Family trips that work for every age
Three ready-made itineraries — summer, fall and winter — built only on resorts we trust with kids. Each one shows every day, every cost, the airports, how to get around and where to shop for the things you forgot.
7 days of Caribbean beaches and water parks
Two all-inclusive resorts, two countries, zero cooking. Kids’ clubs, water slides and calm beaches, with one predictable budget for the whole week.
Stays: Barcelo Group ® Resorts → Oasis ® Hotels & Resorts
Full 7-day trip for a family of 4, door to door from the USA
Day by day
Arrive in Punta Cana
- Morning
- Fly into Punta Cana (PUJ). Private transfer, about 20 minutes. Check in to a family suite.
- Afternoon
- Kids head straight to the Barcy water park; parents take the beach or pool.
- Evening
- Family dinner at one of the resort restaurants, then the kids’ club evening program.
Kids’ club day
- Morning
- Drop-off at the Barcy Kids Club (ages 3–12). Teens have their own club. Parents: spa, golf or beach.
- Afternoon
- Everyone back together for a family swim.
- Evening
- Live show or themed dinner night.
Catamaran and snorkel
- Morning
- Catamaran or snorkel trip, booked at the front desk (about $75–$120 per adult).
- Afternoon
- Back at the resort for rest and pool time.
- Evening
- Pirates Island water park (extra fee unless you book Premium) or the free Barcy water park again.
Fly to Cancún
- Morning
- Fly Punta Cana → Cancún (CUN). Transfer to the Hotel Zone, about 20 minutes. Check in.
- Afternoon
- KiddO Zone mini pool and slides for the little ones.
- Evening
- Le Petit Chef 3D-projection dinner — a big hit with kids.
Water-park day
- Morning
- Pirata’s Bay play zone and the Jurassic lazy river.
- Afternoon
- Shallow, calm beach time — good for toddlers.
- Evening
- Karaoke or live music.
Cenotes and eco-park
- Morning
- Cenote swim or eco-park trip, booked through the resort (about $60–$100 per adult).
- Afternoon
- Rest, pool and beach.
- Evening
- Theme party or resort show.
Fly home
- Morning
- Last beach and pool time. Ask for a late checkout.
- Afternoon
- Transfer to Cancún airport (CUN) and fly home.
Iberostar ® Hotels & Resorts
Prefer a beachfront resort instead of Oasis? Iberostar has all-inclusive family resorts on the same Cancún and Riviera Maya coast.
Where the money goes
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| FlightsUSA → Punta Cana, Punta Cana → Cancún, Cancún → USA for 4. Most US hubs fly nonstop to both. | $2,400 – $4,200 |
| Resorts (6 nights, all-inclusive)3 nights Barceló + 3 nights Oasis, about $180–$400 a night for the family. Meals, drinks and kids’ clubs included. | $1,140 – $2,250 |
| ExcursionsCatamaran and snorkel day in Punta Cana, cenote or eco-park day near Cancún. | $450 – $750 |
| Airport transfersPrivate transfers at both ends; no car needed. | $200 – $300 |
| Tips and extrasTips, sunscreen, souvenirs, premium water-park upgrade. | $150 – $300 |
| On the groundEverything except flights | $1,940 – $3,600 |
| Grand totalFamily of 4, door to door from the USA | $4,340 – $7,800 |
Estimates only, for 2 adults and 2 children. Prices vary by season, departure city, children’s ages and availability.
Airports, transport and shopping
✈️ Airports
- Punta Cana (PUJ): about 20 minutes to Bávaro beach resorts.
- Cancún (CUN): about 20 minutes to the Hotel Zone; 45–60 minutes to the Riviera Maya.
- Punta Cana → Cancún: about 2½ hours nonstop when offered; otherwise connect via Miami or Panama City.
🚐 Getting around
- Book private transfers with car seats in advance — taxis rarely have them.
- In Cancún, the R-1 and R-2 city buses run the length of the Hotel Zone; ADO coaches go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
- Ferries to Isla Mujeres leave from the Hotel Zone and Puerto Juárez.
🛍️ Local shopping
- Punta Cana: Palma Real Shopping Village in Bávaro; look for larimar jewelry, Dominican coffee and cacao.
- Cancún: La Isla and Plaza Kukulcán malls in the Hotel Zone; Mercado 28 downtown for crafts.
- Supermarkets in both towns for sunscreen, snacks and diapers — cheaper than resort shops.
Best months
May–June or late September–October: lower rates and fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs June–November, so add travel insurance.
Kids stay free
Barceló often lets children stay free in their parents’ room — ask when you book, it changes by promotion.
Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and rash guards for the water parks.
Entry paperwork
Fill in the Dominican Republic e-Ticket online before you fly. Every child needs a passport.
6 days of Dutch forests and Spanish island beaches
Start in a Dutch holiday park built for kids, then trade forests for the Balearic sea. Fall means quieter parks and summer-warm beaches at lower prices.
Stays: Dormio ® Hotels & Resorts → All Accor Hotels & Resorts → Vibra ® Hotels & Apartments
Full 6-day trip for a family of 4, door to door from the USA
Day by day
Arrive in Amsterdam
- Morning
- Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Pick up a rental car and drive about 2 hours north-east to Gasselte.
- Afternoon
- Check in to a kids’ holiday home. Mio Kids Club (ages 2–9) or the air trampolines.
- Evening
- Barbecue on your own terrace — every home has a full kitchen.
Zoo safari day
- Morning
- Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen, about 25 minutes away: giraffes, lions and a jungle walk.
- Afternoon
- Back at the park for the indoor pool and whirlpools.
- Evening
- Dinner on the restaurant terrace.
Fly to Mallorca
- Morning
- Drive back to Schiphol and fly to Palma de Mallorca (PMI), about 2½ hours.
- Afternoon
- Check in, then a beach or coastal walk while the kids hit the pool.
- Evening
- Family dinner in Palma’s old town.
Lighthouse and boat trip
- Morning
- Cap de Formentor lighthouse — in high season private cars are restricted, so take the shuttle bus from Port de Pollença.
- Afternoon
- Boat trip along the coast, then kids’ pool time.
- Evening
- Gelato on the seafront.
Hop to Ibiza
- Morning
- Ferry Palma → Ibiza (about 2½–4 hours) or a 30-minute flight. Beach morning on arrival.
- Afternoon
- Check in to a Vibra apartment — more space than a hotel room, with a kitchenette.
- Evening
- Paella night in Ibiza Town.
Fly home
- Morning
- Last swim and souvenir shopping.
- Afternoon
- Fly Ibiza (IBZ) → Amsterdam → home.
Where the money goes
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| FlightsUSA → Amsterdam, Amsterdam → Palma, Palma → Ibiza, Ibiza → USA (via Amsterdam) for 4. | $3,250 – $5,650 |
| Stays (5 nights)2 nights in a Dormio holiday home, 2 nights Accor family room, 1 night Vibra apartment. | $640 – $1,200 |
| MealsSelf-catering at Dormio, dining out in Spain. | $500 – $900 |
| ActivitiesWildlands Adventure Zoo, a boat trip in Mallorca. | $210 – $350 |
| Car rental2 days in the Netherlands, 2 days in Mallorca. | $180 – $290 |
| On the groundEverything except flights | $1,530 – $2,740 |
| Grand totalFamily of 4, door to door from the USA | $4,780 – $8,390 |
Estimates only, for 2 adults and 2 children. Prices vary by season, departure city, children’s ages and availability.
Airports, transport and shopping
✈️ Airports
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): nonstops from many US cities; about 2 hours’ drive to Gasselte.
- Groningen Eelde (GRQ) is closer to Drenthe but has few flights.
- Palma (PMI) and Ibiza (IBZ) both have frequent flights from Amsterdam in fall.
🚗 Getting around
- A car is the easy option in the Netherlands — the parks are rural. Ask for child seats when you book.
- Mallorca: TIB buses cover the island; a car makes beach-hopping with kids easier.
- Ferries Palma → Ibiza run daily (Baleària and Trasmed); flights take about 30 minutes.
🛍️ Local shopping
- Drenthe: Albert Heijn and Jumbo supermarkets for self-catering; Emmen town centre for shops.
- Mallorca: Palma old town, Mercat de l’Olivar food market and the FAN Mallorca and Porto Pi malls.
- Ibiza: Dalt Vila old town and the Las Dalias market in Sant Carles (Saturdays).
Best months
September–October: warm days, fewer tourists and lower rates.
Why fall
Dutch parks are quieter and Balearic hotels and apartments drop well below summer prices.
Car rental
Book an automatic early — about $60 a day.
Entry paperwork
Check whether the new EU ETIAS travel authorization is required for your travel dates.
8 days from Austrian snow to a Thai beach
Ski school in the Alps, one easy rest night, then a warm island reward. Kids go from snow to sand in a single trip.
Stays: Alps Resorts ® → IHG ® Hotels & Resorts → Anantara ® Hotels & Resorts
Full 8-day trip for a family of 4, door to door from the USA
Day by day
Arrive in the Alps
- Morning
- Fly into Munich (MUC) or Salzburg (SZG). Transfer to Rauris: about 1¼ hours from Salzburg, 2½ hours from Munich.
- Afternoon
- Ski rental fitting and a gentle first run or snow play.
- Evening
- Fondue dinner and an early night.
Ski school day
- Morning
- Kids in ski school (drop-off about 9 AM, pick-up about 1 PM). Parents ski the bigger runs.
- Afternoon
- Snow tubing for the kids; spa or more skiing for parents.
- Evening
- Family dinner and hot chocolate.
Snow-play day
- Morning
- Sledding or a snowshoe walk — great for non-skiers.
- Afternoon
- Easy runs together as a family.
- Evening
- Farewell dinner in the village.
Rest night near the airport
- Morning
- Check out and drive or take the train to Munich.
- Afternoon
- Indoor pool and downtime — the kids decompress.
- Evening
- Early dinner; ask whether the hotel runs Kids Eat Free.
Fly to Thailand
- Morning
- Fly Munich → Phuket (HKT) with one stop, about 14–18 hours in total.
- Afternoon
- Speedboat to Koh Yao Yai, about 30 minutes. Check in.
- Evening
- Beach walk and a welcome dinner.
Kids’ club day
- Morning
- Explorer Club (free for ages 4–12): climbing wall, crafts and the ball land. Parents: spa or kayaking.
- Afternoon
- Family pizza-making class with the chefs.
- Evening
- Beach movie night.
Snorkel and explore
- Morning
- Snorkeling in calm, shallow water or a nature walk.
- Afternoon
- Last beach time and souvenirs.
- Evening
- Farewell dinner.
Fly home
- Morning
- Boat back to Phuket and fly home via Bangkok, Doha or another hub.
Where the money goes
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| FlightsUSA → Munich, Munich → Phuket, Phuket → USA for 4. The long flight to Thailand is the biggest cost. | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Stays (7 nights)3 nights Alps Resorts apartment, 1 night IHG, 3 nights Anantara family suite. | $1,770 – $3,220 |
| Ski passes, school and rentalsLift passes for 2 adults (kids often free or discounted), 2 days of ski school, rentals. | $960 – $1,440 |
| MealsMountain dining in Austria, resort dining in Thailand. | $700 – $1,300 |
| Transfers and activitiesAirport transfers, ferry to Koh Yao Yai, kayaking and snorkeling. | $390 – $910 |
| On the groundEverything except flights | $3,820 – $6,870 |
| Grand totalFamily of 4, door to door from the USA | $8,820 – $15,870 |
Estimates only, for 2 adults and 2 children. Prices vary by season, departure city, children’s ages and availability.
Airports, transport and shopping
✈️ Airports
- Munich (MUC): nonstops from several US cities; about 2½ hours to Rauris.
- Salzburg (SZG): closest to Rauris, about 1¼ hours, but fewer US connections.
- Phuket (HKT): connect via Bangkok, Doha, Dubai or Istanbul.
🚆 Getting around
- Austria: ÖBB trains run Munich → Salzburg → Taxenbach-Rauris; a postbus covers the last stretch. Pre-booked shuttles are easier with ski bags.
- Rental cars in Austria need a motorway vignette and winter tires (usually included).
- Phuket: the resort arranges the speedboat to Koh Yao Yai; the pier is about 30–40 minutes from the airport.
🛍️ Local shopping
- Salzburg: Getreidegasse in the old town and the Europark mall; Mozart chocolates make easy gifts.
- Austrian shops close on Sundays — stock up at SPAR or Billa on Saturday.
- Phuket: Central Phuket mall and the Sunday walking-street market in Phuket Old Town. Koh Yao Yai has few shops, so buy sunscreen and snacks before the boat.
Best months
December–February: reliable snow in Austria and dry season in southern Thailand.
Ski gear
Rent on site instead of flying with it. Ski school is the best money you’ll spend — kids make friends fast.
Passports
Every child needs a passport; US passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years only.
Thailand entry
US citizens can visit visa-free, but the allowed stay has changed recently; complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before you land.
Side by side
Pick the season that fits your school calendar and budget.
| ☀️ Summer | 🍂 Fall | ❄️ Winter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Stays | Barcelo + Oasis | Dormio + Accor Hotels & Resorts + Vibra | Alps Resorts + IHG + Anantara |
| Style | All-inclusive resorts | Self-catering homes + hotel | Ski apartment + city + tropical resort |
| Best for | Ages 3–12 (water parks) | Ages 4–14 (zoo, bikes, space) | Ages 3–12 (ski school + beach) |
| Family of 4, all in | $4,340 – $7,800 | $4,780 – $8,390 | $8,820 – $15,870 |
| Money saver | Shoulder season (May or September) | Fall rates, self-catering | Book ski and Anantara together |
| Biggest kid highlight | Water parks and kids’ clubs | Wildlands Zoo and air trampolines | Snow to beach in one trip |
More week-long family itineraries
Six more 7-day plans built on our partner resorts — from an all-inclusive beach week to Machu Picchu, Dubai and a wellness week for teens.
Iberostar Punta Cana: zero-planning beach week
- Best seasonDec–Apr
- AgesAges 4–17
- EffortLowest — everything included
Why it works for families
- All-inclusive: meals, snacks, drinks and kids’ club in one price.
- Star Camp kids’ club with daily activities; teens get their own program at most Iberostar resorts.
- Shallow, sandy Bávaro beach and big family pools.
Day by day
- Day 1Arrive and settle in
Fly into Punta Cana (PUJ); 20-minute transfer. Pool and beach afternoon, buffet dinner.
- Day 2Kids’ club and beach
Star Camp morning for the kids; parents take the beach. Family swim after lunch, evening show.
- Day 3Saona Island catamaran
Full-day boat trip with a natural-pool stop (about $90–$120 per adult). Early night.
- Day 4Resort day
Water sports included at the resort: kayaks and snorkel gear. À-la-carte dinner.
- Day 5Zip-line or horseback
Half-day adventure park near Bávaro; pool in the afternoon.
- Day 6Free day
Beach, spa for parents, kids’ club farewell party.
- Day 7Fly home
Late checkout if available; transfer to PUJ.
| Budget | Estimate |
|---|---|
| FlightsUSA ⇄ Punta Cana for 4; nonstops from most East Coast hubs. | $2,400 – $4,000 |
| Resort (7 nights, all-inclusive)Family room or junior suite, about $500–$800 a night. | $3,500 – $5,600 |
| ExcursionsSaona Island day, adventure park. | $400 – $700 |
| Transfers and tipsPrivate airport transfers, resort tips. | $200 – $300 |
| TotalFamily of 4 | $6,500 – $10,600 |
✈️ Airports, transport and shopping
- Airport: Punta Cana (PUJ), about 20 minutes to Bávaro.
- Transport: pre-book a private transfer with car seats; no car needed at the resort.
- Shopping: Palma Real Shopping Village for larimar jewelry, Dominican coffee and cacao; supermarkets in Bávaro for sunscreen and snacks.
💡 Practical tips
- Fill in the Dominican Republic e-Ticket online before departure.
- December holidays sell out early — book by late summer.
- Ask which Iberostar resort has the kids’ club and teen program that fits your children’s ages.
Chatrium Riverside Bangkok: temples, river and city play
- Best seasonNov–Feb
- AgesAges 6–14
- EffortMedium — daily planning
Why it works for families
- Rooms start at about 60 m² (645 sq ft), with two- and three-bedroom residences.
- Kids Stay Free: up to 2 children under 12 sharing existing bedding.
- 35-metre river-view pool, two kids’ pools and an outdoor playground (8 am–6 pm).
- Free shuttle boat to Saphan Taksin BTS station and to ICONSIAM.
| Room | Size / area | Best for | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe River View | 60 m² | Couple + 2 kids | $150 – $250 |
| Two-Bedroom Residence | 90 m² | Family of 4–5, with kitchenette | $300 – $450 |
| Three-Bedroom Residence | 120 m² | Multi-generation or 6+ | $500 – $700 |
Day by day
- Day 1Arrival and the river
Fly into Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Car pickup (about $25) or Airport Rail Link + taxi. Evening on the river promenade or the free boat to ICONSIAM for dinner.
- Day 2Temples and play
Early start: Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) by taxi or tuk-tuk. Afternoon pool and playground; evening at Asiatique riverfront night market.
- Day 3Aquarium and Siam
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World at Siam Paragon via the BTS Skytrain. Evening: Jodd Fairs night market for street food.
- Day 4Safari World
Drive-through safari and marine park, about 40 minutes by taxi. Pool time back at the hotel.
- Day 5Markets and culture
Weekend: Chatuchak Market (go by 10 am). Weekday: Jim Thompson House and Wat Arun at sunset. Family Thai cooking class.
- Day 6Floating market
Leave early for Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa floating market; it winds down by noon. Farewell dinner by the river.
- Day 7Fly home
Check out by noon; taxi to BKK, about 40 minutes.
| Budget | Estimate |
|---|---|
| FlightsUS East Coast ⇄ Bangkok, $900–$1,500 per person. | $3,600 – $6,000 |
| Hotel (7 nights)Two-Bedroom Residence with Kids Stay Free. | $2,100 – $3,150 |
| Activities and transportTemples, Safari World, aquarium, taxis. | $500 – $800 |
| Food outside the hotelNight markets and local restaurants. | $300 – $500 |
| TotalFamily of 4 | $6,500 – $10,450 |
✈️ Airports, transport and shopping
- Airport: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), about 40 minutes by car.
- Transport: Grab app for taxis; BTS Skytrain for Siam; the hotel’s free shuttle boat for the river.
- Shopping: ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Asiatique night market.
💡 Practical tips
- Plan outdoor sights for 8–11 am or after 4 pm; use the pool in the midday heat.
- Book directly with Chatrium to make sure Kids Stay Free applies.
- US citizens can visit Thailand visa-free, but the allowed stay has changed recently — check before you go, and fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online.
Casa Andina Cusco and Machu Picchu: history at altitude
- Best seasonSep–Nov or Mar–May
- AgesAges 8+
- EffortHighest — altitude and logistics
Why it works for families
- Casa Andina has hotels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu, so the whole trip can stay with one brand.
- Sleeping lower in the Sacred Valley makes the altitude step gentler.
- Oxygen is available at Casa Andina Premium Cusco — ask when booking.
| Hotel | Size / area | Best for | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Andina Premium Cusco | Historic center | Base for Cusco | $200 – $350 |
| Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado | Urubamba | Lower-altitude night | $150 – $280 |
| Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes | Night before the ruins | $150 – $250 |
Day by day
- Day 1Arrive and rest
Fly into Cusco (CUZ), 20-minute transfer. Rest — no sightseeing. A short, slow walk around the Plaza de Armas, light dinner, early bed.
- Day 2Easy Cusco
Sacsayhuamán fortress (taxi up) and Q’enqo. Afternoon: San Pedro Market and the San Blas artisan quarter.
- Day 3Sacred Valley
Pisac ruins and market, then Ollantaytambo. Overnight in Urubamba (lower altitude, better sleep).
- Day 4Train to Machu Picchu
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (PeruRail or Inca Rail). Evening at the town’s thermal baths (small entry fee). Early night.
- Day 5Machu Picchu
Early bus up to the ruins, guided tour with your timed entry ticket. Afternoon train back toward Cusco.
- Day 6Cusco free day
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), alpaca-wool shopping and a family chocolate-making class.
- Day 7Fly home
Check out and fly from Cusco via Lima.
| Budget | Estimate |
|---|---|
| FlightsUSA ⇄ Cusco via Lima, $800–$1,400 per person. | $3,200 – $5,600 |
| Hotels (6 nights)Casa Andina in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| TrainVistadome round trip for 4. | $600 – $800 |
| Machu PicchuEntry tickets, bus and guide. | $300 – $400 |
| Tours, activities and foodSacred Valley transport, classes, meals. | $500 – $800 |
| TotalFamily of 4 | $5,800 – $10,100 |
✈️ Airports, transport and shopping
- Airport: Cusco (CUZ), reached via Lima (LIM); about 20 minutes to the historic center.
- Transport: private driver or tour for the Sacred Valley; train to Aguas Calientes; buses up to Machu Picchu.
- Shopping: San Pedro Market, San Blas artisan workshops and textile markets — real alpaca costs more than the cheap copies.
💡 Practical tips
- Altitude: Cusco is about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). Talk to your doctor or pediatrician before the trip, especially for children under 8.
- Book Machu Picchu tickets and the train 2–3 months ahead; daily entry is capped.
- Pack layers, rain jackets, strong sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Address Beach Resort Dubai: winter sun, desert and skyline
- Best seasonNov–Mar
- AgesAges 4–16
- EffortMedium — book excursions ahead
Why it works for families
- Qix Kids Club for ages 4–16, plus a splash pad and family pool.
- Direct access to the free public JBR beach and promenade.
- Rooftop infinity pool on the 77th floor (adults).
| Room | Size / area | Best for | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | 55 m² | Couple + 2 kids | $430 – $600 |
| Family Room | 75 m² | Family of 4 | $550 – $750 |
| Two-Bedroom Suite | 100 m² | Multi-generation or 5+ | $800 – $1,200 |
Day by day
- Day 1Arrival and beach
Fly into Dubai International (DXB); about 35–45 minutes by taxi to JBR. Beach, splash pad, dinner on The Walk.
- Day 2Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
At the Top in the morning (book online), Dubai Aquarium, ice rink; Dubai Fountain show in the evening.
- Day 3Waterpark day
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, about 20 minutes by taxi.
- Day 4Desert safari
Afternoon dune drive, camel ride, sandboarding and barbecue dinner at a desert camp; choose an operator with hotel pickup.
- Day 5Old Dubai
Dubai Frame and the Al Fahidi historic district; abra boat ride across the Creek. Afternoon at Qix Kids Club.
- Day 6Theme day
Global Village (Nov–Apr) or LEGOLAND Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts.
- Day 7Fly home
Beach morning, then taxi to DXB.
| Budget | Estimate |
|---|---|
| FlightsUS East Coast ⇄ Dubai, $1,000–$1,800 per person. | $4,000 – $7,200 |
| Hotel (7 nights)Family Room in winter. | $3,850 – $5,250 |
| ActivitiesBurj Khalifa, waterpark, desert safari, theme park. | $800 – $1,200 |
| Food and extrasMeals outside the resort, taxis. | $400 – $600 |
| TotalFamily of 4 | $9,050 – $14,250 |
✈️ Airports, transport and shopping
- Airport: Dubai International (DXB), about 35–45 minutes to JBR.
- Transport: taxis and ride-hailing everywhere; the Dubai Tram stops at JBR and links to the Metro.
- Shopping: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, the souks of old Dubai and the JBR Walk.
💡 Practical tips
- Summer (June–September) is too hot for families; November–March is ideal.
- US citizens receive a free 30-day visa on arrival.
- Cover shoulders and knees in malls and old Dubai; swimwear is fine at the beach and pool.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah: the teen-approved Dubai beach trip
- Best seasonNov–Mar
- AgesAges 13+
- EffortLow — resort-centric
Why it works for families
- A 180-ft pool and private beach with a lively, upscale beach-club feel.
- Pool villas with 2–4 bedrooms and private pools for bigger families.
- A smaller kids’ club than Address — this is a trip for teens.
| Hotel | Size / area | Best for | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIVE Palm Jumeirah | Beachfront | Teens 14+ | $500 – $900 |
| FIVE Jumeirah Village | Pool club | Teens 16+ | $450 – $800 |
Day by day
- Day 1Arrive and pool
Check in and claim a spot at the pool. Paddleboarding or kayaking from the beach; sunset dinner.
- Day 2The Palm
The View at The Palm observation deck and a walk along the Palm boardwalk.
- Day 3Abu Dhabi day trip
Louvre Abu Dhabi, then Ferrari World (teens love the coasters). About 1½ hours each way.
- Day 4Water sports
Kitesurfing lesson at Kite Beach (teens 14+) or more paddleboarding; spa for parents.
- Day 5City day
Burj Khalifa, then Ski Dubai’s indoor slope at Mall of the Emirates.
- Day 6Shopping and beach
Dubai Outlet Mall or Dubai Marina; farewell dinner.
- Day 7Fly home
Beach morning and taxi to DXB.
| Budget | Estimate |
|---|---|
| FlightsUSA ⇄ Dubai, $1,000–$1,800 per person. | $4,000 – $7,200 |
| Villa (7 nights)Two-bedroom pool villa. | $3,500 – $6,300 |
| ActivitiesAbu Dhabi, Ski Dubai, water sports. | $800 – $1,500 |
| Food and extrasMeals outside the resort, taxis. | $400 – $600 |
| TotalFamily of 4 | $8,700 – $15,600 |
✈️ Airports, transport and shopping
- Airport: Dubai International (DXB), about 30–40 minutes to the Palm.
- Transport: taxis and ride-hailing; the Palm Monorail runs along the island.
- Shopping: Nakheel Mall on the Palm, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Outlet Mall.
💡 Practical tips
- Some pool areas are 18+ on certain nights — check the schedule.
- Pool villas are the best value for 5 or more people.
- US citizens receive a free 30-day visa on arrival.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin: a wellness week for a parent and teen
- Best seasonNov–Feb
- AgesNot for children 14 and under
- EffortLow — the program runs your day
Why it works for families
- A full wellness program, not just a spa: personal plan, three meals a day and daily treatments.
- Up to 9 classes a day — yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics, cycling, cooking and meditation.
- Small and quiet: about 54 rooms.
- Younger children? Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar welcomes families.
Day by day
- Day 1Arrive and assessment
Car from Bangkok airport, about 2½–3 hours. Welcome health consultation; beach walk and light dinner.
- Day 2Movement and beach
Morning yoga and a guided beach walk. Thai cooking class in the evening.
- Day 3Spa and structure
Personal training session, then the day’s spa treatment — a sports-recovery massage suits teens.
- Day 4Hua Hin town
Seafood lunch in town; aqua aerobics or a spin class back at the resort.
- Day 5Cycling
Flat bike ride around Hua Hin; family dinner together.
- Day 6Free day
Beach, pool or an extra treatment.
- Day 7Fly home
Morning walk, then the drive back to Bangkok.
| Budget | Estimate |
|---|---|
| FlightsUSA ⇄ Bangkok for 3, $900–$1,500 per person. | $2,700 – $4,500 |
| Chiva-Som program (7 nights)Meals, classes and daily treatments included. | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| TransfersBangkok ⇄ Hua Hin by private car. | $200 – $300 |
| ExtrasAdditional treatments, meals in town. | $200 – $400 |
| Total2 adults + 1 teen | $7,100 – $12,200 |
✈️ Airports, transport and shopping
- Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), then about 2½–3 hours by car to Hua Hin.
- Transport: arrange the resort’s car transfer; bikes are provided for local rides.
- Shopping: Hua Hin night market and Cicada Market (weekends) for crafts and street food.
💡 Practical tips
- Children 14 and under are not accepted — confirm your teen’s age policy with the resort when booking.
- Book early: only about 54 rooms, and October–December is peak.
- Frame it for teens as a week of good food, movement and no screens.
Compare the week-long trips
| Resort | Best season | Ages | Effort | 7 days, all in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iberostar | Dec–Apr | Ages 4–17 | Lowest | $6,500 – $10,600 |
| Chatrium Group | Nov–Feb | Ages 6–14 | Medium | $6,500 – $10,450 |
| Casa Andina | Sep–Nov or Mar–May | Ages 8+ | Highest | $5,800 – $10,100 |
| Address | Nov–Mar | Ages 4–16 | Medium | $9,050 – $14,250 |
| The Five | Nov–Mar | Ages 13+ | Low | $8,700 – $15,600 |
| Chiva-Som International Health Resorts | Nov–Feb | Not for children 14 and under | Low | $7,100 – $12,200 (3 people) |
Estimates for a family of 4 unless noted, including flights from the USA. Prices vary by season, departure city and availability.
Autism-friendly and autism-certified stays
Hotels and resorts with recognized autism training or certification — Certified Autism Center™ (IBCCES) or Autism Double-Checked — plus family-friendly resorts known for sensory support. These links go to each property’s official website.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts (El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, Palafitos and more)
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Official websiteDoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay
Dubai, UAE
Official websiteVirgin Hotels Nashville, Dallas and New Orleans
USA
Official websiteCourtyard by Marriott Phoenix Mesa
Mesa, Arizona
Official websiteHampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert
Palm Desert, California
Official websiteTradeWinds Island Resorts
St. Pete Beach, Florida
Official websiteSmugglers’ Notch Resort
Vermont, USA
Official websiteDolphin Suites & Wellness
Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean
Official websiteFind more autism-friendly options
Booking tip
When you book, tell the property about your child’s specific needs in advance — diet, sensory triggers, sleep routine and any elopement (wandering) risk. Properties with an Autism Concierge or a certified team can prepare the room, share social stories and plan quieter times for dining and the pool.
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