INSPIRING ITINERARIES
Get Inspired With These Sample Itineraries For Your Next Family Vacation!
LOS CABOS
The key to enjoying Los Cabos is knowing the difference between the two “sides” of Los Cabos. And you’ll want to visit both. Cabo San Lucas features a marina full of million-dollar yachts and attracts many young people with its posh restaurants and impressive nightlife. San Jose del Cabo is the more quaint, picturesque Mexican town you may be dreaming of if you prefer authentic Mexican experiences to shopping and dining out.
Day 1
Fly into the Los Cabos International Airport and drop your luggage off at your hotel before heading out to explore Cabo San Lucas. Jump on a water taxi to get a close-up view of Cabo’s iconic El Arco before arriving at Lover’s Beach. Spend the afternoon sunbathing. Or if you want to swim, head for Medano Beach, the longest swimmable beach in the area. When you return to town, grab a traditional Mexican dinner downtown in one of the many popular restaurants.
Day 2
Head to the rural Las Animas Bajas area, just outside of San José del Cabo for some great food! If it’s Saturday, you can check out the San José Mercado Organico, an organic farmers market. Eat brunch at one of the gorgeous farm-to-table restaurants. On your way back to town, stop in the Historic Art District in San José del Cabo to check out the colonial architecture, bustling town plaza, and art galleries. If you travel between November and June, check out Thursday Art Walk.
DAY 3
Take advantage of the gorgeous beaches in Los Cabos today. Divers may want to take an organized tour to access some of the best dive spots. Snorkelers can visit Playa Chileno or Bahía Santa Maria along the corridor, where swimming is also possible. At Playa El Médano, beachgoers will find many activities to choose from, like kayaking or jet skiing. You can even book a whale watching trip for your family. When you’ve had enough sun and sand for the day, enjoy a sunset beach dinner at any of the beautiful restaurants along the corridor.
DAY 4
While kids are off on their own or poolside with dad, you can spend you’re the day truly relaxing at one of Los Cabos’ incredible spas, indulging in a facial, a massage, or an entire day of treatments. Or schedule a tee time at one of the area’s famous golf courses, where you can enjoy beautiful ocean views on the green. Come back together at dinner time before relaxing with nightly entertainment at your resort.
Day 5
Rent a car and venture north to Todos Santos. Todos Santos is an artsy Mexican village with lots of festivals, music, small artisan shops, galleries, beautiful architecture and friendly people. While there, visit the Hotel California. Was it really the one sung about by the Eagles? Only they know for sure. Spend some time walking along the tide pools on the beaches and you may even be able to participate in a baby turtle release. Take some time before you leave Todos Santos to learn a little bit about the history there. Head back to your resort.
Day 6
Spend your last day in Los Cabos with a breakfast poolside. Check out and head back to the airport for your quick flight home!
COSTA RICA
If your family loves animals, the beach and outdoor adventure, Costa Rica is an excellent choice for your next family vacation. It’s close to the United States, easy to find luxury and rustic lodging as well as plenty of activities for everyone. Here’s a family itinerary for those who want to see the less touristy side of Costa Rica.
Day 1
Fly into Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste, pick up your rental car and head to your resort. Drop your bags and head back out to Hacienda El Viego for a fun day of learning about the culture and traditions of the area. Enjoy and early dinner and get a good night’s sleep for the rest of your adventure.
Day 2
Depending on where you are staying you may want to travel to one of the beaches in the Gulf of Papagayo or more towards Tamarindo/Conchal/Flamingo, for some great beach time and snorkeling. In Samara, take an easy kayak ride to Isla Chorro for excellent snorkeling. Divers won’t want to miss a chance to scuba dive at Las Catalinas Islands, Isla Murcielagos or the Tortuga Islands! After a sun and sea filled day, head back to your resort for dinner or dine at one of the local restaurants.
DAY 3
It’s time to see some wildlife! Hop on a boat and head down the Tempisque River to see crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, lizards and birds. Your family can learn about the importance of the river and the dry tropical forest.
If visiting during rainy season (July-end of November) you can visit Ostional Wildlife Refuge. It’s a great place to see Olive Ridley Sea Turtles and baby turtles hatching. Then head over to the Bijagua Rainforest Walk and Sloth Spotting Tour.
End your day in Playas del Coco for a drink and some people watching as well as souvenir shopping.
DAY 4
Take a day to relax, enjoy the beaches, take a surfing lesson or take part in some of the activities at your resort.
Day 5
It’s adventure time! You can go on a hike in Curubande de Liberia. There is everything from a tame 1 kilometer trail to an adventurous 5 mile hike that leads you to a gorgeous waterfall. You can also take advantage of hot springs and natural pools to take a dip. Or if you want something a little towards the wild side, go to Diamante Eco Adventure Park for ziplining and horseback riding for starters.
Day 6
Have a relaxing breakfast poolside and head back to the airport for your flight home!
