Happy Father’s Day! To celebrate all the dads, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures out there, we’re checking out the best trips to take with dad around the world. Whether yours is a self-described beach bum, foodie, or history buff, we’ve got the perfect destination to get away with dad this year.
Milan
Grand architecture is one of Milan’s biggest draws. If dad can’t get enough of stately buildings and historic sites, get him to Milan asap. He’ll marvel at the city’s jaw-droppingly intricate Duomo, centuries-old castles and galleries, and beautiful piazzas buzzing with activity.
San Francisco
Scenic views and stunning nature give visitors to San Francisco a bonus beyond the city. Be sure to accompany dad to the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy the peaceful enclaves at the massive Golden Gate Park. Whatever your dad’s into, say modern art, science, or San Fran’s iconic cable cars, the city has a museum devoted to it. Get dad a CityPASS and he’ll get admission to the Exploratorium, where a hands-on approach is given to science and perception, or SFMoMA and the city’s fascinating Cable Car Museum.
London
If there’s a dad in your life who is quite comfortable in a cozy pub with frosty ale in hand, what better place to do just that than in London? Treat him to a frothy one at a classic London pub, like The Dove or The Mayflower, or tour a brewery together. Try an old-school favourite like Fuller’s Brewery or pay a visit to one of the newer kids on the scene, like Beavertown Brewery. And don’t forget to get some traditional pub fare while you’re in town!
Maui
If dad’s a beach bum at heart, saying aloha to Maui will top his favourite vacation memories. Get the whole family in on this one — Maui has tons of great group discounts, perfect for large family getaways. One up the road trips of your youth with a drive down the scenic Hana Highway, but besides that, try not to move from the beach too much, unless it’s for something important like shave ice.
New York City
NYC is the ultimate destination for dads who are into food. Whether dad goes for NYC classics like the city’s best ‘za or pastrami, or he’s into discovering the next big thing, New York City is a hotbed for all things food. Treat dad to a tasty tour with ContextTravel led by a local expert who will take you (and your tastebuds) through Chinatown and Little Italy, or dig deeper into New York City’s Jewish food scene.
Paris
For dads into the finer things in life, a good bottle of wine, classic literature, and world-famous art, a trip to Paris is in order. Get lost together in Paris’ most famous bookstores — we recommend making a mandatory visit to Shakespeare and Company. Spend a day taking in the famous works of art at the Louvre. And most definitely make a daily habit of grabbing a cozy table at a traditional Parisian café, ordering a glass of house wine, and recounting the best moments of the day over dinner.
Venice
The magic of a gondola ride through the canals of Venice isn’t reserved exclusively for lovers. Every traveller, dads included, will fall under the spell of Venice via gondola. Continue the magic with a Chorus Pass for dad and visit all of Venice’s spellbinding, historic churches, including the massive Basilica dei Frari, which dates back to the 1300s.
Tokyo
If dad is at home among soaring skyscrapers and neon lights, exploring Tokyo has to be at the top of his travel bucket list. Ride Tokyo’s high-speed bullet train, head to the top of the Tokyo Skytree, and explore the quirky and colourful shops and foods of Tokyo together, perhaps near the famously hectic Shibuya Crossing?
Whistler
If dad eats, breathes, and sleeps sports, a visit to Whistler is perfect any time of year. In winter, skiing is the main attraction, but no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep dad active, from hiking and biking to more adrenaline-fueled activities like ziplining, bungee jumping, and axe throwing.
St. Petersburg
Did you know St. Petersburg’s city centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site? This architectural mecca is perfect for dads who enjoy arts and culture with a healthy dose of history. Take dad on a tour of St. Petersburg’s most famous imperial palaces, explore the city’s fascinating network of canals, and catch a performance from one of the city’s world-famous ballet companies.
