This guest post was submitted by Helen Childs and may contain affiliate links submitted by the author.
Are you looking to liven up the Christmas stocking this year? Go big and give your family a getaway they’ll remember for a lifetime – a vacation full of adventure that everyone, from young children to grandparents, can get involved in. You don’t have to stick to the same old, same old family breaks. Push the boat out this year and plan a vacation that offers a little bit of everything, including quality family time.
Planning
The question is: do you want to go away for Christmas, or have the vacation be the Christmas gift? For our money, we say it’s better to give it as a gift. That way you get to enjoy all the spoils of the festive season and also look forward to your trip. Plus, when you see the ideas we have in store for your family, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly prepared! That means making sure everyone is in tip top shape to make the most of the vacation, you’ve got everything you need for it to go smoothly, and that you’re protected with traveler’s insurance in case any slight injuries occur. But enough of that – let’s take a look at some of the options you have!
Skiing
OK, we admit it – a skiing vacation for a family isn’t the most revolutionary idea we’ve ever had, but there’s a reason we’ve included it: they’re super, super fun. And they’re full of adventure, too! The good thing about a skiing vacation is that whichever resort you choose will have runs for people of all abilities. Your little ones might be sticking to the bunny hill for a while, but there’s every chance they’ll progress to the proper slopes if you instill enough sense of adventure into them! In any case, skiing the slopes are only half the fun of a skiing getaway. The rest of the time can be spent playing with your children in the snow (tubing, ice-skating, and so on) and spending long nights together in the lodge. It’s an adventure whatever age you are – but especially for the small ones in your family!
Camping
You thought camping was just about spending a night in a tent? Think again, buster. We’re talking real camping. That is, setting out on the road with your ultimate destination unknown. If you ask us, the very best place to have this adventure is America’s West. Nowhere on earth captures the sublime beauty and grandness of places such as Monument Valley, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Grab a map and head into the great outdoors for a long hike for a day of great views and possible an interaction with wildlife. We haven’t even mentioned the Grand Canyon yet! This is the ultimate outdoor adventure, offering mule trips, long hikes, and white water or smooth water rafting trips (which you’ll go on will depend on age and bravery of your family!). Make a whole trip of it as you tour the west – just make sure you have your Snack and Play set with you!
The Ultimate Hike
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime because you’ll be flying south, way south – all the way to Peru! – to embark on one of the world’s great hikes. Before you get you put off, we must tell you – it’s tough, but most anyone can do it. It just takes some time. You’ll be starting in Chillca and heading all the way to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city. This is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular sites in the world and since its discovery in 1911 has become a mecca for adventurers.
If this all sounds a bit much but you still want to head south and go on adventure, look at Santa Fe. This unique part of the States is ripe material for a horseback ride along an unforgettable landscape. It’s a sample of everything that a great family adventure should be – different, challenging, and above all, fun!
Feeling inspired? You better get a move on! Christmas is just a few weeks away. When you’re sitting around the table, spring whichever great adventure you choose on your family. You’ll have already have given your children a Snack and Play set – this will be a great opportunity to use it!