Your family's summer plans just got a lot cooler
Barbados
Whether you've always wanted to visit the Caribbean or you're a huge fan of Rihanna (she was born on the island), Barbados is the place to get your family's feet wet. Along with learning about the incredible West African and British culture in Barbados, visitors can enjoy the delectable cuisine (like rich conkies and tangy rum punch), pristine white sand beaches and abundant marine life. Plus, it's not only beautiful, it's also affordable, making a trip to Barbados work with even modest budgets.
British Columbia, Canada
If Canada's already on your dream destination list, then why not take your family on a trip to British Columbia, Canada's western-most province? Not only does B.C. have more than 1,000 breathtaking parks and protected land reserves (like Yoho National Park, seen here), it's also less than a 10-hour drive from Seattle and only 43 minutes from historic Banff, the first national park in Canada (which happens to be located in neighboring Alberta, giving your family a slice of two Canadian provinces in one trip).
Costa Rica
Summer in the U.S. means the rainy season in Costa Rica, and trust us when we tell you that it's the perfect time to bring your family. Picture lazy, warm days spent at the beach or swinging in a hammock, followed by nights in quaint cottages listening to the rain while enjoying delicious food and exotic fruits. Sound like a dream? Picture this trip at half the normal price, thanks to the low-travel season, and you'll see why we think Costa Rica is a great summer destination.
Croatia
If you're looking for a place with long, sunny days, fun city life, amazing food at a low cost, look no further than Croatia. Located just across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, Croatia has gorgeous beaches, unreal waterfalls, delicious food, vibrant cities and, in the summer, between 13 and 15 hours of nonstop sunlight, giving your family the maximum time to enjoy every second of vacation. Plus, one U.S. dollar equals six Croatian dollars, making this another amazingly affordable destination.
Walt Disney World, Florida
It's kind of a no-brainer that one of the best destinations to take your family this summer is Walt Disney World, Florida. With four dedicated parks, endless entertainment and a reputation for making dreams come true, this top family destination is worth the cost (it's not cheap) during high-travel season. Plus, Disney's brought back its "Incredible Summer" park adventure, which promises to be even bigger and better than ever before.
Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador
Want a trip your family will never forget? Take them to a kid-friendly lodge in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. With local guides and endless opportunities for exploration, a trip to the rainforest is definitely off the beaten path. Not feeling the jungle? Then visit the Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution. Also in Ecuador: the center of the world. That's right, 0º longitude and latitude lies in this fascinating country known for its beauty and natural wonder.
