Tag Archives: family-friendly adventures

Western River Expeditions Offers Families Respite from Lockdown Whitewater Rafting in Utah’s Desolation Canyon

Western River Expeditions’ Desolation Canyon 5-Day rafting trip, ideal for families seeking respite from COVID lockdown, is offered June through August.

SALT LAKE CITY – For over 60 years, Western River Expeditions has specialized as Nature’s partner, offering guests the specialized expertise, matched with a pristine river environment to enable transformations in body and spirit that are so needed as families emerge from COVID isolation.

“Reservations are up 37 percent over the same period last year for our premier family rafting trip,” reports Brandon Lake, co-owner of Western River Expeditions. “Families are clamoring to reinvent themselves in one of the most remote (no roads, no towns and no cell service) destinations in the continental United States. They are counting on us to deliver their first great trip back after hibernation for so long.”
 
This is Utah’s Desolation Canyon, carved over millennia by the 730-mile Green River that is spawned by glacial melts on the Continental Divide in the wilds of northern Wyoming.
 
The company’s proven and lauded health protocols are in place for this trip that welcomes families with children ages five and up. Fully 100 percent of this vacation takes place outside together. Transportation to the put-in is by small plane on a 40-minute flight over the desert plateau from Moab, Utah. Passengers are appropriately distanced on the aircraft and are required to wear masks on the airplane and in shuttle vehicles.
 
“Being able to travel and vacation in confidence will also assist the healing process – especially for parents,” Lake said. He explained that the rafting journey through Desolation Canyon is much more than rafting. The environment offers large beaches, swimming holes, outlaw cabins to explore, Native American sites, wildlife, fishing and great hikes. “It’s absolutely one of the best family vacations in the world.”
 
The Green is less strident than the Grand Canyon’s rollicking Colorado River. Whitewater on the Green is playful, marked by over 60 warm-water Class I-III rapids, packed with more than enough splash to excite all ages.
 
Western River Expeditions’ Desolation Canyon 5-Day Trip is offered June through August. Rates are $1,845 for ages 16 and up and $1,145 for ages 5-15 including airport transfer and flight from Moab, Utah, to the river, cots, tents, sleeping bags, chairs and water-resistant bags, all meals from between departure to return, guides, staff and equipment.
 
Highlights:

  • exploring 88 river miles
  • the option to paddle two-person inflatable kayaks or, relax in a guide-powered oar boat
  • witnessing 40 million years of geologic history
  • maneuvering 60+ fun-filled Class I-III rapids. One of the greatest features of this expedition is that the rapids are spread fairly evenly throughout the length of the trip so the action keeps it exciting all journey long.
  • visiting famous Wild West outlaw hideouts. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch found that the rugged terrain here offered a perfect hideaway.
  • wondering about the past at now-derelict homesteads built of native materials
  • getting to know an ancient culture that both foraged and planted corn from the 7th to the 13th centuries, leaving behind Fremont Native American petroglyphs
  • hiking off-river with a seasoned guide well-versed in the region’s history and geology
  • deluxe camping on broad, sandy beaches along the river bank
  • enjoying host-prepared meals for both adults and children, with ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers
  • sunbathing on and off the water shaded by ancient cottonwoods
  • watching a Trip Jester entertain the children so parents have some down time 

For more details on this trip see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon
 
For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2021 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the recently enhanced website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.
 
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).
 
Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

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Austin Adventures Weaves In and Out of Yellowstone on Montana Multisport Vacation Journey

Austin Adventures is offering a carefully crafted, six-day Montana Vacation Package that focuses on adventures inside and outside of Yellowstone National Park.

BILLINGS, MT– A vast Yellowstone eco-system spanning Wyoming, Idaho and Montana is a world of wonder lost to most visitors whose eyes are only on one prize — Yellowstone National Park.  Austin Adventures, a pioneer in active, multisport travel for adults and families, is offering a carefully crafted, six-day Montana Vacation Package from $2,698 per adult that focuses on adventures outside of Yellowstone National Park while dipping inside park boundaries for such must-sees as Old Faithful. Adult-only trip departures in 2018 are July 1 and 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 2 and 9. A version designed just for families (with youth pricing) is offered June 10, 17 and 24, July 8, 15 and 29, Aug. 5, 12 and 19. The host city is Bozeman, MT.

An extra advantage to guests on this itinerary is that they will be touring with the leading provider of best-in-class travel in this region, stretching from river-carved Gallatin Canyon and mountainous Paradise Valley to Old Faithful and beyond. This is the wild, wild West where Austin Adventures’ staff live, work and play. The company’s in-depth knowledge of the surprises buried in this home turf equate to unparalleled opportunities for active travelers to open their senses in this still untamed world.

Guests on this active itinerary will…

  • Hike two to six miles on easy to difficult terrain including a trek to a U-shaped glacial cirque in Big Sky’s secluded backcountry and a hike full of surprises to the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
  • Horseback Ride with a bona fide, fourth generation Montana cowboy into the Absaroka Mountains with viewpoints overlooking all of Paradise Valley and the Gallatin Mountain Range (no experience necessary).
  • Raft Class II-III rapids through postcard-perfect canyons and ranchlands on the Yellowstone River (no experience required).
  • Tour Hayden Valley in search of elk, bison, wolf and bear, utilizing scopes and binoculars when necessary to view these animals from a safe distance.
  • Soak in the soothing natural waters of historic Chico Hot Springs Resort after a day spent wandering through the wilds of Montana.
  • Zip line across the Gallatin River in the land where the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed.

At 22 million acres, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is 10 times the size of Yellowstone Park. Austin Adventures’ Montana Vacation explores the northern portion of this spectacular region in detail while also hitting many of the iconic highlights of Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest collection of geysers in the world, Grand Canyon and the Lower Falls of Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs and much more.

The rate includes five nights accommodation; all meals (except one on-own dinner); services of fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners; use of activity-related equipment; vehicle support and land transportation; Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle and luggage tags; luggage service; pre-departure and packing information and incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.

Accommodations include Chico Hot Springs Resort, home to one of Montana’s best restaurants, tucked into the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains. Here guests can luxuriate in Chico’s hot spring-fed pools in the midst of one of the most “Montana” landscapes imaginable. Guests also experience a 110-year-old homestead, 320 Ranch, reshaped with cowboy comforts as a Montana guest ranch. And near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Canyon Lodge and Cabins provide rustic accommodations that allow guests to step back from technology and embrace togetherness in the country’s first national park.

For details see https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/montana-big-sky-yellowstone-paradise-valley (adult-focused itinerary) and https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/montana-family-vacation/ (family-focused).

Austin Adventures also offers these other northern Rockies trips.
https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/wyoming-family-yellowstoneteton/
https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/yellowstone-family-vacations/
https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/montana-wyoming-western-adventure/
https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/glacier-park-vacations-tour/

Contact Austin Adventures at 800-575-1540, email [email protected] or visit www.austinadventures.com.

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Smithsonian Family Journeys by Perillo’s Learning Journeys Offer Families Hands-on Travel Experiences this Summer

A a swim in the Blue Lagoon hot springs is one of the highlights of Smithsonian Family Journeys by Perillo’s Learning Journeys Iceland itinerary © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – Families seeking culturally rich, stress-free travel options this summer can leave the planning to Smithsonian Family Journeys by Perillo’s Learning Journeys.

“Whether it is sleeping like royalty in an Irish castle or going behind-the-scenes in the world of anime in Japan, each program offers families an unparalleled level of access,” said Carol Dimopoulos, president of Perillo’s Learning Journeys.  “These trips are a truly memorable way for parents and grandparents to introduce children to different cultures and wonders of the natural world.”

And these multi-generational trips are very inclusive for easy planning: hotels with local character, most meals, airport transfers and on-tour transportation, exciting excursions, entertaining activities, talks by local experts, a top travel director throughout, gratuities, and emergency medical insurance are all included in the price.

Available summer 2018 itineraries (tailored to adults with children eight years and older) include:

Discover Japan:  Available July 7-17, 2018, this 11-day family journey explores modern Tokyo and traditional Kyoto. Learning and immersive highlights include:  sushi and noodle making classes; hikes through the forests of Mt. Fuji; a stay in a traditional ryokan (inn); meeting students training to be anime voice actors; a visit a Japanese family in their home; learning the art of origami, kimono dressing and Taiko drumming; and much more.  Prices start at $4,700 per adult and $4,175 per child.

Iceland Explorer:  On this seven-day adventure, multigenerational families will discover the wonder and science behind major geological sites, cruise in search of whales and puffins, and learn the history of the Viking expansion across the North Atlantic. Key attractions include: the black-sand beach of Reynihverfi; a swim in the Blue Lagoon hot springs; powerful waterfalls such as Gulfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogarfoss; a visit to an exact replica of an old Viking ship dating back to A.D. 870; and much more. Available departures: June 30 – July 6 and July 28 – August 3, 2018. Prices start at $4,755 per adult and $4,100 per child.

Exploring London and Paris: a fitting introduction to Europe for children, this 10-day tour through London and Paris explores the most popular museums and historic sites.  Highlights include: a Beefeater-led tour of the Tower of London, introduction to Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre, option to visit a number of sites featured in the famous Harry Potter films, an  interactive scavenger hunt through the Louvre Museum, and more.  Prices start at $5,725 per adult and $4,700 per child. Available departures: June 23 – July 2 and June 30 – July 9, 2018.

Discover Irelandavailable June 29 – July 7, 2018, the nine-day Discover Ireland trip introduces families to the Emerald Isle. The itinerary includes Gaelic language lessons; a two-night stay in an Irish Castle;  a lesson in Gaelic football, the most popular sport in Ireland and Hurling, the world’s fastest field sport; a visit to a local sheep farm; a cruise along the Cliffs of Moher; and much more. Prices start at $4,800 per adult and $2,850 per child.

For more information on Smithsonian Family Journeys by Perillo’s Learning Journeys, visit https://www.learningjourneys.com/family-journeys/smithsonian.  To book, call (855) 215-8691.

About Perillo’s Learning Journeys

Learning Journeys offers cutting-edge travel experiences powered by Perillo Tours’ 73 years of travel planning expertise.  More than a traditional vacation, Learning Journeys’ itineraries focus on enhanced immersion in a specific interest or passion, such as yoga and wellness, cooking, photography, watercolor painting, bird watching, dance, language study, conservation, and much more. All journeys incorporate elements of culture, nature, culinary traditions, community service, and meeting with locals.  Programs to worldwide destinations include Italy, Bali, India, Malta, Peru and more.

For more information on Perillo’s Learning Journeys, visit www.learningjourneys.com, contact a local travel professional, or call 888-884-8259.

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is an established leader in expert-led land and cruise travel, offering more than 350 annual journeys on all seven continents. Smithsonian Journeys delivers dynamic travel experiences that uncover the authentic culture of each destination, providing access unavailable to most travelers. A broad array of travel opportunities are available, including small-group land tours (many with air included), cultural stay programs, small-ship ocean cruises, comfortable river cruises, active journeys, family journeys, around the world by private jet journeys, and tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler. For more information visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.

 

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Backroads Unveils Robust Program to Most Popular Family Travel Summer Destinations

Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for family adventure travel this summer © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Alaska, Yellowstone and the Tetons, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and Italy’s Dolomites top the list of the most popular summer travel destinations for families, according to Backroads, one of the world’s leading active travel companies that has focused more intently on family travel in recent years.

“The trend of immediate and extended families traveling together continues to grow, as families of all ages look to collect shared authentic experiences, while also doing more with limited vacation time,” the company stated.

This summer Backroads is offering nearly 450 family trip departures. This summer’s top-selling Backroads trips include easily accessible domestic destinations for those looking for an immersive vacation that is a quick flight or short drive from home. Following last year’s centennial celebrations in the US National Parks, the company’s camping trips continue to sell well.

The strong US dollar is also positively impacting growth in Europe with must-see regions like the Loire Valley, and off-the-beaten path destinations, including Sweden are trending hotter than ever.

Backroads top trips in the US this summer include:

Alaska: Family: Alaska’s Prince William Sound to Denali Multisport Adventure Tour; Family Breakaway: Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula Adventure Tour

Utah & Arizona: Family and Family Breakaway: Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Multisport Adventure Tour; Yellowstone & Tetons; Family: Discover the Wonders of Wyoming’s Wild Preserves Multisport Adventure Tour; Family Breakaway: Exploring the Wyoming Wilderness Walking & Hiking Tour

For families looking to travel internationally, Backroads offers many departures from European gateway cities for easy travel and extended stays on either end of a trip.

European top-selling Backroads trips to international destinations include:

Croatia: Family: 101 Ways to Play in Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands Multisport Tour; Family Breakaway: From Split to Dubrovnik via Croatia’s Island Paradise Bike Tour

Iceland: Family: Exploration at the Edge of the Arctic Circle Multisport Adventure Tour; Family Breakaway: Coastal Fishing Villages of Northern Iceland Walking & Hiking Tour

Spain and Portugal: Family: From Barcelona to Catalonia’s Peaks & Beaches Bike Tour; Family Breakaway: A Taste of Camino de Santiago Walking & Hiking Tour

Switzerland: Family: Massif Thrills in the Swiss Alps Multisport Adventure Tour; Family Breakaway: A Summer Adventure in the Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking Tour

“There is something very special about the tradition of family summer trips. Not only are they a chance to explore and discover new or favorite locations, but they are also a chance for families to spend unforgettable quality time together,” said Tom Hale, Backroads founder and president. “Our goal at Backroads is to enable people to take full advantage of their vacation time and not sweat any of the details. In many cases we have spent years in these regions and know the most beautiful hikes, the best bike rides, and which campground has the most spectacular view. We offer family trips people often dream of, but in reality know they are typically too difficult to plan on their own.”

A leader in family travel, Backroads has been designing active vacations for almost 40 years and offers Family Trips for kids of all ages all the way up to older teens and 20-somethings. With daily route options and a range of activities, including those designed just for kids, Backroads adventures are geared toward multigenerational travelers and for families of mixed ages, interests, and abilities. The company emphasizes fun, dynamic and safety-focused travel crafted to immerse guests in a place and culture with authentic interactions and highly skilled leaders.

Backroads has nearly 450 family and family breakaway (designed for families with older teens and 20-something aged kids) departures available this summer, including options for private trips. Trip Consultants help match families with kids of similar ages and provide details on activity age restrictions and recommendations.

For more information, visit www.backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.
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Journeys International Lists Top 10 Family Adventure Travel Destinations for 2015

China is one of the top 10 destinations for families, says Sally Grimes-Chesak, Director of Marketing and Family Programs for Journeys International, one of the first adventure travel companies to offer trips designed specifically for families © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
China is one of the top 10 destinations for families, says Sally Grimes-Chesak, Director of Marketing and Family Programs for Journeys International, one of the first adventure travel companies to offer trips designed specifically for families © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

ANN ARBOR, MI – Journeys International, one of the first adventure travel companies to offer trips designed specifically for families, announced its top 10 family destinations for 2015:

  • Costa Rica
  • Peru
  • Panama
  • China
  • Japan
  • Thailand
  • Tanzania
  • South Africa
  • Galapagos (Ecuador)
  • Indonesia

Journeys for Families, a division of Journeys International, has trips specifically designed for kids, teens and multi-generational travelers.

Firsthand research, feedback from our clients, and the expert knowledge of our on-the-ground guides indicate that these 10 destinations offer the very best opportunities for family travelers in 2015,” said Robin Weber Pollak, President of Journeys International. “These countries provide unique, safe, hands-on culture and wildlife experiences that will engage explorers of any age.”

Family travel is being called the “hot” travel trend for 2015, but Journeys for Families has been guiding families in destinations all around the world for decades.

“This is not a new trend for us; Journeys for Families is the expert in family travel and has been for years,” said Sally Grimes-Chesak, Director of Marketing and Family Programs. “Our itineraries focus on providing activities that interest both kids and adults, while allowing the oh-so-important but oft-ignored downtime that is key to a good family trip. We aim for ‘home base’ hotel stays that minimize moving and repacking during the trip. And, our hand-picked guides possess a unique energy and excitement that makes kids feel right at home.”

Journeys is especially excited about three trips designed specifically for families with teenagers, Costa Rica Adventure for Teens, Wild Indonesia for Families with Teens, and Incas & Amazon for Families with Teens.

“Most companies have family trips that focus on the younger kids, but rarely plan specifically for teenagers,” Grimes-Chesak said. “We understand that different ages of kids require different itineraries, and we built these three trips specifically around the interests and needs of older kids.”

In 2015, Journeys for Families has over 20 itineraries in 18 destinations, and a total of nearly 30 family group departures scheduled. Plus, itineraries can be customized and planned around the dates that work for the travelers.

For further information, visit www.journeysinternational.com, 734-665-4407
toll-free: 800-255-8735

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New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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