ROCKIN’ NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Why it’s great

This wind-swept rock boasts icebergs, whales and quaint cottages perfect for families with young ‘uns. But the outdoor adventures for kids aged seven plus are what really rock.

Coolest accommodations

Camping is a fun, low-cost option – basic sites at Gros Morne National Park start at $14 per night, plus park entry fees. Inclement weather? Consider a two-bedroom cottage ($100 per night) at Big Garden Cottages, just outside the park in Norris Point.

Best stuff for kids

Travel south of St. John’s to Cape Broyle and paddle two-person kayaks under waterfalls and maybe, just maybe, alongside humpback whales, with Wilderness Newfoundland Adventures. On the west coast, scramble through awesome caves outside Corner Brook with Explore Newfoundland, and visit L’Anse aux Meadows, where the Vikings landed some 1,000 years ago.

Your reward

While in St. John’s, find a sitter and head downtown for a scoff ‘n’ scuff (dinner and dancing). Start at Django’s restaurant, then go on to O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub for foot-stomping live traditional music.

Other families rave
“On the way out to Ireland’s Eye island, we saw nesting eagles and minke whales. The island’s graveyard was haunting – you could feel the history.” Sarah P., Toronto mom of Ruairi, 7, and Zac, 10, says they’re going again this summer.

Find out more
gov.nf.ca/tourism

The AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK, BY RV

Why it’s great
RVing is a funky way to enjoy the desert landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre. Plus, you only unpack once! Pick up your rig in Alice Springs, and cruise to monolithic Uluru (a.k.a. Ayers Rock) and the sheer cliffs of Kings Canyon (hold on tight to children’s hands!). It’s winter down under, so expect warm days and crisp nights.

Coolest accommodations
A four-berth Eurocamper with Apollo Motorhome Holidays (apollocamper.com) rings in around $2,100 for 12 days. Campgrounds provide hookups, plus playgrounds and communal barbecues where you’ll meet other travellers.

Best stuff for kids
The sheer size and drama of Uluru impresses most kids, but the real stars are Australia’s animals. Find kangaroos, thorny devils (desert lizards) and big-eared bilbies at Alice Springs Desert Park. Travel east into the MacDonnell Ranges for the chance to throw boomerangs and crack whips at the historic Ross River Homestead.

Your reward
Inquire about childcare at the Ayers Rock Campground, then splurge on the Sounds of Silence dinner, a white-linen-and-champagne affair held outdoors in an achingly romantic location (about $120 per adult). Book at ayersrock resort.com.au.

Other families rave
“At first, I felt like my dad driving the RV. But there was something very cool about being able to explore the Outback and still put the kids to sleep in the same bed each night.” Kent C. of Vancouver, B.C., cruised Australia when sons Spence and Shane were seven and nine years old.

Find out more
centralaustraliantourism.com

OH-SO-EUROPEAN, OH-SO-MUCH-CHEAPER MONTREAL

Why it’s great
If cities were people, Montreal would be the life of the party. Join the fun at family-friendly summer festivals, such as L’International des Feux fireworks competition (June 17 to July 29) and Just for Laughs (July 13 to 23).

Coolest accommodations
Days Inns are a safe bet (rooms from $126 per night). But consider this yummy alternative: Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel, a boutique hotel in Old Montreal, with separate bedrooms and kitchenettes (suites from $255 per night, including continental breakfast).

Best stuff for kids
Younger children will love the Museum of Fine Arts’ StudiO (an interactive gallery for budding artists) and the Montreal Science Centre. Delight older kids with a jet boat ride on the Lachine Rapids, or teach them that history rocks at Pointe-à-Callière.

Your reward
Enrol nine- to 15-year-olds in Laval’s Space Camp Canada (three-day camp, $316; cosmodome.org). Then go back to the hotel with your honey and achieve your own, er, liftoff.

Other families rave
“Montreal was great because we could get into the car in Toronto, and within six hours, introduce the kids to a totally different culture, language and way of life.” Kate P. of Toronto says two of her three kids went on to study at McGill University.

Find out more
tourisme-montreal.org

SUN-KISSED SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Why it’s great

This seaside city offers a two-nation vacation: Tijuana, Mexico, is just 27 kilometres south of downtown.

Coolest accommodations

For maximum beach time, splurge on Mission Bay’s Paradise Point Resort and Spa (about $428 per night). The Balboa Park Inn (family suites from $161 per night) is walking distance from the San Diego Zoo.

Best stuff for kids

Lego-maniacs will lose it in Legoland, while SeaWorld is an all-ages winner.

Your reward

Flip a coin. Heads, you drive north to La Jolla to enjoy an oceanside lunch. Tails, you’re off to a Padre’s game.

Other families rave

My sons loved the zoo. But what really made the trip was the gum-snapping waitress at Corvette Diner.” Ande A. of Vancouver visited San Diego with sons Caleb and Jake, then 12 and 15 years old.

Find out more

sandiego.org

HISTORIC, ULTRA-HIP LONDON, ENGLAND

Why it’s great

Introduce children to royalty (think Buckingham Palace) and really old stuff (like the British Museum). Babies can snooze in their strollers while you cruise the streets, but it’s school-age children who will really blossom here.

Coolest accommodations

Join a house exchange program, find an English family who’ll swap and – presto! – you have free digs. Homelink International memberships (homelink.ca) start at $120.

Best stuff for kids

The Tower of London, with its beefeater tour, knights’ armour and major bling (the Crown Jewels, of course), is a must. So is visiting one of the world’s largest toy stores, Hamleys.

Your reward

Ask for a sitter recommendation and take in The Producers, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Then look for Jude Law at Chinawhite, a hot celeb hangout.

Other families rave

“In North Finchley, we lived like everyone else. We were even invited to a barbecue!” Jean-Claude A. of Moncton, N.B., visited the London suburb when daughter Laurie was 13.

Find out more

visitlondon.com; kidslovelondon.com CF

PLAN SMART

Talk to a family-savvy travel agent. They know babies are portable, toddlers demanding. Kids 6+ can handle the road, teens want to choose the road.

PACK SMART

For long rides, bring along mini-puzzles, action figures and Game Boys. A good rule of thumb is one activity for every 30 minutes of travel.

READ SMART

We like Lonely Planet Travel with Children by Cathy Lanigan (Lonely Planet).