A smiling couple standing on a wooden swing at Cerro Verde in Paradise, with lush greenery and a scenic view in the background.

Dallas

Curious if El Salvador is a family-friendly destination? Spoiler alert: it totally is — with a little extra planning. For spring break, we traveled with another family and five kids in tow (ages 2–8!) to explore this hidden gem in Central America. Think black sand beaches, volcanos, Mayan ruins, natural hot springs, and so many pupusas.

From breathtaking lake views to unforgettable local meals and even whale watching, this itinerary breaks down everything we did—what worked, what didn’t, and tips we wish we knew before going. Click below to see our full day-by-day guide for an epic family trip through El Salvador.

Two children wearing shark-shaped snorkel masks swimming underwater together.

Honduras (Roatan)

Looking for the perfect mix of sunshine, snorkeling, and laid-back island vibes? Roatan checked all the boxes for our holiday family getaway. With kids in tow (and booster seats in the back!), we explored everything from ziplining and vibrant coral reefs to fresh seafood feasts and one jaw-dropping moment swimming with a whale shark (!!!).

This post breaks down our full 9-day itinerary — what we loved, what we’d skip next time, and the little details that made all the difference (like dinner with hummingbirds and a life-saving snorkeling tip). Whether you’re dreaming of reef adventures or just want a break that feels far from ordinary, this trip had a little magic for everyone.

Lobster on a tray with a tropical beach background featuring turquoise waters, boats, and a palm tree.

Belize

If you're dreaming of a Central American getaway with equal parts jungle adventure and beachfront chill — Belize is it. We spent a week exploring ancient ruins, spotting iguanas and butterflies, and hopping between waterfalls and Caribbean islands. From the misty hills of San Ignacio to the laid-back shores of Placencia, this trip gave us space to unplug and explore without feeling like we needed a vacation from our vacation.

This post breaks down our full itinerary — the highs (Mayan ruins, lobster on a private caye!) and the lows (that very bumpy road to Vaca Lake), plus what we’d do differently next time. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or tweens, this guide is packed with family-tested tips, favorite restaurants (with playgrounds!), and honest advice for making Belize magical and manageable with kids in tow.

A young boy in yellow pants and a light blue shirt is kneeling on a stone wall, looking out over a city or fortress with trees and historic buildings in the background.

Gibraltar & Spain

Looking for a European adventure that blends ancient palaces, seaside sunsets, flamenco rhythms, and plenty of playgrounds? This 9-day itinerary through Gibraltar, Granada, Seville, and Madrid gave us just that — a fast-paced but unforgettable dive into history, food, and culture, with plenty of room for family fun.

We started off in Gibraltar, where dramatic sea cliffs, cave tours, and fish & chips set the tone. From there, we explored the Alhambra in Granada, got lost in the winding streets of Seville, and wrapped up in Madrid, where the food, art, and charm made for the perfect ending.

This trip includes train travel, narrow cobblestone streets (pro tip: ask your taxi if they'll enter them), and delicious local bites from tapas to tamales. If you're planning a family-friendly Spain trip with a mix of city and coast — this guide has the restaurants, hidden playgrounds, and real-world tips we wish we had before going.