Togetherness in Travel

If the kids aren’t happy, guess who suffers???

Since 9/11 generational travel has been on the rise.  Families are reconnecting by traveling together.  Many times it is the older members of the family paying the bill for everyone to go.  More and more people are realizing that making memories is so very important for future generations.

     Last weekend my husband and I drove to Caldwell, Idaho, for his family   reunion.  These used to take place every 5 years, but as the older generation is dying, the family wants to get together every 2 years.  There were over 70 people at this one from 2 years to 90 years.  We had a group of blonde- pony -tailed 11-13 year old girl cousins hanging together.  Most had never met before and they were having a grand time.  Then there were quite a group of little 3-5 year olds pushing, shoving and running for hours on end having so much fun.  This was quite probably the easiest event we have ever had.  We took over the Shilo Inn, had the conference room as a place to visit at any time and the Elmers restaurant next door gave us their meeting room for meals.  Since the area was where the family came to from Nebraska back in the early 1900’s a school bus was obtained to take everyone all over the countryside to see the old familie’s homestead and schools.  Even the little children will have great memories.

More and more travel suppliers are giving us all kinds of tour packages and cruise ships designed for all ages of family travel.  Let’s explore a few:

• Cruise ships – these are great for family gatherings.  A lot of activities for all ages from early morning into the evening.  But not all ships work for families.  You need a professional to sort out the        differences so you have the right ship and destination for all.
• Villas in various places in the world-an easy way to tour in Europe or Mexico.  Rent the entire villa with the chef and you are free to explore some new place in the world.  Many have pools, some have cars to use, many are by water, some are castles or private homes, and all are fascinating.  When you add up the cost of hotels rooms, villas are a much better value
• Private homes-particularly in Orlando this is a great way to visit Disney and the other sites close by.  You can get a 5 bedroom, 5 bath house close to Disney for less than a hotel room for 2 people.  All come with pools and fully equipped kitchens. 
• Condos in many places such as Hawaii and Mexico.  Complete with  kitchens, laundry facilities and some maid service, this makes a carefree vacation for a mid -size family.
• Time shares particularly in Mexico can be a better value than a hotel.  You may have to put up with the “pitching”, but just say “no” and you can have a great vacation.
• Dude ranches particularly in the Western States.  Wonderful outdoor activities such as horseback riding, pools, golf, campfire events and many other things for all ages.  There are literally scores of these from working ranches where you go on trail rides, having a kid’s rodeo to just a place to be in the beautiful creation.

Now let’s address tour companies who cater to families.  Pick a destination and more than likely some company has a tour that will fit a family with children of various ages. 

• Africa- A & K have family safaris.  There are age restrictions for any children because of the concern with the animals.  What an awesome experience for children. 
• Disney Adventures has tours for whole families in a number of countries.  All have activites geared by age.  In fact, one recent tour was mostly adults.  They need a vacation, too.
• Globus Vacations has created a brochure of family friendly places in the world. 
• Springboard Capers have kid’s programs in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti.  Meet some new culture and see wonderful places.
• Backroads have bike and hike tours for the whole family worldwide
• Club Med, and Beaches have many All Inclusives for children in warm weather places.  Great kid’s clubs so the adults can have time for themselves.
• Intrepid and Internation Expeditions take you to unusual places in the world for adventure travel.  Go and see nature and meet local people.  It will change the family’s lives.
• Trafalgar has tours for 21-35 year olds.  Great way to meet new people who are also interested in the world.

Load the family in the car and see the USA.  Our National Parks are awesome and most Americans never see their own country.  Reserve some space in the lodges and have a reunion in a fabulous setting.

Whatever you choose, wherever you go, take the family and go see the world.  It will forever change your life and building memories for future generations.  The American Indians used to gather around a campfire and share their stories of old.  Let’s do that with our families.