For many Americans, family vacations have meant piling into the station wagon (without seat belts in the olden days) trekking across the country to see Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon, or maybe just to grandma's house.
Today, families have so many more options for travel, and they are taking advantage of them.
From international trips once thought of as adult-only, to top-of-the-line luxury hotels, to private-like (yet still affordable) air travel without the hassle of the TSA , family travel is stepping up its game.
Family-friendly safaris throughout Africa
More and more parents are interested in bringing their kids on safari in Africa and business owners are paying attention. More child-friendly trips are being offered by safari operators throughout the continent of Africa.
South Africa now offers malaria-free game parks which give families the ability to see the majestic big game animals without being forced to take the previously required antimalarial drugs prior to their trip.
A company named &Beyond runs the WILDChild program in Southern and East Africa which makes safaris both educational and fun for children. And in East Africa, lodges have begun to offer larger family suites to accommodate the needs of those traveling with children.
Luxury family-focused resort on Disney property
Orlando appeals to families due to the many Disney parks and other family attractions in the area, but now there is a top tier, free-standing luxury resort on Disney property. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World opened August 2014 as a complement to the other Disney resorts.
Dana Berry, director of public relations at Four Seasons Resort Orlando said in a recent email interview that the resort offers extensive family-friendly room options and suites. "We have an on-site character breakfast twice a week, The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Pals, and a Disney Planning Center in our lobby, to assist guests with all of their needs for the Disney parks."
They also have a complimentary kids camp, a 5-acre Explorer Island water park, interactive playground. The Mansion is a family-centered hang out, and there's an upscale spa, dining options, golf, tennis, and fitness activities for mom and dad. Luxury hotels are not just for business travelers anymore!
Private-like air travel in the South
Regional jet service is offered by Southern Airways Express from their hubs in Memphis, Tennessee and Destin, Florida to cities like Atlanta, New Orleans and Birmingham. Families love their service because they get to bypass all the things that irk them about flying.
Southern Airways operates out of private airports so there are no security scans, no long lines, no baggage limits, no parking fees, and guests need to be at the airport only 15 minutes before departure. For anyone traveling with kids, these conveniences are well worth traveling on a smaller plane.
Curious kids will love the open cockpit which allows passengers to chat with the pilot and look over his shoulder at all the instruments as he flies the plane. Just note that the Cessna planes do not have a bathroom or meal service on board.
The bottom line is that families have a myriad of options when it comes to their vacation. Sure, a trip to grandma's is always nice, but perhaps there are more ambitious trips you can take with your family, even while the kids are still young.
Sources:
Email interview with Dana Bash, Director of Public Relations, Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. 4 August 2014.
&Beyond. Web. 6 August 2014.
http://www.andbeyond.com
Iflysouthern.com. Web. 6 August 2014. "About us".
http://www.iflysouthern.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pubDsp.dspAboutUs
Thedailybeast.com. Web. Published 28 December 2023. "1; travel predictions for 2014."
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/12/28/14-travel-predictions-for-2014.html
Reviewed August 7, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith