After months of pandemic challenges and lockdowns, many families are climbing the walls and in need of a change of scenery. If you were quarantined together, you might be looking for some relaxing quality time to create some happier memories.
Or, if you have been separated by social distancing and are due a special reunion – a family summer vacation is the answer!
If you’re wondering what the best options are for a vacation in the current circumstances, we’ve compiled options to suit everyone. Read on to discover the best family summer vacation ideas for 2021.
1. Camping: The Classic Family Summer Vacation
Some of your best childhood memories were probably from camping vacations with your family. So why not recreate those special memories with your own kids?
Camping vacations have something for everyone—from the hands-on practical activities of setting up and maintaining a camp to relaxing and connecting with nature.
After months of looking at the same four walls, some time in the great outdoors could be the perfect solution. It’s also a great choice if you’re concerned about maintaining social distance. You can be as disconnected from civilization as you choose!
If your family isn’t really into roughing it, you could take the glamping route. Kids (and adults) of any age will love the novelty of a little luxurious camping. Accommodation might be a yurt, eco-dome, or even a treehouse. Glamping offers all the perks of a camping trip, with some home comforts.
2. Beach Resort Vacation
Sun, sea, sand, and making memories. Beach vacations are a surefire hit for family summer vacations.
Kids can spend hours playing in the sea and exploring the beach. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with a cocktail on loungers.
Resort vacations take it to another level. With pools, kids’ play areas, and professional performers, the children’s entertainment is fully taken care of.
Restaurants and bars on-site mean mealtimes are straightforward—especially if you’ve opted for all-inclusive! At a beach resort, all you have to do is relax.
3. Family Staycation
Depending on where you live, you might not yet be able to travel far. If you’re awaiting full vaccination or in a high-risk area, or if you just prefer to play it safe, why not enjoy a family staycation?
This doesn’t mean you can’t go out! In fact, there are two approaches to staycations (or ‘holistays’).
Firstly, you can take a vacation in a region near to your home. This is a great option if you’re currently unable to leave your state or county. You’re still getting a change of scenery and exploring the attractions on your doorstep!
Alternatively, a family staycation can cut out the accommodation by staying in your own home. Make the vacation time special by taking day trips and going on local excursions. You can have family barbecues, pool days, and themed evenings.
A staycation is a fun way to spend time as a family and keep costs down if the pandemic hit you hard.
4. RV Road trip
If you can’t decide on just one destination and like the appeal of a nomadic lifestyle, consider an RV road trip. There’s something about RV trips that bring out the free spirit in all family members. What’s more exciting than hitting the open road with everything you need under one roof?
As well as getting to see some amazing scenery as you travel, an RV vacation enables you to add more variety to your trip. Family members can take it in turns to choose activities or attractions to visit.
In the evening, pull up at your location of choice and you’re ready to kick back and look at the stars! All you have to do after breakfast is fasten your seatbelts and you’re on the way!
5. Take a Cruise
For a family vacation with a little more luxury, and even more sightseeing, consider a cruise. Depending on where you go, you could see a different country every couple of days. As you pull into a port, you can explore a new culture, then head back aboard and enjoy all of the ship’s facilities.
Cruise vacations are a great family option. Constantly changing scenery will keep all family members entertained. Meanwhile, on-board facilities and entertainment are designed for the very purpose of keeping boredom at bay. Additionally, if you’re travelling with grandparents, cruises can be perfect vacations for seniors with limited mobility.
If you like the romantic idea of opening the curtains in the morning to an exciting new destination, a cruise vacation is a great option.
6. Family City Break
A city break is often considered the vacation of choice for singles and couples, and may not be the obvious choice for a family-friendly vacation. However, city breaks are great for families with teens (and pre-teens).
Once your kids are at this age, they may not be entertained by the sorts of things that keep younger kids happy. Their interests can be a little more specific and more tricky to accommodate.
City breaks are great for families with teenage kids, offering all sorts of varied options depending on their interests—from live music and art galleries to skate parks and sports stadiums.
7. Luxury Cabin Retreat
If your previous summer vacation plans were written off by the pandemic, you might be looking for some unique family vacation ideas this year.
It’s been a tough time for families everywhere, and a special retreat vacation is the perfect way to reconnect and relax post-pandemic.
Why not book a cabin rental for a luxurious countryside retreat? This the perfect option for families who just want to rest in some beautiful surroundings.
Make Memories
After a challenging year or two, it’s time to make some new memories. A family summer vacation is a very special occasion, and with these options, there’s something to suit every family and budget.
If you’re looking for more inspiring guides, travel tips, and kids’ activities, check out our other blog posts!