Family vacations are a time to leave the day to day routines behind, hit the road, explore new places, relax and have fun. That being said, it’s always a challenge to plan a family vacation where there are activities and interests geared for all ages and family members. Whether you are hitting the roads, the skies or the seas, there are sure to be an option fit for your wants and needs.
Always a family favorite for fun, the Orlando area offers Walt Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios as its main attractions; it is nonstop fun and activity for all ages between the three venues. Hotels of all price ranges are available in the Orlando area. Great deals can be had on hotels outside the theme parks, and many offer free shuttles to each venue. Campgrounds are also lower cost option for a family, offering an inexpensive outdoor experience. Disney’s Fort Wilderness offers family camping within their park, with campsites rates ranging, as of 2010, between $44 and $74 per night.
Orlando Visitors Center
8723 International Drive, Suite 101
Orlando, FL 32819
407-363-5872
orlandoinfo.com
Head to Colorado and one of the many ski resort towns, Breckenridge Ski Resort. Breckenridge offers families varied activities such as skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding and exploring an authentic mine. Unwind at the resort spa or take an environmental, interpretive ski tour with a forest ranger. Visit the Breckenridge Nordic Center and try snowshoeing or cross country skiing. If your children don’t ski, Breckenridge offers a ski school, as well as a child care/nursery for parents who’d like some adult time. Lodging is varied, from hotels to condos with full cooking facilities. Package deals which include lift tickets and other attractions are available. Prices vary depending upon accommodations and meal plans and ski packages desired.
Breckendridge Ski Resort
1599 County Road 3
Breckenridge, CO 80424
970- 453-5000
breckenridge.com
Explore the history of Colonial Williamsburg, take a day of thrills on the rides at Busch Gardens or beat the heat at Water Country, USA. Williamsburg, Virginia has something to offer everyone. Stay at family fun campground, such as Williamsburg KOA, which offers games, a recreations room, outdoor sports, heated pools, WiFi and free cable. Camp site 2010 rates range between $35 and $62 per night. Many hotels offer family suites for convenience. The Embassy Suites Williamsburg, close to Busch Gardens, offers complimentary hot cooked breakfasts and afternoon cocktail hour for the adults, along with a fitness room and pool for guests. As of 2010, prices average $189 per night.
The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance
P.O. Box 3495
421 North Boundary Street
Williamsburg, VA 23187
757-229-6511
visitwilliamsburg.com
Cruise lines are becoming more affordable for families, and considering the price typically includes accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment, there is value on the dollar. Most cruise lines offer many different U.S. itineraries, with days numbering three, four and beyond. As an example, Carnival offers a 15 day Los Angeles to Hawaii cruise on the Spirit, with port stops in five Hawaiian Island ports and a stop in Vancouver, British Columbia. On board are pools, shows, a casino, kids clubs for various ages with planned activities and specially planned excursions once in port. As of 2010, rates average $1,200 for the first two in the cabin and half price for others. Family suites are also available.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
888-227-6482
Carnival.com
