Have you found it more and more difficult to spend quality family time together, especially if some family members live far away? Consider planning a vacation that brings family members together in a fun and enriching way. Experiencing an adventure together or meeting in a relaxing paradise can create unforgettable memories while reconnecting and deepening family bonds.

Lots of exciting destinations make good choices. There are also numerous types of vacations to consider, being careful to choose a vacation that fits your family’s budget, interests and everyone’s availability. Pleasing everyone all of the time may not be possible, but having a variety of activities from which to choose will ensure there is something that appeals to each family member. Planning is key to making it successful and enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few helpful ideas to include in your planning process:

• What dates will work best for everyone?
• Establish a budget and decide who will pay – communicate this to all family members to avoid surprises
• Decide the type of vacation – adventuresome, cultural, physically active, relaxing, learning, etc.
• How much time is expected to spend together and what alone time may be available?

An ocean cruise can be an ideal choice for family travel since there is a wide variety of activities available, as well as cabin types and dining options. Some family members can choose to be very active while others can choose to relax during the day, but everyone can gather again at least for dinner. Choose from luxury ships (like Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas or Paul Gauguin), more mainstream cruise ships (such as Princess or Royal Caribbean) to eco-adventure or sailing ships (such as Lindblad Expeditions or Windstar), and from itineraries all around the world.

A number of tour operators specialize in family travel so you may want to take advantage of itineraries offered by one of these companies… Disney ventured into ocean cruising several years ago but now also offers luxurious land tours on all continents and will soon introduce river cruising in Europe. Tauck, a luxury land tour operator who also offers river cruising in Europe, offers specific itineraries for families including African safaris. Thomson Family Adventures, with roots as a successful safari operator, has specialized in family travel since 1998. Backroads offers premium or luxury bicycling and multi-sport trips throughout the world and offers a number of itineraries geared for families.

Call Gateway Destinations to create unforgettable memories through extraordinary travel for your family, 602-923-1542.