Backroads’ Family Expansion

We’re thrilled to share that Backroads’ 2026 lineup of family adventures is bigger and better than ever.  Its best book early for the best availability for holiday and summer travel or gather family and friends for a private departure.  You’ll find more opportunities than ever to explore the world together. Many of Backroads’ most popular adult trips have been redesigned with family-friendly itineraries, and a variety of brand-new tours and destinations have been added to the mix. With options in multi-adventure, biking or walking and hiking, these journeys are designed to engage every generation while showcasing some of the world’s most stunning destinations.

Among the highlights are two new walking and hiking itineraries: a Peru Lodge-to-Lodge Family Trekking Tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu and a Cinque Terre & Tuscany Hiking and Walking Tour. Families who prefer cycling can look forward to six new bike trips, including routes through Scotland, Norway and Sweden, the Loire Valley in France, and Italy’s Puglia to Basilicata region. For those who love variety, Backroads is introducing an impressive 34 new multi-adventure trips, blending a variety of activities depending on the destination. Notable additions include Portugal, Norway, Croatia, Slovenia, the Azores, Bali, Ireland, Argentina, Iceland, Thailand, and New Zealand, along with exciting new options across the U.S. and Canada.

Backroads organizes family trips into three categories: Families with Kids & Teens (ages 7–17, with some trips welcoming children as young as 4), Families with Teens & 20s, and Families with 20s & Beyond. New for 2026 are also special departures for travelers ages 30–49 as well as women’s-only adventures for ages 18 and up. With so many choices, Backroads is making it easier than ever to create unforgettable memories across the globe.

Exotic Borneo

Looking for a new and unique destination to explore? Trails of Indochina is now offering a Wild Wonders of Borneo weeklong itinerary for only $2,990 per person. This family-friendly journey is designed for curious travelers of all ages and offers an immersive blend of nature, culture, and hands-on experiences across Borneo…the third largest island in the world!

The itinerary includes visits to orangutan rehabilitation centers, opportunities to spot sun bears and proboscis monkeys, and guided explorations of lush forest ecosystems. Your family will also enjoy treks through the rainforest, walk canopy bridges, canoe past remote villages, and relax aboard a traditional Klotok boat.

Cultural experiences include learning traditional weaving techniques with local cooperatives, trying martial arts with village students, and enjoying Dayak music alongside tea and homemade treats. Your accommodations will feature a mix of jungle lodges and cozy riverboats, offering a close-to-nature experience perfect for evening storytelling under the stars.

With expert guides, meaningful activities, and carefully chosen lodging, this exciting adventure offers an unforgettable look at the wild heart of Southeast Asia.

New Destinations for Disney

Adventures by Disney is launching two exciting and new itineraries to Switzerland and Greece for 2026, offering immersive experiences that combine breathtaking landscapes with rich history in two of Europe’s most popular destinations right now. Guided by Disney-trained experts, these adventures include exclusive activities tailored for children, ensuring fun for all ages.

The eight-day Switzerland itinerary invites your family to explore the charming villages that inspired Walt Disney himself during his many visits with his wife, Lillian. Highlights include savoring Switzerland’s iconic culinary delights like gruyere cheese, fondue, and chocolates; a private tour of the medieval Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva; and an exclusive after-hours event at the Olympic Museum, the birthplace of Disney Parks’ pin-trading tradition. The itinerary includes nine departures: six family-focused and three exclusively for adults.

In Greece, the eight-day adventure brings myths and ancient history to life. Your family will tour the Acropolis of Athens, home to the legendary Parthenon; explore Mycenae, the cradle of Greek civilization; snorkel and kayak above the submerged ruins of Epidaurus; and visit the medieval city of Rhodes, the site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes. The Greece itinerary offers 10 departures, with six family-friendly options and four for adults only.

These new Adventures by Disney itineraries promise unforgettable journeys filled with culture, history, and Disney’s signature magic.

Fun Family Experiences Across Europe

LivTours, one of our favorite tour companies, offers exceptional private and small-group tours across Europe, with a special emphasis on Italy. We’re especially excited about their newly launched Family Experiences, designed to captivate children aged 5 to 11 by turning each stop into an interactive adventure filled with treasure hunts, games, and mysteries to solve.

Led by LivTours’ top-rated guides, children can actively explore and engage with history, receiving a keepsake booklet, a collectible pin, and a prize along the way. Best of all, storytelling is crafted to entertain adults too, ensuring an enriching experience for the entire family.

These tours bring Europe’s most iconic museums and landmarks to life for young explorers and their families:

• World-Class Museums: Explore the British Museum, Uffizi Gallery, and the Louvre.
• Archaeological Marvels: Discover the Colosseum, the Catacombs of Rome, and Pompeii.
• Historical Landmarks: Visit Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, or dive into the wonders of the Vatican.

LivTours’ Family Experiences make learning fun and engaging, transforming Europe’s history and culture into lasting memories for everyone.

Free Nights in London

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, located in the heart of St. James in London, invites families to experience unparalleled luxury with expanded Virtuoso benefits and a special offer: every third night free through December 19, 2025!

This exclusive promotion also includes:

• Daily breakfast at Kona restaurant
• $100 food and beverage credit
• 20% off signature treatments at the Indian-inspired spa, with access to the gym
• One-way airport transfer with a minimum four-night stay
• Complimentary upgrade, subject to availability

Please note: Some blackout dates apply. Once home to the Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen of the Royal Court, this historic property echoes a rich heritage spanning over 400 years, dating back to the time of Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I.

Families will appreciate the spacious suites, offering up to three bedrooms, full kitchens, living and dining areas, and more than 1,270 square feet of space that sleep up to six guests and include butler service for an elevated experience.

Discover the charm of this storied property while enjoying exceptional amenities and thoughtful touches, making it a perfect choice for your next London adventure.

Marriott Expands in Kenya

Marriott International is expanding its luxury safari portfolio with the addition of two new properties in Kenya: the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp and the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp. Set to open in August, the Ritz-Carlton camp will mark the brand’s debut in the luxury safari camp segment. Nestled within the Masai Mara National Reserve on an island in the Sand River, the camp will be designed as an elevated “treetop retreat,” offering stunning views of the annual Great Migration. It will feature 20 tented suites, each with private plunge pools, separate living areas, and both indoor and outdoor showers. The camp will also boast a restaurant with a wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, a traditional boma, a spa and wellness center, a swimming pool, cultural experiences, and a photography studio.

The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is slated to open early next year, located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve. This property will offer 20 tented accommodations, including two two-bedroom suites perfect for families. Key features will include multiple wellness facilities, four dining options, a spa, pool, fitness center, and a conservation house. Families will also enjoy a range of exciting activities, such as horseback-riding safaris, night game drives, guided walks, quad biking, and visits to a private rhino orphanage.

Luxury Tokyo Hotel Offers

Japan is a top destination for families right now, and we’re thrilled to highlight some incredible family-focused packages available at Tokyo’s finest hotels.

• The Peninsula Tokyo: The Tokyo Family Moments package offers a host of family-friendly perks, including daily breakfast for two adults and two children under 12, tickets to the captivating teamLab Planets Tokyo exhibit, early check-in from 6:00 am and late check-out until 10:00 pm, special welcome amenities, and complimentary access to the hotel’s swimming pool.
• The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo: Kids will love the Ritz Kids Adventure package, featuring daily breakfast for two adults and one child under 12, a Ritz Kids Night Safari complete with a tent and camping amenities, a free rollaway bed, curated children’s activities, slumber party treats, and a 10,000 JPY hotel credit for spa or dining. Families will also receive complimentary dinners at the hotel’s Towers restaurant with free children’s menu options for under age 12.
• Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: The Families by M.O. offer provides up to 50% off a second room with a minimum two-night stay, complimentary meals for children under 12 from children’s menus, added kid-friendly amenities, bespoke activities for young travelers, and a complimentary rollaway bed.

Family Residence Escape

Vietnam is a wonderful value for travel even in the country’s most luxury resorts. Experience the ultimate Family Residence Escape at Amanoi on Vietnam’s Vinh Hy Bay.  Their private residences feature expansive living spaces and large infinity pools, with butlers on hand to tend to your every need. When staying three nights or more your family will receive a host of exclusive extras included!

A minimum three-night stay includes all of the following:

••Daily breakfast
•Round trip airport transfers
•One Vietnamese set dinner at Main restaurant
•60-minute massage for two persons per master bedroom once per stay. Choice of Amanoi massage, Indian head massage, Foot massage or Back – neck – head massage
•One Sacred Cham blessing ceremony
•One activity with a choice of: Ba Tang waterfall, Wild Cat trek, one-hour boat cruise combines guided snorkeling, star gazing, cooking class or Thai An cycling
•Private butler service
•Daily 3-hour babysitting service
•One movie night with popcorn and ice cream in residence by the pool
•Welcome champagne and canapé reception
•In-room minibar with daily replenishment (excluding alcoholic beverages)
•Exclusive luggage packing service
•Laundry service except dry cleaning (2 pieces per person per day)
•Daily afternoon tea at the Main restaurant
•Daily scheduled morning wellness class
•Use of all non-motorized watersports equipment
•Daily activities for children (excluding the cooking class)
•Access to fitness center, Pilates studio and tennis courts

Virtuoso amenities will add an upgrade if available, $100 food and beverage credit and early check in and check out when available.

Intrepid Travel’s New Family Destinations

Intrepid Travel has just rolled out two amazing and new family tours, both culturally rich and budget-friendly. These small group adventures are capped at only 16 guests:

Finland Family Holiday
Imagine taking your family on a six-day journey to a true winter wonderland in Finnish Lapland. It all kicks off in Helsinki with a visit to the interactive Heureka Finnish Science Center. From there, board the Santa Claus Express overnight train to Rovaniemi – the official hometown of Santa Claus! Your children can meet Santa himself before you head into the snowy wilderness for three nights. You’ll explore the frosted forests with huskies, visit a reindeer farm, and warm up around the fire with hot berry juice. And if that’s not magical enough, there’s a chance to catch the northern lights in winter! This adventure is designed for children aged five and up, running from July through October, December in 2025, and also spring 2026.

Southern Thailand Family Holiday
This eight-day trip showcases the best of southern Thailand’s beaches, nature, and culture. Start with the stunning shores of Phuket, then venture into the lush wilderness of Khao Sok National Park. Here, you’ll cruise across Cheow Lan Lake in a longtail boat and enjoy lunch at a raft house. Next, experience authentic local life with a homestay in Phrom Lok District, where you’ll share home-cooked meals and learn traditional painting techniques from local families. Wrap up your adventure with a day in Krabi, where you can relax, snorkel, rock climb, or hop between islands. Finally, head back to Phuket for some final moments in paradise. Perfect for families with children aged five and up, this tour is available in April, July through September, December in 2025, and January 2026.

These trips are ideal for creating unforgettable memories, ease of travel and very well priced.

A British Countryside Getaway

Relax in the English countryside with a bit of French flair and cuisine for an ideal getaway!  The Family Time package at Belmond’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons near Oxford treats the whole family to a taste of luxury in their stunning Oxfordshire grounds.

Your stay includes:

• Daily English breakfast
• Complimentary beds for children under 12 (up to two per room)
• Children’s ‘Little B’ gift on arrival
• Children’s ‘Seed Explorer’ garden activity
• One seven-course seasonal dinner for two adults
• Two dinners from the children’s menu selection

Just book a Junior Suite, Garden Junior Suite, Studio Suite, One Bedroom Suite, Deluxe Studio Suite or and Garden One Bedroom Suite.  This 32-room property showcases a two-star Michelin restaurant from celebrated chef and inn creator Raymond Blanc along with his cooking school which offers family classes and gardening school.  Virtuoso benefits add $100 food and beverage credit (an extra $100 for staying 3+ nights) and early check in and out.