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Get Inspired!
Are you ready to unleash your wanderlust? Is it time to hit the open road, wander the trails or set sail once again? Whether the time is right to travel now or later, it's always fun to consider the options.
So get inspired here!
Cultural Celebrations as a Travel Centerpiece
Historic festivals and cultural celebrations provide expansive experiences of a lifetime for travelers of every age.
You'll gain insight into what matters to local communities paired with a bit of history. Here are several to consider:
Five Epic Trips to Consider
There are vacations. And, then there are epic adventures that may qualify as the experience of a lifetime.
Here are five to consider now.
Ready for Some Spa Time?
Subdue the stresses of our modern world by including spa and wellness options in your vacation planning.
Here are five ideas to consider.
Why Gathering the Clan Matters
Here are five reasons why gathering the clan matters. (And here's hoping you can make it happen sooner rather than later:)
Many of us have put our island vacation plans on hold. When the time is right, these island destinations, not too far from home, will be eager to welcome you.
Yellowstone in Winter: This is how Old Man Winter warmed my heart.
WIde Open Spaces
Choose a ranch vacation to learn horsemanship in an authentic setting, explore pristine wilderness areas, fish wild and scenic rivers and relax in Western style. Round up your crew and head for these hills.
Visit the Grandparent Travel Collection to gather great ideas for traveling with the grandkids!
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Sandals Resorts
Experience the pinnacle of luxury Caribbean all-inclusive vacations with your adult children at Sandals Resorts.
Offering supreme vacation packages at luxury resorts in St. Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados, where gourmet dining, gorgeous tropical settings and some of the world's most exquisite beaches will entice your group.
Of particular appeal is the golf and scuba in world class waters that is included at each all-inclusive resort. Both new and experienced divers can expect top-of-the-line equipment, state-of-the-art Newton Dive Boats, a PADI® certified staff and unparalleled dive locations.
Sandals is also a leader in Caribbean destination weddings.
Sandals is a member of the kikooworld.com All Inclusive Travel Collection.
Dude Ranch Vacations
There’s no denying that a theme park vacation is at the top of many children’s list of travel wishes. Unfortunately for grandparents, that can mean long lines, overcrowded parks and high expenses, all without much time for genuine family bonding. While amusement and theme parks are an easy, go-to solution for family vacations, there are other magical travel options that can offer exposure to new activities, interaction with nature, and discovery of culture and history outside of most families’ normal comfort zones.
The term ‘dude ranch’ typically brings to mind images of cowboys and cattle drives, a la the popular 1991 comedy, “City Slickers.” While dude ranches still evoke those same memories and are rooted in American tradition, they are much, much more. There is a broad spectrum of guest ranches across North America, ranging from rustic, no-frills working ranches to luxury resort-style ranches.
From valleys complete with untouched Rocky Mountain backdrops to desert sunsets across the Southwest, you can find DRA-accredited ranches throughout the Western U.S. in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nebraska and South Dakota, as well as in California, Arkansas and Canada.
Dude ranches are the original, all-inclusive destination for families. Located in some of the most breathtaking areas of the U.S. (and Canada), dude ranches can handle any request, from horseback riding and fly fishing to yoga and cooking classes to zip lining, mountain biking, white water rafting, hiking and much more. Ranches are ideal places for kids and families to re-discover each other, without the typical distractions of TV, phones, computers and electronic games, families spend time together reconnecting with each other the old-fashioned way - by talking!
When was the last time your family actually sat through an entire dinner with no outside distractions? That is exactly what happens at a dude ranch. You get to know each other again and share all the activities that everyone participated in that day.
If you want to give your grandchildren the gift of memories that will last a lifetime look no further than a dude ranch vacation where there are no lines, no hassles and all the freedom a child could imagine.
For more information connect with The Dude Ranchers Association
The Dude Ranchers Association is a member of the kikooworld.com Grandparent Travel Collection.
Glacier National Park Lodges
There are few places on the planet as stunning as Glacier National Park. And one could argue that the historic Many Glacier Hotel is the ideal venue from which to appreciate the vast and astonishing landscape with the grandkids.
Located on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake with jagged peaks as backdrop, the iconic hotel was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914 to lure tourists to the Wild West. Today, visitors from around the world find their way to this northwestern corner of Montana, eager to see the disappearing glaciers, hike aside azure-colored lakes and to catch a glimpse of resident wildlife.
This secluded, five-story hotel offers visitors a window into the past with old-world style guest rooms and a Swiss Alpine theme. While dedicated to honoring its historic roots, the 214-room gem has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation that included remodeling rooms, updating furniture and lighting and restoring the dining room to historic standards.
Also included was the return of the “missing staircase”.
Once part of the grand lobby, sharing space with soaring beams of Douglas fir and a massive fireplace, the original double helix staircase stretched from the lake level of the hotel to the lobby. It was removed in the mid-’50s to make way for a gift shop.
As part of the recent remodel, the magnificent spiral staircase has been restored to its former glory.
There is plenty to do for every age group. In addition to world-class hiking, Red Bus tours, boat cruises, horseback rides, and evening and Junior Ranger programs, are offered in an unparalleled lakeside setting.
Other Glacier National Park Lodge accommodations include:
The new Cedar Creek Lodge and Conference Center blends the comfort of a mountain lodge with modern style at the gateway to Glacier National Park in Columbia Falls.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins, located just one mile from Many Glacier Hotel, provides 95 rustic cabin and motor inn rooms in a hiker’s paradise.
The Lake McDonald Lodge, a classic Swiss chalet style lodge, is located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park’s west entrance on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, nestled on the shores of the largest lake inside the park.
Also, Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins and Village Inn at Apgar.
For more information: www.GlacierNationalParkLodges.com
Glacier National Park Lodges is a member of the kikooworld.com
Grandparents Travel Collection.
If you would like additonal assistance planning or booking a family trip, we can help.
The Ranch at Death Valley
The Oasis at Death Valley, situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California is just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California.
This property hosts two hotels – the historic, 4-diamond, 66 room Inn at Death Valley (formerly The Inn at Furnance Creek) and the more family oriented 224 room Ranch at Death Valley (formerly The Ranch at Furnace Creek).
Located adjacent to the Death Valley National Park Visitors Center, The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect home base from which to explore this amazing park with the grandkids.
As you wander around the expansive grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to when the site was established as a working ranch. Yet, you’ll enjoy the amenities of modern civilization, like quiet, clean rooms, a spring-fed (87 degrees warm) swimming pool, large grass lawns, and sports courts. For the golfers in the group you’ll have stories to tell after a round on the family-friendly 18-hole golf course – the lowest elevation course in the world. Be sure to take pictures when you stop for a bite and a beverage at the turn. You’ll all get a chuckle out of the drive-thru-in-your-cart snack shop.
Share stories from your day exploring sand dunes, canyons and look out points, around the community fire pits. The kids can dispense of excess energy playing tennis, basketball, volleyball and horseshoes.
The youngest members of your group will smile when they see the playground that’s just their style. Consider horseback rides and carriage tours from the Furnace Creek Stables or rent a Jeep from Farabee Jeeps to explore the park. And come nightfall, enjoy an amazing night sky, one of the few places in North America you can admire the Milky Way with the naked eye.
The Ranch at Death Valley is a great family basecamp when visiting Death Valley National Park.
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel - Williams, AZ
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has been taking people on a fabled journey into the heart of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For those fortunate to have traveled on this iconic train, the Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: It’s a trip back in time to what many consider the most awe-inspiring place on Earth.
With surprises around every corner, it’s fun for every age group. The adventure begins soon after the sheriff wins a show-down with the town’s scoundrels Board the historic train in Williams for the two-hour trip to the iconic Grand Canyon National Park.
The train provides the luxury of relaxing instead of driving and the ability to enjoy the views of the Ponderosa pines and sage-brush-dotted fields.
The grandkids (and grown-ups) will like the guitar-playing and singing cowboys who pause long enough to allow the faux train robbery by the dastardly Cataract Creek Gang to steal the show. Conveniently, the train pulls into the park aside the historic El Tovar Hotel, a legendary place for lunch and, remarkably, just steps from the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Packages can include one night at the park’s Maswik Lodge North, which provides your family a day to explore the canyon’s wonders on your own, and a return trip departing at 3:30 p.m. for another night in Williams.
For more information visit thetrain.com or call 844-843-8724.
Troutstalkers - Montana Outfitter & Fly Shop
Great places and great experiences are best when shared with people you love.
That’s the philosophy of the pros at Troutstalkers, a fly fishing outfitter that specializes in Montana and Madison River Fly Fishing Trips. Their business is based on sharing a passion for the outdoors, their fly fishing knowledge, and a long history of meaningful experiences with friends and clients.
“We approach every day with a sense of exploration and discovery, and never stop learning,” explains owner Joe Dilschneider. “Often in this sport, just when you figure something out, everything changes. That’s what keeps it interesting.”
The Troutstalker pros can’t think of a better way to spend time with the grandkids than fly fishing.
Why?
“Fly fishing is life! The parallels to the important aspects of life are almost endless,” explains Dilschneider.
Troutstalkers believe that guiding is based around shared interests and curiosity, mutual respect and friendship. Their goal is to provide every client with the best leadership, coaching, companionship and knowledge possible. They commit to giving 110% to make your experience with your family members safe, enjoyable and educational.
Based in Ennis, MT., Troutstalkers offers guided day and overnight trips on the Madison, Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby, Yellowstone, Missouri, and Gallatin rivers. They also can help families plan a trip to other world-class destinations including Montana's Smith and South Fork of Flathead Rivers, Florida Keys, Bristol Bay Alaska, Bahamas, and Argentina.
For more information: www.MontanaTrout.com
Troutstalkers is a member of the kikooworld.com Grandparents Travel Collection.
If you would like additonal assistance planning or booking a family trip, we can help.
Family Dive Adventures
Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures are rated #1 in family dive vacations. They have been taking multigenerational families on scuba vacations around the world for 18 years. “Grandparents tell us that we are hands down their first choice for a family vacation with their grandkids,” explains Margo Peyton, who runs the company with her husband, Tom Peyton. We provide one week vacations that have activities and fun for every member of the family. “
Kids Sea Camp offers daily ocean oriented programs for kids age 5, 6 and 7 called SASY where they are snorkeling and learning about the ocean. Kids ages 8 and 9 are learning the first stage of diving through daily Aqua Missions in the PADI Seal Team. Kids ages 10 and up and adults can learn to scuba dive. They cater to all levels of divers from vacation divers to experts and underwater photographers.
Also offered: 15 college accredited programs, culinary classes, wine tasting, paddle boarding, yoga, jungle biking, hiking and scuba diving. Kids Sea Camp is all inclusive of accommodations, meals, excursions and activities. The trips are fully escorted and include destinations such as: St. Lucia, Bonaire, Galapagos, Palau, Belize, Cayman Islands, Roatan, Philippines, Sea of Cortez, Indonesia, Yap, Saba, St. Kitts, Grenada, and the Maldives. “Grandparents tell us that what matters most to them at this stage of life is time. Time with their family, their grandkids and they want to create lasting memories” explained Margo Peyton. “How cool is it that a grandchild can get certified to dive with their grandparents and create memories to last a lifetime?”
For more information: www.FamilyDivers.com
Family Divers is a member of the kikooworld.com Grandparents Travel Collection.
If you would like additonal assistance planning or booking a family trip, we can help.
Beaches - Turks & Caicos All Inclusive
It's all included when you check-in to this expansive resort in the Caribbean.
At the Beaches Resort, on this picturesque island, expect 12 miles of powdery white sand and turquoise seas, paired with music and dining experiences, water-based fun and kid’s clubs designed to engage every member of the family.
For each member of the clan who has ever dreamed of getting away from it all and finding a tropical hideaway, far removed from all the hustle, bustle, fuss and muss of modern life – Beaches at Turks & Caicos is that rarest of discoveries, a true island escape.
When planning a multigenerational or family vacation, we all want to make sure each member of the family feels comfortable and engaged. When everything is included, it's easy to relax and enjoy all that is possible.
Expect a 45,000 square-foot Pirate’s Island waterpark, a comprehensive scuba diving program, five magnificent villages, with multiple room and suite configurations, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West, plus 21 specialty restaurants.
While parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents relax on the beach or spend time at the spa, Beaches offers kids special attention with tailor-made, age-appropriate activities. They're always supervised and it’s all-included.
Beaches Kids Camps ensure team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children, including those with autism and other special needs, and offer specific programs for infants, toddlers, pre-teens and teens.
For the smallest newborn to those up to 24 months, Beaches provides luxurious, climate-controlled nurseries-filled with cribs, strollers, high chairs, rocking chairs and everything a little one could need. Certified Nannies are on hand to care for your little ones.
Toddlers will have a blast with their very own set of activities, supervised by Certified Nannies. Time at the toddler pools, shell collecting, face painting, treasure hunts, puppets, costume time, magic shows, sand castle building are part of the program. Children must be potty-trained to participate in this age group.
Beaches celebrates the energy and enthusiasm of those in the pre-teen group, offering sailing, snorkeling (ages 8-10), swimming, beach volleyball, beach soccer, scavenger hunts, glass bottom boat rides, pizza making, and reggae jam sessions.
Teens can expect pizza and soda bars, their own "nightclub" with karaoke, and places to hang each evening. They will enjoy group water sports, boat cruises, pool Olympics, tennis clinics, karaoke, discos, dance parties, talent shows and more.
Long after the vacation ends, you will smile hearing the kids talk about their fun snorkeling, sailing, diving, meeting Sesame Street® characters, or meeting new friends in the Xbox Play Lounge or the teen disco. And of course, the special time shared as a family.
For more information: Beaches - Turks & Caicos
Beaches is a member of the kikooworld.com All Inclusive Travel Collection.
If you would like additonal assistance planning or booking a family trip, we can help.
Beaches - Turks & Caicos
Venture to Turks & Caicos for an exotic, tropical island getaway.
If you are thinking “exotic” and “family vacation” isn’t a perfect match, think again. At the Beaches Resort, on this picturesque island, expect 12 miles of powdery white sand and turquoise seas, paired with music and dining experiences, water-based fun and kid’s clubs designed to engage every member of the family.
For each member of the clan who has ever dreamed of getting away from it all and finding a tropical hideaway, far removed from all the hustle, bustle, fuss and muss of modern life – Beaches at Turks & Caicos is that rarest of discoveries, a true island escape.
When planning a multigenerational vacation, Grandparents want to make sure each member of their family feels comfortable and engaged.
Not to worry.
An all-inclusive resort, Beaches offers an extensive menu of options. Expect a 45,000 square-foot Pirate’s Island waterpark, a comprehensive scuba diving program, five magnificent villages, with multiple room and suite configurations, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West, plus 21 specialty restaurants.
While parents and grandparents relax on the beach or spend time at the spa, Beaches offers kids special attention with tailor-made, age-appropriate activities. They're always supervised and it’s all-included.
Beaches Kids Camps ensure team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children, including those with autism and other special needs, and offer specific programs for infants, toddlers, pre-teens and teens.
For the smallest newborn to those up to 24 months, Beaches provides luxurious, climate-controlled nurseries-filled with cribs, strollers, high chairs, rocking chairs and everything a little one could need. Certified Nannies are on hand to care for your little ones.
Toddlers will have a blast with their very own set of activities, supervised by Certified Nannies. Time at the toddler pools, shell collecting, face painting, treasure hunts, puppets, costume time, magic shows, sand castle building are part of the program. Children must be potty-trained to participate in this age group.
Beaches celebrates the energy and enthusiasm of those in the pre-teen group, offering sailing, snorkeling (ages 8-10), swimming, beach volleyball, beach soccer, scavenger hunts, glass bottom boat rides, pizza making, and reggae jam sessions.
Teens can expect pizza and soda bars, their own "nightclub" with karaoke, and places to hang each evening. They will enjoy group water sports, boat cruises, pool Olympics, tennis clinics, karaoke, discos, dance parties, talent shows and more.
Long after the vacation ends, Grandparents will smile hearing the kids talk about their fun snorkeling, sailing, diving, meeting Sesame Street® characters, or meeting new friends in the Xbox Play Lounge or the teen disco. And of course, the special time shared as a family.
For more information: Beaches - Turks & Caicos
Beaches is a member of the kikooworld.com Grandparents Travel Collection.
If you would like additonal assistance planning or booking a family trip, we can help.
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All Inclusive Travel Collection
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Grandparent Travel Collection
