5 Trips to Consider, From Bora Bora to Rome

Paris, Las Vegas, Rome, Phuket and Bora Bora don't belong in a single itinerary. They're five different ideas for time away, and getting there may take a good part of the trip. Look at flights before deciding whether you have a weekend or need a longer stay. With children along, leave room for a quiet afternoon as well as the things you're eager to see. Here's what to consider in each place.

1. Bora Bora

Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia. To reach it, you'll usually travel via Tahiti, with another flight and then a boat transfer. The airport is on a small islet. Tahiti Tourisme describes a shuttle from there to Vaitape, and private boats that take resort guests to their hotels. Check which one you need when you book. Once the journey is sorted, you can decide how many days you'd like beside the lagoon. It's a trip to allow time for, especially if you're bringing children.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Start with the Bellagio fountains and Conservatory if you want two Las Vegas stops that don't need tickets. The city's tourism office lists both as free. That leaves more of your budget for a show, if there's one you'd like to see.

Before booking that show, check its age rules. Then price the hotel with its fees and parking included. Las Vegas can be a family trip, but the adults' wish list and the children's plans need to fit together. Agree on a few things everyone wants to do.

3. Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a cafe table with coffee and a croissant: you probably already have a picture of the Paris trip you'd like. Use that to choose what goes on your itinerary. For the Louvre, read the museum's own visitor information before booking; Tuesday is its usual closing day. After a museum visit, give yourself time to sit down and eat. A walk can wait until everyone is ready. You came to enjoy being in Paris, and taking a break doesn't waste the day.

4. Phuket, Thailand

Alongside the beaches, Phuket has Chinese shrines, restaurants and an annual Vegetarian Festival, according to Thailand's tourism authority. If beach days aren't enough for everyone in your group, those give you other things to look into. Pick a hotel area with your plans in mind; Kata, Karon and Mai Khao are different beaches on the island. Check warning flags before swimming, and stay out under a red flag. Price a boat trip with its transfers included before deciding it fits your budget.

5. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain—Rome gives you plenty of familiar names to choose from. Pick the ones you'd most like to see and check their visitor information. The Colosseum's official booking page sets out the timed-entry tickets and the areas each covers.

For St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, you'll be visiting Vatican City, a separate country within Rome. Make room for those if they're on your list. Then leave some time for a walk in Trastevere, pizza or a gelato without another stop to rush toward.