What will you be celebrating in 2012? A milestone birthday or anniversary? A graduation or reunion? Whether it’s a special occasion or just a rare chance to get away together, multi-generation travel is one of life’s great pleasures – and one that is getting easier and more enjoyable. If family vacations were once limited to a driving trip to Grandma’s house or a few days at a National Park, today’s family-travel opportunities reach every level of opulence and adventure – and every continent.
All-Inclusive Caribbean
Escape the ordinary with an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation and you’ll gain a new understanding of the word relaxation. Whether your family members prefer nonstop action or blissful quiet, it’s all here and it’s all included, from luxury accommodations and meals to activities and entertainment. There’s childcare for the smallest family members and supervised age-appropriate activities for the kids. Get the whole family together for a charter cruise around the island. Take a multi-generational cooking class and learn about island flavors. Hike along the shore or up a rainforested slope. And when you’re ready for a little adult time, there’s comfort and romance galore. Ah, the Caribbean!
Safari in Africa
At the crossroads of beauty, adventure and variety, the African safari stands alone as one of life’s most memorable and rewarding vacations, loaded with appeal for every generation. To get in the mood, watch “Out of Africa,” then, along with cameras for each family member, pack travel diaries and some colored pens for sketching and recording impressions…of giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions…and even whales! In South Africa, ride a steam train (or an ostrich), celebrate with five-star meals in Cape Town, learn first-hand about tribal artwork and music, and journey along the scenic coastal route to visit animal sanctuaries, parks, vineyards, islands, pristine beaches and traditional villages.
A Villa in Tuscany
Here’s a different idea: Rent a villa for your whole family and you’ll feel instantly Italian. Perched atop a green hill, your villa looks out over manicured vineyards and olive groves. Twin rows of cypress trees line the winding drive. Meals are flavorful, with vegetables plucked fresh from the garden. Explore hilltop towns that seem unchanged by time. Take a family-friendly cooking, painting or writing class. Sample the region’s best wines. Try your Italian at the local cafe…can you say cafe macchiato? Cioccolata calda? Ciao! You would be surprised how often a villa in Tuscany is no more expensive than a five star hotel in the city center of Florence.
Treat yourself to the luxury of having one expert organize all the family members’ itinerary into one coordinated trip.
