Lilly S.

Kukuiʻula is my favorite place I’ve ever stayed in Hawai‘i—relaxing, luxurious, and completely unpretentious. It’s part private club, part rental retreat, and somehow still a hidden gem. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a partner, or just a golf club, this is the rare resort that exceeds expectations across the board. I’m already scheming how to get back.

As a travel advisor and mom, I’m always looking for moments when travel logistics become part of the fun. Our one-night stop in Hamburg, tucked between longer stays in Copenhagen and Paris, turned out to be one of our favorite memories. From sleek trains and kid-friendly meals to glowing miniature cities, it’s a reminder that the journey itself can be unforgettable—especially when it runs on rails.

We planned this summer city adventure to strike a balance between immersive history museums, modern Scandinavian design, and a surprising amount of amusement park fun. With kids in tow (ages 8 and 10), we prioritized walkable neighborhoods, scenic views, and great food that worked for gluten-free diets. Stockholm and Copenhagen ended up being the perfect “coolcation” combo: light late into the evening, full of interesting kid-friendly experiences, and with just the right touch of whimsy. We were chasing the light—and we found it in the golden glow of Tivoli at 10 pm and on cobbled streets that never felt rushed.

We came to Billund mid-trip on our Scandinavian summer coolcation, expecting a whirlwind of LEGO—and got that, plus so much more. It’s clean, wildly kid friendly, and full of surprises: a factory where your kids’ LEGO kits get built before their eyes, a waterpark with Nordic spa vibes, and a forest adventure park that’s part Narnia, part Ninja Warrior. Somehow, amidst all the family fun, I still managed to sip good coffee, wander a sculpture trail, and sleep under a stained glass dragon. We thought it might feel too “kid” for the adults. It didn’t.

As a parent, I’m always looking for trips that feel like real adventures and still run smoothly—Ireland was exactly that. We based our trip around easy city-to-city train travel, cozy hotels with great food, and hands-on history that my 7-year-old actually begged to revisit. Cork, in particular, felt like a secret—artsy, welcoming, and less hectic than Dublin. This itinerary is for anyone looking for castles, culture, and lots of “wow” moments—no rental car required.

Hawai’i is the ultimate “easy button” — perfect weather, soft beaches, and a balance of active adventure and laid-back luxury. This itinerary pairs two of Hawai’i’s most iconic islands: Maui, with its golden beaches and easy access to kid-friendly surf, and the Big Island, where lava meets luxury. Designed for families, couples, or small groups, this is a trip that blends snorkels and sunsets, volcanoes and pool time. With the right advisor, Hawai’i feels not just relaxing—it feels effortless.

The Galápagos is one of the last truly wild places on Earth. The animals don’t run away from you—in fact, they barely acknowledge you. Every day brought a new up-close encounter: sea lions swam in playful spirals, blue-footed boobies danced at our feet, and giant tortoises napped alongside our walking paths. This destination reminded me how much magic is left in the world, and why it’s worth protecting.

Naples surprised and delighted me—a gritty, soulful city full of history, alleyway charm, and incredible food. Pompeii is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever visited, and our private guide made the experience unforgettable. As someone who travels gluten-free, I was overwhelmed by how many gluten-free options were available, including some of the best pizza I’ve had in my life. This itinerary is especially great for culture lovers, families, and foodies—gluten-free or not!

Paris and Strasbourg are two sides of France that pair beautifully—one buzzing with art and history, the other full of whimsical architecture and relaxed charm. Traveling here with kids can be incredibly rewarding, especially with the right mix of structured experiences and free time to explore. We loved the contrast between the big-city energy of Paris and the fairy-tale calm of Strasbourg. It’s a perfect itinerary for families seeking culture, walkability, and memorable meals without overwhelming the kids.

This trip reminded me that you don’t need to spend a fortune to live large on the French Riviera. Our family of five spent a few weeks bouncing between municipal sailing camps, charming beach towns, and casual cafés—all while soaking in the Côte d’Azur’s world-class views and local magic. It was the perfect blend of affordable adventure and coastal charm.

Carmel Valley Ranch completely lives up to the hype—and then some. With Fora’s Hyatt Privé perks, we were upgraded to a spacious one-bedroom king suite with a fireplace and panoramic views. But the real standout for our family was how well the resort caters to kids without sacrificing a sense of calm and luxury. Drop-off programs like Little Ranch Hands and the Kids’ Club gave us built-in windows for adult time: spa visits, wine tastings, or just lounging in peace. Whether you’re swinging under a 200-year-old oak or watching your child bottle-feed a goat, this is a place where family joy meets grown-up indulgence.

There’s a reason we keep coming back to Kauai—and especially the Grand Hyatt. It’s just easy. The moment you step into the open-air lobby, hear the slack-key guitar, and catch a whiff of gingerbread mingled with plumeria, you’re all in. The lagoon is massive, the Club Lounge saves every hangry moment, and the festive touches? Pure joy. This is the kind of place where your kids play pirate for hours while you sip a tropical cocktail and finally get to read the latest trendy thriller. It’s luxe without being fussy, with just the right amount of island magic.

There’s a reason the Swiss always seem serene—it’s because their trains are on time, their chocolate is plentiful, and their lakefronts come fully loaded with diving boards and picnic lawns. We took our family through Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, and Gruyères on a weeklong rail-and-lake adventure and barely cracked open an iPad. It was clean, easy, effortlessly luxe, and refreshingly crowd-free. If you’re craving culture, carbs, and cannonball energy—Switzerland delivers, no wait times required.

We wanted a holiday that felt festive, not frantic. Somewhere warm, where we could trade wrapping paper and weather apps for lazy rivers and Mai Tais. Grand Wailea delivered. From the minute we walked into the open-air lobby wrapped in twinkle lights, it felt like someone else had taken over the holiday magic—we just got to enjoy it. Between the pools, the beach, and a surprise favorite (writing letters to Santa by the koi pond), our family came home salty, happy, and a little less tightly wound.

San Francisco has always been one of those cities that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of something important—even when you’re just trying to find parking. On this trip, I brought my kids along and realized it’s actually an incredible family destination. World-class museums? Check. Ridiculously good food? Everywhere. Gorgeous hotels that aren’t charging $1,500 a night (at the moment)? Surprisingly, yes. We wandered, we ferried, we rode a giant glowing Ferris wheel. And we all came home a little more full—and not just from the dumplings.

This was my first time cruising—with two kids in tow—and I had all the anxious first-timer questions. Disney Wish totally delivered, from kid-friendliness and safety to luxury-level food and design. We had an incredible time, and I even managed a serene solo dinner at Enchanté while my kids enjoyed the kids club. I came home rested, happy, and already plotting our return.

Lake Tahoe in summer is a family travel dream: refreshing alpine water, sun-soaked trails, scenic paddles, and luxurious resort options that balance fun and relaxation. Whether you’re craving lakeside chill or treetop thrills, this mountain-meets-beach destination delivers.

New Zealand and Fiji are an unbeatable pairing—jagged peaks and glacial rivers followed by white sand beaches and hammocks under the stars. I planned this trip as a milestone anniversary escape, and it delivered everything we dreamed of: epic scenery, boutique luxury lodges, unforgettable train journeys, and tropical serenity to cap it all off. Whether you’re celebrating or just seeking awe and quiet, this itinerary hits that perfect sweet spot between adventure and indulgence.

London is a surprisingly magical city for kids, especially if you skip the lines and lean into unexpected experiences. From ancient artifacts and bunkers to musicals and molecular gastronomy, this trip showed our whole family how history and culture come to life when you’re not afraid to mix highbrow and silly. London with kids doesn’t have to mean playgrounds and fish and chips—though we certainly had plenty of those, too.

Rome is always worth visiting—but with kids, it can be surprisingly magical. From awe-inspiring ruins to gelato on cobblestone streets, this trip struck a balance between deep cultural history and playful family moments. We found the perfect home base at Villa Spalletti Trivelli, a luxurious boutique hotel with space to stretch out, and had unforgettable private tours that brought the ancient world to life for our kids. This Roman holiday was both relaxing and enriching—a dream mix of comfort and discovery.

I hadn’t been to Disneyland since I was 12, and I was a little skeptical about jumping into a trip known for crowds and chaos. But staying at Disney’s Grand Californian changed everything—it was a true luxury experience. With Club Level access, private park entry, spa services, and an early morning hour of blissfully empty rides, it felt like the easiest theme park vacation imaginable. Disneyland is still pure magic—but now I know it can be elevated magic.

Exploring the Mekong River by boat offered a profoundly personal window into Southeast Asia’s culture, cuisine, and history. This journey combined boutique luxury with deeply authentic, locally rooted experiences—from drifting past stilt villages and floating fish farms to witnessing the golden sunrise over Angkor Wat. It was a perfect mix of comfort, charm, and cultural immersion—the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

There’s nothing quite like watching ancient rivers of ice calve into the sea while sipping coffee in your pajamas with your kids. Our Alaska Inside Passage cruise was a multigenerational trip packed with bucket-list moments and a few surprises—from salmon runs in town centers to jaw-dropping scenic cruising days that felt like we were gliding through a movie set. I’m so glad we made the trip.

New York City is endlessly energizing, and even more magical through a child’s eyes. With the right pacing and planning, it’s an ideal place to introduce young kids to culture, architecture, food, and theater. From world-class museums to whimsical desserts and Broadway classics, this itinerary is proof you don’t have to sacrifice grown-up experiences for family fun. And with thoughtful hotel perks like those offered through Hyatt Prive, you can add ease and comfort to the adventure.