Planning a family vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming, but where to travel this summer 2024? Familycircletravel.net is here to help you discover amazing summer travel destinations in 2024, catering to every family’s needs, budget, and preferences. We will explore the most popular summer vacation spots while discovering off-the-beaten-path locations, and discuss planning advice for smooth family getaways.
Looking for the ideal vacation is the key to the most memorable summer travel experiences with loved ones.
1. Cultural Immersion Destinations
Looking to enrich your family vacation with history, art, and vibrant local experiences? Let’s explore some of the top destinations for cultural immersion in 2024.
1.1. Ålborg, Denmark: A Scandinavian Gem
Answer: Aalborg, Denmark offers a blend of cultural experiences with its charming old town, modern art scene, and historical sites, making it an ideal destination for families interested in Scandinavian culture.
Aalborg, Denmark’s fourth-largest city, is emerging as an intriguing international travel destination. Scandinavian Airlines has launched new flights from Newark Liberty International to this compact and appealing city, operating three times a week from April through October. With its cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors in the old town, Aalborg offers a walkable and visually appealing setting. The attractively refurbished waterfront is home to the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-aalborg-denmark-WTG24-d2dc4ef0c9784793be7ce5db6eb062b6.jpg)
The city’s rich cultural scene includes the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art, an architecture center, and Regan Vest, a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Aalborg serves as a gateway to North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around Skagen, the windswept dunes of Thy National Park, and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1.2. Cartagena, Colombia: A Luxury Escape
Answer: Cartagena, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape, with its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and new hotels and tours, making it a must-visit for families looking for a rich cultural experience.
Colombia, particularly Cartagena, is emerging as a popular luxury travel destination. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua, a 16-room boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century building. The owners are also developing bungalows on Isla Barú. Sustainability-minded travelers will enjoy Blue Apple Beach, an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar. In 2024, Disney’s “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, highlighting Cartagena. Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, and a Four Seasons hotel is planned, with the nation investing in airport expansion.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-cartagena-colombia-culture-WTG24-ea4b138ad6ec43eeb255d16474ad4957.jpg)
1.3. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia: A Luxurious Train Journey
Answer: The Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train offers a unique cultural journey through Southeast Asia, with new itineraries showcasing the diverse landscapes and cuisines of Malaysia.
The Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train is set to resume operations in February after a four-year hiatus, offering new itineraries across Southeast Asia. The revamped Express features 15 cherry wood–clad cabins with Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi for snorkeling and Penang for its culinary scene. The Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park. The train itself is a destination, featuring a piano bar car, an open-air lounge, and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan cuisine.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-eastern-oriental-express-culture-WTG24-b06627b60a9f45d4a451c5566aa5eaab.jpg)
1.4. Germany: Experiencing Fußball Fever
Answer: Germany is the place to be for soccer fans in June and July, hosting the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship in 10 cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich.
Germany will host the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship between June and July, held in 10 cities including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. The new Rosewood Munich, which opened in October, is steps from Old Town and within walking distance of the Isar River rapids.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-munich-germany-WTG24-af7cf5c55fdd485eae34c3e9b961899f.jpg)
1.5. Métis Crossing, Alberta: Immersive Indigenous Tourism
Answer: Métis Crossing in Alberta offers an immersive experience of Métis culture through its land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs, making it a unique destination for cultural immersion.
Métis Crossing in Alberta offers an immersive Indigenous tourism experience. The 688-acre retreat features a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals, or engage in bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. The new Sky Watching Domes offer panoramic skylight views.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-metis-crossing-canada-WTG24-cdcc221f382f4b8dacc1f5b195a87351.jpg)
1.6. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia: Exploring Native American History
Answer: Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Georgia is poised to become a national park in 2024, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient Native American mounds and learn about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Ocmulgee in central Georgia could become the state’s first national park in 2024. The park features large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by Native American peoples. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes in Macon, the gateway to the park. Street signs are being replaced with Muscogee and English. The town’s annual Indigenous film festival takes place in September.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-ocmulgee-mounds-georgia-brag-WTG24-6b83887014bd4f44bec2d686576400a3.jpg)
1.7. Rajasthan, India: A Cultural Wonderland
Answer: Rajasthan, India, with its iconic hotels and cultural attractions, offers new hotels in Jaipur, like Villa Palladio and The Johri, along with the Anantara Jaipur Hotel, making it an exciting destination for families interested in Indian culture.
Rajasthan offers iconic hotels and cultural attractions, with new hotels in Jaipur. Villa Palladio is a nine-room hotel created by the team behind Bar Palladio. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a cocktail bar and vegetarian restaurant. The 150-room Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed for destination weddings, with event facilities for up to 2,500 guests. A new six-lane expressway connects Jaipur to New Delhi.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-rajasthan-india-WTG24-03635257352f4439976ae584587a8301.jpg)
1.8. Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal: Exploring a Forbidden Kingdom
Answer: Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal offers a luxurious and culturally rich experience in a once-forbidden kingdom, with opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and visiting local villages.
Nepal’s Mustang district, once forbidden to outsiders, is home to the 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang hotel. Guests can trek the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, spot wildlife, ride horseback, and visit local villages. The hotel uses local building materials and Indigenous construction methods. Nepal is also becoming more inclusive, with the Nepal Mountaineering Academy partnering to educate LGBTQ+ trekking guides.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-shinta-mani-mustang-nepal-WTG24-45286b29cf64408b9e06ee545abc207d.jpg)
1.9. Tallinn, Estonia: A Medieval City with Modern Art
Answer: Tallinn, Estonia, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant art scene, including the new PoCo Art Museum, offers a unique blend of history and culture for families to explore.
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, features a walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The PoCo Art Museum, opened in May, joins nearly 50 art institutions in the city. The Noblessner district is bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe. The new Nunne Boutique Hotel offers views over Old Town’s Towers Square.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-tallinn-estonia-brag-WTG24-c17e3720ecbd4f91b0878ff036c870dc.jpg)
1.10. Warsaw, Poland: Art and Architecture
Answer: Warsaw, Poland, is set to become a hub for contemporary art with the opening of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners, enhancing the city’s cultural appeal.
Warsaw’s contemporary art scene will get a boost in 2024 when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw moves into its headquarters. The museum will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the Palace of Culture and Science. The museum, along with a new TR Warszaw Theater, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-warsaw-poland-culture-WTG24-40e27ba4bf0c4380819cc5a841d7b88e.jpg)
2. Culinary and Beverage Destinations
For families who consider themselves foodies, these destinations offer unique experiences with local flavors, wine, and culinary traditions.
2.1. The Austrian Countryside: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Answer: The Austrian countryside, particularly Styria and Burgenland, offers a fairy-tale quality with rolling hills, hiking trails, and a burgeoning natural wine scene, making it a perfect destination for families looking to explore vineyards and enjoy local wines.
South of Vienna, Styria features rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a rich history of winemaking and a burgeoning natural wine scene. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, a meticulously restored 15th-century castle, opens on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-burgenlandaustria-fd-WTG24-f0822979f501489fb63247fc2e3edf15.jpg)
2.2. Mérida, Mexico: Yucatán’s Culinary Capital
Answer: Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, offers a rich culinary scene with Maya ruins, cenotes, and restored haciendas, making it an ideal destination for families looking to explore Mexican cuisine and culture.
Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is known for its Maya ruins, cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food. The city has a growing acclaim among international visitors, especially LGBTQ+ travelers. New hotels are carved out of stately mansions, and there are plenty of food tours. Plans for a new “Yucatán Central Park” with a food market and amphitheater are underway, and the Maya Train should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-merida-mexico-fd-WTG24-34f1151f1c7d475194a84f12bf240543.jpg)
2.3. Sonoma County, California: A Food and Wine Haven
Answer: Sonoma County, California, offers a variety of experiences, from wine tasting in its 19 AVAs to exploring its coastline and enjoying the culinary scene in towns like Guerneville, making it a top destination for food and wine enthusiasts.
Sonoma might offer twice as much to do as Napa. With the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs. There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated. Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville, known for its LGBTQ+ scene. Changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are shaped by the area’s most famous chefs, with new restaurants and hotels planned.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-dawn-ranch-sonoma-county-california-fd-WTG24-a8c7138d9f7146c2ab15fabcdb48a1e3.jpg)
3. Big-City Thrills Destinations
For families that thrive in bustling environments, these cities offer a mix of culture, entertainment, and unique urban experiences.
3.1. Bangkok: A Megacity Reimagined
Answer: Bangkok is a classic Asian megacity that balances its frenetic energy with new mega-projects, wellness initiatives, and cultural landmarks, making it a dynamic destination for families seeking big-city thrills.
Bangkok is a classic Asian megacity with new megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, slated to open in 2024. King Rama IX Memorial Park will honor the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Lumpini Park is getting a massive refresh with a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club. Virtuoso recently named Thailand as one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide. The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, slated for 2024, will feature spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a wellness sanctuary.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-bangkok-thailand-city-WTG24-53ed6ca8853243b2aa9b31e9f316475c.jpg)
3.2. Cleveland: A City on the Rise
Answer: Cleveland is set to shine with national and international events, cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels, making it an exciting destination for families looking for a mix of culture and entertainment.
Cleveland is set to shine, thanks to national and international events, cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. The NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the city in April 2024, and a total solar eclipse will sweep over the city on April 8, 2024. The Pan-American Masters Games will crisscross the city July 12-21. In November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will return home. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its expansion, and Karamu House will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-cleveland-ohio-city-WTG24-21640941836344f5b652e2836a183783.jpg)
3.3. Fort Worth, Texas: The Heart of Cowtown
Answer: Fort Worth, Texas, offers classic Western experiences, luxury hotels, and cultural attractions like The National Cowgirl Museum, making it a unique destination for families seeking a taste of the Old West.
Fort Worth is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. Luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth, opened in November, and Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, is slated to open in December 2023. The National Cowgirl Museum will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-fort-worth-texas-WTG24-d816203b44054efc97b7b212ee1f5623.jpg)
3.4. Istanbul: Where East Meets West
Answer: Istanbul is experiencing a resurgence with the Galataport, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and luxurious hotels like the Peninsula Hotel, offering families a blend of modern attractions and historical landmarks.
Istanbul is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks to the Galataport and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. The 177-room Peninsula Hotel features a pool facing the Hagia Sophia, a subterranean spa, and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from chef Fatih Tutak. The lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-istanbul-turkey-city-WTG24-56b985628ed84f34906b3cdb77f15c26.jpg)
3.5. Kansas City, Missouri: Sports, Jazz, and BBQ
Answer: Kansas City is staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment, with new developments like the Kansas City Current stadium and the Rock Island Bridge, making it a vibrant destination for families.
KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment. In March, the Kansas City Current will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC, the Berkley Beer Garden, and an extension of the free KC Streetcar. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-kansas-city-missouri-city-WTG24-a14e85b063a84fbfa790dc843f49abb5.jpg)
3.6. Las Vegas: Entertainment Capital
Answer: Las Vegas continues to grow with new residencies, the Sphere, Formula 1, Super Bowl LVIII, and the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, solidifying its status as a top destination for families seeking big-city thrills and entertainment.
Las Vegas turns it up another notch with blockbuster residencies, the Sphere, Formula 1, and Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024. The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and buzzy restaurants.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-las-vegas-nevada-city-WTG24-6d940285cc5f4bbd925945823b8abba9.jpg)
3.7. Louisville, Kentucky: Celebrating History and Culture
Answer: Louisville, Kentucky, with the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby, new hotels, and cultural events, offers families a unique blend of history, culture, and Southern charm.
The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, and the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock will debut. Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, will open in downtown Louisville, and “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-louisville-kentucky-hotel-genevieve-city-WTG24-3820c6da1109460494c6d53b41a6b57a.jpg)
3.8. Montreal: A European Vibe in North America
Answer: Montreal offers a European vibe with forward-thinking infrastructure, green spaces, and new hotels, making it a visitor-friendly spot for families seeking big-city experiences.
Montreal is newly relevant with forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system. The Grand Quay has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower. The city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, is still going strong.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-montreal-canada-city-WTG24-0f504a3e954646fb98fbca869881cab8.jpg)
3.9. Paris: The City of Lights
Answer: Paris, hosting the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, will welcome visitors with new hotels, restaurants, and cultural events, making it a must-visit destination for families seeking a vibrant and exciting experience.
Paris will host 329 distinct sporting events next summer, and the whole city will be on display. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects: the Grand Mazarin, in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-paris-france-city-WTG24-c44e08cf85074b9ea81c5ed34caac86c.jpg)
4. Moments on the Water Destinations
These destinations offer unique aquatic experiences, from cruises to coastal adventures, perfect for families who love the water.
4.1. Coastal Alaska: Cruising Through the Inside Passage
Answer: Coastal Alaska is experiencing a cruising boom, with new ports and ships, making it an ideal destination for families looking to explore the Inside Passage.
Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska’s Inside Passage is leading the charge. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season. Skagway is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-coastal-alaska-aerial-WTG24-91874d7e99614c05addf2c278ed291b7.jpg)
4.2. Coastal Norway: Architectural Marvels and Natural Beauty
Answer: Coastal Norway offers cutting-edge design and architectural marvels, such as the Oslo Opera House and the new Kunstsilo, combined with natural beauty, making it a unique destination for families seeking both culture and nature.
Norway has lately doubled down on building big. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse. In Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo is another repurposed wonder. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-coastal-norway-iris-water-WTG24-bfd2a8a8cdaf4362a15ac90462b9346d.jpg)
4.3. Douro River, Portugal: Wine and River Cruises
Answer: The Douro River in Portugal offers wine tourism with yacht charters, river cruises, and Michelin-approved restaurants, making it an ideal destination for families looking to explore wine estates and enjoy culinary delights.
Wine tourism in Portugal is booming. Sheree M. Mitchell suggests a yacht charter or river cruises for exploring the Douro River, hitting quintas, or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos. Tauck unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Viking will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-douro-river-portugal-tauck-water-WTG24-a8875b017d9646c7a0d5b0a6b2c3eae1.jpg)
4.4. Faroe Islands: Remote Beauty and Accessibility
Answer: The Faroe Islands have become more accessible with direct flights from New York, offering activities like cold-water surfing, traditional knitting, and hiking to unique locations, making it an adventurous destination for families.
The Faroe Islands just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International to Vágar Airport. Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing, traditional knitting, and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-faroe-islands-torshavn-marina-WTG24-bc45baf006694c8687280000c3483a07.jpg)
4.5. Kimberley, Australia: Ancient Wonders and Cruise Adventures
Answer: Kimberley in northwest Australia offers ancient wonders, Aboriginal history, and thrilling expedition-style cruises, making it an adventurous destination for families interested in unique landscapes and cultural experiences.
Kimberley in northwest Australia is home to ancient wonders, dinosaur tracks, and Aboriginal history. Some of the world’s top cruise lines are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, and Seabourn’s newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit, will spend June, July, and August cruising the region.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-kimberley-australia-water-WTG24-be045ac09eb04a35aeea9c41c1663fec.jpg)
4.6. The Mississippi River: A Historic Waterway
Answer: The Mississippi River, with new ships and attractions, offers families a chance to explore American history and culture through river cruises and visits to vibrant riverfront cities.
New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways. American Queen Voyages will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024. The Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, and American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-mississippi-river-viking-mississippi-water-WTG24-3f192cb89d8c49f0a93d7c0999772131.jpg)
4.7. Queen Anne: Transatlantic Crossing
Answer: The Queen Anne ocean liner offers iconic transatlantic crossings and new Mediterranean voyages, featuring new restaurants and wellness facilities, making it a luxurious destination for families.
The new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May
