Destinations
Best Family-Friendly Destinations That Make Travel With Kids Effortless
October 2025
Because the best kind of family trip is one that feels like an adventure — not a logistics exercise.
There’s a special kind of joy that comes when you’re traveling as a family, the look on your child’s face when they spot their first dolphin, build a sandcastle taller than themselves, or try gelato in a cobbled European square. But there’s also the reality: tired toddlers, forgotten snacks, and the juggling act of keeping everyone happy.
Effortless family travel doesn’t mean “perfect.” It means choosing destinations that make things simpler-places where kids can play freely, meals come without fuss, and parents actually get a few moments of calm.
The right hotel helps enormously. A family-friendly property that’s designed for both comfort and flexibility can turn a good trip into a genuinely restorative one. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best destinations and standout hotels from Best Loved’s Family Friendly Collection, that make traveling with children feel, well, almost effortless.
1. West Palm Beach, Florida – Sun, Sand & Easy Sophistication
Stay: Palm House
Just a few steps from the golden sands of Palm Beach and the chic boutiques of Worth Avenue, Palm House is a gem for families who crave both relaxation and style. Spacious suites (many with kitchenettes) give everyone breathing room, while the rooftop pool offers a breezy place to cool off after a morning at the beach.
Why families love it:
- Short transfer from the airport – no long drives with sleepy kids
- Beach, shopping, and dining all within walking distance
- Concierge can arrange activities like paddleboarding or children’s museum visits
Insider tip: Try a sunset walk along the Lake Trail – flat, stroller-friendly, and ideal for spotting yachts as the sky turns pink.
2. Berlin, Germany – History, Parks & Fuss-Free Urban Adventures
Stay: Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza
At first glance, Berlin might not strike you as a children’s paradise – but give it a day, and you’ll see how well this city caters to families. Museums have hands-on exhibits, public transport is immaculate, and parks seem to appear around every corner.
Tucked into the heart of Mitte, Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza gives you instant access to the city’s highlights – Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, and the sprawling green of Tiergarten – all walkable.
Why families love it:
- Central location means no long commutes between sights
- Family rooms and warm, personal service
- Excellent nearby restaurants that welcome children
Don’t miss: The Natural History Museum – home to one of the world’s tallest dinosaur skeletons.
3. Visby, Sweden – Fairytale Streets & Scandinavian Ease
Stay: First Hotel Kokoloko
Visby, on the island of Gotland, feels like something from a storybook – cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and sea breezes carrying the scent of pine and salt. Families can wander safely on foot or by bike, and everything – from playgrounds to beaches – feels wonderfully accessible.
First Hotel Kokoloko adds a touch of modern comfort to this UNESCO-listed town. Expect clean lines, family rooms, and a relaxed pool area perfect for late-afternoon lounging.
Why families love it:
- Long summer days (sunset near 10pm!) mean more time for exploring
- Walkable town – no need for taxis or long drives
- Child-friendly attractions like Gotland Museum and Kneippbyn theme park
4. St. Eustatius, Caribbean – Quiet Beauty Beyond the Crowds
Stay: The Old Gin House
If your dream family trip involves turquoise seas without the bustle of big resorts, head for St. Eustatius – one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Nestled on the waterfront, The Old Gin House pairs colonial charm with tranquility.
Why families love it:
- Small scale = personal service and quiet atmosphere
- Beach access and gentle snorkelling just steps away
- Perfect for older kids who love exploring or swimming
Family favourite: Take a gentle morning hike up The Quill volcano – the trail is shady and manageable for school-age children, with panoramic views from the rim.
Effortless Travel Tips for Families
Plan lighter days than you think you need. Two major sights a day max – children’s patience has limits, and so does yours.
Stick to walkable bases. Hotels in compact areas save you hours of transit and cranky stroller battles.
Eat early. Many family-friendly hotels can adapt meal times – take advantage of it.
Book downtime. Whether it’s a beach afternoon or a pool morning, make sure “nothing time” is part of the plan.
Ask for help. Great concierges can find babysitters, nearby playgrounds, or even source forgotten items like swim goggles.
Packing Checklist for Effortless Family Travel
For Parents:
- Portable charger & universal adapter
- Light daypack for snacks and spare clothes
- Refillable water bottles
- Lightweight foldable tote (for market runs or beach gear)
For Kids:
- Reusable snack containers
- Collapsible water bottle
- Compact toy bag or coloring set
- Lightweight hoodie or wrap for chilly flights
- Copy of their favorite bedtime book (hotel nights feel more familiar)
Pro tip: Pack a small “arrival kit” – toothbrushes, pyjamas, a few snacks, and one comfort item for each child. You’ll thank yourself when you arrive late and don’t want to dig through full luggage.
The Joy of the Effortless Trip
The best family journeys aren’t necessarily the farthest-flung or the most elaborate. They’re the ones that flow: where children are free to explore, parents can exhale, and the moments in between – shared laughter over ice cream, waves lapping at your ankles, a lazy morning without alarms – become the memories that last.
From the palm-lined boulevards of Florida to the medieval walls of Sweden, these destinations from Best Loved’s Family Friendly Collection prove that traveling with kids can be easy, inspiring, and deeply rewarding – when you pick the right places to stay.
