The idea of the “family vacation” has dramatically evolved in the last few decades. A winter break getaway has gone from—maybe—a quick trip to the coast or a visit to grandma’s house to cross-country road trips or even a jaunt abroad. Thanks in no small part to social media and the internet, today’s parents are more adventurous than ever, taking their kids to far-flung destinations that wouldn’t be on the table in the ’80s and ’90s.
Winter holds ample possibilities for the intrepid family: there are the snowy mountains of Big Sky, Montana, and Whistler, Canada, of course, but things get interesting around this time of year south of the equator as well. There’s Cape Town, Argentina, the Lyngen Alps of Norway, or even New Zealand, for a true outside-of-the-box winter vacation.
But whether you’re looking at something close to home—Hawaii, Utah, or Mexico—or as far-flung as Laos and Kenya, travel advisors have their fingers on the pulse of where to go next. Here are the 16 best winter destinations for families, according to the experts.
Cape Town, South Africa
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For curious families who love active and culturally rich excursions, Lucy Williams of Lucy Williams Travel (an affiliate of luxury travel agency SmartFlyer) recommends Cape Town, where they can hike Lion’s Head, paraglide over Table Mountain, paddleboard with penguins, and explore the Cape Peninsula by bike or on foot. This city is not your typical urban center full of skyscrapers; it’s friendlier and more intimate, but it still has outstanding culinary and art scenes. The Silo Hotel is an elegant yet funky choice by the waterfront with a rooftop pool that’ll spark joy for the whole family. “For a truly immersive South African experience, top off the trip with a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Greater Kruger area—at a lodge like Singita Ebony Lodge—where your family will encounter spellbinding wildlife in their natural habitat,” Williams says.
Big Sky, Montana
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For a wholesome winter holiday, there’s nothing like Big Sky, Montana, where snowy landscapes are abundant and activities range from skiing to ice fishing. Carly Moss, a travel expert at luxury travel company Black Tomato, says the ambitious Big Sky 2025 renovation is slated to conclude by the end of the year, transforming the experience on Lone Mountain with new scenic lookouts, family-friendly food and beverage hubs, and a mid-station learning center for beginner skiers. While there are already some incredible hotels, the imminent opening of One&Only Moonlight Basin is a game-changer to Moss. It’ll have privileged access to the mountain, as well as large private homes perfect for multi-generational gatherings.
Okinawa, Japan
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If your family is seeking cool, mild weather, the beautifully laid-back Blue Zone of Okinawa may be the answer—plus it’s typically crowd-free in the winter. “Visit between mid-January and mid-February, and you’ll catch Japan’s earliest cherry blossoms along with humpback whales from January to March,” says Moss. After noticing a recent uptick in interest in southern Japan, Black Tomato launched a new itinerary that includes snorkeling in the Blue Cave (a popular diving spot on the coast), kayaking through mangrove forests, and a Ryukyu glass-blowing workshop.”Rosewood Miyakojima is slated to open in March 2025 with amenities like an Explorer’s Kids Club, making Okinawa “a fantastic spot for families who want a mix of outdoor and cultural experiences,” Moss adds.
Vancouver, Canada
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“Vancouver has the energy of a groovy European city but the added bonus of the Pacific on one side and mountains on the other, offering a perfect mix of urban escape and outdoor adventure,” says Moss. She advises diving mouth first into the local food scene—there are 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in the area—before a rest at Fairmont Pacific Rim where there are babysitting services and bike butlers for those who prefer pedaling to driving. For a family of skiers or snowboarders—or even sledders and snowman builders—Moss says a quick trip up to Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s largest ski resort, is worth it. She likes to arrange private lessons for clients or a heli-skiing experience so that travelers can see the “snow-capped forests from above.”
Anguilla
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White sand and azure water make Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, a true tropical paradise. To Williams, a slew of top-notch kids clubs at the island’s resorts—in particular at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, with its excellent Kids for All Seasons programming—help make it a successful family destination since parents can enjoy guilt-free “me time” at the spa or golf course while little ones are happily entertained. “A boat day to Sandy Island, an idyllic slice of heaven surrounded by turquoise waters, is a must,” Williams says. “(It’s) a highlight of any family trip.”
Hawaii Island, Hawaii
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“A family trip to Hawaii’s Big Island is nothing short of magical,” says Williams.“Imagine standing in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, witnessing the raw power of nature, or snorkeling with manta rays in the clear Hawaiian waters.” For those traveling with kids, she is also a fan of helicopter rides over waterfalls and authentic luaus for a cultural immersion experience. Even the smallest of kids should get stoked about spotting one of the many migrating humpback whales off the coast. She often recommends Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection to families, since it caters to kids of all ages.
Zermatt, Switzerland
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If the novelty of skiing into a different country for lunch might wow your offspring—or partner—it might be worth looking into Zermatt, Switzerland, for a winter wonderland of a family holiday. The quintessential ski town (where cars are not allowed) is “nestled beneath the mighty Matterhorn and feels like stepping into a storybook,” says Williams. There is plenty to do: dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and riding the cogwheel Gornergrat Railway. Kids should also enjoy the scenic train ride from either Geneva or Zurich. Williams also suggests visiting Mont Cervin Palace for further immersion into the charming fairy tale-like setting.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
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Moss calls the Galápagos Islands the “ultimate paradise for the best of adventure and wildlife.” There are two options: a land-based approach, like staying at the Galapagos Safari Camp (which welcomes all ages and offers a kids club with nature-focused activities) or the luxury cruise route, which is best suited for those traveling with older children. For a truly five-star overwater exploit, there’s the new ultra-luxury Hermes Mega Catamaran that can sleep up to 20 guests. “With each of the 13 isles having its own unique character, you can spot sea lions off the boat deck one day before finding land iguanas and giant tortoises another,” says Moss.
Deer Valley, Utah
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“Deer Valley is always top of my list for families, with a variety of terrain for all levels of skiing, one of the top-rated ski schools in the world for kids, and a luxurious experience on the mountain with exceptional resorts and dining,” says Williams. Montage Deer Valley is a favorite of hers for access—it’s ski-in, ski-out and located mid-mountain—and coziness. After a day on the slopes or an afternoon of snowmobiling or sledding, Utah Olympic Park in nearby Park City, Utah, offers a slew of thrilling activities.
Kenya
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Straddling the equator, hot weather is a promise when escaping to Kenya, a legendary destination for family safaris, with ample opportunities to spot the Big Five (elephants, lions, rhinoceros, African buffalos, and leopards) and to experience Maasai culture with stops at local communities. Williams recommends visiting Laikipia County and the Maasai Mara for “a richly layered experience where every day feels like a scene from a nature documentary. Your family will walk away with new perspectives and unmatched wildlife encounters.” Her picks for accommodations: the luxuriously wild Segera Retreat in Laikipia and Angama Mara in the Maasai Mara, which offers free child-minding in the evenings, with activities like beading, baking, and roasting marshmallows.
Lyngen Alps, Norway
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When it’s magic you’re after, the northern lights don’t disappoint. Moss says aurora borealis activity is expected to peak in 2026, and the dazzling phenomena can be seen as early as September through late March. The Lyngen Alps’ design-forward private cabin Aurora Lodge (exclusive to Black Tomato) offers a private whale-watching expedition, complete with exclusive early access to a migrating orca pod’s feeding grounds. Moss notes she can also bring nature photographers and marine biologists onboard to document the trip and educate family members on marine conservation. Additionally, in the “dreamscape” of northern Norway, Williams recommends racing across snowy landscapes on dogsled, cruising intricate fjords, and meeting the Sámi, an Indigenous community known for reindeer herding.
New Zealand
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Families with an adventurous spirit will feel at home in New Zealand, where there are seemingly endless opportunities for active excitement on a striking island nation. The small country encompasses lush rainforests, glacial fjords, and golden beaches, not to mention mountains, lakes, and rivers. According to Williams, families will find happiness for every member since all-terrain vehicle tours, whale watching, bungee jumping, canyoning, hiking, surfing, and fishing are just some of the pursuits available. Some of her favorite accommodations include “luxurious hideaways” like the Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, and Rosewood Matakauri.
Luang Prabang, Laos
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If Thailand seems like an appealing destination because of White Lotus but the crowds do not, Luang Prabang, Laos, is an attractive substitute. The winter weather in Laos is dry and mild, and the Mekong River is generally at its highest around this time of year, making it ideal for boat tours. There are temples and caves to explore, all of which might captivate children, but Moss’s favorite experience is probably also the one that would most resonate with younger travelers: trekking alongside elephants at the Mandalao Elephant Conservation sanctuary. “We suggest staying at Amantaka, which offers on-site family experiences like an organic farm tour and cooking class, plus babysitting service,” says Moss.
Argentina
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When winter in the U.S. gets too … wintery, round up the kids and fly south to Argentina for a warm, sunny escape marked by spectacular waterfalls and wildlife at Iguazú National Park and gaucho-style horseback riding through the Pampas region. Moss also recommends visiting San Carlos de Bariloche in northern Patagonia for hiking, rappelling, and boating before unwinding at the divinely scenic Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa. Her perfect Argentina itinerary also includes a stop in Buenos Aires, where soccer culture, tango, and flavorful food are sure to pique a variety of family members’ interests.
Costalegre, Mexico
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This stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast south of Punta Mita holds lots of appeal to those traveling with young ones, and even babies. “Unspoiled natural beauty defines Costalegre, offering families a blend of serene beaches, cultural encounters, and outdoor adventures,” says Williams. Since much of the area is protected, wildlife spottings are in great supply, and a boat trip might lead to spotting a playful pod of dolphins, says Williams. Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is her choice for “unmatched serenity,” as well as thoughtful programming for all ages, such as scavenger hunts, quesadilla-making lessons, and night explorations with the resident biologist and bug expert.
Chile
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Winter (or summer in the southern hemisphere) is the time to experience Chile’s Patagonia range in peak form. The breathtaking scenery of Torres del Paine National Park is suited for kids old enough to want to hike and climb and hike some more. Williams says combining Chile’s two extremes is the way to go. First, explore the “rugged wilderness of Chilean Patagonia,” which includes glaciers (she recommends staying at Tierra Patagonia). Then, venture out into the Atacama Desert, which she describes as “a surreal landscape of salt flats, sand dunes, and hot springs.” (The elegant yet rugged Tierra Atacama is her choice there.) There, families can float in salt lagoons and ride horses across expanses that she says will “keep everyone engaged and amazed by Chile’s unbelievable natural diversity.”
