Some trips are for ticking boxes—but the ones that stay with you? They’re about connection. The kind that comes from belly laughs on long car rides, shared discoveries in unexpected places, and quiet moments when time feels like it slows down just for you. As I traveled with my family to these incredible destinations, I wasn’t just collecting passport stamps—I was collecting memories that live outside the frame. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to be fully present—with the people who matter most.”
Unique Family Vacations:
Adventuring in the Rockies at Sebastian - Vail
Vail had always sounded like a winter postcard, but being there brought it to life in a way I didn’t expect. Crisp alpine air, winding cobblestone streets, and mountains that seemed to cradle the whole town. At The Sebastian – Vail, everything felt both luxurious and deeply cozy—like the kind of place that knows how to pamper families just as much as it thrills adventurers. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that makes family time feel effortless.” From snow tubing to fireside cocoa, it struck the perfect balance of play and pause.
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids roast s’mores in the courtyard after a day on the slopes, and slipping into the heated outdoor pool under falling snow while the mountains glowed in the distance.
My highlights? The hearty breakfast at Leonora, the hotel’s stylish bistro. I had the almond croissant French toast with Vermont maple syrup and a side of crispy bacon. With the fire crackling nearby and the quiet hum of other guests, it felt like a slow and meaningful start to another big day in the mountains.
Vail At a Glance
- Drive Time from Denver: ~2 hours west
- Vibe: Upscale, alpine, family-friendly
- Highlights: Skiing, ice skating, heated pools, kids’ activities
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow fun, summer for mountain hiking and festivals
- Cost High-end lodging, ski rentals, dining
- Hours Resort amenities vary; mountain lifts open daily during ski season
- Address: 16 Vail Rd, Vail, CO 81657
City escape at JW Marriott Indianapolis
Indianapolis surprised me. I came for a weekend and found a city that’s both playful and polished—especially at the JW Marriott. Right in the heart of downtown, the hotel made it easy to explore with kids and still feel like we had a touch of luxury waiting for us at the end of the day. I remember thinking, “This is exactly what a city stay should feel like—exciting but effortless.” From museum visits to riverside walks, everything felt walkable and welcoming.
What I Loved Most: Ending the day with skyline views from our room while the city lit up, and watching the kids splash around in the indoor pool like it was their personal adventure zone.
My highlights? Dinner at OP Italian, the hotel’s cozy, modern trattoria. I had the handmade pappardelle with wild mushrooms and truffle cream, while the kids devoured wood-fired pizzas. The service was warm, and the mood? Just elevated enough to feel like a treat, without being too formal for a family meal.
Indianapolis At a Glance
- Drive Time from Chicago: ~3 hours southeast
- Vibe: Urban, accessible, fun for all ages
- Highlights: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, White River State Park, Indy Zoo
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for outdoor festivals and easy walks
- Cost Moderate to upscale lodging, attractions, meals
- Hours Most museums open 10am–5pm; hotel amenities vary
- Address: 10 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Family luxury in the Laurel Highlands at Nemacolin
Nemacolin felt like entering a world built just for families—but with a level of service that made it feel like a five-star retreat. Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, this resort blends play and polish better than anywhere I’ve been. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where kids are celebrated, not just tolerated.” There’s a sense of wonder everywhere—from safari tours to art collections—and we never ran out of ways to explore.
What I Loved Most: Taking a family off-road driving adventure and then winding down with a quiet walk through the sculpture garden, the kids pointing out their favorites like tiny curators.
My highlights? Lunch at The Tavern, a cozy spot inside the resort with rich wood interiors and pub-style comfort. I had the crab cake sandwich with house-made chips, and the kids ordered grilled cheese with fresh fruit. It was relaxed, easygoing, and just what we needed after a morning of zip-lining and petting zoo visits.
Nemacolin At a Glance
- Drive Time from Pittsburgh: ~1.5 hours southeast
- Vibe: Whimsical luxury, family-forward, activity-packed
- Highlights: Adventure Center, zoo, art tours, pools, spa, golf
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for outdoor fun, winter for snow sports and indoor play
- Cost High-end, all-inclusive experience
- Hours Resort open year-round; specific activities vary seasonally
- Address: 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
Nature meets nostalgia at Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
Lake Placid gave me that rare mix of childhood nostalgia and fresh-air freedom, and staying at the Golden Arrow only deepened that feeling. Right on the lake, the resort felt like a quiet invitation to slow down and reconnect. I remember thinking, “This is what summer used to feel like—before screens, before busy.” Mornings started with paddles on the water and ended with fireside stories, and the rhythm just felt right.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on the private beach while the kids played in the shallow water, mountains reflecting off the surface like a painting we’d wandered into.
My highlights? We grabbed brunch at Generations Tap & Grill, just steps from the resort. I ordered the Adirondack omelet with smoked ham, NY cheddar, and potatoes, paired with a strong local roast. The kids munched happily on fluffy pancakes with wild berry syrup. The windows opened to lake views, and it felt like a postcard morning you could taste.
Lake Placid At a Glance
- Drive Time from Albany: ~2.5 hours north
- Vibe: Rustic charm, lakeside ease, Olympic spirit
- Highlights: Lakefront fun, Olympic sites, mountain hikes
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for water fun, fall for foliage
- Cost Moderate lodging, gear rentals, family activities
- Hours Most attractions open 9am–5pm; lake access varies by season
- Address: 2559 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Beach bliss at Tamarijn Aruba
There was something about waking up to the ocean just steps from our room that instantly calmed my mind. Tamarijn Aruba made everything easy—beachfront rooms, all-inclusive meals, and activities designed for both kids and grown-ups to enjoy together. I remember thinking, “This is what vacation should feel like—no decisions, just joy.” From snorkeling in turquoise waters to watching flamingos stroll by, every moment felt like a warm breeze.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunset from our patio while the kids played in the sand below, the sky slowly shifting from coral to lavender.
My highlights? One night we dined beachside at Paparazzi Restaurant, Tamarijn’s Italian spot. I had the seafood risotto with perfectly tender calamari and shrimp, and the kids shared a margherita pizza fresh from the oven. With toes in the sand and ocean waves as our soundtrack, it felt more like a dream than dinner.
Aruba At a Glance
- Flight Time from Miami: ~3 hours direct
- Vibe: Laid-back, colorful, family-centered
- Highlights: All-inclusive fun, snorkeling, island tours, flamingos
- Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry season
- Cost All-inclusive resort pricing (meals, activities, lodging)
- Hours Resort activities run all day; beach access anytime
- Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 41, Oranjestad, Aruba
Wilderness wonder at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Arriving by seaplane felt like entering another world entirely—one where Wi-Fi fades and connection deepens. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, tucked into the heart of British Columbia’s temperate rainforest, offered the kind of unplugged family magic I hadn’t realized we were craving. I remember thinking, “This is wild, intentional, and beautiful—and somehow still kid-friendly.” From kayaking with seals to learning forest tracking skills, it was adventure with a soul.
What I Loved Most: Waking up to the soft sound of rain on our luxury canvas tent and stepping out to mist rising off the fjord while bald eagles circled overhead.
My highlights? One evening we dined at the resort’s main lodge, where I had wild salmon caught hours earlier, served with roasted heirloom vegetables and a foraged berry glaze. The kids were thrilled with their campfire mac & cheese and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Everything was seasonal, local, and full of heart.
Clayoquot Sound At a Glance
- Access: Seaplane or boat from Vancouver or Tofino
- Vibe: Remote luxury, eco-adventure, intimate
- Highlights: Glamping, kayaking, wildlife tours, forest hikes
- Best Time to Visit: June–September for best weather
- Cost High-end all-inclusive (meals, activities, lodging)
- Hours Seasonal operation: late May through September
- Address: Bedwell River Valley, Clayoquot Sound, BC, Canada