Family vacations are a great source for memories, but they’re also quite a challenge. The number one challenge being, of course, choosing a destination that pleases both the little ones and the grown-ups and ensuring that everyone finds something they enjoy: fun for the kids, and stress relief for the parents. At the editorial office, always following the invaluable advice of Atlas Voyages, a specialist agency in luxury travel, we decided to make a safe bet: theme parks and all-inclusive resorts. But not just any: Disney, Club Med, and Ikos — places with premium offers, combining pleasures and leisure, without requiring too much effort or organization. Plus, they’re located in highly appealing countries: France, Spain, Dubai, Greece, and Turkey. Still hesitating to take the plunge for your family vacation? Can’t decide? No problemo! Shoelifer and Atlas Voyages have made it easy for you. Here’s the list of the best 100% family trip destinations. Fasten your seatbelts!
A Family Trip to Disneyland Paris
Family vacations at Disney guarantee an unforgettable and magical stay. It’s also THE quintessential intergenerational destination (from 2 to 90 years old), still as successful as ever for 30 years, where both young and old find their favorite universes and heroes. Something for everyone! The plus side? Disney parks offer a plethora of attractions, activities, and shows. They have also significantly improved and upgraded their Deluxe deals, combining entertainment and comfort.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the perfect tourist resort for family vacations, and less than a 3-hour flight from Morocco. It therefore remains at the top of our list. Inaugurated in 1992, it is instantly recognizable thanks to its life-size (and iconic) Sleeping Beauty Castle. And don’t forget its daily parades (with Disney heroes) and breathtaking nighttime shows! Above all, it never stops evolving. The latest gem? The Walt Disney Studio Park (behind-the-scenes of film shoots) transformed into Disney Adventure World (inaugurated just a few days ago), where visitors can experience completely immersive adventures.
For accomodation, the editorial team and Atlas Voyages have three big favorites (out of seven existing establishments) specially adapted for family vacations. First is the Disneyland Hotel, renovated and reopened on January 5, 2024.
All suites are, of course, inspired by Disney animated films. Thus, the princely suite is dedicated to the universe of Beauty and the Beast, and the royal suite to Frozen. Its perks? The Castle Club, offering a stay in refined rooms or signature suites, with a view of Sleeping Beauty Castle and also the possibility of having breakfast with Disney princesses AND the benefit of a private elevator with direct access to Disneyland Park.
We also appreciate the Royal Kid Club, an immersive space in augmented reality for the youngest guests. And the Spa for adults: Crystal Pool & Disney Hotel Spa by Clarins. After all, at the end of a marathon day at Disney, relaxing a bit in a serene atmosphere is just what the doctor ordered!
Our second favorite: the Disney Newport Bay Club, inspired by the coastal villas of New England.
Located right next to Disney’s manmade lake, it offers picturesque and bucolic views. Staying at the Newport Bay Club is also an opportunity to take a breather, away from the frenzy of the amusement park (long walks along the lake, little pockets of nature, etc.). The warm and family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for a family vacation. We especially love the privileged access to the Disney park (with early entry hours) and the possibility of reserving FastPasses (to avoid long lines).
Finally, for fans of urban style and the Marvel universe, we are always happy to stay at the Disney Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel.
It’s a little piece of New York City — in the heart of the Parisian region. It’s also an ultra-design establishment offering a unique immersive experience: a collection of exclusive Marvel artwork, meetings with Marvel characters, film screenings, animations, and interactive activities. Not to mention a delicious cuisine inspired by the Marvel universe (Eat like Iron Man? Don’t mind if I do!)
Family vacation at PortAventura World Resort, in Spain
We now leave the magic of Disney (and Paris) to fly towards the Costa Dorada, in Spain, about 100 kilometers from Barcelona (2.5 hours from Casablanca). Ah, the “Golden Coast,” its Mediterranean beaches AND its emblematic theme park, namely PortAventura World Resort. Why do we love it? First, because this park offers several thematic universes: Mediterranean, Polynesian, Mexican, Wild West, and the Sesamo Aventura (inspired by Sesame Street).
With all this, you’re guaranteed never to get bored while also taking in lots of sights along the way. But it’s also thrilling: : the attractions are crazy, the shows are vibrant. In short, it’s ideal for sensational family vacations. On-site, we enthusiastically stay n at the PortAventura Hotel, with Mediterranean design, warm and comfortable.
It’s an establishment with many leisure facilities (outdoor pools, sports fields, children’s clubs), several bars and restaurants (international and local cuisine), as well as privileged access to the park.
For families wishing to prioritize a stay in Barcelona: go for the W Barcelona.
It’s a hotel favored by celebrities as it is a true haven of peace in the heart of this cosmopolitan metropolis. It offers panoramic sea views, spa and rooftop, and direct access to the beach (and its seaside restaurants, chiringuito in Spanish). Also, its nightlife is famous. To top it off, the architecture and design are by the illustrious Ricardo Bofill.
Family vacation in Dubai
Dubai is full of attractions and theme parks. It is a destination conducive to family vacations because the Emirate is partly designed to be a “paradise for children,” while being ultra-secure. Some useful information: there are direct 7-hour flights between Casablanca and Dubai.
Shoelifer and Atlas Voyages highly recommend Dubai Parks & Resort. It’s a mega-complex bringing together several theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park. Eclectic, exotic, thrilling, it has everything you need for successful family vacations.
For water sports enthusiasts, consider also stopping at Aquaventure Waterpark, located on Palm Jumeirah Island,one of the world’s largest and most popular water parks. With slides, rapids, private beaches, and more, everything is there for the delight of young and old alike.
The highlight? Swimming in the Ambassador Lagoon with over 65,000 marine species (including dolphins and sharks — all very friendly, so no need to panic!).
To stay in the aquatic theme (which is frankly almost necessary given the high temperatures in the Emirate), we recommend staying at Atlantis Royal Hotel.
It is a spectacular and futuristic establishment, with a luxury spa, underwater suites, and an aqua theater. All with restaurants run by world-renowned chefs and super festive evening shows. Our favorite: the Enfuego Dubai restaurant, a tribute to South America. Arriba!
Remember: : There are a thousand and one attractions for children in Dubai. Among them, IMG Worlds of Adventure, an indoor theme park dedicated to the Marvel, Cartoon Network, and Jurassic World universe (the largest of its kind in the world). Outside of theme parks, the illustrious Dubai Mall also offers a plethora of attractions for kids: KidZania (where children play adults by participating in a variety of professions: firefighters, pilots, doctors). There is also the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo (a giant and immersive aquarium), as well as the e Dubai Ice Rink, perfect for the whole family.
Family vacations at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
For a family vacation, it’s hard to overlook the world’s largest Disney leisure complex: Walt Disney World, located in the highly touristy state of Florida.
To make your stay 100% successful, here are, according to the editorial team and Atlas Voyages, the most beautiful and original hotels. Number 1: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, an iconic Victorian luxury establishment, with upscale restaurants, a world-class spa, and breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Number 2: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, inspired by the Pacific Islands, with a lagoon-side pool, exotic cuisine, and nightly fireworks. Number 3: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with its Lion King savanna ambiance with a great view of the animals) and authentic African cuisine.
Family vacations with all-inclusive resorts
If theme parks are definitely not your cup of tea, you can opt for all-inclusive resorts. Why is this a good option? Because these establishments combine relaxation, leisure, and excursions. This way you benefit from a harmonious setting with a secure, high-end stay, without sacrificing authenticity and discovering the host country. This is an ideal compromise when considering organizing family vacations.
According to the editorial team and the wise advice of Atlas Voyages, we unhesitatingly recommend Ikos Resorts and Club Med.
The first, Ikos Resorts, specializes in lifestyle and high-end stays along the most beautiful coasts of the Mediterranean. Its strengths? Exceptional gastronomy, top-quality drinks (local wines, creative cocktails), and various activities (water sports, cooking classes, programs for children and teenagers, shows).
Our first gold medal goes to Ikos Oceania Chalcidique, located in northern Greece and preserved from mass tourism. This region is even nicknamed “blessed by the gods,” the “paradise of Greece.”
Our second gold medal goes to Ikos Porto Petro, located on the island of Majorca, Spain. Originally, Porto Petro was an old fishing village, an hour and a half from Palma. Here again, far from the hustle and bustle and the crowd.
It promises lto be a family vacation in an authentic, yet chic, preserved, and ultra-chill setting.
As for Club Med (now present worldwide, beyond the Mediterranean), family vacations are designed around a friendly atmosphere, sharing, and social bonds. Stays are entirely inclusive and include accommodation, meals, and leisure activities, with a strong emphasis on local excursions. Not to mention the famous kids clubs, programs for teenagers, AND baby facilities!
We recommend Club Med Cefalù, in Sicily (Italy), nestled on a wild cape, overlooking the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. The perfect combination of escape, nature, and heritage (including Arab-Norman and Byzantine splendors with Sicilian cultural and gastronomic heritage).
But don’t forget Club Med Bodrum, in Turkey. Do we still need to introduce Bodrum, one of the most beautiful and lively seaside resorts in the Mediterranean? It offers private beaches, sailing sports, boat excursions, and a bobo beach club atmosphere. In short, it’s the perfect mix for unforgettable family vacations! family vacation
