Whether it's a summer house in Florida or a weekend jaunt in Cape Cod, we all dream of a picture-perfect getaway.
Traveling with kids isn't always easy, though. You want a place that the little ones will love but that also gives you the opportunity to get some much-needed R&R — a place they can easily explore without putting any extra stress on yourself. For these kinds of holidays, we take inspiration from stylish influencers with kiddos of their own, like fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff and Ali Niroomand of San Ambroeus.
We've got their favorite kid-approved, warm-weather vacation spots, along with our other favorite stylish traveler’s picks. Plus, check out their must-pack item, something that makes every vacation more enjoyable.
Rebecca Minkoff, Fashion Designer
“One of our favorite destinations is Harbour Island in the Bahamas. We’ve been back a few times and we love everything about it. There’s something very special about being on a small island and really disconnecting from the world for a few days. Everyone needs a vacation like that every now and then”
Must have item to pack for kids:
“I always pack an iPad”
To buy: bestbuy.com, $330
Celine Roux, VP of Global Fragrance Development for Jo Malone London
“As I live in the center of London, I need to get away from time to time, even for a weekend. For spring, it is great to go to the English Coast. Whitstable is a very quaint town on the sea, in Canterbury. Ideal for the weekend, it has stony beaches, colored huts, and great places for seafood. My two boys can run around and the weather does not matter. It is always good to be outside and breathe fresh marine air.”
Must have item to pack for kids:
“A box of colored pencils for the end of the afternoon, some quiet time for drawing, and getting inspired by the day outside along the sea.”
To buy: amazon.com, $35
Valerie Macaulay, Co-Founder of La Ligne
"My family has had a place in New Hampshire since before I was born, so it's a special place for me since I grew up going there. It's the full outdoors experience: lots of hiking, swimming, and being on the water in the summer, and there is skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing in the winter."
Must have item to pack for kids:
“For my one and a half year old, anything with wheels. He has a YBike and a Yamaha quad bike that we can't leave home without. We also live in La Ligne's recent collaboration with Rockets of Awesome when traveling - the tees are adorable and comfortable for long trips."
To buy: laligne.com, $24 for kids, $48 for moms
Ali Niroomand, Creative Director of Sant Ambroeus
"With 3 kids, the closer the destination, the better! I love to take them to the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, as well as the Dominican Republic. You can find beautiful houses for a reasonable price, and the direct flights make it easy! If we're staying domestic, then Florida but not Miami, we prefer Key Biscayne.
Must have item to pack for kids:
“We like to travel light. So if I have to pick an item we all love, Superga sneakers would be it! And Petite Lucette has the cutest outfits for kids. Check them out!"
To buy: zappos.com, $44
Kris Brock and Laura Vassar Brock, designers of Brock Collection
“We love taking trips to Maui between seasons! It’s kid and parent friendly—it’s our new family tradition. It’s also an easy destination from California, where we live!
Must have item to pack for kids:
“We definitely are always sure to bring Babyganics Sunscreen for Charlie!”
To buy: target.com, $10
Marie Cuypers Ecot, Director of Public Relations for Roger Vivier
“We love to go to Greece. There is a tiny island on the Greek Cyclades, the village is all white and very picturesque and pedestrian only. There are lots of delicious little restaurants and children always end up playing together in the streets after dinner. Hotel Anemi is beautiful and very child friendly.”
Must have item to pack for kids:
“I always over pack and end up with a ton of luggage. We love our Rimowa suitcases. They make navigating through airports with 2 children (almost) a breeze. I also always pack coloring books and crayons as I realize it is the best activity for my daughter to sit quietly through an entire meal at the restaurant.”
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $995-$1,190
Olivia Chantecaille, Creative Director of Chantecaille
"One of our favorite family vacation destinations is St. Barth’s. It’s a short flight away and it makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the south of France. I grew up spending vacations there and even got married there, so it has a very special place in my family’s heart. My daughter Delphina loves wading in the water with me before having lunch with our toes in the sand at La Gloriette.”
Must have item to pack for kids:
“I always make sure to throw Babo Botanicals baby sunscreen and a Bonpoint bikini in my beachbag for Delphina for a day splashing around at the beach. I also bring our Chantecaille Bébé Orange Blossom Face Cream for the entire family. It’s incredibly calming for skin that’s had a little too much sun or is dry from being outside all day. It’s pure, organic floral waters and wild moss rose soothe any signs of irritation."
To buy: bonpoint.com, $120
Stephanie De Lavalette, Director of Operations at Gabriela Hearst
“Every summer we fly back to our country house in Dordogne, France. Hadrien, our son, gets to brush up on his French and expand his food palate! “
Must have item to pack for kids:
“I pack Mustela SPF 50+ bebe enfant for Hadrien and Villebrequin swimwear for my husband and my son.”
To buy: barneys.com, $120
April Gargiulo, Founder of beauty brand Vintner’s Daughter
“We love Hanalei with our kids. It is a beautiful island and the beaches are incredible. The local culture is very kind, laid back and focused on family, which we love. There is also a strong community of woman doing the most incredible things in the wellness space that I have had the privilege to meet.”
Must have item to pack for kids:
Our must have item for kids is a Vtec kids camera. We put together a book of the trip for them with the pictures they take. It allows them to see the trip through their own eyes and look for the things that mean the most to them. It also has little games on it, which come in handy inflight and at the airport.
To buy: amazon.com, $70
Victoire de Taillac-Touhami, Founder of beauty brand Buly
“My place would be in Fomentera in Spain, during summer. It is a beautiful island next to Ibiza. Its the Mediterranean at its best and we stay with great friends.”
Must have item to pack for kids:
“Before leaving home, I will check everybody has a book and for the young one also her favorite Barbie. I will prepare french biscuit for the arrival if we have a very long flight and am not sure of the food when we arrive (my family is moody if hungry). And we will buy whatever they want at the magazine store just before boarding.”
To buy: amazon.com, $18
Tara Foley, founder of Follain
“Nantucket because it’s beautiful, relaxed, and family friendly with a children's beach and park area right in town. The downtown area is adorable with family friendly activities, museums, and more in addition to the great beaches and trails. Henry was so small last summer, but in future summers I look forward to taking him fishing, and to classes like Mer's Anchored Artists.”
Must have item to pack for kids:
Erbaviva baby sunscreen because no matter where you're traveling in the spring/summer you'll probably be outdoors a ton more, and the ingredients in conventional baby sunscreen can be scary.
To buy: shopfollain.com, $23
