Tag: family resorts

10 tropical destinations you can visit without a US passport

A trip to the tropics is one of the best family vacation ideas any time of the year, but many tropical destinations can’t be accessed without a passport. And while in an ideal world everyone in the family would have valid passports ready at any moment, that’s not always possible − especially with busy work and school schedules, historically long wait times for passports, and kids needing new passports every five years.

I’ve heard countless stories of people postponing or canceling family vacations because they discovered their passports were expired or damaged. Even those with valid passports may find they can’t travel because their passports expire within three to six months, which could prevent entry in many countries.

For my family, fears of delays in issuing new passports are already getting in the way of planning a tropical vacation abroad for spring break, so we’re turning instead to tropical vacation spots that do not require a U.S. passport. Fortunately, there are a lot more than you might expect. Some are easier to reach than others, but it’s always good to know all of your choices. Here are the best options.

NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 21 best all-inclusive family resorts in the U.S.

1. Hawaii

Beach, Hanauma Bay, Oahu Island, Hawaii, United States of America.

Beach, Hanauma Bay, Oahu Island, Hawaii, United States of America.

The islands of Hawaii are probably the first passport-free tropical destination that comes to mind for many families. Legendary for their beauty, rich culture and hospitality, they’re also far-flung enough from the mainland to feel like a genuine tropical vacation despite being one of the 50 United States. That means U.S. citizens not only don’t need a passport to enter, but the islands are also easy to get to, with loads of direct and nonstop flights from all across the country. Hawaii has near-perfect summer-like weather

… Read the rest

The 10 best places to visit with kids

Family travel has rebounded in a big way over the past year and expectations are high that it will bounce back to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. With fears of COVID-19 transmission easing, families are more ready than ever to explore popular family vacation spots like New York and Orlando, Florida, while more moderately sized cities like Portland, Maine, and Pittsburgh are also having a moment. 

Fresh-air diversions continue to be among the best places to go with kids, too, making rural regions from Mendocino in California to the Berkshires in Massachusetts appealing. And thanks to a strong U.S. dollar and the lifting of coronavirus testing requirements, many of the most popular family vacation spots in Europe are an enticing proposition as well. 

Continuing to balance health and safety precautions with a desire to maximize family vacation opportunities, the best places to go with kids in 2023 include all-inclusive resorts, family beach destinations, national parks and – as always – the country’s top theme parks. So, dust off your suitcases and get ready: Here are the top destinations to visit with the kids in 2023: 

MAKE MEMORIES: 27 family vacation ideas for a trip they’ll never forget

1. New York

The Pond, near Central Park South in New York City, photographed Nov. 3, 2021.

The Big Apple‘s attractions spell nonstop family fun year-round. Simply gazing at the city’s towering skyscrapers is a thrill and for many kids, the excitement of seeing a live Broadway show is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. The TKTS ticket booth sells same-day tickets to select shows at a discount of up to 50%.

NO HIDDEN FEES: 13 best all-inclusive family resorts in the world

The American Museum of Natural History’s planetarium and collection of dinosaur fossils should win over even self-proclaimed museum haters, while Central Park’s zoo antique carousel and lakes attract families like a magnet by offering

… Read the rest

The 5 most kid-friendly places in Mexico

From its postcard-perfect beaches to its pre-Columbian archeological sites, there are so many reasons for families to vacation in Mexico – and so many unique things to do. 

Does your kid dream of becoming a marine biologist? Try a family snorkeling trip in Puerto Morelos or watch humpback and gray whales from a tour boat in Los Cabos. For future Indiana Joneses, there’s Merida with its Mayan ruins. 

Plus, with its delicious cuisine, vibrant culture and kid-friendly mega resorts, Mexico deserves a spot on your list of family vacation ideas.

Here are our five favorite Mexico vacation spots for families: 

1. Merida: Best place for exploring Mayan ruins

The famed Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, pictured here, and Uxmal are easily visited as day trips from Merida.

The Spanish colonial architecture in Merida is as colorful as a box of crayons and the city’s tree-lined Plaza Grande is its vibrant heart. Each Sunday, the sound of mariachi and marimba bands attract visitors to the Merida en Domingo festivities. Streets are closed to traffic during this cherished Sunday tradition of music, dance and merriment. 

Romantic getaways:  10 most romantic Mexico resorts for couples

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is close to one of the world’s largest Mayan populations and their legacy can be explored at the interactive El Gran Museo Del Mundo Maya. A rich collection of artifacts and high-tech multimedia exhibits help to weave the past into the present. The famed Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal are easily visited as day trips from Merida, along with many other lesser-known archeological sites of interest. 

The Lucas de Gálvez Market is a joyfully chaotic ode to Mexican commerce. Vendors sell everything from precious crafts to dime store souvenirs. Street food was practically invented in Mexico and you’ll find plenty of zesty options to nibble as well. 

No hidden fees : 13 best all-inclusive family resorts

… Read the rest