TODAY’S FAMILIES COME IN A VARIETY of shapes and sizes. And with that comes a variety of needs, especially when it comes to travel. With this in mind, the team behind Global Traveler and Trazee Travel decided to put our travel expertise behind whereverfamily.com, the trusted travel source for the modern family, in September 2017. Updated daily, the web publication delivers content across a range of topics, bringing a worldwide focus to family travel no matter the makeup of your family, your income or your child’s age.
Now we’re pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Wherever Awards, the awards for the best in travel as decided by the readers of WhereverFamily. The ballot ran on whereverfamily.com Sept. 1, 2017–March 31, 2018.
Without further ado, we present to you the winners and offer congratulations to those travel companies and destinations winning accolades from family travelers.
When it comes to family-favorite airlines, Alaska Airlines, Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airline; TAP Air Portugal, Best Family-Friendly International Airline; and Delta Air Lines’ Delta SkyMiles, Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Flyer Program, earn kudos. If you’re driving, consider Avis, Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company.
While your family might be used to your local gateway, if you can schedule your travels through these family-fun hubs, you’re guaranteed to kick off the trip with family-friendly amenities. The 2018 award-winning airports are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, earning double honors as Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport and Best Family-Friendly Airport Dining; Singapore Changi Airport, which nabs the Best Family-Friendly International Airport title; and Dubai International Airport, winning Best Family-Friendly Airport Shopping.
Martinhal Sagres, Algarve © MARTINHAL SAGRES, ALGARVE
After getting there, it’s time for some real family fun to begin, and these hotels and resorts ensure your crew has the best possible experience. Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts takes two nods: Best Family-Friendly Resort Chain and Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel for Martinhal Sagres, Algarve. The Ritz-Carlton takes home the top prize of Best Family-Friendly Hotel Chain. Catering to all the members of a family, even the furry ones, Westin Hotels & Resorts wins Best Family-Friendly Pet Hotel.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda, Mexico © PARADISUS PLAYA DEL CARMEN LA ESMERALDA, MEXICO
Rack up the rewards with Radisson Rewards, Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Stay Program. Or let loose with the kids at Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda, Mexico, Best Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Hotel, or Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, Best Family-Friendly Hotel Kids Club.
Sometimes it’s easier, especially when coordinating a large family or a multigenerational trip, to leave the planning to someone else. Take advice from our family traveler readers and utilize these family-approved tour companies: Delta Vacations, Best Family- Friendly Vacation Company; Adventures by Disney, Best Family-Friendly Domestic Tour Company; and Thomson Family Adventures, Best Family-Friendly International Tour Company. Lindblad Expeditions is the first-ever Best Family-Friendly Travel Provider of the Year.
© ROYAL CARIBBEAN
If you’re taking to the high seas with the whole clan, consider Royal Caribbean, Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line, or Silversea Cruises, Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Cruise Line.
When it comes to paying for it all or collecting points on everyday purchases to cash in for your family travel, our readers think these two credit cards are tops: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, Best Family- Friendly Credit Card; and Marriott Rewards Card from Chase, Best Family-Friendly Credit Card Rewards Program.
Orlando © PFONG001 | DREAMSTIME.COM
And where to go? For an exotic family getaway, Fiji was named Best Family-Friendly International Destination. A bit closer to home, it’s no surprise Orlando reigns supreme as Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination. Find fun in the sun with the fam in the Bahamas, Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island. Bring the parents, grandparents, kids and siblings to Ireland, Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Destination of the Year. Find family thrills at LEGOLAND California Theme Park in Carlsbad, Best Family-Friendly Amusement Park, and Aquatica by SeaWorld, Best Family-Friendly Waterpark.
Here’s to the kid-tested, parent-approved winners of the first-ever Wherever Awards!
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY DOMESTIC AIRLINE
1. Alaska Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. JetBlue
4. United Airlines
5. Delta Air Lines
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE
1. TAP Air Portugal
2. Alaska Airlines
3. Qatar Airways
4. Air New Zealand
5. EVA Air
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAM
1. Delta SkyMiles
2. United MileagePlus
3. American Airlines AAdvantage
4. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
5. JetBlue TrueBlue
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL CHAIN
1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts
3. Hyatt Hotels
4. Westin Hotels & Resorts
5. Sheraton Hotels
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESORT CHAIN
1. Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts
2. Hyatt Hotels
3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
4. Crowne Plaza
5. Westin Hotels & Resorts
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY INDIVIDUAL HOTEL
1. Martinhal Sagres, Algarve
2. Martinhal Cascais
3. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
4. LEGOLAND Feriendorf, Gunzburg, Germany
5. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY FREQUENT-STAY PROGRAM
1. Radisson Rewards
2. Loews First
3. IHG Rewards Club
4. Marriott Rewards
5. Hilton Honors
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY ALL-INCLUSIVE HOTEL
1. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmerelda, Mexico
2. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
3. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
4. Club Med Pragelato Vialattea, Italy
5. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, Costa Rica
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY PET HOTEL
1. Westin Hotels & Resorts
2. Loews Hotels
3. Kimpton Boutique Hotels + Restaurants
4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
5. Sheraton Hotels
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL KIDS CLUB
1. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
2. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
3. Club Med, Sandpiper Bay, Florida
4. Sea Island, Georgia
5. Beaches, Turks & Caicos
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY VACATION COMPANY
1. Delta Vacations
2. United Vacations
3. SAA Vacations
4. American Airlines Vacations
5. Holiday Inn Vacation Club
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY DOMESTIC TOUR COMPANY
1. Adventures by Disney
2. Globus
3. REI Adventures
4. Trafalgar
5. Intrepid Travel
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL TOUR COMPANY
1. Thomson Family Adventures
2. Abercrombie & Kent
3. Classic Journeys
4. Lindblad Expeditions
5. Austin Adventures
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY CRUISE LINE
1. Royal Caribbean
2. Holland America Line
3. Viking Ocean Cruises
4. Princess Cruises
5. Celebrity Cruises
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY MULTIGEN CRUISE LINE
1. Silversea Cruises
2. Regent Seven Seas
3. Viking Ocean Cruises
4. Azamara Club Cruises
5. Royal Caribbean
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY CREDIT CARD
1. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
3. Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card
4. United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase
5. Citi / AAdvantage MasterCard
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY CREDIT CARD REWARDS PROGRAM
1. Marriott Rewards Card from Chase
2. Royal Caribbean Bank of America Visa
3. Delta SkyMiles American Express
4. Chase Sapphire Preferred
5. The Ritz-Carlton Card from Chase
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION
1. Fiji
2. Africa
3. Italy
4. London
5. Hawai’i
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY DOMESTIC DESTINATION
1. Orlando
2. California
3. Philadelphia
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Texas
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY CARIBBEAN ISLAND
1. Bahamas
2. Grand Cayman
3. Curaçao
4. Aruba
5. St. Lucia
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY MULTIGENERATIONAL DESTINATION OF THE YEAR
1. Ireland
2. South Africa
3. Italy
4. Patagonia
5. Mexico
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY AMUSEMENT PARK
1. LEGOLAND California Theme Park, Carlsbad
2. Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Orlando
3. Sesame Place, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
4. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
5. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATERPARK
1. Aquatica by SeaWorld
2. LEGOLAND Water Park, Winter Haven, Florida
3. Great Wolf Lodge
4. Zoombezi Bay, Columbus, Ohio
5. Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Orlando
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RENTAL CAR COMPANY
1. Avis
2. Hertz
3. National Car Rental
4. Enterprise
5. Budget
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAVEL PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
1. Lindblad Expeditions
2. Austin-Lehman Adventures
3. REI Adventures
4. Thomson Family Adventures
5. Ecoventure Family Cruises
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY DOMESTIC AIRPORT
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2. Denver International Airport
3. San Francisco International Airport
4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
5. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Munich Airport
3. Hamad International Airport, Doha
4. Incheon Airport
5. Frankfurt am Main Airport
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY AIRPORT DINING
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
3. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
4. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston
5. Dubai International Airport
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY AIRPORT SHOPPING
1. Dubai International Airport
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
3. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
4. Hamad International Airport, Doha
5. Singapore Changi Airport
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSeptember 2026
Sep 20, 2026Celebrity Reflection Launches 13 New Spaces
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection transforms Caribbean cruising with 13 new spaces, launching in March 2027. From a three-story Grand Plaza entertainment hub to two first-to-fleet experience concepts, these new spaces raise the bar for premium Caribbean cruising.
Sponsored Content
The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines’ Global Access
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
September 2026
Sep 19, 2026Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces
Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its all-new Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck aboard Seven Seas Prestige, introducing a new era of open-air relaxation and active luxury.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026Downtown Phoenix Welcomes First Upscale Urban Retreat
This month, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pacific Hospitality Group opens Denū Hotel & Spa, the newest hotel property in The Meritage Collection.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look
In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.
METT Hotels to Debut in Albania
Daily
Sep 17, 2026Review: InterContinental Barcelona
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 17, 2026Daily
Sep 17, 2026Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences
Celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary are still in full swing across the nation. In Washington, D.C., storied Conrad Washington, D.C. wants visitors to the capital to encounter the city on a local level. With that in mind, the property introduced a selection of signature Conrad 1/3/5 Experiences — a collection of one-, three- and five-hour jaunts providing an insider’s glimpse into how residents enjoy the city.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026Celebrity River Cruises’ First Ship Completes Float Out for August 2027 Debut
Celebrity Cruises celebrated the float out of Celebrity Compass, the brand’s first ship in its highly anticipated Celebrity River Cruises fleet. Set to sail in August 2027, Celebrity Compass sets a new standard in river cruising, bringing Celebrity Cruises’ signature approach to elevated travel to the world’s most iconic rivers.
ShareThis