We all look forward to going on vacation, but sometimes, planning can feel like a slog. If you have young children or several family members who plan to come with you, the process can be even more daunting. There are plenty of tips and tricks for family trips to help alleviate the stress. Thankfully, you don't have to plan your entire vacation from scratch, as vacation packages for families can take the guesswork out of planning. All you have to do is choose a destination, pick a package and book your spot. Many of these packages are all-inclusive, meaning you don't have to worry about accommodation or ground transportation, with airfare sometimes being included as well.
Instead of giving yourself a headache planning your next trip, choose from some of AAA's 15 top family vacation packages. We've done the work for you to narrow down some of the best family-friendly trips. Here are our recommendations.
1. Colors of New England
Package overview:
- Destinations: Boston, Stowe, Woodstock, Conway, North Conway, Lake Winnipesaukee, Maine, Kennebunkport
- Days: 8
- Meals: 12
- Activity Level: Relaxed
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage services
- On-tour transportation included
This trip through beautiful New England is perfect for the fall. The leisurely pace makes it ideal for families with smaller children or older adults who will appreciate a more relaxed vacation. You'll start in Boston, then journey through Woodstock before ending the day in Stowe. Watch glassblowing artisans and learn how fresh apple cider is made before making your way to New Hampshire.
The Granite State is also home to delicious maple sugar. You'll learn about the history of the industry and then take an incredible cruise on New Hampshire's largest lake. From there, this vacation package for families takes you to stunning Maine. Visit the most photographed lighthouse in America, spend your free time in one of Portland's museums and enjoy the beautiful seaside community of Kennebunkport. Then, circle back to Boston where you'll end your stay in New England.
2. Easy Pace Spain
Package overview:
- Destinations: Barcelona, Zaragoza, Pamplona, Donostia-San Sebastián, Bilbao, Burgos, Madrid, Segovia
- Days: 10
- Meals: 12
- Activity Level: Moderate
Features:
- Travel director services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Airport transfers (restrictions apply)
Are you planning to take your children out of the U.S. for the first time? Easy Pace Spain is one of the best family vacation packages to start with. It operates at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time in each destination before moving on to the next. You'll fly into the iconic Barcelona, visit Gaudí's most celebrated architectural works and then take one more day to spend at your leisure.
From Barcelona, you'll make your way to Basque Country to enjoy the unique cuisine and the incredible Guggenheim Museum. San Sebastián is your next stop, where travelers of all ages can enjoy walks along the boardwalk and explore nearby villages. As your trip winds down, you'll make stops in Segovia, a medieval stronghold of Spain and the capital city of Madrid. Spend your final evening drinking fine local wines or relaxing at the Meliá Madrid Princesa.
3. Easy Pace Italy
Package overview:
- Destinations: Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, Bologna, Venice
- Days: 10
- Meals: 14
- Activity Level: Moderate
Features:
- Travel director services
- All on-tour transportation included
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Airport transfers (restrictions apply)
If you're craving pasta instead of paella, the Easy Pace Italy vacation package may be the perfect choice for your family getaway. Much like its Spanish counterpart, this trip takes a leisurely stroll through one of the most visited countries in the world and is accessible for both younger children and older adults. You'll start off in the Eternal City, where you'll see the Colosseum and visit Vatican City's world-renowned museums such as the Sistine Chapel.
After wrapping up in Rome, this vacation package for families moves on to beautiful Florence. You'll attend a leatherwork demonstration and admire the Tuscan countryside as you travel to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. The final stop is Venice and you'll have two full days to explore this one-of-a-kind city. Visit one of the dozens of churches, check out the local art museums or simply enjoy canal views, all before heading back home.
4. Mackinac Island
Package overview:
- Destinations: Chicago, Grand Rapids, Mackinac Island, Bay City, Frankenmuth, Southfield, Dearborn
- Days: 9
- Meals: 12
- Activity Level: Relaxed
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- All on-tour transportation included
Our next pick for the best family vacation packages keeps you stateside, but you certainly won't be missing out on European charm and stunning countryside. Mackinac Island is a totally unique town in the United States--no cars are allowed and the architecture makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Kids will love the horse and buggy rides and hands-on experiences, while adults will appreciate the laid-back itinerary and lake views.
The trip starts in Chicago and quickly moves on to Grand Rapids where you'll take a ferry to the iconic Mackinac Island. On the island, you'll savor the food at Salle à Manger and wander through adorable downtown boutiques. Before wrapping up your vacation, head to Frankenmuth, a charming town in Michigan. You'll feel transported to Germany as you explore town on a guided tour. Finish the trip at the Henry Ford Museum, where car enthusiasts and travelers of all ages will love the interactive exhibits.
5. Best of Greece
Package overview:
- Destinations: Athens, Corinth, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Thermopylae, Kalabaka
- Days: 8
- Meals: 12
- Activity Level: Moderate
Features:
- Travel director services
- Access to a well-being director
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
Get a taste of the ancient world with this family vacation package. The Best of Greece includes visits to some of the most recognizable historical sites, as well as some off-the-beaten-path wonders. The tour has a moderate pace, making it accessible for children and adults of all ages.
You'll start your journey in Athens, where you can visit the Acropolis and walk the same paths that Plato walked thousands of years ago. After a few days in the city, continue on to ancient sites in Corinth, Mycenae and Delphi. Before heading back to Athens for your return flight, you'll make a stop in the magnificent town of Meteora, where monasteries tower over the streets on top of rounded rock towers.
6. Southern Charm Holiday
Package overview:
- Destinations: Charleston, Savannah, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Jacksonville
- Days: 7
- Meals: 9
- Activity Level: Moderate
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Airport transfers
- On-tour transportation included
Enjoy Southern hospitality when you book a Southern Charm Holiday. This is one of the best family vacation packages thanks to its multitude of activities, relaxed pace and top-tier accommodations. You'll visit museums and sample some of the best cuisine in the Southern U.S.
Start your vacation in beautiful Charleston and enjoy family-friendly museums and a stay in the Historic District. Move on to Savannah, Georgia and take a spooky walking tour of the city's haunted sites. From there, you'll head to Jekyll Island and enjoy your room at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, once known as the most exclusive club in the world. A deluxe stay like this will likely have you dread the end of your trip but all good things must come to an end. Travel to Jacksonville to catch your flight home, where you'll be able to see some last-minute ocean views.
7. Coasts & Countrysides of England
Package overview:
- Destinations: Edinburgh, Windermere, Cumbria, Liverpool, Gloucestershire, Bath, Cornwall, London
- Days: 14
- Meals: 19
- Activity Level: Active
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- All on-tour transportation included
England is another country that works perfectly as a youngster's first time abroad. While the Coasts & Countrysides of England is more active than similar family vacation packages, it still works well for a family that doesn't mind getting moving.
You'll visit eight destinations over two weeks. Fly into Edinburgh and enjoy the Old Town architecture, ending up at the iconic Edinburgh Castle. After wandering through the city, travel through England's stunning Lake District and visit the home of renowned poet William Wordsworth. You'll also get to take in some incredible views of the Cotswolds and imagine yourself living life in a quaint cottage. Now that you've enjoyed some time in the countryside, it's on to the city. Visit Cornwall's Lost Garden of Heligan and pose for a family photo outside London's Windsor Castle. If you're alright with an active adventure, England is an attainable travel destination for the whole family.
8. National Parks of America
Package overview:
- Destinations: Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon Village, Page, Springdale, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Sheridan, Rapid City
- Days: 12
- Meals: 16
- Activity Level: Moderate
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Round-trip sedan service (conditions and restrictions apply)
The United States' National Parks are destinations not to be missed and The National Parks of America tour will take you and your family to some of the most celebrated parks in the American West. Be prepared for some active days, but this tour is paced slowly enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Start your adventure in Scottsdale, then travel to magical Sedona, Arizona and visit the artists' colony. From there, the Grand Canyon is just a stone's throw away. Marvel at the once-in-a-lifetime views, then travel onward to Lake Powell for sunset water views. You've already seen a lot, but we're just getting started. Next up is Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and finally Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is near the magnificent Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and you'll have plenty of time to go hiking, river-rafting or, of course, shopping. End your National Park tour with a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial and say goodbye to your vacation pals in Rapid City, South Dakota.
9. Cultural Treasures of Japan
Package overview:
- Destinations: Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima
- Days: 14
- Meals: 12
- Activity Level: Active
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- All on-tour transportation included
Here's one of our favorite vacation packages for families with adult children. While younger children can definitely have a good time exploring the Cultural Treasures of Japan, we recommend sticking to a slightly older age group for this one. You'll start by spending four days in Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world. Once you've explored this thriving metropolis, Hakone is your next stop. On the way, you'll get some incredible views of the iconic Mount Fuji.
The second half of the tour includes stops in Takayama and Kanazawa. These locales have beautiful historic districts steeped in Japanese lore. Visit the former home of a samurai family and take a lap through the Omicho fish market. As the tour comes to a close, travel to another major Japanese city, Kyoto. Take a day trip to Hiroshima and see Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading to the airport.
10. Pacific Northwest & California
Package overview:
- Destinations: Seattle, Bremerton, Castle Rock, Portland, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Willamette Valley, Newport, North Bend, Bandon State Natural Area, Redwood National and State Parks, Eureka, San Francisco
- Days: 8
- Meals: 12
- Activity Level: Moderate
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Airport chauffeur services (restrictions apply)
- On-tour transportation included
We're back in the States for a comprehensive tour around America's gorgeous Pacific Northwest. This trip is the perfect way to get your kids a taste of nature without compromising on amenities. It's reasonably paced and just over a week long, making it ideal for younger children, too. Your adventure through the Pacific Northwest and California begins in Seattle. After an overnight stay, you'll head to Portland, catching views of Mount St. Helen's along the way.
Spend a few extra days in Oregon to check out the beautiful Willamette Valley and don't miss the quaint Yaquina Head Lighthouse and wonderful Cobble Beach. Once you've wrapped up in Portland, Redwood National Park is the next stop. These imposing trees that seem straight out of a fairy tale will awe and impress travelers of all ages. This vacation package for families makes one more stop in San Francisco, where you can grab some photos at the Golden Gate Bridge before traveling back home.
11. Plains of Africa
Package overview:
- Destinations: Nairobi, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Nyahururu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park
- Days: 14
- Meals: 33
- Activity Level: Active
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Airport chauffeur service (restrictions apply)
Traveling with kids can be tough, especially if you're visiting somewhere especially far from home. This, however, shouldn't discourage you from more ambitious destinations. The Plains of Africa is one of our favorite family vacation packages because it's accessible to a wide range of ages. Be advised that the tour is quite active but conveniently includes nearly every meal.
Your trip begins in Nairobi and you'll set off from the city toward Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano surrounded by stunning forests. Then, you'll leave for your first game drive and see a variety of animals in the wild. Throughout the next several days, you'll find yourself on one wildlife reserve after another, safely viewing Africa's majestic lions, zebras, giraffes and more. Go on one last sunrise game drive at Amboseli National Park before wrapping up your trip back in Nairobi.
12. Exploring the Alpine Countries, Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Package overview:
- Destinations: Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Oberammergau, Ettal, Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau, Zürich, Lucerne
- Days: 12
- Meals: 16
- Activity Level: Active
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Airport sedan service (restrictions apply)
If your child has always imagined being part of a fairy tale, this is one of the best family vacation packages for you. While it has an active pace, Exploring Alpine Countries can still work well for adventurous families. The tour is only 10 days and sets off from Vienna, where you can get a family photo in front of Schönbrunn Palace.
After some time in Vienna, it's off to Salzburg for a glimpse of the Danube River and some Central European charm. Next, you'll cross the border into Germany--Bavaria to be exact--where you can explore Munich and then check out the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle, Neuschwanstein. Now that you've had some fun in Bavaria, move on to the Black Forest, another iconic region in Germany. Sample black forest cake and take your kids to see hand-made cuckoo clocks in local shops. Finish off the tour with a few days in Switzerland and be sure to book the optional excursion to Mount Pilatus.
13. Spotlight on Washington, D.C.
Package overview:
- Destinations: Washington, Arlington, Mount Vernon, Alexandria
- Days: 6
- Meals: 8
- Activity Level: Moderate
Features:
- Tour manager services
- All on-tour transportation included
- Airport sedan service (restrictions apply)
Spotlight on Washington, D.C. is perfect for kids, as they'll learn all about our country's history and get some beautiful river views while doing so. This trip is less than a week long and doesn't stray too far outside the metro area.
Your time in the nation's capital will transport you back hundreds of years to the founding of America. Visit the White House, National Mall and Smithsonian Museums and enjoy a day trip to Mount Vernon, Virginia, where George Washington once lived. You'll also have the chance to see a more somber side of American History, with stops at Arlington National Cemetery and the Korean War Memorial. This short stay in Washington allows the whole family to experience our country's rich history.
14. European Christmas Markets
Package overview:
- Destinations: Prague, Dresden, Český Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest
- Days: 9
- Meals: 11
- Activity Level: Active
Features:
- Limited single accommodations
- Tour manager services
- Airport sedan services (restrictions apply)
Although this package is seasonal, European Christmas Markets is worth waiting for. With this package, your kids will be taking in the wonder of holiday decorations, eating festive food and even skating on an ice rink.
This family vacation package takes you through some Central European staples, beginning in Prague. After checking out Prague Castle, take a day trip to Dresden and continue on to Vienna. This city is home to lots of candy workshops, as well as incredible architecture. Enjoy your last few days touring Bratislava and Budapest and do your best to avoid overspending at the often tempting local Christmas markets.
15. The Best of Eastern Canada
Package overview:
- Destinations: Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Québec City, Montreal
- Days: 9
- Meals: 12
- Activity Level: Relaxed
Features:
- Tour manager services
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- All on-tour transportation included
Not all international destinations with Old-World charm require a flight across the Atlantic. The Best of Eastern Canada provides French-inspired cobblestone streets and unforgettable scenery, all at a relaxed pace.
Your tour starts in Toronto, Canada's largest city. But don't get too comfortable, because before long, you'll be on your way to the striking Niagara Falls. You'll soon learn that postcard photos don't do it justice. Once you're done gazing at the Falls, head further east toward Quebec City, via Ottawa. In Old Quebec City, check out the Chateau Frontenac and St. Louis Gate, before moving on to Montreal. Montreal is the quintessential French Canadian city and the whole family will enjoy taking in the views from Mount Royal.
Book Your Next Family Vacation with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and choose from dozens of vacation packages for families today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.