Traveling with children has long since ceased to be a trade-off between parents’ comfort and entertainment for the little ones. Today, the world’s best resorts offer families private villas, world-class kids’ clubs, exclusive excursions, and unique experiences for guests of all ages. Here are the seven most luxurious destinations for family vacations in 2026

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Family tourism continues to be one of the most dynamic segments of the global travel industry. In recent years, demand for premium and luxury travel with children has grown significantly, and hotels and resorts are increasingly investing in specialized programs for families. Today, parents are looking for more than just comfortable accommodations by the sea; they seek a comprehensive experience that will be engaging for both adults and children of all ages.

Forbes Travel Guide experts have compiled a list of the most luxurious destinations for family vacations in 2026. It includes tropical islands and beach resorts, as well as major metropolises and countries with unique cultures. We’ve gathered the most interesting locations and explain why they deserve your attention when planning your next family trip.

In our previous article, we wrote about 5 European countries that tourists are hardly visiting in 2026.

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New York, USA – a luxurious city trip that kids won’t get bored of

Not all luxury trips involve beaches and resorts. New York is on the Forbes list as one of the best destinations for families who want to combine a comfortable vacation with a rich cultural program and vivid experiences.

The city offers a vast array of entertainment for children of all ages. Younger travelers are usually captivated by interactive museums, massive toy stores, and the famous Central Park, while teenagers can enjoy modern tech centers, observation decks, and world-class shows.

One of New York’s advantages is the ability to combine several types of activities in a single trip. In the morning, the family can visit a museum or park, go for a walk around the city in the afternoon, and see a legendary Broadway show in the evening.

Among the most popular family-friendly locations:

- Central Park

- American Museum of Natural History

- Empire State Building and One World Observatory observation decks

- Broadway shows for family audiences

- Bronx Zoo

- Interactive children’s museums in Manhattan

The culinary scene deserves special attention. New York City is home to hundreds of family-friendly restaurants, and many luxury hotels offer special children’s menus, babysitting services, and family accommodation packages.

The best times for a family trip are May–June and September–October. During this period, the temperature is comfortable for long walks, and the city doesn’t suffer from summer heat or winter cold. For families who want to introduce their children to one of the world’s most famous metropolises, New York remains one of the most interesting premium-class destinations.

Learn more about the world’s best countries for road trips in 2026 by following the link.

The Maldives – a vacation on a private island for the whole family

The Maldives are traditionally associated with romantic getaways, but in recent years, the archipelago has been actively developing its family-friendly segment. Many resorts are creating entire complexes designed for vacations with children, where both young children and teenagers will feel comfortable.

The main advantage of the Maldives for families is the safe lagoons with warm water and almost no strong waves. Thanks to this, even small children can swim comfortably near the shore. Most premium resorts offer spacious family villas with multiple bedrooms, private pools, and direct access to the beach.

In addition to relaxing on the coast, families have access to dozens of activities. Children can observe sea turtles, stingrays, and dolphins during special excursions, as well as participate in educational programs about the ocean and marine conservation. Many islands have kids’ clubs that organize creative workshops, sports activities, and interactive games.

Of particular interest are marine adventures for the whole family:

- Snorkeling on coral reefs

- Sunset cruises to spot dolphins

- Boat safaris

- Learning about marine biology with resort experts

- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in calm lagoons

The most comfortable time to visit the Maldives is considered to be the season from November to April, when dry weather sets in and conditions are perfect for a beach vacation. For families seeking a combination of absolute comfort, privacy, and exoticism, this destination remains one of the best in the world.

Learn more about the TOP 10 budget-friendly alternatives to the Maldives that will surprise even seasoned travelersby following the link.

Japan – a country where modern technology meets family adventures

Japan has been among the most popular destinations for premium family travel for several years in a row. The country attracts visitors with its high level of safety, impeccable transportation system, clean cities, and a vast array of entertainment for both children and adults.

For many families, Tokyo is the main stop on their itinerary—a metropolis where futuristic technology coexists with traditional temples and gardens. Here, you can see robots, visit interactive museums, themed cafes, and modern entertainment complexes that are hard to find in any other country in the world.

At the same time, Japan offers much more than just big cities. Families often combine a stay in Tokyo with trips to Kyoto, Osaka, or the Fuji region, where they can experience Japanese culture, nature, and traditions.

Particularly popular among children are:

- Tokyo Disney Resort

- Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

- Anime and manga museums

- Trips on Shinkansen bullet trains

- Interactive science museums

- Aquariums and theme parks

One of Japan’s main advantages for families is the ease of travel. High-speed trains make it easy to move between cities, and the infrastructure is designed with even the youngest travelers in mind. Many public places feature rooms for parents with infants, children’s play areas, and special services for families.

The best time to travel depends on the purpose of the trip. Spring attracts visitors with its famous cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant red and gold landscapes. It is during these seasons that Japan shows its most beautiful side and creates especially vivid memories for the whole family.

In our previous article, we wrote about the TOP 5 uncrowded Mediterranean resorts where you can relax without lines or noise.

Italy – a family classic that never goes out of style

Italy remains one of the most popular destinations for family vacations in the world. The country offers a unique combination of beaches, historical sites, gastronomy, and resorts geared toward families with children.

One of Italy’s main advantages is the variety of vacation options. In a single trip, you can spend several days by the sea, visit ancient cities, and explore picturesque mountain regions. At the same time, many hotels offer special family programs, children’s entertainment, and spacious rooms for large families.

The coasts of Sardinia and Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and the Lake Garda region remain particularly popular among families. The latter is known not only for its beautiful scenery but also for one of the country’s largest amusement parks—Gardaland.

When traveling to Italy with children, be sure to check out:

- Beaches with gentle slopes into the water in Sardinia and Apulia

- Gardaland theme park

- The historic centers of Rome, Florence, and Venice

- Boat trips along the Amalfi Coast

- Cooking workshops for children

- Family cycling routes around the lakes of Northern Italy

Another reason for Italy’s popularity is its local cuisine. Even picky little travelers usually enjoy pizza, pasta, gelato, and other traditional dishes. Many restaurants offer special children’s menus and family-friendly service.

The best time for a beach vacation is from June to September, while spring and early fall are ideal for sightseeing tours, when temperatures are more comfortable for long walks. Italy remains one of those destinations where it’s easy to find a balance between luxury, comfort, and exciting activities for the whole family.

In our previous article, we discussed the cheapest and most expensive European cities for a vacation in 2026.

Costa Rica – a luxurious getaway amidst jungles and wildlife

For families who want more than just lying on the beach and are looking for a real adventure, Costa Rica is one of the most exciting luxury destinations in the world. This small country in Central America is known for its biodiversity: it is home to about 15% of all plant and animal species on the planet, even though the country itself occupies only a small portion of the world’s landmass.

The main feature of Costa Rica is the opportunity to combine a comfortable stay in premium eco-lodges with exploring nature. Here, children can see sloths, toucans, monkeys, sea turtles, and even whales in their natural habitat, rather than at a zoo.

Many resorts offer family programs with experienced guides who introduce guests to the tropical forests and the local ecosystem. This format is especially popular with school-age children and teenagers who enjoy active recreation.

The most popular activities for families:

- Walking on suspension bridges over the jungle

- Observing sloths and exotic birds

- Safaris in national parks

- Riding zip lines through the rainforest

- Visiting volcanoes and hot springs

- Surfing and water sports on the Pacific coast

The best time to visit is the dry season from December to April. During this period, it’s more comfortable to explore national parks and nature reserves. For families looking for a unique vacation and wanting to give their children vivid memories of true wilderness, Costa Rica is one of the best options.

Learn more about the 3 cheapest European resorts for a seaside vacation in 2026 by following the link.

The French Riviera – Mediterranean luxury for the whole family

The French Riviera has long been associated with yachts, five-star hotels, and celebrities, but this region is also perfect for a family vacation. The coastline between Nice, Cannes, and Antibes offers a combination of comfortable beaches, well-developed infrastructure, and plenty of entertainment for children.

One of the region’s main advantages is its ease of travel. In a short time, you can visit several resort towns, ancient hilltop villages, or nature parks. At the same time, most locations are situated a short distance from one another, which is especially important when traveling with children.

The French Riviera offers much more than just a beach vacation. It features modern aquariums, museums, amusement parks, and botanical gardens, and many hotels have kids’ clubs and special family programs.

During a family trip, be sure to check out:

- The Old Town of Nice and the Promenade des Anglais

- The Oceanographic Museum in Monaco

- Boat tours along the Côte d’Azur

- Marineland and other theme parks in the region

- The beaches of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins

- The picturesque villages of Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Summer remains the most popular season for a vacation on the Riviera, though May, June, or September are often recommended for families. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, the sea is already warm enough, and there are significantly fewer tourists than during the peak season.

For those seeking a combination of European charm, high-quality service, and a variety of activities for children, the French Riviera remains one of the most attractive premium destinations.

Learn more about the best Mediterranean islands for a vacation without crowds of tourists by following the link.

Hawaii, USA – a tropical vacation with adventures for children

The Hawaiian Islands are among the world’s most famous resort destinations and have long been a popular choice for family travel. Here, you can combine a beach vacation with exploring volcanoes, tropical forests, and unique Polynesian culture.

Unlike many tropical resorts, Hawaii offers an incredibly diverse vacation experience. Each island has its own character. For example, Oahu is known for its beaches and urban amenities, Maui attracts visitors with its scenic roads and natural beauty, and the Big Island offers the chance to see active volcanoes.

For children, a trip to Hawaii is often a real adventure. Here, you can not only swim in the ocean but also watch sea turtles, go snorkeling, or take a tour of the national parks.

Among the most interesting activities for families:

- Exploring volcanoes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

- Snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons

- Sea turtle watching

- Traditional Hawaiian shows and cultural festivals

- Hikes through tropical forests and waterfalls

- Whale-watching cruises during migration season

Thanks to its mild climate, Hawaii is suitable for travel practically year-round. The most comfortable months are considered to be April–June and September–November, when there are fewer tourists on the islands and lower accommodation prices.

For families looking to combine world-class beaches, active recreation, and an introduction to a new culture, Hawaii remains one of the best luxury destinations on the planet.

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