Plan your next vacation with extended family in mind. Here are five ideas that may appeal to multiple generations.
Montana’s Magnificent National Parks
Montana’s national parks provide an extraordinary window into nature’s glory. And there are few places on the planet as stunning as Glacier National Park. Located in a rugged corner of Montana not far from the Canadian border, the iconic Many Glacier Hotel lures visitors from around the world, eager to see the disappearing glaciers, hike aside azure-colored lakes, and catch a glimpse of resident wildlife. The secluded, five-story, 214-room gem offers old-world-style guest rooms and a Swiss Alpine theme within an unparalleled lakeside setting. To the south, Yellowstone, a nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness recreation area sitting atop a volcanic hot spot, is a nature lover’s nirvana. Visitors to this storied national park, America’s first, stop to ogle what they came for. Perhaps it’s a grizzly with cubs, a lone wolf, or a moose snacking in the marshy grass. Recent flooding has caused some restrictions. Check for updates.For more: NPS.gov/yell; NPS.gov/glac; Xanterra.com
Visit Boston
If your clan craves an urban adventure, splash into Beantown aboard a history-filled, narrated Boston Duck Tour. Take the sports fans in your crew to Fenway Park for old-timey baseball stories—or, choose from an impressive lineup of concert performances. Visit the Franklin Park Zoo and stroll through Boston Common, a 50-acre green space that once served as a cow pasture for local residents. Spend time on the historic Freedom Trail, where you can tour Paul Revere’s home as well as other important landmarks. Paddle on the Charles River or consider a visit to one of the nation’s newest national parks, Boston’s Harbor Islands National Park, for eco-minded, sea-faring fun.For more : BostonUSA.com
Adventure in Alaska
Our sparsely-populated and endlessly-captivating 49th state lures generations who yearn for epic scenery, spouting whales and glaciers the size of small countries. Experience family travel in rugged Alaska by road and rail, via boutique yachts and expedition ships that set sail for adventure beginning each spring.Aboard smaller vessels, you’ll have meaningful cultural experiences, find your way to natural nooks and crannies, opt for hiking and kayaking, and discover rarely-visited wilderness areas, increasing the chance for up-close wildlife viewing. Those who venture to America’s last frontier will be rewarded with Mother Nature in all her glory. In the short term, visit the state’s inspirational website to order your free travel planning guide.
For more: Uncruise.com; WindstarCruises.com; TravelAlaska.com
Sleep in Something Special
It’s fun to spend the night in a less-than-ordinary space. Increasingly popular, yurts, a Mongolian original, fit the bill. At Colorado’s Snow Mountain Ranch at the YMCA in Winter Park, your multigenerational family can snooze the night away in a yurt featuring one queen bed and two sets of bunk beds, accommodating up to six people. An outdoor tent pad makes it possible to expand the party by adding another two people (guests must bring their own tents). The yurts also include a microwave, mini fridge, prep table, picnic table, outdoor grill, and fire ring. All yurts offer electricity and complimentary Wi-Fi. The bathhouse, located nearby, has flush toilets, handicapped-accessible hot showers, hair dryers, a coin-operated washer and dryer, and deep-well sinks. Yurts are available year-round and are pet friendly.For more: SnowMountainRanch.org; Colorado.com
A Skip-Gen Stay
During the past few years, many grandparents were forced to forego time with their grandkids. And their parents were often doing double-duty managing work and school from home. So why not plan a skip-gen vacation where parents get a break and grandparents and grandkids get to know each other without the filter of mom or dad on the scene? Grandparents: Whether you share your stories on a cruise ship, in an all-inclusive resort, or on a dude ranch, plan now to share your experiences and knowledge with the younger set. Are you a veteran? Did you grow up inspired by jazz or classical music? Did the ethnic or rural neighborhood of your youth greatly influence the person you are today? Consider a visit to a war memorial, take in a small concert, or stop by the old stomping grounds. It will mean more to hear a bit of history from someone who has been there than what they’ll find in schoolbooks. And remember, you are part of their history.Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert, and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com
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