7 getaways to book before summer’s gone
Ditch the everyday schedule and pack for the unexpected. These destinations are made for families of all ages who crave new experiences, fresh perspectives and the kinds of stories you’ll tell for years
Every year summer vacation seems to come around quicker. One minute you’re celebrating the new year, the next school’s out and everyone is desperate for a change of scenery. Planning a last-minute family getaway is the perfect opportunity to try something new, explore unfamiliar places together or cultivate unexpected passions on a far-flung adventure. Here are some fresh ideas for your most boundary-breaking summer vacation yet.
Eat your way around Paris
All ages will fall for the idea of a spontaneous trip to Paris. If the way to their hearts is through their stomachs, start with a guided foodie wander, hopping from boulangerie to master chocolatier, or learn the secrets to French favorites with a croissant, macaron or baguette-making class. Run off that extra energy at old-school amusement park Jardin d’Acclimatation with its speed-rocket ride, flying chairs and merry-go-rounds, or freewheel around the city on a bike tour that whizzes from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame on bright-blue cruiser bicycles.
Stay: The Hoxton, Paris has a Tiny Hox package which includes a coloring book, free Little’uns Breakfast Bag, family-approved neighborhood map and more.
A cultural guide to Paris
Theme parks and thrills in Orlando
Whether you come for the roller coasters or roll call for beloved princesses, theme parks are top of the bill in this sunny Florida city. This summer, there are even more adrenaline-fueled adventures on offer: Universal Epic Universe opened in May with five new “worlds” to explore, from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s enchanting Ministry of Magic to young gamers’ favorite Super Nintendo World.
Beyond the park gates, don’t miss side trips to the golden sands of New Smyrna Beach or the Kennedy Space Center to blast off into the history of NASA space exploration—and maybe even witness a rocket launch.
Stay: The just-opened Universal Terra Luna Resort is right next to the Universal Epic Universe park, making it easy to pop in and out of the park for naps and meals.
Sun, surf and sea temples in Canggu
The beach town of Canggu is Bali’s hippest corner, all açai-bowl-slinging cafés and custom surfboard stores. But it’s as brilliant for adventurous families as it is for digital nomads. There are beginner-friendly breaks at Batu Bolong and Berawa for mini-surfers to learn how to pop up (or ride on bodyboards), while FINNS Recreation Club has a splash park and padel courts.
To see a different side to the island, venture inland on a day trip to Ubud to visit the wild macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and don’t miss sunset at the beautiful Tanah Lot sea temple just along the coast from Canggu.
Stay: Launched late last year, the serene Regent Bali Canggu has an action-packed kids club and can organize surf lessons on the beach.
Tropical paradise found in Fiji
With its welcoming spirit and palm-fringed white sand beaches, Fiji is a castaway fantasy made real. It’s a nation of over 300 islands scattered across the South Pacific, from tropical flower-filled Taveuni to luxurious private-island retreats. The biggest, Viti Levu, is the easiest fly-and-flop base for families looking to cluster at resort-hub Denarau Island. From here, cruise to the idyllic Mamanuca Islands to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and swim in hidden coves; or fearless teens and parents can take an unforgettable dive with sharks at Beqa Lagoon Resort.
Stay: Family favorite Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island is just a short drive from the airport (no bumpy boat transfers) and has wiggling lagoon pools and a private beach.
Get outdoors in Singapore
One key to a great last-minute getaway? Finding a destination with attractions that don’t require much advanced planning. Singapore makes the mark with its surprisingly green urban landscape, dotted with gorgeous gardens, water-play areas and all sorts of outdoor fun—plenty of which is free. At the huge Gardens by the Bay, kids will love roaming flower-filled greenhouses and dodging the jets at the splash park. Even more thrilling is skate, surf and ski center Trifecta, just off shopping-mall-lined Orchard Road, where there’s a wave pool, ski simulator and free-to-all skate bowl—as well as lessons on all three. The action continues over on Sentosa Island with the massive floating obstacle course HydroDash, a mega adventure zipline, and lush accessible walkway Sensoryscape.
Stay: The Shangri-La Singapore has a series of themed family suites with bunk beds shaped like enchanted castles or submarines.
Follow the Moomins’ footsteps in Finland
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Finland’s cutest residents: the adorable little white troll characters known as the Moomins. In the capital Helsinki, stock up at flagship Moomin Shop Esplanadi, or browse the series at the Oodi library, whose huge children’s area has squishy reading nooks. The rocky, secluded archipelagos scattered along the coast here inspired many of the Moomin landscapes. More easily accessible is the “secret island” of Sisä-Hattu, which you can reach on foot at low tide. Continue your Moominsummer Madness in Tampere, around an hour and a half away by train, where you’ll find the Moomin Museum and an extra-special Great Birthday Party on August 9, 2025—author Tove Jansson’s birthday—at Tampere Hall.
Stay: Right by Helsinki’s SkyWheel on the waterfront, sustainably minded Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 opened last year.
Cultural immersion in Istanbul
Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul makes for a fascinating family vacation, filled with mosques, mezze and markets. Get your bearings with a cruise along the Bosphorus, motoring past Ottoman villas and admiring the city’s minaret-studded skyline. The imposing Hagia Sophia, beautiful Blue Mosque and intricately tiled Topkapi Palace offer unmissable insights into Turkish history, but a tour with Istanbul native Hasan around his home neighborhood of Balat, one of the oldest in the city, offers an even more authentic dive into the local food, culture and community. Meanwhile, the Grand Bazaar is the ultimate stop for souvenir shopping.
Stay: Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus has an outdoor pool for cooling off on hot summer days, and offers bedtime milk and cookies for kids at turndown.
Fiona Kerr is a food-loving travel journalist and former features director at Condé Nast Traveller. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Telegraph, Elle Decoration and the The New York Times. When she gets to a new country, her first stop is usually the local supermarket.
