Help us choose our next destination! (traveling with children!)

Hey everyone! This several travel subs were super helpful when we planned our Lisbon trip, so I figured I’d come back and ask for ideas for next year 🙌

We just got back from 10 days in Lisbon + Cascais (April, over spring break) with our kids (6 & 9). This trip was their Christmas present—something we started in 2023—and honestly it was a huge success. We have really enjoyed doing this each year and we have found the experience far outlasts the toy or gadget. They handled this trip way better than expected…even hauling their own carry-ons up cobblestone hills and endless stairs.

Our Previous Trips:

2024 – Costa Rica
All-inclusive base but did a bunch of tours which was a great mix of comfort + culture. We were afraid to take on too much too soon with a four year old and seven year old, but they did every thing they could do and more!

2025 – Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Kids loved the resort life (waterslides, etc.), but we felt like we missed out on exploring/adventure. We had a great time, but we were missing something!

2026 – Lisbon, Portugal (favorite so far)

• We stayed in an Airbnb
• Sintra was highlight of the entire trip (castles, food, scenery…we wish we stayed there longer). I could have stayed here for multiple days! It was so beautiful!
• Lisbon: loved wandering, river views, São Jorge Castle (peacocks were a hit)
• Cascais: least favorite overall (weather didn’t help), BUT had some of our best meals
• Kids did great! Two days over 35k steps.... including hikes up to Moorish Castle and Pena Palace (on separate days) ....every day was 20,000 plus.

We’re are a family that loves:

• hiking
• beaches
• history
• viewpoints/castles/ruins
• good food (this is non-negotiable)

Portugal checked all those boxes. I’m still thinking about the breakfasts, pastries, yogurt, and breads!

Now trying to plan 2027 👀

We’d likely travel:

• late March / early April OR
• summer

We want somewhere that has:

• great food
• walkability
• outdoor adventure + scenery
• some history/culture mixed in

My husband and I are doing Ireland (Dublin, Galway, Doolin) this July without the kids (quick 5-day trip, trying to make the most of his PTO). If we love it, we might go back with them and explore more, but I’m open to totally different ideas too.

I didn’t travel growing up, so being able to do this with our kids is really special to us. Hoping they’re learning a lot about the world along the way ❤️

Would LOVE any suggestions—Europe or elsewhere!

Thanks in advance!!