18 Summers.
That's ALL we get. 18 exhausting, hot, exhilarating, tiring, wonderful, crazy summers with our kids before they fly the nest and begin adventures of their own.
Today I'm sharing 3 of my very favorite summer vacation destinations that will encourage bonding and your kids will remember for the rest of their lives.
Alaskan Cruise
Summer months are the perfect time to travel north and visit the gorgeous landscapes of Alaska. A cruise is the perfect way to experience Alaska, stopping at a new and exciting port each day. Royal Caribbean offers a family-centered 7-night cruise:
Day 1: Depart from Vancouver, British Columbia
Day 2: Cruising - take in breathtaking views of British Columbia's Inside Passage
Day 3: Ketchikan, Alaska - Explore this historic salmon canning town and check-out the world's largest collection of totem poles, or hike to Misty Fjord National Monument - an incredible wall of rock with a scenic backdrop of cliffs, trees and wildlife.
Day 4: Icy Strait Point, Alaska - Go whale watching in Glacier Bay National Park. Or gear up to go soaring over mountain forests on the world’s longest zip line!
Day 5: Juneau, Alaska - Go dogsledding over Mendenhall Glacier, or prospecting along centuries-old mining trails.
Day 6: Skagway, Alaska - Known as the Gateway to the Klondike, take an old-time street car ride along bustling Broadway Street and get lost in riveting historical reenactments.
Day 7: Hubbard Glacier, Alaska - Sailing into Disenchantment Bay near the Hubbard Glacier’s 400-foot-tall face, you’ll get panoramic views of its gigantic expanse— Hubbard is a monstrous 76 miles long and 1,200 feet deep.
Day 8: Seward, Alaska - the cruise ends here, but continue your adventure by hiking, dog-sledding tours, and world-class fishing expeditions.
At the time of this writing, for a family of 4, this 7-night Alaskan cruise through Royal Caribbean Cruise Line starts at $1,322* per person, with food, fees, tax, and Ocean View Balcony accommodations included in this price.
Wyoming Family Vacation
It may seem strange that I'm recommending Wyoming if you're not familiar with the area, but some of the best natural treasures hide in this gorgeous region of the U.S. You're getting the absolute top-of-the-line quality guides and all-inclusive accommodations through Adventures by Disney. Connect with your family in the rugged beauty of the West while you horseback ride, raft and hike through Yellowstone National Park, and visit MANY spectacular sites on your amazing adventure.
Day 1: Arrive in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - You will be greeted by one of your Adventure Guides at Jackson Hole Airport. Your driver helps you with your luggage and then drives you to your hotel where you'll later meet up with other families for a traditional cowboy dinner and live music.
Day 2: Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Explore the scenic town, enjoy a private Western-themed lunch at a rowdy, old-fashioned theater, and in the afternoon you'll head out to whitewater raft down the Snake River.
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park - Spend a day relishing in the natural beauty of Yellowstone. Discover the park’s most awe-inspiring thermal features and iconic sites including Old Faithful, wildlife and waterfalls. Ride through Hayden Valley by motorcoach, home to elk, grizzly bears, and the largest number of free-roaming bison in the world. Finish the day by settling into your historic Dude Ranch accommodations and a private dinner.
Day 5: Brooks Lake - Choice of 2 of the following: Horseback Trail Ride with Cowboys, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing or Archery
Day 6: Brooks Lake - Choice of 2 of the following: Horseback Trail Ride with Cowboys, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing or Archery. End the day with a farewell dinner at the ranch.
Day 7: Begin the day with a fresh breakfast and then pre-arranged travel will escort you to Jackson Hole for your departure.
This week-long family excursion starts at $4,000* per person. Yes, it's pricey. But oh-so-worth-it. Adventures by Disney trips are not inexpensive value vacations - they are high-end, luxury trips. Adventures by Disney is a VIP experience and offers things no other touring company can. If you can afford it, it's guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime, no matter which destination your family decides upon. In fact, Adventure by Disney trips are the #1 most re-booked vacation and often sell out years in advance? They're just that good.
So what makes Adventures by Disney different? "Experiences that only Disney could provide, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel, participating in an alms offering ceremony with monks in Laos, learning the art of Peruvian weaving from master artisans and more," says Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. Their hand-picked adventure guides are there every step of the way providing the very best services as concierge, photographer, guide, and counselor.
Negril, Jamaica
If it's going to be hot, might as well go ALL IN. Head down to Beaches Negril where a tropical paradise of 7-mile beaches will cool you down!
With so many incredible activities and dining options included (like lobster, steak, and all alcohol!), every single member of your family will be thrilled. Perfect for families, you can engage in fun activities during the day, and use the FREE kids club childcare to escape for an adults-only date at night.
9 Restaurants
7 Bars
2 Pools + 1 Kiddie Pool
3 Whirlpools
Scuba Diving
Watersports
Waterpark
Night Club
Xbox Lounge
Golfing
For a family of four, the all-inclusive week at Beaches Negril starts at $1,462* per person, and includes EVERYTHING to have an amazing week in paradise with the ones you love the most! If you'd like to read more about family all-inclusive resorts, check out this post.
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