Dreaming of the perfect family vacation in 2025? Whether you are parents planning an unforgettable adventure with your kids, grandparents creating lasting memories with your grandkids, or aunts and uncles exploring the world with your nieces and nephews, this blog post is for you! I’ve rounded up the best destinations for 2025. Imagine creating memories with your family, as you explore natural wonders and culture-rich cities. Travel trends are shifting toward more immersive experiences, which is perfect for those memories you want to create. And those experiences make now the perfect time to discover the best places to visit in 2025. From the historic marvels of Greece to the wild safaris of South Africa and the theme park magic of Japan, these destinations offer something for every type of traveler. Start working with a travel advisor like myself now, so 2025 is your best year of travel yet!

Best Family Vacation Destinations for 2025: Top Places for Adventure, Culture, and Fun

Japan – Best Unique Destination for 2025

Japan is quickly rising to the top of the list for best family vacation destinations for 2025. Part of this is due to all the buzz around the Osaka Expo 2025. Of course, you also can’t go wrong with trips to lesser-known regions like Tohoku and Kyushu.

During your family vacation in Japan, you can spend time at the above-mentioned expo. However, there are so many other activities your family will love to do.

Start with a visit to Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios Japan. Comparing these two theme parks to their US counterparts will really get your family members talking. And voicing their opinions.

Kids of all ages will love visiting TeamLab Planets in Tokyo. It is an interactive digital arts museum that will keep everyone busy, as they create works of art.

Over in historic Kyoto, you will visit golden temples and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. If you are lucky, everyone in your group will put a smile on their face, as you make them dress in a kimono for the day. Make sure you take pictures, or you will have trouble proving it happened!

Don’t skip past the beaches in Okinawa. They are perfect for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.

Greece – Best Island Destination for 2025

Mythology and island escapes await when you choose a family vacation in Greece. This country is full of history, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. Add in the sustainable tourism and it is easy to see why Greece is one of the top travel destinations this year.

On the mainland, you can explore the city of Athens. Take the time to stop at the Acropolis to explore the ancient ruins. And don’t be surprised when your kids have fun learning about Greek mythology.

There are plenty of islands to visit in Greece. Santorini and Crete are perfect for when you need a day or two at the beach. I can help you find the perfect family-friendly resort right on the water.

You can easily island hop to other destinations from those two islands. Family-friendly islands like Naxos and Paros are usually only a ferry ride away.

One of the best ways to experience Greek culture during your family vacation is by taking a traditional Greek cooking class. You can introduce the kids, and yourself, to new flavors and foods, while learning how to prepare a new favorite meal back home.

What Greece offers every type of traveler. 

Costa Rica

Thrilling outdoor adventures are everywhere down in Costa Rica. Which is why it is on my list of best destinations for 2025.

It is simple to spend hours outside each day during your family vacation in Costa Rica. Everyone will love hiking around the volcano before soaking in the hot springs in Arenal Volcano National Park.

Monkeys and sloths will be waiting for you near the suspension bridges within the Monteverde Cloud Forest. And if you time your vacation right, you can spot sea turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park.

Check out this 10-day itinerary in Costa Rica to see what is possible for your next family vacation. 

Canada

You won’t need to travel too far from home to reach one of the best places to visit in 2025. Banff and Vancouver are two destinations that are perfect for families of all ages. Especially since you can choose to spend time in the vibrant cities or out in nature.

Active families will love hiking and canoeing in Banff National Park. Or skiing on the slopes in Whistler.

And if you are searching for a calmer family vacation experience, Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge will take you high above the forest canopy. The views up there are amazing.

I also recommend vacationing in Toronto and Niagara Falls. The iconic landmarks in those two destinations are kid friendly. And you will still make memories you will cherish forever.

South Africa – Best Safari Destination for 2025

There are quite a few bucket list destinations in this world. However, South Africa always seems to top the list of best destinations each year and it is no different for 2025. So, if you are interested in heading out on safari with your family, South Africa is your go-to destination.

I highly recommend visiting Kruger National Park. I can arrange for you to go on safari there to see the elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife.

Another option in South Africa is walking alongside adorable penguins at Boulders Beach. Or ride the cable car to the top of Cape Town’s Table Mountain to experience the gorgeous views.

Taking a road trip along the Garden Route is an excellent way to explore caves, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Check out these gorgeous African destinations for your next family vacation. 

Portugal

One of the most welcoming European countries is Portugal. The locals are friendly, which is perfect when traveling with children.

This best destination for 2025 offers plenty of attractions and activities for families of all sizes. Start exploring the city’s charming neighborhoods by riding Lisbon’s Tram 28. Then head into the Douro Valley to take a river cruise through Portugal’s infamous wine region.

Relaxing days on the beach are possible when you head over to the Algarve. The kids can swim and build sandcastles, while you read a book or simply stare out at the nearby landscape.

And you won’t want to miss feeling like you are in a fairytale setting during your family vacation in Portugal. Create your own magical stories while visiting attractions like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

Norway

The dancing Northern Lights are what makes Norway one of the best destinations for family travel in 2025. Of course, you need to plan your vacation just right if you want to see this magical attraction in the nighttime sky.

I recommend working with a travel advisor like myself to plan your trip, so you don’t miss out on the spectacular light show. While you can view the Northern Lights from many places in Norway, I highly recommend viewing them from Tromsø. If you do, it will be a once in a lifetime experience you will never forget.

While in Oslo, step back in time to learn about real Viking history at the Viking Ship Museum. Although, you may prefer to venture out on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.

The Flåm Railway Ride will take your family on a twelve-mile-long adventure in Norway. The train passes by waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and small farms. There are also twenty tunnels you will pass through during this adventure.

Oh, and if you want to see puffins during your family vacation in Norway, allow me to book a fjords cruise for you. This will allow you to see cute puffins, seals, and even waterfalls up close.

Check out my travel guide for Norway before you book your next family vacation.

Scotland

There are plenty of castles to explore in Scotland. And all that medieval charm is what makes this country one of the best destinations for 2025.

Harry Potter enthusiasts will want to participate in Edinburgh’s Harry Potter Walking Tour. All the locations on this tour inspired J.K. Rowling as she was writing the books.

Of course, you can’t visit Scotland and not take the time to search for the legendary Nessie. A loch ness boat tour is one of the best ways to spot this creature. Just get your camera ready, because Nessie is quick, and she won’t stay above the water for too long! 😉

And magical scenery is everywhere at the Isle of Skye Fairy Pools. I recommend hiking through the area to see the waterfalls and clear blue pools. You may even want to create a story of your own to tell, as you are experiencing this magical destination.

Check out this itinerary for Scotland to see what your family can do during a vacation there. 

Thailand

If Thailand has long been on your list of places to see, you will be happy to know it is one of the best destinations for 2025. And why wouldn’t it be with its welcoming community and delicious street foods.

I recommend starting your adventure at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Sanctuaries. This is one of the ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. And it is one of the best places to learn more about the conservation efforts being made for this species.

A boat ride in Bangkok will allow you to shop at the floating markets. You will be amazed at all the local treats and souvenirs you can purchase from these floating markets. Just don’t go overboard or you may find yourself searching for an additional suitcase for your trip home.

Island hopping is an excellent way to see the surrounding islands of Thailand. Although, Phuket will be your favorite if you want to spend a few days at the beach.

Peru

Andean adventures and mystical ruins are everywhere in Peru. Those two things make this one of the best places to visit in 2025. Plus, there are new routes leading to Machu Picchu. This means it is even easier to reach this cultural destination while on vacation in Peru.

When you aren’t visiting Machu Picchu, you may want to spend time in Lima. There is a nighttime fountain show there called the Magic Water Circuit. The kids will love staying up late to watch it. And you will love it because it is family friendly.

Another popular activity in Peru for families is visiting Lake Titicaca’s Floating Islands. These islands are made entirely of reeds, making them quite unique.

Iceland

Another magical destination for family vacations in 2025 is Iceland. This country is packed with family-friendly activities, as well as dramatic landscapes.

Start your vacation in Iceland with a drive along the Golden Circle. This is an excellent way to see many of the best geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic craters in the country.

One of the best ways to see the wildlife in Iceland is to take a tour. There are a few puffin and whale watching tours that I recommend for families. I can add the one that is perfect for your family to your itinerary, as I am planning your vacation.

Families with older kids will want to venture out on a glacier ice cave adventure while on vacation in Iceland. The ice caves create a fabulous winter wonderland experience.

One thing you can’t miss doing while in Iceland on a family vacation is soaking in one of the geothermal hot springs. Blue Lagoon is the most popular place to go. However, there are other hot springs that may fit your family’s needs more. We will discuss your options while I plan your family vacation.

Use my travel guide for your family vacation in Iceland. 

No matter what kind of adventure your family craves, these best destinations for 2025 offer something for everyone. You can spend days exploring ancient ruins, spotting wildlife on safari, or relaxing on a soft sandy beach. The world is full of incredible places just waiting to be discovered. And now is the perfect time to start planning your family vacation in 2025. While these are considered the best places to visit in 2025, there are so many other destinations that will have you creating unforgettable memories with your family. It’s almost time to pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready for an incredible year of travel.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized itinerary for your family, as you visit one of these best destinations for 2025?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized planning session with me. Clicking the link will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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