids, Egypt
Best for: Inquisitive families with kids who love history and mythology.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 8–16 years.
What not to miss: VIP tour inside the Great Pyramid of Giza.
No history class on earth compares to standing at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza and realizing how truly massive they are. To wake up close to them, stay at the Radisson Blu Cairo Heliopolis, which sits right in their shadow. On top of that, kids get to physically climb inside a 4,500-year-old tomb and see the solid-gold mask of Tutankhamun at the Egyptian Museum.
A good way to structure the trip is to combine the intensity of Cairo with a multi-day Nile River cruise. A cruise from Luxor to Aswan acts as a relaxing floating hotel, stopping at the towering temples of Karnak and the richly painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
#10. Rome, Italy
Best for: Families who want to make ancient history come alive through hands-on experiences.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 7–15 years.
What not to miss: A kid-focused “gladiator school” or Colosseum tour.
Rome’s most significant challenge for families is that its greatest sites are ruins, which can feel static and “boring” to kids. Instead, book a kid-centric tour of the Colosseum that skips the dry days and focuses on the grisly, exciting gladiator stories.
An even better move is to book a session at a Gladiator School on the Appian Way, where kids get to (safely) train with instructors in costume. When history is that interactive, and combined with endless stops for pizza al taglio and gelato, Rome becomes an unforgettable playground. To keep everyone fresh between sights, stay at the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, which features a rare outdoor pool perfect for cooling off.
#11. Tour of Ireland
Best for: Families ready for their first big international road trip.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 5–13 years.
What not to miss: A tour of Blarney Castle (and kissing the stone).
Ireland is perhaps the ideal first family vacation. The country is compact, everyone speaks English and the culture is incredibly welcoming to children. The preferred itinerary is a loop starting in Dublin, but keep daily drives short and plan days around activities, not just scenery. The Westbury Dublin makes for a perfect, central starting point right near Trinity College.
Stop for a working sheepdog demonstration, explore the ramparts of Blarney Castle or drive the Dingle Peninsula. The trip becomes a magical mix of ruined castles, cozy pubs (with kid-friendly menus) and storybook landscapes.
#12. Lisbon, Portugal
Best for: Families who want a European city break without the stress or price tag.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 4–12 years.
What not to miss: Riding the historic Lisbon Red Tram by Tram 28.
Lisbon is a major European capital that feels built for family vacations because it’s compact, colorful and far less intense than Rome or Paris. Kids love the built-in attractions, like riding the rattling Tram 28 up the city’s steep hills or exploring Castelo de São Jorge, where they can run freely on the ancient ramparts.
Follow that with a trip to the Belém district to try the original pastéis de nata (custard tarts) that your family will never forget. For a comfortable base with easy access to the sights, book a stay at the InterContinental Lisbon.
#13. Beaches and Ancient Sites of Greece
Best for: Families who want to see mythology come to life (with beach time).
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–14 years.
What not to miss: Exploring the labyrinthine ruins of the Palace of Knossos.
Greece is where the “Percy Jackson” books and all those classroom myths suddenly feel real for kids. The ideal way to manage this with a family is to skip the “all-history” Athens-only trip or the “all-beach” party islands.
Instead, pick one large, accessible island that has both.
Crete is the best pick for this. Kids can explore the ancient Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of the Minotaur, in the morning. Then, the whole family can spend the afternoon relaxing on the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach.
#14. Reykjavik and Northern Lights, Iceland
Best for: Families with patient kids seeking an otherworldly winter adventure.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 10+ years.
What not to miss: A geothermal soak in the Blue Lagoon on a cold, snowy day.
Iceland in winter is a geology lesson come to life, a landscape of glaciers, geysers and black sand beaches. Most winter trips are built around chasing the Northern Lights, which requires patience for the cold, dark nights. To do so, base yourselves near Reykjavik at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, which is centrally located yet just outside the downtown bustle.
During the short days, take your family on the Golden Circle Tour to see the erupting geysers and massive Gullfoss Falls. After standing in the freezing air, you get to soak in the steaming, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon. It’s a short flight from the U.S. East Coast, but it feels like landing on another planet.
#15. Barcelona, Spain
Best for: Families who love quirky art, good food and a city-beach combo.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–14 years.
What not to miss: The whimsical mosaic benches and “gingerbread” houses of Park Güell.
Barcelona is pure magic for kids, a city where the buildings look like they were pulled from a fantasy novel. Kids love exploring the whimsical Park Güell and staring up at the fantastical, still-unfinished Sagrada Familia.
The main challenge to a family trip here is adapting to the Spanish schedule, since dinners start very late. The suggested approach is to eat your big meal at lunch, take a late-afternoon rest, and then go out for casual tapas (small plates) in the early evening. For a stylish base of operations that puts you right in the middle of the architectural action, stay at the Catalonia Port.
#16. Loire Valley, France
Best for: Families who love fairy tales and hands-on history.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 5–12 years.
What not to miss: The climbable Da Vinci inventions at Château du Clos Lucé.
A family trip to the Loire Valley can quickly become a boring “castle marathon” for kids if you’re just driving and looking. The secret is to ignore the “must-see” lists and choose châteaux that offer interactive experiences.
At Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s former home, kids can play with life-size models of his inventions, like the tank and aerial screw, in the gardens. At Château de Cheverny, they can see the daily feeding of the 100+ hunting hounds and visit the permanent “Tintin” museum. To keep the logistics simple, stay at the Best Western Le Vinci Loire Valley, which is perfectly located in Amboise.
#17. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Families who want a mix of medieval history and Adriatic beach time.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 8–16 years.
What not to miss: A Game of Thrones boat tour to see the filming locations from the water.
Dubrovnik is a real-life medieval fortress, which is an incredible sight for all ages. For the best access to the Old Town without the noise, stay at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, located just steps from the Pile Gate. The main event is walking the city walls, but you must arrive promptly at 8 a.m. when they open to avoid the massive cruise ship crowds and intense, shadowless heat.
After the walk, the city’s best angle is from the water. Rent sea kayaks to paddle around the outside of the ancient walls. Then, the whole family can cool off at Banje Beach right outside the gates, or take the 15-minute ferry to Lokrum Island to swim and see the peacocks.
#18. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Best for: Curious families who love biking and interactive museums.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–14 years.
What not to miss: The hands-on experiments at the NEMO Science Museum.
Amsterdam is very kid-friendly due to its canals, bikes and brilliant parks. Families can rent bikes in Amsterdam to explore the huge Vondelpark or, even better, rent a small private sloep (boat) to cruise the canals on their own. For a central base within walking distance of the station, consider staying at Park Centraal Amsterdam.
While the Anne Frank House is popular, it’s a somber experience for older kids, and tickets must be booked months in advance. The city’s must-visit spot for families is the NEMO Science Museum, a giant, green, ship-shaped building packed with interactive exhibits where kids are urged to touch everything.
#19. Interlaken, Switzerland
Best for: Families who want epic, postcard-perfect mountain scenery without strenuous hiking.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–14 years.
What not to miss: The cog-wheel train ride to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe.”
Interlaken’s true draw for families isn’t the town itself. If you love the alpine scenery of family vacations in Colorado, Switzerland takes that experience to the next level with its car-free villages and glacier views. The best plan is to use Interlaken as a base, then take the incredible train network up to the car-free mountain villages of Mürren or Wengen.
From there, you can access Europe’s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch, a 3,454-meter (11,332-foot) marvel of tunnels and glacier views. You can also take a series of cable cars up Mt. Schilthorn, making this one of the best international trips with kids for gorgeous scenery without a massive effort. It’s an organized, clean and breathtakingly beautiful way to experience the Alps.
#20. Tokyo, Japan
Best for: Curious, playful families.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 8–16 years.
What not to miss: The organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Tokyo is an amazing and immersive experience for families, a place where futuristic tech and ancient traditions sit side by side. Let kids experience the 360-degree view from the Tokyo Skytree, the neon-lit energy of Akihabara and the organized scramble of Shibuya Crossing. A perfect base for this energy is the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo in Shinjuku, which offers family rooms and a free shuttle to Disney.
Then, take the hyper-efficient Shinkansen (bullet train) south to Kyoto for a total change of pace. In Kyoto, you can walk through the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and see the thousands of red gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. The country is incredibly safe, clean and the food (from convenience store onigiri to ramen) is a hit with most kids.
#21. Singapore
Best for: Families on their first trip to Asia, or those needing an easy layover.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: All ages.
What not to miss: The nightly light show at Gardens by the Bay.
Singapore is the ideal, stress-free introduction to Asia for a family. The city is spotlessly clean, residents speak English and the public transport is extremely reliable. The main attractions feel like they’re from the future, especially the 16-story-tall “Supertrees” at Gardens by the Bay.
It’s also an easy way to introduce kids to a diverse range of Asian foods. Take them to a bustling “hawker centre” (like Lau Pa Sat) where they can try everything from chicken rice to satay skewers in a fun, food-court-style setting. Another idea is to take the tram ride at the world-famous Night Safari to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. To stay right in the heart of the action with the famous rooftop pool, book a room at the Marina Bay Sands.
#22. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Best for: Families seeking a rich cultural experience that’s gentle on the wallet.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–14 years.
What not to miss: Visiting a truly ethical elephant sanctuary like Elephant Nature Park.
Northern Thailand, centered around Chiang Mai, is a warm, welcoming and incredibly affordable place, making it one of the best international family vacations on a budget. Spend a day at an ethical rescue, such as Elephant Nature Park (book well in advance), where kids can help feed and bathe the elephants — a far better experience than any riding camp.
Follow that with a Thai cooking class, a visit to the Doi Suthep temple and exploring the night markets. The food is fantastic, the people are kind and the value is hard to beat. For a peaceful retreat after a busy day, stay at the Melia Chiang Mai for a perfect mix of luxury and family-friendly amenities right near the Night Bazaar.
#23. South Island, New Zealand
Best for: Outdoorsy families who want the ultimate adventure road trip.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 10+ years.
What not to miss: The sheer scale of Milford Sound, preferably from a kayak.
New Zealand’s South Island is basically one giant, stunningly beautiful adventure park. The best way to experience it is to rent a camper van or car and take a road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown (or vice versa). The absolute best part is the long (but worth-it) drive to Milford Sound, a massive fjord where waterfalls cascade down 1,000-meter cliffs.
Stay in Queenstown, New Zealand, the self-proclaimed “Adventure Capital of the World,” for jet boating on the Shotover River or riding the Skyline Gondola for amazing views and luge rides. A great hotel is the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside because it puts you right on the water and steps from the action.
#24. Queensland, Australia
Best for: Families who want the classic “reef and rainforest” beach trip.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–14 years.
What not to miss: Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland is the quintessential Australian family vacation destination. It’s warm year-round and has two of the world’s greatest natural wonders side-by-side. The perfect hub is Port Douglas or Cairns, Australia. From there, you can plan the two main excursions.
The first is a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Look for tour operators with a stable “pontoon” platform, which allows younger kids to snorkel in a protected area or view the coral from a semi-submersible boat.
The second is a day trip inland to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest on earth, to look for crocodiles (safely!) on a river cruise. It’s one of those iconic family vacation spots that absolutely lives up to the hype. To make the early mornings easy, stay at the Shangri-La The Marina, which sits right on the waterfront where many tours depart.
#25. Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
Best for: Families wanting a unique, scenic “floating hotel” adventure.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 6–16 years.
What not to miss: A day tour of the bay and the views from Titop Island.
Hạ Long Bay’s iconic limestone towers, rising from the emerald water, look like a fantasy landscape. The only way to truly experience this is on an overnight cruise around Hạ Long Bay, which lets you wake up to the sound of water lapping against the boat. To avoid the tour boat crowds, book a cruise that goes to the less-crowded, but same, nearby bays, such as Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay.
A good cruise will include stops for kayaking through low-ceilinged caves into hidden lagoons, such as Luon Cave or swimming from a small, sandy beach. These cruises often double as floating family-friendly hotels, making it an easy and unforgettable part of a Vietnam trip.
#26. Seoul, South Korea
Best for: Tech-savvy families who love food and fast-paced city life.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: 8–18 years.
What not to miss: Trying on a hanbok (traditional dress) at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Seoul is a thrilling blend of ancient history and hyper-modern pop culture. A perfect family day here mixes both. Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where kids can rent colorful hanboks (traditional clothing) to wear while exploring the grounds.
Then, spend the afternoon in a different world, like the energetic, K-pop-fueled Hongdae district or the top of the 555-meter Lotte World Tower. The food is a huge win for kids, from endless street-food stalls at Gwangjang Market to sizzling tableside Korean BBQ. To recharge after long days, stay at the Grand Hyatt Seoul and enjoy a resort-like vibe with a pool and ice rink.
#27. Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Families seeking a relaxed and culturally immersive experience with a focus on nature.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: All ages.
What not to miss: The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (but hold your snacks).
Most tourists treat Bali like a beach-first destination. The real magic for families isn’t on the chaotic southern beaches, but in the cultural heartland of Ubud. To stay immersed in that jungle serenity, book a room at the Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which overlooks the lush Wos River valley.
From Ubud, explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (hold onto your sunglasses!) and the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Kids also love taking a Balinese cooking class or visiting the Ubud Art Market for souvenirs. It’s an incredibly gentle and spiritual place, where a private villa with a small plunge pool can be surprisingly affordable.
#28. Fiji
Best for: Families seeking genuine resort relaxation, where kids are truly celebrated.
Ideal kids’ age to visit: All ages.
What not to miss: A meke (traditional song and dance) performance.
Fiji is arguably the most family-obsessed culture on earth. The constant, joyful “Bula!” (Hello!) from everyone is genuine, and the Fijian love for children is one of the island's greatest assets. This leads to incredible kids’ clubs and dedicated nannies (meimei), meaning parents get a real, restorative break.
Most families head to the resorts in the Mamanuca Islands or on the Coral Coast, where the days are simple and relaxed. Here, you can snorkel in crystal-clear water, listen to a traditional meke performance and just let the kids be doted on by some of the kindest people in the world. For a bucket-list stay, book an overwater bungalow at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
Make Travel Memories with AAA
The world has many amazing places, but the best family vacations abroad are always the ones that match your family’s style and level of current comfort. Once you’ve picked a destination from this list that feels right, the next step is making the logistics feel just as easy. Plan your next trip with AAA’s best travel tips for families to get all the details right.
Be sure to take advantage of the special savings for members on flights, hotels, and tours that come with an AAA membership. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 roadside assistance, a trusted travel agent to assist you and international driving permits. Become a AAA member today and get a real partner for all your family’s adventures.