I know travel is restricted now, but once we get past this, I think it will be doubly important to spend time with your family.  It’s a stressful time and it’s true for children as well as adults.  Travel is not only enriching, it gets you away from your every day routine so that you can concentrate on having fun as a family.  As a travel counselor I can take the stress out of planning the details so you all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time away.

Disney has been at the top of many bucket lists for years for families with children.  There are rides for all levels, a variety of shows, restaurants from casual to more formal.  Add to that the character meals and you can please just about anyone.

However, all that variety comes with a price.  Disney has raised prices almost years, so that the average cost for lodging, food, and tickets for a three-nights stay is around $300 a person.

If your family would like to spend time together, there are alternatives to Disney that will be just as memorable as a family vacation.

HAWAII:

You first thought of course is Waikiki, but even on Oahu, there is more to the island than the beach.  In Honolulu you can visit The Arizona, where World War II started and next door, you can visit the MISSOURI, and see where the war officially ended.  

After you have done the educational visits, you can be off to the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

How about climbing Diamond Head, where the view from the top is fantastic, and the hike down is easier.  

Most visitors stop there, but If you have more time to spend on Oahu, you can check out the North Shore with its famous pipeline and watch surfers “catch the waves”.  Also on this side of the island is Kualoa Ranch. Here you can a great time riding horseback, kayaking or taking a tour of various sites where movies have been filmed.

Of course, there are other islands to visit such as Mauai and Kawai, each with it’s own personality.   Combine one or two islands gives you a greater understanding of what makes Hawaii a great place to visit with your family.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA:

This is a city made for families.  Of course, there is the world-famous San Diego Zoo, but you shouldn’t miss the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can get up close and personal with the animals.  Take the kids to La Jolla Cove where sea lions and other wildlife abound.  You can rent snorkeling gear, bikes, paddle boards.  With the the comfortable California weather, you won’t lack for things to do.

THE GRAND CANYON:

Here is a place that just can’t be described to do it justice.  You have to experience it in person. It’s not just a place to stand on the rim and look into the canyon, but a place where kids can take part in the park’s  ranger program.  They can learn about the canyon’s history, take part in exciting activities and earn badges.  As a family you can ride bikes on the canyon rim, go for scenic hikes and even take the famous mule rides.

MYRTLE BEACH, S. CAROLINA:

Myrtle Beach has a 60-mile stretch of white sand beach.  There you can swim, build sand castles and just soak up the sun.  

Once you have had your fill of that, try the arcade on the boardwalk, the mini golf courses and the Sky Wheel, which offers great views of the beach.  

If you want the amusement park experience, you can visit WorldWorks.  It’s known as the amusement park for the mind.  There are over 100 hands-on exhibits and an indoor rope course.

PARK CITY, UTAH:

Ready for a winter vacation?  Skiing is paramount here, but even when you aren’t on the slopes, you can still have fun as a family.  You can take art classes, learn pottery or drawing.  There are also ranges of accommodations from hotels to condos with multiple bedrooms and kitchens.

 

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI:

St. Louis isn’t just flyover country.  The Gateway to the West is home to a world-class FREE Zoo.  The Art Museum, also in Forest Park up the hill from the zoo is also free.  How about a 630’ high stainless steel arch.  There’s a great new museum and a ride to the top with great views over the city.

If you want to set your kids free in a one-of-a-kind museum, then you should head to The City Museum.  The creation of Bob Cassily, it’s a kids paradise with slides, rope climbing, 

In the summer, there is Grant’s Farm where you can see animal shows, feed animals in the petting zoo, meet the world-famous Clydesdales and have a meal in the stable courtyard.  The adults can have up to two of Anheuser Busch’s finest.

 

You are spending more time with your family, so now is the time to start planning your next adventure.  Time to dream and plan, giving everyone something to look forward to.  Once you have done your research and want to begin the process of putting your plans in motion, contact me at: 

Nancy Luechtefeld, CTC

Unique Journeys LLC

9787 Radio Drive

St. Louis, MO 63123

Ph: 314/644-8691

Email: nancy@unique-journeys.com

Website: www.unique-journeys.com