Lacey Hayes

Three days in Reykjavík is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of this charming, family-friendly city. Iceland is incredibly safe and welcoming, with a culture that naturally includes children in all aspects of daily life — from restaurants and shops to public spaces. You’ll find thoughtful touches like changing tables, playgrounds and kid-friendly facilities throughout the city, making it easy and enjoyable to explore with little ones. Having visited twice, I can confidently say Reykjavík makes for a stress-free and enriching getaway with kids, especially for families coming from North America.

Reykjavik — and Iceland — is a fantastic destination for family travel. The country is incredibly safe, with a warm and welcoming culture that embraces women and children as an integral part of daily life. You’ll find family-friendly amenities like changing tables and play areas every few blocks. Kids are genuinely welcomed in restaurants, shops and public spaces — not just tolerated. As someone who’s visited twice, I can’t recommend Reykjavik enough as an easy, enriching escape from North America with little ones in tow.

I highly recommend the Disney Wish for anyone young and young at heart, offering a fantastic blend of magic, adventure and top-tier amenities. This beautiful, new ship features the latest Marvel and Avengers experiences, making it perfect for fans of all ages. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or relaxing adult spaces, the Wish has it all, from immersive dining options to luxurious lounges. Plus, the food and service are a cut above the usual cruise offerings, providing an exceptional experience for both kids and adults.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is special to me for its unique mix of history, culture and convenience. As a US territory, it’s an easy, safe getaway with no passport needed, yet it feels like stepping into another world. I love wandering the colorful streets of Old San Juan, soaking in the rich history and indulging in incredible food that blends Spanish, African and Taino flavors.

The Big Island of Hawai‘i is a truly unique destination, with its diverse climate zones ranging from lush rainforests to volcanic deserts. While the Hilo and Waimea (wet) sides hold a special place in my heart for their natural beauty, Kona’s sunny weather, beautiful beaches and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal spot for families. Four days in Kona is the perfect amount of time to explore the area, offering just enough to see and do without feeling rushed. It’s the bare minimum I would recommend to get a good sense of the island, from stunning beaches to cultural experiences. Here’s my four day guide to make the most of your time in Kona with kids!

The Big Island of Hawai’i is unlike anywhere else, with its diverse climate zones ranging from lush rainforests to volcanic deserts. While the Hilo and Waimea (wet) sides hold a special place in my heart for their natural beauty, Kona’s sunny weather, gorgeous beaches and well-developed visitor infrastructure make it the ideal base for many families. I recently chose Kona for a family vacation, and it was the perfect spot to enjoy warm weather and easy access to everything we wanted to see and do. Here’s my guide to making the most of your time in Kona with kids!

As someone from Honolulu, it’s always special to bring my family back each year to reconnect with the island and experience its authentic charm. Beyond the famous Waikiki Beach, we love exploring places that truly reflect the heart of Oahu. From scenic hikes and hidden beaches to local restaurants that feel like home, I’m excited to share our favorite places with you, so you can create your own unforgettable memories in this sunny paradise.

Disney brings out the inner child in all of us. I am partial to Disney Cruises because it is a stress-free way for my family to relax with appropriate child and adult amenities, and with exceptional child care on board. I’ve previously sailed on the Disney Dream for a nine-night Mediterranean cruise, and booked a seven-night sailing closer to home on the Disney Fantasy for spring break in the Caribbean.

The Inn at Little Washington hotel and restaurant needs no introduction for those in the Washington, D.C. area or who follow Michelin Guide awards. The Inn offers a one-of-a-kind retreat that combines exceptional dining, luxurious accommodations and unparalleled hospitality in a beautiful and tranquil setting for celebrating a special occasion or memorable getaway. I have been privileged to dine here several times over the years, and Spring 2024 was my first weekend getaway at the Inn’s Parsonage lodging to celebrate an anniversary.

Las Vegas, Nevada is an iconic destination for fun in the desert sun, and you can dial it up or down as you wish. I planned a celebratory event at Resorts World Las Vegas where the group could relax and enjoy the classiest, best of Vegas — in proximity to the Strip but away from the crowds. The resort is made up of the Conrad, Hilton and Crockfords hotels, and is a very nice, classy resort that is just big enough without being too big or overwhelming. I would say the clientele was a mix of families, couples and some special event groups. It was on the chill side. Also, Resorts World has casinos but has many other amenities as well, so the casinos aren't the entire reason to stay there.

I am partial to Disney Cruises because it is a stress-free way for my family to relax with appropriate child and adult amenities, and with exceptional child care on board. This sailing was a seven-night Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy, with visits to Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and the private Disney island Castaway Cay — all in the Bahamas. This sailing was crowded given it was peak season — spring break — but delightful and I highly recommend it. Disney Cruise Lines is best suited for multi-generational families or extended families who require activity levels and accommodations for a variety of interests and activity levels onboard and in port.

I am partial to Disney Cruises because it is a stress-free way for my family to relax with appropriate child and adult amenities, and with exceptional child care on board. This sailing was a nine-night Caribbean cruise on the Dream in the Mediterranean from Barcelona, with ports of call in Italy and Greece, all ending in Rome. Disney is the best for multi-generational families and we were all very impressed with the overall experience.

Las Vegas, Nevada is an iconic destination for fun in the desert sun, and you can dial it up or down as you wish! In September of 2024, I stayed at and did a Site
Inspection while staying at the Wynn, Las Vegas. The Wynn and Encore (its hip younger sister) in Las Vegas redefine luxury, making them the ultimate choice for a truly unforgettable special occasion. I’m also obsessed with Delilah - their dinner service and show are glamorous and world-class.

Vieux (Old) Montreal is an utterly charming neighborhood on the water adjacent to the very modern downtown in Quebec, Canada. I've always adored Montreal because it is beautiful, safe, walkable and family-friendly. Montreal is literally just over the border and gives you the delightful feeling of being in France — without the jet lag.

Exploring Paris with kids in winter can be a magical experience, with numerous indoor and outdoor activities to keep the little ones entertained. Paris transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland during the holiday season, with festive decorations, Christmas markets and seasonal events scattered throughout the city. I prefer Paris in winter because there are fewer crowds which makes it easier and more relaxing to navigate the city with kids. Winter is a great time to take advantage of lower rates for hotels, saving money on accommodation expenses.

Milan holds a special place in my heart for its vibrant blend of history, culture and contemporary flair. The city's iconic landmarks, like the Duomo di Milano and La Scala Opera House, evoke a sense of awe and wonder every time I visit. Additionally, Milan's dynamic fashion and design scene, coupled with its delectable cuisine and bustling atmosphere, never fail to captivate me, making each trip a memorable experience at any time of year. This three-day itinerary offers a balance of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, culinary delights and a delightful day trip to Lake Como.

Families with young children should consider visiting Milan, Italy, for its perfect blend of culture, history and family-friendly attractions. From iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano and Sforza Castle to interactive museums such as the Museo della Bambini and MUBA, Milan offers a wealth of enriching experiences for children of all ages. My family loved the convenient transportation options, public parks and welcoming atmosphere.

Paris in the fall is truly enchanting, with its picturesque parks aglow in warm, vibrant hues that can uplift any mood. Visiting during this season means avoiding the summer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s wonders. Known as the City of Love, Paris also offers families a wealth of educational and cultural experiences for kiddos, ensuring a memorable and eye-opening trip for all. I am personally a fan of Paris in fall and winter — there are fewer lines to dine at my favorite eateries!

Lyon, often referred to as Little Paris, is a captivating city nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This charming destination blends the old and new in perfect harmony, creating a magical atmosphere. While many consider Paris the foodie capital of France, Lyon truly holds that title with its renowned gastronomy and exquisite cuisine. Beyond its culinary delights, I think Lyon is also fantastic for family travel, offering a plethora of exciting attractions and activities for kids to explore.

As an aficionado of luxury travel and a connoisseur of European charm, these day trips from Paris hold a special place in my heart. Each destination offers a unique blend of history, culture and gastronomy, providing an enriching experience for every traveler. From the regal splendor of Versailles to the quaint charms of Lille, these day trips promise unforgettable memories and captivating adventures.

Las Vegas, Nevada, is an iconic destination for fun in the sun, and you can dial it up or down as you wish! I have eaten, played and partied my way through Las Vegas, and I love that you can find or do anything your heart desires here. This itinerary is specially designed for time-poor gals who want to reconnect with their besties — in a short timeframe — and be relaxed and enjoy the classiest and best of Vegas while doing so.

Honolulu, Hawai'i, is an incredibly safe and special option to spend some quiet, pre-baby time with your partner without having to whip out your passport. I highly recommend it as a babymoon location because it is not too far from the continental U.S., has great infrastructure (if you are concerned about health care options), variety of foods to meet any craving, and perfect weather year-round. Oahu is the perfect place because you can dial up your vacation if you feel like an adventure, or chill out if you just want to bum on the beach.

Honolulu, Hawai'i, is a special destination. There is no doubt that it's a top spot in the United States for beaches and fun in the sun. Honolulu is more than just Waikiki beach. It's a culturally diverse region of the island of Oahu. You will hear many languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Hawaiian and more. Honolulu is incredibly safe and welcoming and has so many non-touristy options for kid-centric activities, dining and hotels. I grew up in Honolulu, so it's always been a special place for me, and I love bringing my young family back to experience the island like a local.

Rome is such a special place, I return here time and again for another dose of its eternal charm. Each time, I feel fortunate to revisit my favorite locations and fountains, discover new — or ancient — treasures and miss it as soon as I leave. Rome is a compact city that is charming and beautiful year-round, and a lovely place to bring kids for a slow-travel long weekend.

Washington is beautiful at any time of the year, but it really shines in July. Seattle summers are gorgeous but it always feels like a magical combination of perfect weather in July — not too hot, not too cold and rarely rainy. I’ve always loved Seattle because it is a welcoming "Emerald City" surrounded by views of water and mountains, which I find soothing. The diverse food and cultural options are also unparalleled, not to mention the greater Seattle region is easy to get around by ferry, bike, car, train or seaplane.

Sicily is a favorite destination of mine because it combines the best of Italy with a more relaxed atmosphere. The island offers all the highlights of the mainland, including stunning ruins, delicious cuisine, breathtaking views and beautiful beaches. What sets Sicily apart is the laid-back vibe and the unique culture of the Sicilian people, making every visit both enriching and rejuvenating. Whether exploring ancient sites or savoring local dishes, Sicily provides an unforgettable experience steeped in history and tradition.

Visiting Midtown Manhattan in the fall with kids is a magical experience. The crisp air and vibrant autumn colors make walking through iconic spots like Central Park or Bryant Park a treat, where kids can enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating as the rink opens in Rockefeller Center. Midtown's famous attractions like the Empire State Building and Times Square are less crowded, allowing families to explore more comfortably.

Visiting Midtown Manhattan for a long fall weekend with kids is a magical experience. The crisp air and vibrant autumn colors make walking through iconic spots like Central Park or Bryant Park a treat, where kids can enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating as the rink opens in Rockefeller Center. Midtown's famous attractions like the Empire State Building and Times Square are less crowded, allowing families to explore more comfortably.