Traveling as a family is really one of our favourite activities. Though we usually travel in summer, saving for the one big trip, the chilly winter months often have our passports calling us to pack our bags for new adventure.
In a recent Winter Travel Survey conducted by American Express, 200 travel experts revealed that warm beaches aren’t the only destinations on the minds of travelers this winter. Here are the top 10 winter travel destination picks for 2015 and I know just what my family would love to do should they be part of our travel agenda:
- London, England. I have been to London only once and that was a short trip to visit my dad when he was working overseas. It is definitely a destination I would love to visit with my family. While my husband would want to work his way through the londonist’s Top Ten Record Shops in London list, the BB Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour would be my first priority. Of course the kids would be all about Harry Potter (we’ve recently completed another marathon movie session of all the films) and a Muggle Tour.
- Santiago, Chili. Food is big in our family travel plans so perhaps a foodychile tour to wet our appetite. The kids would love to visit the Cerro San Crisobal for the amazing view of the city below but mainly just to run the funicular up and down (and maybe up and down again) on the mountainside. A visit to the Los Dominicos Artisan’s Village would be the perfect spot to pick-up a memento from the trip, handcrafted by artisans.
- Paris, France It may seem cliché but just like we have visited the Empire States Building or the Seattle Space Needle a trip up the Eiffel Tower is a bit of a must. The kids would love exploring the Paris Catacombs, a very different way to see a part of the city’s history under the city but our Junior Style Blogger would be all about visiting some of the best macaroon shops in the city to fill her current obsession.
- Mumbai, India With its spice-infused food, beautiful temples and extensive history there is something intriguing about Mumbai, more than any Bollywood movie could ever portray. Perhaps a visit to the Kenheri Caves for the family?
- Buenos Aires, Argentina. We love Argentinian Asado cooking (meat grilled over an open fire), empanadas and of course dulce de leche. Series Eats offers a great list of spots to try first. Catching a street performance of the tango should be planned too.
- Providenciales, Turks and Caicos My youngest daughter and I visited Providenciales years ago, staying at the Beaches Resort. We had a chance to explore the fish and coral but the big draw here would definitely be the beaches.
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico My husband and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary in Puerto Vallarta or rather in the rustic Majahuitas Resort accessible only by boat. I would love to visit again with the kids and plan a day trip to Yelapa for pie. A trip to a local super market to stock up on vanilla is also a must.
- Sydney, Australia The Sydney Tower Eye would be one of our stops, giving a unique perspective to the city below, and the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, giving a perspective under the water. Let’s not forget food and trying some unique dining experiences as well as exploring the aboriginal side of the country with a Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour.
- New York, NY We have visited New York City for a day trip and fell in love (that’s the time we went to the top of the Empire States Building. We would definitely go back to explore the vast Central Park and shop the MOMA museum store. I think my son and I would even venture a detour to the Museum of Mathematics (we’re nerdy like that). For my audiophile hubby we might have to head to Vynl in Hell’s Kitchen for a late lunch.
- San Francisco, CA This destination has been on the family bucket list for some time. There are so many places we would want to visit but a cable car tour is a must. Perfect for taking us down to Fisherman’s Warf for some local seafood. The Exploratorium is bound to keep everyone entertained (and perhaps learn a few things, but don’t tell the kids that) and then over to the one of the Benefit Cosmetics stores (born in San Francisco) for our Junior Style Blogger’s shopping dream.
No matter what destination you plan with your family it’s the experience that matters, the experience is what makes the memories. The American Express Winter Travel Survey shows that thirty-seven percent of their Travel Councellors agree that travelers are eager to plan “memorable experiences”.
I know having my American Express Gold Rewards card makes it easier to create family memories but American Express also offers family travelers more than just a way to pay for their trips. Having the support and service of American Express behind you helps, from cloud 10 privileges, an online travel booking portal, and amazing customer service which I’ve experienced first hand.
Whether you’re planning a family trip to one of this year’s top ten destinations or just heading out of town for the weekend, be sure to join American Express (@AmexCanada), myself (@EverythingMom) and Amex Ambassadors The Planet D (@ThePlanetD) for a Twitter chat on winter travel, Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 1 to 2 p.m. I’ll be there and I can’t wait to hear your travel tips and planned destinations.
This post is sponsored by American Express Canada but all opinions expressed are my own.
Would love to hit ALL of these places with the family! I am partial to South American destinations since my husband and I have already traveled to Colombia with the little ones in tow–Argentina has always sounded amazing! Thanks for the tips!
That’s amazing! We have never been to South America at all but it’s on our list. The people we have met from South America (in the city or traveling) have always been so warm and friendly. I can only imagine visiting one of the cities. The kids have never been out of North America. Hopefully we’ll get the chance to change that experience.