Travel is back, and in a big way. We asked our panel of top experts to share where families are flocking this year, along with the under-the-radar destinations parents are raving about (hint: get there before the secret’s out). Experts also divulged their favorite insider tips and recommendations for unforgettable family trips to these top and trending destinations, which we detail in our Insiders Guides, linked below.

Here, we’ve compiled a sneak peek into the Insiders Guides for the very first group of Top Family Destinations, based on an independent study conducted by Petit Passeport with input from 100+ luxury family travel experts.

Portugal

Lauded by experts as one of Europe’s best value-for-luxury destinations to visit in 2023, Portugal has much to offer families. “The northern region and the southern region of Portugal are very different from each other: the Douro Valley is going to give you cooler temperatures and more greenery. Then as you head south, you're going to experience incredible history and castles,” says Angela Rice, co-founder of US-based Boutique Travel Advisors (@travelbta). Experts highlighted several areas of the country for their distinctive charms, including: the historic cities of Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra; the Douro Valley for UNESCO World Heritage-designated hills and vineyards; the sun-drenched Algarve for glitzy beach resorts; and Alentejo and Comporta for picturesque countryside and agritourism. Family-favorite experiences in Portugal include castle tours, cooking classes, and sidecar tours of the countryside, according to Rice.

Hillary McCoy of US-based Travel Experts (@travelexpertsnc) recommends families start their journey in Portugal in the north and work their way south through Porto, Lisbon, and Comporta, ending in Alentejo. In the north, McCoy recommends Six Senses Douro Valley, where she and her family stayed. “The hotel sits atop UNESCO World Heritage cliffs, has an incredible children’s program and rappelling program along with indoor and outdoor pools, and is near a beautiful river and several Port houses.” For rural stays in the south, experts rave about the Alentejo countryside estate, São Lourenço do Barrocal. “They are a family-run hotel, super thoughtful in their approach, and take seriously the art of hospitality — which shows in their meals, their programming, and their sense of place,” says Courtney Lemmon, founder of US-based Lemmon Travel Company (@lemmontravelcompany). For beach stays in the south, the Algarve offers 300+ days of sun per year, with expert-recommended Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa offering a Michelin 2-starred restaurant, beach club, and kids clubs catering to children and teens age 1-15.

Beyond the mainland, Portuguese islands Madeira and the Azores are also top expert picks for families. “With its cliffs and hot springs, the Azores is a great alternative to Iceland for adventure and beautiful landscapes,” shares Lindsay Ridenour, co-founder of luxury family travel blog Compass + Twine (@compassandtwine). Access to the Azores is also becoming easier for US travelers with nonstop flights now operating via New York City and Boston. Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder of US-based Indagare (@indagaretravel), names Madeira as as one of her favorite destinations for families, and in particular, Funchal, with its playgrounds, botanical gardens, cable car, and a destination-worthy property. “Belmond Reid’s Palace — known for its traditional afternoon tea, three swimming pools and lush gardens — also happens to have one of the best kid’s clubs in Europe,” says Biggs Bradley.

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Turks and Caicos

“For Turks and Caicos, it’s all about the beaches,” says Lindsay Peterson, founder of US-based Valise Travel. With sugar-white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an abundance of luxurious family-friendly resorts, Turks and Caicos is a magnet for families seeking a sunny island getaway just a short flight from the mainland US. “It’s very family-friendly and there are plenty of incredible five-star resorts,” adds Katherine Rogers, founder of US-based KBR Travel Group (@littletravelmama).

What luxury family properties top our experts’ lists? On the main island, Grace Bay Club was a standout favorite among experts for its family-friendly suites and residences, Kids Town themed kids club, and Sargassum-free beaches (referring to the seaweed currently plaguing many beaches on the Caribbean Sea). Mary Pat Caskey of US-based Divine Destination Weddings and Honeymoons (@divinedestwed) loves Grace Bay Club’s villas for families, “Chefs can come in and cook for you, families have space to really spread out and can bring an au pair or extended family." Peterson shares more of her favorite Turks and Caicos stays for families, “The Palms has a Critters Club with great kids programs, and The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos is a newer spot on the island. There’s also a lesser-known resort I love called The Somerset on Grace Bay.” For those who really want to disconnect and unwind, Peterson recommends COMO Parrot Cay (“which is on a private island and has a kids club”) and Amanyara (“for those who really appreciate design and 5-star service”).

Popular land-based activities in Turks and Caicos include renting family cabanas on Grace Bay Beach, golfing at Provo Golf Club, guided tours of the island, and the weekly Island Fish Fry. Families can also enjoy a plethora of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, water sports, sailing, taking a ferry to the nearby Caicos Islands or splurging on a yacht charter for the day.

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Kenya & Tanzania

A family safari trip to Kenya can be a truly unforgettable — some even say life-changing — experience. Kenya and Tanzania were cited as destinations of choice for multi-generational and extended family safari trips. While each has much to offer, experts often recommended itineraries combining the two. “The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania and the &Beyond Bateleur Camp in Maasai Mara in Kenya are a perfect pairing, with a pre-safari or post-safari stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi — and you can do that in 8-9 days,” says Julie Ann Hargett, founder of US-based H Luxury Travel (@hluxurytravel).

Karin Jones, Managing Director of US-based Anastasia’s Africa (@anastasiasafrica), also recommends family itineraries combining northern Kenya with Tanzania, explaining how each has something different to offer, “In Kenya, the lodges have an unbelievable number of activities for families. You can go horseback riding, track rhino on foot, even go cycling through the Bush. In Tanzania, it's much more focused on the safari and wildlife experiences.” Jamie Jones, CEO of US-based Whirlaway Travel (@whirlawaytravel), elaborates on why variety is important to help keep kids engaged on safaris, “Kids need variation. For example, in Kenya, you can do a walking safari, camelback riding, visit a school or a community center in Nairobi — there are ways to break it up so that the kids are interested and there are different things besides being out on safari the entire time.”

Experts highly recommend reserving a few days to conclude the safari experience with a relaxing beach stay. “Kenya and Tanzania are both blessed with some beautiful white sand beaches — tropical paradise with coconut trees and azure blue seas — so people can spend time in the wildlife conservancies and then fly to the coast and spend time on the beach before going home,” says Rob Barbour, Tanzania-based travel guide for Epic Private Journeys (@epicprivatejourneys). In addition to recommending Zanzibar and Mnemba Island — favorites among our experts — Barbour highlights lesser-known Thanda Island for stays from October-March, “this is a luxury private island in the Mafia Islands of Tanzania where families can snorkel with whale sharks and explore the marine park around the island.”

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US Mountain West

“Once you've been to one part of the American West, you wanna see all of it — it's so spectacular,” says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of US-based Fora (@hellofora). From national parks to ski resorts to dude ranches, the states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana offer some of the world’s most stunning scenery with a vast array of outdoor activities for families. Vazquez has observed a trend in recent years of more families booking dude ranch vacations, which she says are ideal for multi-generational trips: “It is a destination and a kind of trip that truly appeals to all ages.”

The family-friendly dude ranch most-recommended by our experts, The Resort at Paws Up, has 37,000 acres and 100 miles of trails for families to explore along the Blackfoot River in Montana. “You pay a lot but it’s practically all-inclusive,” says Kim Parizek of US-based Boutique Travel Advisors (@travelbta), “there’s fly fishing, horseback riding, and guided hikes with surprise picnic lunches set up for families.” Vazquez recommends two other family-friendly dude ranches in this region: Brush Creek Ranch in Montana (“it is just an incredible place, it is beyond special — it is a high price tag, but I would say if you've got the budget, it is worth it”) and C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado (“it is a repeat place — people tend to go and love it and come back”). Glamping options are also becoming increasingly popular with more resorts and ranches adding family-friendly, luxury tented accommodations — like Camp Sarika by Amangiri, an all-inclusive luxury tented camp set in Utah’s Colorado Plateau — as well as dedicated glamping operations — like Under Canvas, which has multiple locations in the United States, including Bryce Canyon, Moab, and Zion in Utah, along with Glacier and two Yellowstone camps in Montana.

This region is perhaps most famous for its plethora of mountain resorts ideal for skiing and other snow-based activities in the winter, while families can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits outside winter months. Jordan Brady, founder of US-based The Journey Bound (@thejourneybound), highlights Park City and Deer Valley in Utah, and Beaver Creek in Colorado — a lower-key alternative to Vail, just 15 minutes away — as some of his favorite mountain resorts for families in this region. “These ski resorts are known for having great ski schools, both for small group ski instruction and private ski guides — not all mountains have great ski school programs.” Brady’s top picks for family stays in these towns include three ski-in / ski-out properties: Pendry Park City (“it’s a newer property with great service and accommodations, including residences where you get the service and amenity of a 5-star hotel with the convenience and privacy of a residence”), Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley (“it’s aesthetically unique with European character, right on the mountain, great location to the family-friendly ski area"), and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (“it has a central location to the village with restaurants and shops, and families can do day-trips to Vail"). Rogers (KBR Travel Group) also highly recommends Park City and Jackson Hole in Wyoming for families, especially in summer months. “In Park City during the summer, families can go to the Olympic Park and do the alpine slide and rollercoaster, attend concerts, and see the Flying Aces — Olympic and World Champion athletes who showcase freestyle skiing skills over a giant swimming pool.” The less-touristed mountain resorts Brady loves for families in this region? Snowmass, Telluride (also a favorite of Rogers’), and Steamboat — all of which are in Colorado — offer stunning scenery, great skiing, and year-round outdoor activities without the crowds of some of the more popular mountain resorts, according to Brady.

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Sicily

Call it the White Lotus effect, but more families than ever are flocking to this southern Italian isle. “Sicily is kind of a misunderstood place. It has its own unique culture, food, language, and history, which is really important to to recognize,” says Angela Isherwood, founder of US-based Olive & Atlas (@oliveandatlastravel). “It’s also a large island — the largest in the Mediterranean — so you either need a lot of time or you may need to split your stay between the Western and the Eastern sides.”

The Eastern side of the island — Taormina in particular — is a popular spot for families. “In Italy we loved our family stay at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace. Our children loved the pool with views over Mount Etna, and as a wine scholar I loved our day trip to the wineries of Mount Etna,” says luxury travel and wine expert, Natalie Hazel (@champagneinstyle). Hazel notes that while the Four Seasons property here is not on the beach, the Concierge can arrange cabana rentals at the beachfront Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea — “our day spent at their beach club was one of our favorites during our month in Italy!” On the Western side of the island, Kristin Diehl, founder of KDTravel (@k.diehl.travel), recommends Verdura Resort, by Rocco Forte, located in Sciacca. “Verdura is very family-friendly and the people in Sicily are so kind. The options and varieties of activities are pretty vast so Verdura is a great option in Sicily, especially when combined with a stay closer to Taormina.”

What can families do in Sicily? “The best thing to do in Sicily is to eat and drink your way through the island,” says Isherwood (yes, please). Other expert-recommended family activities include food and market tours, volcano hikes, tours of historic sites and temples, winery visits, beach days, and sidecar tours. For a unique pre-/post-Sicily experience, Angela Adto Tapper, founder of AZA Luxury Travel (@angelaadto), recommends chartered boat tours to explore some of the smaller islands around Sicily. “If you really crave off the beaten path, there are some exciting little islands polka-dotted all around Sicily, like Pantelleria to the south, and the UNESCO World Heritage Aeolian Islands to the north.”

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Japan

“After being virtually closed for three years, Japan has opened up with demand outpacing supply in terms of the best guides,” says Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of US-based Remote Lands (@remotelands). On why so many families are flocking to Japan, Heald shares, “there is not just one special experience that defines the destination for family travel, but certainly the cuisine is a large draw.” While some travelers may worry that big cities like Tokyo are not especially kid-friendly, experts name Tokyo as a must-visit family destination in Japan. “The bigger cities in Japan are very well-suited to children of all ages,” says Tokyo-based Chisato Nishiyori, General Manager Japan at 360 Private Travel. “Contrary to popular belief, there's a lot of green spaces in central Tokyo so you're only ever a block or two away from a small park with a play area, and there's all the services and infrastructure in place to cater to families with young children.”

Rather than simply “ticking boxes of bucket list items” in Tokyo, Nishiyori recommends families spend as much time as possible wandering the city, with a base in the centrally-located Marunouchi district, where parents are spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly luxury hotel options, such as: the The Peninsula Tokyo, the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo, and the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. While there’s much to do in Tokyo itself, experts also recommended a wide array of day trips based on family interests. “If you’re remotely a Disney fan, a day trip to Tokyo DisneySea is a must,” according to Marissa Grad, founder of US-based travelhappier (@travelhappier). “While you’re there, don’t miss trying all the popcorn flavors and unique treats.”

Other top Japan destinations for families beyond Tokyo include Kyoto, Osaka, and Japanese ski resorts. According to David Peat, Japan Senior Product Executive at Audley Travel (@audleytravel), “Kyoto is a very walkable and well-connected city with varied and interesting sights including the famous but still unforgettable ‘fushimi inari’ (thousand red gate shrine) and the international manga museum. Families can try traditional crafting, ‘samurai/ninja’ and culinary classes in the city. Kyoto is also perfectly located as a base for enjoyable day trips (to Nara, with the tame, sacred ‘bowing deer’), to Osaka, with Universal Studios Japan (including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and Super Mario Land.” With a central location, highly-rated service, and enchanting hidden garden, the Park Hyatt Kyoto is an expert favorite hotel for families in this Japanese culture capital. Either as a day-trip from Kyoto or a standalone destination, Osaka also tops experts’ must-visit lists while in Japan. “Osaka is, in my opinion, the home of the best Japanese street food you'll find anywhere” says Sonia Jones, founder of Australia-based Sonia Jones Travel (@soniajonestravel), who also highlighted Hokkaido and Niseko as popular ski resort destinations for families, along with lesser-known but more accessible Nagano and Nozawa Onsen.

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Scotland

Famed for its dramatic landscapes, historic castles, and world-class golf (the sport was invented here), Scotland was named by experts as another great value-for-luxury destination for families in 2023. Diehl (KDTravel), whose family recently spent a month in Scotland, shares her perfect Caledonian itinerary: “Fly into Edinburgh for 2-3 nights — be sure to drive or train into the National Park for a day — then spend 2-4 nights in the northern Highlands or the Scottish Isles to give you that sense of rustic ruggedness that Scotland has to offer, followed by a scenic drive through Glencoe with 2-4 nights at Gleneagles.” For a unique way to explore the country, families can take a luxurious rail journey from Edinburgh on the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, which features an onboard Dior Spa. Maria Diego, founder of Diego Travel (@diegotravelagency), highlights the ease of high-speed train travel from London to Edinburgh as a major plus for families visiting Scotland, adding that “while there, families can see the Military Tattoo perform, do the Loch Ness boat tour, or ride bikes in the countryside stopping for picnics.”

The capital city of Edinburgh was described as a hidden gem by experts and a great alternative or add-on to London. “In Edinburgh, there are two great hotels right next two each other on St. Andrew’s Square, Gleneagles Townhouse — which is a true luxury stay — and Cheval The Edinburgh Grand — which has luxury serviced apartments, great for families who want to have access to their own kitchen and laundry,” says Diehl. Diego’s pick for a family stay in Edinburgh is The Balmoral, by Rocco Forte, which also happens to be the only Forbes Five Star-awarded hotel in Scotland. For more on what to do in Edinburgh, Parizek (Boutique Travel Advisors) recommends that families visit Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh Castle, and Cannonball Restaurant, where King Charles occasionally dines. Families can also visit the places and streets that inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter, and find tombstones in Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery that inspired the names of some of her characters.

Of the experts we spoke with, Gleneagles is unquestionably THE place for unforgettable family stays in Scotland. “It’s an old mint family hotel — the epitome of Scotland stays — and it couldn’t have exceeded our expectations more,” says Diehl of her family’s stay there. Anne Liles, founder of Anne Liles Travel (@annelilestravel) and co-founder of The Travel Studio (@shopthetravelstudio), shares what she loves about the hotel: “It truly is ‘The Glorious Playground,’ as they call it. They have mini Land Rovers for kids to drive, archery, falconry, golf, Michelin-starred dining,” along with kids clubs, and supervised programs catering to children age 2+. Beyond Edinburgh and Gleneages, experts also recommended spending time in the Scottish Highlands (The Torridon is Diehl’s pick) or on the coast. For stays in the Scottish Isles, the family-friendly Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa is set on a private island overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains. Further south in Ayrshire, families can stay at Glenapp Castle, which offers 100+ acres to explore, as well as luxury glamping and a private boat charter to explore the nearby Hebridean islands on a sea safari.

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Galapagos & Ecuador

Across the Galapagos archipelago’s 127 islands, families can get up-close with some of the world’s most fearless wildlife — swimming with sea lions and sea turtles, snorkeling with marine iguanas and penguins — making for a truly unique safari-at-sea experience. “There are two ways to see the Galapagos,” explains Allie Almario, South America and Galapagos expert at Premier Tours. “You can do a sea-based trip, which allows you to see more wildlife, or a land-based trip with day-trips out to nearby islands for people who want more independence or who don’t want to be based on a boat.”

Sea-based Galapagos expedition vessels range from catamarans, live-aboard dive ships, and small cruise ships with fewer than 20 passengers — such as those operated by Quasar, Ecoventura, and National Geographic — to large ships like the Celebrity Flora, which carries up to 100 passengers and has a sustainability-focused youth program. For families wishing to explore the Galapagos from a land base, Patty Monahan, founder of Our Whole Village (@ourwholevillage), recommends Pikaia Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property, for its combination of land-based activities with chartered yacht expeditions for guests. Galapagos Safari Camp, a family owned and operated 10-tent camp on Santa Cruz Island, also came highly recommended by experts. “The property has a swimming pool and private land-based excursions explore the island in-depth while shared tours visit the neighboring islands for added variety. There is also lots of wildlife on the property grounds including finches, warblers, mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, egrets and owls,” says David Clapworthy, Head of Trading at Audley Travel (@audleytravel).

For the ultimate Galapagos experience, experts recommend that families extend their journey with time on mainland Ecuador, staying in Quito and the Andes before journeying to the Galapagos, and concluding the trip with a short stay in the Amazon Highlands. Zuleta — a 21-room, 100-year-old working hacienda and former home of an Ecuadorian President — is our experts’ top pick for family stays in the Andes. “They’re extremely family-friendly, with horseback riding, a wonderful Wildlife Research Center and an on-site scientist that researches spectacled bears and Indian condors. They produce world-renowned cheese and everything's farm-to-table,” says Almario, while Monahan highlights Zuleta’s culturally immersive experiences, such as cooking classes and weaving workshops. In the Amazon Highlands, Almario recommends stays at La Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge and Napo Wildlife Center, both located in Yasuni National Park. “La Selva is easier to get to because it's only two hours away from Quito by boat. Napo is four hours away, but it has a very interesting community involvement program.”

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Greece

From historic sites to stunning beaches to instagrammable architecture and treasured cuisine and culture, Greece has much to offer families — but there are also some complexities about this destination that can make or break your family’s trip here. “You don’t just go to Greece,” explains Alisa Cohen, founder of Luxe Traveler Club (@luxetravelerclub), “you have to plan around the logistics — like how you are going to get from one island to the other: are you taking a ferry, flying back to Athens, chartering a boat, taking a helicopter, etc.?” Cohen recommends families fly into Athens before heading to the islands, spending two days there, staying either in the city center at the Grand Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel (“the grand dame, which has an indoor pool, outdoor rooftop pool and Acropolis views”) or, for families staying a little longer, at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens on the Athens Riviera (“it’s a true resort 20-30 min outside the city”). Ilonka Molijn, founder of Sophibee Travels (@sophibeetravels), also recommends staying at the Four Seasons in Athens, and encourages families to visit during winter holidays or Spring break: “everyone goes to Greece in summer, but it’s great to visit Athens in the winter months — you avoid the crowds and heat but still have access to all the cultural sites." Rice (Boutique Travel Advisors) recommends balancing active time on the Greek mainland (visiting historical sites, hiking, biking, running, etc.) with rest and relaxation time on remote Greek islands or at sea via a private boat or catamaran charter.

Greece has upwards of 6,000 islands, 227 of which are habitable. “I don't think there's anywhere more perfect than a Greek island during the summer, especially if you find a Greek island without cruise ships so you don't have a lot of day-trippers,” says Eric Stoen, founder of Travel Babbo (@travelbabbo). “You can just enjoy that lifestyle for a couple of weeks — you have beaches and tavernas, and it's just this amazing, unique culture.” Stoen’s favorite island in the world (not just Greece), is Naxos in the Cyclades, with convenient access to the airport, and ferries. Nissaki Beach Hotel, a family-friendly luxury hotel within walking distance to town, is Stoen’s favorite place to stay on Naxos. Experts noted that Santorini and Mykonos, two other island in the Cyclades, are among the busiest for tourism and may not feel especially kid-friendly. “Many hotels on the Caldera don't allow kids under 14. So a lot of families are really surprised when they book Santorini and then learn they can't really stay anywhere,” explains Cohen. According to experts, families heading to the Greek Islands should consult cruise ship schedules before booking their stays to avoid dates when large numbers of cruise passengers may be on their island.

What other Greek islands topped our experts’ lists for families? Kos and Corfu are both home to family-favorite Ikos Resorts — traveler-favorite Aria on Kos, and Dassia and Odisia (opening June 2023) on Corfu — offering multiple kids clubs and a modern take on the all-inclusive concept. Rice recommends more remote islands, like Milos, Antiparos, and Crete, where families can spend their days on the beach or charter boats venturing out to hidden coves to snorkel or scuba dive. McCoy (Travel Experts) highlights Crete as her family’s favorite Greek Island, recommending stays at Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa or Daios Cove. “Crete is so epic — the mountains and beaches are beautiful. You can hire a valet in Crete for the day who picks you up for a guided hike up to a cave with the kids on donkey back. You can go herb harvesting, visit beach clubs, explore a town where lace is made, see really cool old monasteries and King Minos’ legendary palace.”

Cohen loves the understated island of Paros for families with younger kids. “Families can rent villas and stay like a local, or stay at the Cosme, a Luxury Collection Hotel — the newest opening on Paros — which is right on the beach and walkable to town.” When asked what makes Paros ideal for families, Cohen recounts favorite experiences such as day-trips to Antiparos, cooking classes, historical tours of the town, or just spending the day at the beach swimming, snorkeling, and having lunch as a family. “The water day is always my kids’ favorite highlight of any trip we do. Really, it is about relaxing, spending time together as a family, eating great food, and just really feeling like you're having a holiday.” Back on the Greek mainland, experts also highlight the Peloponnese as a lesser-known family-friendly destination in Greece, with rich cultural sites and luxurious family-friendly coastal resorts, like Amanzoe and the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino (opening August 2023).

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Queensland

While Queensland is famed for its Great Barrier Reef islands, the sunny city of Brisbane, and the tropical beach towns of Cairns and Port Douglas, this ecologically diverse Australian state also includes vast terrains of mountains, rainforests, agricultural countryside, and even deserts to explore. Queensland native Sonia Jones shares her ideal 10-day QLD family itinerary: “I would recommend families spend a few days in Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas to visit the reef and rainforest, a few days in the Daintree or Mossman, and end their journey with a few days in the Outback.” For a truly unique family experience in her home state, Jones recommends bush glamping in Longreach at Mitchell Grass Retreat. “More than half of Queensland is Outback, where you will find authentic red dirt experiences with true Australian bush culture,” Jones says, “while sitting under the stars toasting marshmallows.”

Pedro O’Connor, Queensland-based private guide and director at Epic Private Journeys (@epicprivatejourneys), shares his favorite way to experience the Great Barrier Reef: “The ultimate is, from Port Douglas, to visit the Ribbon Reefs over five days — they are the best on the planet — and then you fly back to Cairns.” O’Connor recommends all-inclusive Lizard Island Resort for families (note: children must be at least 10 years old to stay at Lizard Island Resort, but nearby Orpheus Island Lodge welcomes children of all ages). While visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Jones encourages families to do snorkeling tours with indigenous-owned tour operators. “Not only are you seeing the reef, but you're seeing it through the lens of First Nations people — what it means to them as a people to protect the marine park, and you're giving back to local communities all in the same process.” For families staying in Cairns as a base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Jones highlights a “mini mob tour” of Kuranda village with a First Nations family as an unforgettable experience, where travelers can experience a variety of aboriginal activities, like learning to throw a boomerang, and paint and play a didgeridoo.

On the mainland, O’Connor recommends two sister properties, each located about an hour from Brisbane: upscale countryside retreat Spicers Hidden Vale, set on 12,000 acres of bushland (more family-focused), and all-inclusive, intimate luxury mountain lodge, Spicers Peak Lodge (adult-focused, though children are welcome when staying in 2-bedroom private lodge) where “the food is phenomenal,” O’Connor shares. For rainforest stays, O’Connor recommends family-friendly Daintree Ecolodge and luxurious Silky Oaks Lodge (children age 10+). Jones also recommends eco-boat cruises and forest walks for families in Daintree. For a truly special rainforest experience, O’Connor recommends arranging a private tour at The Botanical Ark in Mossman (visits by appointment only).

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