The year 2020 changed the world as we knew it. But after the pandemic situation gradually came under control, 2021 brought scope for kids to explore the wonders of the world once again.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Orlando, Florida)

The world of magic unraveled and recreated in amazing detail is just the place for the ‘Potterheads.’ Ride the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to experience the magic. Next, there is ultra-fast Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure coaster for an adrenalin rush. The tamer Flight of the Hippogriff is also not to miss. Then head to Hogsmeade for a souvenir hunt. Finally, a treat of kids-friendly butterbeer and wand shopping at Ollivanders in Diagon Alley will make the bucket list full.

Riviera Maya (Mexico)

Riviera Maya is the perfect fun under the sun getaway for a family vacation. Snorkeling in the freshwater cenotes, enjoying the underwater river at the exciting Xcaret Eco Theme Park, and watching a musical show titled ‘Xcaret Mexico Espectacular’ are most popular in Playa del Carmen. Aloha Paddle Club’s water sport rentals are there to fulfill dream adventures. The little ones will also enjoy splashing and playing with dolphins, manatees, and cute sea lions at the Dolphin Discovery in Puertos Aventuras. Watching a spectacular sunset after climbing the cliff-top ruins in Tulum is the best way to cap the adventurous day.

Aspen Snowmass (Aspen, Colorado)

Aspen Snowmass stores something for all skiers and snowboarders. It is a perfect choice for a family vacation. The ‘Kids Snowmass Program’ offers daily child-friendly packages. 2-4 years old toddlers will have a great time at The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center. Camp Aspen is for older kids and pre-teens. Meeting up to ski together, tubing, or taking a free naturalist tour is the best way to spend the afternoon. Then, a Snowcat dinner or a family Chuckwagon Dinner at a remote cabin is perfect to end the day in this ultimate winter wonderland.

Sierra Redmond is a journalist and a travel blogger. Knowing this, it doesn’t sound strange that her family decided to trade holiday gifts for an adventure in Mexico. They have also decided on doing it again in the future.

The Family’s Travel & Other Passions

The Redmond family is an active-duty military family, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada, although they have had the pleasure of living in other places. Sierra Redmond loves luxury traveling, but it’s the food that gets her going. Let’s admit it, food tourism is the best kind of travel experience one can get.

Release the Holiday Dinner Hosting Pressure

Everyone who’s hosted a holiday dinner party knows the pressure that comes along with plans and meal preparation. There’s always something that will break when the guests arrive, there will always be a missing ingredient for the perfect recipe. In the rare case that everything runs smoothly, the pressure is still there, and it’s never too late for things to go wrong.

Traveling May Be Cheaper Than Holiday Gifts

When you choose to travel for the holidays, you’re not just releasing the pressure related to hosting or even being a guest but can also save money if you do it right. Think of a cruise getaway or an all-inclusive vacation.

When the whole family agrees on spending their gift budget on a travel experience, you don’t have to worry about late gift deliveries, packing, if the recipients will actually like their gifts, and so on. The best thing? A short trip for the holidays may even be the better option for your budget. At least, this is the Redmonds’ experience.

Cultural Awareness Is the Best Gift

Adopting the travel practice at an early age allows kids to live a life rich in culture, which is the best gift a parent can think of. Also, holidays are meant for families to spend time together and not worry about dinner preparations.