Travel Trip Ideas
- Don't just think of the obvious theme parks or beach resorts. Go for a destination that will have a combination of activities to suit the whole family, including the adults.
Panama City has a fascinating history, beautiful beaches and fun zip lines -- something to suit all ages and interests. New York is increasingly popular as a family trip destination. The attractions are Broadway shows, big monuments and the cool factor for teens. Many state and national parks have ranger-led activities aimed at children such as scavenger hunts; there's nothing more fun for toddlers than sleeping in a tent. - Adventure can mean adrenalin thrills for some, or getting off the beaten path for others. Thailand may be a great destination for diving and beach fun, but head to neighboring Laos for a real adventure. Trek up to mountain villages and come face to face with a totally different culture.
Think about your comfort level if you plan to go off into the unknown; the further from the path you head, the more basic the facilities become. To get away from the crowds at National Parks, go to lesser known places such as Canyonlands in Utah and Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota. Whistler, Canada; Monteverde, Costa Rica and Boulder City, Nevada, are all homes of high adrenalin zip lines and other extreme sports. - For something really different, you could try a new activity or learn a new skill. There are surf schools from Brazil to Bali where you can have great fun on the beach, meet a diverse group of people and either start surfing or improve your technique.
It's easier than ever to take short, volunteering trips for a really full-on experience of another country. You could do something you never normally do such as build a house or teach math in Guatemala. Spending half of your vacation time learning Spanish in Mexico can completely transform your travel experience. Nearer home, there are weekend courses in anything from glass blowing to bowling. - If you're craving some relaxation, head south for a slower pace of life and take your time traveling on a house boat down the Mississippi. Long Key is a quiet Florida beach retreat mostly made up of national park, but there are resort hotels that provide all the creature comforts. If you can manage a short flight, the Bocas del Toro islands in Panama are laid back, idyllic and unknown.
