Alicia Minter

The Riviera Maya is a wonderful beach destination for parents with young children—calm Caribbean beaches, easy transfers from Cancún, and resorts that truly cater to families. At Hotel Xcaret Mexico, kids clubs feel like adventure camps, with hands-on activities and built-in access to eco-parks that keep little ones engaged. Grand Velas Riviera Maya pairs luxury suites with a well-run kids club and thoughtful amenities that make traveling with small children seamless. For a more private, nature-forward stay, Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers spacious villas and access to family-friendly activities within the beautiful Mayakoba community—think complimentary eco tours in the mangroves to look for wildlife. And all of these high-end properties offer incredible meals, unlike what many parents picture when they hear ‘all-inclusive. So parents get activities for kids and still enjoy high-end dining and resort amenities. Everyone wins!

Cartagena is a vibrant, colorful destination that blends history, beach time, and culture in a way that works beautifully for families. The Walled City feels like stepping into a storybook, with cobblestone streets, plazas, street performers, and endless spots for ice cream breaks between exploring forts and churches. Bocagrande offers a more modern, beachfront vibe with high-rise hotels, calm water, and easy access to restaurants and shops. Just offshore, Barú island delivers postcard-perfect Caribbean beaches and calm turquoise water, making it ideal for a relaxed family beach day or overnight escape.

We spent 1 month in Puerto Rico with our newborn baby during our maternity and paternity leave. We explored all over the island, from Luquillo to San Juan and Isabela. We discovered cornbread ice cream (omg!) and so many incredible local foods and wonderful, welcoming people. This was our first time traveling as a family of three (with a 5-month-old baby) so it was a bit daunting as new parents, but Puerto Rico made it easy for us. It was the perfect place to spend this really special time.

We spent several days in London with our 4-year-old and we all absolutely loved the city. We enjoyed lots of family activities while still introducing her to local and historical sites. From a dinosaur-themed high tea, to London landmarks from a double-decker bus with Peppa Pig narrating, to playtime at Princess Diana’s playground in Kensington Gardens, and a visit to the Science Museum—we had a blast. We also made great use of the Tube and explored the city and restaurants fully.

Visiting the Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania is like being transported to a winter wonderland just two hours away from the DMV. There was so much to do—delicious food options, snow tubing, skiing, outdoor heated pools, a kids' club, a spa, an animal sanctuary, art sculptures and galleries, and a variety of dining options—not to mention beautiful mountain views. We visited during the winter, but it's clear that summer here offers tons of fun-filled activities, too: golf, mini golf, pools, a ropes course and climbing wall, and more.

This was my first time staying in the 16th—we usually stay in a more fast-paced, artsy arrondissement like the 6th or 8th. The 16th was a delightful surprise—so walkable and just five minutes to the Arc de Triomphe, seven minutes to Place du Trocadero with amazing Eiffel Tower views, but also still had a quiet neighborhood feel along with upscale shops and hotels. It was easy to get to major tourist sites from our hotel but didn’t feel touristy, which was a delightful surprise.