The pandemic-era popularized the idea of “trip stacking,” a concept that encourages crafting a backup to your primary travel plan. Busy families often face shifting school and sports schedules, unexpected sniffles, or fluctuating professional demands that get in the way of executing vacation plans. So creating an alternate, yet appealing, itinerary might make sense for your family.
Here are five ideas to consider.
1. Dream Trip: Cruise the Med
Oh, to cruise the Mediterranean. While pondering a trip aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, the kids have focused on the latest on-board amenities, including skydiving, virtual adventures, glow in the dark laser tag, and bumper car showdowns. The adults imagine strolling the ancient pathways in Florence and sipping local wines on the Amalfi Coast. With older kids in your crew, perhaps you see your selves savoring the stunning views under the whipping cloth of a Windstar sailing ship.
Backup Plan: Paddle Through the Boundary Waters
But should an international adventure become untenable, consider a canoe adventure on a scenic lake where the natural beauty is top-notch. Head to the Minnesota Boundary Waters and paddle amid a sparsely populated, 1 million-plus-acre expanse of wilderness. Listen to the waves lapping against the shoreline and the haunting lullaby offered by local loons as you drift to sleep in one of 2,000 secluded campsites that dot the lake region. Wake to the sounds of birds chirping in the birch trees before setting out to explore more of the 1,500 miles of canoe routes that crisscross the waterways. End the day around the campfire, toasting with Italian wine.
For more: BoundaryWatersOutfitters.com; ExploreMinnesota.com: WindstarCruises.com; RoyalCaribbean.com
