TRAVELCHANNEL.COM NAMES THE TOP 10
‘TRAVEL’S BEST: FAMILY ADVENTURES’ FOR 2015
CHEVY CHASE, MD
(March 2, 2015) – Screaming kids in the backseat? Not this trip!
TravelChannel.com names the top 10
“Travel’s Best: Family Adventures” for 2015
for families to create fun-filled, memorable journeys while exploring
the globe. Broaden horizons by exploring unknown landscapes – set sail
through icy Alaskan waters to see breaching whales or venture through
Panama City streets and become enraptured by
the architecture and history. From natural excursions to cultural
strolls through cosmopolitan cities, this year’s list will be sure to
please everyone in the family.
TravelChannel.com
enlisted a panel of experts to help determine the 10 best family
adventures for 2015, including: Heather Greenwood Davis (travel
journalist and founder,
GlobetrottingMama.com), Rainer Jenns
(president and founder, Family Travel Association), Bruce Kirkby (writer, photographer and father,
Big Crazy Family Adventure), Kerry Means (family travel writer and blogger,
WalkingOnTravels.com) and Nancy Schretter
(family and multigenerational travel expert, Family Travel Network).
The 2015 “Travel’s Best: Family Adventures” (in alphabetical order by location):
Alaska
Board
an Alaskan cruise ship and sail as far away from the U.S. mainland as
possible without leaving the country. Experience the natural splendor of
America’s last frontier
and see breaching whales, foraging bears and calving glaciers
throughout the Inside Passage. Once you’re back on land, rent an RV in
Anchorage for a road trip along Kenai Peninsula’s Seward Highway, catch
your own dinner in Homer - the halibut fishing capital
of the world – and make stops at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward
and Exit Glacier – one of several active ice flows you can hike on in
the state.
Argentina
From
the beautiful capital of Buenos Aires to the sapphire glaciers of
Patagonia, locals are not only interested in meeting your family, but
they go out of their way to make
your visit pleasant and memorable. Argentina offers an array of
family-friendly adventures, such as gaucho day trips at the Don Silvano
Ranch, hikes in Tierra del Fuego National Park, kayaking tours from El
Calafate, helicopter tours of Iguazu Falls and the
unique experience of petting a tiger at the Lujan Zoo in Buenos Aires.
Chicago
The
Windy City’s world-class museums, art scene and diverse food culture
have always been big draws for families. From Shedd Aquarium and the
Field Museum to Navy Pier and
open-air concerts in Millennium Park, Chicago is an urban family
adventure for parents and kids alike. The highly anticipated opening of
The 606 – Chicago’s answer to New York’s High Line – will give families
access to more bike paths and walking trails, connecting
some of the city’s thriving neighborhoods north of downtown. These
include Logan Square, Humboldt Park and Wicker Park – where some of the
best food is offered and a slower-pace of life equals quality family
time.
Ecuador – Galapagos Islands
Everyone
who visits the Galapagos Islands is amazed by the diverse wildlife –
from lazy sea lions and giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies and
curious penguins. There is
a strict ecological protection of the area which means visitors get a
rare opportunity to see animals unafraid of human proximity. You can let
your 6-year-old snap photos of a passing whale and 10-year-old swim
above a school of sharks.
Montana – Glacier National Park
Act
fast and take the kids to Glacier National Park to see the remaining 25
glaciers before climate change makes them a distant memory. Based on
various current predictions,
all of the national park’s glaciers could be gone in just five to 15
years! This national park is filled with stunning beauty, abundant
wildlife, some of the country’s most scenic hikes and opportunities for
families to explore and learn. After you’ve had
your fill of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating and
backpacking, spend the night camping out in the park or stay at the
historic lakefront Many Glacier Hotel, where children can participate in
the park’s Junior Ranger program to earn a certificate
and a patch.
Panama City
Skip
the crowds of Costa Rica and explore Panama City’s colonial history,
architecture and culture. Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a
great spot to pick up souvenirs,
indulge in ice cream and enjoy a stroll viewing the old Spanish
architecture of Panama. Take the Amador Causeway for great panoramic
views and don’t forget to visit the Metropolitan Natural Park and the
Museum of Biodiversity. More adventures await outside
the city. See wildlife on Gatun Lake, take a tour of the Barro Colorado
– one of the world’s oldest nature reserves – visit an Embera Indian
village, go whitewater rafting on the Chagres River or spend a day on
one of Isla Contadora’s beautiful beaches.
Peru
Peru is one of
the top adventure destinations for 2015; known for mystical Machu
Picchu, this richly diverse country offers even more for families to
explore. In Peru’s Sacred Valley, families can go whitewater rafting on
the Urubamba River, ride Peruvian Paso Fino
horses through small communities and mountain bike along dirt roads to
visit ancient salt mines and Incan archaeological sites. Hiking the Inca
Trail to Machu Picchu is popular for families with teens and older
children, but combine that exciting Andean adventure
with a visit to the Peruvian Amazon – a region rich in Amazonian
wildlife, natural wonders and unique cultural experiences – and you’ll
have an exciting expedition to remember for years.
St. Lucia – Kids Sea Camp
Head
to St. Lucia for an unforgettable family diving vacation at Kids Sea
Camp where children as young as 4 years old can join the Professional
Association of Diving Instructors’
sanctioned training program and 10-year-olds can acquire certification
to SCUBA dive. In between dives, guests can hike through an 18th-century
ruin of an old sugar plantation or take a ride on a mountain bike
through the rain forest. Family Dive Adventures
offers this 6-day/7-night itinerary, hosted by top-ranked resort Anse
Chastanet, which provides the best accommodations, fine dining and
activities on the island.
Tofino, British Columbia
On
Canada’s west coast, Tofino has it all – endless beaches, camping,
luxury lodges, surfing, kayaking and self-guided hikes in the rain
forest. “Take a boat tour to go whale-watching
and visit natural hot springs,” says Bruce Kirkby, father in Travel
Channel’s
Big Crazy Family Adventure. “But for kids, nothing will beat the
beaches. There are miles and miles of sand to explore and, in some
cases, there’s not a soul in sight.” Cap off the family getaway with a
hike along the Rainforest Trail at Pacific Rim National
Park Reserve and go bear watching, bird watching, kayaking, fishing and
surfing.
Tokyo
With
Hello Kitty cafes and anime museums, Tokyo is the kind of city where
kids’ dreams can come true. Between the cartoons they watch at home, the
pop culture they’re exposed
to and the video games they swoon for, this city is where families will
find plenty to keep them busy. Despite the modernity, Tokyo also offers
more serene adventures – rent a bike to take in the Imperial Palace
Grounds, take a local course in the art of origami
or practice tai chi for a bit of culture. Venture further outside of
the city and hop on the new bullet train as you travel between Tokyo and
the Hokuriku region, watching your child’s eyes light up as the train
approaches speeds of up to 300mph!
For more details on the “Travel’s Best: Family Adventures” of 2015, go to:
http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travels-best/articles/travels-best-family-adventures-2015
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