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feature articles
Feature articles are reprinted from previously published Kids' Guides. Please consult the featured website links for current information and rates.
| Woodstock Inn & Resort, Vermont | Miami Beach, Florida |
| Tucson, Arizona | San Diego, California |
| Charleston, South Carolina | Smugglers Notch, Vermont |
| Disney Update | Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona |
limited time deals & trips
PLEASE NOTE: Special packages are offered for a limited time and may be discontinued at any time. Rates and dates are subject to change without notice. Please use links to individual destinations for current prices and availability and to see new packages and offers.
American Museum of Natural History Expeditions
Led by study leaders and youth cordinators and designed to give families
the opportunity to experience the world as a living, breathing classroom, AMNH Expeditions offers a variety of family programs including digging for dinosaurs in Colorado, journeys to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and more. Find information on the website or by calling.
800-462-8687
Vermont Family Packages
Guests of the charming Woodstock
Inn & Resort in idyllic Woodstock, Vermont, can choose from a host of outdoor activities or simply relax and enjoy the
serenity of the area. From tennis, golf or croquet, hiking, biking or swimming to reading, playing games and sharing afternoon tea and cookies, the Inn offers
something for every member of the family. Explore the real working farm at the Billings
Farm & Museum or visit Vermont's only National Park, all the result of Laurence S. Rockefeller's
vision to preserve and protect the town of Woodstock.
The Inn offers mid-week winter guests free
skiing/boarding at their own family-oriented Suicide Six Ski Area, free
snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For
additional packages or to sign up for special offers, visit the Inn's website. See
feature article.
800-448-7900
travel news
| U.S Destinations | Dude Ranches | Skiing | Cruises | Beaches & Islands | International | U.S./International Tours | Adult Getaways |
U.S. destinations
ARIZONA
Grand Canyon Expeditions offers
all-inclusive 8- and 14-day adventures through the Grand Canyon, including
special-interest excursions that focus on archaeology, history, ecology,
geology and photography. Guests ride the Colorado River's rapids, explore
side canyons and camp on the river's beaches. Tours are all-inclusive including
meals, beverages, sleeping gear, dry bags, tents, personal storage boxes
and transportation to and from Las Vegas, the point of origin. Trips are
scheduled May-August and are recommended for ages 8 and up.
800-544-2691
For parents traveling with kids, the Pointe
Hilton Resorts at Squaw Peak and Tapatio Cliffs offer many attractive
amenities. An all-suite resort, guests at Squaw Peak can choose from a standard
two-room suite, one- or two- bedroom casita, Grande Suite or mountainside
Palacio, a 3-bedroom fully furnished home overlooking the resort. The resort's
Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch features four acres of cascading waterfalls,
secluded waterways, three swimming pools, and a 130-foot waterslide. Located
on 27-acres the property is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and bordered
by the 3,000-acre Phoenix Mountain Preserve offering immediate access to
hiking, jogging and biking trails. The Coyote Camp children's program, available
for children ages 4-12 and teens, offers a full schedule of sports and activities.
800-876-4683
Xanterra South Rim, LLC,
operator of the lodges and other services in Grand
Canyon National Park at the South Rim, and the Grand
Canyon Field Institute offers a two-day, two-night "Learning
& Lodging" program which combines in-field adventures with naturalist
guides, comfortable accommodations in park lodges, in-park transportation,
one dinner, two breakfasts, two box lunches, retail coupons and a course
completion certificate. Group size is limited. Children 10 and older are
welcome to participate when accompanied by an adult.
www.grandcanyonlodges.com, click on the "special promotions" link.
FLORIDA
Orlando/Orange County Convention
& Visitors Bureau
Save on your Orlando vacation with the free Magicard, a discount card with deals and discounts on attraction tickets, hotels, restaurants, shopping, spas and more. Go
to website and order or print
out a free MagicCard.
800-336-3836
IDAHO
Warren River Expeditions, providing
white water rafting trips on Idaho's Main Salmon and Middle Fork of the
Salmon River, offers a 25% discount for kids 14 and younger.
800-765-0421
MAINE
Linekin Bay Resort, a family sailing resort that is virtually unchanged from its start over
60 years ago, offers a very family friendly, laid back, rustic environment
of years gones by. Groups range from families with young children to large
multigenerational groups. Special kids camp and discounted kids rates are
offered.
866-847-2103
MARYLAND
Baltimore Harbor Magic
Visit website for special packages offered by participating harbor hotels which include deluxe overnight accommodations
at the Harbor Magic Hotel of your choice, breakfast and VIP admission to
various waterfront attractions.
866-583-4162
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston
Visit website for a free family-friendly ValuePASS offering discounts throughout
the city and for information about accommodations, activities and special
events.
888-733-2678
The Colonnade Hotel , a
285-room boutique hotel located in Boston's fashionable Back Bay, offers
a Kids See & Do package and Family Connection Package.
800-962-3030
MONTANA
Resort Property Management has a large selection of luxurious vacation homes and condos in Big Sky, Montana, just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. For current packages, call 866-995-4455 or visit the website.
For an interactive travel guide, packages and deals and vacation planning info about family-friendly activities in western Montana's Glacier Country, including Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake area, visit www.glaciermt.com.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Appalachian Mountain Club offers week-long Family Adventure Camps during the summer, plus year-round all-inclusive stays at AMC's Highland Lodge in the White Mountains, New Hampshire, featuring expert-led activities, outdoor gear, meals and lodging. A more rustic closer-to-home destination is AMC's Mohican Outdoor Center in Sussex County, New Jersey, which is operated on a self-service basis all year. See listing under Camping for more info about the Mohican Outdoor Center.
NORTH CAROLINA
The Outer Banks Official Travel Guide & Getaway Card is available from
the Outer Banks travel website or call the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau toll free at 877-629-4386.
The guide includes sections highlighting cycling, the Civil War trail, and
running along the Outer Banks as well as information about campgrounds,
beach access, public boat ramps, fishing, lifeguard locations and more.
877-629-4386
SOUTHWEST U.S.
Dvorak Expeditions offers kayak and rafting trips from a half-day to 10 days covering 9 rivers
and 29 canyons in five states. Specific dates are reserved for family rafting
trips where each adult paying full price may bring a child free or larger
families can participate on the trip at one special price. Exclusive 22-day
teenage (13-17 years) Whitewater Skills Course is available. Guide training
courses (minimum age 18 years) are offered in spring; spring break trips
for college students; custom fly-fishing expeditions; youth group trips;
kayak, canoe and raft instruction are also offered throughout the season.
800-824-3795
WYOMING
Yellowstone Association Institute
Programs offered by the Yellowstone Association Institute at Yellowstone National Park include multi-day
Lodging & Learning programs at park hotels and Field Seminars at the
organization's field campus. A complete listing is available online.
307-344-5566
beaches & islands
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & MEXICO
Dreams, luxury family-focused
resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, offer a fully-supervised Explorer's
Club for ages 3-12 as part of their all-inclusive packages. Accommodation
options for families include swim-out suites or two-bedroom master oceanfront
suites as well as connecting rooms or other room categories. All-inclusive
rates at Dreams and Sunscape Resorts & Spas include accommodations,
meals, premium brand drinks, 24-hour room service, Explorer's Club, pools,
sports facilities, water sports equipment and instruction, entertainment,
taxes and gratuities. Babysitting is available but charged additional.
866-2DREAMS
ROATAN
Anthony's Key Resort, a
PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Resort in Roatan, offers a popular Dolphin/Scuba Camp
in the summer for children ages 5-9 and 10-14. While parents enjoy scheduled
boat dives or snorkel trips to Roatan's world-class underwater sites, children
learn about interacting with bottlenose dolphins and will be exposed to
diving and snorkeling skills according to their age and skill level. Camp
begins on Sunday and ends on Friday. Children join parents for lunch daily
and parents are welcome to observe and participate in most activities.
800-227-3483
ST. JOHN, USVI
Cinnamon Bay Campground is
an unspoiled island refuge set on the northern coast of St. John, USVI,
operated by Caneel Bay, a Rosewood
Resort. Surrounded by Virgin Islands National Park and located just steps
from the longest beach on the island, Cinnamon Bay offers rates from $32
per night based on double occupancy. Cinnamon Bay offers a range of accommodations,
including screen-lined cottages, durable pre-erected tents, and bare sites for camp-it-yourselfers with space enough for one large tent
or two smaller tents. Accommodations are private and less than a five-minute
walk from Cinnamon Bay Beach.
Cinnamon Bay can be reached
from St. Thomas via ferries from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay,
St. John, and then a 15-minute taxi ride to the campground.
800-539-9998
dude ranches
COLORADO
Wilderness Trails Ranch in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado has been operating continuously
as a guest ranch since 1950. Horseback riding instruction includes all day
and half day rides, trailblazing, cattle work and clinics for grown-ups
and an award-winning children's and teen program for ages 3-17. Week-long
all-inclusive vacations include accommodations in historic yet elegant log
cabins, all meals from ranch fare to gourmet cuisine, swimming, horse-drawn
hay rides, fishing, lake activities and evening entertainment. Spa services,
white-water rafting, guided fly fishing, guided excursions to Mesa Verde
National Park, and discounted rides on the historic Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad are available optional activities.
800-527-2624
international
SOUTH AFRICA
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness
Reserve & Wellness Retreat has received numerous accolades from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines. The Relais & Chateaux retreat, less than three
hours north of Cape Town, is an ecological oasis of 18,533
acres nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg mountains, offering majestic
views, staggering rock formations, open plains, outdoor activities, luxurious
accommodations, award-winning Cape cuisine and soothing spa treatments.
It is a sanctuary for many indigenous plants, animals and birds, including
the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It is also home to over 130 San rock
art sites, is recognized as one of South Africa's Natural Heritage sites,
and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Children ages 10 and up are welcome at full adult rate.
021 481 1860
skiing
See Travel Links for ski vacation ideas.
u.s. & international tours
ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Boundless Journeys, an operator of high-quality, small group adventure trips worldwide, offers
several itineraries appropriate for families including trips to Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, and Tanzania for a family safari. Their most popular is the 8 day/7
night Costa Rica Family Adventure. Peaceful
and stable, Costa Rica is recommended as an ideal first family adventure
to an exotic location. The wildlife, culture and geography offer phenomenal
learning opportunities and fun activities abound at swimming pools, butterfly
farms, swing bridges and zipline tours. Accommodations, expert local guides,
transportation in Costa Rica and meals are included.
800-941-8010
Trusted Adventures
Trusted Adventures is a group of eight experienced, like-minded, owner-involved
adventure travel companies who formed an alliance in 2005 to offer a way
for individuals, families and groups to identify and book top quality adventure travel vacations.
The group is dedicated to the promotion of ecologically sensitive and responsible
travel and collectively offers active walking, rafting, cycling and trekking trips throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.Visit website for more information.
adult getaways
For a most romantic getaway, The Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres (formerly La Amada Hotel) is an architecturally stunning resort and spa in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, offering luxurious accommodations and amenities in a quiet new development area north of Cancun. Spacious guest rooms feature a rain shower, living room area with sofa, terrace with lounge bed and breakfast table and private round double jacuzzi with outdoor/indoor access. The Beloved Spa, a 35,000 sq. ft. facility, offers a full menu of wellness treatments, fitness equipment and spa facilities. Don't miss the Agua Viva spa experience, a wonderful mixture of Mediterranean hydrothermal therapies, included with every spa treatment. Visit the website for specials and packages. If you must bring the kids, a kids club for ages 4-12 and babysitting are available. Recently changed to an all-inclusive, rates now include meals and snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar items and more. See website for details.
888-692-6232
kids guide favorite vacations
Summaries of some of our favorite family destinations from previous feature articles.
Arizona Resorts
Known for fantastic winter weather and desert scenery, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tucson have many self-contained resort communities offering luxurious accommodations
and amenities including golf, tennis, spas, elaborate water playgrounds,
and kids clubs. The outstanding Desert Museum in Tucson (see seperate feature)
and many other unique places of interest for families are nearby.
The
Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale offers the ultimate resort experience for those who desire extraordinary
service and luxurious amenities. Accommodations at the 250-acre resort include
guestrooms, suites, casitas, and villas. The terrace off the opulent main
lobby offers a panoramic view of nine swimming pools tiered on three levels.
The pools include a glistening oval pool tiled in mother-of-pearl, an edgeless
pool, relaxation pool, and children's pool with a 165-ft. waterslide. Facilities include a championship 27-hole golf course, Tennis Garden, full-service spa, Family Activity Center and Funicians Kids Club for ages 5-12. Special activities are planned for teens for the holidays, summer vacation and long weekends.
The Wigwam resort in the town of Litchfield Park, about 25 miles outside of
Phoenix, completed a $7 million rejuvenation in January, 2011. The casually elegant resort boasts three championship 18-hole courses and guest access to two additional courses, including the Arizona Biltmore Country Club. Amenities include four pools, including a main pool featuring separate kids/adult zones, dual waterslide, water play features and luxury cabanas; a championship tennis facility, fitness center, spa and Camp Pow Wow children's program offering organized activities for ages 5-12 from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. year 'round.
Other resorts in the area with kids'
programs include The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with a 6,000 sq.
ft. water recreation area; the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey
Ranch, featuring a 2.5 acre water playground and family camps; the Pointe
Hilton Resort at Squaw Peak with a lazy tubing river; and Hilton
El Conquistador in Tucson.
Peak season in Greater Phoenix
is November through April with shoulder seasons in May and September through
October. Fantastic deals on accommodations and golf can be found in abundance
in summer (when the average temperature reaches a dry 100°). Rates are
a fraction of peak-season rates, often reduced more than 50%, and many resorts
offer summer value packages combining luxurious resort stays with outstanding
golf.
Cape Cod has long been a favorite destination for New England families.
Its gentle lapping bay waters, vast marsh lands and misty harbors soothe
the spirit. It is easy to see why people who come to know the Cape develop
such a strong connection to it, especially during the serene days outside
of peak season. Described as an arm, the cape is divided into the upper
arm, or upper cape, encompassing Barnstable, Hyannis, Yarmouth and other
towns closest to the mainland; the elbow where the pristine village of Chatham
is located; and the lower cape made up of Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro
with Provincetown at the fist. While there are two bridges that cross Cape
Cod Canal onto the Cape, there is only one major highway (Highway 6) that
traverses the peninsula. Two smaller two-lane highways traverse the Cape
north and south, each area possessing a clearly distinct personality. Route
6A to the north was originally a stagecoach route and is now a two-lane
road that winds through small towns steeped in history and classic New England
architecture. This north side is the "quiet side of the Cape"
with grand homes of former sea captains, antique shops, art galleries, and
inns. If you travel the roads just off the highway, you will discover small
cottages, sleepy harbors and quiet beaches. Route 28 on the south side contains
the commercial areas and malls as well as the golf centers, water parks
and entertainment centers that kids love. Families will find accommodations
on the Cape to suit any size and preference. They include historic inns,
bed and breakfasts, resorts, motor lodges, houses, cottages and bungelos.
From swimming to beachcombing, clamming to fishing, outdoor activities fill
the day on Cape Cod. The Cape Cod National Seashore extends 40 miles from Chatham to Provincetown. The Coast Guard Beach there
is consistently ranked as one of the ten best beaches in the United States.
The coastline stretches unspoiled for miles along the Atlantic. Visitors
Centers in Eastham and Provincetown have orientation movies, exhibits, and
information services. Ranger-led expeditions, hikes, history programs, and
family programs are held throughout the year.
The Cape offers at least five major
cycling trails and dozens of lesser trails to enjoy. Bicycle rentals are
available near trail access points. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, a former Penn-Central
right-of-way, travels for 25 miles from Wellfleet on the lower Cape to Dennis
mid-Cape.
Whale watching is a major Cape Cod industry
with fierce competition among fleets. Stellwagen Bank, an underwater plateau
of sand and gravel located a few miles from the tip of Cape Cod, provides
an outstanding habitat for sea life and plankton and attracts large numbers
of fish, humpback whales, fin whales, right whales and minke whales. Excursions
depart from Plymouth, Barnstable and Provincetown Harbors. Provincetown
is the closest port to Stellwagen Bank. On a fall sunset cruise with Dolphin
Fleet of Provincetown, we saw dozens of humpback and minke
whales and were awestruck to see a humpback breach.
Florida Keys
Far from the hustle of Orlando lies the tranquil, laid-back world
of the Florida Keys, a 126-mile
chain of islands that extends from the tip of Florida's mainland down to
Key West, the southernmost city in the United States. The narrow highway
to the Keys begins in northern Key Largo, traverses 42 bridges, and offers
magnificent vistas of Florida Bay on one side and a serene Atlantic Ocean
on the other. The landscape alternates between tall, flowing grasses of
the salt marsh, narrow inlets and harbors, and stretches of funky souvenir
stands and low-rise commercial centers. Green and white highway markers
tell you where you are and how far you have come starting at Mile Marker
127 just past Florida City and ending with Mile Marker 0 in Key West.
At MM82, Cheeca
Lodge & Spa is tucked off the highway in the town of Islamorada on Upper Matecumbe Key. A small luxury resort, Cheeca Lodge and Spa offers ideal
family accommodations in low-rise villas and beachfront bungalows. The resort
features a main lodge, tennis courts, spa, fitness center,
Camp Cheeca kids camp and is one of the few resorts in the Keys with an oceanfront beach
and spectacular tropical island setting.
As it has for centuries, life in the
Keys focuses on the water. The Keys are home to some of the world's most
sought after fish, from blue marlin, sailfish and dolphin offshore to bonefish,
tarpon and permit in the shallow backcountry. Islamorada is known as the
"sport fishing capital of the world" with more than 600 species
of fish thriving in the surrounding waters of the ocean and bay and a large
number of expert guides in residence to help you find them. Deep sea fishing
charters, party boat trips and back country fishing charters can all be
arranged. Fishing captivates the talk and attention of visitors and locals
alike. Even if you are not a fisherman when you arrive, you will at least
leave with a new appreciation for fish and the art of catching them.
Catch and release fishing is encouraged
for all fishermen in the Keys unless you plan on eating it. Most restaurants
will happily cook your catch to your specifications or their own. There
are many fine restaurants in Islamorada offering beautiful bayside or beachfront
dining and superb dishes made with a delicious mix of tropical fruits and
fresh, local seafood. The Islamorada Fish Company, boasting the best sunset
view on the bay, is a popular place for kids around eight o'clock each evening
when an employee emerges with a bucket of scraps from the kitchen and throws
them into the bay to feed the nurse sharks and other fish that hang out
under the pier of the open-air restaurant.
The entire coast of the Keys was designated
a National Marine Sanctuary in 1990, encompassing 2,800 square nautical
miles. North America's only coral barrier reef and the third longest barrier
reef in the world lies just six miles offshore. The clear, shallow waters
and abundant marine life make diving and snorkeling the reefs, canyons,
and shipwrecks in the Keys a favorite pastime.
Hawaii
From the tropical rainforests in Hilo and the ranch country in the north
to the desolate expanses of black lava from Mouna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes,
the Big Island of Hawaii, offers the most diverse terrain of all the Hawaiian Islands. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a pristine
62-acre complex carved out of black lava rock and overlooking the Pacific
Ocean and Waiulua Bay. The luxury resort situated on the Kohala coast (the
sunny side) of Hawaii, features three pools with waterfalls, slides and
jacuzzis, a saltwater lagoon, dolphin pool, two championship golf courses,
tennis, spa, on-site restaurants and children's program. Guests travel around
the crescent-shaped resort by tram, by Disney-engineered canal boats or
by walkways which include a 3/4 mile Museum Walk through a large collection
of Polynesian and Oriental art.
Don't-miss sights: Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, an active volcano where rivers of molten
lava continuously flow. From the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive encircling Kilauea
Caldera, you can see sulfur banks, steaming vents, pit craters, recent lava
flows and walk through a 450-foot lava tube. From a hike at the end of Chain
of Craters Road, a massive cloud of steam is visible where the lava spills
into the sea during the day, but at night, the cloud of steam becomes a
glowing fireball. Bring a flashlight for walking across the lava flows at
night. Park rangers set up telescopes focused on the fiery vents visible
up the volcano on certain dates. Stop at the Visitors Center for information
and current calendar of events.
Moana
Loa, the largest single mountain mass in the world, rises 56,000
feet from the sea floor, and because of the extremely dark and clear night
skies on the island, contains the world's largest concentration of telescopes.
A Visitor Information Station, located at 9,300 ft. (note: altitude adjustment
may be difficult for some visitors), is staffed by amateur astornomers and
features a small exhibit area and film. Check ahead for stargazing dates.
Smugglers Notch Resort
Rt. 108S, Smugglers Notch, VT, 1-800-451-8752. In summer, enjoy six pools, tennis,
kids camps, child care programs and a full calendar of family activities all in a mountain resort village. In winter, ski three mountain peaks, 2,610 vertical, full and half-day children's ski programs and child care available. Supersavers and value packages
include children's program.
Tanque
Verde Ranch
14301 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85748, 800-234-DUD. See seperate feature article. For
more guest ranches, consult the Arizona
Dude Ranch Association, Colorado Dude Ranch Association, The Dude Ranchers Association, or Grand County Dude and Guest Ranch Association.
travel links
| General Travel Info | Islands & Beaches | U.S. | Cruises | Accommodations | Skiing | International Tours |
Notable websites to help plan your next trip...
general travel info
Baby Travel Pros, an association of independent baby equipment rental companies, strives to provide safe, clean, high quality baby equipment and gear rentals throughout the United States and Canada. Use the online member directory to find a baby equipment rental company where you are traveling and avoid additional baggage fees. Rentals include full-sized cribs, pack n plays, high chairs, booster chairs, car seats, strollers, wagons, toys, beach gear and more.
Road Scholar is the new name for the programs of Elderhostel, Inc., a non-profit
travel organization founded in New Hampshire in 1975 to provide lifelong learning opportunities for adults at a good value. Educational vacation opportunities for ages 50 and over are offered in
the U.S. and over 90 countries. Intergenerational programs are offered for grandparents
and their grandchildren (suggested ages 7 and up, one child per adult).
800-454-5768
accommodations
As an alternative to hotel stays, Homeaway.com features more than 230,000 vacation rental properties across 100 countries, ranging from traditional condos, homes and villas to the more exotic cabooses, teepees, castles and yurts.
Families can find an affordable and personal vacation experience by browsing www.bedandbreakfast.com, a comprehensive worldwide listing of bed and breakfasts, country inns, guest houses, lodges, cabins, historic hotels, small resorts, guest ranches, farmhouse accommodations, working farms, and ranch vacations.
Destination Hotels & Resorts features a collection of hotels and resorts in U.S. destinations offering beach, ski, spa or golf vacations. Ski-in/ski-out lodging and vacation rental condos and homes accommodate families and groups.
islands & beaches
Access Caribbean Hotel Association and island's official website for special values.
Elite Island Resorts, a collection of resorts on Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Nevis, St. Lucia,
Tortola and The Grenadines, offer special values on their website.
800-858-4618
For villa rentals and distinctive hotels in the Caribbean, Europe,
Hawaii, Mexico and Nantucket, consult www.wimco.com.
800-449-1553
The Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau website features"Where to Stay" and "What to Do" sections as
well as personalized trip planner and booking functions.
skiing
Planning a ski vacation out west? For info and packages, visit www.SkiTown.com, www.mountaindestination.com, coloradoski.com, the official website of Colorado tourism at colorado.com, and the official website of Utah tourism at utah.com.
u.s.
Discounted pre-packaged vacation deals for the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York are continuously updated on adirondacks.org, lakeplacid.com, getawaynewyork.com. Getaway packages for the Lake George area in the Ad irondacks are available at www.visit lakegeorge.com
For information about whitewater rafting nationwide, Canada and South America, visit www.raftingamerica.com.
For information about guest ranches, consult the Arizona Dude Ranch Association, www.coloradoranch.com, www.duderanch.org, www.dude-ranch.com.
international tours
Big Five Tours & Expeditions promotes several soft adventure
programs tailored specifically for family travel. They include Family Retreat
Safari (Kenya), Family Outing in Africa (Kenya), Family Fun in the Tropics
(Costa Rica), Best of Japan and Galapagos Islands Discovery (Ecuador). Family departures for the Galapagos Islands tour are scheduled to coincide with
school vacation periods and feature additional activities for children, minimum
age 7.
800-244-3483
African Travel Inc., based in Glendale, Calif., has been operating
African safaris for 28 years and offers several family-oriented safaris to
South Africa.
800-421-8907
cruises



