How to Actually Plan a Family Trip
A good family travel guide answers three questions before it lists a single attraction: how many days do you actually need, what's a realistic daily pace with kids, and what will this cost. Most travel content skips straight to a list of sights, which is why so many family itineraries fall apart by day two.
Every guide on this site follows the same structure: a suggested day-by-day flow, honest cost estimates for a family of four, and specific notes on pacing — when to build in downtime, which "must-see" sights are worth skipping with young kids, and how to sequence a day so naps and meals don't collide with your plans.
How to Use These Guides
Start with a country guide to get oriented on cost, timing, and which regions suit your trip length. From there, drill into city guides for day-by-day itineraries, and check our blog for longer-form itinerary write-ups covering multi-city trips. Round out your planning with our packing lists, visa guides, and budget calculators.
Country Guides
Canada
Family travel guide to Canada: Alberta's Rockies and cities, realistic trip costs, and how to plan a road trip with kids.
June–September for the Rockies and road trips; July for the Calgary Stampede; December–March for skiing
France
Family travel guide to France: best regions for kids, realistic trip costs, and tips for a slower, kid-paced trip beyond Paris.
May-June or September, avoiding peak July-August heat and crowds
India
Planning family travel to India: best time to visit, realistic costs, and practical safety and health tips for traveling with kids.
October to March, when temperatures are cooler across most of the country
Japan
A practical Japan family travel guide: costs, best time to visit, regions to base yourself in, and how to actually get around with kids in tow.
Late March–April (cherry blossoms) or October–November (autumn colors)
United Kingdom
Family travel guide to the United Kingdom: the best cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, costs, and kid-paced trip tips.
May-June or September, for mild weather outside the school-holiday crush
United States
Family travel guide to the USA: which states work best for families, realistic trip costs, and how to plan a road trip or fly-and-drive itinerary.
Late spring and early fall nationwide; exact timing varies enormously by region — see individual state guides
City Guides
Alberta
Alberta travel guide: the Canadian Rockies, Calgary Stampede and dinosaur badlands — budget, family and luxury itineraries, real costs and a map.
June–September for the Rockies and road trips; July for the Calgary Stampede; December–March for skiing
Banff
Banff travel guide: the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka and hot springs — budget hostels, family pacing, luxury castle hotels, costs and a map.
June–September for hiking and warm weather; December–March for skiing
Brooks
Brooks travel guide: gateway to Dinosaur Provincial Park's UNESCO badlands, the Brooks Aqueduct and prairie irrigation history — costs, tips, a map.
May–September for Dinosaur Provincial Park and outdoor exploring; avoid peak midday heat in July–August
Calgary
Calgary travel guide: the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Tower and gateway to the Rockies — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
June–September for warm weather; July specifically for the Calgary Stampede
Edmonton
Edmonton travel guide: West Edmonton Mall, the river valley park system and Fort Edmonton Park — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
June–September for the river valley and festivals; year-round for West Edmonton Mall's indoor attractions
Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray travel guide: the Oil Sands Discovery Centre, northern lights viewing and boreal wilderness — budget, family tips, costs and a map.
June–August for warm-weather outdoor activities; September–March for northern lights viewing
Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie travel guide: Muskoseepi Park, the Peace River Country and northern lights viewing — budget, family tips, real costs and a map.
June–August for Muskoseepi Park and outdoor activities; September–March for northern lights viewing
Jasper
Jasper travel guide: the Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake and dark-sky stargazing — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
June–September for hiking and the Icefields Parkway; October for the Dark Sky Festival
Lake Louise
Lake Louise travel guide: the iconic turquoise lake, Moraine Lake and the Chateau — budget hostels, family pacing, luxury stays, costs and a map.
June–September for the lake at its most turquoise; December–March for skiing
Lethbridge
Lethbridge travel guide: the High Level Bridge, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and river valley coulees — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
May–September for the coulees and gardens; year-round for indoor attractions and nearby Waterton access
Avignon
Complete Avignon travel guide: backpacker hostels, family day trips, luxury stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the walled city of the popes.
May-June or September; July brings the theatre festival's crowds and higher prices
Beaune
Beaune travel guide: cheap vineyard cycling, family Hospices visit, luxury Burgundy wine hotels, essential gear, costs and a map of the walled town.
May-June or September; harvest time buzzes but books out
Colmar
Colmar travel guide: cheap Alsace base, family Little Venice boats, luxury Wine Route stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the storybook old town.
May-September for boats and flower boxes; December for the small-scale Christmas markets
La Rochelle
La Rochelle travel guide: cheap harbour stays, family aquarium and Île de Ré cycling, luxury island retreats, essential gear, costs and a map.
June or September for beach-and-bike weather without August's crowds
Lille
Lille travel guide: cheap eats and the giant flea market, family parks and zoo, luxury Flemish stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the city.
April-June or September; December for one of France's coziest Christmas markets
Lyon
Lyon travel guide: cheap bouchon lunches and hostels, family park and zoo, luxury dining and hotels, essential gear, costs and a map of France's food city.
April-June or September-October; early December for the Festival of Lights
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel travel guide: cheap mainland stays, family abbey tips, luxury island hotels, tide logistics, essential gear, costs and a map.
May-June or September; check the tide tables before fixing dates
Nancy
Nancy travel guide: cheap stays and free light show, family park and aquarium, luxury Art Nouveau hotels, essential gear, costs and a map of the city.
June-September, when the Place Stanislas light show runs on summer evenings
Paris
Complete Paris travel guide: backpacker hostels, family itineraries, luxury palace hotels, essential gear, realistic costs and a map of the city.
April-June or September-October, avoiding August closures and peak summer heat
Reims
Reims travel guide: cheap eats near the kings' cathedral, family cellar visits, luxury champagne houses, essential gear, costs and a map of the city.
May-September; summer evenings add the cathedral light show
Rouen
Rouen travel guide: cheap free museums, family Joan of Arc trail, luxury Normandy stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the medieval city.
May-September; summer adds the cathedral light show on warm evenings
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz travel guide: cheap Basque coast base, family swimming bay, luxury Biarritz-area stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the bay.
June or September for warm sea and space on the sand; July-August for full resort life
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence travel guide: cheap village bases, family Van Gogh trails, luxury mas hotels, essential gear, costs and a map of the Alpilles.
Late May to June or September, for warm days without the August crush
Strasbourg
Strasbourg travel guide: cheap eats and hostels, family science centre and canal boats, luxury stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the Grande Île.
May-September for canal boats and parks; late November-December for the Christmas capital
Troyes
Troyes travel guide: cheap medieval old town, family lake beaches and theme park, luxury timbered stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the city.
June-September, when the old town pairs with swimming at the Orient lakes
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer travel guide: cheap Riviera base, family beach, luxury Cap-Ferrat stays, essential gear, costs and a map of the sheltered bay.
June or September, when the sea is warm but the coast road isn't gridlocked
Agra
Agra travel guide: the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and the marble workshops — budget to luxury plans, costs, timings and a map.
November to February for cool mornings; the Taj is closed to tourists every Friday
Alleppey
Alleppey travel guide: choosing a Kerala houseboat, village canoe trips, the snake boat races and Marari beach — budget, family and luxury plans with a map.
November to February; the Nehru Trophy snake boat race falls in August
Amritsar
Amritsar travel guide: the Golden Temple day and night, the world's largest free kitchen, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah — budget to luxury plans and a map.
October to March; November for Guru Nanak Jayanti, when the temple is lit end to end
Aurangabad
Aurangabad travel guide: the Ajanta and Ellora rock-cut caves, Daulatabad fort and Bibi ka Maqbara — budget, family and luxury plans, costs and a map.
November to February; Ajanta closes Mondays and Ellora closes Tuesdays
Delhi
Delhi travel guide: Old Delhi's lanes, Mughal tombs and forts, Lutyens' avenues and the metro that makes it all easy — budget to luxury plans and a map.
October to March for cool, walkable days; February for gardens in bloom before the heat arrives
Goa
Goa travel guide: choosing north or south beaches, Old Goa's churches, Panjim's Latin Quarter and the spice plantations — budget to luxury plans and a map.
November to February for dry, warm beach weather; everything closes in the June–September monsoon
Jaipur
Jaipur travel guide: Amber Fort, the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and the pink bazaars — budget, family and luxury plans with costs, an itinerary and a map.
November to February; late January for the Literature Festival and kite-flying skies
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer travel guide: the living golden fort, carved havelis, Thar desert camel safaris and dune camps — budget, family and luxury plans with a map.
November to February; the Desert Festival falls in February and nights are properly cold
Jodhpur
Jodhpur travel guide: Mehrangarh Fort, the blue old city, Jaswant Thada and the clocktower bazaar — budget, family and luxury plans, costs and a map.
October to March; late October brings the Marwar Festival and the desert nights turn cool
Kochi
Kochi travel guide: Fort Kochi's colonial streets, the Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town spice markets and Kathakali — budget to luxury plans and a map.
October to March; the Kochi-Muziris Biennale runs December to April in alternate years
Kolkata
Kolkata travel guide: Victoria Memorial, the trams and coffee houses, Kumartuli's idol-makers and Durga Puja — budget, family and luxury plans with a map.
October to February; late September or October for Durga Puja, the city's defining festival
Leh
Leh travel guide: acclimatising at 3,500m, Ladakh's monasteries, Nubra and Pangong Lake, and the high passes — budget to luxury plans and a map.
June to September, when the passes are open and the lakes are reachable
Madurai
Madurai travel guide: the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the nightly palanquin ritual, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the food streets — budget to luxury plans and a map.
November to February; the Chithirai festival in April/May is the city's biggest event
Manali
Manali travel guide: Solang Valley snow, Old Manali cafés, Hadimba Temple and the Atal Tunnel to Spiti — budget, family and luxury plans with a map.
March to June and September to November; December to February for snow, with passes closed
Mumbai
Mumbai travel guide: the Gateway of India, Marine Drive sunsets, Elephanta's cave temples and Bandra's cafés — budget, family and luxury plans with a map.
November to February; avoid June to September, when the monsoon is heaviest in India
Munnar
Munnar travel guide: Kerala's tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park and the Nilgiri tahr, Top Station and hill walks — budget to luxury plans and a map.
September to March; Eravikulam National Park closes for calving roughly February to March
Mysore
Mysore travel guide: the illuminated Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Devaraja Market and Dasara — budget, family and luxury plans with costs and a map.
October to February; Dasara falls in September or October and is the city's defining festival
Rishikesh
Rishikesh travel guide: yoga ashrams, white-water rafting on the Ganges, the Beatles Ashram and riverside aarti — budget to luxury plans and a map.
September to November and February to May; rafting season runs roughly late September to June
Shimla
Shimla travel guide: the UNESCO toy train, the Ridge and Mall Road, Jakhoo temple and snow season — budget, family and luxury plans with costs and a map.
March to June for clear mountain air; late December to February for snow
Udaipur
Udaipur travel guide: Lake Pichola boat rides, the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and rooftop sunsets — budget, family and luxury plans, costs and a map.
September to March — right after the monsoon the lakes are full, which is when the city looks its best
Varanasi
Varanasi travel guide: sunrise boat rides on the Ganges, the evening aarti, the old-city lanes and Sarnath — budget, family and luxury plans with a map.
October to March; November's Dev Deepawali lights every ghat with oil lamps
Beppu
Beppu travel guide: the seven Hells, sand and mud baths, steam-cooked food and Japan's greatest onsen town — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Year-round — steam and hot water don't keep seasons; cool months make the baths sweetest
Fukuoka
Fukuoka travel guide: yatai food stalls, tonkotsu ramen at the source, Canal City, Ohori Park and city beaches — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Spring and autumn — open-air yatai weather, park picnics, and beach days stretching from May to October
Hakone
Hakone travel guide: hot spring ryokan, the Lake Ashi loop, Mt. Fuji viewpoints and the Hakone Free Pass — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Spring and autumn — clear Fuji mornings, comfortable onsen weather, peak foliage in November
Hiroshima
Hiroshima travel guide: the Peace Memorial Park done respectfully, Miyajima's floating torii, okonomiyaki — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Spring and autumn — mild weather for the Peace Park and low-tide/high-tide timing on Miyajima
Kagoshima
Kagoshima travel guide: the smoking Sakurajima volcano, Sengan-en garden, sand baths and shochu in Japan's deep south — budget to luxury plans plus a map.
Spring and autumn — clear volcano views, comfortable garden weather, and the sand baths at their most pleasant
Kamakura
Kamakura travel guide: the Great Buddha, Hase-dera Temple, hiking trails and beaches an hour from Tokyo — with budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Spring for fresh green and June hydrangeas; autumn for hiking weather and maple color
Kanazawa
Kanazawa travel guide: Kenroku-en garden, the samurai and geisha districts, gold leaf and the freshest seafood market — budget to luxury plans and a map.
Spring and autumn for the garden at its peak; winter's snow-ropes on the pines are the secret season
Kobe
Kobe travel guide: the harborfront, Mount Rokko's night view, Nunobiki Herb Garden, real Kobe beef on every budget — plans, honest costs and a map.
Spring and autumn — clear night views from Mount Rokko and comfortable harbor-walking weather
Kyoto
Kyoto travel guide: Fushimi Inari, the Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama without the crowds — budget stays, family pacing, luxury ryokan, costs and a map.
Late March-April for cherry blossoms; October-November for autumn color — book far ahead for both
Matsumoto
Matsumoto travel guide: Japan's finest original castle, gateway hikes into the Japanese Alps and Kamikochi — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Spring and autumn — snow-capped Alps behind the castle in April, golden larches in October; Kamikochi open mid-April to mid-November
Nagasaki
Nagasaki travel guide: Peace Park, Dejima's Dutch trading post, Glover Garden and the famous night view — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Spring and autumn — clear harbor-amphitheater views, comfortable hillside walking, festival seasons
Nara
Nara travel guide: bowing deer, Todai-ji's Great Buddha and lantern-lined shrines — with budget, family and luxury plans, honest costs and a map.
Spring and autumn — blossoms and fawns in April-May, golden park foliage in November
Nikko
Nikko travel guide: the gilded Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji and the national park — with budget, family and luxury plans, costs and a map.
April to November — fresh green in spring, cool summers, and Japan's most famous autumn foliage in October
Okinawa (Naha)
Okinawa travel guide from Naha: tropical beaches, Shurijo Castle, snorkeling and diving, island-hopping — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
April-June before typhoon season, or September-October for warm seas — swimming stretches from late March to November
Osaka
Osaka travel guide: Dotonbori's neon food streets, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan and kuidaore eating — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
March-May for castle-park blossoms or October-November for eating weather; USJ is year-round
Sapporo
Sapporo travel guide: the February Snow Festival, Odori Park, world-class powder skiing, crab and ramen — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
February for the Snow Festival and powder season; June-August for cool green summers while the rest of Japan swelters
Sendai
Sendai travel guide: Matsushima's pine islands, the Date clan's gilded mausoleum, gyutan and the City of Trees — budget, family and luxury plans plus a map.
Spring and autumn — May's fresh green in the City of Trees, crisp bay-cruise weather in October-November
Takayama
Takayama travel guide: the preserved Edo old town, riverside morning markets, Hida beef and Shirakawa-go day trips — budget to luxury plans and a map.
Spring and autumn — festival seasons in April and October, alpine foliage, crisp market mornings
Tokyo
Complete Tokyo travel guide: cheap eats and capsule hotels, kid-paced family days, luxury stays, essential gear, real costs and a map of the city.
March-May for cherry blossoms or October-November for clear skies and autumn color
Yokohama
Yokohama travel guide: Japan's biggest Chinatown, the Cup Noodles Museum, Minato Mirai's waterfront, costs for budget, family and luxury trips, and a map.
Year-round — the waterfront is the point, and it works in every season
Dubai
Dubai with kids: top family attractions, best time to visit to avoid extreme heat, and realistic costs for a family trip.
November to March, avoiding extreme summer heat
Aberdeen
Aberdeen with kids: the city beach and Codona's, the hands-on science centre, and day trips to Dunnottar Castle on Scotland's northeast coast.
June to August, when the long northern daylight makes beach evenings possible
Armagh
Armagh with kids: Ireland's oldest planetarium, the hilltop cathedrals of the ecclesiastical capital, and legends brought to life at Navan Fort.
April to September; the planetarium makes a fine wet-weather anchor year-round
Bangor (NI)
Bangor with kids: swan pedalos at Pickie Fun Park, the marina and walled garden, and coastal path walks to Crawfordsburn's beaches.
May to September for seafront and beach weather
Bangor (Wales)
Bangor with kids: the family base for Snowdonia, Caernarfon Castle, Penrhyn Castle's railway museum, and Zip World adventures in North Wales.
May-June or September; July-August for the mountain railway but book far ahead
Belfast
Belfast with kids: Titanic Belfast done right, the W5 science centre, Cave Hill walks, and the essential Giant's Causeway day trip.
May to September for the Causeway Coast; the big attractions are indoor and year-round
Birmingham
Birmingham with kids: booking Cadbury World properly, the Thinktank science museum, and easy canal-side days out in the UK's second city.
April to September; Cadbury World and indoor attractions make it workable year-round
Bristol
Bristol with kids: Brunel's SS Great Britain, the We The Curious science centre, and a walkable harbourside made for family weekends.
May to September; early August for the Balloon Fiesta if you can handle the crowds
Cardiff
Cardiff with kids: a castle in the city centre, the free St Fagans open-air museum, and Techniquest in the bay — Wales's easiest family city.
May to September; match days bring atmosphere but book rooms early
Dundee
Dundee with kids: the V&A design museum, Captain Scott's ship Discovery, a hands-on science centre, and beach time at Broughty Ferry.
May to September — Dundee is officially the UK's sunniest Scottish city
Dunfermline
Dunfermline with kids: Robert the Bruce's tomb, the peacocks of Pittencrieff Park, and Scotland's ancient capital as an easy Fife stop.
April to September, when the park and abbey grounds are at their best
Edinburgh
Edinburgh with kids: the castle done right, climbing Arthur's Seat, free museums, and how to pace Scotland's capital with a family.
May-June or September; August is festival season — thrilling but crowded and expensive
Glasgow
Glasgow with kids: Kelvingrove's daily organ recital, the Riverside transport museum, and Scotland's best free family museums in one city.
May to September; the free indoor museums make it a solid year-round city break
Inverness
Inverness with kids: Loch Ness monster-hunting cruises, wild dolphins at Chanonry Point, Culloden, and the best Highland family base.
May-June or September — long daylight, fewer midges than July-August
Leeds
Leeds with kids: the free Royal Armouries, Tropical World and Roundhay Park, and how to build an easy family weekend in West Yorkshire.
May to September; the Armouries and museums cover rainy days in any season
Lisburn
Lisburn with kids: the Irish Linen Centre, flat family cycling on the Lagan towpath, and royal Hillsborough Castle's gardens nearby.
April to September for towpath and garden weather
Liverpool
Liverpool with kids: the Albert Dock's free museums, the Beatles for all ages, and the ferry across the Mersey on a family city break.
May to September for waterfront weather; museums keep it worthwhile year-round
London
London with kids: the best free museums, which paid attractions are worth it, and how to pace a family trip around the capital.
May-June or September, avoiding school-holiday crowds and peak hotel rates
Londonderry (Derry)
Derry with kids: walking Ireland's only complete city walls, the Peace Bridge, the Tower Museum, and huge beaches at Benone Strand.
May to September; late October for Europe's biggest Halloween festival
Manchester
Manchester with kids: the free Science and Industry Museum, football stadium tours, and the best family days out in the city.
May to September for the best weather; the city works year-round as a rainy-day destination
Newcastle
Newcastle with kids: the Life Science Centre, Seven Stories book museum, Quayside bridges, and beach trips to Tynemouth on the Metro.
May to September, when Quayside walks and Tynemouth beach days are at their best
Newport
Newport with kids: Roman baths and amphitheatre at Caerleon, a rare transporter bridge, and wetland trails on the Severn Estuary.
April to September for wetland walks and open-air Roman sites
Newry
Newry with kids: the Giant's Lair story trail on Slieve Gullion, Carlingford Lough ferries, and canal towpath walks between the mountains.
April to September for mountain and lough days at their best
Perth
Perth with kids: Scone Palace's maze and peacocks, the Stone of Destiny at Perth Museum, and riverside parks in Scotland's newest city.
May to September for palace grounds and riverside walks at their best
St Asaph
St Asaph with kids: Britain's second-smallest city, its miniature cathedral, and easy trips to castles and beaches on the North Wales coast.
May to September for coast and castle weather
St Davids
St Davids with kids: a cathedral in a village-sized city, Whitesands Beach, and boat trips to Ramsey Island's seals and puffins.
May to September; late August-September for seal pups on Ramsey Island
Stirling
Stirling with kids: Scotland's best castle experience for families, climbing the Wallace Monument, and Blair Drummond Safari Park nearby.
April to September; the castle's costumed interpreters run daily in summer
Swansea
Swansea with kids: the Gower's spectacular beaches, ice cream in Mumbles, and free waterfront museums for Wales's best beach city break.
June to September for beach weather; May and late September for quiet sand
Wrexham
Wrexham with kids: canal boats over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Erddig's grounds, and the football club that made the city world-famous.
April to October for canal trips; football season runs August to May
York
York with kids: the free National Railway Museum, Jorvik's Viking ride, walking the medieval walls, and pacing a compact family city break.
May-June or September; February half-term for the Viking Festival
Alabama
Alabama travel guide: Gulf Coast beaches, the Space and Rocket Center and Civil Rights history in Montgomery — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
March–May and September–November for mild weather; June–August for Gulf Coast beach season
Alaska
Alaska travel guide: Denali National Park, glacier cruises and Kenai Peninsula wildlife — budget camping, family cruising, luxury lodges and a map.
Late May–early September for accessible weather and wildlife activity; June–July for the longest daylight
Arizona
Arizona travel guide: the Grand Canyon's rim trails, Sedona's red rocks and Phoenix's desert luxury — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
March–May and September–November for most of the state; December–February for Phoenix and Sedona's mild winter warmth
Arkansas
Arkansas travel guide: Hot Springs' bathhouses, Ozark hiking and the only public diamond mine in the US — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
April–May and September–October for Ozark hiking; year-round for Hot Springs' thermal waters
California
California travel guide: Yosemite's granite cliffs, the Pacific Coast Highway and San Francisco's neighborhoods — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
April–June and September–October for most of the state; year-round for Southern California's mild climate
Colorado
Colorado travel guide: Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver's mile-high energy and ski towns — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
June–September for hiking and Trail Ridge Road's full opening; December–March for skiing
Connecticut
Connecticut travel guide: Mystic Seaport, Litchfield Hills and the Gold Coast — budget stays, family pacing, luxury inns, real costs and a map.
Late September–late October for foliage; June for mild coastal weather with thinner crowds
Delaware
Delaware travel guide: Rehoboth Beach's boardwalk, tax-free shopping and the DuPont estate gardens — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
Late May–early September for beach season; September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Florida
Florida travel guide: Orlando's theme parks, the Florida Keys and Gulf Coast beaches — budget, family and luxury itineraries, real costs and a map.
March–May and October–November for mild weather and thinner crowds; December–April for the Keys and Gulf Coast
Georgia
Georgia travel guide: Savannah's historic squares, Atlanta's Civil Rights history and the Golden Isles coast — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
March–May and October–November for mild weather; year-round for Atlanta's indoor attractions
Hawaii
Hawaii travel guide: Oahu's beaches, Maui's Road to Hana and Big Island volcanoes — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
April–June and September–November for good weather with lower prices; December–March for whale watching (though also peak season)
Idaho
Idaho travel guide: Sun Valley's mountain resort, Craters of the Moon's volcanic landscape and whitewater rafting — budget, family and luxury tips, a map.
June–September for hiking and rafting; December–March for skiing at Sun Valley
Illinois
Illinois travel guide: Chicago's skyline and food, historic Route 66 and Lincoln's hometown Springfield — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
May–June and September–October for Chicago; year-round for Springfield's indoor history sites
Indiana
Indiana travel guide: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana Dunes' beaches and covered-bridge country — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
May–June and September for mild weather; late May for the Indianapolis 500
Iowa
Iowa travel guide: the State Fair, the Field of Dreams movie site and the Amana Colonies — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
Mid-August for the Iowa State Fair; May–June and September for milder countryside travel
Kansas
Kansas travel guide: the Flint Hills prairie, Dodge City's cowboy history and a short Route 66 stretch — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
April–June for green prairie and mild weather; September–October for comfortable temperatures and fall color
Kentucky
Kentucky travel guide: the Bourbon Trail, Churchill Downs' Derby history and Mammoth Cave's underground world — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
April–June and September–October for mild weather; early May for the Kentucky Derby
Louisiana
Louisiana travel guide: New Orleans' French Quarter, swamp tours and Cajun Country's music and food — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
February–May for Mardi Gras and mild spring weather; October–November for comfortable fall temperatures
Maine
Maine travel guide: Acadia National Park, Portland's food scene and the rocky coast — budget camping, family pacing, luxury inns, costs and a map.
Mid-June through early September for warm coastal weather; early-mid October for fall foliage inland
Maryland
Maryland travel guide: Annapolis's sailing history, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and Ocean City's boardwalk — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
May–June and September–October for mild weather; June–August for Ocean City's beach season
Massachusetts
Massachusetts travel guide: Boston's Freedom Trail, Cape Cod beaches and the Berkshires — budget stays, family pacing, luxury inns, costs and a map.
Late May–June and September for Boston; July–August for Cape Cod; early October for the Berkshires
Michigan
Michigan travel guide: Mackinac Island's car-free charm, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Detroit's revival — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
June–August for lake beaches and Mackinac Island; late September–October for fall color in the north
Minnesota
Minnesota travel guide: Minneapolis-St. Paul's twin-city energy, 10,000 lakes and the Boundary Waters — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
June–August for lakes and Boundary Waters canoeing; September for fall color with fewer crowds
Mississippi
Mississippi travel guide: the Delta blues trail, Natchez's antebellum mansions and Gulf Coast beaches — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
March–May and October–November for mild weather; year-round for indoor blues and history museums
Missouri
Missouri travel guide: St. Louis's Gateway Arch, Kansas City barbecue and the Ozark Mountains — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
April–June and September–October for St. Louis and Kansas City; May–September for Ozark lake activities
Montana
Montana travel guide: Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road, Big Sky's mountains and Yellowstone's gateway towns — budget, family and luxury tips.
Mid-June–September for Going-to-the-Sun Road's full opening and hiking season
Nebraska
Nebraska travel guide: Chimney Rock's pioneer history, Omaha's zoo and the Sandhills prairie — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
May–June and September for mild weather; summer for the Sandhills and outdoor activities
Nevada
Nevada travel guide: Las Vegas's Strip, Lake Tahoe's alpine lake and Red Rock Canyon's desert hiking — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
March–May and October–November for Las Vegas's mild desert weather; June–September for Lake Tahoe
New Hampshire
New Hampshire travel guide: the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee and a short scenic coast — budget camping, family pacing, luxury inns and a map.
Late September–mid-October for foliage; July–August for the lakes and coast
New Jersey
New Jersey travel guide: the Jersey Shore boardwalks, Cape May's Victorian charm and the Pine Barrens — budget, family and luxury options, plus a map.
Late June–early September for the Shore; September–October for Cape May and mild city weather
New Mexico
New Mexico travel guide: Santa Fe's adobe architecture, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and ancient pueblos — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
April–June and September–October for mild weather; early October for the Balloon Fiesta
New York
New York travel guide: NYC's boroughs, Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes wine country — budget, family and luxury plans, real costs and a map.
April–June and September–October for NYC and the Finger Lakes; June–August for Niagara Falls and the Adirondacks
North Carolina
North Carolina travel guide: the Outer Banks' wild beaches, Asheville's Blue Ridge mountains and the Biltmore Estate — budget, family and luxury tips.
May–June and September–October for both the coast and the mountains; June–August for Outer Banks beach season
North Dakota
North Dakota travel guide: Theodore Roosevelt National Park's badlands, wild bison and Fargo's quirky charm — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
June–September for warm weather and full park access; September for fewer crowds and cooler hiking
Ohio
Ohio travel guide: Cedar Point's roller coasters, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Amish Country — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
May–June and September for mild weather; June–August for Cedar Point's full season
Oklahoma
Oklahoma travel guide: Route 66's neon landmarks, cowboy culture and Native American heritage sites — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
April–May and September–October for mild weather; avoid peak spring storm season if possible
Oregon
Oregon travel guide: Crater Lake's deep blue water, Portland's food scene and a quieter Pacific coastline — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
July–September for Crater Lake's full accessibility; June–September for the coast
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania travel guide: Philadelphia's history, Amish Country's farmland and the Pocono Mountains — budget, family and luxury options, plus a map.
April–June and September–October for Philadelphia and Amish Country; year-round for Hershey
Rhode Island
Rhode Island travel guide: Newport's Gilded Age mansions, the Cliff Walk and Block Island — budget, family and luxury options, real costs and a map.
Late May–June and September for mild weather with thinner crowds; July–August for beach season
South Carolina
South Carolina travel guide: Charleston's historic charm, Myrtle Beach's family boardwalk and Lowcountry cuisine — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
March–May and September–November for Charleston; June–August for Myrtle Beach's full beach season
South Dakota
South Dakota travel guide: Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Custer State Park's bison herds — budget camping, family pacing, luxury tips and a map.
June–August for full park access and warm weather; September for thinner crowds and cooler hiking
Tennessee
Tennessee travel guide: Nashville's music scene, Memphis blues and the Great Smoky Mountains — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
April–June and September–October for mild weather across the state; year-round for Nashville and Memphis's indoor music venues
Texas
Texas travel guide: Austin's live music, San Antonio's Alamo and Big Bend's desert wilderness — budget, family and luxury tips, real costs and a map.
March–May and October–November for most of the state; winter for Big Bend and South Texas
Utah
Utah travel guide: Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Parks, plus Salt Lake City — budget camping, family pacing, luxury lodges and a map.
April–May and September–October for comfortable temperatures across all five parks
Vermont
Vermont travel guide: covered bridges, maple sugarhouses and Stowe's mountains — budget camping, family pacing, luxury inns, real costs and a map.
Late September–mid-October for foliage; July–August for hiking and lake activities
Virginia
Virginia travel guide: Colonial Williamsburg's living history, Shenandoah's Skyline Drive and Virginia Beach — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
April–June and September–October for Colonial Williamsburg and Shenandoah; June–August for Virginia Beach
Washington
Washington travel guide: Seattle's Pike Place Market, Mount Rainier's glaciers and Olympic's rainforest — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
July–September for Mount Rainier's wildflowers and Olympic National Park's driest weather
West Virginia
West Virginia travel guide: New River Gorge's dramatic bridge, whitewater rafting and Appalachian mountain towns — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
April–June and September–October for hiking and rafting; October for peak Appalachian fall foliage
Wisconsin
Wisconsin travel guide: the Dells' water parks, Door County's quiet peninsula and Milwaukee's lakefront — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
June–August for the Dells' water parks and Door County beaches; September–October for cooler touring and fall color
Wyoming
Wyoming travel guide: Yellowstone's geysers, Grand Teton's iconic peaks and Jackson Hole's mountain-town charm — budget, family and luxury tips, plus a map.
Late May–September for full park access; June–August for peak wildlife activity