Little girl reading

Sharing books with your kids is a great way for them to step into other worlds, build imagination, have amazing adventures, hear about other cultures, and learn to empathize with characters. It’s also a very special way to spend time together as a family and a great bonding experience for family members of all ages. 

Wouldn’t it be fun to visit the destinations where some of your favorite books take place? Here are a few classic children’s books with accompanying locations to add to your bucket list. 

Fairy Tale Places to Visit with the Kids

Kindred Spirits Country Inn

Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery – Prince Edward Island: This is one of my all-time favorites! Those who love this book will find Anne-related attractions all over this lovely and remote island, including Avonlea Village, Green Gables Heritage Place, and the author’s family home where her descendants still live. Kindred Spirits Country Inn and Cottages is the perfect family-friendly location to stay when visiting, offering cottages complete with kitchenettes, a heated swimming pool, and bike rentals. 

London’s Tower Bridge

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett – London, England: In London, the entire family can enjoy some of the same sights Sarah Crewe might have in the book, which is set in the early 1900s. Big Ben, the famous, huge clock in the Palace of Westminster; the Tower Bridge, a suspension bridge which crosses the River Thames; and the Royal Albert Hall, a concert hall that hosts a variety of concerts and shows. Flemings Hotel in Mayfair is a great choice for families as children under eight years old receive a copy of Fleming Frog’s book about adventures in London, frog shampoo, milk and cookies at bedtime, and slippers and a robe.

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott – New England: A trip to Concord, Massachusetts, one of the most picturesque New England villages, after reading this classic book must include a visit to the Minute Man National Historical Park where you can watch a video all about the American Revolution. Tour the Orchard House, the historic home of the Alcott family, and the place that Louisa May Alcott used as the setting for the book, and then visit nearby Walden’s Pond, which is a lovely place for swimming and hiking. Concord’s Colonial Inn is a great family-friendly hotel with fully furnished one and two-bedroom cottages, complete with kitchens, and a complimentary grab-n-go breakfast. 

Little House on the Prairie Historical Site

Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Kansas: Families, like myself, who love this entire book series based on the real-life adventures of the author will enjoy visiting the Little House on the Prairie Historical Site near Independence, Kansas, then they can check out the Moon Marble Factory, the Kansas City Zoo, or see the Kansas City Royals play. The whole family will enjoy Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City with a complete indoor water park and family-friendly suites.

Alyeska Resort

Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George – Alaska: Alaska is a place for family-friendly outdoor activities after reading this survival story, so plan to take a hike and see glaciers, go whale watching, take a dog sled ride, go fishing for salmon or pan for gold. Alyeska Resort is an all-season resort with lots of kid-friendly activities available, an indoor pool, and townhouse suites with a separate bedroom and two full baths.

Chincoteague ponies

Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry – Assateague Island: Most want to see the world-famous ponies. You can take a boat tour or rent a kayak, and you can also go hiking on the island to see them on foot. The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel is located right on the beach and has fully furnished condos, and an Olympic-sized, heated indoor pool. The property is perfect for families!

Horse-drawn carriage Central Park

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E. L. Konigsberg – New York City: Any visit to New York has to include the world-famous New York Metropolitan Museum of Art where the two characters ran away to, as well as nearby beautiful Central Park, which is the most visited urban park in the world and offers plenty of space to run and play. From the park, a horse-drawn carriage ride will introduce visitors to the area around the park and museum. Family-friendly Affinia 50 has large suites with a separate bedroom and full kitchen, cribs, strollers and highchairs available, and you can have a complete picnic delivered to your room!

Gyeongbok Palace

A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park – Korea: Korea is home to many glorious temples, which help visitors learn the history of the magnificent country. Bulguksa Temple was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO, and the artistry of the stone relics is well worth a visit. Nearby is the Gwangju National Museum, which has cultural relics on display from Korean history through the ages. Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and was the most beautiful and grandest of all the palaces in Korea. Today, the walled palace complex is being restored to its original form. The Lotte Hotel World in Seoul is great for families with large suites, an indoor pool, and a direct connection to the beautiful Seokchon Lake and Lotte World Adventure, one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks.

The Great Wall of China

Dragon’s Gate, by Laurence Yep – China: Naturally, visitors to China are curious to see the Great Wall, which is over 13,000 miles long and was built over 2,000 years ago to keep invaders out of China. In Beijing, take a rickshaw tour of the hutongs, traditional Chinese neighborhoods; in the village of Guilin, take a cruise along the scenic Yangshuo River to see traditional villages, bamboo groves and local farmers in the fields; and in Xian, see the notorious Terracotta Army, which is composed of stone figures of warriors, horses and chariots built in 246-208 BC. The Hilton Beijing offers large suites with separate bedrooms, an indoor pool, and special amenities for kids like cooking classes, and five restaurants with children’s menus.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Related: Top Things to See in London

*Note: This article was written pre-coronavirus outbreak. Keep these destinations in mind for next Easter.

Fancy a fantastic Easter vacation with the kids featuring seasonal treats, great attractions and fun activities, all set in wonderful family-friendly destinations? Depending on your family’s interests and budget, you can choose a resort in popular Florida, Caribbean getaway, Latin American adventure or upscale European break.

South Seas Island Resort, FL

Located on the stunning Captiva Island in the Gulf of Mexico, South Seas Island Resort is home to superb family-friendly facilities such as the Resort Pool complex featuring water slides and lagoon-style pools, a private beach, tennis court and a golf course. Accommodations range from guestrooms to condos and private villas. Kids will enjoy exploring the 330-acre wildlife preserve, learn how to swim, dress up as mermaids and pirates (for ages 4-5) and take part in the social activities offered by Skully’s Family Interactive Center. They can also get familiar with marine conservation at Sanibel Sea School. So whether you’re traveling with a 12-month baby or a teen, this resort has something to keep every kid entertained. With the resort’s Spring Getaway offer, rooms start from $499 a night and guests receive a fourth night free and over $250 savings. 

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, FL

Located between  Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios, the Walt Disney World Swan Resort and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort offer complimentary transportation to the park’s attractions, 17 restaurants, and five pools. For Easter, the two resorts have devised an exquisite Easter program for guests. Expect meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny, bunny hop races, and traditional and glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunts. Kids will also be able to join arts and crafts tuitions and watch the movie “HOP” by the poolside. In addition to these, there’s a sandy beach, fitness club, mini-golf, golf course and spa. The kids’ club, Camp Dolphin (for ages 4-12), is open late afternoon till late at night and offers special dinners, craft workshops and movies, plus video arcades. 

Carambola Beach Resort St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Set between a beautiful rainforest and idyllic white sandy beach, the kid-friendly Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa offers accommodation in spacious studio suites overlooking the tropical surroundings and the ocean. The fully equipped kitchenettes make it easier for families to make their own meal; otherwise you can eat at the on-site restaurants and nearby eateries. The elegant Caribbean resort also has a spa, golf course in the near vicinity, fitness center and pool. 

Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao 

Located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, Curacao is a wonderful destination to spend the Easter break. The Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is home to varied restaurants and bars, a spa, Pete Dye designed 18-hole golf course, and on-site dive operator. Kids can splash out in the protected swimming lagoon, snorkel or join the Kids Camp Arawak (for ages 3-12) that offers arts and crafts sessions, nature walks, cave exploring, sports and games.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.


Enjoy an adventure in the great outdoors, make friends with sea life, cool off in a water park, or simply kick back and relax at the beach with the kiddos. However you plan on spending your vacation, Jamaica is undoubtedly one of the best spots in the Caribbean to visit, with its endless choice of family-friendly attractions and activities. While the optimal season for Jamaica travel is still several months away – October to mid-December – now is the time you should start planning.

For those looking for all-inclusive properties

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa can be found in the tiny beach town of Lucea, not far from beautiful Montego Bay, this all-inclusive 4-star family-friendly resort exudes grace and elegance. It boasts a balance of  Roman and modern architecture, complete with stately columns and arches. Features include more than 400 suites, all-inclusive amenities, 10 restaurants, and the largest pool on the island. The little ones will love the splash pool, while older kids will enjoy hanging out at the Mini Club.

grand-palladium-pool-jam

Royalton White Sands welcomes families from around the world. This luxurious oceanfront property in Montego Bay prides itself on an upscale all-inclusive concept, offering guests their choice of 352 lavish rooms, first-class restaurants, and quality amenities. All guests of White Sands have access to non-motorized water sports and other activities, five on-site dining options, two pools and a splash pool for the kids, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property, just to name a few. There is always something happening for the kiddos, thanks to the resort’s kids’ club for ages 2-12, Kids’ Adventure Program, and a teens’ lounge specifically for those from 13-17.

Beaches Negril is definitely worth a look. The well-known, beloved resort brand offers families a wonderful, all-inclusive option on Jamaica’s legendary 7-Mile Beach, complete with its own water park and the ability to accommodate large families. The vibrant beachfront property offers family-friendly features, that includes a stretch of pristine beach, plush grounds, themed dining and endless activities, beach house-style rooms and suites, the on-site Pirates Island Waterpark, and countless water activities like kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. I give you my word, it is by far one of the most attractive and desirable resorts available for families on the island.

Properties that accommodate multi-generational families

Half Moon Resort welcomes everyone. While most resorts on the island are multi-generation friendly and cater to all ages, this plantation-themed resort located in Montego Bay could possibly be the best with its secluded four- to seven-bedroom villas that are perfect for large families on vacation. Of course, there are rooms and suites also available for smaller ones. Eight on-site dining venues, including room service, as well as an 18-hole golf course, a children’s village, the Dolphin Lagoon for dolphin interactions, and several other water and land activities are also available through the property.

Spa-at-halfMoon-Jam

Jamaica Inn is as inviting as it gets. This coastal blue oceanfront property in Ocho Rios is another resort suitable for families of all sizes and ages. Plantation-inspired rooms, villas and cottages offer top-rated amenities and depending on your accommodation choice, you will have access to a large, fully furnished veranda or balcony, your own infinity pool, private ocean access, or guest-exclusive pool. And, there’s still more! Enjoy seaside dining, luscious grounds and oceanfront spa. Families with children will especially love accessible water activities like parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling.

When privacy is what you are looking for

Sea Island Villa comes highly recommended. You need to look no further than the Villas by Linda Smith plantation-style property in beautiful Montego Bay if you’re in search of the ultimate private getaway. The expansive property boasts six bedrooms, so it’s ideal for both large and multi-generational families. The decor consists of grand, yet colorful aesthetics. Guests have access to a private pool and you have your own butler, gourmet cook, housekeepers and night guardsman. It’s the quintessential luxury Caribbean vacation!

montegoBay

GoldenEye could be just what you are looking for. Mystery and intrigue attract James Bond fans to this former residence of Ian Fleming, the English author responsible for bestowing the world with the famous spy series. The resort offers several luxury chateaus and cottages on the premises, but each still provides plenty of seclusion. Each of the lagoon cottages have private balconies and docks that give guests direct access to the lagoon, while the chateaus feature grand porches and your own beach area. If you really want to splurge, reserve the five-bedroom Fleming Villa, which comes with a housekeeper, butler and a chef.

For water park enthusiasts

Sunscape Splash Resort is the place for fun in the sun. A vibrant castle and pirate-themed water park, aptly named Pirates Paradise, await kids of all ages at the budget-friendly Sunscape Splash Resort. Families on a budget will definitely get more bang for their buck at this resort in Montego Bay that also offers access to non-motorized water sports, three beaches, land activities, and comfortable guest rooms and suites with private balconies. It’s also large family friendly, thanks to its connecting standard rooms. With over 1,800 feet of powdery white sand beaches and all-inclusive amenities, it is a popular choice among vacationers.

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort offers both fun and luxury. Also a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort, this property features butler-service suites, water activities, three pools with a concierge service, and six on-site restaurants. It is also home to the Jewel Lagoon Water Park, which features a 5,000 square foot oceanfront sundeck, an infinity beach lagoon with geysers, a water slide, lazy river, a speed slide, rapids raft ride, kiddie slides and splash zone. You will never have to worry about your kids getting bored.

rose-hall-jam

Hilton Rose Hall in all its glory. One of Jamaica’s most legendary historic properties, the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa is another all-inclusive resort located seaside on the infamous Rose Hall Plantation in Montego Bay. The updated resort feature rooms and suites with breathtaking views and modern furnishings, providing guests access to a selection of water sports, numerous land activities, complimentary transportation to and from the plantation house, and a choice of dining options. It is also home to the Sugar Mill Falls Water Park, boasting cascading waterfalls, a lazy river, lagoons, a swinging suspension bridge, and kiddie pool.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Your kids love pasta, pizza and ice cream, you’re enthusiastic about history, culture and shopping – then a family vacation in Italy promises to be a treat for everyone in the family. Some careful planning is required to make sure you go during the season most suitable to your family’s interests. Using the services of a travel professional might be the most cost-effective way to organize your family holiday to Italy. 

Why Go: 

Visiting Italy with kids is one of the easiest and most pleasant travel experiences. 

Italy may be the world’s most welcoming country to kids. Italians adore their own children and will roll out the red carpet for yours. Many travelers will tell stories of taking their baby to an Italian market, where immediately signoras will flock around to admire and coo over them. Even Italian waiters bend over backwards to accommodate children, bringing them special orders and treats,” says Susan Van Allen, an Italy expert and author of “50 Places in Rome, Florence, and Venice Every Woman Should Go”

When To Go: 

May to June and September to October are the best times to travel all over the country with average temperatures and a balmy weather. In the summer, choose a family-friendly resort in the countryside or by the sea. Christmas in Rome is a unique experience with beautiful decorations and an enchanting atmosphere. If your family skies, there are many excellent mountain resorts to go to during the winter season. 

Where To Go: 

If you only have time for one city, make it Rome, the charismatic Italian capital home to impressive historic sites and vibrant streets and piazzas. 

“Rome, with the Colosseum, Vatican (for the Sistine Chapel) and St Peter’s Basilica and all history behind that, will always be a fascinating city for your family,” says Maria A. Chiacchio, Founder and  President of the Italian Institute, Denver, CO. She also points out the kid-friendly food scene as one of the major draws to the Eternal City: “Stopping for a gelato will bring a special smile to both kids and adults. You will all love the feast of colors and flavors in the Italian gelateria! Keep enjoying your day and stop later on for a pizza dinner, simple and casual.” 

Meanwhile, Susan Van Allen recommends the Borghese Gardens by the Villa Borghese as one of the most kid-friendly attractions in Rome. She says, “Sixty-five acres of manicured green, shadowed by umbrella pines beckon families to enjoy La Dolce Vita. There are places to rent bikes, surrey-style carts, or roller skates, and opportunities for pony rides or to rent a paddleboat at the park pond. There’s a theater that puts on old-style puppet shows, featuring Commedia dell’Arte characters. And there’s a tiny charming tram that takes you to a large zoological garden, the Bioparco.” 

What To Do: 

Activities for the whole family include excursions in the countryside, bike tours in Tuscany and Sicily, day hikes, and cooking classes such as making your own pizza. Milan in the north is famous for its many designer outlets while Venice bursts with delightful attractions, museums, and surprises at every corner. 

While in Venice, you and your kids will want to visit  the Museo Dei Ragazzi (Children’s Museum) in the Palazzo Vecchio of Florence for a time travel experience. Costumed characters lead kids through this palace where the powerful Medici family lived in the Renaissance. The entertainment may include shadow shows or dressing up in costume. There are a few programs for children to choose from, from ages 4 and up.

Where To Stay: 

There are family-friendly hotels for all budgets in Rome, with some really great values. If you include the Tuscan countryside in your itinerary, opt for an authentic Italian bed & breakfast which makes for a comfortable base to explore the region. 

Great resorts for kids can be found on the southern island of Sicily. Maria A. Chiacchio says, “At the many beautiful, kid-friendly private resorts, children can run around on the sand and play in the calm waters, while adults can go for a nice swim or sunbathe on the beach. From the resort, take a day trip to top destinations in Sicily including Taormina, Siracusa, Ragusa, and Catania for a tour of ancient temples and ruins.”

Don’t forget:
Logistics can easily get complicated in Italy. Make sure to exchange your cash in the United States before you leave, it’ll be to your advantage. Call your bank to let you know you are traveling abroad. Also, always carry phone chargers, you never know when you’ll have the perfect photo opportunity! And don’t forget to get your international plan from your phone provider.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.