Summer Travel Bucket List

Summer is right around the corner and I am soo excited that Danny and I booked our first trip alone. Yes, alone– meaning, no kids and three days in paradise just the three of us. We’ll be spending three nights in Puerto Vallarta sipping margaritas on the beach while our girls stay behind with their grandmas. If you know me, I get major anxiety leaving the girls for even a night out but this trip is so overdue and just what we need. Okay, so enough about that because this isn’t what this post is about but I just had to let it out!

We love taking family trips and created a bucket list on the places we’d like to go this summer (and some will be carried over until next because we just can’t do it all). We don’t like to travel far with kids since plane rides with two toddlers can be rough so most places on the list are relatively close to San Diego and won’t require a flight…except for our number one pick on the list because we are just too excited to wait for that one.

 

Aulani Resort in Hawaii

Disney meets the beach?! I mean, does it get much better than that? I think not. The beach is my absolute favorite place and I haven’t been to Hawaii since I was kid but I can still remember how amazing our trip was. You throw Disney’s magic into the mix and you literally have the perfect vacation destination. There’s something for everyone at Aulani– characters by the beach, family games and a spa for moms to get away. I think it’s pretty obvious as to why this is our top pick.

 

Omni Rancho Las Palmas

I loove Palm Springs. The heat and the desert is always so relaxing and it’s quick drive from San Diego, making it another great family destination for summer travel. Warning that it can get realllly hot here so be sure to plan accordingly. The second travel spot on my bucket list this summer is  trip to the Rancho Las Palmas resort. The hotel has a full-on water park on-site, so you don’t need to leave the hotel for anything. The kids can have fun at “Splashtopia” while adults can chill with a drink in hand by the pool.

 

Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland

You didn’t think I could leave Disney out, right? We have Disney passes and go to the park at least once a month but we still get excited for a trip to Disney. Since we’re going for Ari’s birthday, we decided to go all out and book our stay at the Grand Californian. This will be our first time staying at the hotel (we usually stay the Disneyland original hotel) and it does cost more than the other two properties on-site but the amenities speak for itself. The pool and architecture are beautiful and the absolute best part is that it’s connected to Disney California Adventure. Quick and easy access to the parks makes traveling with little ones so much easier.

 

Lake Tahoe

I’ve never been to Lake Tahoe and this is another one of those trips that I feel needs to be done! Rather than another beach destination, I feel like a week at a lake would make a really fun alternative. I envision spending my days out on the boat or laying out by the water while the kids run around, making s’mores, etc. This trip needs to happen and I’m pretty sure I just convinced myself into planning it while typing this out

 

Villa del Palmar in Los Cabos

Cabo is one of my favorite destinations for kids. It’s a quick flight from San Diego (less than two hours) and there’s plenty to do. Last time we went, we stayed at the Villa del Palmar and couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else. The pool overlooking the ocean, the kids splash zone, nightly entertainment and delicious food made it a great family vacation. We chose the all inclusive package and rarely had to leave the hotel. It was a great time for everyone!