Tours and Adventures

Adventure/tour choices are varied and may include: Raft a river; take a safari; hike a mountain trail; kayak with whales; go behind the scenes at a ballpark; make a quest for Harry Potter; dive a reef or walk a rain forest trail. No matter the theme, everyone gets a vacation break. But what's making adventure travel more feasible for families is an increase of outfitters-people who provide the equipment, guides and supplies.

True family outfitters not only welcome parents and children; they also treat them like family, instinctively knowing when to stop for a snack, provide a quick astronomy lesson or toss a Frisbee to ease tensions. Their trips are characterized by short treks with big payoffs (an easy hike that leads to a beautiful vista), frequent breaks, cozy accommodations, smaller groups (usually three or four families) and guides who know how to entertain the troops with plenty of activities and fun food. The big bonus: guides who do most of the grunt work-cooking, cleaning and equipment hauling.

Although outfitters bend over backward to do everything from properly fitting a child's safety helmet to matching families to an appropriate destination, adventure vacations aren't for everyone. The purpose, after all, is adventure, which means taking a chance on a new experience without knowing how it will turn out. Outfitters say ideal candidates love the outdoors and are eager to try new skills. They're willing to stick to an itinerary (when the raft leaves, you do, too) and they respond flexibly to nature's whims. Outfitters can't guarantee everything, especially not the weather, and that may mean sleeping in a soggy tent or skipping a special hike.

But if your family is the type that can rough it in return for experiences that can become lifetime memories, you may be ready for an adventure vacation. Of course, cost is a consideration. Be prepared to pay minimum costs of a thousand dollars for a two-day trip, and as much as four thousand dollars for a weeklong excursion. And while families can certainly save money by making the trip on their own, they are unlikely to reap the rewards of traveling with a guide who knows the terrain. Another benefit of using an outfitter: Planning. They'll assess your schedule, budget and interests and combine them into one unforgettable package. Most gear their trips toward children ages five and up, though some companies say their itineraries are suitable for kids as young as age two, as long as you're realistic about what you and your kids can manage. You can also expect a firm emphasis on safety, professionalism and lively programming.

Copyright 2010 Writers Opinion LLC - Family Vacation Ideas Information.
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