Adventure and experience continue to dominate vacation plans. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z and millennials say they plan their travels to focus as much on the journey as the destination, and 60% intend to bring their extended family along for the ride.
One-of-a-kind excursions are also on the minds of older generations. They look forward to taking the trip of a lifetime in 2025, no matter what it costs. And 41% say they’d even spend their kids’ inheritance if that’s what it takes.
Immersive and interactive are two of the top buzzwords for travelers this year. Things are far less important, but it’s also not enough to create memories. People are looking for more in-depth and literal hands-on experiences as part of their vacations.
Entertainment and sports also drive many travelers’ plans in 2025. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé sold out many venues for their respective Eras and Cowboy Carter tours, as fans followed their favorite artists across the country and even overseas. Exactly 60% of those asked by American Express cited a concert or sporting event, like the Olympic Games or Super Bowl, as a factor in their vacation decisions.
It’s not uncommon for parents to use family vacations as an opportunity to make history come alive for their kids, as well. And many find they even learn a few things themselves along the way.
Grand Cayman
If you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, few places beat Grand Cayman. The largest of the Cayman Islands, it boasts unique wildlife encounters, stunning beaches and vibrant cultural events. Foodies will enjoy the culinary capital of the Caribbean, as they sample the best conch fritters and turtle stew you can find. With restaurants like Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Resort & Spa boasting award-winning restaurants, the food is as much a part of vacation as activities are.
Lots of people can say they swam with dolphins, but how many have waded in with sea turtles and starfish or fed stingrays? Talk about going hands-on. You’ll want to plan for a nighttime boat trip as well. Instead of admiring the night stars, be captivated by the twinkling of Bioluminescent Bay. The stunning display comes from millions of tiny, naturally glowing organisms lighting up the water.
There’s still plenty to see and do back on land. Just south of the beach is the entrance to the Cayman Crystal Caves, aka Cayman Down Under. Hundreds of years ago, pirates used the naturally occurring structure of stalactites and stalagmites to hide from the British Royal Navy as well as hurricanes.
Less than 3 miles away, the botanical park named for the late Queen Elizabeth II fairly erupts with native flora and fauna. Only about 1,000 blue iguanas are alive right now, making them one of the most endangered species on the planet. Half of those can be found on the island.
Hawaii
The 50th state in the United States is also one of the most unique. It’s the only state in the tropics and not on the North American mainland. It’s an archipelago made up of 137 different volcanic islands. Even if you just spent your whole trip soaking up the culture and history of the islands, it would be worth the trip.
Hawaii has its own word for family: ohana, and offers plenty of activities and fun for kids and parents. You can embark on a whale-watching tour, learn how to surf from a pro and pet a sea lion, then spend the rest of the day snorkeling in the incredible tide pools.
Interested in astrotourism? Maunakea, the highest point in the Pacific Basin, hosts the largest astronomical observatory on the planet. The telescopes there can see not only the Milky Way, but also the galaxies at the farthest edges of the observable universe. But even the naked eye in Hawaii can gaze at a sky full of more stars than you could have imagined possible.
In addition to the beautiful beaches and some of the clearest seawater in the world, Hawaii also holds U.S. history. On Oahu, the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum are worth a visit, even for folks who aren’t history buffs.
Mackinac Island
Looking for more of a staycation feel? The island community between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas, best known for the fudge that bears its name, is all that and so much more. Once the epicenter of the American fur trade, Mackinac Island embraces its old-world charm and family fun.
No cars are permitted on the island, so enjoy a tour in a horse-drawn buggy. Or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, try your hand at driving yourself in one. Folks on foot share the more than 70 miles of natural and paved trails with bicycles and electric scooters.
Culture and history abound, too. “Somewhere in Time,” starring Christopher Reeve, was filmed at Mission Point Resort. Check out the local forts, preserved in almost the same condition as when they were captured by the British in the War of 1812.
There are plenty of museums and art galleries as well. Plan to arrive June 6-15 for their annual Lilac Festival. Or you can explore the Straits of Mackinac on a sailboat, kayak or parasail.
Florida
There’s still room for more traditional family vacations, too. A jaunt down to the Sunshine State offers a myriad of adventures beyond sun and sand, but those also come included.
Start in St. Augustine and share a history lesson in America’s oldest city, founded in 1565. The white sand of Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches is world famous.
At your next stop, relax on the shore of Sarasota, or the quiet hideaway of Siesta Key and other barrier islands. Head south down the Tamiami Trail and catch glimpses of the unique ecosystem of the Everglades as you drive Alligator Alley. Leave the kids with grandma and grandpa and spend a night partying on Miami’s South Beach.
On your way back north, you’ll want to plan at least a couple of days in Orlando, theme park central. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the four parks at Disney World, or the three Universal Studios’ adventures, including the newly opened Epic Universe. Not into theme parks? Resorts like Evermore and Conrad Orlando may bring the beach to you with crystal-clear lagoons and sandy shores, but there’s still a whole world of fun waiting just beyond Evermore Bay.
Plan your trip
Even before your vacation starts, the fun can. Involve the whole family in choosing your destination and what activities you’ll want to try when you’re there. That way, everyone gets a say, there are activities for all, and maybe the best, least stressful vacation you’ve had. And if you pick one of these locations, a guaranteed good time.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.