Escapes for Every Clan

From touring Ireland with toddlers to snapping selfies with teens in Hawai‘i, here’s where to go no matter who’s in tow.

By Jessica Huras

WITH TODDLER

Ireland

Ireland’s awe-inspiring beauty isn’t just enchanting for parents — the island’s lush landscapes and windswept beaches are perfect for little ones who need to run, explore and generally let loose. The easy-going culture also makes Ireland a welcoming place to travel with a toddler. “It’s a relaxing, go-with-the-flow destination,” says North Carolina-based travel advisor Lauren Doyle.

Pubs like Dublin’s Temple Bar welcome families who need to rest weary legs and refuel.

What to do

Spot free-roaming deer in Dublin’s sprawling Phoenix Park, then visit the conservationminded Dublin Zoo to see almost 100 other species, including Asian elephants and endangered dholes. Go for a ride in a jaunting car (a.k.a. horse-drawn buggy) amid the picturesque lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park or look for pint-sized dwellings along one of County Kerry’s fairy trails.

Kids love exploring Ireland’s many beaches, like Kilfarrasy Strand in County Waterford.

Where to eat

There’s no better place to experience Irish daily life than in a local pub. Most are kid-friendly until around 9 p.m. and it’s common to see families in the early evening, enjoying a meal along with the casual ambiance and live music. Crowd-pleasing fare like fish and chips is also sure to satisfy toddlers with finicky palates.

Climb aboard a jaunting car for a tour of Killarney National Park.

Planning tip

Rent a car to discover Ireland’s charming countryside and towns at your own pace — quiet drives on country roads come with naptime included.

WITH TEENS

Hawai‘i

The jaw-dropping natural beauty and warm “aloha” spirit of Hawai‘i are enough to win over even the toughest-toplease teens. “Teenagers can’t deny the beauty of it,” says Doyle. “It’s a great backdrop for their social media videos and photos.”

Drive the rural roads of O‘ahu to see Hawai‘i’s verdant volcanic landscapes up close.

What to do

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai‘i will mesmerize the whole family with its otherworldly landscapes and lava fields, as will the dark volcanic sands of Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach.

O‘ahu’s famed Waikīkī Beach is a tried-and-true spot for surfing lessons (or watching pros ride the waves), while an ATV tour is an exhilarating way to explore Kaua‘i’s verdant jungle.

Take to the waves on a perfect day at Waikīkī Beach.

Where to eat

Few Hawai‘i experiences are more immersive than a lū‘au, which offers a chance to sample local dishes like poi — mashed taro root — and kālua pig while learning about Hawai‘i’s history and legends. Try the fun, familyfriendly lū‘au at the Polynesian Cultural Center on O‘ahu.

Planning tip

If you’re staying for two weeks or more, make time to visit at least two of Hawai‘i’s eight major islands, whether you prefer a lesser-traveled destination like Moloka‘i or you want the action of O‘ahu.

MULTI-GENERATIONAL

Italy

Leave it to a beloved destination like Italy to satisfy the varied needs of a multi-generational group. While children romp in lively town piazzas and olive groves, adults can admire the endless iconic sites — and Italy’s famed cuisine appeals to just about everyone. Doyle suggests booking widely available villa accommodation for big groups: “Staying in an Italian villa is a bucket list thing to do and it meets the needs of multigenerational families,” she says.

Dining al fresco while the kids play in the piazza — yes, please!

What to do

At Lake Garda in the north, older travelers can lounge by the water as adventure seekers go kayaking, cycling or hiking. In Bologna, the UNESCO-listed architecture may not wow the kids but the Gelato Museum Carpigiani, just outside the city, is a delight for all ages.

There are more than 200 beaches in Sardinia, like this one in Buggerru.

Where to eat

Get the whole group in on a cooking class, a hands-on activity that’s also great for bonding. Cooking classes are as ubiquitous throughout Italy as Vespas, but Tuscany is a popular destination for getting a lesson in hand-making pasta or perfecting your pizza-dough toss.

Cooking classes, such as pastamaking, involve the whole family.

Planning tip

Add separate extensions to the family trip to pursue individual interests: After a week-long villa stay together, grandparents might head to Rome to take in more historic sites, while families with kids seek sunny skies and sands in Sardinia.

Get up-close and personal with the Costa Rican rainforest high up on a suspension bridge.

WITH YOUNG KIDS

Costa Rica

Mind-expanding levels of biodiversity and thrilling activities like ziplining make Costa Rica a top pick for adventure-seeking young travelers. “Kids of six or seven love animals and love to explore,” says Doyle. The country’s untamed rainforest will capture kids’ imaginations while its well-developed tourism industry puts parents at ease.

What to do

In Alajuela province, walk across hanging bridges looking for rare birds at Arenal Volcano or cruise across stunning Lake Arenal on a paddleboard. A few hours’ drive away, Monteverde Cloud Forest is a magical setting for ziplining, while the sloth sanctuary at nearby Selvatura Park is where families can see Costa Rica’s sweet, slowmoving mascots. Learn about conservation at the Kids Saving the Rainforest sanctuary in Manuel Antonio on the west coast or, farther south, snorkel amongst the parrotfish and puffers at Cano Island Biological Reserve.

Where to eat

Families with a sweet tooth will love discovering how chocolate is harvested and produced on one of Costa Rica’s many familyrun farms. At Two Little Monkeys near La Fortuna, kids can view cacao trees before making their own chocolate drinks and bars.

Planning tip

Plan a few beach days in an action-packed itinerary. For example, follow up a high-octane visit to Manuel Antonio National Park with a side trip to pretty Playa Espadilla Norte.

Don’t miss Iguazú Falls, located inland more than 700 miles west of São Paulo.

COUPLES

Brazil

Best known for Carnival, this fascinating country has a knack for making every day feel like a celebration. “Brazil is slightly off the beaten path, but it’ll blow you out of the water with its scenery and culture,” says Linda Janourova, a San Francisco area-based travel advisor. From secluded stretches of sand and remote rainforests to buzzing cities and high-spirited beaches, Brazil seduces couples who want to get away from it all — and those ready to plunge right into the action.

What to do

Brazil is vast and there’s so much to see and do that it takes careful planning to narrow down your itinerary. Janourova recommends Iguazú Falls, a soul-stirring wonder where more than 250 waterfalls cascade through the dense jungle. Rio de Janeiro is a standout for white-sand beaches, pulsating nightlife and diverse architecture. But don’t miss Salvador, up the coast, to get better acquainted with the African influences that shape Brazil’s food and culture.

Revelers samba through the streets during Rio’s Carnival week.

Where to eat

In Salvador, book a table at Casa Tereza to taste modern riffs on traditional Bahian fare like feijoada — a black bean, pork and beef stew that is considered Brazil’s national dish — in an eclectic, art-filled space. In Rio, Térèze pairs fresh, locally sourced ingredients with sweeping Guanabara Bay vistas.

Planning tip

February is the time to visit to enjoy the electrifying build-up to Carnival, but this is also the peak season for prices and crowds. Travel in March, April, October or November to enjoy warm weather and quieter streets and beaches.