Planning a family vacation [1] can be overwhelming, from finding dates that work with everyone's busy schedules to settling on a destination that the entire crew can agree on. Just working out the details can leave parents wishing for a break. But thanks to the travel experts at Kayak [2], you can discover the most popular family vacation hot spots while also gleaning insights — like the cheapest month to fly or the most beloved places to stay [3] in each location. Since eight out of the 10 spots on this year's Top 10 Family Destinations [4] list are within the United States, you don't even have to worry about the hassle of getting passports for everyone. Check out Kayak's 2016 Travel Hacker Guide [5] and let its list of kid-friendly locales help inspire your next getaway!
Orlando, FL
Cheapest month to fly: September
When to book airfare: One month prior
Most popular place to stay: Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa [6]
Pro tip: Blue Spring State Park is an oasis in mouse-ified Orlando. Let the kids look for manatees while you take a break in the shade.
Los Angeles
Cheapest month to fly: September
When to book airfare: Three weeks prior
Most popular place to stay: The Line Hotel [7]
Pro tip: The Los Angeles Zoo can get busy . . . unless you get there after 2 p.m. Enjoy the exhibits in peace once the crowd of school field trips leave for the day.
London
Cheapest month to fly: October
When to book airfare: One month prior
Most popular place to stay: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge [8]
Pro tip: Thank J.K. Rowling for getting kids excited about London. While they look for Platform 9 3/4, score a non Butterbeer at one of the city's historic pubs.
Honolulu
Cheapest month to fly: November
When to book airfare: Two months prior
Most popular place to stay: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki [9]
Pro tip: Get moving with a hike through Koko Head District Park. Gardens for the littles, steep summits for the bigs. Bring plenty of water as the hike to Koko Crater is deceptively difficult.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cheapest month to fly: September
When to book airfare: One month prior
Most popular place to stay: Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach [10]
Pro tip: Young at Art [11] is an all-ages museum, filled with creative exploration and activities to challenge minds . . . without challenging your sanity.
New York
Cheapest month to fly: October
When to book airfare: One month prior
Most popular place to stay: Bentley Hotel [12]
Pro tip: Jane's Carousel [13] in Brooklyn Bridge Park is open most of the year and within walking distance of Juliana's Pizza — all the makings for a perfect day.
Cancun, Mexico
Cheapest month to fly: September
When to book airfare: Three weeks prior
Most popular place to stay: Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort [14]
Pro tip: Scale the main pyramid of the Mayan ruins at Coba and ask a fellow traveler to take your #awkwardfamilyphoto at the top.
Miami
Cheapest month to fly: September
When to book airfare: One month prior
Most popular place to stay: Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay [15]
Pro tip: Wynwood Walls [16] has the best of both worlds: intriguing contemporary art for adults and open pedestrian spaces for kids to burn off that post ice cream sugar high.
San Francisco
Cheapest month to fly: October
When to book airfare: Three weeks prior
Most popular place to stay: Hilton San Francisco Union Square [17]
Pro tip: San Francisco is credited with starting the foodie revolution, and pioneering restaurants like Foreign Cinema [18] have adapted kid-friendly menus to ensure Mom and Dad don't miss out.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The cheapest month to fly: October
When to book airfare: Two months prior
Most popular place to stay: San Juan Marriott Resort [19]
Pro tip: Take your kids into a real bat cave. Rio Camuy Cave Park [20] is just north of bustling San Juan and lets you explore the homes of hundreds of sleeping bats. #quietplease