Between its sunny weather, family-friendly resorts, and loads of activities, a trip to Maui is hard to top. In fact, “The Magic Isle” has lots of tricks up its sleeve — including some of Hawaii’s best beaches, golf courses, and fun foods (think colorful shave ice, Portuguese doughnuts, and poke) that both kids and adults will love.

Helpful tip: You don’t have to fly to or from Honolulu to reach Maui. You can fly directly to Maui from more than a dozen cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix.

Read More: How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii

Montreal and Québec City are about two-and-a-half hours apart by car. And, while Montreal blends old and new, Québec City celebrates its centuries-old history with tons of charm. Spring is maple syrup season, and we recommend visiting a sugar shack (fun fact: Canada produces about 80% of the world's maple syrup) and sampling some hot maple taffy served on a bed of fresh snow. 

Helpful tip: Children under age 16 can travel to Canada with a birth certificate, so don’t sweat it if your kids don’t have passports. However, if you’re traveling by plane or boat, everyone in your family will need a valid passport. 

Read More: A Design Lover's Guide to Montreal

From the free attractions — museums, famous monuments, and a zoo — to the innovative dining scene, our nation’s capital offers so much to see and do. In fact, it’s almost impossible to enjoy everything in a single trip. Visit during cherry blossom season (early April) for a visual treat.

Helpful tip: If you love the charm of D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood, visit neighboring Alexandria, VA (15 minutes by Metro), where historic 18th- and 19th-century architecture, quaint cafés, and mom-and-pop boutiques — plus the free National Inventors Hall of Fame — offer fun for all ages.  

Read More: Where to Eat and Drink in Alexandria, Virginia 

It’s inevitable: Your kids will harass you until you take them to the land of theme parks — so why not make it a big group vacation? Whether your little ones are a Disney Princess or Harry Potter wannabes, they’ll be entranced by Orlando’s make-believe magic (and so will you!). Plus, the nearby Kennedy Space Center educates and delights all ages. 

Helpful tip: As appealing as on-site Disney or Universal resort might seem, you may find better value in a condo-style resort (some even offer free shuttles to nearby parks), which allows for affordable meal prep and downtime. Also, given exorbitant park ticket prices, check out deals on multi-day passes — buy ahead online to save — and read up on some expert-approved tips and tricks below. 

Read More: How to Get the Most Value from Walt Disney World Tickets  

Sugar-sand beaches, endless sun, and calm turquoise waters — combined with warm and welcoming locals — make this Dutch island a favorite. Plus, all-inclusive resorts as well as walkable dining options along Palm Beach make Aruba an easy, breezy escape.

Helpful tip: Aruba has pre-clearance for all US travelers, so you’ll get to go through customs on the island. Just be sure to get to the airport at least three hours before departure so you have enough time to clear customs.

Read More: A Locals-Only Guide to Aruba 

From San Francisco to Monterey Bay to Hearst Castle, there are plenty of attractions and activities for the entire family. And, with big city culture and scenic Pacific coast panoramas, this journey has something for everyone.

Helpful tip: Ride the Powell-Hyde cable car downhill from Union Square for the biggest thrill, book popular Alcatraz visits in advance, and enjoy a family-style dim sum meal in Chinatown.

Read More: 7 Underrated Northern California Wonders for Less Than $50 

As the gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, Jackson Hole is a place that’s not only postcard-worthy, but also offers cool things most kids (and kids at heart) don’t typically get to do.

Helpful tip: Because of its dry climate and mountainous landscape, the weather here fluctuates quite often. That’s why it’s especially important to pack efficiently — be sure to bring a raincoat, sneakers, and lots of layers. 

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Riviera Maya is just south of Cancun, and the area is home to dozens of beachfront, family-friendly, and all-inclusive resorts. Also nearby are several authentic Mayan cultural sites (including Tulum, Coba, and Chichén Itzá) that will certainly spark the imaginations of budding archeologists.

Helpful tip: If you’re in search of authentic Mexican cuisine, venture outside of the area's main tourist and hotel zones. You’ll find lots of carts selling popular (and delicious!) street foods including tacos, corn, and tamales.

Read More: The Best Things to See and Do in and Around Cancun

It's all about history in this distinctively American city with its walkable neighborhoods and fun-yet-educational attractions. Boston also offers easy access to other top Massachusetts destinations, including the beaches of Cape Cod, the historic settlement at Plymouth, and the historically witchy Salem.

Helpful tip: Boston's Seaport neighborhood is now one of the city’s hottest areas, and it’s best explored on foot. From trendy rooftop bars to fascinating art museums, to chic boutiques, you (and your little ones) will never be bored in this bustling enclave of activities. 

Read More: What to See, Do, and Eat in Boston’s Booming Seaport Neighborhood