Does your hectic schedule and the stress of daily obligations have you wishing you could escape to a land of peace and tranquility? Are those wishes derailed by memories of past vacations when you returned home exhausted from racing around to various attractions and sleep deprived because unfamiliar noises kept you awake? If that sounds familiar to you, it’s time for you to pursue a vacation destination in a peaceful place where beauty and serenity abound. Take a moment to visualize the following vacation scenario.
Photo by Simon Migaj on Unsplash
You arrive at your destination and are immediately awed by the beautiful, majestic mountains, the absence of man-made noise and the expansive views you have from the cozy cabin that will be your home away from home for the duration of your visit. Amenities await you that include everything from a hot tub to rocking chairs on the porch. You have the perfect set-up for a vacation alone or for a romantic escape that is long over due. Book now while this vision is fresh in your mind.
You can enjoy the activities that are offered at and near vacation resorts without exhausting yourself. The key is to be selective with the number of activities you want to pursue and to balance those with plenty of relaxation time. Go ahead and go fishing, hiking, biking, visit local attractions or go shopping. Just be sure to balance that with time spent sitting by the fire, relaxing in the hot tub or quietly watching a spectacular sunset.
Taking a vacation that is rich in outdoor pursuits offers plenty of entertainment, and a little bit of adventure may be just what the family wants, but this doesn’t have to mean a trip to an expensive theme park or a pricy overseas resort. With a little bit of imagination, alternative family destinations can be found offering the best ingredients for a great holiday, made even better by being a tad out of the ordinary. It’s certainly possible to save money, if that is a consideration, and also to venture into territory the family has not previously explored, and still have lots of fun.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
Grand Canyon National Park
The truly awesome spectacle that is the Grand Canyon makes this a first-class winner with parents and children alike. There’s so much to do and to see here, from guided tours to river trips, from hiking or catching a shuttle bus, to backpacking and even taking a ride on a mule. The Grand Canyon evokes the Wild West in the imagination and there are Grand Canyon hotels on the same theme that the kids will love.
The whole family can explore the nature of this fascinating area and along the South Rim discover more about the history of the Grand Canyon via the information centers and museums. It is also possible to rent a bicycle and take a guided tour. Near Desert View take the time to learn about the life of the Pueblo Indian. Along the North Rim a winding scenic drive will reveal the extent of this inspiring and powerful landscape that is of immense proportions.
Tour Europe on a budget
The classic European resorts tend to be the most expensive ones – Greece, Tuscany and the Costa del Sol, for example. The same experiences can be had at cheaper alternative destinations, however, so trying out Albania, Croatia and Bulgaria is likely to surprise and delight everyone, including the person holding the purse strings. Right next door to Greece, Albania shares similar deep blue seas, lovely beaches and the warm climate of its neighbor. The coastline of Ionia is a fabulous alternative to the Greek islands and much more affordable than Kefalonia or Corfu.
The Istria region in Croatia is a lot like Tuscany, where food and wine are of immense importance. The largest city, Pula, is an acknowledged center of gastronomic excellence, whilst the wine growing in the region benefits from both a Continental and a sub-Mediterranean climate. Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast is the ideal spot for a beach vacation with a difference – there are family resorts, plus warm seas and sands, but at a fraction of the cost of the Spanish ‘costas.’
Safari time
From the Wild West to the equivalent of the wilds of Africa (without going there)try a safari in British Columbia for an amazing choice of excursions for families keen on wildlife. Wolves, grizzly bears and deer can be stalked in the forests, mountains and national parks, with something to please enthusiasts of all ages. There are also great seal and whale-watching areas accessible via speedboats for an extra thrill.
I’m a stay-at-home mom for the longest time, but I still keep my wish list of the places that I still want to visit while I’m still able and fit to travel.
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The places in my travel bucket list include Baguio, Benguet, Vigan, Batanes, Tagaytay, Cebu, and General Santos City.
I’ve been to Baguio, Cebu, and Tagaytay City several years ago. But those visits were related to work. I want my next visit to be for relaxation purposes.
