May what matters most inspire your family’s future travel plans. Here are five ideas to consider:
1. Joy
Small feet splashing in the surf. First tracks through powder. A really big tug on the fishing line. Climbing to the top of the hill through personal pedal power. Those are the moments that bring joy to parents as they watch their children and grandchildren experience a rush of adrenaline and the unexpected thrill of a new experience. Make plans to see the sparkle in their bright eyes today.
Contact: www.acqualinaresort.com; www.MoonlightBasin.com; www.HiddenMooseLodge.com; www.MontanaTrout.com
2. Celebrate
Whether it's a milestone birthday, an anniversary, a wedding, a new family member or your clan's g ood health, there is reason to celebrate in the months ahead. Modern-day cruise itineraries are designed to help you put a plan in motion. Whether you choose to cruise the Caribbean islands, the wilds of Alaska, the coast of California or in more exotic waters, there is something for every age group to experience every day and a way to toast to your collective good fortune every night.
Contact: www.HollandAmerica.com; Carnival.com, AvalonWaterways.com; UnCruise.com
3. Be well
Reduce the stress of daily life through endorphin-releasing adventures paired with wellness-promoting activities that will manifest happy memories as well as healthy habits. Unplug and learn to meditate. Take a yoga class together. Spend the day at the spa or in nature's classroom. Head for the double hammock with a few good books. Paddle across the lake. Go for a family run or hike through the red rock canyons in Sedona.
Contact: www.EnchantmentResort.com; www.PawsUp.com; www.Broadmoor.com
4. Share
Perhaps the best we have to give is our time. So plan now to share your wealth with those you hold dear. Plan a getaway with the grandparents, a romantic holiday with your spouse, a weekend with the cousins, and the best Spring Break ever with the kids. Meet your college friends and their families for the big game. Embrace the idea of hanging out with theme park princesses or in a world of wizards while it still matters. Create a shared experience that will last for a lifetime.
Contact: www.Disney.com; www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; www.GraduateHotels.com; www.LoneMountainRanch.com
5. Love
Share the bounty with others. Volunteer vacations enable parents to model their most deeply held values while demonstrating compassion for others who share our place on the planet. Develop new talents, brush off rusty skills and make a difference as a family. For a day, a weekend, or longer, help build a house, teach someone to read, uncover artifacts or improve an endangered habitat. Many resorts and hotels, such as the Andaz at Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica, offer the option to give back to the local community during your own holiday getaway. You may also want to consider including a less fortunate friend or family member in your next vacation. As they say, love makes the world go round.
Contact: https://papagayo.andaz.hyatt.com; SandalsFoundation.org; Habitat.org; ReadGlobal.org
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(Lynn O'Rourke Hayes (www.LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com
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