Top Trips to Take with Dad

American West

From big-sky Montana to the red-rock landscapes of Arizona, the American West offers some of the globe’s most spectacular adventures. For a true western experience with non-stop adventure like hiking, fly fishing and mountain biking, Taylor River Lodge is the chicest “adult summer camp” experience around, while Ranch at Rock Creek is a true Wild West Dude Ranch, with 6,600 acres to play on. Those seeking more contemporary lodges might consider Utah’s Lodge at Blue Sky or the treehouse accommodations of The Green O—and for some desert glamping, Camp Sarika is the top pick. For fathers seeking more of a disconnect, Colorado’s Dunton Hot Springs (a restored ghost town) is remote and cell phone free.

Related: The Ultimate Guide: Road Tripping Utah’s National Parks

Dolomites

The glorious Italian Dolomites region is blessed with stunning craggy mountain ranges and sweeping meadows that offer incredible hiking and climbing during the summer and fall, plus a slew of Michelin-starred restaurants and interesting historical sites. For the more ski-inclined fathers, winter in the Dolomites is a treat, with 775 miles of ski trails in the Dolomiti Superski area and the option to embark on a ”ski safari,” where you’ll traverse the region via the slopes, always meeting your luggage in the next valley or mountaintop rifugio.

Related: Diary of a Dolomites “Ski Safari”

Atacama Desert

While Chilean Patagonia may be the first destination to come to mind for a hiking trip to Chile, the Atacama Desert is rich with otherworldly landscapes and adventure, from its red rock canyons and ancient lava flows to its natural hot springs surrounded by waterfalls. Awasi Atacama is great for dads with older children looking for a private, tailored experience in the Chilean Desert, and Tierra Atacama is our pick for families that enjoy intermingling with other travelers on their excursions.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

For adventurers, explorers and families, Tanzania is hard to beat. Hikers and climbers travel from around the world to conquer Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Reaching the volcano’s summit can take anywhere from five to 10 days (though five days is not recommended for a successful summit) depending on the route—routes range in difficulty so it is possible to summit the peak without any technical climbing. This journey to the world’s highest free-standing mountain is a climb of a lifetime.

Related: Eight Things To Know Before Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Scottish Highlands

Does your dream getaway include hunting lodges, falconry schools, whiskey distilleries and fantastic golf courses? Well, with its breathtaking scenery and an indomitable Scottish spirit, the Highlands may be the trip with dad you’re looking for. Gleneagles is an idyllic country resort rich in recreational activities and Scottish warmth—after a day of fly-fishing, developing your aim during clay pigeon shooting and swinging easy at one of the world’s most well-known golf destinations, settle in at the spa or enjoy the gastronomic genius that is Andrew Fairlie (a two-Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of the resort).

Related: A (Very In-Depth) Report on Scotland: The Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Relais & Châteaux Blackberry Mountain spans 5,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee (2,800 of which are dedicated to land conservation) and is an ideal, inclusive destination where guests can curate their perfect experience. Sister property to Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Mountain is a health- and wellness-focused property with renowned hospitality and a superb culinary program (both are Indagare Adored properties and member favorites, too). Mornings can be spent fly-fishing or kayaking amid imposing mountain views, while afternoons are for taking a dip in the spa’s outdoor, year-round heated pool or enjoying an American whiskey tasting.

Related: Legendary Hotels: Blackberry Farm with Mary Celeste Beall

Napa Valley

The Californian coast has a lot to offer. Wine tastings at Napa Valley vineyards, long scenic drives, sensational beaches and national parks—there are innumerable ways to unwind. One property we love is Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection, which opened its doors in April 2022; experience their exclusive wine tours of Napa, safaris with professional wildlife photographer Daniel Dietrich, hot air ballooning over Napa and so much more.

Related: The Guide to Napa Valley in the Off-Season

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a haven for breathtaking views and connecting with nature—secret lagoons filled with bright coral reefs concealing rare fish, tropical forests filled with wildlife and beautiful beaches. One of our favorite French Polynesian escapes is The Brando, a groundbreaking eco-luxury resort with a mission of conservation. It is sustainability housed on a spectacular private island.

Related: 24 Best Private Island Resorts

Botswana

Botswana is a picture-perfect safari destination with thrilling drives through the bush and unforgettable wildlife experiences. There’s nothing quite like venturing out into the wide open spaces, away from the public, and watching how the animals behave and interact with each other. One of the best activities is Hyena Pan’s underground viewing dugout, where travelers can observe elephants at their watering hole from just inches away—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Related: Why Go Now: Botswana

Costa Rica

With its fantastic jungle adventures, water sports and luxury properties that make the most of the natural surroundings and environmental impact, Costa Rica has pioneered ecotourism. Whether you’re visiting to relax and enjoy outdoor adventure with family or bond over giving back (or both), this lush country offers unique experiences surrounded by great natural beauty. Travelers can visit the rainforest to view wildlife, enjoy Costa Rica’s famous sunsets and waterfalls and go zip-lining through the canopies.

Madagascar

Madagascar’s diverse ecosystems call to naturalists, nature lovers and curious travelers from all over the world. It is home to lush tropical rainforests, vibrant coral reefs and fascinating biodiversity (80 percent of which is found only on the island). While based at Anjajavy, travelers can experience the true wonders of Madagascar with ease. From outdoor adventures through natural landscapes to discovering Malagasy culture with visits to local villages, a trip to the island is a once-in-a-lifetime journey—especially to do with family.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan is a wishlist destination for many, and there’s no time like the present to start planning a trip. Specifically in Tokyo, you will find a whole world of historical Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, beautiful parks, intriguing architecture and well-known artwork—there is so much to see and discover. Visit the famous Meiji Jingo Shinto shrine before enjoying a bento box in the nearby Yoyogi Park, or walk underneath Louise Bourgeois’ larger-than-life Maman spider sculpture, which stands guard outside the Mori Modern Art Museum. Art connoisseurs will love staying at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo for its prime location in Roppongi, a neighborhood which is home to much of Tokyo’s arts and culture scene. Do not miss The Sumida Hokusai Museum (in Sumida) and the Yayoi Kusama Museum (in Shinjuku City)—each showcasing the renowned work of the Japanese artists.

London

London is a bustling city that effortlessly blends trends and traditions, historical gems are tucked between skyscrapers and vibrant restaurants. Get your first fix of British culture at icons like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and by viewing the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Art lovers should visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of arts and design, with over 2.27 million pieces. A soccer game would be a great addition to a London itinerary—contact our Bookings Team to check the game schedule and to arrange reservations at the best new restaurants and exhibitions.

Related: Top Tables: London’s Best Restaurants

Sicily

Sicily’s capital city of Palermo and ancient center of Syracuse hold some of the most important Greek and Roman ruins of the Mediterranean. Widely considered to be the most conquered city in the world—take note of the distinctive Arab-Norman architecture throughout the city—Palermo is rich in both culture and gastronomy. The succession of rulers has left a patrimony of unique monuments, especially the Norman churches (including the the 12th-century Palatine Chapel) where the combined skills of Arab, Norman and Byzantine masters created magnificent mosaics. A trip to Agrigento will continue to unveil Sicily’s deep, multi-ethnic roots; Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples), a UNESCO site, houses some of the best-preserved Greek ruins after Athens itself. And Ortigia, the historical center of Syracuse, contains many important landmarks, including the Ancient Greek Temple of Apollo, Diana’s Fountain and Castello Maniace.

Normandy & Paris, France

Normandy is a life-goal destination for many, thanks to the region’s significant role in World War II. Seeing the beaches and coastal cliffs in person and walking through the impressive rows and rows of crosses in the military cemeteries is a sobering experience. Combine the powerful history of this region with Paris, whose length and rich past lie around every corner. As for where to stay, the Hôtel Ritz Paris sits on one of the city’s most famous and beautiful neoclassical squares, Place Vendôme, and is home to Bar Hemingway, where the leather armchairs and sepia-colored photos remain virtually unchanged since the writer held court here.

Oaxaca

A paradise for Mezcal lovers, Oaxaca is an incredibly charming, colorful, off-the-beaten-path destination that has it all—spirituality, art, nature and seven different flavors of mole. On your culinary journey, first spend a night in Mexico City enjoying the city’s experimental cuisine at restaurants like Ticuchi, a cozy spot with a seasonal à-la-carte menu featuring Oaxacan classics, prepared with a gastronomic spin, and stellar cocktails. The best taste of Oaxaca will be found by wandering through its many markets (check out Mercado de 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juarez) and by indulging in Mezcal tastings around the city, the primary producer of Mezcal! The friendly locals make it easy to try new things, explore the music-filled cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in the community.

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Emilia-Romagna—the birthplace of tortellini, Prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano, as well as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati—is known as Italy’s “Food Valley,” and is home to such cities as Bologna, Parma and Modena. The region has gifted the world with the finest products of Italian cuisine, along with some of the finest chefs. But the area isn’t only a point of pilgrimage for foodies and oenophiles: It’s also known as the “Motor Valley,” the global hub for Italy’s famed automotive industry (Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari—as well as Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati and Pagani).

Related: Food & Travel Legends: Massimo Bottura & His Beloved Modena

Madrid, Spain

Spain’s capital comes alive in the afternoon and evenings with families, friends and travelers chatting and sharing quality time over drinks and tapas. A walk through Madrid’s Lavapiés and La Latina neighborhoods will provide ample options—such as Juana La Loca for their juicy potato, eggs and confit onion pintxos (tortilla de papas y cebolla confitada) or Casa Lucas for their wine selection and mouth-watering oxtail tapa (rabo de toro). Another way to experience traditional Spanish flavors is by visiting Madrid’s many markets (the popular Mercado San Miguel, Mercado San Antón and the more local Mercado de la Paz to name a few). A great homebase is the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, a hub for locals and tourists alike, and with Paloma Fernandez Iriondo as the art curator, the hotel is rich with Spanish culture, with more than 1,500 pieces of art from young Spanish artists adorning the property.

Related: Indagare Madrid Museum Matchmaker