As New Yorkers, we luckily have access to short direct flights to both tropical and European destinations. We also live in amazing state that offers gorgeous local towns for the very best road trips. Summer vacation is the perfect time to get away, when the kids don’t have school and popular destinations are experiencing fantastic weather. I’ve put together some of my family’s top travel destinations that I think are great this summer!
Bon Voyage!
Firstly, beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the most famous and beloved all-inclusive resorts in all of the Caribbean. We’ve been there twice (see posts here and here), and let me just say my kids are still talking about it. Their service is second to none. The grounds and the resort are gorgeous. Their location is spectacular. It’s everything you’d ever want in a resort, and to top it off, the staff and management of Beaches Turks & Caicos care if you have a good time on your trip. That’s something you can’t find everywhere! It deserves a spot at the top of the list for fun activities and summer travel for a great time!
Secondly, a few years ago, Siella, Gemma and I did a girls trip in the Bahamas, and we had a blast! For our five day vacation, we split up our time at Baha Mar and Atlantis. I was blown away by the variety of Baha Mar activities, all within a short walk from your doorstep. There’s golfing, a casino, soothing spas, stunning pools, and a beach that will take your breath away. The girls would say The Sanctuary was their favorite part. Here you can actually view one of the pools! You get up close to sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, native birds, and more.
Next we stayed at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island, which is just a five minute walk from the Atlantis Towers. This place you guys, is probably the best deal for families in all of the Bahamas. With rates starting around $250 per night, it opens up the Bahamas and Atlantis to families who are working with tighter budgets. As guests of the Comfort Suites Paradise Island Hotel, you have full access to the Atlantis Resort! The rooms are all suites, so there is plenty of room for the kids. Check out our entire Bahamas trip here!
Thirdly, when the kids were younger, we took them to Beaches Resort in Montego Bay Jamaica and had the very best time! Like any vacation, the first order of business for the kids is always checking out the pool. Some resorts only offer a little kiddie pool. Beaches Negril has a Pirates Island themed waterpark! It’s filled with watersides, splash zones, kid-friendly pool, and a lazy river, shallow enough for most youngsters. Beaches Negril runs seven miles of silky white sand beaches.
Moreover, it is home to some of the calmest, clearest waters in an incredible variety of all-inclusive water sports. The kids and I took out a paddle board one day, while Ryder found a live star fish while swimming. Check out our whole trip here. Furthermore, they average high temperatures in the low 90s, so this is a big trip where sunscreen is of utmost importance, especially with the summer rise of temperatures each year.
Lake George had been high on my list of family getaways for years, and finally a few years ago our family made it up there! The drive was about four hours from New York City. For instance, although it seemed long, we were pleasantly distracted by the beautiful views of farms and scenery along the way. We stayed at the Sagamore Hotel in Bolting Landing, and I have to say from the minute we pulled into the grand entry, we knew it was a special place. This landmark hotel is secluded on a private 70-acre island, offering lots of family friendly activities! A recap of our amazing trip up north can be found here.
Miami hosts many great beaches, but the Eden Roc Miami beach is super family friendly. For example, Eden Roc includes a variety of meal options. These include pool-side casual and in-room dining to fine dining. Eden Roc is home to the Esencia Wellness spa where you can enjoy a couples massage, facial, manicure, and more. The resort is pet-friendly, has options of a scavenger hunt for kids, bike rental options, fooseball, volleyball, ping pong, and more game options. Henceforth, I think it’s perfect for the entire family to enjoy! This may not be one of the top places in your mind to spend the summer season, as it’s a top escape destination for the winter. For instance, the cost of flights and flight time are not too bad and it’s an excellent place to take summer trips!
I love Mexico! I have been for a few work trips and also on a family trip. Mexico is such an easy escape from New York City. As a family we stayed at the Grand Palladium Riviera Resort, Which is a little over an hour from the Cancun airport. The Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa is made of up five resorts all on one complex, and the grounds are quite expansive. All of the hotels have access to one another, including 9 all-inclusive themed restaurants, 5 buffet restaurants, 25 bars, 9 swimming-pools, a magnificent Spa, sports facilities, disco, baby club, mini club for kids, and a Junior Club for “big kids” up to 19 years old. Check out all my Mexico trips for more travel info.
It’s no secret that I love the East End. Everyone has their happy place, and my happy place is definitely the Hamptons. With so much open space, living is a bit more laid back, the beaches are to die for, and the countless vineyards turning out local wine and cuisine are delish! Baron’s Cove is our favorite hotel in the Hamptons! The location is in the heart of Sag Harbor, with amazing access to all the restaurants and boutiques. Rooms are always beautiful and the pool overlooks the iconic harbor!
Montauk
Montauk is the cool laid back sister to the Hamptons. Local pancake houses, surf culture, beach cottages, etc. We just love the beach town vibe Montauk offers all year round and I know we’ll be back sooner than later.
Shelter Island
Shelter Island is a true local gem. The perfect distance from the city to feel like you’ve had a family fun road trip but not long enough to all go mad. Hehe. Once you’ve arrived your kids will enjoy a ferry ride, building sand castles at the beach, poolside snack breaks, and more. Us adults relish in the fresh seafood, beautiful quaint architecture, and the gorgeous sunsets. I’ve been counting down the days until we get to go back.
This is a great escape that’s only a drive away from NYC! Our family has now been twice (our first trip and our second trip) and my kids absolutely love it! Kalahari is the largest waterpark in the United States, boasting over 220,000 square feet of wet and wild fun. The park offers something for all ages, with waterslides big and small, a kiddie park, wave pool, lazy river, flow rider for surfing, and plenty more. If you are traveling with a large group or celebrating a special event, guests can rent out private cabanas for the day. And if you need a break from the kids, there is even an adults only section, where you can enjoy a cocktail and chat. Both of our trips to Kalahari Resorts have been during the colder months, but they offer plenty of outdoor activities during spring, summer and fall. With outdoor pools, outdoor waterparks, mini golf, and a Gorilla Grove Tree Top adventure
Paris
Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. We went as a whole family in February 2019 (trip recaps here and here) and I did a girls trip with my daughters in November 2019 (girls trip here). I love how walkable Paris is. Very similar to NYC, our family easily explored and discovered the historic city taking in all the sights along the way. Siella loves Paris so much, she’s expressed wanting to study abroad there in college (She’s got her mama’s support! hehe).
Moreover, we love Boston! We try to get there every other year at least because the food is great and there are so many things to do there. What’s really exciting this summer is that they have Amtrak’s Harry Potter Themed Trains running and you can hop on and enjoy the experience! As a family-friendly city, it’s a top choice to visit. You can go to the Boston Children’s Museum, get a treat from Tatte Bakery, sushi and a pretzel parfait from Lola42 and explore the summer Seaport Market!
California
Finally, if it were up to Jason, our family would probably be living in California at this point. From Palm Springs ( check out our Joshua Tree trip here) to Los Angeles to San Diego, there’s so much to see and do! Jolla Cove is a super family friendly hotel with amenities accommodating to everyone in the fam! La Jolla Cove is located on the beach with roof top access for gorgeous views! There is a year-round heated pool and jacuzzi, direct access to the La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Village. Moreover, there are health club passes to classes such as yoga, spin, and more! And nothing beats the West Coast beach!
For more travel posts visit here.
This post was originally publish June 22nd, 2021.
