United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is easily the most internationally connected destination on the list, with direct flights to many major cities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. However, it’s near the top of the group in expenses as well. Remote workers can apply for Dubai’s Virtual Working Programme, a one-year renewable residence permit requiring a minimum monthly income of $3,500, insurance, and proof of employment outside the UAE—no local sponsor needed.

Retirees over 55 have a dedicated five-year retirement visa, renewable, that requires either: property worth at least AED 1 million (about $272,000) and savings of the same amount, or an annual income of at least AED 180,000. For those seeking longer-term stability, the Golden Visa offers five- or ten-year residency with no sponsor requirement. There are categories for investors, entrepreneurs, students, scientists, doctors, and more. Crucially, the golden visa exempts holders from the 180-day rule that cancels most other UAE visas if you spend too long outside the country.

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Ireland

Ireland has the highest costs on the list—and also some of the highest taxes. Unlike every other destination here, Ireland levies a full income tax on residents, with rates reaching 40%. It earns its place on the list largely on the strength of its salaries and its appeal as an English-speaking EU member with easy access to the rest of Europe.

Americans who want to stay beyond 90 days can apply for Stamp 0, Ireland’s residency permission for people of independent means, which requires a minimum annual income of €50,000 per person—€100,000 for a couple—plus private health insurance and emergency savings. It does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, and there is no digital nomad visa. For those with Irish heritage, citizenship by descent through a parent or grandparent born in Ireland remains the more practical route.

They say that the journey is more important than the destination—but I’d argue that packing for said journey is the most important part of all. I’ve been a travel editor for nearly a decade, bopping between dozens of countries all the while, so I’d venture to say that I’m an expert on all things suitcase stuffing. I’ve tested backpack limits on budget airlines across Europe, survived my luggage getting lost on multiple continents, and even kept track of six checked bags (plus a couple carry-ons) on the way to my destination wedding late last year. Throughout all the trials and tribulations, I’ve come out stronger—now, I’m here to share all my tricks for packing right so you can move through any airport with ease.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or are about to embark on your first big trip, I guarantee there’s a tip on this list that might just change your life—or at least the way you travel. Read on for the golden rules of packing.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Our editors are packing Monos’s Expandable carry-on

Andrew Bui

Start packing sooner rather than later

Leaving it all until the night before might sound manageable, but you’re way more likely to forget important things when you’re working under a time crunch. Try to take your suitcase out of storage at least a day or two before you depart, and start filling it slowly and intentionally—before any pre-travel stress kicks in. I also like to start making piles of clothes and accessories I know I want to bring on my trip around a week before I take off, so I don’t accidentally wear or misplace anything ahead of time (no one wants to be doing laundry right before a big flight).

Finding Meaning in Craft

Why hands-on experiences turned out to be the secret to teenage travels

From my own travel experiences, I know that when you engage with craft in a meaningful way, the experience becomes reciprocal. It supports the people who sustain these traditions while giving visitors a deeper understanding of the culture, history, and community. And for our family, it offered something our teenagers needed: participation rather than observation. Instead of simply moving from monument to monument, they could sit beside artisans, carve blocks, dye with indigo, and appreciate the patience and skill required to create something by hand.

The trick was finding the right partners to make these experiences possible. We mapped our journey across Rajasthan between two anchor points: Jaipur, where the wedding would be held, and Udaipur, the shimmering city on the waters of Lake Pichola.

When we arrived in Jaipur, we began our trip right where Rajasthan’s textile story begins, just beyond the city limits. A half an hour outside Jaipur lies the village of Bagru, where almost every home doubles as a workspace for one step of the block printing process—washing, dyeing, carving, printing. For nearly five centuries, this small village along the Sanjaria River has been an epicenter of block printing in Rajasthan. We spent a morning meeting artisans on a guided village tour with Avinash Maurya, founder of Wabisabi Project. We then settled into their breezy studio to try our hands at mud-resist block printing and indigo dyeing. My kids stamped, dyed, experimented, and ended the day with scarves of their own design.

This early outing actually turned out to be the favorite day of the trip for all of us. Watching my sports-leaning sons fully surrender to creative play reminded me how much curiosity still lives on even as they get older, if we make room for it. There was also the added connection of spending an entire day interacting with the Bagru community—flying kites with kids off their roof, sharing cups of steaming chai, slowing down and allowing ourselves to move at the pace of the rural village.

In Jodhpur, a 5-hour car ride away from Jaipur, painter Vijay Raj and his son guided us through the intricate world of Rajasthani miniature painting at Umaid Heritage Art School, a welcoming storefront in the old city. Miniature painting, a centuries old court tradition known for its jewel-toned pigments, delicate, nearly minuscule brushwork, and scenes from royal life and Hindu mythology, requires extraordinary precision. Our teachers were endlessly patient—even when our son Vijay veered into manga sketches instead of tradition—and what began as a short lesson stretched into hours.

Air travel has never been more accessible, yet the experience of moving through airports often feels more strained than it used to. Passenger numbers continue to climb, terminals are busier than ever, and delays have become a familiar part of modern travel. At the same time, expectations around efficiency and ease have only sharpened, making friction harder to ignore.

This tension raises a simple question: Where does stress in air travel actually come from? A recent global analysis by iSelect suggests the stress experienced is shaped less by isolated disruptions and more by the everyday realities of airport operations—capacity, accessibility, and how systems perform under sustained pressure. Taken together, the findings provide a clear picture of where that strain is most consistently felt by passengers. Below, the 10 most stressful airports in the world in 2026, ranked.

Overlooking the Schiphol International airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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10. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands

Amsterdam‘s Schiphol Airport ranks 10th, reflecting recent operational pressures rather than long-standing dysfunction. Staffing shortages and capacity limits have affected processing times, particularly at security and passport control. While the airport retains a reputation for efficiency, sustained passenger growth has tested its ability to maintain smooth passenger transit.

The end of the year brings a lot of anticipation—holiday parties, gift-giving, scrambling to finish a to-do list before some hard-earned PTO. Potentially one of the most exciting things about this season is the daydreaming about how you’re going to fill those precious vacation days, and our team is no different.

In 2026, we’re looking forward to journeys near and far to celebrate loved ones and revisit places of trips past. The map is widespread: Bolivia, Utah, Scotland, France, Yellowstone, a superyacht cruise, and so much more. One big pattern that seems to be woven throughout most of our plans is the people we’re spending it with or traveling to see. Weddings, birthdays, family road trips, beach nights with friends, mother-son glamping—it’s clear we’re all craving quality time with the people who brighten up our lives.

If you’re looking for inspiration to build your own 2026 adventure, this is a fantastic place to start. Here’s to a year of sights, eats, new and old friends, and more than a few laughs.

Scotland’s Sutherland region

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An exploration of Scotland’s northern reaches

Each time I return to Scotland, I’m reminded of how much I’m drawn to its vast, broody landscapes and lilting pace of life. This year, my husband and I enjoyed a long weekend in Cairngorms National Park—prime Scottish wild lands with a tapestry of habitats and ecosystems primed for hours of climbing, fishing, and swimming. I stayed at Killiehuntly, a Scottish farmhouse with a Scandi personality that is a family favorite. There, we warmed our bones in a wild sauna yurt, fished in nearby lochs, and took our afternoon tea on sheepskin rugs in a glass greenhouse. This year, I hope to explore the Sutherland region up north, which promises drama in its rising peaks and crashing waves. I can’t wait to fill the days up with hiking and fishing, peaceful walks through storybook villages, and stops at every distillery. I am also conjuring up many hours of doing absolutely nothing by a cast iron fireplace, tattie scone in one hand, whisky Mac in the other. —Arati Menon, Global Digital Director

The world’s most influential travelers share their must-packs.

You may know award-winning actor Justin Theroux through his eclectic range of films and cult-favorite television roles—Mulholland Drive, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, The Leftovers. Or maybe you’ve followed his global travels via social media with his pitbull, Kuma, who accompanies him everywhere, from film sets to far-flung escapes. Now, 11 months into a year that’s taken him all over, Theroux steps into the role of Global Explorer for Marriott International’s The Luxury Collection, starring as “The Curator” in a new series of short films that follow the actor as he enjoys breakfast, unwinds in a bubble bath, and generally shows off his love of hotels. “I’m a pretty good traveler,” says Theroux. “I make it a point to get at least out of the country once or twice, if I can, three times a year. Some of them are just convenient places [from New York City] like Mexico, but I really love Asia—and of course, Europe.”

Condé Nast Traveler spoke with Theroux about one particularly standout European work trip: Milan, to film The Devil Wears Prada 2, followed by a planned—and deeply enjoyable—stretch in Lake Como. It was a trip, he says, spent discovering new favorite local restaurants, celebrating both lavishly and like a local, and taking in la dolce vita between shooting days. “Travel sometimes gets more and more homogeneous as time goes on,” says Theroux. “So you have to work a little bit harder for more unique travel experiences. And they always pay off.” Below, Theroux unpacks his trip for us.

The trip

What trip are you unpacking for us?

A lot of my trips have been work-related—so it’s always that duality of a location, rather than a vacation. I always try to sneak in a vacation while I’m there, though. The last one I went on was Milan and Lake Como to shoot Devil Wears Prada 2, which we also filmed a bit in New York. I was traveling with the cast, as well as my wife.

Why was this trip special?

It was one of those business trips where work felt more incidental. I was also able to explore with my wife on downtime, and to spend time with my brother’s girlfriend, who is Milanese. I love Italy—I think everyone does—but this was my first time exploring Milan with a local.

I spent the last seven days of 2023 in Antigua with my parents, my siblings, some extended family, and my son, Leo, who was 10 months old at the time. It was my first trip after becoming a mom, which made having the whole family in one place even more exciting. Instead of staying at a resort, we rented this huge three-story house with a view of the mountains. We brought in a local chef who cooked Antiguan food like plantains and saltfish for breakfast; massage therapists for treatments on our big outdoor balcony; and instructors who led yoga sessions by the pool. My little sister Lawrencia is big on traveling and planning, so she made the schedule. We sailed on a private catamaran to a secluded area of the island, where a chef cooked fish and veggies on a makeshift grill. After lunch we went swimming. The coral reefs were so orange, yellow, and blue. We even swam with stingrays. We went in the water almost every day, even Leo. He was so little that we all kept passing him around from person to person. Being with my family and having my son there, I thought, was very representative of what my life was now going to be like. I remember a moment when I was breastfeeding Leo and just feeling really supported by everyone around me. I had been working so much that past year. Then things started to slow down because of the baby. Having Leo allowed me to make choices for my peace and calm that I didn’t always make for myself, like taking this vacation. Actually, that’s the thing I remember most about Antigua: a sense of calmness. I’ve been to other islands in the Caribbean that can feel very different, very live and in-your-face. I mean, Antigua has some of that too: Toward the end of the trip, my parents babysat Leo while my siblings and I had a little nightclub moment. But overall Antigua felt very calm to me. Maybe that’s just how I felt. Because I got to be with the people I love.

Keke Palmer stars in the film Good Fortune, in theaters October 17. This article appeared in the November 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

I’ve been a travel editor for nearly a decade—and a travel enthusiast for far longer than that—so at this point, I feel quite comfortable calling myself a packing expert. I’ve checked bags on budget airlines and first-class flights, tested duffel bags and backpacks in every shape and size, and rolled carry-ons across more countries than I can count on my fingers and toes. The result? A breadth of packing knowledge that you can really only gain by learning from your mistakes and coming out stronger with every new adventure (…and airport misadventure).

If you’re on a mission to stay a little more organized on your next trip, you’ve come to the right place, because I’m sharing my 15 golden rules of packing that I think every traveler should follow. Read on for my go-to tips and tricks to keep in mind as you gear up for your next journey.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s third annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Our editors are packing Monos’s Expandable carry-on

Andrew Bui

Start packing sooner rather than later

Leaving it all until the night before might sound manageable, but you’re way more likely to forget important things when you’re working under a time crunch. Try to take your suitcase out of storage at least a day or two before you depart, and start filling it slowly and intentionally—before any pre-travel stress kicks in. I also like to start making piles of clothes and accessories I know I want to bring on my trip around a week before I take off, so I don’t accidentally wear or misplace anything ahead of time (no one wants to be doing laundry right before a big flight).

Make a “morning of” list and check it twice

Keep a handy list (mine is in my iPhone notes app) of everyday essentials that you always need to wait until the last minute to pack, like your toothbrush, phone charger, emotional support water bottle, and hairbrush. It’s a game-changer when you’re rushing to get out of the house before a trip—scan through it quickly to make sure you’re not leaving without any must-haves.

Invest in travel-ready pouches

Speaking of essentials, it can be helpful to curate grab-and-go bags that you only use for travel. For example, a makeup bag full of essential toiletries, or a pouch full of plane necessities (an eye mask, sleeping pills, hand sanitizer, etc.). If you avoid opening them when you’re at home—and make sure to refill them when things get low—they’ll always be ready for your next adventure.

Know that packing cubes are your best friends

No, really, our entire office is obsessed with them, and for good reason. They may not look like much, but a good set of compressive packing cubes can help you a) fit more in your suitcase, b) stay organized while traveling, and c) section out specific outfits to make your mornings simpler when you’re on the go. I always make sure to pack at least two large packing cubes and use one to separate my dirty clothes from my clean clothes. When I get home, I dump the entire thing straight in the washing machine!

Know that AirTags are your second-best friends

If you assume that your checked bag is going to make it to your final destination, you’re doing it all wrong. Airlines lose baggage more often than you’d think, so it’s best to play it safe by putting an AirTag—or similar tracking device—in every suitcase you fly with. Even if your bag gets misplaced, you have a much better chance of getting it back safe and sound when you can pinpoint its exact location.

If you don’t wear it at home, don’t assume you’ll wear it on vacation

When you’re out of your element, reliable favorites are the first thing you’re going to grab when you’re getting dressed in the morning. That said, don’t pack that cute-but-teeny dress that you’ve been too nervous to wear, or the chic loafers that have sat in your closet because they gave you bad blisters the first time you wore them. Chances are, they’re just going to take up valuable space in your suitcase.

Weigh your bag with time to spare

If your suitcase has ever been slapped with the “overweight” label at the airport—and you subsequently had to pay a hefty fee or rearrange things in front of a million people—chances are you’ve already invested in a luggage scale. If you haven’t, let this be your sign. Once you have one, plan to use it to weigh your checked baggage well before you leave for the airport. You don’t want to be scrambling to hit the under-50-pound mark while the clock is ticking.

If it can spill, keep it contained

There’s nothing more devastating than opening your travel bag and realizing your expensive shampoo leaked all over your precious personal belongings. Stop spills in their tracks by placing liquids in leakproof containers—even a Ziploc bag will do the trick in a pinch! And if you’re traveling with important documents, make sure they’re sealed up tight somewhere, just in case any substances make their way into your bag.

Assume your bag will go through the wringer

Sorry to tell you, but the baggage handlers at the airport don’t care how much you spent on your swanky luggage set. You never know where your suitcase is going to end up or how much it’s going to get thrown around after you leave it at the check-in desk, so you’re going to want to pack accordingly. Use bubble wrap and extra clothes to give breakables a buffer, and try to keep them contained just in case they do break, so you don’t have sharp pieces floating around.

Keep essentials close to your chest

If there are any items you don’t want to part with at any point during your travel journey—medications, passports, cash, priceless jewelry—put it in a crossbody bag and wear it across your chest. Even your carry-on has to go in the overhead bin eventually, but a slim sling can stay on even while you sleep.

Keep multiples to a minimum

Are you really going to wear three pairs of white sneakers or eight gold necklaces on your trip? Be mindful about packing multiples of the same type of item, and you can save so much space in your suitcase.

Plan full outfits ahead of time

Some people suggest packing in a color scheme, or with a certain bottoms-to-tops ratio, but I firmly believe that you should be planning all of your outfits head-to-toe before your trip, then laying them out and taking pictures of them for easy reference. It helps cut back on unnecessary clothing items, keeps you looking put-together, and makes getting ready in the mornings so much easier when you’re away. This is a hill I will die on!

Wear your bulkiest pieces on the plane

A puffy parka or clunky pair of boots can take up a solid chunk of suitcase space. Take back square footage by wearing your bulky items to the airport—I like to swap my boots for slippers and use my coat as a blanket as soon as I get on the plane.

Leave room for souvenirs

Let’s be honest—you’re always going to end up taking more home than you brought to a destination. So don’t pack so much that you don’t have space for souvenirs! If you travel with an expandable suitcase (which I highly recommend), a good tip is to save the expanding feature until you’re on your way home, so you know you’re working with a couple of extra inches of space.

Actually unpack as soon as you get home

This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to unpack their suitcases when they get back from a trip, leaving dirty laundry, food, and other perishables cramped together for days on end. Just unpack it ASAP. You’ll feel better than you did.

Across Europe’s most popular destinations this weekend, the weather forecast says cloudy with a chance of water guns.

Coordinated anti-tourism demonstrations, which recently have taken the form of crowds of locals spraying tourists with water pistols, are scheduled to happen on Sunday, June 15, in cities such as Barcelona, Ibiza, and Palma in Spain, as well as elsewhere in Europe, including Venice, Palermo, Lisbon, and other cities.

“Tourists have been warned of potential disruptions caused by activist groups preparing a large-scale protest for June 15th,” says Pablo Calvo, Spain Manager for travel operator Tours For You. “The demonstration, organized by the Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET), will focus on major Spanish destinations, such as the Canary Islands (Lanzarote and Tenerife) and the Balearic Islands (Barcelona and Mallorca).”

The protests are a continuation of a movement that first gained momentum in summer 2024 in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, as locals demanded action from politicians to limit mass tourism’s impact on housing, jobs, and daily life. Spain, and Barcelona in particular, remain ground zero for the movement. Here’s everything to know if you have an upcoming trip planned to one of the impacted destinations.

When and where are the protests?

In Barcelona, the protests are scheduled to start at noon on June 15 at the city’s Jardinets de Gràcia.

Additional cities in Spain that are planning to participate include Donostia-San Sebastian, where demonstrations will begin at 12 p.m. at the clock at La Concha beach; Granada, where protests will start at 11 a.m. at the Mirador de San Nicolas; Palma, where demonstrations are scheduled for 6 p.m. at Placa d’Espanya; and Ibiza, where protests will start at 6 p.m. at Portal de Ses Taules and follow the Plaça de la Constitució, ending in the Plaza de sa Graduada at 9 p.m., according to local news site Periodico de Ibiza.

Protests are also expected to take place on June 15 in major cities throughout Europe, including Venice and Lisbon. Specific plans have not yet been released to the public, but parks, public squares, or popular tourist sites are likely gathering places.

What are the protests about?

The protests aim to highlight the “growing concern over the uncontrolled growth of tourism and its negative effects on local communities,” Calvo says, including rising housing costs, overcrowding, and the treatment of the industry’s hospitality workers.

Lluís Diago, a worker at Barcelona’s famous Park Güell, said in a statement many of the jobs in the city’s tourism sector are “plagued by subcontracting and undignified and unsafe working conditions.”

Improving working conditions and the housing market is a core focus of the coordinated demonstrations on June 15. The protests are fighting against “injustice from the economic model [tourism] sets,” said a spokesperson from the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourist De-Growth. In Barcelona, locals are pushing the city’s politicians to reform policies like stopping a proposed expansion to Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, tightening restrictions on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals, and placing limits on cruise ship arrivals.

Should travelers be concerned?

The message of the demonstrations may be geared toward politicians, but tourists could still be caught in the watery crossfire. “We don’t think there will be aggressive behaviors against tourists, so no fear for travelers,” says Bruno Gomes, who works for We Hate Tourism tours in Lisbon, which aims to help visitors experience the city in a deeper way beyond its biggest tourist attractions.

You don’t have to go far to find family fun in a tropical setting—in fact, you don’t even need to leave the country. Florida boasts beaches, idyllic towns, historic charm, and plenty of activities to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages. In towns like Delray Beach or Naples, kids can romp on the shoreline and hunt for seashells while parents kickback and unplug, and everyone can appreciate the abundance of great seafood. Or, opt for a bustling metropolis like Miami that allows you to switch it up between beach lounging and cultural exploration. Pro-tip: while summer brings the heat, it also means fewer crowds at beaches and restaurants.

Many of these towns also provide educational opportunities, whether its witnessing turtles laying eggs on the beach or a winding through 17th-century fort. There’s plenty to discover in Florida—read on for seven family-friendly destinations in the Sunshine State.

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is made up of three charming cities—Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach—each offering great dining, shopping, and laid-back coastal vibes. Families will love sunrise at Bridge Street Pier, meandering through mangroves on the Coquina Baywalk, or just relaxing on the beach. Bali Hai Beach Resort is ideal for longer stays with full kitchens in some suites and a spa for parents. In Holmes Beach, the boutique Anna Maria Beach Resort has just 31 rooms, golf cart rentals, and poolside cabanas. Traveling with a pup? Waterline Villas and Marina invites them to join with condo-style lodging with bay views and easy beach access. Dining is a highlight: The Ugly Grouper serves up fresh seafood in a casual, alfresco setting, while Salt Bar presents a more artistic spin on coastal fare that still welcomes kids. Don’t miss a morning stop at The Donut Experiment for sweet treats.

Palm Beach

Known for its glitz, it’s hard not to fall in love with Palm Beach’s palm tree-lined streets and historic architecture found at places like the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Even the glamorous Breakers hotel invites kids to have fun in the family entertainment center with an arcade and playground. Everyone can partake in the resort’s amenities which include an oceanfront pool and golf course. If you prefer to stay in walking distance of restaurants and shopping, hop over the bridge where the Ben‘s rooftop pool gives guests stunning views of the bay and Palm Beach. Nearby, Ann Norton Sculpture Garden’s lush landscape invites kids to wander. Restaurants like Lynora’s Kitchen, known for pizza, and Hive Bakery & Cafe with scrumptious breakfast and pastries, can feed the crew.

Delray Beach

In Delray Beach, an artsy town between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, most of the action centers around Atlantic Avenue making it easy for families to get around. The stretch boasts restaurant like Elisabetta’s, a lively joint known for house-made pasta, and Deck 84, located on the intracoastal. Just off the main drag, Dada’s tree-filled outdoor seating sets a fun tone for all ages. Standout hotels in the area include The Seagate, with a serene pool and shuttle access to its private beach club, and Opal Grand Resort with a prime oceanfront location. While there’s plenty to enjoy on Atlantic Avenue, including boutiques and ice cream shops, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, a few minutes inland, intrigues kids and adults alike with its strolling paths and expansive gardens. A quick drive south in Boca Raton, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center houses a butterfly garden and animal exhibits.

Tallahassee

Found in the Panhandle, Tallahassee isn’t what most people imagine a Florida town to look like. Here, you’ll find a southern-meets-tropical vibe where oak trees draped in Spanish moss and magnolias mingle with sable palms. It’s also a college town and state capital so there’s plenty for family travelers to see and do, from outdoor fun to dining in quirky restaurants. Florida State University sits at the heart of the town and it’s worth taking a self-guided tour to see its iconic Westcott Fountain and Gothic buildings. Other interesting stops include the Florida Capitol, the 24-acre Cascades Park, and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park with its brick walkway and “secret” garden. About an hour away, St. Mark’s Lighthouse gives a glimpse of the coast and the St. Mark’s River. In between sightseeing, restaurants like Bada Bean (known for its pancakes) and Bella Bella (Italian) make great spots to refuel. Catch some zzz’s at Hotel Duval and Aloft (which has a pool), both locate downtown.

Miami

Visiting Miami with kids is a totally different way to experience the metropolis known as an adult playground, but no less awesome. For a beach stay in the heart of the action, the Loews Miami Beach has a kids club with daily activities and supervised care (even at night). Further north, the Four Seasons at the Surf Club in Surfside allows families to enjoy a quiet, charming beach town just a quick drive from the commotion of Miami. It also has a kids club and a can’t-miss coconut cracking demonstration on the lawn. It’s tempting to lounge on the beach all day, but Miami beckons. Kayakers enjoy paddling through the mangroves in Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, where dolphins sometime join in on the fun, while the vibrant Wynwood Walls and Frost Museum of Science provide a cultural and educational fix near downtown Miami. The historic Venetian Pool in Coral Gables lets kids cool off in a unique way thanks to pools fed by spring water. Miami’s exciting culinary scene welcomes kids to join in on the fun, whether its swanky mainstays like Macchialina or casual favorites like Blue Collar, known for its elevated comfort food. There are plenty of treat options, too, like pastries from Zak the Baker and Cuban-inspired scoops from Azucar Ice Cream in Little Havana.

Naples

Beloved for its high-end yet laidback vibe, Naples sits on the Gulf coast in southwest Florida. The heart of Naples, 5th Avenue South, is lovely for a stroll with boutiques and chic restaurants, but families are often happier staying at one of the beach resorts where there’s ample room to spread out. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, which reopened in July 2023 after a major renovation, appeals to families with its spacious rooms and ideal beach location. Beyond updated guest rooms, there’s kid-centered educational programming, a sparkling pool—and the poolside cabanas are pretty sweet. Of the dining options at the resort, Sofra stands out with its open-air setting and Mediterranean dishes. Gumbo Limbo, with its beach-front views, also sets a relaxed tone. Off property, Grouper & Chips is a no frills restaurant that excels at all things fried, while Coconut Jacks, a few minutes away in Bonita Springs, serves seafood dishes with serene estuary views. If a boutique hotel option is preferred, head to the recently opened Perry Hotel in north Naples by the Cocohatchee River. It has two pools (one just for adults) and a boat shuttle to the beach. While in town, the 170-acre Naples Botanical Garden is not to be missed with its tropical plants and a nature preserve to explore.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Although Ponte Vedra Beach is best known as the home of TPC Sawgrass (which hosts the Players Championship), you don’t have to be a family of golfers to appreciate the north Florida town. That said, golf fans may want to stay at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa which offers access to several golf courses, including the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course and Dye’s Valley Course. The hotel itself has four pools to splash in and a shuttle to the beach. If you want to stay on the beach, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s historic property makes a great backdrop for fun in the sun. Not far from either hotel, Palm Valley Fish camp serves up southern favorites and seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. About an hour south, St. Augustine can turn anyone into a history buff with places like Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress. While you’re in town, you may as well stop at the Hyppo for a bougie popsicle. On the drive back, consider stopping at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve for a stroll on the boardwalk for a glimpse of a Florida swamp.