Costa Rica

Belgium is low-key one of Europe’s easiest family countries: train rides are short, cities are walkable, food is extremely kid-friendly (SO many french fries), and the whole country feels like it was designed around waffles.

Spain is one of those family destinations that can work for almost every age at once. Beaches, churros, flamenco, street art, paella... something for kids of all ages.

Rome is ancient, dramatic, chaotic, cinematic, snack-heavy, fashion-conscious, and just a bit gritty. Here are eight Rome experiences that mix blockbuster history, trendier neighborhoods, food, fashion, outdoor time, and teenager-friendly culture without turning the trip into a forced march.

Paris with teenagers can be extraordinary and great for bonding, but only if you resist the urge to make it one long museum march. Teens want atmosphere, autonomy, snacks, pics that give them social currency, weird stories, cool shops, a little danger-but-not-actual-danger, and enough downtime to pretend they’re not enjoying themselves.

You can find any version of beach you're looking for in Europe - wild and windswept, shallow and Mediterranean, studded with cafes, teeming with giant waves, any flavor you want. The best family beaches are not necessarily the most famous ones.

There’s a special kind of travel magic that happens when your kid looks up from a gelato, spots another kid with a ball, and suddenly they’re communicating in the universal language of “wanna play?” No app, no lesson plan, no museum placard. Just instant diplomacy with sneakers. And then, friends. And in a world that's global and where a network will be necessary for success learning how to make international friends matters more now than ever.