The 2026 PureWow Travel Awards

• Where to Stay: The Saint Hotel Key West (adults only; from $420/night) or The Capitana Key West (from $389/night)

Charleston, Nashville and Austin are all popular picks for a girls’ trip, but if you’re looking for something beachier—that’s a little more laid-back than Miami—Key West is the place to be. You can fuel up on breakfast Cubanos and strong cold brew at Cuban Coffee Queen, then try paddleboard yoga or go on a kayak tour (or simply lounge on the beach) before hitting up the historic Hemingway house and sampling the author’s preferred twist on a daiquiri (twice the rum and a splash of grapefruit juice) at the Hemingway Distillery nearby. After that, explore all of the great food and fun to be had along Duval Street.

• Where to Stay: Greystone Lodge on the River (from $175/night) or Margaritaville Resort (from $133/night)

There’s no shortage of kid-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg. You’re right by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Westgate Wild Bear Falls Water Park and all kinds of mini golf. Not to mention you’re minutes from Dollywood, if rollercoasters and pull-apart cinnamon bread are more your speed, and Pigeon Forge, where dinner theaters, go-karts and ropes courses await.

• Where to Stay: Evermore Orlando Resort (from $709/night) or JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa (from $383/night)

As PureWow parents voted on their families’ favorite places to stay, Orlando was a no-brainer. Parents of teens and tweens raved about how their kids dropped the angst amid the fun at Universal Studios’ three parks (especially the new Epic Universe), younger ones loved all things Disney World, but when you tire of thrill rides, you’re also close to all kinds of shopping on International Drive and you’re less than an hour away from Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. (Editors also raved about the places to stay, arguing that the amenities at Evermore and JW Marriott Bonnet Creek are so great you’ll want to budget for a lazy day in.)

• Where to Stay: Yowie Hotel (from $334/night) or Kimpton Hotel Palomar (from $269/night)

If you’re less into thrill rides and more into history and culture, plan a trip to Philly. Beyond savoring a cheesesteak (why not have a Pat’s vs Geno’s taste test?!), this walkable city features one of the best children’s museums in the country—the Please Touch Museum—not to mention The Franklin Institute (featuring interactive science exhibits), the National Constitution Center and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, an immersive mosaic maze. Plus, this July, the city’s hosting the MLB All-Star Game, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Sometimes you don’t want to plan out a trip; you want to head to one resort that has it all. And if skiing is what you’re after, head to Viceroy Snowmass. You’ll be a short drive to Aspen, but the retreat is so well-appointed you may not want to leave. You can ski in and out on Snowmass Mountain, and enjoy Wagyu burgers and smoked salmon knishes at The Cabin, one of the property’s restaurants, for lunch. (Don’t miss the Quinoa Grain Bowls at Lift Line Tavern, either.) The Viceroy offers ski lessons for people of all ages, and if you’re feeling sore after a day at the slopes, the spa is serene and offers top-notch massages. Whatever you do, don’t skip the chance to lounge in the hot tub—or relax by the in-room fireplace.

Orlando’s theme parks get a ton of attention, but when it comes to thrills and value, you need to check out Busch Gardens. Part zoo, part theme park, it’s got a strong mix of exhibits and adventures for kids and adults alike. The daycare set will love Sesame Street’s Safari of Fun, featuring mini rides, shows, character meet-and-greets, while older kids will enjoy the Wild Safari area and ten—yes, ten—roller coasters. There are also several animal encounters, where you can see lions, zebras, exotic birds and more up close, as well as an area where you can feed kangaroos. And in terms of value, the park regularly offers up to 50 percent off tickets, and you can purchase a Fun Card that gets you unlimited visits there and to Adventure Island, its sister water park across the street, for the rest of the year for as low as $100 per person. Some blackout dates apply, but if you’re staying in the Tampa Bay area for a week or longer, it’s worth it.

While it’s only open seasonally, Conestoga Ranch is not to be missed. You can live out your Oregon Trail days (minus the concerns of dysentery or 8-bit graphics) by staying in a covered wagon, or experience the best of glamping in the Royal and Grand Tents, which have their own in-suite bathrooms (!). Make no mistake; you’re not roughing it here—the Grand Couple Tents feature a comfy king-size bed, with hot water, electricity, heating and a mini fridge, as well as your own private patio campfire for kicking back and enjoying the sunset. While there, you can enjoy a campfire valet service—which will start and maintain a fire for you and provide you with a s’mores kit—and you can take a spin and explore nature on complimentary cruiser bikes during your stay.

• Where to Stay: Plaza Athénée (from $1,968/night) or Le Meurice (from $2,392/night)

As Audrey Hepburn famously said in Sabrina, Paris is always a good idea. Even if you’re traveling solo. Lifelong Francophile Marissa Wu lived there for two years and makes regular sojourns there. “Obviously, you could spend a lifetime here, but if you only have a week, there’s no shortage of things to do, even solo,” Wu says. “For the literary, I’d check out The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore (skip the touristy Shakespeare & Co.) for cool author events (and a great place to make new friends) and then hop next door to Trieze au Jardin for Southern comfort food right across from the Luxembourg Gardens.”

• Where to Stay: Mayfair Hotel Tunneln (from $139/night) or Havshotellet (from $378/night)

Copenhagen is a design lover’s paradise, featuring unique architecture and colorful little neighborhoods ideal for sightseeing. And if you’re headed that way, you’d be remiss not to take a day trip to the nearby city of Malmö. “It was the most fun, easy side trip,” says PureWow Director of Social Strategy Emily Brozyna, noting that the train ride from Copenhagen is just 40 minutes. “The city is incredibly charming, with cozy streets that are perfect for wandering. Make sure to stop by a local candy shop to pick up some Swedish candy and grab a treat from the bakery Leve.” You can also take in Malmö Konsthall, one of the largest contemporary art galleries in Europe, or explore the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, Malmö Castle.

When it comes to places we never want to leave, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo gets top marks. The showstopping bathrooms alone are enough to make you want to move in, but honestly, every detail is thoughtfully—and luxuriously—considered here. (It’s fitting that the hotel is a 1917 landmark, home of Club Union, where Queen Elizabeth stayed.) The rooms are spacious and supremely comfortable, and its restaurant, Caleta, is a must-visit. “Michelin-starred Executive Chef Lorenzo Di Gravio has created a menu unlike anything I've ever tried before,” noted PureWow VP of entertainment (and resident globetrotter) Phil Mutz. “Be sure to order the Croaker cooked in clay —I had a lot of fun using my tiny mallet to smash the clay to reveal the delectable fish.” While it’s hard to leave the hotel, you must: You’re right in Casco Viejo, or Old Town, an area rich with museums, art galleries and historic churches.

“I love this place so much I can't believe I'm telling you about it,” Wu confessed, as we vetted vacation destinations. Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is tucked away in the Rambouillet national forest, just past Versailles. There's no cell service and you’ll need a car to reach it. “But if you can...it’s breathtaking, in the most non-facetious way possible. It's a former Gothic abbey that's been converted into the most charmingly opulent boutique hotel with a ton of the original architecture preserved. The ruins of the church still stand, and walking through them is walking on hallowed ground. Even if you're not a guest, it's open to the public and you can walk the grounds, paddle a boat in the lake, have a picnic or refresh yourself with drinks and pastries at the café.”

If you audibly gasp when you walk into W Punta de Mita, you’re not alone. Breathtaking is the best way to describe its chic, lush aesthetic—a combination of greenery and intricate tilework that’s completely transporting. In terms of romantic getaways, however, the resort overdelivers. It’s located right on the water, so you can lounge in a beachfront cabana or even book a room with beach access and private plunge pools. There are several restaurants on the property as well, and the option for all-inclusive food and drinks, so you can simply unwind and enjoy.

Most people think of Cancún as party central, and it can be, but the Royalton Riviera Cancún can provide you with a more laid-back experience. The resort has an adults-only hotel (Hideaway) and two family-friendly options: a premium area known as Diamond Club and a standard section. With ten restaurants and 11 bars on site, there are no shortage of food and drink options, and even the pickiest eaters will find plenty to enjoy at the Gourmet Marché buffet. There’s also a kids’ club, which features a ball pit and plenty of arts and crafts, and if you’re feeling more active, you can sign up for kayaking and snorkeling excursions or take a scuba diving lessons and cooking classes. To that end, there are no shortage of activities to enjoy, which you can track using the Royalton app. But honestly, we won’t judge if you spend all day, every day, lounging with your family at one of the dozen (yes, dozen!) pools. 

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but when it comes to the world’s largest cruise ship, it delivers. The Star of the Seas is massive—and it makes use of every square inch. For starters, the rooms are more spacious than the typical cramped cruise ship, and while the Ocean View suite lacks a balcony, you don’t miss it, because you gain extra square footage and still have a window that can open electronically, letting the breeze flow in. Instead of one centrally located pool, there are several spanning multiple top decks, so the area never feels too crowded, and the waterslides will convince even the most slide-averse to give ‘em a whirl (and be so glad they did).

The entertainment, though, is where this ship really delivers. “Back to the Future: The Musical was just as good as the Broadway production,” Mutz says. “The special effects are out of this world.” Equally impressive was the figure skating spectacular and a world-class diving/water show that left him gasping in awe.

Nobody does kid-friendly cruises like Disney, and its latest ship, Destiny, takes things to new heights. There aren’t just character meet-and-greets; these are more immersive, interactive experiences, where you can walk in a fashion show hosted by Cruella DeVil or chat up Rapunzel and Flynn before taking your kid for a princess or pirate makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique. Add to that the Broadway-caliber shows—and dinners that could double as shows, such as Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King—dance parties and kids’ clubs that include story time with Belle or crime-solving adventures with Black Panther, and you’ve got the kind of vacation you’ll be talking about for years afterward.

“There’s something about seeing Italy and Greece by sea that just hits differently,” says Fashion and Beauty Director Deena Campbell. “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection makes it feel intimate, like you’re slipping into each destination instead of arriving in a rush. Zero chaos, just beautiful ports. I also love that I unpack once, wake up somewhere new every day and experience it all at a slower, much more luxurious pace.” The ship holds the same standard of luxury you’d expect from Ritz-Carlton, including menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs and a marina that offers complimentary kayaks and paddleboards. (While Campbell experienced a Mediterranean excursion, the collection also offers trips to Northern Europe, Asia, the South Pacific and Alaska.)

When it comes to carry-on luggage, editors had opinions—and ultimately, Amazon Basics won out for its combination of affordability and durability. Mutz, who’s traveled 37,000 miles in the past year, swears by the $56 hardside, which has smooth-spinning wheels and can expand to provide 25 percent more space.

This minimalist backpack is sleek, easy to wipe clean and just large enough to hold your essentials for a day about town (or stow under your seat on a flight). What really won us over are its numerous compartments, which allowed Brozyna to tote a water bottle, two small umbrellas, sunglasses, passport, wallet, cosmetics pouch, AirPods, snacks, a mini phone stand and a foldable Baggu bag without ever having to rummage or dig around for what she needed. Not to mention: “I also didn’t feel like a nerdy backpack tourist—no shade,” she says, adding, “it actually looked good with all of my outfits!”

When you’re taking a long-haul trip—or traveling with your family—a checked bag can be a lifesaver. It just needs to be able to withstand a beating. As someone who’s had two strollers and a checked bag break into literal pieces over the course of the past year (on three separate trips), I’m willing to invest more for a piece that can take a tumble and keep going. That’s why I took note when fellow editors raved about Away—relentlessly. This sturdy hardside bag is lightweight, so you can push the limits of its storage capacity before hitting the overweight-baggage mark at the airport. The quick-release trolley handle expands and contracts smoothly, and the 360-degree wheels glide over uneven pavement remarkably well.

There are vacuum bags and then there’s the Ekster Travel Kit. If you chronically overpack, it’s a life-saver. We’ve tested a ton—and honestly, often find them more of a hassle than a perk. (The bags are bulky and who wants to hunt for a vacuum while on vacation?) “The two garment bags included fit perfectly into a carry-on, and the electric pump (which fits in the palm of my hand) works so fast. No manual huffing and pumping here. Simply hold it to the air vent, press the button and zip! Jeans, skirts, dresses, workout sets, all cinched and sucked into one bag,” says senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida.

Whether you organize by outfit or with one for each family member, a set of packing cubes can streamline your whole packing (and getting ready) process. We’ve tested half a dozen, but we keep coming back to the Bagsmart Blast set. The polyester material holds up well and washes like a dream, and it has strong zippers and seams that don’t rupture…even when we’re really pushing the limits of what each bag can contain.

Traveling with a pet can be anxiety-inducing, but this soft-sided, well-ventilated carrier makes things a breeze. “I just flew with my small, 12-pound dog for the first time, and it went off without a hitch, thanks to this easy-to-use soft pet carrier. He dozed the whole time, but even when he needed to stretch a bit or turn around, he had plenty of space to do so. The carrier is soft, so it squishes slightly to fit under the seat. It also expands so he can sleep in his own little pet apartment when we get to our destination,” Mutz says, adding that the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry too.

Getting shut-eye on a plane is…a challenge, to say the least. This Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask features memory foam cushioning that contours to your face, rather than press into your eyes, like other styles we tested. The adjustable strap is a solid improvement over elastic styles, since it doesn’t slip down the back of your head as easily. It makes overnight flights in economy much more bearable.

Long-haul flights with little movement make compression socks a practical must-have. But who likes fighting to get them on—and feeling so restricted? Bombas’s knee socks feel supportive but are still comfortable, thanks to a cushioned cotton blend construction. Plus, for every pair purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need.

Take it from our beauty director, who loves this mist so much she keeps it in her bag, on her desk and in her carry-on at all times: I love it because it acts like a reset for my skin,” Campbell says. “A few spritzes instantly bring my skin back to life, locking in moisture and helping support a healthy skin barrier. And, it dries quickly so I'm not just sitting on the plane with a wet face!”

Multiple editors rave about this hand sanitizer, not just because of its chic packaging and ability to eliminate 99.9 percent of germs, but because it includes a serum that keeps your skin from drying out. Combine that with a lightweight, non-sticky finish and your pick of perfume-caliber scents (Caela is a delightful blend of citrus and soft florals), and you’ve got a sanitizer you’ll look forward to spritzing.

We love Merit as a daily, get-ready-in-an-instant makeup routine, but this set is especially critical when traveling. I owned half a dozen different concealers and tossed them all out after trying The Minimalist stick—its coverage is that good (and so easy to blend). Combine that with its Flush Balm for cheeks, tinted lip oil, mascara, brow pomade, highlighting balm and handy blending brush, and you’ve got everything you need to look refreshed and ready to go in minutes.

A razor doesn’t take up much space, so why commit to a tiny travel version? When it’s as cleverly designed as Flamingo’s. The ergonomic handle is easy to grip, even in miniature form, and the tiny compact holds two blades: one original and one for pubic hair. They’re easy to swap out and the case is vented, so you don’t have to wait for everything to dry if you’re scrambling to avoid a late checkout fee.

If you’re desperately awaiting new episodes of The Bear—or simply crave a mystery-laden page-turner—pick up The Reservation. The novel follows more than a dozen employees at Aunt Orsa’s as the renowned midwestern restaurant seems to implode from within: 22 rib-eyes were stolen, the eatery is being flooded with scathing reviews…and it seems to be an inside job. The dichotomy between the drama on page and the bliss of kicking back in the sand only makes this read all the more delicious.

Fact: The narrator can make or break an audiobook. Here, it elevates things to a completely immersive, transportive experience. Listen closely, and you might recognize Keira Knightley as the voice of Dolores Umbridge, James McAvoy as Mad-Eye Moody and Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore. You may want to keep listening well after your flight has landed.

Already in development as a movie starring Jane Fonda, The Correspondent unfolds through a series of letters and emails its protagonist, 70-year-old lawyer Sybil Van Antwerp, has written and received (and in one instance, written and never sent) during her lifetime. It’s engaging, relatable and evocative—an ode to life that may make you tear up, so keep some travel-size tissues on hand.

Road trips, flights, delays at the airport—the Yoto Mini can get you through it all. You can buy cards that tell stories or play music (everything from Harry Potter to KPop Demon Hunters), or even get ones that allow you to record your own tales. Kids pop in the card of their choosing, slip on their headphones and kick back. And you’re spared a few rounds of “Are we there yet?” (at least for a little while).

Plenty of strollers claim you can fold them one-handed—with the Butterfly 2, you actually can. It earned rave reviews from multiple editors who use theirs locally and abroad, raving about how the lightweight, compact design doesn’t skimp on quality. The frame feels sturdy, the suspension solid and its wheels make sharp turns with ease, making it great for zipping around busy airports and narrow sidewalks. Plus, it folds up to be IATA-compatible, so it can count as a carry-on.

In a scroll of bulky pack-and-plays, SlumberGo stands out. It folds up to a TSA-compliant 23 inches by 9 inches and fits in an included carrying case that can be worn as a backpack, keeping your arms free for everything else you need to haul (like a sleepy toddler). The mattress is firm yet breathable and just cushy enough to be genuinely comfortable, so your baby doesn’t wake up the instant he’s set down in it. It’s also compatible with the SlumberPod tent, creating a private blackout nook for your little one to sleep in, no matter where you are (or how boisterious your in-laws’ house is). This bundle includes both and is well worth the investment, if you travel frequently.

Another hotly contested category among editors, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones won out for exactly what their name implies: Their comfortable fit and ability to quiet the noise of the outside world when you need it. “I wear these all the time, whether I'm on the subway to work or going for a solo walk (Aware Mode on, because safety) and on flights (Quiet Mode on, because I need my peace),” Brozyna says, adding that “they are super comfortable and don't give me a headache after wearing them for a long period of time.” Don’t even get us started on that chic sandstone color.

We’ve been big-time Paperwhite fans, but the new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft really impressed us. It has the easy readability (and access to the Kindle Store) of the classic, but this 11-inch ereader comes with a (battery-free!) pen that allows you to annotate and highlight whatever you’re reading and take your own notes (or sketch your own doodles). It’s more responsive and feels closer to writing on paper than using an iPad. All of your notes are backed up in the cloud, so if—heaven forbid—you do lose it in your travels, you haven’t lost everything.

“What's the point of traveling around the world, making memories, when all the photos will just sit forgotten in the cloud six months later?” Wu asks. As a photographer for nearly 15 years, she’s used plenty of cameras but loves this one for travel. Why? It’s easy to pack, you can customize your shots (though there’s an automode for newbies), the film is easy to source and you’re left with instant prints you can scrapbook or share.

Blisters and aching feet are two souvenirs absolutely no one wants. Insanely comfortable shoes are a must, and these Birkenstocks are it. Wu’s walked 9 miles at a time in them, pain-free, and swears by their cushion, support and ability to look stylish, not dowdy, as comfort-focused footwear tends to be.