Top 7 Destinations for a Family Bonding Getaway

Making memories is one of the main highlights of any family vacation. For parents, travels are the best time to bond with their children and give them something to treasure and remember for the rest of their lives. 

Top 7 Destinations for a Family Bonding Getaway

The following are our top 7 destinations for a family bonding getaway that are guaranteed to be the ultimate memory makers. 

Orlando, Florida

Any comprehensive list of all-time favorite family vacation destinations must include the world’s entertainment capital, Orlando. As the home to numerous theme parks, Orlando is the location of the famous Walt Disney World Resort, the most magical place on earth. It’s where you and your whole family can have an enchanted Disney experience unlike any other, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

When you think of a family vacation in Orlando, consider Disney Resort Hotels. Disney’s Beach Club Resort, located near Epcot and Hollywood Studios, offers a one-of-a-kind water park for kids, while Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is an excellent choice for those trying to be more budget-conscious. Hotel rates vary, but look to spend between $124 to USD 467 a night, depending on the experience you choose.

Disney World Resorts offers experiences for families who want to stay amongst the classic fairy tales or those who want to recreate what it is like to enjoy an African safari adventure while enjoying amenities like pools and various restaurant experiences. 

Orlando is hands down one of the top 7 destinations for a family bonding getaway if your kids regularly have Disney+ playing on repeat around the home!

Aside from Disney theme parks, Orland is home to H20 Waterparks – where you and your family can escape Florida’s summer heat. The waterpark features a 1300-foot lazy river, a splash pad, and exhilarating waterslides for endless fun with your family.

Time goes fast, and we all only have so many family vacations before our kids are grown and off on their adventures. Wherever you travel as a family, make sure it is somewhere that will create memories that last a lifetime.

Italy

It’s no surprise that Italy is one of the favorite vacation destinations for families worldwide. The country never fails to captivate the hearts of people of all ages, from its gorgeous landscapes to exciting art, high-end fashion, and sumptuous food. 

Don on your gladiator outfit, drop by the renowned Colosseum, and watch as ancient Rome comes to life. Take memorable snaps at the Trevi Fountain, then retire to the 4-star Hotel Artemide for a “Happy Hour,” which features snacks for all ages. 

Heading upstairs, your family can book one of the hotel’s unique family rooms or suites, perfect for recharging before another busy day exploring Rome’s cobblestone streets.

Family rooms at the Hotel Artemide can run between €200 to €500 a night depending on the season, and the hotel is located just a quick 30-minute drive from Leonardo da Vinci-Flumicino Airport (FCO), saving you from starting your vacation with a chorus of “are we there yet?.”

Of course, Italy is way more than just Rome! Leave the city behind and enjoy gelato, pasta, and pizza with the family on the beautiful Italian lake shores. Take a gondola ride in Venice or a memorable family photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Italy is the perfect destination for foodies and history-buff families alike!

Japan

Japan is a country that seems to have it all, which makes it one of the all-time favorite family vacation destinations. Go on a shopping spree in Tokyo or visit Kyoto to experience traditional culture. 

Find yourself in awe of the stunning natural beauty of Mount Fiji, ornate gardens, and cherry blossoms. Hop from one castle to another and relax your tired body in an onsen pool after a long day of exploration. 

For a one-of-a-kind stay in Japan, be sure to book a ryokan. Ryokan’s is a traditional Japanese inn that features amenities like tatami mats – thick-woven straw mats that were once only found amongst the rich of Japan, an experience your whole family will remember. Consider staying at 5-star Gora Kadan In Tokyo, 2 hours away from Narita International Airport (NRT).

For ¥60,000 to ¥100,000, your family will enjoy the ryokan’s luxurious take on Japanese history and can splash in the Gora Kadan’s hot springs before enjoying a traditional kaiseki meal included with the room.

A trip to Japan is perfect for families with older children with an adventurous spirit and a sense of curiosity for Japan’s rich and unique culture!

London, England

London is another fabulous option for family vacations. This is where you’ll find hundreds of iconic tourist spots filled with activities and attractions for the whole family. With its almost infinite list of historic sites, museums, and parks, you will always have things to do in the UK’s capital city. For a memorable travel experience, visit the Tower of London, London Zoo, Madame Tussauds Museums, and the world-renowned London Eye. 

Family should consider staying in South Kensington as they explore the city. 

With family-friendly attractions like the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, the area is a short walk to activities that could fill day after day of your trip. 

A stay at South Kensington’s 5-star Ampersand Hotel with its family suites (£200 to £400) offers a unique kid-friendly take on the traditional British teatime. “Jurassic Afternoon Tea” comes with thrilling dishes offering “volcanic eruptions,” chocolate dinosaur bone digs, and dinosaur egg baskets. A 30-minute drive from Heathrow Airport, you can skip the traffic and Piccadilly Line on the London Underground.

With its mix of attractions like the London Eye, the London Zoo, and historical sites steeped in medieval history combined with familiar locations for Harry Potter and Paddington Bear fans alike, London is one of the top destinations for a family bonding trip! 

New Zealand

New Zealand offers a variety of adventures for families who are certified thrill-seekers. Some activities you shouldn’t miss include white water rafting, skiing, jetboating, and bungee jumping! Nature-loving families will also love the endless wonders in this part of the planet, from lakes to beaches, volcanoes, glaciers, and glow-worm caves. 

New Zealand is all about the great outdoors, and what better way for your family to experience all the country has to offer than to rent a camper van and travel across the island nation? Consider charting a route between Top 10 Holiday Parks campsites that will run you NZ$30 to NZ$60 for a powered lot and enjoy stunning vistas from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean. With 20+ parks on both the North and South Islands, your family can explore all New Zealand has to offer while sleeping in the middle of its stunning landscape.

Camper van prices average NZ$50 to NZ$500 depending on the size and amenities— they can be rented from companies like Britz Campervans with locations in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown, all easily accessible from the airport.

With stunning hiking, camping, kayaking, and skiing opportunities seemingly around every bend, New Zealand is the perfect destination for outdoorsy families!

Greece

Greece is a well-loved vacation destination among young and old alike. No one can resist the lure of sailing around the gorgeous islands of Mykonos and Santorini. 

Families also love to learn more about ancient Greek history in Athens, Olympia, and Delphi. 

Children can splash in the sparkling ocean while parents can relax away in a lounge chair. For many families, Greece has earned a reputation for being a vacation spot that is relaxing and enriching at the same time.

While in Greece, treat your family like royalty at a stay in a “palace” – the Grecotel Creta Palace. A resort located on one of Crete’s sandy beaches, the Grecotel offers a kids club with activities ranging from sports to arts and crafts and even cooking lessons designed for specific age groups from 4 to 13, ensuring your children have the best time. With waterslides, playgrounds, kids menus, and even a babysitter if you want a night to yourself, the Grecotel Creta Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel (€300 to €500) designed for your whole family. An hour and fifteen-minute drive from Heraklion Airport, the hotel makes a perfect relaxing start or end to your Greek family bonding getaway.

Life often feels like it moves at a different pace in Greece, making it the perfect memory maker for families looking for relaxation in an awe-inspiring locale!

Punta Cana

If you envision a family bonding getaway in a quintessential beach setting, consider Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, where white sands meet turquoise waters in a tropical paradise.

Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination renowned for its stunning beaches. We would recommend staying in an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort hotel for comfort and quality time.

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort perched on the shores of Uvero Alto, 45 km from Punta Cana International Airport, is an excellent choice if you seek a blend of luxury and relaxation while creating unforgettable family memories. 

The resort features multiple dining options, beach and water activities, and a swimming pool. With 300 to 500 per night (depending on the day), you could enjoy all of the services and amenities this resort offers.

Need more all-inclusive options for family vacations in the Punta Cana region? Check out our 13 Punta Cana Top-Rated All-Inclusive Resorts Across Different Levels of Excellence.

Wrapping Up

Here you go, the top 7 destinations for a family bonding getaway. If you ever think of bonding with your family while also creating unforgettable family memories, consider the above 7 top family vacation destinations – you won’t regret it!