If your family is having trouble deciding between a mountain or a beach-focused vacation, this two-week tour of Ecuador ticks both boxes. Starting in the high-altitude capital Quito, you'll embark on a kid-friendly adventure through the Andean highlands, skirting the edge of the Amazon rainforest in Baños before ending up on the Pacific coast for some beach time and wildlife-watching fun.
With three weeks to explore, you can discover Portugal, Spain, and Morocco's must-see sights on a highlights tour or opt for an activities-focused trip and admire iconic cities and landscapes from an e-bike, kayak, and on foot. If you're all about the food, opt for a culinary itinerary filled with cooking classes and foodie tours, while history buffs can focus their time on 2,000-year-old relics and beach lovers spend uninterrupted days on the Algarve coast and tour down Morocco's west coast.
This family-friendly Ecuadorian adventure starts in historic Guayaquil, where you'll take a guided tour of the city's most notable landmarks before heading to the coasts of Manta. Visit howler monkeys at Pacoche Wildlife Refuge and kayak the Pacific coast, then continue to Puerto López for snorkeling with colorful fish (and maybe some curious sea turtles!) at the islands of Isla de la Plata and Isla Salango. Return to Guayaquil in time to canoe through the greenery of Churute Mangrove Reserve.
Athens is an exciting city for different reasons, but for many travelers, the Acropolis pulls them in the most. While numerous hotels have fantastic views of the Acropolis, a handful have the added benefit of being close to the site. These include features like rooftop pools overlooking the Parthenon, romantic atmospheres for couples, and spacious rooms for families, and all are within 10 minutes walking distance of the Acropolis.
Three weeks is the right amount of time to visit at least six regions of Spain and Portugal. First-timers will find a mix of activities on a cultural highlights tour, while those who prefer flexibility should opt for a road trip that includes self-driving. Foodies will enjoy pastry-making in Ávila and more on a culinary-focused trip, while outdoorsy travelers will appreciate the abundance of nature-based activities in the Azores. And honeymooners and beach lovers can soak up the sun on the Iberian Peninsula.
This fast-paced 20-day road trip takes you through the best of New Zealand's South Island for travelers who want to see it all. Tram through Christchurch, relax at a spa in Hanmer Springs, explore the Marlborough wine region, and kayak in Abel Tasman National Park. Then enjoy some trekking at Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier, go skydiving in Wānaka, and try out bungee jumping in Queenstown. You'll also visit Stewart Island, Dunedin, and the Otago Peninsula, before returning to Queenstown.
When looking for a mid-range hotel in Athens, the options are as diverse as the city's 3,400 years of history. These accommodations offer different experiences and amenities for all types of travelers without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort. Experience the past in landmark buildings, take in Acropolis views from rooftops, private Jacuzzis, and terraces, or taste a variety of Greek cuisine in these mid-range hotels that bring you the best Athens has to offer.
Compact but diverse, Ecuador is a perfect destination for an epic two-week family vacation. This fun-filled itinerary begins and ends in Quito, with adventures in the Andean highlands and Amazon rainforest in between. Along the way, you'll keep the kids busy as you horseback ride at a hacienda in Cotopaxi National Park, brave suspension bridges over the waterfalls of Baños, spot monkeys and capybaras at your jungle ecolodge, and barter with the locals at the colorful markets of Otavalo.
You can cover four to five Peru destinations traveling with kids in tow. First-timers will want to hit the highlights of Lima and Cusco, while more active families can add the Palomino Islands and hike part of the Inca trail. Families with older kids will enjoy an Amazon River cruise and a cliffside stay at the Sky Lodge. Add standup paddleboarding in Maras and riding ATVs in the Sacred Valley for fast-paced activities and adventure. For a more cultural experience, stay with a Uros family on the island of Amantani.
This two-week family adventure starts in Quito, Ecuador's capital city. Explore local cuisine in a family cooking class, climb volcanic slopes via cable car, then depart for Baños, where you'll hike and bike to the Pailón del Diablo waterfall and relax in the town's healing hot springs. Continue to Cuenca for traditional pottery-making classes and hikes along the alpine lakes of El Cajas National Park, ending your tour in the vibrant city of Guayaquil with its stunning architecture, culture, and family parks.
Travelers to Argentina typically plan a trip for 12 to 13 days when combining Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú with Ushuaia and El Calafate. For travelers wanting to visit Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú exclusively, consider five to eight days for a well-paced trip. For the best itineraries, including Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú, read on.
Rally your mini explorers and head to the Galápagos for a leisurely-paced 10-day tour of three of the archipelago's best-loved islands. Start on Isla Santa Cruz, where the kids can get a primer on the archipelago at the Charles Darwin Research Center, come face-to-face with giant tortoises, and set sail to an uninhabited island. Hop over to Isla Isabela to snorkel with marine wildlife and while away your days at the beach, then head to Isla San Cristóbal for more aquatic fun with a family kayaking adventure.
For most travelers, 7 to 11 days is the right amount of time for a trip to Argentina, with stops in Iguazú Falls, Buenos Aires, and Mendoza. Those with less who are okay with a fast-paced option can hit the route's highlights in six days. Alternatively, if you have more time, you can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Bariloche or Puerto Iguazú.
Ten days to two weeks is an excellent length for a trip to Argentina, with stops in Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Mendoza, and Puerto Iguazú. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop. Keep reading for more inspiring Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Mendoza, and Puerto Iguazú itineraries.
Most travelers will find that 8 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Argentina trip with stops in Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and Puerto Iguazú. Those with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week for a faster-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Ushuaia, El Chaltén, or Mendoza. Get inspired with the below Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and Puerto Iguazú trip ideas.
Twelve to 13 days is a great length for an Argentina trip, with stops in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafate, and Puerto Iguazú. It's also possible to hit the highlights in 10 or 11 days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each location or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Iguazú Falls, El Chaltén, or Puerto Madryn. See below for more ideas for Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafate, and Puerto Iguazú itineraries.
For most, 9 to 10 days is ideal for a Portugal trip, with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Sintra. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each location or a few days in another region, like Évora in the Alentejo. Read below for more inspiring Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Sintra itineraries.
Most travelers will find that eight to nine days are perfect for a well-paced Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, and Nazaré. It's possible to hit the highlights in as few as six or seven days if you're okay with a faster-paced journey. Though with more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like the Algarve, Sintra, or Coimbra. Get inspired with the Lisbon, Porto, and Nazaré trip ideas below.
Travelers to Portugal typically plan a trip for about 15 days when combining Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve with Douro Valley. If you're not interested in Douro Valley, 13 to 15 days is enough for your Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and Algarve trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 11 or 12 days. For the best itineraries, including Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve, read below.
Travelers to Portugal typically plan a trip for 14 to 15 days when combining Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and the Algarve with the Alentejo region. For travelers wanting to visit Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and the Algarve exclusively, plan 10 to 14 days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible for travelers with limited time in eight or nine days. Keep reading below for the best itineraries that include Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and the Algarve.
Most people visiting the Algarve spend about 9 to 11 days in Portugal, which usually includes some time in Lisbon and Porto as well. For travelers wanting to visit the Algarve exclusively, plan five days to a week for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four days. For the best itineraries, including Algarve, keep reading below.
Spend 20 unforgettable days driving around one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world: New Zealand's South Island. You'll begin the loop in Christchurch, then continue to scenic Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki for stargazing and outdoor adventures. Visit the Scottish-style city of Dunedin before moving on to the island of Te Anau. Enjoy urban sightseeing in adrenaline-fueled Queenstown before exploring glaciers and hot springs on the north end of the island to finish the itinerary.
For most travelers, seven to eight days are the perfect amount of time for an Argentina trip, with stops in Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and El Chaltén. It's also possible to hit the highlights in five or six if you don't mind a brisk-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Puerto Iguazú, Ushuaia, or Puerto Madryn. Get inspired with the Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and El Chaltén trip ideas below.
In a city as historic as Athens, it's not surprising to discover that many of the best luxury hotels bring the past to life. Each hotel incorporates the city's offerings in different ways that will appeal to couples, families, and groups alike. Time travel to the 19th century with a stay in an opulent neoclassical landmark building, take in Acropolis views from your room or a rooftop pool, or engage in a lively discussion in a philosophy-inspired hotel.
With 12 days in Patagonia, you can explore the highlights of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks on a highlights tour or get deeper into the landscapes and hike between W Trek "refugios" on an ultimate Patagonia trekking adventure. Those who prefer to explore with a paddle in hand should opt for a Chilean Patagonia for kayakers trip. Meanwhile, those looking for a more well-rounded itinerary will delight in an active Patagonia experience that encompasses Santiago, Puerto Natales, El Calafate, and El Chaltén.
Lose yourself in the spectacular beauty and natural wonders of the Dominican Republic. The highlights of this two-week adventure are many, beginning on the north coast with relaxing beach days, waterfall hikes, horseback rides, zipline adventures, and more. Then head south and finish the trip in the capital of Santo Domingo, a bastion of colonial history unrivaled in the Americas.
Get ready for two weeks of adventure and excitement in the Dominican Republic. It starts with tours of the colonial landmarks in Santo Domingo, followed by a trip to the highlands for horseback riding in Jarabacoa. Continue to the north coast and the tropical paradise of Samaná, where you'll laze on white-sand beaches, go snorkeling at offshore islands, and spot humpback whales.
From glaciers and natural pools to kayaking and whale watching, this epic 20-day road trip through New Zealand has something for everyone. Discover the country's best from north to south, beginning in Auckland and finishing on the island of Te Anau. Highlights along the journey include wineries, wildlife tours, a three-day mountain trek, glowworm caves, lake and fjord cruises, stargazing excursions, and so much more!
Make a dent in your family bucket list with this two-week trip that combines fun and relaxation in Ecuador with plenty of wildlife excursions and beach time in the Galápagos. Your mini conservationists will adore their voyage of discovery through treetop canopies, flamingo-filled lagoons, and sea lion-packed islands. Along the way, you'll learn the art of Ecuadorian cuisine, snorkel the archipelago's best spots, and relax in picture-perfect thermal pools.
With two weeks in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, you can hit the must-see sights of bustling capital cities on a highlights tour or let your tastebuds lead the way and opt for a culinary and cultural discovery itinerary. Those who dream of traveling back in time will delight in a two-week history tour packed full of relics dating to the Roman Empire, while beach lovers should opt for an epic coast tour complete with time on the Algarve, in Málaga, and along Morocco's west coast.
Take your family on a comprehensive tour of the Galápagos with this two-week adventure that spans three islands. Arrive on the Ecuadorian mainland and kick off your trip with a kid-friendly cooking class and a visit to the equator—then it's off to the islands! Tour Isla San Cristóbal via standup paddleboard, kayak around volcanic islets and bike along quiet backroads on Isla Isabela, and snorkel with colorful marine life and see giant tortoises and blue-footed on Isla Santa Cruz.
This 14-day Galápagos family adventure sets off from Quito, Ecuador's historic, high-altitude capital. Enjoy a guided city tour and a day trip into the mystical Mindo Cloud Forest before flying to Isla Santa Cruz and boarding your cruise ship. Take excursions to Isla Isabela and Isla Rábida, swim and snorkel at the former pirate lair of Buccaneer Cove, and visit giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Foundation— ending your tour back on the mainland with visits to Cotopaxi National Park and Laguna Quilotoa.
Partake in a week of adventure by land and sea as you get to know the remote Azorean island of São Miguel. Based in the historic capital of Ponta Delgada, you'll join guided excursions to whale watch along the coast, snorkel among underwater lava formations, and explore the geysers and hot springs of the Furnas Valley. Then it's time to strike off on your own as you lace up your walking shoes and hike into the island's interior—discovering a volcanic landscape of crater lakes, lush valleys, and steep hillsides.
Combine hands-on cooking classes, tapas tours, and street food safaris during this two-week culinary journey through Spain and Morocco. Your gastronomic adventure starts in Barcelona, where you'll squeeze in pintxos in Bilbao and flamenco in Seville before ferrying to Morocco. From Tangier, make your way to exotic medinas and souks in cities like Fes, Rabat, Marrakesh, and Essaouira for a tasty trip of a lifetime.
For many, Athens is synonymous with the Acropolis, an epic point of reference to orient yourself in Europe's second oldest city. While many hotels are focused on the famous landmark, a select few have the best and most unforgettable views of this 2,500-year-old Temple of Athena. These include rooftop terraces with panoramic vistas, lush gardens that add a respite from the bustling city life, and rooms with direct views of the Parthenon.
With 11 days in Patagonia, you can focus your time getting deep into Patagonia's dramatic landscapes during adventures in Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine, and Los Glaciares national parks on an outdoor adventures trip or minimize the travel time and explore Los Glaciares National Park from all angles. For those looking for a more relaxing trip, opt for an itinerary that includes the Lake District, while those keen to get well off the beaten path will love spending time at the "End of the World."
This exciting two-week itinerary through Spain and Morocco is filled with unique cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Begin in Barcelona, exploring the city and the gorgeous Costa Brava coastline, then travel to Madrid to see the Spanish capital and its nearby wine region. From here, cross the border to Morocco, where you'll visit Marrakesh, Merzouga, and Fes, enjoying historic medinas, a camel ride in the desert, an evening under the stars in a traditional Berber camp, and so much more.
This transcontinental Australia itinerary packs a great adventure into one epic week. Discover Sydney's iconic sights, climb the Harbour Bridge at sunset, and traverse the breathtaking Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Then board the Indian Pacific Railway from Sydney to Perth, witnessing the changing landscapes of Australia along the way.
Leave the tourist trail behind on this nine-day exploration of the diverse southern Indian state of Kerala. Touch down in Cochin to explore its historic sights, then wind through the verdant tea plantations of the Western Ghats to reach Munnar. Spot exotic wildlife on a sunrise hike through Periyar National Park, hop on a houseboat to spend a night floating down the waterways of Alappuzha, and soak up the sun on the sands of Marari Beach.
Follow the trail of Buddhism as you explore the northeastern part of India, not far from Nepal. Land in Delhi before visiting Varanasi to witness the evening prayer ceremony. Float along the Ganges at sunrise as you observe Hindu pilgrims offer prayers on the ghats (stairs leading to the river) before purifying themselves in the river. Head to Bodhgaya to walk in the steps of Lord Buddha as you discover a circuit of holy bodhi trees and crucial sites linked to Buddhism in India.
Explore the rich culture of the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala on this epic 12-day tour. Start in Chennai, then wander the charming streets of Pondicherry's French Quarter. Hop between ancient temples on the drive south to Tanjore, and savor Madurai's famous street food before strolling through the spice gardens of Periyar. After an overnight houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alappuzha, relax on the beaches of Marari and end your adventure with a traditional dance show in Cochin.
You can pack in plenty of culture and outdoor adventure with a week on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago. From your base in the historic capital of Ponta Delgada, join a delicious culinary tour, go horseback riding, and take an off-road excursion to the volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades. After rappeling down waterfalls and visiting geothermal calderas in the Furnas Valley, you'll still have plenty of downtime to discover the island's black-sand beaches and stroll the charming town at your leisure.
Experience the rich culture of Portugal's "second city" and the incredible beauty of the Azores on this 10-day tour. Start with a vintage car tour of Porto before heading into the lush Douro Valley for wine tasting and a riverboat cruise. Continue to São Miguel in the Azores, where you'll hike and ride horses through geothermal landscapes, laze on volcanic beaches, soak in thermal pools, and take a show-stopping sunset cruise.
Travel to South America for nine days of outdoor adventures in the best place for it: Patagonia. Specifically, you'll explore Chilean Patagonia, starting with a bit of fun in the capital of Santiago before jetting off to Punta Arenas to visit a penguin colony and go horseback riding. The apex of this journey includes unforgettable hikes at Torres del Paine followed by glacier tours in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.
This 10-day tour combines cultural activities in Lisbon and gorgeous landscapes in the Azores for a trip of a lifetime. Land on São Miguel Island, where you'll hike to sparkling crater lakes, laze on volcanic beaches, soak in thermal pools, and join a range of diving excursions and whale watching trips. Continue the adventure in Portugal's vibrant capital, Lisbon, to sample food with a local expert, explore hip neighborhoods, and take a day trip through the rural Alentejo region.
Discover the stunning beauty of two islands in the Azores during this weeklong tour. First, touch down on the largest island in the archipelago, São Miguel. With a rental car, you'll hike and kayak among shimmering crater lakes, soak in hot springs, and explore the Furnas Valley's geothermal landscapes. Finish on Terceira Island, where you'll stay in the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo, check out colorful temples, and bathe in pristine rock pools.
This incredible 12-day tour takes you to the most famous sights of India's "Golden Triangle" as well as the Rajasthan region. Begin in Delhi, where you'll explore the bustling capital on a sightseeing tour. Then head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and visit Kachhpura village for a heritage walk and high tea. Move on to Jaipur, stopping on the way to see the historic Fatehpur Sikri. Tour the city's forts and palaces, then soak in the scenic atmosphere of Jodhpur and Udaipur to finish the adventure.
This 12-day outdoor adventure will take you past stunning peaks and villages in India's Ladakh region. Start in Delhi, the country's bustling capital, then fly north to the city of Leh, where you'll visit palaces and monasteries around the area. From here, begin a guided trek from village to village in the Markha Valley, stopping to take in views of the surrounding mountains along the way. Reward yourself with a free day in Leh and some shopping in Delhi before heading home.
Explore the extraordinary ecosystems of three different islands on this 10-day, family-oriented Galápagos adventure. Start in mainland Quito to kick off your trip with a visit to the equator and a fun family cooking class. Then, it's off to Isla San Cristóbal for standup paddleboarding to the island's best beaches. Explore Isla Isabela by bike and kayak alongside its friendly seals, then hop over to Isla Santa Cruz to meet giant tortoises and snorkel with seahorses and schools of colorful fish.
Experience the best of family-friendly Ecuador and the Galápagos with this 10-day trip that delivers an exhilarating few days in Quito before some much-needed downtime on the island of San Cristóbal. Starting in the historic capital, you'll zipline through a cloud forest and zoom up a volcano by cable car before flying to the Galápagos to make friends with the sea lions and tortoises. End your trip back on the mainland with a relaxing night at the hot springs of Papallacta.
