6 timeless trips for your travel vision board
Go retro for 2020! Classic vacations are nostalgic for parents and novel for kids. Whether it’s looking down into the Grand Canyon or up at the Northern Lights, set your sights high this year and start visualizing your family’s next big bucket-list adventure.
See the Grand Canyon in style
It’s not like there’s a bad way to experience one of the world’s most gorgeous natural wonders, and there are plenty of amazing stays near this Arizona icon. But if you’re looking to step it up a notch, there’s a stylish family escape in Page that rocks pretty hard. Situated on a cliff overlooking Lake Powell at the tip of Grand Canyon National Park, it’s got room for nine, a pool and spa, an outdoor gourmet kitchen with a bar and panoramic sunset vistas for days.
Set out for Kiva Cliff House >
Catch those epic Northern Lights
Give your family the moon and the stars with a magical escape to Alaska’s North Pole! This waterfront log cabin in the wilderness is perfectly positioned for amazing stargazing, but it’s still only a 20-minute drive from Fairbanks. When you’re not staring up at the night sky around the outdoor fire pit, check out the majestic wildlife right outside your window, from moose and foxes to regal Bald Eagles. If you want options, spy more stellar spots to see the aurora borealis.
Stay on a real dude ranch
Pack your best chaps and giddy-up! Your family’s cowboy dreams can come true at these legit working ranches and farms. How about an authentic horse and cattle outpost at the base of Beartooth Mountain for your next spring break? It’s just outside rugged Red Lodge, Montana, and it’s got room for 10, two fireplaces and stunning scenic views from the wraparound porch. Horseback riding, world-class fly fishing and Big Sky–stargazing required.
Post up at Volney Creek Ranch >
Take a quintessential Florida beach vacay
30A all the way! There’s a reason (or four) that families flock to a particularly tony stretch of the Sunshine State’s Gulf coastline: emerald-green water, clean white sand, beach stays high on form and function and tons of kid-friendly activities. This swanky Santa Rosa Beach escape is no exception. With accents and amenities fit for a fancy resort, like a heated pool and spa, it sleeps 12 and is right on the pristine beach.
Check in to the Gritz Carlton >
Make a splash at Niagara Falls
America’s first national park has always been a classic destination for fun-packed family adventures, so it’s no surprise the area is full of great getaways. Explore the legendary falls, the Cave of the Winds and the Gorge easily from this homey and well-appointed four-bedroom retreat five minutes from all the action! The sleek kitchen, well-appointed shared spaces and backyard grilling area are perfect for relaxed rehashing of the day’s excitement.
(DUH!) Disneyland adventure FTW
You know you’ve hit the magic mother lodes of childhood nostalgia and childhood novelty when you disembark with the family at California’s beloved theme park. You’ll be cruising down memory lane while your kids are careening down too-good-to-be-true avenue. The kicker? You can actually walk there from this tastefully themed condo that sleeps six! There’s also a private patio and a kitchen with all the mod cons for post-park winding down.
Make everyone’s Anaheim wishes come true >
Need more special family vacation inspo? Explore these unique itineraries:
- 7 storybook homes for fairytale vacations
- 6 lighthouses you can actually sleep in
- 5 awesome stays for stargazers
- Houseboats rentals across the USA
- Totally amazing treehouse retreats