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Unforgettable holidays don’t simply present you new locations—they get you shifting by them. For the fourth-annual Good Housekeeping Travel Awards, we uncovered resorts and points of interest that get you doing. From abroad adventures and glacier views to climbing, paddling, pedaling and hands-on tradition, these picks are constructed for the enjoyable seekers—households, good friend teams and adventure-curious vacationers who prioritize memory-making days. Consider this your shortcut to action-packed getaways throughout parks, peaks and coasts—plus the cruises, spas and stays that preserve the power going.
Just two miles from the South Gate entrance, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite greets National Park goers in its wood-beamed foyer with snacks and details about on-property actions. From archery to flashlight walks, stargazing, and mountaineering, a wide selection of actions are included within the price. A dip in one of many property’s three outside swimming pools is a well-liked strategy to finish the day. Multi-bedroom Explorer Cabins assist households get a restful night time’s sleep in order to have power for the subsequent day’s motion.
TESTER NOTES: Instead of exploring the nationwide park on their very own, our tester booked a daylong guided Yosemite 360 Tour, an tour supplied by the resort at an additional cost. πOur information was such a gem,” she mentioned. “He took us to some cool spots to pick wild gooseberries and raspberries and pan for gold at a river and shared beautiful nature spots and photo ops.”
At Sunriver Resort, about 15 miles south of Bend, households can commerce screens for streams, trails, and starry skies. With greater than 40 miles of biking and climbing paths weaving alongside the river, close to the golf course, and subsequent to open fields the place horses are able to be ridden, this Pacific Northwest playground makes reconnecting with nature straightforward. After a night of stargazing with skilled telescopes, you’ll drift off to sleep in a comfy mattress till you awaken for the subsequent day’s enjoyable.
TESTER NOTES: “We’re a tennis family, but here we tried pickleball for the first time, and it was so exciting,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her partner and teenage twins. “The coach who gave us the private lesson was so kind and encouraging. We had a fun, competitive game of pickleball, and his corrections and sports commentator voice made the game even more thrilling.”
Though The Blake at Taos Ski Valley is nestled in a winter sizzling spot, the fashionable 115-room property is among the many space’s greatest locations to remain in each season. Skiers love its location bordering Lift 1, the chairlift that whisks visitors to steep runs on dry powder. After the ski season wraps up within the spring, there’s mountain biking, hikes to view wildflowers, and UTVing.
TESTER NOTES: An editor and her good friend visited in the summertime and tried Via Ferrata, a climbing exercise. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” she mentioned. “The instructor was very kind, helpful, and patient. I was nervous, but he helped guide us through it and encouraged us the whole way. The views from the top of the course were beautiful! I also loved the hot tub at the resort, which was surrounded by mountains.”
There’s nothing like getting away from the 9-to-5 grind for a weekend mountain getaway. High Peaks Resort snuggled in New York’s lush Adirondack mountains gives a house base that’s actually a breath of contemporary air. After checking into one of many resort’s three lodges—all with mountain-inspired decor—most visitors make a break for the outside, hopping on one of many many trails (heads-up: some require reservations) or kayaking on Mirror Lake. While each season has its benefits, fall is past spectacular.
TESTER NOTES: “Lake Placid is a really fun place, and the surrounding nature is as beautiful and scenic as any we’ve ever experienced,” mentioned our tester, who road-tripped together with his spouse. “Our stay was perfect; it’s a very well-run, clean, and comfortable resort. The view of the sun coming up over the mountains, then the rising moon at night, was pure bliss.”
A lodge chain recognized for seashore tradition is probably not the primary place you’d suppose to ebook for a mountain getaway, but it surely seems to be excellent for that objective. Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, will whisk you up on its Heavenly Gondola for a day on the slopes after which après-ski you in heated igloos.
TESTER NOTES: Our tester, alongside along with her good friend and her pooch, visited in September—nonetheless prime time for exploring lake actions and biking. “We loved the vibes of the lobby—it’s pure Margaritaville! Bright, lively, and full of picture-perfect spots that instantlymake you feel like you’re on vacation,” she mentioned. “The bathroom in our suite was a great size—perfect for two ladies getting ready for a night out.” Their favourite on-property restaurant for service and meals turned out to be JWB Prime Steakhouse & Seafood.
Picture your self basking within the Northern Lights from a geothermal-powered sizzling tub! It can occur on the Hotel Rangá in southern Iceland, the place from September to April the aurora borealis places on a present. If you want to “rest your eyes” earlier than the nighttime phenomenon, the 52-room property with terracotta flooring tiles and gleaming wooden presents a Northern Lights wake-up service: If the skies are glowing, the telephone will ring.
TESTER NOTES: “The hotel was warm and extremely inviting—even the upright polar bear just inside the entrance, named Hrammur by local children, seems welcoming,” mentioned our tester. “In the evening, multiple pillar candles are on the hallway table leading to the dining room. The restaurant alone is worth the two-hour drive from Reykjavik.”
About 90 minutes southwest of Atlanta, Callaway Resort & Gardens feels straight out of a storybook. Families can wander by the on-site butterfly heart, dwelling to greater than 1,000 vibrant species fluttering freely in a glass-enclosed habitat. Seasonal occasions just like the annual Fantasy of Lights and year-round favorites resembling a kid-size ropes course and scenic strolling trails make this a getaway crammed with colour, attraction, and outside enjoyable for all ages.
TESTER NOTES: “I love the variety of adventurous and educational activities,” mentioned our tester, who visited in the course of the resort’s annual pumpkin competition. “The grounds were beautiful! They were well maintained, and my favorite parts were the tucked-away areas to sit and enjoy the garden, the lakes, and the fresh air.”
At Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa within the coronary heart of Texas Hill Country, nearly the whole lot—from the state-shaped breakfast waffle to the adults-only infinity pool—appears bigger than life. Good vibes begin within the roomy foyer, the place there’s soft seating, a fire, and icy fruit-infused water. Spanning 4,000 acres of Hill Country attraction, the resort offers all sorts of vacationers—households, pals, and {couples}—the area to unwind in type.
TESTER NOTES: “I never got tired of enjoying the view, which was green, expansive, and beautiful,” mentioned our tester, who visited Hill Country as a part of a history-themed highway journey together with his good friend, a trainer. “The hotel grounds were meticulously maintained. Off the lobby there was a deck with rocking chairs for people to sit in and enjoy the scenic Hill Country views.”
If your superb trip is one the place you are able to do the whole lot with out straying far out of your room, Oglebay Park Resort delivers. The sprawling West Virginia property combines the consolation of a full-service resort and the enjoyable of a vacation spot crammed with issues to see and do. On web site you’ll discover the whole lot from horse stables to golf programs to museums. Oglebay additionally presents a zoo, swan boats, a nature heart, and a ropes course together with widespread resort facilities like swimming pools and tennis courts.
TESTER NOTES: “The variety of activities is astonishing,” mentioned our tester, who stayed in a snug lakeside room on the lodge (bigger teams might need to ebook cottages or cabins). “In particular, the animal encounter at the Good Zoo was amazing; we learned so much and interacted with kangaroos and wallabies!” A chef-led pasta-making workshop proved to be one other spotlight.
Perched alongside the Deschutes River, Riverhouse Lodge blends the spirit of Bend’s whitewater rafting scene with the consolation of a resort keep. Most of the 200+ rooms (together with some with double bunks that sleep 4 youngsters) has a water view, and the property’s easygoing areas—together with the pool that hosts nightly “dive-in” films—make it a super spot to recharge after a day of journey on the town.
TESTER NOTES: “The lodge has a fun, urban, and authentic vibe,” mentioned our tester, who introduced her household. “Though the pool isn’t the largest, its decor is contemporary and upbeat, and when you get cold as the sun goes down, you can move into the warmer indoor pool.” One of our tester’s favourite components of her go to: firepits for roasting s’mores!
In the state that’s recognized for its bed-and-breakfasts, The Lodge at Spruce Peak stands out: It combines the private service of a B&B with the area wanted to drag off a memorable multigenerational journey. The property, on the base of Vermont’s highest peak, presents a wide range of fashionable lodging types (together with the brand new all-electric treehouses) with as much as 4 bedrooms. The bigger items comprise a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a spacious lounge.
TESTER NOTES: “The staff went above and beyond in their service to us,” mentioned our tester who visited with three generations of members of the family. “I will never forget that level of commitment and care.” Our tester was additionally impressed with the number of actions (“The golf course is nothing short of spectacular”) and eating places (“The Linehouse speakeasy was totally unexpected and so well decorated that it could have easily been in New York City.”).
From January by March, Cedar Lakes Estate in New York’s Hudson Valley drops its boho-chic event-venue vibe in favor of changing into a comfy, hygge-inspired winter retreat that seems like Frozen’s Arendelle. While households are welcome all season, the property goes all-out throughout its particular household occasion round Presidents’ Day. Some of the 36 cabins sleep as much as 10 visitors, making it straightforward to carry alongside grandparents and even one other household. Rates embrace meals, nonalcoholic drinks, and lots of thoughtfully curated seasonal actions.
TESTER NOTES: ”Being greeted with handcrafted sizzling chocolate set the tone for our cozy, highlight-filled keep,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her husband and son throughout a particular household weekend. “From ice fishing, which included a tackle box filled with snacks, to playing board games in their tree house, the activities and service were absolutely impeccable.”
With lodging choices providing as much as three bedrooms, the brand new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley makes it straightforward for the entire household—pets included—to remain collectively. Located on the base of Deer Valley’s extremely anticipated ski growth (opening in December 2025), the property’s spacious condos really feel like elevated homes-away-from-home, with floor-to-ceiling home windows framing mountain views, fireplaces, full kitchens, and comfortable dwelling areas for gathering. Outside, households can play on the oversize outside chess board (proven).
TESTER NOTES: “The family suite was exquisite, with sweeping views of Jordanelle State Park across the road,” famous our tester. “The kitchen was incredibly well equipped. The main room also had a terrific selection of coffee-table books relevant to the Park City area. These weren’t just there for decorative purposes. They felt like part of the experience, and I found myself dipping into them all during my stay.”
About 70 miles north of Atlanta, the Barnsley Resort presents 39 newly renovated property cottages which can be made for multigenerational getaways. They vary from one to seven bedrooms, and every has its personal character, impressed by the pure great thing about the Blue Ridge Mountains. A brand new household pool—with an exercise island, a lazy river, and a waterslide—provides additional enjoyable for all ages, and evenings across the firepits roasting s’mores carry everybody collectively to finish the day on a candy word.
TESTER NOTES: “Being from Alabama, I felt very comforted by the Southern-inspired decor,” mentioned our tester, who famous that her favourite touches have been the wood mattress body, the patterned wallpaper, and the plantation-style shutters. She was additionally pleasantly stunned that the eating places, together with the brand new pet-friendly beer backyard and the farm-to-table spot, have been inside snug strolling distance of this fantastically landscaped resort.
Psst empty nesters, household holidays don’t have to finish when the “kids” are of their 20s. The Hyatt Vacation Club at Piñon Pointe presents well-priced two-bedroom villas that sleep as much as eight. The villas, which have sweeping views of the world’s well-known Red Rocks and are walkable to retailers and eating places, every have a kitchen, a stone fire, Southwestern decor, and a patio or balcony.
TESTER NOTES: “Our family had such an incredible stay at Hyatt Piñon Pointe,” mentioned our tester, who traveled along with her three grown kids, two of whom introduced their vital others. “Our highlights included the morning sound bath, which was incredibly therapeutic; bath salt and tie-dye workshops; and stargazing!” Her crew additionally appreciated the help-yourself treats on the exercise heart and the in-room washer/dryer: After all, there’s nothing like going dwelling with clear laundry!
Blending the perks of a Disney stick with the worth and adaptability of a non-Disney property, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort consists of three lodges within the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios space. You additionally get entry to Disney lodge perks like prolonged park hours and advance reserving of Lightning Lanes. There are almost two dozen on-site eating choices, and visitors can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors throughout their keep.
TESTER NOTES: “The biggest highlight of our stay was dinner at Il Mulino. The food and the service were both fabulous. It’s now one of our favorite Disney restaurants,” mentioned our tester, who has Disney World annual passes. “My kids also loved the arcade inside the Dolphin. It was bigger than typical arcades at Disney resorts.” She added that the grounds “really elevated the experience and made us feel like we were at a luxury resort.”
Four- to nine-bedroom villas, many with themed bedrooms, arcades, swimming pools, and film rooms, make Villatel Orlando Resort the place to remain in case your huge crew is heading to Universal—a hop, skip, and a free shuttle experience away. In reality, the homes and the brand new on-site waterpark with a lazy river and a tube slide are so interesting that some youngsters select to forgo a theme park day for additional time on the resort.
TESTER NOTES: “The gaming options inside our villa were a major hit. We played games for hours!” mentioned our tester, who stayed in a six-bedroom villa. “Even my mom had a great time playing a few games with the kids. I loved that they had tabletop options too.” Our tester additionally described the property as “picture-perfect,” with the villas “looking like a scene out of Pleasantville.”
Combining a visit to Disney with the vibe of a tropical trip, Evermore Orlando Resort is positioned simply exterior Disney World. Its four- to 11-bedroom properties make staying with a big teams below one roof attainable and have spectacular touches you received’t discover elsewhere, resembling tube slides inside a number of the homes. Smaller teams are greatest accommodated at Evermore’s flats and villas close to the property’s huge bay, which can make you are feeling as when you’ve got been transported to the Caribbean.
TESTER NOTES: “Our 11-bedroom house was the highlight of our trip. My first reaction on entering the property was a feeling of ‘Wow!’ and disbelief, even though I had seen it in photos,” mentioned our tester, who stayed with a good friend group consisting of a number of households. “It was so spacious and luxurious. We ended up spending a lot more time at the house than I had anticipated! The private pool was warm and relaxing. Our group swam in it all hours of the day, even right before bedtime.”
For theme park followers who crave a little bit respite between rope-dropping and rides, Grande Lakes Orlando—dwelling to each the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton—presents a super dwelling base to assist steadiness pleasure with serenity. Spend your mornings at Disney or Universal, then retreat to a 500-acre oasis full with tranquil lakes, a working farm, and, in the course of the holidays, a festive ice-skating rink. It presents the reset each theme park vacationer wants.
TESTER NOTES: “If you’re traveling with kids—young or grown—book a family suite at the JW Marriott,” suggested our tester. “A comfortable living area separates the main space from a room with a queen bed and bunk beds.” She additionally prompt consuming dinner on the property. “Primo has delicious Italian food and can cater to a variety of dietary needs,” she added.
The brand-new Disney Destiny debuts a Heroes & Villains theme on its sailings from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. The third ship within the Wish class, it options fan-favorite experiences just like the AquaMouse water experience, Worlds of Marvel restaurant and Haunted Mansion Parlor. New highlights embrace a Broadway-style Hercules present, a Lion King-themed restaurant, and a Cruella De Vil–impressed piano bar.
TEST RESULTS: Our tester sailed on a preview along with her household and praised the quantity of immersive actions. “I’ve gotten bored while cruising in the past, but there was always something fun to do,” she mentioned, including, “Starting on the first day, my 7-year-old kept asking when we could sail on the Destiny again!” While they nonetheless acquired their traditional Disney repair with Mickey & pals and the princesses, the hero- and villain–themed components made for a singular expertise that reaches a wider viewers.
Don’t let the identify idiot you: Virgin Voyages is skilled at getting adults of all ages and backgrounds to let free! The 11-year-old cruise line has 4 ships (together with the brand new Brilliant Lady, with sailings out of New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle within the coming months) and places an edge on regular cruise actions: Picture a two-story nightclub with three bars, bingo with divas, and “salty” trivia in a pub.
TESTER NOTES: Both teams of testers agreed that the Test Kitchen—a five-course eating expertise designed by a Michelin-starred chef—was the culinary spotlight of the journey. They additionally praised the spacious cabins, full with hammocks on non-public balconies, in addition to the ship’s creative adults-only leisure. “The entertainment was definitely more creative and more adult than I’ve seen on other cruises,” mentioned one tester.
Sailing round-trip from Miami to the Western or Eastern Caribbean, the brand new MSC World America takes household enjoyable to the subsequent degree. Highlights embrace a ten,000-square-foot LEGO-themed youngsters’ membership, a “cliffhanger” swing that sends thrill-seekers hovering safely over the ocean, and an 11-story dry slide formed like a shark. Beyond the onboard pleasure, households can take pleasure in teen-friendly leisure resembling Dirty Dancing In Concert and a cease at MSC’s new non-public island within the Bahamas, dwelling to a marine conservation heart and greater than two miles of white-sand seashores.
TESTER NOTES: “Floating on water mats at the private island was a highlight for three of us,” mentioned our tester, who sailed along with her two teenage sons. The crew additionally made the expertise memorable and academic: “The staff was always so helpful. My children started to look for certain members each day.”
The 450-passenger Seabourn Encore, crusing in Japan and Alaska in 2026, pulls out all of the stops with meals and repair. Alcoholic drinks, together with an intensive wine assortment, in addition to all restaurant eating, ideas, and Wi-Fi, are wrapped up within the all-inclusive pricing. With one workers member for each visitor, the staff will shortly get to know your preferences and anticipate each want, from additional towels to food regimen soda within the minibar.
TESTER NOTES: “We were impressed by the staff’s special touches,” mentioned our tester. “They knew we were celebrating my son’s master’s degree, and they made him a cake and decorated a card with musical notes, since he majored in music.” Our tester described all of the meals as “outstanding”and particularly loved “dining alfresco in the Collonade,” a bistro-style restaurant.
Royal Caribbean’s latest ship, Star of the Seas, sails seven-night itineraries from Florida’s Port Canaveral to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Onboard, visitors could make a splash on the largest water park at sea, that includes one-of-a-kind slides. The ship additionally presents standout leisure, together with Back to the Future: The Musical, a first-at-sea manufacturing impressed by the hit West End and Broadway present.
TESTER NOTES: “I loved the entertainment,” mentioned our tester, who introduced her cousin. “We really enjoyed the dueling piano bar, the water show, and the musical, plus the karaoke bar and the arcade.” She described the meals as “spectacular,” noting, “The dining hall spread included a fantastic seafood station with grilled lobster, shrimp cocktail, and scallops.”
Seeing Alaska’s snowcapped glaciers is the journey of a lifetime, and Princess Cruises makes the journey seamless aboard the Discovery Princess, one in every of its latest ships. Sailing the seven-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” itinerary between Vancouver and Anchorage in 2026, the ship features a coveted cease at Glacier Bay National Park—a uncommon privilege amongst giant cruise traces. Known for its family-friendly environment, Discovery Princess presents multigenerational vacationers a snug, scenic strategy to expertise Alaska’s pure wonders collectively.
TESTER NOTES: “We saw an incredible abundance of wildlife on our well-run Princess excursions, including marmots, whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, otters, and even bears,” mentioned our tester, who sailed along with her teenage son. “On the ship, we loved the Movies Under the Stars that played most afternoons on the deck.”
Imagine your self at sleepaway camp—however this time you get to expertise it with your youngsters. That’s the sensation at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch, a 5,000-acre household haven about half-hour from the doorway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Multi-bedroom cabins and lodge rooms are easy however snug, with fashionable necessities like operating water and electrical energy. But the actual draw is the sheer number of actions: dogsledding, waterfall hikes, fishing, pottery portray, and extra—most are included in charges that may be as little as $109 per night time in summer season.
TESTER NOTES: “We knew the cabins didn’t have TV, so we brought the girls’ tablets,” mentioned our tester. “It turned out they didn’t have one single minute of screen time all weekend. They were far too busy with all the activities to bother to ask.” Our tester additionally famous that the youngsters liked the cafeteria meals and that they have been capable of finding choices to accommodate their meals allergy symptoms.
Smarter than your common campground, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Zion attracts households with a slide-filled water park and a floating impediment course on a man-made lake (proven)—and it’s positioned lower than an hour from the doorway to Zion National Park. Guests can select from cabins, full-hookup pull-through RV spots, and tent websites, a few of which characteristic the distinctive Boo Boo Day Cave, full with air con, a small dwelling space, and a kitchenette.
TESTER NOTES: “Our kids loved the jumping pillow, which had a great shade cover over it, making jumping fun even on a hot day,” mentioned our tester, whose household was on a RV highway journey. “There is also an excellent playground that our kids really enjoyed.” In addition, he appreciated the scale of the RV spots and having a big firepit and grill to make use of. “Compared to other great campground experiences,” he mentioned, “the site was large, and we didn’t feel like we were stacked on top of our neighbors.”
Friend teams will really feel on high of the world at Desolation Hotel Hope Valley, the place next-level glamping meets rustic attraction in 27 absolutely renovated historic cabins that appear straight out of a storybook. Each options elevated touches like Frette linens, and a wood-fired sauna—out there to all visitors—provides a spa-like ingredient to the mountain setting. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner simply steps away, and visitors may also go to the lodge’s sister property in South Lake Tahoe (about half-hour away) for unique entry to a personal seashore.
TESTER NOTES: “The fresh mountain air, the peaceful surroundings, and zero TVs—just pure nature—were exactly what we needed,” mentioned our tester, who introduced a good friend and stayed in a comfy cabin with two queen beds and a full kitchen. “We loved unwinding by the firepit, relaxing in the sauna, and getting shocked by a cold-water shower. Our skin was refreshed and glowing!”
This all-inclusive family-owned resort within the Pocono Mountains understands what it’s prefer to trip with youngsters. At Woodloch Pines, step stools are close to lavatory sinks, littles have their very own pool space away from the rambunctious greater youngsters, and the schedule of greater than 30 rotating day by day actions ensures that everybody in your crew may have one thing they’d love to do. Scenic boat rides, mini golf tournaments, and seasonal actions (like a Yule log hunt) make for priceless trip reminiscences—many households come yr after yr!
TESTER NOTES: “It was heaven for my 4-year-old,” mentioned our tester. “The resort was made with kids like mine in mind.” She was impressed with the vary of indoor and outside actions: “It rained the day we arrived, so we spent a number of time on the ‘forest,‘ a huge padded treehouse playground for kids 3 to 12.” She also liked that one of the owners greeted families in the dining room wearing a tie and pants with cartoon characters pm them: “It was a touch of genuine hospitality like I’ve by no means seen.”
Take the perks of an all-inclusive resort and place them on the base of a world-class ski mountain, and you’ve got the wonderful Club Med Québec Charlevoix. Adults and youngsters 4 and up can ski to their hearts’ content material, with group ski and snowboard classes at no additional cost. (Toddler classes and supervised snow play can be found for an extra payment.) Bit provided that there are lots of different winter actions too—together with sledding, snowshoeing, and ice-skating—you would possibly end up off the slopes extra usually than you anticipated.
TESTER NOTES: “This was a top-flight skiing experience. Having skied most mountains on the East Coast, I can say that Le Massif de Charlevoix is up there with the very best—and we weren’t even there during peak snow season,” mentioned our tester, who introduced his 12-year-old son and stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a kitchen. “Rich, varied terrain suited to all ski levels, superb operations, and some of the most majestic runs I’ve ever been on, with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, made our father-son trip really special.”
Arriving at San Ysidro Ranch, about 20 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, seems like stepping right into a storybook—and also you’ll by no means need to break the spell. More than three dozen cottages, every with boho-chic decor, a comfy fire, and a personal outside plunge pool, set the stage for what simply is perhaps essentially the most romantic weekend of your life. While you can simply spend your complete keep tucked inside your cottage, the flower-filled grounds—with cobblestoned lantern-lit paths and butterflies fluttering by—are too enchanting to not discover.
TESTER NOTES: “Our cottage, The Citrus, had a lemon tree in the front yard and a wrought-iron table where we ate room service breakfast,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her partner. “The restaurant’s delicious food and drink options, like a fresh seafood tower, felt opulent yet approachable. Once you get to the ranch, any plans to leave will go out the door! We had the most romantic 48 hours ever.”
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Italy by its native gems that could be a bit off the overwhelmed path, that is the journey for you. The 10-night Collette Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside Tour journeys by smaller areas like Assisi and Siena together with making must-see stops in Florence and Rome. Collette crafts seamless itineraries crammed with genuine cultural encounters, regional delicacies, and vetted lodge choices.
TESTER NOTES: “We had the opportunity to enjoy authentic experiences we would never have known about on our own,” mentioned our tester, who traveled along with her partner. “We went on a hot-air balloon ride, truffle hunting on a sustainable farm, and to a vineyard run totally by women for a wine tasting, and we had a wonderful meal at the home of a local whose son played for us a couple of tunes on their baby grand piano.” Our tester additionally famous that with a cap of 24 visitors on the tour, she and her partner obtained loads of private consideration from the educated guides.
Sailing to Alaska is all the time magnificent, however doing so with a staff of naturalists, scientists, and academics takes it to the subsequent degree. That’s what unfolds on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions seven-night cruises between Juneau and Sitka. Around 100 visitors sail by Alaska’s Inside Passage, the place they will discover “hidden” fjords, kayak previous a glacier, and even learn to drive an inflatable Zodiac boat to get a chicken’s-eye view of wildlife. Unlike with conventional cruising, the times are deliberate out for you right here, although you may usually choose the depth of your journey.
TESTER NOTES: “Many excursions included delightful small additions like a hot cider boat you could paddle up to in your kayak for a refreshment,” mentioned our tester, who introduced her 12-year-old. “The naturalists were truly one of the most wonderful parts about this experience, taking turns giving talks about specialties like wildlife photography while guiding small-group hikes and zodiac tours.”
Glamping within the Gobi Desert in Mongolia is a factor, and journey professional Nomadic Expeditions curates weeklong treks within the highly-sought-after Asian journey spot. Guests keep in bespoke gers, much like yurts, with operating water, electrical energy, followers, and even Wi-Fi at Three Camel Lodge. Every day guides whisk vacationers off for adventures, from searching for fossils on the Flaming Cliffs to using camels to the sand dunes.
TESTER NOTES: “We enjoyed the freshly grown and prepared food at the ger camp, seeing the amazing sunrises on the desert, and hearing the local students perform on traditional instruments,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her son, a latest school graduate. “Our guide was with us through the whole trip and had a wealth of information. She very much tried to accommodate anything, even my son’s interest in obscure foods and music! Her Mongolian playlist was always going as we rode around the region.”
Repeat prospects are the norm at Hilton Head Health Wellness Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive expertise in a ravishing seashore city. Guests choose one in every of 4 applications—together with Life Balance about mindfulness and Metabolic Health for weight reduction—and obtain assessments, teaching, and a category schedule. Beach adventures like kayaking make the expertise appear extra like trip. The on-site restaurant gives more healthy variations of favourite, and a cooking class expertise reveals you easy methods to make the dishes at dwelling.
TESTER NOTES: The spa turned out to be our tester’s favourite ingredient. “I had a really wonderful massage and facial,” she mentioned. “The locker room is nice and has showers and all the items you need to get ready. The relaxation room was so peaceful, with its large window in front of a lot of trees.” When it got here to the meals, she mentioned, “The dishes are very fresh, local, and seasonal. I was surprised that the meals were quite filling and portioned snacks were available throughout the day.”
Let’s begin with this: The Lodge at Woodloch might have a 40,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor spa that rivals one of the best on the earth, however there’s not an oz. of pretension right here. You may even put on spa robes to dinner within the elegant eating room, then head out for bird-watching treks on which getting muddy is a part of the enjoyable. The resort has an expansive spa with 27 remedy rooms and a “snow room” that includes the actual factor, and its exercise lineup is equally spectacular. Whether you’re within the temper to faucet dance, throw a hatchet, or float blissfully within the spa pool, this place makes all of it attainable.
TESTER NOTES: “While the spa was about as top-notch as they come, the array of activities sets this property apart,” mentioned our tester, who introduced her college-age daughter. “Learning how to make flower arrangements might even be more memorable than the fantastic massages we had. I’m going back soon—with my girlfriends!”
The first wellness resort within the Caribbean remains to be operating at high pace! BodyVacation, perched on a secluded seashore in St. Lucia, lives as much as its promise: “Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind!” Part of its recipe for psychological renewal entails giving all visitors a day by day spa remedy. Enticing actions (from crusing to scuba diving) and meals made with components from the resort’s natural backyard additionally gasoline visitors’ well-being.
TESTER NOTES: “The I-TAL, an exploration of plant-based eating, was our most memorable experience,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her two grownup daughters. “After learning about the medicinal benefits of different plants and herbs in the property’s hilltop garden, we sliced up the goodies in a beautiful cafe and dined on the most magnificent plant-based dishes.” She recommends getting the spa’s aloe wrap toward the end of your stay, as it helps ease sunburn.
If you’ve been torn between booking a spa getaway and planning a family vacation, Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains delivers both under one roof. The resort strikes the perfect balance, with a lively kids’ club (for ages 5 to 10) and a spa you’ll never forget. In addition to standout treatments like the Cranberry Fig Body Glow and the Active Life Massage, guests can soak in the natural mineral springs. When it’s time to regroup, families can enjoy the on-site movie theater or the sprawling pool complex.
TESTER NOTES: “The resort spa is one of the most beautiful and well-appointed wellness spaces I have ever seen,” said our well-traveled tester, who had a blowout, a facial, and a massage while her husband took the kids to the pool. And should the kids want in on some of the spa action, the salon area offers treatments for children 5 and up.
High above Midtown Manhattan, Summit One Vanderbilt redefines what an observation deck can be. Perched atop one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, this dazzling experience blends art, architecture, and pure imagination. Panoramic skyline views meet mirrored rooms that multiply light and perspective, creating the illusion of floating among the clouds. Interactive elements—like projecting your image onto a digital sky or wandering through a sea of helium-filled silver spheres—turn a classic New York City view into a full sensory experience.
TESTER NOTES: “I’ve been to many New York City observation decks, but this took it one step beyond by making it into an immersive art installation,” said our tester. “There is also an outdoor wraparound deck on the 93rd floor.”
Established as a theme park in the 1940s, Knott’s Berry Farm near Anaheim continues to be a top amusement destination while never forgetting its historical roots. Visitors of all ages can take in shows, visit an Old West ghost town, and hop on rides of all thrill levels. The HangTime dive coaster boasts the steepest drop in the entire Golden State, and every season offers a unique celebration, such as the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival each spring. (The hybrid fruit was first widely propagated by Knott’s, and now dozens of boysenberry-infused foods, drinks, and desserts are available along with live music and entertainment.)
TESTER NOTES: “The kids, ages 6 to 15, couldn’t get enough of the boysenberry drink as well as the savory boysenberry honey garlic wings,” said our tester, who was also impressed by the “versatility in ride options and terrific choices in arcade and carnival games to be played.”
Built for kids under 12, Legoland California brilliantly mixes imaginative rides with real-world experiences. You can follow a fairy-tale-esque boat journey with a driving school experience complete with traffic lights, a bubble car wash, and a chance to earn your license. Early 2026 will see the launch of a space-themed land complete with an indoor cosmic coaster. Families with neurodivergent children, note that the park has sensory rooms if your child needs a break.
TESTER NOTES: “Hands-down, our kids’ favorite ride was the LEGO Technic Coaster. The steep drop was a big hit with the entire family,” said our tester. “The greatest age to go to the park might be 6 to eight—that is when youngsters will most probably be tall sufficient to experience the larger rides and brief sufficient to go on the little-kid ones.”
Houston, we now have an issue solver! Children’s Museum Houston turns youngsters into full-fledged thinkers by participating and interactive displays. Here, studying is an journey, as when discovering the unstoppable pressure of water that pours from the 18-foot FlowWorks Cauldron. Kids can turn into inventors and create their very own units or design the quickest boats they will. If your kiddos dream about being spies, they will participate in an hour-long recreation that may remodel them into secret brokers able to cracking codes.
TESTER NOTES: “We really enjoyed Kidtropolis, USA. Little visitors get to ‘work’ at realistic places like a grocery store, a restaurant, and a news station,” said our tester. “They can also collect a paycheck and deposit to or withdraw from an ATM. It’s very well done and lifelike. I saw my 5-year-old really understand and learn at the museum.”
Mixing relaxation with adventure, Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day club where guests can snorkel through a coral reef teeming with rays and tropical fish, float along a serene lazy river, and share the water with playful dolphins. Between encounters, you can wander through an aviary where birds swoop close enough to land on your arm. Admission includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks throughout the day—don’t skip the pineapple-and-vanilla soft-serve.
TESTER NOTES: “The dolphin and flamingo encounters were amazing. We held on as the dolphins pulled us through the water. The flamingos like to gently nibble on people’s hair. We really got up close with the animals—they called it a reverse petting zoo,” said our tester, who visited with her spouse and 9-year-old. “You have to be 6 or older for a lot of the animal experiences, and the attraction nicely caps the crowd level so you don’t have to push through anyone to feed the birds.”
Next stop: Grand Canyon National Park! Board the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, to the park’s South Rim. Even before you get going, you’ll witness a confrontation between the Cataract Creek Gang and the town marshal. You’ll journey for a little more than two hours, watching the scenery and listening to musicians. After three hours in the South Rim’s Historic Village, you’ll begin your journey back to Williams—but then a train robbery unfolds.
TESTER NOTES: “The train ride was so entertaining,” says our tester, who visited with his family. He noted that you could select from six classes of seating, from classic Pullman cars with no AC to a luxury dome. His crew opted for the midpriced “first-class” option, which includes free snacks and drinks.
A Must-“Sea” Museum
It won’t be long before your crew realizes why the initials of Wonders of Wildlife spell out “WOW.” More than 35,000 creatures live among this museum’s habitats and exhibits, which include a three-story version of the Great Barrier Reef, a nocturnal swamp, and a 237-foot shipwreck. The displays aren’t just fun for fish to swim through—you can walk down underwater tunnels and into a limestone cave. Along the way, you’ll be treated to glimpses of sharks, eels, and rays and have the opportunity to encounter penguins.
TESTER NOTES: “Highlights for our whole family included touching the stingrays, close-up views of sea turtles and rays in the exhibits, and seeing alligators get fed,” said our tester, who spent more than three hours at the aquarium. “My 7-year-old also really enjoyed the Green Anaconda, and my husband said the jellyfish exhibit was a favorite.”
After experiencing Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s fusion of exquisite art and horticultural beauty, your family members may just want to plant themselves in this Grand Rapids oasis. Dotting a landscape of walking paths and waterways is a collection of sculptures by artists including Rodin and featuring an ever-changing group of fresh contemporary works. The gardens are equally diverse. Not far from an exhibit showing off plants that have adapted to the driest places on Earth, you can see a tropical conservatory with birds, waterfalls, and bridges. Kids will be captivated by the children’s garden with its 10 themed areas.
TESTER NOTES: “The gardens far exceeded my expectations. Everyone in our group, especially my 6-year-old son, loved learning about the plants and seeing Venus flytraps up close,” said our tester. “A special exhibit had fun busts, including one of Kermit the Frog. Another highlight was the children’s garden with a treehouse.”
Karen is a seasoned journalist who focuses on journey, ebook, life-style and meals protection. Cicero has visited nearly each state along with her household (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you subsequent!). She has spoken at a number of journey business conferences, together with PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was beforehand the senior editor at Parents. A mother who goes overboard for all the vacations, Cicero lives within the Christmas metropolis itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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