There is no better time to plan a family vacation than winter, whether you’re seeking a snowy escape with plenty of adventure or a warm retreat from the cold. With so many choices, it’s hard to know where to go. Luckily, it has become way too easy to book accommodations, flights, and activities through platforms like Vrbo and Expedia and enjoy a non-stressful process of the planning phase. In this guide, we take a look at some of the best family-friendly winter destinations, where to stay and what to do.
Snowy Winter Wonderlands
For families that love snowy adventures, destinations such as Banff in Canada is a place to remember. On Expedia, you can book a family-friendly hotel with stunning mountain views or a cosy Vrbo cabin near Banff National Park. There are a wide variety of activities, such as skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts, ice skating on the beautiful Lake Louise and taking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Winter wildlife tours are a great way for younger kids to see the area’s natural beauty.
Our other magical destination is Lapland, Finland, where you can stay in cute Vrbo rentals in Rovaniemi, including Expedia’s Santa-themed hotels. Visiting Santa Claus Village, going on a reindeer sleigh ride, husky safari or just looking at the Northern Lights. During winter, Lapland really is like stepping into a storybook.
Another great option if you’re looking for something closer to home is Breckenridge, Colorado. Vrbo has spacious ski chalets and Expedia is full of family friendly resorts with ski schools for kids. Skiing and sledding enthusiasts will love Breckenridge, its old downtown area full of shops and restaurants and the spirit of the winter festivals.
Warm Winter Escapes
Not everyone loves the cold! If you would rather see sunshine than snowflakes, the Cayman Islands are a great place to escape the cold of winter. Book Vrbo villas with private pools, beachfront or family-friendly resorts that cater to kids via Expedia. Families can snorkel at Stingray City, Seven Mile Beach’s white sands and see marine life at the Cayman Turtle Centre.
Another great warm-weather family destination is Orlando, Florida. If you prefer to stay in vacation homes near Disney World, try Vrbo, or you can choose from themed hotels on Expedia. The kids will love having their picture taken with Santa at one of Orlando’s world-famous theme parks (Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Legoland), which all feature special holiday parades and festive events during winter.
Mauritius is something more exotic. Expedia has ocean-view Vrbo villas or luxurious all-inclusive resorts to book. Spend the day relaxing on the beach of Belle Mare while kids enjoy the calm waters to swim in, take the family to Casela Nature Park, or snorkel Mauritius’ colourful coral reefs.
Unique Cultural Winter Destinations
If you’re a family looking for cultural experiences as well as fun activities, Quebec City in Canada is a great place to go. Stay in a Vrbo rental in Old Quebec or book boutique hotels with Expedia near the action. One of the largest winter festivals in the world, the Quebec Winter Carnival, offers families parades, ice sculptures, and family friendly activities. Place D’Youville gives you the chance to go ice skating while you explore Old Town’s cobblestone streets.
Another cultural gem for the family during winter is Kyoto in Japan. Stay in a mix of comfort and culture by booking traditional Japanese style Vrbo rentals (ryokans) or modern hotels through Expedia. See snow sculpted Kinkaku-ji (The gold Pavillion) or walk in the snow lined bamboo forest or indulge in Japanese food exclusive to this season to keep you warm on a cold evening.
How to book accommodations
If you go as a family for a winter vacation, giving the right type of accommodations is vital. Booking a vacation home from Vrbo is perfect if you need space for the whole family to prepare meals together, with a kitchen and communal area in the home. But Expedia offers bundled deals (flights + accommodations) that offer good value and access to family-friendly resorts with amenities such as pools and kids’ clubs.
Planning Activities
It is also important to plan activities ahead of time when moving without a hitch on a trip. Book tours and tickets ahead of time with Expedia’s activity booking feature, from ski passes to snowy destinations to snorkelling tours to tropical ones. It helps you to save time when you arrive, and it’s available during peak travel season when people generally prebook.
Conclusion
There’s a perfect destination for your family whether they dream of playing in the snow or relaxing under the sun this winter. Planning is easy as Vrbo and Expedia provide everything from flights and accommodations to activity bookings all in one place. Check out these tools to start planning your family’s unforgettable winter getaway today, and don’t forget to click our affiliate links for exclusive deals!
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