The undisputed theme-park capital, with Walt Disney World, Universal and water parks all within reach. It’s purpose-built for families: stroller-friendly, packed with younger-kid options, and easy if you’re coming from anywhere in the US. Go in shoulder season to dodge the worst heat, crowds and prices.

Sloths, volcanoes, rainforest zip-lines and gentle Pacific beaches make Costa Rica a dream for active families with school-age kids. It’s safe, well set up for tourism, and compact enough that you can mix wildlife and beach in one trip without endless driving.

Spotless, astonishingly safe and endlessly novel for kids — bullet trains, Tokyo Disney, robot cafés, the digital art of teamLab and the world’s best convenience-store snacks. Tokyo is a brilliant base; older kids especially love it. See our guide to the best things to do in Tokyo.

Warm, gentle beaches, volcanoes, snorkelling and a famously relaxed pace make Hawaii the easy-mode tropical trip for American families — no passport, no jet lag from the West Coast, and plenty for toddlers to teens. Oʻahu and Maui are the best first-timer islands.

A first-class family city break: world-class museums that are mostly free, huge parks, the Harry Potter studio tour and an easy public-transport system. English-speaking and packed with kid-friendly attractions, it’s an ideal introduction to Europe for families.

One of the easiest long-haul family trips: ultra-safe, sunny year-round (avoid peak summer heat), and stacked with water parks, aquariums, theme parks and family-friendly beach resorts. A great stopover or standalone week — see the best things to do in Dubai and our Dubai travel guide.

Outstanding value, warm seas and a culture kids find magical — temples, rice terraces, monkey forests and family-friendly resorts with pools at a fraction of Western prices. Ubud and the quieter southern beaches suit families best. Start with our Bali travel guide and things to do in Bali.

Waterfalls, geysers, black-sand beaches and the chance of puffins or whales make Iceland a real-life nature documentary for kids. It’s extremely safe with an easy self-drive Ring Road, and summer’s midnight sun gives you long days to explore at a child’s pace.

Possibly the most effortless city in the world to visit with kids: spotless, super-safe, English-speaking and walkable, with Sentosa’s beaches and theme parks, Gardens by the Bay and a famous night zoo. A perfect first taste of Asia or a smooth stopover.

Europe’s best-value family beach destination: golden cliffs, calm swimming coves, friendly resorts and reliable sun, all at gentler prices than much of the Mediterranean. Short flights from the UK and Europe and an easygoing pace make it a stress-free week in the sun.

History comes alive for kids at the Colosseum and gladiator workshops, and there’s pizza and gelato around every corner to keep everyone happy. It’s walkable and compact, and even reluctant young historians are won over. See the best things to do in Rome.

Year-round sunshine, gentle beaches, a world-famous zoo, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND nearby make San Diego one of the easiest US family trips. Laid-back and stroller-friendly, it’s ideal for younger kids who need beach time and big attractions in equal measure.