🌎 Where Families Should Travel in 2025
Where will your family’s next adventure take you in 2025?
I guess the first question is- are you raising future history buffs? Or animal lovers? Are your kids happiest on sandy beaches or wrapped up in fluffy robes at a 5 star hotel? This year is packed with amazing destinations calling for family made memories. Imagine hiking through Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs, spotting kangaroos in Australia, or strolling past the dazzling window displays on New York’s 5th Avenue during the holidays. Here at Clark and Cru we know every family has a different travel style — so we put together what we believe to be the top 8 places families should travel to in 2025, perfectly suited for every type of traveler.
Adventure awaits… let’s get planning!
The History Enthusiast Family | Washington D.C.
To my “we came, we saw, we read every plaque” crew - Washington D.C. should be at the top of your 2025 travel bucket list! 🇺🇸There's no better place to bring the stories of the past to life than in our nation’s capital, where every corner of the city feels like a chapter pulled from a history book. Imagine your kids standing in awe where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic I Have a Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial 🏛️, staring at the steps of the U.S. Capitol where countless presidents were sworn in for duty, or walking through the historic hallways of the White House, where presidents have made decisions that shaped the course of our nation. The best part— D.C. makes history fun and interactive for little ones—they will be marveling at moon rocks in the Smithsonian, uncovering spy secrets 🕵️♂️ at the Spy Museum, or standing face-to-face with the Declaration of Independence 📜 at the National Archives (cue all National Treasure quotes!). And the best part? Most of it is completely FREE! So pack those comfy shoes 👟 and a curious mind—because this is the year to walk through history together in a city that brings it to life like no other!
Other Great Locations: Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia | Rome, Italy | Athens, Greece
The Tree Hugging Family | Costa Rica
If your family calls themselves the sustainability squad, then let me tell you—Costa Rica is calling your name in 2025! 🌿 This little slice of paradise is Mother Nature’s playground and is one of the most sustainable destinations in the world. Picture your kiddos ziplining through lush rainforests, spotting sloths snoozing in the trees 🦥, and learning about wildlife conservation efforts firsthand at one of the many rescue centers. With over 25% of the country protected as national parks and reserves, Costa Rica is proof that you can explore the world while giving back to it. Plus, locals live by the mantra "Pura Vida" (pure life), which is all about the simple life and slowing down, connecting with nature, and living mindfully 🌊—a message we could all use a little more of these days. So grab your reusable water bottles ♻️, pack your biodegradable sunscreen, and get ready to make unforgettable memories while leaving only footprints on the trails!
Other Great Locations: Yellowstone National Park | Iceland | Norway
The Animal Loving Family | Australia
If your family’s love language is animals, animals, and more animals—then Australia is the trip of your dreams in 2025! Australia Tourism 🐨 Where else can you cuddle a koala, spot kangaroos hopping around in the wild 🦘, or snorkel with sea turtles in the Great Barrier Reef?! 🤿 (Keep your eye out for Nemo!) Beyond the big-name creatures, Australia is packed with unique wildlife you won’t find anywhere else—like quokkas (the world’s happiest animal! 🐻), wombats 🐾, and even platypuses. Whether your kids want to feed pelicans on the beach, visit sanctuaries that rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, or catch a glimpse of whales migrating along the coast 🐋, Australia offers endless chances to connect with nature and its furry (or scaly) residents. So grab your binoculars, pack those safari hats, and get ready for a wild adventure that will have your whole family talking about “that time we met a kangaroo” for years to come!
Other Great Locations: South Africa | San Diego, California | The Galapagos
The Beach Bummin’ Family | Florida
Calling all beach bums! If your family’s happiest memories involve sandy toes, salty hair, and chasing waves—then Florida is calling your name in 2025! 🏖️ From the sugar-white sands of the Gulf Coast to the surf-friendly waves on the Atlantic 🏄, Florida is a beach lover’s paradise with endless stretches of coastline to explore. Build epic sandcastles on Siesta Key, hunt for shark teeth at Venice Beach, or catch the most breathtaking sunsets in Key West. And let’s not forget about the warm weather all year long—no bundling up necessary! Whether your family’s idea of beach bliss is snorkeling with tropical fish 🐠, boogie boarding through the surf, or simply relaxing under a palm tree with a fruity drink in hand (parents, I see you! 🍹), Florida’s beaches have something for everyone. ☀️ Pack those flip-flops and sunscreen—paradise awaits!
Other Great Locations: Hawaii | Turks & Caicos | Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outdoor Adventurer Family | Yosemite National Park
Attention all nature-loving families! If your crew thrives on fresh mountain air, epic hikes, and jaw-dropping scenery, then Yosemite National Park is your ultimate playground in 2025! 🌲 Picture this: admiring the gorgeous waterfall along the Bridalveil Fall Trail, marveling at the sheer majesty of El Capitan ⛰️, or soaking in the peaceful beauty of Mirror Lake—it’s like stepping into a real-life postcard! Whether you’re conquering trails with your little adventurers, stargazing under a sky that feels endless ✨, or sharing a picnic surrounded by ancient sequoias, Yosemite is the perfect spot to unplug and reconnect as a family. Plus, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly hikes and wildlife sightings (hello, deer and bears 🐻!). Dust off those hiking boots, pack the trail mix, and get ready for memories that will last a lifetime—Yosemite is calling! 🏕️
Other Great Locations: Banff, Canada | Swiss Alps | Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
The Luxury Seeking Family | Aspen, Colorado
For families who love a little (or a lot of) luxury, Aspen, Colorado, is calling your name in 2025! ✨ Whether it’s sipping hot cocoa in a chic slopeside lodge, shopping in the charming downtown boutiques, 🛍️ or soaking in a private hot tub with mountain views 🏔️ that look straight out of a snow globe, ❄️ Aspen takes family vacations to the next level. The skiing? 🎿 Iconic. The food? Michelin-star worthy. The vibes? Pure elegance with a touch of laid-back mountain magic. Even if hitting the slopes isn’t your thing, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge and unwind—think spa days, scenic gondola rides, and cozy fireside evenings. 🔥 Pack your fluffiest sweaters, and get ready to live the luxe life!
Other Great Locations: The Maldives | Lake Como, Italy | St Barts
The Road Tripping Family | The Pacific Northwest
Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? 🚗 If your family craves breathtaking views, endless adventure, and a little magic along the way, then the Pacific Coast Highway is calling your name in 2025! 🌊 Start your journey in Big Sur, where the cliffs meet the ocean, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for family photos! 📸 Then head to Monterey—think Finding Dory vibes with sea otters and jellyfish at the famous aquarium 🐟! Next, cruise through San Francisco and don’t forget to snap a photo with the Golden Gate Bridge (and maybe belt out the Full House tune while you’re at it) 🎶! Finally, finish off your trip by venturing north to the towering redwoods, where the trees are so big, they’ll make you feel like you’re in a real-life fairy tale 🌲✨. From cool coastal breezes to unforgettable wildlife sightings, this road trip is filled with all the right ingredients for making family memories that will last a lifetime! 🚙
Other Great Drives: Pacific Northwest | Blue Ridge Parkway | Route 66
The Festive Holiday Family | New York City
Attention all festive families! ✨ If you want to experience holiday magic like never before, then New York City is your ultimate winter playground! 🏙️ Play Kevin McCallister for the day with a large cheese pizza for breakfast followed by an epic trip to one of New York’s iconic toy stores 🧸! Ice skate at Rockefeller Center ⛸️ and don’t forget to take a picture with the world-famous Christmas tree 🎄. Wander through Dyker Heights to see the most over-the-top holiday lights (seriously, it’s like Christmas threw up in the best way possible!✨). Then, grab your hot cocoa and cozy up as you check out 5th Avenue’s holiday windows, they’re practically works of art! You can even catch a Broadway show that’ll have your whole family singing along (just try not to belt out Let It Go while you’re there!) 🎭 Whether you’re twirling on the rink like Buddy the Elf or strolling through Central Park with twinkling lights overhead, NYC’s holiday magic is sure to make your season sparkle!
Other Great Locations: Lapland, Finland | Literally Any Town in Germany | Vienna, Austria
No matter where you travel to this year—don’t forget to bring along something that will make those memories last forever! ✨ Our kids’ travel journals and activity books are the perfect sidekick for every family adventure. With over 45+ pages of fun facts, creative prompts, coloring pages, and puzzles, each journal is packed with activities to keep your little explorers entertained and engaged. 🗺️ New destination journals are popping up regularly so your family’s adventures will always have a place to call home! 🌍 Grab yours at www.clarkandcru.com and let the travel fun begin!
Wherever your road leads you this year, I wish you a beautiful vacation full of many core memories that will last you and your children’s lifetimes!
Until next time- Bon Voyage!
Jenn
Creator of Clark & Cru
Teacher | Mother | Traveler