Friday, December 12, 2008

Family Adventure Vacation Ideas

By Ada Denis

With the Christmas cheer in the air, and the awaiting New Year, everyone has his or her own special plans to celebrate the end of an eventful year and welcome a new one. Often the vacation plans include spending quality time loved ones. Since there are different kinds of people in this world, there are so many different types of families across the world and every family has their signature way of celebrating holidays and planning vacations. Some families prefer cozy parties and home-cooked meals, some prefer to go out and dance and sing and then there is a third kind Families who like to go rock-climbing, fishing, skiing, kayaking, you name it and they'll pack their bags and be on their way to enjoy themselves in the lap of nature.

Adventure sports or adventure outings are actually a great way for families to bond and have a fun time together. If you are one of those people who are bored of the conventional vacation ideas or you are simply an adventure buff who would rather go kayaking and snowboarding rather than sitting at home during the holidays, then here is a list of adventurous ideas for the perfect vacation with your family!

Go Kayaking

Kayaking is a very popular sport, which is similar to canoeing. The Kayak only differs from a canoe in the construction and the seating position of person. Kayaking is an adventurous sport that can be enjoyed on a family vacation. Preferably members who can swim should indulge in this sport. Although non-swimmers can equally enjoy the sport since they can use their life jackets and all the kayaking resorts have their lifeguards in place.

Suggested Destinations: You can go Kayaking near the picturesqueVancouver islands. There are many tours that offer four or five day tours to the Johnstone Strait, which will offer a scenic retreat for your family. The beautiful San Juan Islands in Washington located along the Pacific coastline, which are home to the Killer whale are sure to entice and engage your family for sure. Other options might be the Florida Everglades, the Mount Desert Island at Bar Harbor, Maine or the tropical coastlines of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Go Hiking

If going on a trek, where you will have the climb through the hills and rocks, with your backpack is your idea of fun, then hiking is definitely the way to go! Nature trails and hiking sprees are some of the finest ways to experience the bounty of Mother Nature as you hike through some of the most charismatic hills with verdant surroundings which are coupled with the most tranquil lakes or rivers and the most dazzling waterfalls. Hiking can be a fun way, just be careful while choosing your destination, and consider the physical capabilities of all the members in your family.

Suggested Destinations: If you are looking for the ultimate hiking destination, California's High Sierra that is home to the highest peak in USA, Mount Whitney is the place for you. Whether it's the volcanic Mount Lassen or the Lake Tahoe, nature's bounty will surprise you and enchant you at every step. Other options include the Yukon-Charles Rivers National Preserve in Alaska, Patagonia hiking destinations or the Inca trails in Peru or the classic Swiss Alps.

Go Camping

Pitch a tent along the quiet riverbanks, indulge in fishing or swimming by the day, cook a meal on the riverside fire, and curl up with your loved ones by the night as you sit and chat looking at the bonfire flames shimmer against the contrast of the tranquil deep blue skies. Sounds fun doesn't it? Camping can be a great way to unwind and enjoy a fun vacation with you family. Pick out the right destination, and make sure you are carrying all your emergency supplies to last you through your stay. If you are one of those people who prefer to carry their homes with them while traveling, taking a recreational vehicle or an RV might be a good idea!

Suggested Destinations: There are a number of options, so pick the one that is most convenient to you. North America offers some of the best camping destinations. Nothing beats the Philip Edward Island, or the Flat Tops at Colorado, or the Channel Islands and Aloha Lakes in California.

Go Sailing

Nothing beats the euphoria of sailing on the azure waters as the cool wind blows through your hair and refreshes you mind and body in an instant. Sailing can be a fun experience for an entire family. In addition to sailing, you can spruce up the venture with some other water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing. In case your budget permits, you can hire a private yacht that will ensure privacy for your family. However be careful about the safety of your family members while indulging in other water sports. In case you are not familiar with the water sports, it is better to have a professional for supervision on board.

Suggested Destinations: The Caribbean waters offer the best sailing destinations and in addition to the standard cruise vacations, there are available travel packages that offer you to drop in at the near by islands and enjoy the local festivals while you are enjoying you vacation.

In addition to these activities you can also indulge in other activities like rafting, river crossing, snowboarding, or skiing. Make up your mind about the most appropriate activity and the most convenient destination, pack your bags and get ready to have the best vacation of your life! Bon Voyage!

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