From Mexico, Belize and Honduras in the west, to the island of Antigua in the east, this stretch of the Caribbean encompasses some of the most popular Caribbean islands including Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the British and US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten/St. Martin and the Dominican Republic.

There are many highlights in the region and plenty of things to see and do. You won't want to miss these fun and fascinating activities:

• Hit the beach for some sun and relaxation. There are fabulous beaches on every island with several recognized as the best in the world; Seven Mile beach, Grand Cayman; Half Moon Bay, Antigua; Trunk Bay, St John and Cane Garden Bay, Tortola.
• Use the water sports facilities available at resorts and beaches around the islands. From parasailing to windsurfing to snorkeling, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy on the water. See the Water Sports page for articles on the best islands for snorkeling and windjamming options in the islands.
• Tee off at the many golf courses with seaside locations and stunning views, or try a game of tennis. Pros are on hand to help with your game at resorts like Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, one of President Bill Clinton's favorites.
• See how the Caribbean heats up when the sun goes down at casinos and nightclubs like the lively casinos and nightclubs of San Juan; Hedonism II disco and the hot Jungle nightclub in Negril, Jamaica and Caribbean nightclubs with calypso music and steel bands in Antigua.
• Try the local cuisine like the hot, spicy food of Jamaica and Spanish-inspired dishes of the Dominican Republic. Don't miss the local rum and rum cake found on many islands and of course, the renowned Blue Mountain coffee of Jamaica.
• Discover the fascinating history by exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico; the Spanish fort, El Morro, in old San Juan; plantation homes on Jamaica and Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Antigua. The oldest city in the New World is Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic which dates back to the 1600's. Walk cobblestone streets in the Colonial City and visit many well preserved historic buildings in Spanish Colonial style.
• Go shopping at the local markets and duty free shops for a combination of local specialties and well priced designer goods.

Your Home Away from Home

So where will you stay while in the islands? Our partners provide a wide range of options for you to consider from luxury hotels and villas to all inclusive resorts for every budget:

• Totally private villas with from one to eight air-conditioned bedrooms, tropical gardens, breezy pavilions and most with their own swimming pool and deck. Hilltop locations have exquisite views while waterside locales are just steps from the beach. There's a range of luxury amenities while some even have a chef available to prepare meals. These gracious homes are certainly your ultimate private tropical paradise.
• Couples only resorts with lavish suites, top rated sports facilities, spa, haute cuisine and premium wine and spirits. Daily activities and nightly entertainment keep you busy while excursions let you explore the island.
• Family oriented, beachside resorts with all meals and snacks, wine and drinks and tips included. The resort facilities offer everything you could want for active family fun; glass bottom boats, water sports, golf, supervised kids activities, water parks with waterslides, fitness centers and more.
• Distinctive hotels and resorts in premiere locations are a part of our hotel collection. We offer these special amenities at our member hotels:
  • Upgraded room at time of check-in, if available.
  • Early check-in, late check-out, if available.
  • An Exclusive Amenity, such as breakfast daily, resort credit, afternoon tea, etc.

Caribbean Cruising

The Caribbean is the number one cruising destination in the world. Ships sail from island to island letting you experience the delights of several different places in one vacation.

• Ships depart from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida; New York City; Bayonne, New Jersey (Cape Liberty Cruise Port); Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana and Galveston, Texas to the Eastern or Western Caribbean.
• The Western Caribbean itineraries will include ports in some of these destinations: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Key West.
• Eastern routes call at some of these islands: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten/St. Martin, Dominican Republic, Antigua, Turks & Caicos, St. Barts, St. Kitts, Jost van Dyke, Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
• A port in the Bahamas is often included on both routes.
• Longer sailings of 10 days or more may include Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean ports of call.
• Ships range from intimate yachts to massive behemoths which are destinations in themselves.
• There's a wide range of pricing depending on the ship and type of accommodation you choose.

We can narrow down the choices and help you select the best cruise for the experience you want in the Caribbean.

Australia and New Zealand are full of amazing natural landscapes, vibrant cities and modern attractions. There's so much of interest it's not surprising visitors return inspired and excited about their experiences.

New Zealand is compact and can be covered, top to bottom, in a couple of weeks.

Across the Tasman Sea lies Australia. This vast country has many areas catering to visitors that are long distances apart.

Combining both countries is an adventure of a lifetime as you see two of the most fascinating countries in the world - from spectacular Fjordland National Park, New Zealand to Ayers Rock, Australia and everything surrounding these amazing places.

Independent Touring

Through our industry partnerships, we can arrange a custom vacation for you to see all you want in Australia and New Zealand.

• From luxury hotels to budget camping adventures there are many options available for singles, families and groups.
• In New Zealand, the road system on both the North and South islands is immaculately maintained and un-crowded making it easy to tour by car or motor-home. You can also travel by rail and coach.
• Farm stays let you experience first hand a vital part of these agricultural nations.
• With the long distances in Australia, take advantage of an air pass if you have limited time. There are also rail and coach passes available for independent travellers.
• Independent tours designed for families include activities just for kids like a visit to the School of the Air, a program of radio instruction for children of the Outback.
• For the outdoor adventurer, trekking, bird and wildlife viewing are safe and pleasant in New Zealand as there are no natural predators or snakes. Take a hike on White Island, an active marine volcano or through the Waitomo Caves to glow worm grotto. Go bungee jumping where it was invented, in Queenstown, the capital of extreme adventure activity. 

Escorted Tours

For many travellers, organized tours with a group provide the most efficient way to see the most important areas of Australia and New Zealand. They enjoy the carefree experience with luggage handled for them, having a full time local guide and the camaraderie of travelling with others.

• Tours are available with accommodation from budget to luxury with most sightseeing and some meals included.
• Group Tours range from a one day tour to the Hunter Valley north of Sydney to comprehensive one month tours of both countries with domestic flights included.
• Combine shorter tours and city stays to create your own adventure. Pick and choose from a wide selection of destination and special interest escorted tours.
• A must see, easily visited by guided tour, is famous Ayers Rock, situated at the Red Centre of Australia, the dry, outback desert area in the middle of the country. The area is part of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park which is Aboriginal land and one of the few World Heritage properties listed for both natural and cultural importance. Experience Aboriginal culture at the visitors centre and music and dance shows.
• To see more of the South Pacific, add a stop over in Fiji or the Cook Islands to your flight home.

Last but not least, you can combine both a land and sea vacation on a cruise tour of  Australia and New Zealand.  Cruising Australia and New Zealand is an adventure that offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences unmatched anywhere else in the world. The ports you'll visit are amongst the most varied and interesting in the world. You can discover more of these exciting countries by adding a tour before or after your cruise. This could certainly be your most memorable vacation

Australia tour packages and independant vacations were just released for all of 2011 through early 2012.  There are some wonderful promotions available for booking made by the end of August.

Although New England is known for fall foliage, there are other parts of the country that have equally stunning leaf color with mountain back drops, lakeside views or sprawling vineyards. Don't forget the amazing National Parks. Peak is usually mid-October. Sedona, Zion, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone all offer great fall folors. Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite national park usually peak later, around the end of October.

In the South, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains are popular areas to see foliage, as well as Greensboro, Franklin and These areas tends to peak in early November.

Although several departures are sold out, there are still some foliage tours, cruises and train trips to view the fall foliage in 2010.  I invite you to visit our website dedicated to Fall Foliage trips if you want would like more information.

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

Ready to research a trip?

Here is our network of travel destination sites for travel planning made easy!

Africa Tours | Alaska Tours | Antarctica Tours | Asia Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Australia Tours | Canada Tours | Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | Fall Foliage Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours | Hawaii Tours | Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour | National Parks Tours | Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | South America Tours | Spain Tours

So many unique places are found in South America, no wonder it's a favorite with all types of travelers. Here you'll find some of the most intriguing and amazing sights in the world. From Caracas to Cape Horn, imagine being at these remarkable places:

• Angel Falls, in Canaima National Park, Venezuela - The world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall at 3,230 ft, the view from the air is unforgettable.
• Cartagena, Colombia - The colonial walled city and fortress are a UNESCO World Heritage site well worth wandering for the history and striking architecture.
• The Amazon River - The longest river and largest river basin in the world, the Amazon runs 4,000 miles through seven countries; Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil. With a diverse eco system and many unique species, it is a major destination for adventure and eco-travelers.
• Ecuador & the Galapagos Archipelago - The smallest country in the Andes has much to offer visitors. The colonial center of Quito, Pacific beaches, volcanoes both active and extinct, white water rafting, mountain cabins and Amazonia jungle lodges. The Galapagos Archipelago with its unique habitat and marine reserve is a province of Ecuador situated 600 miles west of the mainland.
• Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Peru - This area is the center of Incan civilization where ruins are still being discovered and visitors marvel at stories of ancient life. Machu Picchu, the ruined city high in the mountains is nothing short of breathtaking and the most visited site in Peru. Museums in Cusco and Lima bring Incan history, art and culture to life. Active travelers will want to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a four-day hike ranked one of the best in the world.
• Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia - At 12,500 ft in the Andes, this is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. The vistas of coastline and mountains are beautiful and there are some unusual islands to explore- like the Uros floating reed islands, some of which welcome visitors.
• Patagonia, Chile and Argentina - This expansive and remote region of ice fields, fjords, glaciers and mountains contains such romantic places as the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel, Torres del Paines National Park. Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia; the world's southernmost city. Visit Magellanic Penguin colonies and enjoy the rugged outdoors in one of the most beautiful areas on the continent.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina - The favorite city of many world travelers is known for its magnificent architecture (including the home of the President, the famous Pink Palace), wide avenues, street side cafes, manicured parks and colorful barrios or neighborhoods. Seeing Tango dancers perform spontaneously in the street at historic La Boca gets you in the mood of this exciting city.
• Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil - Spanning the border of Argentina and Brazil is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world and the top attraction in South America. Walkways allow for good viewing of the 275 falls which stretch along a 1.67-mile stretch of the Iguazu River. Entry is through the Visitors Centre where you buy tickets to the Iguazu Falls National Park. Tour on your own or hire a bilingual guide. Nearly 2 million people visit the falls each year.
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - With magnificent beaches and mountains right in town, this is one of the world's most spectacular cities. Enjoy the long, sandy- and legendary- Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon beaches while the famous statue of Christ watches over you from atop Corcovado Mountain. Take a cog railway ride to the top to see this amazing statue and panoramic views of the city and coastline. Rio's annual Carnival is the most lavish in the world and the most colorful time to visit.
  
  New Tours for 2011
• Globus Andean Explorer
  10 day exciting journey of Peru icluding Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Nazca Lines an a excursion to Lake Titicaca.
  
• Trafalgar Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes
  8 day family Costa Rica vacation

Arches - Moab, UT - Features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches as well as many other unusual rock formations. Weather has exposed millions of years of geologic history in a landscape of contrasting colors and textures. Desert annuals like grasses and wildflowers are adapted to the arid environment and can be seen here in April and May.

Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg, TN - well known for its mist-shrouded ridges of forest which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity including over 1,660 varieties. It is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.”

Yellowstone - Yellowstone, WY - Famous for Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, along with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This park was established in 1872, and is America's first national park. In the spring you may see Wild Strawberries, Glacier Lilies and Bluebells among many other wildflowers.

Yosemite - Yosemite, CA - is best known for its stunning waterfalls and Half Dome. The best time to visit is late May and early June, when mountain snowmelt and waterfalls are at their peak. In Yosemite Valley & Wawona: you will find flowering dogwood and California Poppies beginning in May. More Wildflowers begin in early June such as Sierra Onion, Lupine, MariposaLlily, and Pentstemon.

Zion - Springdale, UT - Includes towering cliffs and small narrow canyons in unique sandstone ranging in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons. With elevations ranging from 3,600 to 8,700 feet, Zion National Park has a diversity of plant communities, supporting more than 900 species of plants. In the early spring, many plants take advantage of the seasonal rains, to flower such as the Desert Marigold or Slickrock Paintbrush.

Choose from National park tours or driving vacations.

The scented tropical air, agreeable climate, warm waters and Polynesian charm add to the ease and enjoyment of your stay. The hardest part will be choosing what to do each day, Hawaii offers visitors so many options. Indulge in sports, culture, adventure, cuisine, wellness - there's plenty to choose from in Hawaii.

Special Things to See and Do

Six of the Hawaiian Islands welcome visitors - Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Lanai and Molokai - each with its own special characteristics.

• Surfing - Hawaii is the home of modern surfing. It's a thrilling experience being carried in on the waves in an Outrigger Canoe on Waikiki Beach. Take a private surfing lesson to learn the ropes of the classic surf board.
• Honolulu - The island of Oahu is where Honolulu is situated; the capital and largest city of the islands. Here you'll find a wealth of museums and galleries to visit. Pay your respects at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The Battleship Missouri, U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and the Pacific Aviation Museum are also found at Pearl harbor.
• Kauai - Kayak down the Wailua River. Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii and it is home to many natural wonders - waterfalls, blow holes, cliffs, caves, the Fern Grotto as well as colorful Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
• Maui - Wander through the historic town of Lahaina. It was a missionary and plantation center and a whalers' stop in the mid-1800s. Today it is on the National Registry of Historic Places. You can also cycle down Haleakala (a 10,023-ft. dormant volcano), take a whale watching boat to see the thousands of humpback whales that winter here or visit offshore Molokini, a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are seemingly endless things to do on this beautiful island which is well organized for visitors.
• The Big Island - The island of Hawaii is known for its adventure activities and golf. Mt. Kilauea has been continuously erupting since 1983 making it the world's most active volcano. See molten lava at the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area or from the deck of your cruise ship when it sails along the coast at night. Volcanoes National Park, the orchid gardens, the famous Kona coffee and the world's largest astrological observatory are other unique features of the remarkable island.
• Lanai and Molokai - These peaceful, natural islands are not as developed for tourism as their larger neighbors, however, you'll find some superb golf resorts on Lanai. Molokai offers some of the most breathtaking coastline as it is home to the world's largest sea cliffs. Ride a mule to remote Kalaupapa National Historical Park, one of Hawaii's most significant historic sites.

One of the most frequently asked questions we are asked that pertains to fall foliage travel, is "When is the Best Time to see the changing of the leaves?" 

Witness the magnificent Fall Foliage of New England, starting in Boston and then traveling along Maine's rocky coast to Portland. Enjoy time in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, picturesque Acadia National Park, and feast at a traditional Maine lobster bake. More stops in New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut will add to your unforgettable journey.

See oranges, yellows, reds, purples and browns burst into bloom in the autumn, painting a colorful backdrop to the white steeped villages of New England, the dramatic seascapes of Maritime Canada and the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Keep in mind, fall colors can be affected by wind, temperature and moisture. Mother nature can be unpredictable, so try to make your trip for other sites & events around New England, as well as the changing of the leaves. The peak travel season is typically mid-September to early October. We normally suggest after September 23rd through mid-October. Peak fall foliage in New England works its way down from the north. The further north you go, the earlier the peak. Many popular tour itineraries include Vermont, New Hampshire (Kancamagus Scenic Highway) and Massachusetts (the Mohawk Trail.) 

Choose from various fall foliage tours, rail vacations and cruise itineraries to gain the full experience of what New England has to offer. As the season nears, there are many "Hotlines" to get up to date information on the changing of the season. Tauck has a foliologist/naturalist that gives updates on their hotline: 800-214-8209 starting in early September.

In August, one of the world's greatest spectacles can be witnessed, the wildebeest and zebra migrations on the Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya. While on an African safari, you can also see lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, antelopes and gazelles. There are some very unique places to stay in Kenya, including lodges, safari clubs and luxury tented camps.  

If you don't mind crowds, you can visit Scotland in August to attend the world's largest art festival, in Edinburgh, or the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It is the rainy season, so make sure and pack an umbrella or raincoat. Accommodations are hard to come by due to these festivals, so it may be best to book with a tour operator who already had rooms blocked off a year in advance, so you are not overpaying. 

Yellowstone national park is located in Wyoming.  August is a great time to see wildlife, including bears, wolves, eagles, elk and bison. The weather is warm during the day, but can get chilly at higher elevations in the evenings. You can hike, take guided fishing and boating trips, photo safaris and more. You can spend several days in Yellowstone, or combine it with travel to other U.S. national parks. Chances are that most national park tours are sold out for this August, but you can now book early for 2012 national park tours and save up to 10%. 

In August, the salmon spawn in Alaska, which attracts bears to feed along the shorelines. Bald eagles also feed on the salmon, so this is a great time for bird watching and to see Alaskan wildlife. Species of birds include ducks, hawks, puffin and loons. If cruising in Alaska, you may also see whales and sea otters. There are still some last minute cruise deals for Alaska cruises if you are interested.

My wife and I find it impossible to choose the most incredible highlight of our trip, but certainly ranking at the top for us was College Fjord. The most spectacular part of College Fjord is simply its structure; we were literally surrounded on three sides by flowing rivers of ice. The Fjord is the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in all of Alaska, each named after New England’s elite Ivy League universities.

Next, we arrived at Kenai Fjords National Park, where our land tour began. As our ship approached the park, we sailed through steep-sided glacier fjords overflowing with wildlife, from bald eagles to porpoises and sea lions. The town of Seward, with a quaint, historic downtown, is the gateway to the park, an immense 650,000 acres that includes the 300-square mile Harding ice field, which includes the glaciers that carved the fjords over the years. One of the most fascinating parts of our entire trip was the hike we took in Kenai to Exit Glacier. The experience is truly remarkable. A short hike of less than a mile led us right up to the very face of the Glacier, where we stood gaping at the hulking ice looming above us. A hot spell in 2001 cut beautiful arcs and caves into the ice, adding to the impressive sight. 

From Kenai Fjords National Park, we ventured into the Alaskan interior, embarking on one of our favorite parts of our vacation: a railroad tour into Denali National Park. The train alone was an impressive experience; with domed tops and more glass area than any railcar ever built, our view was always unimpeded. It was incredible to sit on a train and gaze at the scenery through the ceiling.

But as amazing as the train ride was, it could not prepare us for the stunning beauty of Denali itself. The park has been under constant government protection since 1917 and is in much the same pristine condition as it was centuries ago. Its beauty astonished us at every turn, whether it was the valleys blanketed with plants unique to permafrost soil, or rugged, massive Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest peak. We also took a flightseeing tour, where we had the chance to actually hike across one of the glaciers slicing through the park and, as you’d expect, take in incredible views. Sandra could not stop snapping pictures! As we relaxed one evening in our cozy hotel near Denali, we knew that this was the trip of which we had always dreamed.

An avid animal spotter? Employ infra-red night vision goggles on an evening game drive to spot elusive nocturnal species. Kenya overflows with exciting opportunities to see its teeming wildlife and unparalleled culture. Indelible moments include anything from guided walks into the savannah with a Maasai warrior or saddling up for a horseback expedition alongside a family of giraffe. Ride a camel in Samburu National Park and discover endemic species such as the grevvy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Fly-fish on Lake Rutundu, where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton last fall, and savor your catch of the day.
 
If you’re truly seeking to be “blown away,” soar over Kenya’s magnificent landscape in a hot air balloon and see herds of animals from a bird’s eye view. Most balloon experiences leave at dawn and conclude with a fully cooked breakfast replete with champagne – a perfect time to exchange your animal spotting details with your balloon partners. You can also fly over the Mau forest and the famed green tea plantations of Kericho, located in the Great Rift Valley and where the best tea in Kenya is sourced, to the quiet and secluded Mfangano Island in Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.

Stay in a luxury tented camp along the water and salute the grunting hippos and hungry crocodiles in Mzima Springs, while sipping on a warm mug of Kenyan coffee or locally grown tea. Kenya being the greatest country in Africa for bird watching, patiently scour the horizon to spot several of the 1,000 recorded feathered species.

Visit your Maasai guide’s village and befriend the locals; learn about their customs and partake in their colorful and upbeat dances. Perhaps you will even pick up on the Maasai women’s excellent beading skills or how to prepare ugali, a staple dish of cornmeal flour and water cooked into a porridge-like consistency.

If you’re looking to relax in between safari expeditions, revel in pampering spa treatments at your lodge. A not-miss tradition is to take part in the safari sundowner where you can watch the golden African sun set over Loita Hills, while sipping on a refreshing local Tusker brew. Kenya offers an array of unforgettable experiences for everyone.

A journey into Kenya is enriching in more ways than one. While the wildlife is spectacular, the cultural visits to any of the forty distinct ethnic communities are truly unforgettable. Only in Kenya can one unearth a rich heart filled with history, warmth, kindness, and splendor.

Start planning an Africa tour today.

World Customs & Cultures – This FREE app includes customs, cultural information and facts on over 165 countries.

Kenya Travel Guide – Official Kenya travel guide (.99 cents)

My South African Cooking App:  Lots of easy to follow recipes.  ($2.99)

ebags Coupon Code: On safari you could be taking different modes of transportation such as jeeps, boats and smaller airplanes depending on your itinerary.  Suitcases with wheels don't work well in this area as they are usually scuffed or damaged. Save up to 50% on ebags for daypacks and duffle bags like the one pictured here, which would be perfect for your African safari.

Browse our National park tours and vacations including rail tours and multi-sport adventures.

If you prefer staying in one place, we urge you to consider ‘all-inclusive’ resort stays. You can have all of the features of a resort, great food, delectable drinks and unlimited activities, all included in the price. That gives the entire family the freedom to experience an amazing array of activities without stress or hassle. We love Club Med’s “Most Inclusive” family plan programs at resorts like the Cancun Yucatan, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the recently renovated Sandpiper Resort in Florida. These are places that really know how to manage the diverse needs of family groups, from tots to teens to adults of all ages.

Q: I want to take my two older sons on a ‘sporty’ vacation (and not just golf!). Any suggestions?

A: There’s really nothing like fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is spectacular and the angling is world-class. We recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs. But caution: this trip can be very habit-forming! Hiking and river rafting in the National Parks is another great vacation.

We already mentioned Royal Caribbean cruise line with a number of sports activities onboard, but they aren't the only cruise line.  Consider Norwegian Cruise Line, specifically their new ship, the Norwegian Epic.  Here they'll find a sports deck with a repelling wall, extreme rock climbing wall, bowling alley, full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, a batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24 ft. tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web.  Then they can cool off in the first ever Aqua Park that offers 3 waterslides. The Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea, has a thrilling drop through a 200 ft. long tube. How that for a variety of "sport activities?"

Q: We’re having a tough time deciding which U.S. National Park to visit this year. Any clues?

A: Yellowstone is great for kids, with all the animals and geysers. Yosemite is good for older kids and adults, who can climb Half Dome and appreciate the waterfalls and wildflowers. For a little more adventure, how about hiking the Appalachian Trail or camping in Maine’s stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park?

Q: We’re planning a big family reunion getaway. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We keep getting rave reviews from large reunion groups that cruise together. There’s loads to do, both aboard and on shore, great accommodations for group activities and staff that really know how to entertain and satisfy the needs of several generations in one party. Depending on your time and interests, consider a family cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Q: We want to start planning our next great family adventure. What are the hottest “long-haul” destinations right now?

A: Australia and South Africa are at the top of our list of favorites. We can take you to both places, from azure oceans to cosmopolitan cities to the wild outback. Take a fabulous safari to South Africa and travel to Cape Town and the Kapame Game Reserve. Discover Down Under with a grand journey to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Sydney. Whether you want an experienced guide to help you navigate the new terrain or would rather venture on your own, we’ll help you choose a guided vacation or craft a tailor-made independent journey just for you.

Q: My husband and my kids and my parents want to go to Hawaii. Help!

A: Hawaii is the perfect multi-generation family destination. From lounging at the pool to hiking, surfing, shopping, golf, spa treatments, etc., there’s truly something for everyone. Consider Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where children 18 and younger stay free. Or how about the new Aulani Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu? It’s the first Disney resort not attached to a theme park…and sure to be a big hit!

Q: Any last-minute packing tips for traveling with families?
A: Limit each person to one wheeled suitcase and one carry-on backpack or shoulder bag (keep one hand free to hold onto your child). Make a packing checklist for each person and let older kids be responsible for their packing. Pack several days before you leave so you have time to remember those last-minute items. Pack each day’s clothing together in outfits. Choose washable clothes that can be mixed and matched and dressed up with a jacket or shawl, and make sure shoes are comfortable and broken in before your trip! Visit our Travel Advice section on our blog for more travel tips. If you are looking for a new luggage set or carry on bag, take advantage of this ebags coupon code. 

Q: Any recommendations for a family getaway at the end of the year?

A: For a really ‘magical’ holiday, the dazzling Christmas markets in Europe will please all the family. Or, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday and an escape into warm weather, take a Paul Gauguin Cruise to Tahiti or enjoy a relaxed resort experience on Fiji. But plan ahead! Resorts sell out in the summer for the holidays and family suites tend to sell out first.

Q: We’d like to take our kids on a guided vacation as a graduation gift for our daughter. What do you suggest that would appeal to both the young people and the adults?

A: For starters, here are two very different suggestions: Costa Rica and Italy tours. Both of these remarkable places are packed with scenery, colorful culture, fantastic food and warm, welcoming people. There are plenty of other options across the globe, so give us a a call and we’ll help you craft the experience that fits your preferences and your budget.

Q: I’m worried about what will happen if someone gets sick when we’re on our trip.

A: Being sick on a trip is never fun, but you can protect yourself against some of the anxiety and inconvenience with travel insurance. There are many options and we’d be happy to talk with you and help you choose the best plan for your family.

Arches - Moab, UT - Features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches as well as many other unusual rock formations. Weather has exposed millions of years of geologic history in a landscape of contrasting colors and textures. Desert annuals like grasses and wildflowers are adapted to the arid environment and can be seen here in April and May.

Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg, TN - well known for its mist-shrouded ridges of forest which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity including over 1,660 varieties. It is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.”

Yellowstone - Yellowstone, WY - Famous for Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, along with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This park was established in 1872, and is America's first national park. In the spring you may see Wild Strawberries, Glacier Lilies and Bluebells among many other wildflowers.

Yosemite - Yosemite, CA - is best known for its stunning waterfalls and Half Dome. The best time to visit is late May and early June, when mountain snowmelt and waterfalls are at their peak. In Yosemite Valley & Wawona: you will find flowering dogwood and California Poppies beginning in May. More Wildflowers begin in early June such as Sierra Onion, Lupine, MariposaLlily, and Pentstemon.

Zion - Springdale, UT - Includes towering cliffs and small narrow canyons in unique sandstone ranging in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons. With elevations ranging from 3,600 to 8,700 feet, Zion National Park has a diversity of plant communities, supporting more than 900 species of plants. In the early spring, many plants take advantage of the seasonal rains, to flower such as the Desert Marigold or Slickrock Paintbrush.

• Watch Dall sheep clinging precariously to the mountain sides while hiking or from the window of a small plane or helicopter.
• At Mendenhall Glacier or on Mt. Roberts in Juneau, you may see one of the black bears which frequent the area. (At one time they were seen daily on the streets downtown until bear-free garbage bins were introduced.)
• Watch for moose and beluga whales while driving to Anchorage from Whittier.

However, you won't see animals at every turn. You do need to know where to go and the best times for viewing. This is where some organization comes in handy. There are many professional guides and naturalists ready to take you on the most exhilarating wildlife experiences you can imagine. Take a look at these popular options:

Bear Viewing, Ketchikan

Take a flight-hike combination to Anan Creek for observation of Alaska's largest concentration of grizzly and black bears. A bear observation area has been created for visitor safety. Traitors' Cove and Fish Creek are two other Ketchikan area locations for bear viewing.

Wilderness Safaris, Skagway and Haines

See whales, porpoise, sea lions, bear, moose, Arctic terns and bald eagles on adventures from Skagway and Haines. Combine a high-speed boat ride from Skagway with a hike through the wilderness for an amazing outdoor adventure.

Whale & Wildlife Cruises - Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point

• These are the best spots on the Inside Passage for viewing sea life; humpback and orca (killer) whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals.
• Sitka is the best place for sea otter cruises which include brown bear and Sitka blacktail deer viewing.
• Icy Strait Point offers a tour which includes viewing the coastal brown (grizzly) bears of Chichagof Island along with sea life viewing.

Denali National Park and Preserve

The 6 million-acre park is home to glaciated mountains, canyons, lakes and a sub-Arctic region making it the perfect place to see grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. There are numerous trails to follow, guided hikes and interpretive activities. On clear days you'll be able to see 20,320-ft. Mount McKinley (Denali), North America's highest mountain, which is situated in the park. Take a flight over this spectacular sight and you may see animals on its slopes!

Alaska SeaLife Center - Seward

For an up-close look at Alaska's sea life, the "window on the sea" is Alaska's only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center. Observe Alaska's diverse sea life and watch scientists studying and assisting these amazing creatures. Reservations are not required for general admission but are recommended for the Octopus Encounter, Puffin Encounter, Marine Mammal Encounter and Behind the Scenes Tours. Reservations are required for all other Special Programs and Tours.

Birding

• Birders will be thrilled by what they see while hiking and in towns across Alaska.
• There are over 450 bird species including many bald eagles which are surprisingly easy to find.
• Sitka and Juneau are two outstanding places for guided birding hikes.
• Don't miss the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka where injured birds of prey receive treatment before being returned to the wild.