I've Been Planning Family Vacations for a Living for Years—Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip With Your Child
There's something special about taking a trip with just your child. No distractions, just you and them and an itinerary designed for your shared interests.
When I was growing up in Texas, my mom and I did this regularly, and it became a tradition for us. Throughout my adolescence, she took my sister and I all over the globe while my dad worked abroad. I still remember our grand train tour through Europe—three women, way too much luggage, and a running joke about exchange rates in every country (this was pre-Euro, after all). We also ventured to Costa Rica, Tahiti, New York, and beyond.
I didn't realize it at the time, but these experiences helped shape my independence, my confidence, and eventually, my career in luxury travel. My dad also had his moments—he took my sister and I on a trip to Alaska when I was in college; just the three of us fishing, exploring, and bonding in a way that only happens when you leave your usual dynamic at home. As a mom and a seasoned travel advisor, here's how I've kept the tradition going with my own daughter, and tips you can implement into your own plans.
Embrace the Efficiency and the Time
My daughter and I have traveled across five continents together. These trips have become an essential fabric in our relationship, whether we're swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, indulging in a shopping spree at Samaritaine in Paris, or riding every attraction at Disneyland Shanghai.
When it's just the two of us, it can be surprisingly efficient. With fewer people to plan around, it's often more affordable, more flexible, and easier to schedule. So rather than skipping the family spring break trip because your spouse has a work conflict or your kids' school calendars don't align, consider a solo parent-child getaway instead.
Travel to a Major City
Major cities offer multiple avenues to discover what brings joy to your child. In the United States, I love New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston for this style of travel. Internationally, Paris, Amsterdam, and London all offer family-friendly attractions, world-class hotels, and the perfect mix of culture and play. While busy destinations, you can make them as small and intimate as you'd like.
Some of my favorite hotels for a parent-child trip include The Newbury in Boston, The Carlyle in New York City, The Rosewood in Amsterdam, and Cheval Blanc in Paris. For a singular experience, Les Airelles Grand Contrôle in Versailles offers access to the eponymous palace and private evening tours.
Craft a Thoughtful Itinerary
When traveling solo with your child, it's best to prioritize experiences that invite connection. Visit a museum that's relevant to your child's interests, whether that's the Van Gogh Museum or the Museum of Ice Cream, and build in hands-on activities like a cooking class, perfume-making workshop, or ceramic painting.
Afternoon tea is another favorite—there's something delightful about lingering over finger sandwiches and sweets together. As for dining, it doesn't matter how fancy the restaurant is. What's important is that you share memorable meals together, whether that's dim sum in Chinatown, a Nutella crêpe by the Seine, or deep-dish pizza along the riverfront.
Other Ideas for Parent-Child Travel
Scenic destinations like Costa Rica, Alaska, or a U.S. national park offer an opportunity for you and your child to unplug and reconnect. Whether through hiking, searching for wildlife, or doing an adventure activity like zip-lining, the great outdoors leave space for shared wonder and deep conversation.
For younger children, the Disney Parks across the globe deserve a mention. There's usually one parent who dreams in pixie dust and one who finds theme parks overwhelming. If you're the former, take your kiddo on a solo trip and embrace the magic. Stay at a deluxe property like Disney's Grand Californian or the Four Seasons Orlando for extra comfort, and book VIP tours to skip the lines.
Consider Working with a Tour Operator
If you want to take a parent-child trip but don't feel comfortable planning it all, guided group tours for families, like those from Tauck Bridges Adventures by Disney, provide curated experiences, a built-in sense of security, and the opportunity to make new friends along the way.
Whether you and your child prefer big-city adventures, theme-park thrills, or quiet moments in nature, taking a trip together allows you to see the world—and each other—more clearly.
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in family trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Kirkpatrick at hello@theshamelesstourist.com.
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