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Sure, vacations are for relaxing. But they’re also for spending time together and making lasting memories. Looking to plan that bucket list vacation? Consider one of these epic experiences for a trip your kids will never forget.  African Safari Seeing an elephant or giraffe in its natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Lots of safari lodges roll out the red carpet for families, with onsite kids’ programming and education centers that teach young ones about things like bush cooking and orienteering. Guests at Camp Jabulani, located within the Kapama Private Game Reserve in South Africa, can interact with its herd of rescued elephants and arrange bush walks and helicopter tours. Another option is The Big Five Family Safari Package at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti includes two half-day game drives, a family cooking class and a hot air balloon safari (for ages 7 and up). But families can enjoy animal encounters even while cooling off in the lodge’s infinity pool; it overlooks a watering hole frequented by elephants, zebras, and other wildlife. Recommended Hotel: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti  New York City New York City is a fantastic city for a family vacation. It’s a world-class city with an unbelievable density of iconic museums, landmarks, top-notch entertainment, restaurants, parks, shopping, communities, cultures, and sports (try to say ‘Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Nets’ three times fast). Taking in the towering skyscrapers, bright lights of Times Square, and iconic beauty of the Statue of Liberty is a must for anyone. And there’s nothing quite like your first Broadway show. Of course, any trip to New York City isn’t complete without a visit to Ground Zero. The 9/11 Memorial pays tribute to the men, women and children killed in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 Recommended Hotel: The Plaza Hotel  Canadian Train Tour Travel through some spectacular scenery on a mode of transportation loved by kids of all ages. Operating between mid-April and mid-October, the Rocky Mountaineer offers several train tours that wind their way through the Canadian Rockies. On-board hosts share information about the dramatic vistas outside the windows and can also make special arrangements to help keep young children entertained (think toys and puzzles). The 11-day “Journey through the Clouds” excursion travels between Vancouver and Calgary and offers plenty of soft adventure ideal for families, including canoeing on Lake Louise and a raft float on the Bow River in Banff. Recommended Hotel: Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel  Hawaii The Hawaiian islands aren’t just for honeymooning; they’re also a prime location for an unforgettable family vacation. Volcanoes and black-sand beaches provide an otherworldly backdrop for luaus and other cultural experiences. Get off the beaten path at Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Its complimentary Kids for All Seasons program helps little ones learn about the island (the chain’s smallest inhabited island) and Hawaiian history through activities such as making leis and exploring tide pools. Families with young movie buffs might want to check in to the Princeville Resort on Kauai’s North Shore. It recently debuted an exclusive movie set tour that takes participants (ages 9 and up) to filming locations for blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Pirates of the Caribbean. When most think of Hawaii, they think Waikiki Beach, the North Shore, and Honolulu. All three are found on the island of Oahu. Although not the largest of the islands, Oahu is the most populated. More direct flights from the mainland arrive through Honolulu, making it the easiest island to get to (and often times, the cheapest). Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa is perfectly situated on a stunning cove in Ko'Olina. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, this makes Aulani the perfect hangout for families who want to enjoy what Hawaii has to offer with some Disney magic thrown in. Don’t Miss: The USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Battleship and the Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum & Visitor Center. It’s an important part of history the kids should see first-hand. Recommended Hotel: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa  European Bike Tour Use pedal power to explore everything from charming countryside to historic cities. Backroads’ Holland and Belgium Family Bike Tour (offered during summer months) travels over relatively flat terrain, past windmills, canals, and other postcard-worthy Low Country landmarks. The company also offers a Switzerland tour that combines biking with other modes of transport, such as gondola and cogwheel train rides. On Butterfield & Robinson’s Florence and Tuscany Family Adventure, biking will help you burn off all the calories consumed during gelato tastings, private lunches with local families, and strolls through Italian markets. Recommended Tour: Adventures By Disney  U.S. National Park Trip There are 60 national parks in the United States, ranging from well-known spots such as Grand Canyon National Park to less-frequented gems like Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Families visiting Utah’s Zion National Park can make their home base at Zion Lodge, the only hotel situated inside the park. It offers nightly ranger-led programs during the summer, narrated tram rides taking in the park’s majestic canyons and cliffs, and easy access to family-friendly hiking trailheads. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon enjoys a similar only-hotel-inside-the-park status at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park, making it easy for families to set off on hikes, drives, and other adventures to explore the park’s magical columns of weathered rock, known as hoodoos. On the East Coast, Virginia’s historic Skyland Resort is located at the top of Shenandoah National Park’s picturesque Skyline Drive. Recommended Hotel: Zion Lodge  Caribbean Cruise Who’s never dreamt about sailing the high seas? On a Caribbean cruise, you can do just that—and visit some tropical islands brimming with unique culture and interesting wildlife. Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess sails year-round in the Caribbean and features newly redesigned Camp Discovery youth and teen centers that draw on the company’s partnership with Discovery Inc. Families can also take part in Discovery- and Animal Planet-recommended shore excursions, including turtle encounters in Barbados and an underwater scooter adventure in St. Thomas. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day western Caribbean cruise with stops in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize. At Harvest Caye, families can snorkel the world’s second-largest barrier reef, go ziplining, or just relax on the seven-acre beach. Royal Caribbean‘s Wonder of the Seas—the largest cruise ship in the world—now sails to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. The ship houses the two-level Ultimate Family Suite, which features an in-room slide, floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, and a 212-square-foot balcony with table tennis and a full-size whirlpool. Recommended Ship: Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas  Dude Ranch Vacation The world looks a little different from atop a horse, and a vacation to a dude ranch will help kids get in the saddle. Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona offers a true escape from life as usual, especially since there aren’t any TVs in the guestrooms. Its daily kids’ program offers a full slate of activities, and young visitors ride the same horse each day to encourage comfort and familiarity. Tumbling River Ranch in Colorado offers kids’ programs for ages 3 through teen, with different activities geared toward each age group. That means things like pony rides for the youngsters, archery and rodeo practice for elementary schoolers, and fly fishing and overnight pack trips for teens. Recommended Hotel: Tanque Verde Ranch  Disney World Wow the kids with a truly magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. Book an overwater bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where you’ll enjoy prime views of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show. Or, reserve a suite at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, where the kids can careen down waterslides, float in the lazy river, or shoot hoops when they’re not at the parks. Make the most of your theme park time with a private VIP tour; Disney tour guides customize the day based on guests’ interests, helping them efficiently visit multiple parks and bag their must-do rides and experiences—which might include a visit to the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Little ones can get their glam on with an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, then dine with Disney princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside the Magic Kingdom’s iconic castle. Young swashbucklers can get a Captain Jack Sparrow-style makeover at the Pirates League before heading out on a Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage or Pirate Adventure Cruise. Recommended Hotel: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort  Costa Rican Adventure Though it’s a small country, Costa Rica is home to about 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, and about a quarter of this Central American country is protected. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens offers a Rainforest Family Expedition package that helps guests explore the rainforest, creeks, and beaches of Tortuguero National Park, where they might spot caimans, monkeys, and green turtles. Families looking for more adventure should try the Arenal Volcano area; at The Springs Resort, you can ride horses, go tubing on the river, and hike through rugged mountain terrain without leaving the resort. There's an animal sanctuary where you might see monkeys, sloths, and the occasional ocelot. But the real draw is the property's 28 artesian hot springs, perfect for whiling away the hours with the whole family. Family rooms are available for more space and comfort. Recommended Hotel: The Springs Resort Contact our team of travel planners today for a customized quote for your next vacationLove is in the air on the sun-dappled beaches of Mexico. Whether you’re horseback riding in the surf or cozying up in a private plunge pool, these top Resorts in Mexico will steal your hearts with their lavish amenities and luxurious accommodations.  SOLAZ, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, LOS CABOSOpened September 1, 2018, Solaz is a sanctuary for guests seeking an immersive destination experience. A masterpiece in modern design, the hotel features iconic architecture with a vast private collection of original works of art, and endemic landscaping which paints a beautiful scene full of life and color, cradled by two natural rock beds allowing guests to enjoy the swimmable beach. Designed as a contemporary cascading architectural sculpture, each of the 128 guestrooms offer breathtaking panoramic sea views from your private balcony/terrace and a dedicated Artisan (butler) service. Indulge in gastronomic offerings that satisfy the soul. Al Pairo seafood market prepares local dishes with fresh ingredients from the sea. For contemporary Mexican fare, Cascabel is a vibrant venue. Take in the sounds of lapping waves and breathtaking, unobstructed sunrise and sunset views at Mako. Cap off the day with a glass of wine from La Cava’s selection of more than 2,500 bottles, or enjoy a treat from Dos Penisulas chocolateria. Positioned in the most desirable location with equal proximity to San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, the Art and Soul of Baja awaits you. Read More  BANYON TREE MAYAKOBAA sanctuary for the senses, an all-pool villa ALL five-diamond resort & five stars Forbes, Banyan Tree Mayakoba welcomes you to the essential Banyan Tree experience. A resort that provides a joyful habitat for the spirit, a place where ancient civilizations embrace each other and where the passionate nature of Mexico is soothed by the gentle touch of the Far East. In the ancient Maya language, Mayakoba means village over water. Banyan Tree Mayakoba is located in a private gated community linked by canal waterways, the resort is surrounded by an arcadia of untouched nature in a carefully maintained ecosystem. With a private pool for every villa or plunge pool for every suite, an array of international culinary offerings, a PGA golf course, a signature Banyan Tree Spa and curated experiences for all ages. Through the expansion, Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers villas, beachfront pool suites, including 7 lagoon & sunset rooftop pool villas. Minimum villa size is 3,145 sq ft. Read More  GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYAGrand Velas Riviera Maya is an AAA Five Diamond Luxury Ali-Inclusive resort located in the most sought-after region of the Mexican Caribbean, just 35 minutes from the Cancun international Airport and 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen. Visitors can't help but be carried away by the area's breathtaking enchantment, with its lush jungle greenery and turquoise ocean waters. A wide range of attractions, many famous world-wide, are located just a short distance from the resort, making it the perfect option for both adventure and deep relaxation. Clients enjoy the jungle's mystique and endless ocean views at this resort for all ages. A different side of the Mexican Caribbean in the Zen Grand Ambiance surrounded by pristine jungle, or ocean breezes in the Ambassador and Grand Class Ambiances. If they explore the entire resort will find the SE Spa and eight restaurants, the Kids' Clubs , Teens' Club, an Eco-tour, miniature golf and much more, for a vacation that's anything but ordinary. Read More Contact our team of travel planners today for a customized quote for your next vacation
Hawaii is one of the world’s top vacation spots and for good reason. Beautiful white-sand beaches, delicious food and fantastic culture make this hot destination one of the best. Among all of the fabulous things to do on the islands, here are a few of our favorites. Dinner and a show, Luau Style What would a trip to Hawaii be without a traditional luau? There are bunches of fun luaus waiting to be had but one of the top luaus in the area is held at Paradise Cove on the island of Oahu. Paradise Cove offers three different luau packages: Standard Luau, Orchid Luau and Deluxe Luau. Each package comes with a Hawaiian dinner buffet, a “welcome Mai Tai” and assigned seating while the Orchid and Deluxe packages offer some additional perks that don’t come with the Standard Luau. In addition to attending the party of a lifetime, extra adventurous guests can arrange an on-site snorkel or surf tour by day. Snorkel in Turtle Canyon Nature fanatics won’t want to miss Hawaii Nautical’s catamaran turtle snorkel cruise to Turtle Canyon, one of Oahu’s best reefs and scuba spots. On this epic journey travelers will enjoy music, drinks and views of Diamond Head Crater as they coast on a 53-foot catamaran on the way to the snorkeling drop-off point. Along the way, wildlife sightings of dolphins, whales and turtles are sure to be expected. Upon arriving at Turtle Canyon, guests will attend a short safety briefing before strapping on their gear and exploring the ocean with their knowledgeable snorkel guide. Tour Kualoa Ranch, aka Jurassic Park Movie buffs will be happy to find that Ka’a’awa Valley, the filming site of numerous Hollywood blockbusters and popular TV shows such as Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates and LOST, is open to the public. Visitors can get up close and personal with some dino friends, explore a WWII bunker built into the side of the mountain range and scour through movie posters, props and memorabilia left on the island throughout the years. Travelers looking to experience this movie magic should be sure to book reservations well before visiting, as many tours sell out two to three weeks in advance. Remember Pearl Harbor Among the many essential sightseeing opportunities in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor should be near the top of every traveler’s bucket list. Travelers can visit Pearl Harbor for a guided tour seven days a week and can expect detailed historic narration of the site and the events that took place there on that tragic day in 1941. In addition to touring the famed USS Arizona Memorial, travelers can also experience the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Bowfin Submarine Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Visit the only Royal Palace on American soil: Iolani Palace Before Hawaii became part of the U.S. in 1959 it was a self-governing country complete with its own monarchy. Residence to the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the Iolani Palace acted as home to historical figures such as King Kamehameha III and Queen Liliuokalani. Today the palace is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most iconic buildings in Hawaii. Travelers can experience the royalty for themselves on a guided or solo tour of Iolani Palace Monday through Saturday. Contact our team of travel planners today for a customized quote for your next vacation |
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