As enriching as family vacations can be, there’s no question they’re stressful to plan. And if you want to show your kids the world, planning family travel adventures to bucket-list destinations can also be a bit daunting. The good news is there may be a better alternative to consider—letting someone else do all the planning on a guided tour. I’ve participated in numerous guided group tours with my family, and they’ve been among the most hassle-tree times together we’ve ever had.
Letting trip planners and seasoned guides take care of tedious details and time-consuming logistics removes many of the difficulties that come with traveling, especially with kids. While a trip to the destination of your dreams is never going to be a cheap family vacation, group travel tours can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. The end result? Family travel adventures that run smoothly and don’t come with any costly surprises. Here are some of my favorite family travel adventures where the planning is handled for you.
1. Iceland with National Geographic Family Journeys
G Adventures
Renowned small group travel tour company G Adventures has teamed up with National Geographic to create escorted family travel itineraries that take full advantage of NatGeo’s expertise in wildlife, storytelling, and photography. The company’s eight-day Iceland Family Journey delves into the subarctic island nation’s unique geological features in an experiential way, including hiking on the edge of a volcanic crater and visiting a traditional Icelandic horse farm.
The tour company’s trip leaders are trained to engage young guests ages seven to 17, and the participant limit is capped at 20 (but averages 18). These guided family travel adventures start at $3,919 per traveler for 2025; discounted rates for children ages seven to 12 may apply for select dates and activities. Rates include transportation within Iceland, accommodations, daily breakfast, three lunches, and one dinner.
2. Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper
Backroads
Backroads‘ guided family travel adventures are a hit with active travelers who crave communion with nature. On Backroads’ Banff to Jasper Multi-Adventure Family Tour, you’ll join a small group of families as you bike, hike, and paddle your way across the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Float down the Athabasca River, soak in sweeping vistas at Icefields Parkway, and walk on a glacier.
This trip has a maximum of 26 guests and is recommended for ages nine and older. Trip leaders receive specialized training to ensure that they’re well-equipped to engage youngsters. The six-day trip costs $4,199 per person in 2025. Kids 17 and under receive a 10 percent discount when staying in a single or double occupancy room; the child discount is increased to 20 percent if there are three or more people staying in the same room. Lodging, activities, daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners, and snacks are included.
3. Grand Alaskan Adventure
Cosmos
If your family loves the Great Outdoors, Alaska is the vacation of a lifetime. Cosmos offers guided group tours to “America’s Last Frontier” that present value without skimping on quality. The Grand Alaskan Adventure is an appealing choice with a balanced blend of group activities and free time.
Starting and finishing in Anchorage, you’ll cross Prince William Sound and glimpse otters, seals, and whales. A ride on the Alaska Railroad will delight fans of train travel, while two days spent in Denali National Park’s wilderness is an immersion in majestic beauty. Keep your eyes open for bears, moose, and caribou as you travel the Denali Highway across Alaska’s lightly treaded interior.
In 2025, this seven-day guided family travel adventure starts at $2,399 and includes some meals, accommodations, and activities. Children as young as five are welcome, and those ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average number of participants is 36.
4. Taste of Portugal
Globus
With alluring beaches, ancient villages, and sophisticated cities, it’s no wonder Portugal continues to be a popular vacation destination. The Taste of Portugal with Madeira guided group itinerary from Globus visits cosmopolitan Lisbon, Porto’s cobbled streets, and the semi-tropical island of Madeira, with its natural rock-pools and unique wicker basket toboggan ride.
This 11-day escorted trip starts at $3,819 and includes hotels, 10 breakfasts, and three dinners. Kids as young as five may participate and those between ages five and 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average group size is 36 guests, though smaller group tours with an average of 24 participants are also available.
5. New Zealand Family Travel Adventure
Austin Adventures
Headquartered in New Zealand, guided tour company Austin Adventures is an expert when it comes to showcasing this country’s natural assets. Energetic families who want an intimate group experience will be pleased with the New Zealand Family Vacation itinerary. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, you’ll visit a wildlife preserve with resident koalas, wallabies, kiwi, and ancient tuatara (a rare reptile); hike to glacial lakes; and kayak and float down a rose-lined gorge.
Children six and older are welcome on this 13-day trip, which costs $5,651 per adult and about $5,086 per child 12 years and under (a 10% discount off adult rates). Lodging, activities, and almost all meals are part of the deal. The maximum group size is 14 people plus two guides.
6. The Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete
EF Go Ahead Tours
Get acquainted with a trifecta of Greek islands on The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete from EF Go Ahead Tours. Absorb ancient Hellenic heritage in Athens before arriving in lively Mykonos for a dip in its crystal-clear water. Cruise to Santorini, where volcanic black sand beaches are juxtaposed with bright white and sea blue houses. Then it’s on to Crete with its trail of historic treasures, from palaces to archaeological ruins.
This 14-day family travel adventure has a maximum of 30 participants and starts at $4,709 in 2025. It includes hotels, daily breakfast, five dinners with beer or wine, a dedicated tour director, and local guides along the way. Children age six and older are welcome, though they don’t receive a discount.
