One of the biggest initial decisions to make regarding your vacations is where you want to go. Different vacations accommodate different budgets, vacation goals and personal preferences. If you Google where to go on a vacation, you’ll find a million results and may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused. As a travel advisor, one of the best parts of my job is helping my clients determine where they’d like to go next. I’m sharing my top five recommendations for your next vacation. Let’s go ahead and chat about just a few of the amazing options you may enjoy!
1. Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Theme Parks Vacation
A Walt Disney World trip is the perfect trip for so many different types of people. I’ve planned Disney honeymoons, girls trips, family celebrations of graduations, and trips for young children. While many people assume Disney trips are only for families with children, the theme parks and resorts have perfect options for everyone.
If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, I highly recommend visiting during EPCOT ® International Food & Wine Festival. Star-Wars fans are sure to love Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge® in Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park brings Pandora-The World of Avatar to life and the nostalgia of Magic Kingdom® Park simply can’t be beat. For thrill seekers and Potter heads, a trip to Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure is an absolute must do. With massive roller coasters like the Veloci-coaster and unique Harry Potter options like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, those looking for the ultimate thrill are in for a true treat!
For those who aren’t theme park afficionados, the Walt Disney World Resort collection has options to suit everyone’s fancy. From the luxury of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to the wonder of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, to the rustic appeal of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, there is truly something to suit any family. The theme park scene of Florida is a perfect getaway for almost anyone.
2. A Caribbean Cruise
The cruise scene has changed drastically in the past five to ten years. If you haven’t already set an embarkation date for a Caribbean Cruise, I highly recommend it. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line have introduced incredible new ships to their fleet that are perfect for families seeking adventure. Lines like Virgin Voyages have worked to re-invent the cruise space by offering innovative new options on their child-free cruise line.
Additionally, many cruise lines offer stays at cruise line specific ports. Disney Cruise Line offers stops at Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point. These two stops are exclusive for guests of Disney Cruise Line and offer unique excursion opportunities that are perfect for families. Royal Caribbean and their sister company- Celebrity invite guests to experience a Perfect Day at Coco Cay. This delightful private island paradise offers excitement seekers an opportunity to experience Thrill Island Waterpark. Risk takers can take the plunge off Daredevil’s Peak- the tallest waterslide in North America.
While many people view summer as the prime time to head out on a cruise, I often encourage people to take a break from winter weather and head out on a Caribbean adventure around the holidays, or near the beginning of the year. This can also be a wonderful holiday option as it means no cooking or cleaning along with pre-planned activities for the whole group to enjoy.
3. An Alaskan Cruise
If you’re looking for a unique adventure, an Alaskan cruise just might be it. A cruise is a wonderful way to see Alaska due to the vantage point it provides. While there are certain similarities, it’s truly a completely different adventure than a Caribbean cruise due to the sights, sounds and weather you’ll experience. This is a trip that I highly suggest planning at least a year in advance as it can be quite pricey.
While an Alaskan cruise carries quite the price tag, the excursions also carry a price tag of their own. Giving yourself time to save, research and prioritize is truly essential to make this adventure exactly what you’re dreaming of. Popular excursions like mushing with sled-dogs and glacier viewing tend to fill up quickly, so being able to book the moment excursions become available is a huge plus. Stateroom selection is also incredibly important for Alaskan cruises, and I typically encourage clients to opt for a balcony. With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure you have a good room for the best sights, so this may be a great trip to start planning now to take in 2026.
4. All-Inclusive Adventure
All- Inclusive resorts have long been a fan favorite- and with good reason! One of the beauties of an all-inclusive is the ease in budgeting. Many couples find that they love Sandals and families thoroughly enjoy their experience at Beaches. As a travel advisor, I love helping my clients find the exact all-inclusive that meets their specific needs. With tons of delightful options, there’s a lovely tropical paradise for everyone!
5. A River Cruise
Love the idea of a cruise, but worried you’ll find yourself seasick? A River cruise just might be your perfect adventure. River cruises take place on much smaller vessels than traditional cruise ships and don’t have the waves that ocean liners contend with. Due to their smaller size, river cruise boats can often dock at ports that ocean liners can’t. Smaller ports offer cruisers a different experience than large ones and often the crowds aren’t quite as large. This offering also offers guests a luxurious experience onboard. With sumptuous multi-course meals, luxurious accommodations and opulent experiences I can say with certainty that you won’t be disappointed.
Choosing the right vacation destination can be challenging, especially when there is such a plethora of incredible options available. If you’re having a difficult time deciding, I always suggest making a list of your vacation goals and priorities and using that to help you narrow down your options. Working with a travel advisor like me can also be tremendously helpful as I am happy to help you process thoughts and ask questions so you can confidently make your destination decisions. Got a specific question about a destination or vacation? Send me an email or drop a comment below! I’d love to assist.
