FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
rsvp

Hot Spots for Family Travel

by Felicity Long

Jan 6, 2018

© Littleny | Dreamstime.com

Travel Tips

While the holidays are perfect for cozy, family staycations, they also bring out the wanderlust in a hefty chunk of the population. We were curious about which destinations are trending this year, and you might be as surprised as we were by some of the top contenders. Here is a list of the top 10 hot spots based on flight bookings for the fourth quarter of 2017 and analyzed by American Express Travel experts.

 

Aruba

Interest in this Caribbean island, which escaped the wrath of recent storms, is up more than 30 percent this year. Located off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba offers most of what families are looking for, especially in winter – inviting sandy beaches; clear, turquoise ocean; water sports; and a relaxed ambience.

 

Buenos Aires

With its mix of South American and European culture, this Argentine capital boasts a cosmopolitan vibe. High fashion, noteworthy art and historic architecture are a great fit for families with kids old enough to appreciate international culture. Best of all, the city boasts a sub-tropical climate — summer and winter are flipped with the hottest month December through February.

 

Buenos Aires City

Buenos Aires. Photo: Miragik | Dreamstime.com

Reno/Tahoe

Think Reno/Tahoe is just for gambling? Actually, the city is in serious growth mode and features plenty of outdoor fun nearby. Surrounded by the Sierras, Reno Tahoe offers great skiing at Squaw Valley, Mt. Rose, Homewood and Diamond Peak. And parents and young adult children can take advantage of Nevada’s vibrant craft beer movement by enjoying gastropubs in the Midtown district.

 

Geneva

The Swiss know how to do winter. Picture snow-capped mountains, fondue dinners by the fireplace and picturesque winding streets with little shops and inviting cafes, and you get the idea of why bookings to Geneva are up 60 percent over last year. Over the holidays, Christmas markets attract visitors and locals alike and feature attractions for parents and kids.

Geneva, Switzerland in winter

Geneva, Switzerland in winter. Photo: Erix2005 | Dreamstime.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Incheon

This booming city in South Korea made it on to mainstream radar, so much so bookings have nearly doubled this winter. Kids are welcomed with family-friendly hotels; the Wolmi theme park with high-adrenaline rides and an indoor playground; and interactive, educational fun at the Incheon Children Science Museum.

 

Malaga, Spain

Interest in this city, located on the southern coast of Spain — also known as the Costa del Sol — exploded this year. Attractions include sandy beaches, seaside promenades, historic citadels and resorts galore.

 

Lima, Peru

An ocean-side city with a vibrant food scene that blends native Incan traditions and European cuisine, delivered with a modern twist, Lima offers a rich cultural experience for families with older kids.

 

Montreal

This bustling northern city, which marks its 375th birthday this year, offers a mix of urban sophistication and historic attractions, all served up with a French accent.

Christmas in Frankfurt, Germany

© Sborisov | Dreamstime.com

 

Frankfurt

Picture a skyline with Gothic buildings sitting next to skyscrapers, and you get a sense of this city’s appeal. Frankfurt has more than 2,000 years of history to attract visitors of all ages.

 

Portland

Located on the border of Washington and Oregon, laid-back Portland offers a hipster vibe and a quirky charm. Attractions include the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum and the Oregon Zoo.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Destinations / Europe
May 22, 2025

6 Stroller-Friendly Cities in Europe

Families traveling with young children learn to be creative in getting strollers into seemingly impossible places. Some cities confound even the most determined parents: Innumerable bridges with steps are a challenge in Venice, and Lisbon’s hills seem insurmountable. Narrow or rough stone-paved streets are not stroller-friendly, either. Save those cities for another year and consider these instead.

Cruising
May 22, 2025

Special Needs Group Makes Cruising More Accessible

As school comes to an end, family travelers gear up for summer travel. Thanks to endless multigenerational activities on cruises, many families gravitate to a trip on the high seas. That said, families who might need more assistance when traveling might stray from cruises;  it may not be easy or ideal to bring all your equipment on your journey. Now, families won’t have to worry thanks to Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea.

Slideshow
May 22, 2025

6 Roman Walls for Family Travel

It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Roman walls with us.

Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025

Santa Monica’s New AI Program Makes Visiting a Breeze

Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and it really is changing the way we travel. Santa Monica, the vibrant Southern California hot spot where family travelers to Los Angeles go to enjoy the sea, sand and quintessential “beach lifestyle,” joins the AI trend. When it comes to using AI to improve the tourist experience, plenty of destinations have recently gotten with the program, like Lake Tahoe, Aruba and New Zealand. By partnering with GuideGeek to create customized itinerary support to help travelers plan their vacations, Santa Monica is keeping up.

Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025

Explore Hawai’i with “Lilo & Stitch” Magic

Ohana travelers might want to take time out of their busy Memorial Day weekend plans to head to the movies for the premiere weekend of Disney’s new live-action Lilo & Stitch. With the movie set in stunning Hawai’i, family travelers might find themselves inspired to plan their own Hawaiian adventure.

Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025

The Family Heritage Experience Opens in Boston

There’s an innovative new exhibition for family travelers to Boston. Family Heritage Experience opened to the public on April 25, inviting visitors to ponder questions about their own family, from its origins to its cultural traditions.