TOP FAMILY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES TO BOOK IN 2026
- Amanda Virk
- Dec 30, 2025
- 6 min read
HOW FAMILIES ARE CHOOSING THEIR FAMILY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES TO BOOK IN 2026
If you’ve been thinking about where your family might travel next year, you’re not alone. I’m already seeing many families begin planning their family travel experiences for 2026, especially trips that feel meaningful, manageable, and truly worth the time away.
Between work schedules, school calendars, sports, and life in general, travel dreams often get pushed to “next year.” But 2026 (and even early 2027) are shaping up to be incredibly family-friendly, with brand-new cruise ships, major Disney expansions, and destinations that work beautifully for multi-generational travel.
Many of my clients are already booking well ahead, not because they’re over-planners, but because the best options reward early, thoughtful planning.
Not sure what kind of trip fits your family best? Take my Where Should My Family Vacation Next Quiz — it’s quick, fun, and helps narrow down the best options for your family.
1. SAIL DISNEY'S NEWEST & MOST INNOVATIVE CRUISE SHIPS
Cruising continues to be one of the easiest ways for families to travel, especially when multiple ages are involved. Disney Cruise Line, in particular, removes so much of the stress that often comes with family travel.
DISNEY DESTINY (NOW SAILING)
The Disney Destiny has officially set sail, and this ship brings a bold new energy to Disney Cruise Line, especially for families who love storytelling, characters, and a little edge with their magic.
This newest Wish Class ship is themed around Disney heroes and villains, with mischief woven into the experience from the moment you step onboard. Loki may even try to take over the ship, setting the tone for a cruise that feels playful, dramatic, and a whole lot of fun.
What makes Disney Destiny especially exciting for families:
The AquaDuck water coaster gets a villain-inspired twist
The Grand Hall atrium features the first Marvel character statue, the Black Panther
The exclusive Broadway-style production is Hercules, bringing epic storytelling and music to life
Dining includes Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, alongside favourites like Worlds of Marvel and 1923
The Disney Destiny sails from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas (including Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) and select Western Caribbean itineraries. It’s a fantastic option for families who want classic Disney cruising with a villainous twist.
DISNEY ADVENTURE (SETTING SAIL MARCH 2026)
The Disney Adventure signals a new chapter for Disney Cruise Line. As a brand-new class of ship and the largest Disney ship ever built. It’s designed to wow every age group.
Standout features include:
Immersive districts like Marvel Landing, Toy Story Place, and San Fransokyo Street
The first-ever roller coaster at sea on a Disney ship
A stunning internal promenade lined with balcony staterooms
The Disney Adventure will sail on Southeast Asia–focused itineraries from Singapore, offering 3- and 4-night sailings that blend cutting-edge experiences with signature Disney magic.
2. EXPERIENCE ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S NEWEST ICON CLASS SHIPS
If Disney cruises lean toward storytelling and ease, Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships lean into energy, and jaw-dropping design, which is exactly why they work so well for certain families.
STAR OF THE SEAS
Star of the Seas is built for families who love constant activity, featuring:
Expansive water parks
High-energy entertainment
Dedicated spaces for kids, teens, and adults
LEGEND OF THE SEAS (SETTING SAIL SUMMER 2026)
Legend of the Seas brings Icon Class innovation to new regions, becoming the first Icon Class ship to sail Europe and the Southern Caribbean.
This is a fantastic option for families who want:
To pack once and explore multiple destinations
One ship that works well for multiple age groups
European summer itineraries or warmer Southern Caribbean routes
Flexibility without sacrificing onboard experiences
3. DISCOVER WORLD OF FROZEN AT DISNEYLAND PARIS (OPENING MARCH 2026)
After ships and sailings, many families start looking at how to combine theme parks with cultural travel and this is where Disneyland Paris shines.
The new World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris brings Arendelle to life in a whole new way. This experience pairs beautifully with time in Paris or other parts of Europe, allowing families to balance learning about new cultures with Disney magic, especially for kids who love Frozen.
4. RELAX AT A LUXURY ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT IN MEXICO
Not every trip needs to be packed with movement. For many families, the best memories come from slowing down and Mexico continues to deliver when it comes to effortless family travel.
A few of my favourite luxury resorts that consistently work well for families include:
Dreams Playa Mujeres – Calm beaches, excellent kids’ programming, and a relaxed luxury vibe
Grand Moon Palace – Endless options, from massive pools and water parks to dozens of dining venues
Grand Velas Riviera Maya – A refined, high-touch experience where exceptional service meets thoughtful family amenities
These resorts book quickly for winter and spring travel, especially around school breaks.
5. EXPLORE IRELAND ON A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MULTI-GEN ADVENTURE
When families are ready to move beyond “easy” trips but still want something approachable, Ireland is great, often under estimated option.
I’m currently planning a bucket-list, multi-generational Ireland trip for Spring 2026, travelling with grandparents, their daughter, and grand-daughter. It’s a great example of how Ireland works beautifully for all ages.
Families love Ireland for:
Castles with nearby parks and open spaces
Coastal routes perfect for seashell hunting
Charming towns and lively cities
Farms, animals, and hands-on experiences kids genuinely enjoy
This itinerary includes Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Adare, Lahinch, and Armagh, carefully paced to suit every generation.
6. CONSIDER JAPAN, ESPECIALLY FOR DISNEY-LOVING FAMILIES
Japan is generating a lot of curiosity, particularly among families who already love Disney parks.
That said, Japan isn’t always the first international trip I recommend. Conversations usually focus on:
Kids’ ages
Previous international travel experience
Comfort with language differences
Because many attractions feature Japanese dialogue, some families choose Disneyland Paris first. For others, Japan becomes an incredible next-level adventure once they’ve built confidence travelling abroad.
7. COSTA RICA: WILDLIFE, ADVENTURE & CONNECTION
Costa Rica appeals to families who want their trip to feel active and meaningful.
Families are drawn to:
Wildlife encounters
Rainforests, beaches, and outdoor adventures
Experiences that spark curiosity, especially for older kids
This destination works also works well for multi-generational families and those travelling with kids old enough to fully engage in adventure activities like ziplining, guided nature walks, and cultural experiences.
When planning Costa Rica, I typically look at resorts or properties that balance comfort with access to nature so families can explore during the day and relax together in the evenings.
8. CELEBRATE A MILESTONE WITH A THOUGHTFULLY PLANNED TRIP
More families are choosing to celebrate milestones with experiences instead of things and Disney and multi-gen travel often play a big role here.
Milestone trips often include:
Big birthdays
Disney celebrations
Multi-generational gatherings
One of my favourite ways to support families on these trips is by helping them build anticipation. I create a vacation countdowns for kids, so they can learn about the destination ahead of time and it turns the journey into an experience long before departure day.
BOOK THE TRIP YOU'VE BEEN PUTTING OFF
For many families, the biggest hesitation isn’t budget, it’s time and school schedules.
But in a recent poll in my Facebook group, most parents agreed on one thing: experiences matter more than perfect attendance.
When it comes to choosing the right family travel experiences to book in 2026, it’s often about deciding that this is the year you stop saying “someday.”
Because the trips your kids remember most aren’t the perfect ones, they’re the ones you decided to take.
LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT'S NEXT
As much as this list is about what my clients are planning, it’s also a reflection of where my own family is headed.
2026 may be the year we start planning our first international family trip. Where exactly that will be, that is still to be determined. Bali remains a strong contender, but we’re also dreaming about the Mediterranean and even the possibility of a Disney cruise. Like many families, we’re letting the idea evolve as we think about timing, pace, and what will feel right for our kids in this season.
My husband and I were originally meant to end our honeymoon in Bali, but we had to come home early before we ever made it there. Even so, the time we spent in Thailand and Vietnam left a lasting impression on us. There’s something about Southeast Asia that stays with you; the culture, the slower pace, the feeling of being far from routine.
Now, years later, the idea of returning, this time with our kids, feels incredibly special. Wherever we go, we can’t wait to experience a new part of the world through their eyes and share a place that holds meaning for us as a family.
And that’s really what this list is about.
Not checking boxes. Not planning the “perfect” trip. But choosing experiences that matter to your family, in this season of life.
If 2026 feels like the year you finally stop saying “someday” and start planning that trip, you’re not alone.
READY TO START PLANNING?
If this list sparked ideas or brought back a trip you’ve been quietly dreaming about, I’d love to help you turn that “someday” into a plan that actually works for your family.
Book a complimentary consultation call and we’ll talk through your ideas and timelines, without pressure.
And if you’re still in the dreaming and gathering stage, you’re always welcome in my Facebook group, Elevated Family Vacation Planning with Amanda | Disney, Cruises & Mexico, where I share family travel tips, destination ideas, and planning advice.
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