National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel: Share the World With Your Kids on 50 Adventures of a Lifetime

by Jessica Gee

In this indispensable guide by the mega-popular Bucket List Family, discover expert tips for traveling with kids and 50 not-to-be-missed destination itineraries.

As a family of five, the Bucket List Family has swum with whales in Tonga, slept in castles in Ireland, lived on a houseboat in Amsterdam, eaten breakfast with giraffes in Kenya, spent Halloween in Disneyland, and visited more than 90 countries around the world. Now, Jessica Gee brings her tips and tricks to you in the ultimate expert’s guide to traveling as a family.

This beautifully illustrated guide provides all the know-how to fulfill your own family’s bucket list—including how-tos for picking a destination, packing, budgeting, and even surviving a 12-hour plane ride. Along with personal family anecdotes, Jess offers 50 itineraries for family-friendly destinations and inspiring top-10 lists with destinations for every age. You’ll learn everything you need to know to take a family vacation

South Africa, where you can walk on a beach with penguinsUtah, where ice castles bring a world of magic to a vacation full of natural wondersBerlin, where holidays come to life at beloved Christmas marketsThe Galapagos, where your kids will squeal with joy as they encounter penguins and larger-than-life tortoisesAlaska, where you’ll feel you’ve gone truly wild in the last frontierAnd so much more!
This insider's guide from one of the world’s most traveled families will inspire you to create new and lasting memories with your family for years to come.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Parenting, Memoir, Reference, Family, Adult

635 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Brooke Arevalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, but 4 stars because I got tired of reading “we stayed at the Ritz Carleton” over and over again. Their means of travel are unrealistic for most people.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly mixed feelings. 5 stars for the photography. Pretty well written, but out of touch with realistic budget and time constraints for people who can’t make traveling their job, so maybe 2 stars for usefulness of the book. Maybe I’d feel different if I didn’t recognize the places they stayed in Alaska and know how much they cost.🤣 Yeah, I’d probably prefer a 3 month trip over a 10 day trip, too if we had a massive safety net and didn’t have to keep a business going.

[Megan Heng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great starting point for any type of travel. Great suggestions on not only where to travel, but how to travel. It includes beautiful pictures and anecdotes of this family's experiences across the world. I will use this when I travel to get a general feel of the area I'm going to. If you are an avid traveler or a hopeful traveler, I would definitely recommend reading this book!

[Brooke Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inspired me to continue to travel and explore with the kids. Feels unrealistic to the average person to travel the world like this though. I wish it had better tips on how to travel on a budget instead of “we stayed at the ritz and it was amazing” 😅 loved the photography.

[Colin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Authors are a little out of touch with the real world. Most people would not be able to afford any of these trips unless they saved their entire lives for one.

[The St. Louis Literary Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

"National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel: Share the World With Your Kids on 50 Adventures of a Lifetime" by Jessica Gee is an inspiring and comprehensive guide for families eager to explore the world together. The book brilliantly captures the essence of adventure, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to the unique interests and dynamics of family travelers. Jessica Gee, with her rich experience in family travel, curates an exceptional list of destinations that promise not only to entertain but also to educate and bond families.

The book is beautifully presented, with stunning photographs that are a hallmark of National Geographic, capturing the imagination and inspiring wanderlust. Each adventure is meticulously detailed, providing practical tips on how to make the most of the experience, including the best times to visit, where to stay, and activities that are suitable for children of different ages. This attention to detail makes planning a family trip much easier and more accessible.

What sets this book apart is its commitment to sustainable and responsible travel. Gee encourages families to engage with local communities, learn about conservation efforts, and understand the cultural significance of the places they visit. This educational aspect enriches the travel experience, instilling a sense of global citizenship and respect for diversity among young travelers.

"National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel" is an invaluable resource for families looking to embark on memorable journeys. It not only showcases the beauty and diversity of our world but also demonstrates the transformative power of travel in fostering connections and creating lifelong memories.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photography in this book is on point! I enjoyed the inspiration but I will say most families cannot travel quite like the Bucket List family! There is such a thing as financial limitations 😀 but I will say it gave me a push to see what all I could be exploring locally and right with in my home state.
And yes, there are SO MANY countries I wish to travel to some day!

[Chelsea Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be the best, most epic travel book I’ve ever read. I was not expecting much. I had never heard of the bucket list family before. But the short write ups of these 50 places accompanied by the absolutely stunning photography gave me so much travel inspiration. I’m already planing on buying copies for friends who also love to travel like we do.

[Fred Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually 4.5 but kicking it up to 5 stars since it has been awhile since I experienced the enjoyment this book gave me. Browsing a local book store I came across a signed copy and snatched it up.
It pushed a number of my hot buttons. Excellent photography (as an experienced semi-professional I even picked up a few tips, of course it is a National Geographic publication), interesting travel destinations, great information - loved the hints on Scuba diving, another passion. Interesting that one of my favorite pictures in the book, that of a toddler from behind, on a bed, gazing out the window at the Patagonian landscape was taken with a cell phone! So much for my $ thousands in gear, the phones have gotten amazing.

I enjoyed revisiting places I've been, looking forward to some they recommended. May have to go back to Bermuda - avid caver in my youth and I did not know they have caves, avid diver but was not aware of the "Bermuda Triangle" wrecks - guess I spent too much time in business meetings during my one visit there!

Now, I would not consider it fun to travel with kids - my kids were much older when we took our family trips - but it was interesting to read of the situations they encountered and how they dealt with them. Some scary, some amusing, many challenging.

So why not a full 5 stars? Mainly because their situation is a bit unusual, unlikely to be encountered by an average traveler. As "travel influencers" with a large following they enjoyed many privileges that few of us will ever know - special deal with Disney World for example permitted them to spend 30 nights in 30 different Disney properties. Comp arrangements with many suppliers in exchange for special deals and privileges provided what most of us will never experience. And after cashing in their possessions and parking $18 million from a company sale they had the wherewithal to travel for an extended period with little concern for issues that would immobilize most people.

Still, for a great "armchair travel" experience, give this good book a look! Enjoy the tongue in cheek comments - "Can't find feta cheese in Greece? It's because I ate it all!"

[Dianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The photography was brilliant, but the content was subpar.
Jessica Gee is married to the guy who created and sold SnapChat for millions of dollars and so for a “typical family” this is so out of reach unless you can some how become an influencer like her and travel for free like they did.
Jessica is constantly writing sponsored by and etc…This is great for them but a little out of touch for the middle class family.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nice photography, and destination list, but completely out of touch with what families today can accomplish. If the title had been ‘Adventures for families who are worth $80million’ the book would be on target, but sadly it’s a miss and feels off brand for NatGeo who I up until now considered an “authentic” agency.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed The Bucket List Family's YouTube account on and off the past six years or so, inspired by their family adventures to exotic places and their nomadic life of full-travel (now they aren't full-time since their kids are in school and they have community and a home in Hawaii). Now in this recently published book, partnered with the fitting and iconic National Geographic, Jessica shares a ton of great tips as well as itineraries for budding traveling families. She starts with a section on planning (packing for all ages, money-saving tips, what kind of traveler are you?, etc), followed by a section on actually traveling (adjusting to time differences, staying healthy and safe, personality traits, etc), and finally, the third section is devoted to the fifty itineraries spanning all over the world. I loved gaining new knowledge and adding things to my to-do list for my own family's upcoming international trip as well as enjoying the jaw-dropping photography by Jessica's husband, Garrett. It was fun re-visiting some of my favorite places in the world through their itineraries (Cannon Beach, Oregon; Paris, France; London, UK; Lake Tahoe, Ca; and Florence, Italy; Oahu, Hawaii) while also vicariously traveling to places that have long been on my own bucket list (Banff, Canada; Greek Islands, Alaska to name a few). Although many of their adventures would be out of our budget (they are often sponsored and have lucrative partnerships with companies so they stay at places like the Ritz-Carlton), they still mention more affordable options when possible. They love water sports and especially swimming with whales and sharks, which is not my cup of tea, so it was fun reading about adventures I likely wouldn't ever do but still enjoy reading about other people doing. I also loved that they often mentioned service opportunities in different countries since that is a big part of their traveling (giving back and not just thinking of themselves). I love how connected they are as a family. They are wholesome and just so fun to watch on YouTube and the same vibes were definitely in the book as well.

Content rating: Gee (pun intended)

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know anything about this book, or the author going in. I thought it had some good tips and points in the first 2 parts, and I thought the tips throughout of traveling with different aged kids were helpful. Overall, international travel feels incredibly intimidating, and pretty much all of the trips feel like they’re super expensive, and out-of-reach for most. It gives 50 bucket list trips and tips but honestly, I’ll be lucky to go on even one of these trips someday, especially with kids. It has beautiful pictures, but it honestly feels like unless you’re lucky enough to be a travel influencer, and travel full time, this book is not practical at all.

[Brigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to travel with Jess and her family a few years ago in Tanzania. Once I heard about her book, I knew I had to have it and it has not disappointed. I’ve read a chunk of it and everything Jess has written is genuine to the core. What a beautiful roadmap to absolutely amazing places. Jess and her family are salt of the earth so who better to write about some of the most fantastic places on earth than Jess. This is a treasure and I am so happy to have this book.

[Tara Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and family! Our family loves to travel and make memories. This book provides wonderful ideas, places, and tips to help a family plan adventures. We are inspired by The Bucket List family and can’t wait to use Jess’ tips as we travel to London!

[Ansley Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read for anyone who dreams of traveling. Jess writes so warmly, and it’s fun to be able to see so many pictures from around the world!

Warning: This book will make you want to

1) have kids
2) travel with those kids
3) be rich so you can travel with those kids

[Jan‘s Bücherwelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wunderschöne, inspirierende Fotos! Gut geschrieben, mit vielen wertvollen Tipps, allerdings hätte ich mir für die Übernachtungsempfehlungen teilweise wirklich günstige Möglichkeiten gewünscht.

[Brittany Martinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this travel guide and family in general

[Trisha Powers Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The recommendations are above our budget, but it has great pictures.

[Jennifer Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book!!!

[Jess L · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment you feel the heft of this book, it is immediately apparent that this is no ordinary tome. Through the pages of adventure, to the closure of the back cover, Jessica Gee has put together a love letter to the world and provides insight on how to experience it all.

The book is divided into three parts: planning, en route and on the ground, and where to go. Planning walks you through different ways to organize your trip. En route and on the ground details some just good travel advice. Where to go provides several destinations with sample experiences to enjoy.

I find myself inspired to start planning our next trip and challenged to explore outside our comfort zones to try something new. For all of the luxury, the heart of this book remains, to me, that you can live an extraordinary life through adventure, culture, and service no matter where you are.

Note: I received a free advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Tatum Rose Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book, by the best author, with the best pictures!

[Candice Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book, photos and content. I am on a mission to crush my travel dreams and this is inspiring me!
There are a lot of good travel suggestions, ideas and tips that I love.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning, informational, vulnerable, adventurous, emotional, exciting book that Jessica has so thoughtfully written!

When I first unwrapped my copy of Bucket List Family Travel, I was in awe of the design, the weight (wow!) and just the general feel of the book. Just looking at the cover and flipping through the pages, you know that you are about to be taken on your own adventure through Jessica (and her families) experiences!

My family and I absolutely LOVE to travel - especially with our children! Our two kids had stamps on their passports at 4 months & 18 months and have gotten to see and experience some pretty cool destinations in their 8 and 9 years! As Jessica wrote in the book, “ Wherever you end up, remember: More important than where you are going is who you are going with (and who you meet when you’re there!).” I could not agree with this statement more! When I started following Jessica and her family many years ago, I knew what they were doing was so much more than just traveling. I’ve loved watching their family face new challenges, experience new cultures and be of service to so many people around the world. I hope to have my children experience even a fraction of what their children have! It’s a wonderful, beautiful journey that we are all blessed to witness and be a part of!

So, when I started to read the book, I could not put it down. It was written so well, that I could hear Jessica speaking the words right to me. Even though our family travels a lot, I have learned so many tips and tricks from Jessica that I will use on our next family adventure! From the Money Saving Tips to the Planning and Packing, Jessica has thought of everything a family might need to know while planning their family bucket list trips!

Part Two really spoke to me. Traveling with kids definitely isn’t for the faint at heart, and it can be difficult at times, but it can also be a really beautiful, life-changing experience for your children! Making anywhere home is a huge adjustment, but I feel like it’s very important for the children to feel a sense of calm, and togetherness and that anywhere you are with your family can be home. As a photographer myself, I absolutely LOVE how Jessica’s husband Garrett has preserved and documented their travels and experiences! I love how he lent a few tips on the best way to document your travels! Sometimes when we travel, I want to bring my big expensive camera, but it might not be easy, so I might just bring my iPhone. As Garrett said, the best camera is the one you have! So, I have to remember to just document with whatever I have and not worry so much about which camera I’m using.

The final part of the book, Where To Go, has made me add so many more destinations to our family’s bucket list! Heck, I’ve even re-added some destinations that we’ve already been to so that we can experience new locations and activities! We are heading to Zion National Park this April and after reading Jessica’s information about it, makes me just that much more excited for our Bucket List Adventure and glamping in Zion!!

This book is so much more than just a book… its insight into Jessica’s soul. You can tell how much she loves and respects every place her family has traveled to and every person she has met along the way! It has been a privilege to witness so much of it through social media, and I’m so thankful that she has taken the time to write down her best tips and tricks to make sure your family has a the most amazing Bucket List Adventure!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even begin! I have been following the BLF family on IG/YouTube for a handful of years now. I have watched them grow as a family in so many ways. It's inspiring! If you are looking for the perfect family first book, that happens to also highlight their adventures and how they prepare for them, then this is the book for you! The first half of the book covers a lot of the 'how' part of traveling as a family with very young kids. One thing that I have always been impressed about is how little they pack when they go on these crazy long adventures. Or wondering about any tips and tricks that they use when traveling. Thankfully, these are a couple things she covers in this book along with SOOO many more. One little tip that I found especially helpful was something as simple as writing your passport info on a little business sized card for easy access. Such a small thing that I definitely would have loved to do during my past travels, but will surely do from now on! So, the second half of the book was also just so incredible. Jessica covers 50 destinations that they have traveled to, and also breaks a lot of it down into age appropriate locations for kids starting as infants all the way to adult age. She breaks down each location and provides a small snippet into their itinerary and talks about what they did, places they ate, places they stayed(and broke it down into price categories which I love). Jessica also includes, which is by far my most favorite aspect to all of their travel, is SERVICE. At each location they travel to, they have an amazing mindset of, "what can we do to service this area that we are visiting?", whether that's teaching English to local kids, or painting an orphanage, or putting together a social media event to raise money to build a school. The selflessness behind these acts is truly something to aim for and aspire to do. I just hope one day that I will have the opportunity to make impacts like this around the world during future travels. Something else that is a little more on the fun side in terms of reading the book is I found it to be somewhat interactive. As I was reading through the book and seeing all of these locations, I found myself looking up all of these spots in my maps app on my phone. I would zoom in and find the beaches that they walked with penguins at or where they swam with whales. It also made me realize just how little I actually know about where some of the locations are geographically! Like the Falkland Islands. Who knew they were so far down south!

Anyways...grab the book. 11/10 recommend. You will not regret it! Congrats, Jessica, on writing such a wonderful family book!

Book: National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel: Share the World With Your Kids on 50 Adventures of a Lifetime

Author: Jessica Gee

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is lovely, but it feels a bit disingenuous for a family who was able to stash away millions as a safety net and then travel the world to continue referring to themselves as "normal everyday family" when they couldn't be farther from that. I admire the entrepreneurial drive and success this family achieved, but there is nothing average about them, and it shows in this book.

Part of the book is basic travel tips for families that would be helpful only for first time travelers, and the other part is a small snippet on each incredible destination where recommendations are made for lodging, restaurants, and activities. Unfortunately, for the majority of travelers, the author's experienced recommendations are high-end luxury, and while some recommendations are made for budget accommodations, we rely solely on our trust in the author's research rather than her experience.

In some instances not enough information on how to get there, or tours to take were given. I would have overlooked this if the author was intending to make this a timeless book that would have less of a chance of becoming outdated, but other details, tips, and the inclusion of specific lodging and restaurants suggest that was not a concern. I understand the lack of space to be incredibly comprehensive for so many destinations, but this book partially comes off as a travel journal for the author's experiences in each location, so a little more helpful information would have been great, OR she could have opted to give a brief overview of experiences to be had and what a location offered without specific details that will eventually become outdated information. It feels a bit lacking in direction, and uncommitted on intended audience (is it for brand new travelers who know nothing, or wealthy people with plenty of time to jet off for several weeks at a time and spend exorbitant money on travel? I'm not sure there is much overlap in those two groups).

I will commend the love and passion that clearly went into writing the book (although the prose wasn't my favorite) and for the fact that there are some inspirational destinations and activities peppered throughout the book that will push me to do more research on certain locations for my next trip.

Unless you are looking to purchase the book for its visual qualities, I would advise potential readers who already travel with their children to visit the YouTube channel instead, where you can get more of the visual inspiration, then purchase some up-to-date travel books that focus on your chosen destination, or search the web, since you will get more comprehensive advice for that destination.

[Alexis Latsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jessica Gee’s BUCKET LIST FAMILY TRAVEL. First, I have to talk about the physical book itself - it is beautiful, sturdy, and high quality. The cover photos are stunning and the linen cover feels so nice! :)

In this book, Jessica shares TONS of useful information about everything travel: from choosing where to go and planning/packing to exploring your destination and being a mindful traveler. She is very detailed and transparent, and has included everything one might want to know. There’s lots of helpful do’s & don’ts, tips on staying organized, and personal advice from her years of family travel, all divided into easy-to-read sections. And of course - stunning photographs of beautiful destinations and precious family moments.

Jessica does a great job showing how having kids doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling. Instead, traveling with kids can actually enrich the experience! At the end, Jessica includes 50 Bucket List itineraries from around the world, which were so fun for me to read as I continue adding to my own Bucket List!

I think people will find great value in this book, whether you have kids or you don’t (like me) - there’s just lots of great travel advice in general! And a wonderful family behind it all. The Gee family’s situation is unique, which Jessica recognizes, but I think she does a great job conveying how travel can be possible for anyone if you make it a priority. It doesn’t have to be some once-in-a-lifetime trip, the key is to just get out there and start. Make the most of the ups (and downs) and enjoy making memories with your loved ones! That’s what I took away from this book, and will continue to do in my own travels with family, friends, and kids of my own one day.

I can see how much dedication, knowledge, and thoughtfulness Jessica put into creating her book. What a timeless way to preserve her family’s experiences while inspiring readers like me at the same time. Congratulations, Jess! You’re a Nat Geo author!!

To the Gee family (Jess, Garrett, Dorothy, Manilla, and Calihan): thank you for inspiring me to make my world a little bigger and step outside my comfort zone. Here to many more Bucket List adventures, big and small!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bucket List Family Travel” by Jessica Gee goes beyond a typical travel guide to inspire all families to explore their world with adventure and intention. The advice was thorough and detailed, the pictures were stunning, and the inspiration was priceless. I highly recommend this book to all readers looking for guidance on incorporating a little more adventure into your lives, whether that is planning a local camping trip or going on an African safari.

The first section of the book focuses on planning a fulfilling adventure that best fits your budget and travel style by reflecting on the priorities and interests of your own family. As a mom who thrives on planning, I found this section particularly helpful and empowering.

The second part of the book answers any question a mom could have about the logistics of traveling to and exploring a new place. Jess addresses every thought and concern a mom could have with relatability, empathy, and sweet anecdotes of her own.

The final section of the book is filled with thoughtful and detailed itineraries for 50 amazing locations in the world to explore. This book has a destination that fits any group of people! Whenever my husband and I discuss traveling, we have big dreams of where we want to go, but can never figure out where to start. This book answered all my questions and gave me many tips and resources that I could apply to my own life.

After reading this book, I felt like I had met Jessica Gee personally and got to ask her all of my questions about life as a traveling family and how I could safely and joyfully incorporate more exploration into my own family's world. I have followed the Bucket List Family on social media for years and have heard their claim that they are a “normal” family on an extraordinary adventure many times. The sentiment of this phrase was beautifully captured with the authenticity and vulnerability within this book. It was an easy and relatable read that felt inspiring and informative.

[Shannon Rily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than just a coffee table book. Yes, it LOOKS absolutely beautiful - but it deserves to be read cover to cover.

Jess and her family live the life I wish me and mine could. And while - no - I probably will never get quite the opportunity they have to complete ALL the bucket list items on my own (extensive) travel list, this book was a wonderful form of escapism.

I’ve avidly followed The Bucket List Family for quite a few years now, so this book was eagerly anticipated. I know, through the social media presence, that this book meant a lot to the author - and Jess should be proud. What an amazing testament to the memories that have been created.

While many of the other reviews are mildly critical of the book setting an ‘unrealistic’ and ‘out of touch’ I think it needs to be read as what it is - a true recollection of the experiences actually lived by the author. Pretending anything else would be a lie, and besides - most destinations offer suggestions for a variety of budgets. Good on them. Let it be an inspiration.

My favourite part of the book is the in-depth look at the 50 destinations. I could have read about 50 more. My own bucket list has now grown a little longer: staying in a cave in Cappadocia and watching the sun rise - yes please. 30 Stays in 30 Days at Disney World - this may have just rocketed to number 1 (with the previous being ‘Take the kids to Disney World’ - but shoot for the stars, hey?)

The photography is stunning. Each morning my own kids would sit with me while a drank my coffee and point out where they wanted to go one day, too. They loved the pictures, and so are inspired themselves - which I love.

If you love living vicariously through other peoples travels - buy and read this book. I’ve never been uninspired, but I’m moreso now. Now the question is - where to first?

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bucket List Family Travel: Share the World with Your Kids on 50 Adventures of a Lifetime is an indispensable and beautifully illustrated guide with fifty destination itineraries and countless expert tips for traveling with kids. Jessica shares the origins of her family’s adventures, which involve selling an app, making money, and traveling instead of buying a house. The author explores her family’s intentional approach to building their brand, incorporating content creation and sponsorships from the outset. She highlights the transformative experiences her kids have gained and how incredible it has been for them to embrace spontaneity and the value of other cultures.

The author shares that after her husband sold his app to Snapchat, the family decided to do some traveling, which eventually turned into three years of full-time travel. They quickly learned photography so they could record everything, and they shared it all on social media. They became influencers before influencers were a thing, especially travel influencers. She talks about being approached by National Geographic to publish a visual journal of their explorations and how it seemed like a natural extension of their brand. The book is pictorial, filled with gorgeous images of her family in all these amazing destinations. Bucket List Family Travel is a great insider's guide from one of the world’s most traveled families that will inspire readers to explore the world with their own families, creating new and lasting memories for years to come.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...