DESTINATIONS

Where families are headed this year

The trips I plan most often, with honest notes on who each one suits, when to go, and how far it is from home. Don’t see yours? Ask. This isn’t the full list.

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World

Four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of resorts, and plenty of ways to plan it wrong. I build a park plan around your kids’ ages and your patience for lines.

Best for
A big first Disney trip, kids about 4 and up
When to go
Weeks outside school holidays
Trip length
7–10 nights
From Vancouver
Usually one connection from Vancouver, so plan a full travel day each way
Theme Parks

Disneyland Resort

Two parks side by side and a short flight from home. It’s the easiest Disney trip for Western Canadian families, especially with younger kids.

Best for
A first Disney trip, younger kids, shorter breaks
When to go
Most of the year, avoiding holiday peaks
Trip length
4–5 nights
From Vancouver
Under 3 hours from Vancouver to Orange County (SNA) or LAX
Theme Parks

Universal Orlando

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and now Epic Universe. I help you work out how many days you really need, which hotel saves you the most time, and whether Express Pass is worth it.

Best for
Harry Potter fans, thrill-seekers, older kids and teens
When to go
Spring and fall, outside school breaks
Trip length
3–5 park days, on its own or added to Disney
From Vancouver
Same airport as Walt Disney World (MCO)
Theme Parks

Universal Studios Hollywood

A working film studio with rides and shows. It’s an easy one- or two-day add-on to a Disneyland trip, and a hit with movie fans.

Best for
Adding on to Disneyland, movie lovers, tweens and teens
When to go
Year-round
Trip length
1–2 days
From Vancouver
Fly into LAX or Burbank, under 3 hours from Vancouver
Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Kids’ clubs, character time, Broadway-style shows and itineraries built for families. I match the ship and the sailing to your crew.

Best for
A first family cruise, character fans, multi-generational groups
When to go
Bahamas and Caribbean in winter and spring; Alaska in summer
Trip length
3–7 nights
From Vancouver
Alaska sailings from Vancouver; Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida
Cruises

Alaska Cruises

Glaciers, whales and small port towns. It’s a favourite for multi-generational trips, and many sailings leave right from Vancouver.

Best for
Grandparents and grandkids, nature lovers, first cruises
When to go
May to September
Trip length
7 nights
From Vancouver
Round-trip from Canada Place in Vancouver, with no flights needed
Cruises

Caribbean & Bahamas Cruises

Waterslides, private islands and beach stops. I find the ship that suits your kids, whether that’s surf simulators or a quiet adults-only deck for you.

Best for
Families who want a beach trip and a cruise in one
When to go
December to May (hurricane season runs June to November)
Trip length
4–7 nights
From Vancouver
Fly to Florida, with a hotel night before you sail
Beach & Resorts

Mexico All-Inclusives

Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and more. Great value, direct flights from Vancouver, and resorts with kids’ clubs that let parents relax too.

Best for
Easy beach weeks, spring break, multi-family trips
When to go
November to April
Trip length
5–7 nights
From Vancouver
Direct flights from Vancouver to most major resort areas
Beach & Resorts

Caribbean Resorts

Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, Aruba and beyond. I match all-inclusive resorts and family suites to how much structure your family wants.

Best for
Calm water, beach time, families who want a full week away
When to go
December to April
Trip length
7 nights
From Vancouver
Usually one connection from Vancouver, or seasonal direct flights
Beach & Resorts

Hawaii & Aulani

From Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu, to quieter stays on Maui and Kauai. I help you pick the island first, then the resort.

Best for
Beach time with a little Disney, island-hopping, celebrations
When to go
Year-round; spring and fall are often better value
Trip length
7–10 nights
From Vancouver
About 6 hours nonstop from Vancouver

See your family somewhere on this list?

Or somewhere that isn’t. I plan plenty of trips beyond these.

Let’s Talk