The end of the year is a great time to reflect on your travels and anticipate what lies ahead, including the travel memories you still have to make with your family. Whether your group loves the outdoors or prefers to wander around museums, there is a destination and route that will suit. To spark your wanderlust and that of your loved ones, Afar tapped the expertise of travel advisors for the destinations they recommend for families in 2025. Among their top picks: an ever-popular Florida city preparing to a major opening, castle-rich islands in Europe and an outdoor state inviting great adventures.
Scotland
Majestic castles, mighty Scottish Highlands and the mysterious Loch Ness Monster: there are plenty of reasons for families to love Scotland, whether they opt for a city-centric trip or nature excursions. The island nation has additional benefits, according to Christie Holmes, owner and principal travel designer of Mi Familia International Travel. “Flights from New York are always shorter, around six and a half hours,” she points out. “The climate is cooler in summer than mainland Europe, which is a plus, and the plethora of outdoor activities will keep even the most active families busy. Some of the best excursions in the country include a trip to Loch Ness and hike through Cairngorms National Park.
Brazil
For Virtuoso Advisor Kimberly Denison, founder of a luxury travel agency TourismSouth America's largest country tops its list for family travel in 2025. Denison says Brazil's cultural hotspot Rio de Janeiro and its spectacular outdoor offerings like Iguaçu Falls and the Amazon offer a “dynamic combination” of experiences and (bonus!) “American families will appreciate the similar time zone, minimizing jet lag issues for young children,” she says.
Slea Head offers spectacular coastal views over the Dingle Peninsula.
Courtesy of Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland
Ireland
The Emerald Isle has long been a favorite destination for families, thanks in part to its welcoming people, vibrant festivals, and rich folk and music culture. But according to New York-based travel advisor Anthony Berklich, Ireland has another attraction that often surprises visitors: its beaches.
“During the summer months, many are unaware of how rich Ireland is in beautiful beaches,” says Berklich, founder of Inspired citizena membership-based luxury travel agency. His favorites include Keem Bay in County Mayo (“for its crystal clear waters and green, grassy background”) and Sherkin Island, off the southwest coast, for its tranquil beaches, clear waters and proximity to the mainland .
Universal studies will become much more exciting for families next spring.
Photo by Viaval Tours/Shutterstock
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is gearing up for a blockbuster year, especially for theme park fans, including the highly anticipated opening of the 750-acre Universal park. Epic universe on May 22, 2025. It will nearly double Universal's footprint in Central Florida, with dozens of experiences across five new themed lands, including Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon.
Beyond the theme park action, there are plenty of other choices. James Mannings, co-founder of the real estate rental platform Best Villassays his clients are often pleasantly surprised by the cultural side of Orlando, especially its museums and galleries. “The Orlando Museum of Art, which celebrated its 100th anniversary (in 2024), offers a range of fine art exhibitions that will appeal to the whole family, as well as family-friendly art classes,” explains -he. For older children who appreciate art and history, other museums include the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (known for its extensive collection of Tiffany glass) and the Mennello Museum of American Art, which offers a collection permanent display of paintings by Earl Cunningham.
For spectacular Icelandic scenery, families should consider Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords.
Courtesy of Dirk Bleyer/age fotostock
Iceland
While the Northern Lights have made headlines in 2024 for their appearance in unexpected destinations across the world, nothing can compare to witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon in the spectacular landscapes of the Land of Fire and ice cream. This is where Kazandra Lewis, travel advisor for Journeyan agency based in Fort Lauderdale, is sending adventurous families this year. “My clients are looking for a unique outdoor experience for their family, and Iceland is a beautiful place with its stunning waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and numerous hikes,” she explains. “(Seeing) the Northern Lights in Iceland during the winter months is a total adventure.”
Families can get away from the crowds in Glacier National Park, which covers more than three million square miles.
Photo courtesy of Beier C./Unsplash
Montana
The Big Sky State is a big hit for outdoor families who love active vacations — and it's a destination Berklich is sending many guests to these days. “There is an authentic, quaint charm that families enjoy there, while taking in the stunning scenery, lakes, mountains and outdoor activities,” he says.
Cities like Bozeman, Missoula, and Whitefish make great launching points for back-to-nature trips, and throughout the state, many upscale, ranch-style digs are available. From the complex at Paws Up opened in 2005, several others luxury properties surrounded by nature followed suit, as the ranch at Rock Creek And J Bar L Ranch, known for its horse riding opportunities.
A Danube cruise with Viking is the ideal European river cruise to start with.
The Caribbean on a cruise
According to a recent report Cruises are booming, especially among extended families, according to industry group Cruise Line International Association. In fact, more than 30 percent of families traveling on cruises go with at least two generations (and 28 percent go with three to five generations). Megaships, like those of Royal Caribbean and MSC, whose itineraries often include stops on their own private islands, include family time, travel experts say: “The surge in demand is unlike anything this that I have ever seen in the cruise industry. “, Tim Elrod, vice president of Travelmation, told Afar. “There are so many activities for all ages on these ships, and the private islands are a huge draw. I find that guests often prefer the island private rather than getting off the ship to an unknown destination.
While large ocean cruises are well suited for families with young children, river cruises, especially those in Europe, are ideal for older children, says Elrod. “A premium cruise, like with Viking, has everything included, so you still get that all-inclusive feel, but you get to see multiple destinations,” he says.
