Vacation With Large Family
There are many logistical problems to consider when trying to go on a vacation with a large family. If a vacation does not have at least one member of the family complaining about something, it seems to have been a failure for the family. If you are about to embark on your own adventure with a large family, here are some pointers that might make it easier for you.
Ask anyone who has traveled with a large family. It’s not easy. We’ve traveled with a large family many, many times over the past fifteen years. On the surface, it seems easy right? Pack everyone up in the car, drive to Florida and unpack at the beach house. However, here are some things to consider when traveling with a large family:
We have been collecting ideas for our vacation and now it’s time to make some decisions so we can book everything. We are going on a long trip for our family – over 40 people. The main idea to pay attention to is that you intend to be with family, so have fun.
It was just my husband and I for almost a decade before we added our first child to the mix. Once he arrived, it quickly became apparent that our previous way of vacationing–packing up the car, heading to some far-away place, staying in separate rooms or at separate hotels–no longer was ideal for us. We wanted to include our children in decisions about where to go and give them the opportunity to spend time with extended family as well. We decided a small beachside condo would work best, but that meant everyone under one roof—-the six of us!
After two years of dreaming about travel, you might actually want to take a big family trip this summer or fall. There’s only one question: Where are we headed?
Vacation With Large Family
Behold this list of family vacations spots. These destinations used the downtime from the beginning of the pandemic to rethink, renovate or both. Many upgraded their pools, some refreshed guest rooms, others re-thought the activities. A few were even built from scratch in an eco-conscious way. With loads of outdoor fun, they’re all ready for families like yours. Whether you’re looking to chill out at an all-inclusive resort, get active in the great outdoors, thrill to the new attractions at a theme park, hit the beach or cozy up in a cabin, there’s a destination or experience to match every mood. And, since inter-generational travel is still a trend, we’ve found options that will please everyone from the youngest traveler to the oldest.
One thing to note: With the COVID-19 pandemic still an ongoing concern, it’s possible that activities or offerings have changed. It’s smart, especially when you’re traveling with kids, to verify with your resort or destination that everything you want to do is open or available before booking.
Mexico and the Caribbean
Spend your days rolling in the waves, relaxing by the pool or enjoying some quiet time (thanks to some superior kids’ clubs) at these island resorts.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Riviera Maya, Mexico)
NICKELODEON HOTELS & RESORTS
Sure, the kids have it made at these sister all-inclusive resorts — both with massive waterparks, daily slimings and Nickelodeon characters galore. But grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun. Tequila tastings, spa treatments and romantic dinners can be on your agenda thanks to the supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12. And while you probably wouldn’t be booking a SpongeBob-themed room if you didn’t have the kids in tow, the decor is as mod and classy as it can be. All the accommodations are suites that sleep up to five and have two bathrooms. In the Riviera Maya location, all suites have direct access to the pool from the balcony. All-inclusive rates that are part of the brand’s Summer of SpongeBob promotion start at $193 per person per night.
EXPLORE RIVIERA MAYAEXPLORE PUNTA CANA
RELATED: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Is the Best Place to Travel With a Baby and a Sibling
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Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda (Dominican Republic)
CLUB MED
Movies under the stars, trapeze lessons, windsurfing — with cool activities like these, kids will never want to leave this newish resort in the lush, away-from-it-all part of the island. Supervised clubs for babies through teens keep the good times rolling while you’re at the adults-only Zen pool or doing treetop yoga (yes, that’s a thing). Solar panels, recycling, plastic-free water bottles and other sustainable initiatives are part of the eco-minded resort culture. All-inclusive rates start at $173 per person per night, $77 per night for each child ages 4 to 11
Beaches Negril Resort & Spa (Negril, Jamaica)
BEACHES NEGRIL
While this all-inclusive resort on the island’s idyllic 7-Mile Beach genuinely caters to all ages, toddlers and preschoolers will be star struck. Sesame Street characters entertain them with story times, dance parties, puppet-making and even tea! That’s on top of the mini water slides, splash areas and a playground that make little ones squeal with glee and wear them out so they’ll hit the sack early. Private childcare and supervised kids’ clubs (for babies through teens, including those with special needs) are an option when you want a spa treatment, a quiet dinner or just to read a book on the beach. All the rooms and suites got a glow-up in 2020, so they’re thoughtfully designed for families. All-inclusive rates start at $356 per person per night for adults and $68 per night for each child ages 2 to 15.
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Fairmont Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA
When it comes to baby and kid gear, this resort has you covered. Need a bottle warmer? They got it. How about a step stool for a toddler to reach the sink? Yours for the asking. With these worries aside, you can concentrate on the beauty of the surroundings (the resort is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest) and incredible bucket-list activities, like Mexican fiestas, kids’ carnivals and night kayaking. Half of the 400 guest rooms are already renovated, and the rest will be complete by the end of the year. Rates start at $361 per night.
Rock House Resort (Turks & Caicos)
ROCK HOUSE RESORT
Your family may never leave the water at this Mediterranean-inspired oasis, which opened in May 2022. In addition to a full kitchen and spacious living room, many of the villa-style accommodations feature a spacious private pool. (No way! Yes way!) And if your crew ever tires of it, fun awaits at the resort’s oceanfront infinity pool and stretch of white-sand beach, which is just for resort guests. While a cliffside setting makes the resort incredibly picturesque, it’s impossible to navigate with a stroller. Bring the tweens, teens and even grandparents if they don’t have trouble climbing stairs. Rates start at $655 per night.
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New England Cozy
Lakes, lighthouses and hiking trails make New England a great place to visit in almost any season.
Quisisana Resort (Lovell, Maine)
QUISISANA RESORT/MATT COSBY
Kids will get a screen detox at this all-inclusive lakefront resort, and they’ll be too busy playing to miss their devices. Without TV or a Wi-Fi signal in the comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and cabins, they’ll be fully immersed in the slew of included activities — from paddle-boating to tennis to sandcastle-building. They might even learn to kayak or catch their first fish. At night, music fills the resort. Broadway-style shows, held in a new outdoor theater, entertain all generations. There’s something about the fresh air and a choice of lollipops that keeps most kids from getting too wiggly and the caliber of the performances is at least on par with good community theater. The three included daily meals — with menu items like lobster rolls and Maine blueberry pie — will leave your crew’s bellies happy and full. And if you do need Wi-Fi occasionally, you can pop in the main lobby for a signal. Shh: The kids will be fine without it. All-inclusive rates start at $470 per night.