We’ve taken some unforgettable family trips over the years, from Costa Rica and the Galapagos to Japan, Ireland, Italy, Spain and others, but the place we’ve returned for the last two summers is Mykonos, Greece. The stunning locale, friendly people, crystal clear waters, great food, and a relaxed yet lively energy keep us coming back. 

We first visited two summers ago, traveling as a family with our two children, then 18 and 14. We spent our days at the popular beach clubs, on a chartered boat or taking a helicopter ride to see the surrounding islands.  Our nights were spent in Mykonos Old Town enjoying its restaurants, nightlife and a generally lively atmosphere. 

My husband is a planner, so we generally have activities set for the days and dinner reservations at night.  But some of the best moments come from unexpected surprises.  On our first trip, we made what we thought was a dinner reservation, but it turned out to be a tiny, charming bar (no food menu in sight) right on the water with a live DJ and a great crowd.  That mistake turned into one of our favorite places to return to at least a few times whenever we’re there. 

Every time we travel, we learn new lessons.  It’s important not to over-schedule ourselves and to leave time for figuring things out while we’re there, for example.  But the most valuable perspective is the importance of uninterrupted family time.  Mykonos is a lovely place, but at the end of the day, it’s about all four of us being together and creating lasting memories.  Anyone whose kids are grown knows you can’t get those years back!

Traveling can be humbling and frustrating at times because you can’t control every aspect of it, but we’ve learned to expect the unexpected and we’ve never regretted a trip we’ve taken.