Expand your world with a vacation that pushes your boundaries in every way. Here are five to consider.
Join an expedition
Plan ahead for a life-changing voyage to introduce the budding scientists in your clan to a one-of-a-kind wilderness. In addition to seeing penguins waddle or whales breach amid blue-tinged icebergs, kids (and adults) will learn how climate change is affecting the ice and wildlife as part of an Antarctic expedition. During an Abercrombie & Kent journey to this wild southernmost destination, zip to remote islands via Zodiac boats where Crabeater and Weddell seals loll on the ice, view ever-changing ice formations, observe smile-inducing Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguin colonies and embrace the opportunity to step where few have ventured before. Your family will also learn nautical knot-tying with a former British Royal Marine commando, join kids-only scavenger hunts and learn from deep-sea presentations by a marine biologist as well as a photo-coaching workshop for teens and kids-only Zodiac lessons with a naturalist guide. Ask about offers for family and multigenerational groups.
For more: www.abercrombiekent.com
Plan a family safari
Visit northern Tanzania’s Serengeti for a wildlife viewing and cultural extravaganza. Home to more than 3,000 lions and 1,000 leopards as well as zebras, wildebeests, warthogs and waterbuck, it’s a magical sanctuary best known for the great migration. With the Four Seasons Serengeti as your base camp, choose to explore via half- and full-day jeep tours, or from the basket of a high-flying hot air balloon. You can even get up close to the animal tracks in a 90-minute walk through the bush, led by a resident naturalist and accompanied by Maasai guides and armed national park rangers for security. The excitement doesn’t end when you return to the Lodge, where a watering hole, just beyond the infinity pool, serves up hydrating sustenance to elephant families on a daily basis.
Dine on the veranda, with sweeping views of the plains, where giraffe, eland and topi graze in the distance. Kids can visit the on-site discovery center to learn about Maasai history and culture, the significance of the Serengeti Cheetah Project and life in the bush. Relax at the spa, take a family cooking class and be amazed by a live performance of tribal dance and song offered by local Maasai.
For more: www.fourseasons.com/serengeti; www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz/destination/serengeti-national-park
Explore via a river cruise
Whether you choose to float a river in India, France, Spain or Italy, you’ll board a Uniworld ship that is unique to your destination. From the color palette to furnishings and antiques, you’ll feel right at home where you are. Settle into your luxurious cabin, unpack once and let the exploration begin. Each day, your excursions will provide an in-depth experience, wading into local cultures, shopping, museums and dining. You’ll visit a local vineyard, dine inside a 1,000-year-old-castle or sample handmade cheeses or chocolates. For those seeking more active outings, itineraries offer walking, hiking, cycling and kayaking options. Onboard each boutique ship expect premium wines and spirits, farm-to-table cuisine, musical entertainment and warm and friendly service.
For more: www.uniworld.com
Create Mediterranean-inspired memories in Barcelona
Treat yourself to the beauty and bounty of Barcelona, a city known for innovative design, culinary creativity and its location on the magical Mediterranean. Visit the Picasso Museum, stroll La Rambla and marvel at Sagrada de Familia and Park Guell, two of Antoni Gaudi’s modernist masterpieces. Check in to the well-located and towering Hotel Arts Barcelona, a destination in itself, for world-class views, easy access to the beach, and a rooftop spa and outdoor pools that overlook the city and the shimmering sea. Choose from well-designed guest rooms and suites or splurge for a duplex penthouse. For a top-notch treat, plan to experience Enoteca, the hotel’s highly acclaimed two Michelin-star restaurant from Paco Perez, Catalonia’s highest awarded chef.
For more: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/spain/barcelona; https://enotecapacoperez.com/en/
Experience the quiet side of Japan
Pull back the kimono on one the world’s most fascinating cultures as you walk the backroads of Japan. Accompanied by expert guides you’ll gain an insider’s view of the fascinating traditions and historic wonders of this ancient land when you join a Country Walkers tour. Admire tranquil Buddhist temples and walk quiet stretches of the Nakasendo Way tracing Japan’s centuries‑old mountain trade route at eye level. Closer to home, expand your family’s view of the world by immersing yourselves in international festivals as a way to learn about different customs and lifestyles. Sample baklava at Greekfest, learn a jig at an Irish festival or discover bocce ball during Italian week. Talk about the origins of different traditions and why many are unique to different regions of the world.
For more: www.countrywalkers.com
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