Part of our Family Travel guide.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, offers a family-friendly mix of volcanoes, Mayan villages, and water activities, while Muscat, Oman, pairs grand Islamic architecture with coastal exploration. For summer, the key is balancing everyone’s interests—whether that means beaches, history, or nature—by researching options together as a family.
Related travel guides: Family Travel In Family Travel.
Lake Atitlan Guatemala Guide: Best Towns & Things To Do
Lake Atitlan sits in the highlands of Guatemala, ringed by volcanoes and mountains. Families can visit lakeside towns such as Panajachel, San Marcos, or Santiago Atitlán, each with its own market, hiking trails, and boat access. The lake’s altitude (1,562 meters) means cool mornings and warm afternoons; bring layers. Take a public lancha (water taxi) between villages—rides cost about 25–50 GTQ per person depending on distance. For a longer break, consider a staycation with a family at an eco-lodge on the shore, where kids can help make tortillas or learn traditional weaving.
Best Things To Do In Muscat: 9 Must-sees
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, built in 2001, accommodates up to 20,000 worshippers and features a handwoven Persian carpet covering the main prayer hall. Inside, look for the intricate carvings and one of the world’s largest chandeliers. Other family-friendly stops include the Mutrah Souq (open evenings, good for bargaining for spices and textiles), the Royal Opera House (check the calendar for child-friendly performances), and the beaches at Qurum Natural Park. The mosque provides wheelchair-accessible paths and quiet corners for nursing; remember to cover shoulders and knees. For a full day out, tips for visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium don’t apply here, but the Oman Aquarium at the Mall of Oman offers a similar hands-on marine experience with touch pools and a shark tunnel.
What To Do For Summer Vacation
Start by researching destinations as a family: discuss each person’s must-haves—beach time, historical sites, or nature hikes—and narrow options together. For a road trip, plan a family road trip with stops every two hours for snacks and stretching. If you’re staying closer to home, a staycation with a family can work just as well: book a local hotel with a pool, visit a nearby national park, or set up a backyard camping night. For families considering structured trips, Pesach programs in 2024: your options in the US and Europe include all-inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs and supervised activities. Pack a basic first-aid kit, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle for each person.
