The family vacation is as much of a staple on ABC’s Modern Family as it is on any non-TV clan’s calendar. Wanting to plan a getaway that’s worthy of primetime? Try one of these Pritchett-Dunphy journeys — there’s one for every travel Phil-osophy!
MAUI, HAWAII, US
The first big out-of-LA outing on Modern Family was on Maui, Hawaii during Season 1’s aptly-titled episode, “Hawaii.” They stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Phil attempted to create the honeymoon he and Claire never had — first stop, the adults-only Serenity Pool — but drunk Haley and other hazards got in the way. In the end, the Dunphy’s renewed their vows on the resort’s oceanfront lawn and Mitchell and Cameron realized they’d much rather spend time poolside than at the Ali-i Kula Lavender Farm (which looks like a gorgeous day trip if you have the time).
Courtesy: ABC
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING, USA
The cast kicked off Season 3 with a group getaway to the Lost Creek Dude Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the episode entitled, “Dude Ranch.” Cabins there are mostly rented out on a weekly basis and include all meals, group horseback riding lessons, and many more ranch accommodations. With all that’s offered, it’s hard to believe Phil only checked the “somewhat satisfied” box on the lodge comment card!
Courtesy: ABC
DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, USA
Season 3’s “Disneyland” was more of a day trip, but The Happiest Place on Earth is always worthy of a place on my list of family vacations. Don’t make the same mistake as Gloria by wearing uncomfortable shoes to this sprawling theme park, or else you may have to spring for a pair of slippers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique like Jay did. Be sure to make time for the attractions featured on the show — Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln — as well as all the other classic rides.
Courtesy: ABC
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, USA
Season 4’s “New Year’s Eve” was spent at a Palm Springs, CA hotel that hadn’t been updated since the 1970s. Still, it had a nice NYE package that included a Cherries Jubilee dessert finish Jay had been dreaming of since his last stay there. Cameron and Mitchell checked out the gay club scene over at the Beacon but ended up at a bar with a much older crowd.
Courtesy: ABC
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA
The gang pre-gamed for their subsequent international trip with a getaway to Sin City in Season 5’s “Las Vegas.” The crew flew Jet Blue down to the desert and stayed at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino — whether or not you have high-roller status like Jay (Exclesior! Excelsior Plus!), you can pretend you have a personal butler by ordering room service or reserving a special soak at the resort’s BATHHOUSE. Outside your room, play craps like Claire or go all bachelorette-party-out like Cam and catch Britney: Piece of Me at Planet Hollywood since the all-male Scottish review, The Kilty Pleasures don’t actually exist (yet?).
Courtesy: ABC
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
An alternate title to Season 5’s “Australia” could’ve been “Philgrimage,” since it’s all about the Dunphy dad fulfilling his mom’s wish to return to the place where he was conceived. Unfortunately, Phil’s native land seems not-so-nice to him, but in reality it’s breathtakingly beautiful. On their on-air itinerary? Helicoptering over the Great Barrier Reef, climbing Sydney Harbor Bridge ($200-$350/adult), strolling past the Sydney Opera House, and searching for bikini-less babes on Bondi Beach, all by way of Qantas Airways. During their downtime, cast members unwound at Manly Sea Life Sanctuary and Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.