The 20 Best Places to Take A Family Vacation in 2020

Pack your bags—from up-and-coming food scenes to community revivals to cheap-but-still-high-quality stays, these are the destinations you absolutely must visit next year. Here are the best spots for a family vacation in 2020.

1/20 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Named Europe’s Greenest Capital in the world’s most sustainable country, this spot is ideal for travelers looking to minimize their environmental impact without having to sacrifice on food, fun, or, well, anything.

Here you’ll find colorful, supremely-Instagrammable buildings and town squares, year-round festivals, open-air markets, a booming food scene, castles, thermal springs, and tons of easy day trips (might we suggest Lake Bled, near the Julian Alps?).

In addition to a huge jump in hotel openings, you can also find an array of expanded flight options making travel a breeze (bye bye layovers). It’s everything you could ever want from a  European vacation, wrapped into one charming place.

2/20 Cartagena, Colombia

Book now, because this city is about to become a major tourist attraction in 2020. Thanks to convenient flight options and a totally cool beach town vibe (think Miami meets old world Spain), people are flocking here in droves.

Book a room or apartment stay in Ciudad Amurallada, the cultural center of the city where you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and shops—most within walking distance of the area’s hotels.  Make your way to the clock tower for some truly stunning sight seeing and don’t forget to make time to stop for delicious local treats at one of the many snack stands that line the city streets.

If you’re craving some beach time, most resorts offer day passes with transportation to and from. Other recommended day trips include the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a 16th century castle, and the Volcán de Lodo El Totumo, an active volcano where you can bathe in healing mud.

3/20 The Islands of Tahiti

If you’ve always dreamed of posting up in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora but thought it was a bucket list trip you could only dream about, think again. It’s possible to hit the islands in style whether you’re looking to splurge or stay on a budget. Options like French Bee airlines and Tahiti Homes Villas give families an affordable way to take an epic island-hopping vacation.

We also recommend taking the kiddos way beyond just one island. Forget plopping yourself down at a resort and never moving. There’s far too many amazing experiences to be had throughout the islands. Snorkel with manta rays off Tikehau, take an ATV tour through jaw-dropping landscapes on Moorea, head out on a humpback whale-watching expedition or discover hidden waterfalls and sacred ruins on a cultural tour of the main island of Tahiti. Another affordable way for families to drink in all this destination has to offer? An all-inclusive cruise aboard the Paul Gauguin. With so many family-friendly options, this is the year to finally move this spot from your dying-to-go list to into your can’t-wait-to-go-back column.

4/20 Asheville, North Carolina

Find something for everybody in Asheville, where even rainy days feel pleasant. Kids will love stretching their legs on scenic hikes at nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and gobbling up the city’s iconic barbecue. For Mom and Dad, Asheville also happens to be the home of the massive Sierra Nevada brewing facility (among several other incredible breweries, new and old). Take a tour or pop by the taproom to sample what’s new.

Asheville is also in the midst of an impressive arts revival, with museum openings and cultural events happening all year. Some notable sights to add to your itinerary: the Asheville Pinball Museum, where kids can play all of the machines; the LEAF Global Arts Center, a brick-and-mortar hub of art, music, and live theatre performances; and The S&W Market (coming spring 2020), an art deco food hall curated by James Beard honorees.

5/20 Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is the cool kid on this list, with hip shops, a laid-back vibe, and a chill dress code (flip flops encouraged). Often dismissed as a your run-of-the-mill beach town, Tel Aviv is actually a cultural hub of food, art, and forward thinking. It hosts the largest annual Pride event in the Middle East and Asia. On almost any block you can find vegan food options and rentable Citybikes. Did we mention that the entire city is equipped with free wifi?

Kids will love that it’s a dog paradise — Tel Aviv boasts 70 dog parks and four dog beaches, and the majority of businesses are dog-friendly. You’ll love that while there’s no rush to get from point A to point B and no judgement for sleeping in or taking your time, there’s always something to do. The city is buzzing with life at all hours of the day and night, making it the ideal spot for a vacation that prioritizes just going with the flow.

6/20 South Africa

If you’ve ever wanted to check out Johannesburg or Kruger National Park—or if you’ve got a safari experience high on your travel bucket list—2020 is the perfect time to pull the trigger. Not only are there more flight and hotel options than ever, but South Africa recently dropped it’s UBC (unabridged birth certificate) requirement. In the past, travelers with kids had to show UBC documentation or an approved consent letter before children could enter the country.

Now that travel is one step easier, you can focus on choosing the ultimate family safari and resort for your stay. 

7/20 Scotland

Any Brave lovers in your crew? Make 2020 the year you check out the stunning landscapes and rich heritage that inspired the film. From castle tours to ancient ruins to miles of green and rocky cliff sides, Scotland is pure magic for those with a wild imagination and free spirit.

Even better, VisitScotland has dubbed 2020 the Year of Coasts & Waters, meaning you can expect a lengthy list of water-themed events and deals. See wild dolphins at DolphinFest, tap into your inner voyager at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, and down fresh seafood by the fistful. Oh, and don’t forget to keep your eye out for a will-o’-the-wisp.

8/20 Maui, Hawaii

The kids want to swim, you want to kick back with a coconut. Hawaii is still the place to be when you want a stunning beach escape with tons to do (I mean, there’s a reason Oprah lives here).

As Hawaii’s second largest island, Maui has a wide selection of resorts from ultra luxe to chill and casual. The Fairmont Kea Lani earns our top pick thanks to its large selection of family-friendly perks. We’re talking private villas, family-sized suites with ocean views, activities for kids of all ages, pools with waterslides, babysitting services, and more.

9/20 Vancouver, Canada

Just like its Pacific Northwest cousins, Vancouver is so cool that year-round rainfall can’t stop visitors from flocking here (in 2018, it rained 167 days out of the year). The rain is actually part of the attraction—Vancouver is technically home to a rainforest.

Make the most of your stay —book at least 5 days — so you can properly explore. Here you’ll find glittering ocean, mountainous terrain, lush forests, trendy restaurants, and a community of friendly Canadians and expats who are super stoked to meet you.

10/20 Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England

This Victorian beach town is everything quaint and charming you’d expect from an English vacation, but it also doubles as a surfer’s paradise. Sign up for surf school and paddle out for a day on the water, then relax with authentic fish and chips or meat pie at one of the many pubs and restaurants.

Take in spectacular views while riding the Saltburn Cliff Lift, a vertical tramway built in the 1860s that carries passengers to a scenic overlook. If surf conditions aren’t ideal, there’s plenty of architecture to take in during a stroll about town. We recommend booking a Victorian B&B to take your stay to the next level.

11/20 The British Virgin Islands

Skip the more popular (and more expensive) islands like St. Lucia and St. Thomas in favor of this overlooked collection of idyllic islands where you can bask on beaches, eat delicious fresh seafood, enjoy water sports, hike to epic viewpoints, and even visit an island made entirely of conch shells. The vibrant community of islanders has worked hard to revive the area after the devastating hurricanes in 2017—and locals say things are more beautiful and booming than ever. 

We suggest making Scrub Island and its family-friendly villas your home base and chartering a boat to take in the sights and adventures of some of the most iconic islands. Top spots not to miss are The Baths on Virgin Gorda, the lively beach crowds on Jost Van Dyke, secluded beaches and supreme snorkeling at Cooper Island and the aforementioned conch shell island just off the coast of Anegada.    

12/20 Tokyo, Japan

Seamlessly urban, fast-paced, reverent, and traditional, Tokyo’s buzzing vibe never gets old. While there’s tons of reasons to make this destination a priority in 2020—restaurants with more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the world, shrines and temples, Insta-worthy street fashion, cherry blossoms, museums dedicated to innovation in tech, and an almost 65-foot tall robot statue, not to mention a Hello Kitty theme park—it’s also set to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Even if you don’t snag tickets to the games, the city will be alive with extra events, fireworks, and more. Book travel now before fares for flights and hotels in Japan skyrocket.

13/20 Singapore

With a newly revamped terminal that includes a slide to get to your gate (not kidding), the equivalent of an indoor jungle complete with waterfall, futuristic tramways, a movie theatre, and stupidly good eats, the Singapore Airport is really a destination in its own right.

Once you exit the airport, though, you can expect equally epic adventures, stays, and more. Singapore is renowned for it’s crafty food scene where award-winning chefs are constantly experimenting with traditional-meets-international cuisine. The city also boasts one-of-a-kind street art, rocking nightlife, and gardens, parks, and gorgeous green spaces galore.

14/20 New Zealand

Brave the long flight and you won’t be disappointed. New Zealand travel features an insane array of unique landscapes and you have the ability to craft your stay and it’s totally feasible to rent a car or hop on a train to see a bit of everything. Not into transporting your crew on your own? Try a cruise, where everything is taken care of for you.

One trip means access to lighthouses, caves, mountains, beaches, lush valleys full of wildflowers, rivers, and rocky cliffs—you can really see it all. Oh, and for the adrenaline junkies in your crew, New Zealand is home to the biggest canyon swing in the world. For movie buffs, swing by The Shire set, where hobbits of all ages get cozy with a capital C.

15/20 Washington, DC

A visit to our nation’s capital is much cooler these days than it was on your middle school trip. A lot is happening here in 2020—the presidential race will be in full swing and it’s the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment (aka women’s right to vote). You’ll find educational opportunities left and right, especially as museums host special exhibitions and political events take over the city.

Not feeling political? Check out the ridiculously charming Old Town Alexandria neighborhood, located just outside the capital. Not only is it full of lovely cafes, restaurants, and shops, it’s also a great place to view cherry blossoms in bloom. Even if you’ve already been to DC, there’s plenty of new spots that have popped up in the last couple years from the waterfront Wharf area to brand new interactive museums, making this city feel totally fresh even to seasoned visitors.

16/20 Beirut, Lebanon

With white limestone buildings rising above blue ocean waters, Lebanon is truly a remarkable sight. Add in the mouthwatering food, roaring nightlife (after the kids are asleep), and history on every corner and you’ve got a practically perfect vacation.

Much like Tel Aviv, Beirut has a unique culture all its own. Unlike Tel Aviv, the energy here is bustling with lots of comings and goings. While there’s tons to do and see here, there are also lots of stunning day trips you can take to round out your trip.

17/20 Lake Villarrica, Chile

Eclipse chasers, mark your calendars. Another solar eclipse is set to cross over South America on December 14, 2020. The Chilean Lake District not only makes for spectacular viewing—Lake Villarrica is set to be in the path of totality for two minutes and seven seconds—but it’s also ideal for stargazing, hiking, swimming and skiing (depending on when you go).

Pro tip: Lake Villarrica is also home to several volcanoes. Set up a tour before the main event and take in stunning views of the lake.

18/20 Albania

Choose your own adventure, as Albania is a living contradiction full of fascinating architecture, history and people. Get a glimpse of the Ottoman Empire at Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see ancient city ruins. Or, make it a beach trip and post up at the Albanian Riviera. More of a mountain trekking family? The Albanian Alps offer an escape full of stunning scenery.

The best part: Stays in Albania are relatively affordable, meaning you can frequently snag accommodations at a 4-star hotel for less than $100/night.

19/20 Budapest

Grab your camera, because Budapest is a visual wonder and a testament to beautifully preserved historical architecture. Take advantage of the city’s walkability to get your fill of sightseeing.

You can also expect a vibrant music and arts scene full of live shows, gallery openings, and free public events.

Another reason to love this destination? Similar to the la duoce vita attitude of Italians, Budapest residents live for simple pleasures. Finding everyday moments of happiness is a way of life, which means a family on vacation will fit right in.

20/20 Jordan

This desert oasis is Arabian Nights come to life. In recent years Jordan has become home to many luxurious resorts equipped with plenty of family-friendly perks, so it’s an ideal place to spend adventurous days and lazy nights.

While Petra remains a top tourist attraction, Jordan is full of ancient ruins worth seeing. Family  activities here include camel rides, rappelling, hikes, and, believe it or not, golf. After days packed with adventure, take a dip in the Red Sea before watching the sun set on the beach.

By Ashley Sepanski