5 Best Kid Vacations: Meaningful Destinations to Explore with Your Family

People travel for so many different reasons. I would argue that most travel as a means to escape, to loosen up or to unwind. Stress can be tough on to the mind, body and soul, and travel acts as a sort of medicine for most people. But there's another reason that people like to travel: It also helps create beautiful memories, fosters wonderful bonds between family members and enables the mind to open up to endless possibilities. With every meal, hike or stroll, a traveler is left with a lasting impression that they’ll want to share with those they love.

If you are looking for meaningful places to explore with your children and don't know where to begin, here are five options to get you started. Each destination is filled with wonderful experiences that the entire family can enjoy.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Your absolute first stop in Williamsburg, Virginia, should be Colonial Williamsburg. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you and your children will step back in time and get a sense of what it was like a few hundred years ago. Have fun churning butter, talking to the locals and taking in a few demonstrations like sewing simple clothes or baking bread from scratch. Consider driving over to the Virginia Aviation Museum, home to one of the world's largest collections of warbirds in flying condition. If you and your family are seeking a more adventurous trip, look no further than a ride on an upside-down rollercoaster at Busch Gardens! Williamsburg is a great option for families because you can mix fun and entertainment with history and culture — a little bit of everything for everyone. You can pick up your Alamo Rent a Car at the Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), which will make heading to all of these stops a breeze.

Washington D.C.

Taking a trip to Washington D.C. as a family is a fantastic idea because there is so much to do in one place.  A few notable sights include: Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Memorial, the Smithsonian museums, National Mall, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Nationals Park and the White House. If you are looking for a little low-key fun, try to squeeze in a bowling game at Pinstripes or grab a meal at either Filomena's or City Tap. Whatever you do, don't leave the city without having breakfast at Founding Farmers. They grind their own beef, press their own juices and even churn their own butter. If you want that homestyle taste while on vacation, you will find it here. In order to get from one stop to the next, pick up your car at one of Alamo’s D.C. locations.

Woodloch Pines – Poconos, Pennsylvania

This is the vacation that everybody needs but doesn't realize it yet. Picture a place that has everything you want; is so fun that your kids no longer are begging for their electronics; and offers activities from early morning to late evening. It's not a dream. It exists, and it has an all-you-can-eat plan that is absolutely delicious. Woodloch Pines is a family-owned resort in the Poconos Mountains that is open all year long and was created specifically with families in mind. Whether you’re looking for archery, go-karts, rock climbing, water sports or fishing in the summer, they have you covered. In the winter, their activities menu is equally as robust. Think ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing and more! This may just be the start of your new family tradition. You can fly into Lehigh Valley International Airport and pick up your Alamo Rent a Car once you pick up your bags.

Walt Disney World® Resort — Orlando, Florida

It's the most magical place on Earth, after all. Grab your Alamo Rent a Car at the Orlando International Airport as soon as you land and get ready to kick off a magical escapade. There are so many places to visit once you enter Disney World. Walk around and explore findings as you happen upon them or hit fan favorites like It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain when the lines are manageable. If you are looking for my personal suggestions, consider indulging in some Dole Whip, riding the rollercoaster in Toy Story Land, catching the Festival of Fantasy parade and getting an autograph from your favorite character. Don't forget to pick up a set of Mickey ears for everyone in your family!

Greenport, Long Island — North Fork

Greenport, Long Island, is a great place to visit with the kids. Pick up your Alamo Rent a Car at John F. Kennedy International Airport and then take a short drive out east to the north shore and tuck your family away in this incredibly quaint town. Start your day off with a quick ride on board the antique carousel located right off Cow Harbor. The Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. has amazing food and a huge outdoor seating area. If it's in season, you can visit Lavender on the Bay and walk the fields for an Instagram-worthy shot that your friends will fawn over! Are you more of a museum-goer? There are plenty to choose from, including the East End Seaport Maritime Museum and the Railroad Museum of Long Island. Dinner options are endless. The best Long Island meatballs - yeah, I said it - are from 1943 Pizza. The pizza is also outstanding but do yourself a favor and order their meatball appetizers. They will blow your socks off. For dessert, head on over to the Hampton Chocolate Factory and get whatever you want dipped in chocolate. Their wide selection is mouthwatering.

Family travel is such a special way to build memories and create lifelong bonds. Make sure you help your kids capture the vacation memories that you create so that they can remember them for years to come. Hopefully, one of these destinations sparks a desire to get you and your loved ones on the road this year.