At Hawks Cay Resort on the secluded island of Duck Key in Florida, families can soak up the sunshine and make new memories. From swimming with dolphins and snorkeling to paddle boarding and enjoying a group sunset cruise, there is no shortage of activities to appeal to every family member, even if it means lounging by the pool for some. The resort also offers vacation rentals, which is another great option for families vacationing together. Hawks Cay’s private villas, available with two, three, or four-bedrooms, feature all the comforts of home. They also offer families the option to cook meals in a full kitchen, a much more economical option than eating every meal out. Some villas even come with their own plunge pool.
Fully furnished resort homes are also available at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester Village, VT and Snow King Resort in Jackson, WY. These four-season resorts provide the perfect playground for adventure-seeking families to unwind and recharge. A home away from home, they’re ideal for families who want or need more room than a typical hotel room or suite provides.
“Traveling with family, and children especially, means that flexibility is the key to enjoyment,” says Unger. “Rigid agendas and high expectations are a recipe for misery. We know what we hope to do in each of the places we visit—hiking, yoga, rafting, visiting national parks—but whatever we wind up doing will be more than enough.”
Making up for lost time, families are rediscovering the joy that comes from spending time exploring the world and connecting with each other in person. “Prior to the pandemic, I took for granted that I could see my parents whenever I wanted,” says Unger. “I don’t take as many things for granted any longer—not my family or our ability to all travel together.”