We’re
coming up on graduation and wedding season, so today’s post is about
celebration trips. Here are my top
suggestions for a one-of-a-kind trip to celebrate a special occasion or
milestone birthday or anniversary.
My
criteria:
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It’s multi-generational, with accommodations and activities suitable for all
ages
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It offers unique and exceptional experiences in the destination
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Meals are included or there is ample onsite dining. No hassles figuring out what to do for dinner!
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There is a supervised children’s program or ample activities for kids
- It requires minimal advance planning on the travel organizer's part. Just book it, show up, and have a fantastic time!
Lindblad Expedition Cruise- No casinos or nightclubs, instead travelers get up close to wilderness and wildlife. Great
destinations for families are Alaska, Baja California, and the Galapagos. There's hands on learning for everyone, kayaking and snorkeling
right off the boat in warm waters, and intimate, personal service since ships
have less than 100 passengers, and most less than 70! There is no minimum age on family sailings, and kids under 18 get $500 off.
Virtuoso amenity: $25 onboard credit on all sailings,
additional credits and exclusive discounts on select sailings.
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You won't have this view of glaciers calving
from a traditional cruise ship. |
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| If they were any closer they'd be swimming with them! |
Alaska Wilderness Lodge – This is
another trip perfect for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts, the land version of
an expedition cruise. Expert guides and
naturalists lead activities such as hiking, fishing, bear watching, and glacier climbing during
the day, and then you have downtime or educational presentations at night. The type of activities vary greatly by location and time of year, so research is key to find the best
fit. And advance planning is a must, as it’s not
uncommon for them to book up a year or more in advance for peak periods.
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| Wilderness doesn't mean roughing it- fresh crab! |
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| Relaxing after a full day of activity |
Caribbean Villa Resort – There are
lots of private villas and homes available, but if you book one that’s part of
a resort, you get the benefits of both worlds:
the services & amenities of a luxury hotel, plus the space and
privacy of a home away from home. It's the perfect compromise if you have some who want to relax beach or poolside, and others who want to be on the go. It’s also a good option
for families with very young children.
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| 5 bedrooms and more available! |
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| Great gathering spaces |
Check out:
Round Hill Jamaica – 26 private
villas, 100 acres of lush gardens, a pristine crescent beach, and complimentary
children’s program starting at age 3
Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to
availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in
room guests
$100 spa credit
Early check-in/late check-out
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| Private pool (and lawn) with a view |
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| Fun for little ones |
Escorted Family Tour – This is a great
option if your family wants to see as much as possible in a
limited amount of time, but doesn’t want the hassle of managing travel logistics.
These small group tours visit popular sights in destinations ranging from
national parks to European cities to Africa. Families
get lots of quality time together, but also get to socialize with other
adults and children. (Great for families traveling alone!) Most widely known
is Adventures by Disney, but Tauck and A&K also offer family
departures. Active families should check out cycling, hiking or multi-sport trips with Backroads
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| Adventures by Disney in the Southwest |
Guest or Dude Ranch – What’s the
difference? A very simple distinction is
that guest ranches offer ala carte activities and more flexible check in /out dates, where a dude
ranch is all inclusive, generally runs Saturday to Saturday and has scheduled trail rides. But every ranch is unique so again, this is a
trip that requires careful research to find the right match. Guests can do
as much or as little as they want, so it suits a variety of interests and activity
levels. Accommodations range from lodge rooms to large private homes to luxury tents. And don’t worry about it
being too rustic, gourmet dining and other resort-style amenities like a pool
and spa are often available.
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| Heading out on the trail |
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| Learning to rope |
The Resort at Paws Up – A guest ranch
in Montana’s gorgeous Big Sky country, with 28 luxurious vacation homes and 30
luxury tents with private baths and a Camping Butler.
Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to
availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in
room guests
Complimentary round-trip private
airport transfers
Early check-in, late check-out, subject
to availability
A $300 activity credit
Bottle of wine in room on arrival
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| Private luxury at Paws Up |
Brush Creek Ranch – An all-inclusive
luxury dude ranch on 30,000 acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness in Wyoming.
Rates include on site activities and trail rides, and the Lil Wranglers program
for ages 4-8. Ages 9 and up can participate in most ranch activities.
Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to
availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in
room guests
A complimentary 50-minute massage for
up to two people
Choice of complimentary Cattle Drive,
Scenic Float, Premium Fly Fishing or Wing Shooting Experience for 2 guests
Early check-in/late check-out
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| Wyoming scenery |
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| Imagine waking up to this view! |
If your group is large enough, you can
buy out an entire property or tour. This is the ultimate celebration trip,
completely private and customized, something to remember forever!
Are
these choices overwhelming? No worries,
just drop me a note at suzette@family-treks.com and I’ll help you design the perfect celebration for your family.
