Things to do

Amalfi Coast · 7 hours · $1,558 per boat

A full day on a private boat from Positano around Capri's grottos and swim stops. The best day of most Amalfi trips.

Amalfi Coast · 3 to 4 hours · from $108

The best views on the coast, mostly downhill from Bomerano to Nocelle. Start early and bring water.

Amalfi Coast · Morning into lunch

A family cooking school in Ravello with a garden and a long lunch overlooking the sea.

Amalfi Coast · 3 to 4 hours · from $85

Tickets carry your name and are capped at 20,000 a day. Go with a guide; the site is huge.

Amalfi Coast · Evening · from €20

Summer concerts on the terrace at Villa Rufolo, July to early September.

Aruba · Half day · from $99

Desert landscape, caves and the Natural Pool, reachable only by 4x4. Go with a guide or check your rental allows it.

Aruba · 3 hours · from $79

Red Sail takes you to the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, plus Catalina Bay, with an open bar.

Aruba · Full day · from $159

An all-inclusive island day with snorkeling, a waterpark and flamingos. Good for families.

Aruba · Full day · from $150

The Renaissance's private island with the flamingos. Passes release about a week ahead and sell out.

Aruba · 2 hours · from $92

Red Sail's happy-hour sail off Palm Beach, with an open bar and appetizers.

Aspen · About 2 hours · $325 per snowmobile

The road to the Maroon Bells is closed to cars in winter, so this is the easiest way to stand at Maroon Lake with hot drinks and the peaks in front of you. Tours run Tuesday to Saturday, and weather can reroute you to a Pyramid Peak loop, so keep a backup day.

Aspen · About 2 hours · $90 per adult

A naturalist-led walk on top of Aspen Mountain that includes the gondola ride and snowshoes, so non-skiers get the summit views too. Tours run daily at 10am and 1pm from Dec 14, and you should allow 30 minutes to buy tickets and ride up.

Aspen · About 1.5 hours · from $48

A local guide walks you through Aspen's silver mining boom, its near collapse and how it became a ski town, and it makes the rest of your trip more interesting. Do it on your first afternoon, and wear comfortable shoes since there's a fair amount of walking at almost 8,000 feet.

Aulani · 90 minutes to full day · from $63

The Jurassic Park valley on the windward side. The Movie Sites tour works for all ages, and UTV and zipline tours are there for thrill seekers. It's a long drive from Ko Olina, so plan a full day.

Aulani · 2.5 hours · from $195

Leaves from Ko Olina, a few minutes from Aulani, so no long drive into Honolulu. Snorkel gear is included. An easy half-day on the water.

Aulani · Half day · from $55

The memorial program itself is free with a timed ticket. This tour handles the tickets and the driving and adds a short Honolulu stop. No bags bigger than a small wallet.

Aulani · Evening · from $175

Buffet, lei and drinks included, and you don't have to drive after dinner. Preferred seating costs more and gets you closer to the stage. Book it before you arrive.

Big Island · 2 to 2.5 hours · from $94

One of the best things to do in Hawaii. You float at the surface after dark while manta rays feed beneath you.

Big Island · 3.5 hours · from $194

Fair Wind takes you to the Captain Cook monument, the best snorkeling on the island. Morning trips sell out weeks ahead.

Big Island · 8 to 9 hours · from $330

Hawaii Forest & Trail drives you to nearly 14,000 feet for sunset, then sets up telescopes lower down. Warm clothes are provided. Ages 13 and up.

Big Island · 5 hours · from $139

A guided day in Volcanoes National Park with someone who knows where to look. Good if you're short on time or don't want the drive.

Big Island · Free

A working Kona coffee farm that's been run by the same family for generations. Free tours daily, with tastings.

Disney Cruise Line · About 2 hours

The adults-only brunch I tell every couple to book. Big ocean views and a long, slow meal while the kids are in the clubs. Reserve the moment your booking window opens.

Disney Cruise Line · Island day

Has its own adults-only Serenity Bay, a Junkanoo celebration, local art and a nature trail to the lighthouse. The South Eleuthera tours get you off the Disney beach and into real Bahamian culture.

Disney Cruise Line · Beach day

The adults-only beach is free and much quieter than the family side. The barbecue moved to the new Hangar 98 BBQ building. Cabanas cost extra and sell out early.

Disney Cruise Line · 1 hour · from $54

Kids 5 and up can feed and touch stingrays in shallow water. It's short, so you still have the rest of the beach day. $64 for ages 10 and up, $54 for ages 5 to 9.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 5 minutes plus pre-show · Lightning Lane Single Pass $11-$20

You ride a banshee over Pandora, and it's the ride that wins over people who think they don't care about Avatar. Height is 44 inches, and it's the one to buy a Single Pass for or ride at Early Entry.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A slow, glowing boat ride through Pandora's rainforest with an impressive Shaman animatronic at the end. It's short for the wait, so use a Multi Pass pick instead of standing in a long standby line.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 18 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

An open-truck safari through a huge savanna with giraffes, lions, elephants and rhinos. Ride in the morning when the animals are up, and remember the last trip leaves earlier than park close.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 3 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A coaster that runs backwards into the dark, with a giant yeti, and it's the best thrill ride in the park (44 inches). The single rider line moves fast, and the ride is expected to close later for a long repair, so ride it while you can.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A raft ride where some people get soaked and some stay dry, and you won't know which until the end. Height is 38 inches, and on cool November mornings I'd save it for the afternoon.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 30 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A Broadway-style show with acrobats, music and huge puppets, and it's the best show in any Disney World park. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early, since seating isn't guaranteed.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · 25 minutes · Included with admission

A colorful musical with big puppets, great for young kids and a good sit-down in the air conditioning. Check showtimes in the app, since it runs only a few times a day.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 10 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A 4D show inside the Tree of Life that replaced It's Tough to Be a Bug, with Judy Hopps and the Zootopia crew. It's a good stop when you need a sit and some air conditioning.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 20 to 30 minutes, self-paced · Included with admission

A walking trail with gorillas, hippos underwater and a meerkat habitat. It's right next to the safari, so I tell people to do it right after while they're in the area.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 20 to 30 minutes, self-paced · Included with admission

A walking trail through temple ruins with tigers, bats and huge birds. Morning is best, because the tigers are usually more active before the heat.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · Allow about 1 hour with the train ride · Included with admission

A high-energy play session with Bluey and Bingo, with games, music and dancing. Get there by the Wildlife Express Train from Africa, and know there are no individual photos or autographs.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 18 minutes, start to finish · Lightning Lane Single Pass $20-$25

The best ride at Disney World, in my opinion: a multi-part experience where you get captured by the First Order and escape. Height is 40 inches, it's long, and it breaks down a lot, so buy the Single Pass or ride early.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

You fly the Falcon as pilot, gunner or engineer, and pilot is the role you want. Height is 38 inches, and single rider is a great shortcut if you don't care which seat you get.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 2 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A family coaster with a fun second launch, and the best first real coaster for kids who are 38 inches. It's the most popular Multi Pass pick in the park, so book it as early as you can.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A trackless ride inside a cartoon, with gags happening on every wall. No height requirement, and it's my pick for families with toddlers.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 4 minutes plus pre-show · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

Random drops in a haunted hotel elevator, and the theming is some of Disney's best. Height is 40 inches, and the drops are randomized, so no two rides are the same.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 1.5 minutes plus pre-show · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

The same 0 to 57 mph launch and inversions in the dark, now with the Muppets and the Electric Mayhem on the soundtrack. Height is 48 inches, and the single rider line is the move if you don't mind splitting up.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 7 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A 3D shooting game ride where everyone gets competitive. Pull the string fast and aim for the high-value targets, and ride twice if the line is short.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 7 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A motion simulator with randomized planets, so it changes every time. Height is 40 inches, and the wait is usually reasonable in the afternoon.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · 30 minutes · Included with admission

Mickey battles the villains in a water, fire and fireworks show, and it's the best nighttime show at the Studios. Arrive 45 minutes early for good seats, and know the first rows can get wet.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · 30 minutes · Included with admission

Live stunts, explosions and a peek at how movie action scenes are made. It's a good way to sit in the shade midday between rides.

Disneyland · 7 hours minimum

A private guide for up to 10 people who handles the logistics and gets you on rides with minimal waits. Expect roughly $500 to $800 an hour plus park tickets. Worth it for big milestone groups.

Disneyland · Check dates · from $145

A good pick for history buffs and train fans. You ride the Lilly Belle, Walt's private railroad car, and hear how his love of trains shaped the park. Disney lists it as temporarily unavailable right now, so check before you plan around it.

Disneyland · 2 hours · from $170

The revamped tour covers both parks and ends with a visit to Walt's apartment above the Main Street fire station. That's the only way most people get inside. Includes a snack box and pin.

EPCOT · About 3 minutes plus pre-show · Lightning Lane Single Pass $14-$25

A spinning indoor coaster that rotates to face the action, with a different song each ride, and it's my favorite coaster at Disney World (42 inches). It now has a regular standby line, but waits get long, so ride at Early Entry or buy the Single Pass.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

It reopened in 2025 with a new design-a-car theme, and the high-speed outdoor loop is still the payoff (40 inches). The single rider line is a huge time saver if your group doesn't mind splitting up.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A boat ride through Arendelle with a small backwards drop and great Elsa animatronics. It's one of the longest waits in the park, so use a Multi Pass pick or ride right at opening.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A 3D trackless ride where you shrink down to rat size in Gusteau's kitchen. No height requirement, and it's a strong pick for families with mixed ages.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

The new limited-time version of Soarin' flies you over U.S. landmarks, and it's gentle enough for most people who don't love thrill rides (40 inches). Ask for the top row in the middle for the best view.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

Orange is the intense spinning version (44 inches) and Green is the gentle one (40 inches). If anyone in your group gets motion sick, pick Green and don't let anyone talk you into Orange.

EPCOT · About 16 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

The slow ride through the giant ball telling the story of human communication. Ride it now, because Disney plans to close it for a big reimagining, expected in 2027.

EPCOT · About 14 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A relaxing boat ride through EPCOT's greenhouses, where they grow food served in the park. From November 27 to December 30, 2026 it runs as Glimmering Greenhouses with holiday lights, which is worth doing at night.

EPCOT · About 4 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A short clamshell ride that drops you into one of the biggest aquariums in the country. Skip the ride line if you just want the tanks, since you can walk in through the exit side.

EPCOT · About 15 minutes, self-paced · Included with admission

A walk-through water trail where the water reacts to you, and it's perfect for little kids. Go in the afternoon heat and expect to get a little wet.

EPCOT · About 20 minutes · Included with admission

EPCOT's nighttime show of fireworks, fountains and lights over World Showcase Lagoon. Grab a spot near Italy, Germany or the Mexico side about 30 minutes early, or book a fireworks dining package if you want a guaranteed view.

Florence & Tuscany · 3 hours · from $63

Walks of Italy covers the Accademia and the Duomo area in one morning, with 18 people at most.

Florence & Tuscany · 2 hours · from $73

The Uffizi is huge. A guide gets you to Botticelli, Leonardo and Caravaggio without wandering for hours.

Florence & Tuscany · 4.5 hours · from $192

Shop the market with Mama Florence, then cook and eat a full Tuscan menu. A good rainy-day pick.

Florence & Tuscany · Full day · from $108

Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa plus a winery lunch in Chianti, without having to drive.

Florence & Tuscany · 10.5 hours · from $261

Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano in a day, with two tastings and lunch. Better as an overnight if you have the time.

Hudson Valley · Self-paced, 2 to 3 hours · $20 per adult

Huge, light-filled galleries in a former Nabisco box factory, with Richard Serra's steel sculptures as the showstopper. It's open Friday to Monday only, so plan around it and reserve tickets online.

Hudson Valley · Half day · $25 per adult

Massive sculptures across 500 acres of fields and hills, and the single best outdoor art experience in the Northeast. The 2026 season ends November 30 and it's closed until spring, so buy timed tickets ahead and rent a bike to cover ground.

Hudson Valley · About 7 hours · from $135

A guide takes you by train from Grand Central to Sleepy Hollow, the Walkway Over the Hudson and Cold Spring, so you see the valley without renting a car. It's my pick if you're staying in Manhattan with one free day, and fall weekdays give you the foliage without the crowds.

Hudson Valley · About 1.5 hours · from $71

A gentle walk around a 25-acre fiber farm in Hyde Park with a llama or alpaca on a lead, and it's an easy win for kids or anyone who wants a slower afternoon. Pair it with the Vanderbilt Mansion a few minutes away, and wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy.

Hudson Valley · About 2 hours · $12 per adult

Painter Frederic Church's Persian-inspired hilltop house has the best Hudson River view anywhere. In November tours run weekends only and the house is closed November 2 to 15, so book a landscape walk or the $20 house tour ahead.

Hudson Valley · About 5 to 6 hours · from $235

You walk the 1.28-mile Walkway Over the Hudson at your own pace, then a private driver takes you to two Hudson Valley wineries, so nobody has to drive after the tastings. Go on a clear fall day for the foliage, and bring a layer because it gets windy 212 feet above the river.

Hudson Valley · About 5 to 6 hours · from $235

A driver takes you to three wineries, including Benmarl, which bills itself as the oldest vineyard in America, so you can taste properly without worrying about the drive home. Book a few days ahead so they can set the tasting reservations, and eat a real breakfast first.

Hudson Valley · About 2 hours with the grounds · $15 per adult

A Gilded Age mansion in Hyde Park with formal gardens and river views, and my pick while Kykuit tours are paused for all of 2026. Tickets are first come, first served at the visitor center and card only, so arrive early on weekends.

Jackson Hole · About 4 hours · from $198

Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures puts you in a pop-top vehicle with a naturalist guide and scopes, timed for the hour when moose, elk and bison are actually out. Dusk is just as good as dawn for wildlife, so this is the one to book if you'd rather skip a 5 am alarm.

Jackson Hole · About 3 hours · from $115

A calm 13-mile float with Teton views, eagles and the odd moose, no whitewater, and your guide does all the rowing. Take a morning trip for the best wildlife, and keep it for a summer visit since floats don't run in winter.

Jackson Hole · About 4 hours · from $375

A guided half day on a snowmobile from Heart Six Ranch, with big Teton country views and a guide leading the whole way, so you don't need to know the trails. It's the winter outing I suggest for non-skiers, so dress in warm layers and confirm what gear is included when you book.

Jackson Hole · About 8 hours · from $219

A full winter day with a BrushBuck naturalist looking for bison, moose and bighorn sheep in Grand Teton, plus a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge herd. Dress warmer than you think you need, because the sleigh is open to the wind.

Kauai · 5.5 hours · from $260

A catamaran from Port Allen along the Nā Pali Coast with snorkeling and a barbecue lunch. Calmest from spring to fall.

Kauai · 6 hours · from $292

Bigger, steadier boats, which helps if anyone gets seasick. The longer Niʻihau trip adds a second snorkel spot.

Kauai · About 1 hour · from $460

Most of Kauai can only be seen from the air. Doors off means clear photos of Nā Pali, Waimea Canyon and the waterfalls. Ages 10 and up.

Kauai · 3 hours · from $169

Kauai Backcountry floats you through old plantation irrigation ditches and tunnels. It's fun for teens and adults, and it sells out.

Kauai

A beautiful garden in a valley near Poʻipū, run by the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Guided only, so reserve ahead.

Lake Como · 1 hour · $398 per boat

A private hour on a classic wooden boat for up to six people. The lake is best seen from the water.

Lake Como · 30 to 90 minutes · €480 for 2

Take off from the water in Como and see the whole lake and the Alps.

Lake Como · Full day · from $285

The villa from Star Wars and Casino Royale, on its own point. This private day pairs it with Bellagio, so you see both sides of the lake.

Lake Como · About 3 hours · from $194

An easy guided walk past villas and gardens on the western shore, with views of Isola Comacina and Villa del Balbianello.

Lake Como · from $296

Cook with a view at an old mill above Bellagio. Villa Melzi garden entry is included.

Magic Kingdom · About 3 minutes · Lightning Lane Single Pass $10-$18

A smooth family coaster with swinging cars and a fun trip through the dwarfs' mine, and it's the right first coaster for most kids (38 inches). The line gets long fast, so ride it during Early Entry or buy the Single Pass.

Magic Kingdom · About 1 minute · Lightning Lane Single Pass $19-$25

The fastest launch in the park, on motorcycle-style seats under a glowing canopy. Height is 48 inches, and the bike seats don't fit every body type, so try the test seat out front before you wait.

Magic Kingdom · About 2.5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A classic coaster in the dark that feels much faster than it is. You need to be 44 inches, and it's a good Multi Pass pick in the afternoon when standby creeps past an hour.

Magic Kingdom · About 4 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

It reopened in May 2026 after a long refurbishment with new track and effects, and the height requirement dropped to 38 inches. It's the best family thrill ride in the park, and I love it after dark.

Magic Kingdom · About 10 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (temporarily closed until Dec. 18, 2026)

A log flume with great music and a 50-foot drop, and you will get wet (40 inches to ride). It's closed for refurbishment until December 18, 2026, so don't plan around it before then.

Magic Kingdom · About 9 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

Spooky, funny and packed with details you'll catch on a second ride. The line moves fast, so I usually ride standby and save my Lightning Lane picks for something else.

Magic Kingdom · About 9 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A boat ride with a couple of small drops and some of Disney's best scenes. It's a great midday break from the heat, and the wait rarely gets bad.

Magic Kingdom · About 3 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A short, sweet ride over London in a flying pirate ship. The line is long all day for a 3-minute ride, so do it first thing or use a Multi Pass pick.

Magic Kingdom · About 10 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A boat tour full of bad puns, and the skipper makes or breaks it. Right now it's running as the Jingle Cruise holiday version, and the regular version comes back early next year.

Magic Kingdom · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

It reopened in 2026 with new blasters and targets, and it's a competitive one if your family keeps score. No height requirement, and kids love it.

Magic Kingdom · About 10 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

Yes, the song gets stuck in your head, but it's a sit-down, air-conditioned classic that works for every age. Ride it when you need a break, because the line moves quickly.

Magic Kingdom · 18 minutes · Included with admission

Fireworks plus projections on the castle and down Main Street, and it's the best way to end a Magic Kingdom day. Stand on Main Street so you see the projections, not just the fireworks, and stake out a spot 45 minutes early.

Maui · 5 hours · from $165

Run by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation. Morning water at Molokini is the clearest you'll get, and the second stop is usually full of turtles.

Maui · 2 hours · from $84

Naturalists on board and money going to research. Book January to March for the most whales.

Maui · Early morning, half day · from $318

The tour handles the sunrise reservation and the drive up, then you coast down the mountain. Book well ahead.

Maui · About 10 hours · from $210

A small-group tour that does the driving and the Waiʻānapanapa stop. Worth it if nobody in your group wants 10 hours behind the wheel.

Maui · About 50 minutes · from $419

Blue Hawaiian from Kahului. You'll see waterfalls and valleys you can't get to on foot.

Maui · About 3 hours

The most respected luau on Maui, focused on Hawaiian culture and hula rather than fire-knife spectacle. Book 2 to 3 months ahead, more for front seats.

New York City · About 3 hours · from $99

A walking tasting tour of Village classics like Joe's Pizza, Faicco's and Rocco's cannoli, with enough history that it doubles as a neighborhood orientation. Book it for an early-trip afternoon and skip lunch, because it's a full meal.

New York City · About 2 hours 30 minutes · from $146

If you see one Broadway show with kids or first timers, I'd make it this one, and the puppetry in the opening number is worth the ticket on its own. Book weeks ahead for weekends and holidays, and pick center orchestra or front mezzanine for the best view of the staging.

New York City · Self-paced, 1 to 1.5 hours · from $48

Mirrored rooms, glass ledges and the best views of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings, with the entrance inside Grand Central. Book a weekday morning or sunset slot ahead, and wear pants rather than a skirt because the floors are mirrors.

New York City · About 2 hours · from $52

The Met is too big to wing, and an expert guide gets you to the Temple of Dendur and the big paintings in two hours without wandering. Stay on after the tour to explore on your own, and skip Wednesdays, when the museum is closed.

New York City · About 3 to 4 hours · from $31

Statue City Cruises is the official ferry that actually lands on Liberty and Ellis Islands, so you get both islands and the immigration museum on one ticket. Take the first boat from Battery Park to beat the security line, and if you want Pedestal or Crown access, book it weeks ahead because it sells out.

New York City · About 90 minutes · from $62

Running November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027, it's the holiday tradition I steer most families toward, and this ticket also includes a self-guided holiday tour of Midtown. Early November and weekday morning shows are the cheapest and calmest, and show tickets are usually final, so lock your date first.

New York City · About 3 hours 45 minutes · from $63

Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is where locals go all out on holiday lights, and this guided tour handles the trip out from Manhattan so you just walk and look. Book a weeknight in early December, since the main blocks get packed on weekends.

New York City · Self-paced, 2 to 3 hours · from $36

The Memorial pools are free and open 8 am to 8 pm daily, and the Museum is the most moving few hours you'll spend in the city. The Museum is closed most Tuesdays, so book a timed ticket ahead and give yourself at least two hours inside.

Oahu · Half day · from $55

The memorial program is free but needs a timed ticket. This tour handles the ticket and the driving and adds a short Honolulu stop. Add the Battleship Missouri if you have the time.

Oahu · 2 hours · from $162

Off-road through the valley where Jurassic Park and dozens of other films were shot. It sells out weeks ahead.

Oahu · 2 to 3 hours · from $26

A botanical garden walk that ends with a swim at a lifeguarded waterfall. Pair it with lunch in Haleʻiwa.

Oahu · 3+ hours · from $194

A smaller boat out of Waiʻanae, away from the Waikīkī crowds. Spinner dolphins, turtles and whales in season.

Oahu · Afternoon and evening · from $216

Villages from six Pacific cultures, a luau and the evening show. It's an hour from Waikīkī and closed Sundays.

Puerto Rico · 6.5 hours · from $75

Waterfalls and a river swim, with pickup, so you don't have to fight for parking.

Puerto Rico · About 2 hours · from $79

Paddle through mangroves into a lagoon that glows when you move the water. Avoid full-moon nights.

Puerto Rico · About 2 hours · from $65

The brightest bio bay in the world. Worth an overnight on Vieques. No kids under 5.

Puerto Rico · 6 hours · from $180

East Island Excursions sails to Culebra for snorkeling and lunch. Flamenco Beach depends on the sea that day.

Puerto Rico · 3 hours · from $179

Four or five tastings and a cocktail while you learn the old city. Do it on your first day.

Puerto Rico · 50 minutes to 2 hours · from $45

Tours and mixology classes at the rum distillery across the bay from Old San Juan. 18 and up.

Punta Cana · Full day · from $129

Ziplines, caves and the turquoise Hoyo Azul cenote in Cap Cana. Go early, before the tour buses.

Punta Cana · 8 to 12 hours · from $82

White sand and a natural pool full of starfish. Pay more for a small-group or private boat; the big boats are crowded.

Punta Cana · 2 to 3 hours · from $90

Freshwater lagoons you can swim in, inside Puntacana Resort. Free or discounted for resort guests.

Punta Cana · 4 to 5 hours · from $69

A replica 16th-century village above the river at Casa de Campo, with an amphitheater and views.

Rome · 4 hours · from $113

Gets you into the Sistine Chapel before the crowds, then on to St. Peter's.

Rome · 3 hours · from $113

A guided tour below the arena floor, then through the Forum and Palatine Hill.

Rome · 3.5 hours · from $124

Seven stops in a neighborhood Romans actually eat in. Go on your first day so you know where to eat for the rest of the trip.

Rome · 3 hours · from $93

The ancient road, the aqueducts and the catacombs on an e-bike. A good break from the crowds in the center.

Rome · 2 hours · from $58

Bernini and Caravaggio in a villa in the park. Reservations are required for everyone and slots sell out, so book about six weeks ahead.

Saint Lucia · 7 hours · from $145

A full-day catamaran from the north down the coast to the Pitons, with snorkeling and lunch. The best way to see the island from the water.

Saint Lucia · 4 to 5 hours · from $90

A steep, rewarding climb with a required local guide, booked at the Fond Gens Libre trailhead. Start by 7 a.m.

Saint Lucia · 1 to 2 hours · from $132

Walk up to the drive-in volcano, then soak in the warm mud pools. Wear a dark swimsuit.

Saint Lucia · About 1 hour · from $7

Gardens, a mineral-streaked waterfall and old mineral baths, near Soufrière. Pay at the gate.

Saint Lucia · 2 to 3 hours · from $10

A short hike to an old British fort with views over Rodney Bay, plus two small beaches.

Saint Lucia · 2 hours · from $115

A tram through the canopy, then ziplines back down. Easy to fit into a morning.

Telluride · Half day, about 2 hours on snow · $310 per snowmobile

Groomed trails and open meadows with big San Juan views, and hotel pickup is included, which matters in a town with no Uber. Book the family-friendly tour unless you ride often; tours run late November to early April.

Telluride · About 4 hours · from $141

Old mining roads up toward Imogene or Ophir Pass, with ghost towns and waterfalls you can't reach in a rental car. It's a summer trip and the route depends on road conditions, so book early for July and August.

Telluride · About 2.5 hours · from $168

A half day of splashy whitewater on the San Miguel just outside town, and it's the easiest adventure to fit into a summer trip. Late May and June bring the biggest water from snowmelt, so book a morning trip then if you want more thrills.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $329

Powerboat Adventures runs from Nassau to the Exuma cays with sharks, stingrays, iguanas, lunch and an open bar.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $160

The waterpark at Baha Mar, open to non-guests with a limited day pass. $65 for kids under 48 inches.

The Bahamas · 4 hours · from $129

Snorkeling with turtles on the reefs off Rose Island, a short boat ride from Nassau.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $257

Pink Sands Beach and golf carts. Runs Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; an overnight is better if you can.

The Bahamas · Full day

The waterpark, aquariums and beaches at Atlantis. Prices change by date; refundable until 4 days before.

The Berkshires · About 3 hours per concert · $25 per adult

The Boston Symphony's summer home, where a picnic on the lawn with a concert is the classic Berkshires night; the 2026 season ran June 21 to September 2, and the 2027 lineup usually comes out in winter. Lawn seats are the cheapest way in; bring chairs and a picnic and arrive early for parking.

The Berkshires · Self-paced, 3 to 4 hours · $25 per adult

One of the biggest contemporary art museums in the country, in a restored 19th-century factory complex where the scale of the work is half the fun. Open year-round but closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and wear comfortable shoes because it's huge.

The Berkshires · Self-paced, 2 to 3 hours · $22 per adult

A world-class collection of Impressionist and old master paintings in Williamstown, set on 140 acres with walking trails and a reflecting pool. Open year-round, closed most Mondays outside July and August, and free for kids under 18 and on first Sundays from October to May.

The Berkshires · Self-paced, 2 hours · $25 per adult

The largest collection of Rockwell's original work, just outside Stockbridge, with his actual studio moved onto the grounds. Open year-round; the studio tours run on a limited spring and summer schedule, so check dates and book a slot ahead.

The Berkshires · About 2 hours · $22 per adult

Edith Wharton's 1902 house and formal gardens in Lenox, one of the prettiest stops in the county in summer and fall. The house is open daily May to October, weekends only from November to January 2, and closed January 3 to April, though the grounds are free year-round.

The Berkshires · About 2 to 3 hours · $20 per adult

A living history museum with the famous round stone barn, Shaker furniture and farm animals, about 10 minutes west of Pittsfield. It's open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm, through November 29, then closes for winter until spring, so it's best May to October.

The Berkshires · About 2 hours · $150 per group

A private guided hike on the Greylock Glen trails at the foot of the highest peak in Massachusetts, with a local guide who picks the route and shows you spots like the old abandoned ski area. The price covers up to six people, so it's good value for a family or group of friends, and fall foliage weekends book up first.

The Berkshires · Full day · $124 per adult

The biggest ski area in southern New England, about 25 minutes from Lenox, with 45 trails and good night skiing. The season usually opens in late November; buy lift tickets online in advance, because weekend and holiday tickets can sell out at the window.

Turks and Caicos · 2 to 3 hours · Free

The best shore snorkeling on Providenciales, near Turtle Cove. The east entrance is shallowest for kids. Stay away from the channel.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · from $125

A half-day group trip to the reef, Iguana Island and the sandbars, without the cost of a private boat.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · $1,995 per boat

A private catamaran with snorkeling, sandbar stops and the rock iguanas on Little Water Cay.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · from $264

Conch Bar Caves, the largest dry cave system in the region, and the cliffs at Mudjin Harbour.

Turks and Caicos · 3 hours · from $350

Long Bay's shallow, steady-wind water is one of the best places in the world to learn.

Vail · About 2 hours · from $338

You ride through Camp Hale, the WWII 10th Mountain Division training ground that's now a national monument, with gear and a guide included. Add their round-trip transportation for $35 per person so you don't have to drive mountain roads in winter.

Vail · 5-day rental · from $283

Black Tie fits your skis and boots in your room, so you skip the rental shop line on your first morning, which is worth it with kids. Book it before you arrive and have everyone's height, weight and shoe size ready.

Vail · About 3.5 hours · from $95

A mellow half day on the Upper Colorado with a few fun rapids and big canyon views, and it's the best summer outing for mixed ages. The put-in is about an hour's drive from Vail, so book a morning trip and bring sunscreen and shoes that can get wet.

Venice · About 1.5 hours · from $124

Through the hidden offices, the prisons and Casanova's cell. Not for kids under 6 or anyone claustrophobic.

Venice · Half day · from $50

A small-group boat trip to Murano for a glassblowing demo, then Burano for the lace and the colored houses.

Venice · 90 minutes · from $90

Learn to row standing up in a traditional Venetian boat. One of the most fun things to do in the city.

Venice · 3 hours · from $124

A small-group crawl through Venice's bacari (wine bars) for cicchetti and local wine.

Venice · 1.25 hours · from $147

See the gold mosaics without the daytime crowds, with the Pala d'Oro and the crypt included.

Venice · 1 to 2 hours · from €17

Modern art in Peggy Guggenheim's house on the Grand Canal. Closed Tuesdays.

Walt Disney World · Half or full day · from $64

A good reset day in the middle of a long trip. Disney usually rotates one water park closed for refurb, so check which one is open for your dates.

Walt Disney World · 1 hour · from $39

The cheapest good tour on property. You walk through the greenhouses and fish farm in The Land. Kids actually like it, and it's a break from the heat.

Walt Disney World · About 1 hour · from $89

An open-air vehicle on the lodge savanna after dark, with night-vision goggles. Pair it with dinner at Jiko or Boma. Ages 8 and up.

Walt Disney World · Evening · from $104

Desserts and drinks, then a reserved fireworks spot without camping on Main Street for an hour. Seats & Sweets ($129+) is the one to book if anyone needs to sit.

Walt Disney World · About 3 hours · from $239

A small-group walk through the savanna in a harness, close to the hippos and crocodiles, plus snacks and photos. Ages 8+, 48 inches and up, 45 to 300 pounds.

Walt Disney World · About 5 hours · from $179

A walking tour of how Magic Kingdom works, including a stretch of the backstage areas. Lunch is included. Ages 16 and up with photo ID, and park admission is extra.

Yellowstone · About 13 hours · from $329

A BrushBuck naturalist drives you to Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, so you watch for wildlife instead of the road. It's a long day, so it's my pick only if you're based in Jackson with one day for Yellowstone, and it runs in the warmer months when the park roads are open.

Yellowstone · About 8 hours · $1,000 per group

A full private day with a Yellowstone Exposures guide and spotting scopes, built around finding wolves, bears and bison in places like Lamar Valley. The price covers up to five people, and I'd take the early start they recommend, since dawn is when the wolves are most active.

Yellowstone · About 4 hours 15 minutes each way · $179 per adult

The way to reach Old Faithful Snow Lodge in winter without a snowmobile, with stops for bison and steaming geyser basins along the way. It runs December 16, 2026 to March 7, 2027; stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel the night before for the morning coach.

Yellowstone · Up to 3 hours · $34 per adult

A slow, guided snowshoe through a steaming, nearly empty geyser basin. Snowshoe rentals are extra at the Bear Den Ski Shop, and you need a snowcoach or snowmobile to reach Old Faithful first.