2019 Summer Vacation Ideas for Families

Summer is almost upon us and with so many amazing places to visit in the world, the decision on where to go for a summer vacation can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together this simple guide that shares our favorite summer destinations and what makes them so great. So grab your sunscreen and the kids and let's travel around the globe this summer.

Stray away from the pack of tourists who are heading to Cancun and make your way to Los Cabos this summer. This destination offers whale watching year-round, as well as romantic beaches, water activities and a fun nightlife scene in Cabos San Lucas. While Los Cabos is known for being more expensive than Cancun, you can stay at Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos, a premier all-inclusive property, and enjoy the Los Cabos scene without breaking the bank.

If you haven't heard, Puerto Rico's tourism industry has picked itself up after Hurricane Maria and they're ready for tourists like you. As a U.S. territory, it's the perfect beach destination because you don't need a passport to visit. With activities like horseback riding in the forest, scuba diving in the sea, jaw-dropping bioluminescence sights at night and the charming streets of Old San Juan, you'll easily have the best summer vacation in Puerto Rico.

Italy gets pretty toasty in the summer, so it's quite wonderful that the country is home to plenty of beaches along the coast and a popular summer scene at lakes like Lake Garda. While you may want to visit Venice or Rome during the summer months, just be prepared for the humidity. And if it gets too unbearable, head south to Positano to enjoy a breeze from the ocean as you eat pasta and drink wine on the cliffsides.

Portugal is rising among the European ranks as one of the best destinations to visit, especially in the summer. The country is known for its wide selection of pristine beaches, many of which aren't that crowded. And with vibrant city centers full of shopping and foodie experiences in Lisbon, Porto and Sintra, there are never-ending opportunities for fun and exploration.

Do beaches, nightlife, history and art sound great to you? Then, you'll want to visit Spain this summer. Barcelona can give you a city vacation full of art, great food and a beach, whereas Ibiza is your go-to for a resort-style trip. If history is more your thing, check out Madrid or cities in Catalonia like Girona and Tarragona.

If you can't stand the heat, go "down under" to Australia this summer when it's the country's winter season. Temperatures can go as low as the 50s, which makes exploring Sydney and Melbourne or hiking through their natural areas a cool, but pleasant experience.

Portland is the perfect summer destination for the outdoor enthusiast. You'll be able to hike forests and mountains within a short drive from the city, as well as enjoy sandy beaches and green spaces within the city. Summers in Portland are filled with outdoor concerts, inner tubing on the river, seasonal beers and a climate that is never too hot.

Whatever kind of beach vacation you can imagine is easily found in Florida There are numerous beaches along the state's coastline and the Everglades for those who enjoy kayaking through a tropical swamp. Miami and Tampa offer shopping and nightlife, whereas places like Sanibel has a more relaxing atmosphere.

Brexit may not be making the Brits happy, but it's beneficial to Americans who are interested in visiting the U.K. because U.S.-to-London flights are the cheapest they've ever been and the conversion rate is promising. If you visit the U.K. this summer, don't limit yourself to London. The country is full of beaches, hiking opportunities and countrysides full of castles and small towns that come alive with concerts and events in the summer season.

There is a lot to love about Croatia -- the beaches, seafood, historic towns and great national parks. If you haven't had Croatia on your travel list, you'll want to consider it very strongly this summer. It's pretty affordable for the average American and the warm temperatures are pretty mild in the mid to high 80s.