Spotlight Hotel
Family-Friendly Travel by Age
Big Trips for Young Adults and Their Parents
From New Zealand's natural wonders to Cartagena's colonial charms, these big trips offer up new shared experiences for empty nesters and their young adults.
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August 06, 2025
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Whether your young adult is in college or adapting to work life, this next phase is ripe for a shared adventure. Your time together is likely more limited, so why not make it count with a milestone trip – think multicultural cities, and far-flung beach breaks, with bonding opportunities that don't feel too forced.
The good news is you don’t need to plan it alone. As our 2025 Global Travel Trends Report highlights, Gen Z is all about getting things sorted, with 80% relying on travel apps and social media to help map out their journeys. That means family travel is now more immersive, digitally driven, and collaborative than ever before.
Read on for destinations suited to maximizing your family time, along with the benefits that make it all the more rewarding when you book through Amex TravelTM on your Platinum Card®.
Explore our series of family travel recommendations by age:
Seoul, South Korea
This buzzing, high-energy city hits all the right notes for Gen Z travelers. Seoul blends K-pop cool with tech-forward shopping districts, ancient palaces, vibrant food markets, and neon-lit nightlife. Whether your young adult is into fashion, history, or fried chicken at 2am, this city serves it up.
Conrad Seoul
Set in the Yeouido Business District, the sleek Conrad Seoul offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Han River. Fashion-conscious 20-somethings can shop next door at Hyundai Seoul, one of the city’s trendiest department stores, while nearby Yeouido Park hosts one of Seoul’s largest cherry blossom festivals each spring.
JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
In the stylish Gangnam district, the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul puts you close to Seoul’s teeming nightlife and eclectic food scene. It’s also a great launchpad for college kids who want to explore the city’s nightclubs, catch a local DJ – and still be back by curfew.
Sydney, Australia
With its architectural landmarks and laid-back vibe, Sydney is the ultimate city-meets-beach escape. Between the Bondi surf and the Opera House selfies, it’s an ideal spot for unwinding without ever slowing down.
Capella Sydney
This refined property near the Opera House offers guided cultural walks, architecture tours, and wine-and-dine experiences. Elegant and central, it’s a perfect pick for families traveling with young adults.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
If you prefer to stay beach adjacent, this hotel in Double Bay delivers a quieter vibe just outside the city, with easy access to Sydney by scenic ferry ride. Shops, cafes, and the waterfront are all also within walking distance.
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland feels like an urban playground with nature beckoning at every turn. With volcanic peaks and harbor views, it’s also a straight shot to excellent hiking, making it a solid match for adventurous college-aged travelers and their active parents.
Hilton Auckland
A Card Member favorite, the Hilton Auckland waterfront resort combines nautical charm with modern luxury. Families can unwind on sundecks, enjoy private balconies, and hop ferries to explore the nearby islands. Another plus: the Auckland Fish Market and other local gems are a short stroll away.
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
Perched above miles of pristine coastline, this clifftop resort is a standout for surfers and sun seekers alike. A bit north of Auckland, it pairs family-friendly luxury with thrills like helicopter tours over the Bay of Islands.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is renowned for its opulence, with intricate tilework, vibrant souks, and centuries-old palaces presenting a veritable feast for the senses. The college-aged set will be floored by the fragrant markets, rooftop lounges, and awe-inspiring architecture, for starters.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Set on 49 acres of olive groves and gardens, this tranquil resort boasts 65 heated pools and villas with mountain views. Families can take guided tours of the nearby Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, browse wares at an authentic Arabic bazaar, and float above the desert in a hot-air balloon. Just be sure to make time for the Mandarin spa – and the fabulous hotel pool.
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
Not too far from bustling downtown Marrakech, the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is a luxurious retreat with villas perfect for family travel – each offering multiple bedrooms, private pools, gardens, and hammams. Guests can hike the nearby Atlas Mountains or take cultural excursions to nearby Berber villages.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena feels like a postcard come to life, marked by winding cobblestone streets, colorful colonial-style buildings, and restaurants serving the catch of the day. A popular destination for families where everyone's game to get their daily steps in.
Casa San Agustin
A trio of colonial-era buildings complete with original frescoes and antique wood-beamed ceilings, Casa San Agustin is as colorful and exuberant as its surroundings. Select suites include private balconies or terraces, separate living and dining spaces, and personal outdoor whirlpools. Dine on fresh ceviche at the on-site restaurant or wander the city’s cobblestone alleyways to uncover hidden gems.
Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena Hotel
Once a 17th-century convent, this 87-room hotel now welcomes travelers with captivating ocean views and a rooftop pool perfect for drinking it all in. For a fun family outing, ask about chartering a private boat to explore the nearby islands.
*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
*,3
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Azamara Cruises
Boutique cruise company Azamara* focuses on depth over speed, offering immersive voyages from 18 to 79 nights that are designed to connect guests with a more meaningful off-board experience. Cartagena is a frequent port of call, with overnight excursions that go far beyond the typical tour and explorations that uncover charming new facets of the coastal city.
If you choose to cruise, The Cruise Privileges Program* includes up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom plus, earn 2X Membership Rewards® points, per eligible cruises of 5-nights or more bookings through American Express Travel on your Platinum Card.4
Learn more about how to find the cruise that suits your style.
*Ships' Registry: Malta
4Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions.
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Recommended Flights offers Platinum Card® Members access to lower fares on select routes with Delta.* Plus, Platinum Card Members earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked through American Express Travel® or flights purchased directly from airlines.*
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Make your trip unforgettable through unique tours and activities booked at gyg.me/amex. Terms apply.
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