Island Time, Tahitian Style
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Island Lovers, take note!
Let the trade winds sweep your cares away when you explore the islands of French Polynesia aboard a four-masted sailing yacht. A great getaway to experience with your teens, adult children or extended family, Windstar sailing ships deliver explorers to an island paradise where blue lagoons and pristine coral reefs provide epic snorkeling, scuba diving and Jet Ski options.
Kayak and paddleboard off the back of the ship’s sports deck. Learn about local cultures during hiking, kayaking and museum-centric shore excursions. Later, relax on a small island (motu) where you can sip coconut drinks, listen to the nimble sounds of a ukulele drifting in the distance and cool off in the sapphire-colored sea.
Contact: www.WindstarCruises.com.
“Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel's immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way."
- Ralph Crawshaw
(US sociologist, 1864 - 1929)
How will your family stretch in the year ahead?
A festive new tradition has charted its course on the Colorado River: Black Canyon River Adventures’ annual Rafting with Santa experience returns Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24. The 12-mile journey along the mighty Colorado River makes an extraordinary way for families to enjoy the excitement of the holiday season in a raft piloted by jolly old St. Nick or his helpers.
Looking for a great holiday gift for the history lover in your family?
Consider Sally Mott Freeman's best-selling Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and his Family's Quest to Bring Him Home.
Sally Mott Freeman's Jersey Brothers is the extraordinary, real-life adventure of three brothers at the center of the most dramatic turning points of World War II and their mad race to change history—and save one of their own.
Compelling and brilliantly written, you'll want to snag one for yourself while ordering for friends and family!
Order here:
Single Parent Travel Ideas
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Are you a single parent looking for travel ideas?
Consider a rafting getaway.
Beach butler? Yes, please!
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Who doesn’t love sunny beach days in SoCal?
And if you check in to the oceanfront Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel, halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, you can expect the ultimate family beach vacation. It’s one where the kids are having fun, mom and dad are relaxed and you all connect while experiencing #bucketlist adventures.
Your Family's Bucket List
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Family travel can play a strong role in the education you offer to your children and grandchildren.
Here are six ideas to consider:
1. Reflect your values.
The travel choices you make can send a strong message to your loved ones about what matters most to you.
Life is full of adventure!
If you are looking for a little inspiration, a few words to urge you into action, you've come to the right place.
Enjoy!
"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of shore." – Christopher Columbus
The Power of Travel
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
“Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel's immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way."
- Ralph Crawshaw
(US sociologist, 1864 - 1929)
How will your family stretch?
Adventure Inspiration
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Life is full of adventure!
If you are looking for a little inspiration, a few words to urge you into action, you've come to the right place.
Enjoy!
"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of shore." – Christopher Columbus
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Get Comfortable Camping
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Who knew camping could be so comfortable?
Modern campers are eager to reconnect with nature, spend more time with family and friends and explore new territory.
If you are inclined to camp, here are five ideas to consider.
Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Henderson, Nev.
Have the bright lights and a retreat too when you stay at this sunny resort, just a free shuttle ride away from the glitzy Las Vegas Strip.
Dive To Discover The World
Written by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Diving is a great way to discover the world and what lies beneath the surface.
From Bonaire and Grand Cayman to Yap and Palau, Family Dive Adventures and Kids Sea Camp provide education about the underwater world and the tools needed to become safe, confident divers. In the last 15 years, the company has certified more than 5,400 kids. Children and their parents will learn about coral reefs, sharks, manta rays and the latest in global marine conservation during Kids Sea Camp weeks.
Join other families during organized group trips or customize your own getaway.
Find out more: familydivers.com
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, a luxurious and tranquil vacation destination in Arizona's Southwest desert, is a family-friendly gem.
Set on the historic 500-acre Otero Ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley, the Spanish Colonial architecture and lush