Take The Kids---Please
Family Vacations.
By J. Walman
It's full speed ahead for cruise vacations with children. A new survey reveals that American families are increasingly doing what not too long ago was a rarity...taking a cruise and bringing the children along.
Yesawich, Pepperdine, a PR Agency, recently released a survey showing that more than three in 10 adult travelers now express a preference for taking a family cruise. Additionally, the research found that family travelers with children are much more interested in taking a cruise than the general population as a whole (nearly onehalf (47 percent) of families vs. 33 percent for the total population).
"In view of social trend developments, the family market is likely to represent a substantial growth opportunity for properly configured cruise ships, that is, designed so that children and adults can interact without detracting from the enjoyment of each other," said Dennis Marzella, senior
vice president of research and strategic marketing for Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown (YP&B).
Almost 70 percent of parents in twoparent households are employed fulltime, thereby making vacation planning a considerable challenge, and because of their demanding professional lives, they place an even greater priority on the limited time they spend with their children.
Family vacations provide a perfect opportunity to `reunite' the modern family, even if only for three or four days at a time. A cruise offers the convenience of onestop shopping, safety, planned entertainment even great menu variety enough to satisfy the most finicky child. It's perfect for everyone. And, it's an educational experience that may provide a logical rationale for taking children out of school.
The Big Red Boat (Premier Cruise Lines), is one of numerous possibilities for family cruising, which is up about 400 percent over the past 10 years. This growth may be attributed to the fact that a cruise is an allinclusive vacation. Cruising offers the security of a home away from home, and it's a vacation where mom, dad and the children can enjoy their experience both separately and together. And consider the peace of mind that 24hour child care with 35 youth counselors provides as a special benefit to parents aboard floating-resorts like The Big Red Boat, which includes
a three or fourday cruise combined with three or four days at Walt Disney World.
Carnival Cruise Line expects to host 100,000 children this year aboard 10 ships, and the Disney Cruise Line launches its family cruise ships in 1998. No other company can rival Disney's success in catering to children and families as well as adults.
All Inclusive
1.5 million vacationers each year join the everenthusiastic team of G.O.'s
at Club Med villages in over 110 exotically beautiful havens located in 35
countries around the world. It's this magical interaction between the
international group of special guests (gentil membres, or G.M.'s) and
talented, charismatic instructors, entertainers, and coordinators (gentils
organisateurs, or G.O.'s) that creates a oneofakind vacation experience.
Remember, Freedom of Choice is one of the elements that makes Club Med
vacations so popular, and the return of guests time and time again. G.M.'s
can do absolutely everything, or absolutely nothing. With as much or as
little social contact as they like. Nothing is ever imposed. Learn a new
sport, swing from a trapeze, loll about on the beach by day; laugh at the
shows, perform on stage, or dance under the stars by night.
The Largest Sports Club in the World
In many ways, on many levels, Club Med seeks to anticipate each member's
every need and desire. Nowhere is this truer than in the field of sports.
From beginner to expert, child to adult, man to woman, Club Med provides the
most complete range of activities and instruction to be found anywhere, at
any time.
While no member need ever get up off that beach towel to partake in any
sport, we find that scuba, tennis, golf, sailing, etc. are not only one of
our prime attractions, but also wonderful, natural ways to meet new people
and make new friends. So on to the games! Remember, play alone, with a pal,
or join in with a group. Use your old tricks or leam some new ones classes
are held daily, usually six days a week, in a variety of activities and,
ordinarily, unlike most other resorts, at NO EXTRA CHARGE!
C.M. offers all levels of instruction in just about every sport under the
sun:
* sailing
* Windsurfing
* Waterskiing
* scuba diving*
* snorkeling
* swimming
* kayaking
* deepsea fishing*
* tennis
* squash
* 18hole golf*
* 9hole golf
* practice golf
* horseback riding*
* fitness centers
* body building
* aerobics
* calisthenics
* bicycling
* archery
* basketball
* volleyball
* softball
* bocce ball
* soccer
* yoga
* pingpong
* circus training
* downhill skiing
* crosscountry skiing
* snowboarding
“Family Villages “ include:
* Eluthera, Bahamas
* Ixtapa, Mexico
* Sandpiper, Florida
* St. Lucia, West Indies
* Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
* Huatulco, Mexico
* Copper Mountain, Colorado
Club Med family vacations, last year alone, more than
145,000 funloving singles under the age of 12 brought their flayful parents
and grandparents along as they visited 38 mini clubs and 15 baby clubs from
Bali to Brazil, Greece to Japan!
Club Med Trminology
Baby Clubs Sandpiper 4 months to 2 year olds8 am 6 pm
Ixtapa 1 and 2 year olds
NEW Eleuthera 1 and 2 year olds
Petit Clubs 2 and 3 year olds 9 am 9 pm daily
Mini Clubs 47 year olds 9 am 9 pm daily
Kids Clubs 811 year olds 9 am 9 pm daily
For Reservations Phone :
(800) 4728728
(213) 8706711
(310) 8376119
(310) 8377935
Off The Beaten Path
Whether seeking the adventures of a dude ranch in Montana, a visit with
Mickey in California, Florida or France, parasailing in Mexico or perhaps
fly fishing in Oregon. Whatever your family calls "vacation time" the
internet can help you locate a home away from home for the entire family.
From cabins to condos, homes to estates there are vacation homes and
destinations around the world located at http://wwte.com the home page of
World Wide Travel Exchange.
On this internet site you will find demographics and activities of towns,
cities and villages around the world. Unique places that the entire family
can enjoy in the comfort of a home rather than a hotel room. Some places
even welcome the family pet!
Just a few of our favorite family sites:
West Forks Meadow Ranch (Dude Ranch): http://wwte.com/montana/ranch1.htm
Fly Fishing on a working ranch: http://wwte.com/ruby.com
Visit Mickey in Florida: http://wwte.com/fl.htm
For a family reunion try Tatoosh Meadows: http://wwte.com/tatoosh.htm
Macadamiam Nut Farm in Hawaii: http://wwte.com/ohana.htm
400 acres in Medicino County, Ca. with Skunk Train, Redwoods, Swimming Hole
and more: http://wwte.com/californ/redwood.htm
Let your world open up in front of you and discover many places you may have
not known about as you plan your next family trip through WWTE. If you’rfe not into the Internet and computereze, below are some suggestions for dude-rance holidays.
Mountain Vacations: Dude Ranches in Colorado
Lasso your family and friends together and escape to the simple pleasures of
an allinclusive old west dude ranch vacation. One price will confirm your
lodging, meals, use of ranch facilities and horse, and lots of other ranch
activities. Enjoy a variety of activities for everyone, including horseback
riding, river rafting, nature walks, country dancing, cookouts, and much,
much more. The friendly staff offers warm, western hospitality and personal
attention. You'll feel at home in no time.
Choose from a homey, rustic lodge room to the luxury of a cabin. Indulge in
a variety of cuisine. Each ranch offers a flavor of its own from
multicourse gourmet to rustic chuckwagon dinners and western barbecues.
Mountain Vacations, located in Denver, are experts on the traditions of the
west and your key to a real, old west dude ranch vacation and is one easy phone call: 8007757995.
Aspen Canyon Ranch, 13206 County Road #3, Star Route, Parshall, CO 80468.
The Roderick and Lewis families. Altitude: 8400 ft. In the "Old West" of the
Williams Fork Valley, this mountain ranch blends privacy and comfortable
facilities with magnificent scenery and old Colorado flavor. Ride among
grazing cattle and experience the quiet wilderness of the Vasquez Mountains.
Race barrels in the rodeo arena. Relax in a hot tub beside the river just
outside your rustic log cabin. Enjoy gourmet western cuisine, some of
Colorado's best fishing, hiking, and even a special kid "cowboying" program.
Aspen Lodge Ranch Resort, 6120 Highway 7, Long's Peak Route, Estes Park, CO
80517. Tom and Jill Hall. Altitude: 9200 ft. Within the majesty of
Colorado's largest log lodge or the cozy comfort of aspennestled cabins,
allow yourself to awaken with stunning views of Long's Peak. If horses are
your favor, head up the hill to meet exciting trails, or down the road to
the challenge of 36,000 acres of open meadow riding. Activities for
individuals and groups include private fishing, hiking, tennis, racquetball,
BBQs, hayrides, children's programs, square dancing, and delicious meals.
Colorado Trails Ranch, 12161 County Road 240, Durango, CO 81301. Dick and
Ginny Elder. Altitude: 7500 ft. Best known for their outstanding horse
program with ARICP certified riding instruction on superbly trained horses.
Enjoy swimming, shooting sports, river rafting, quality fishing, and other
sports activities. Three children's programs, each with a fulltime
counselor, plus evening entertainment, superclean cabins, meals the way you
like them, excellent facilities, personable staff and amenities.
Coulter Lake Guest Ranch, P.O. Box 906, Rifle, CO 81650. Sue and Norm
Benzinger. Altitude: 8100 ft. A perfect rustic setting for summer vacations
or fall hunting; 21 miles NE of Rifle in the White River National Forest.
Horseback riding through meadows of wildflowers, fishing or swimming in
their private lake, cookouts, square dancing, horseshoes, hiking, 4wheel
drive trips, sing alongs, and melodrama with no regimented program.
Rafting, golf, mineral springs trips, plus deer and elk hunts in season
arranged at extra charge.
Don K Ranch, 2677 S. Siloam Road, Pueblo, CO 81005. The Smith Family.
Altitude: 6500 ft. Nestled in its own valley, the Don K is completely
surrounded by National Forest. Extensive riding programs for all levels,
your "own" horse, large heated swimming pool, professional tennis courts,
cookouts, square dancing, hot tub, children's counselors, children's rodeo,
overnight pack trips, whitewater rafting, campfire singalongs,
volleyball, horseshoes, cocktail bar, and nearby golf. Delicious ranch
meals, pastries and breads baked daily.
Drowsy Water Ranch, P.O. Box 147MV, Granby, CO 80446. Ken and Randy Sue
Fosha. Altitude: 8100 ft. Enjoy this backcountry paradise nestled in a
beautiful scenic valley. Semistructured programs for adults and kids
include instructional horseback riding, swimming, raft trips, hot tub,
dancing, jeep trips, and campouts. Fresh homebaked breads and goodies
accompany every meal. Refurbished cabins include modern conveniences with
charm and classic style. This is a great family ranch with supervised
programs for the 5 and under crowd.
The Historic Pines Ranch, P.O. Box 311, Westcliffe, CO 81252. Dean and Casey
Rusk. Altitude: 8700 ft. Horseback riding is the centerpiece of a stay at
The Historic Pines. The registered horses in our professionally run
equestrian program provide enjoyment for any level of rider. Trail rides
vary from just over an hour to an overnight pack trip and take you through
some of Colorado's most breathtaking scenery. Other activities include
fishing, square dancing, staff show and endoftheweek guest rodeo.
Children are important to us! Kids are well supervised by counselors with
riding instruction in their own area, picnics, hikes, and arts and crafts.
Lake Mancos Ranch, P.O. Box 2061A, Durango, CO 81302. The Sehnert Family.
Altitude: 8000 ft. With 39 years of warm welcoming hand shakes and goodbye
hugs, a stay with the Sehnerts will feel like family. Spacious cabins (king
beds, living rooms, 2 baths) let families relax between activities.
Extensive mountain trail riding on your own personal ranch horse, great
fishing, hiking, sightseeing, cookouts, high country 4wheel drive trips,
hay rides, swimming, children's activities, and fireside visits are part of
the fun. Near Mesa Verde and Durango/Silverton Train.
Lazy H Guest Ranch, P.O. Box 248, Allenspark, CO 80510. Karen and Phil
Olbert. Altitude: 8300 ft. Located high on a ridge with breathtaking views
of the surrounding mountain scenery, the Lazy H offers a combination of
family activities: horseback riding, heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna,
hiking, fishing, and children's programs to keep the most restless busy. The
riding program, suited for all abilities, is designed to advance a beginner
to a level capable of riding an exciting allday ride and gymkhana.
North Fork Ranch, P.O. Box B, Shawnee, CO 80475. Dean and Karen May.
Altitude: 8100 ft. A familyoriented ranch on the historic North Fork of the
South Platte River; surrounded by Mt. Evans wilderness, yet only 50 miles
from Denver. Beautiful riding along secluded trails with gorgeous rock
cliffs, meadows covered with wildflowers, Aspen and Ponderosa. Wonderful
meals, BBQs, and steak cookouts. Children's activities, ages infant to
eight. Fly fishing instruction and family fishing in river and stocked pond.
Allinclusive program with riding, white water rafting, overnight pack trips
(available July 1August 26), sightseeing trips, trap shooting, evening
activities, etc. Heated pool and spa.
Peaceful Valley Lodge and Ranch, 475 County Road 103, Lyons, CO 80540. The
Boehm Family. Altitude: 8474 ft. Guests enjoy day and evening activities at
Peaceful Valley: horseback riding and horsemanship instruction, 4wheel
drive trips through back country, a children's program for children three
through teens, and llama trekking. Evening activities include square
dancing, talent show, melodrama, hayride, and more. Also available: fishing,
mountain biking, swimming and tennis. Provides individual cabins with
fireplaces and hot tubs to lodge rooms of varying sizes and amenities.
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, 2939 N. County Road 31D, Loveland, CO 80538. The
Jessup family. Altitude: 5200 ft. An established family operation based on
sincere love for people and the western lifestyle. The beauty of the
foothills is just 40 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the
action of a working ranchEuropean cattle, registered quarterhorses, and
soothing sounds of the Big Thompson River. Activities include swimming,
fishing, tennis, hayrides, square dancing, horseback riding and instruction.
Quiet, comfortable, newly remodeled accommodations.
Off Beat Variety
For some family-escapes off the beaten path, you might consider Africa. Just a few of the topics this itinerary might emcompass include: Anthropology Archeology/History, Bicycle Touring Birdwatching, Botany, Camping, Cave Art, Conservation, Cultural Expeditions, Dhow Sailing, ecology, Environmental Education, Equestrian Tours, Fishing, Golf, Gorilla Viewing (well why not?), Hiking , Jeep Safaris, Jungle Expeditions, Mountain Bicycle Tours, National Parks, Natural History, Overlanding, Photography, Research Expeditions, Safari/Game Viewing, Scuba/Snorkeling, Study Tours, Trekking, Walking Tours, Wildlife Viewing, Yacht Charter, Crewed and . . . wel lthat about covers it.
Cultural Roots Tours
Finally, Isarel and the near east offer numerous vast resources. One of the best options are tours sponsored by B’nai B'rith Services. The B'nai B'rith Center for Jewish Family Life has been created to promote the well being of the Jewish family, within and beyond the present B'nai
B'rith Membership.
Tours are offered to promote the centrality of the family within
Jewish heritage by providing opportunities and experiences for families to
strengthen their Jewish identity. To enhance the transmission of Jewish
values, ethics and learning from generation to generation, we will develop
educational programs, resource materials, and intergenerational experiences.
We will also reach out to the intermarried, the unaffiliated and varied
family structures to create a positive Jewish experience and celebrate the
joy and relevancy of being Jewish.
Just a few of the offerings include:
ParentTeen Dialogue
ParentTeen Dialogue is a community event where teens and adults listen to
and learn from each other. They share thoughts, experiences, values and
feelings. Through this learning process, people make personal connections on
deeper levels. Everyone changes a bit as a result of ParentTeen Dialogue.
This program strives to bring parents and teenagers together to confront
sensitive subjects which are rarely discuss in the home, with an emphasis on
Jewish ethics to build on and rekindle the Jewish value of family and mutual
GrandExplorers
Grand Explorers is a unique travel program to Israel for grandparents and
their grandchildren. The program provides an opportunity for the two
generations to explore their heritage and enjoy their special relationship
in the company of other grandparents and grandchildren while visiting a
variety of places of Jewish interest.
The tour provides round trip air via El Al, four nights at the Moriah Plaza
Jerusalem, two nights at the Moriah Plaza Tel Aviv, two nights at the
Kibbutz Kfar Blum, and one night at a Bedouin Camp (grandparents stay at the
Moriah Gardens, Dead Sea). All breakfast meals are provided, as well as
eight of the ten dinners. Program highlights include the following: Jeep
tour of the Golan; Camp out with a Bedouin family; An archaeological program
where grandparents and grandchildren participate in an excavation; and a
meeting with a member of the Knesset, and Israeli author, and other Jewish
children and their families.
Extension to both Eilat and Jordan are also offered.
The Family Tour Of Israel
In addition to the GrandExplorers tour of Israel, the Center for Jewish
Family Life is undertaking a new program to provide tours of Israel to
families. Fourteen days of active sightseeing with mothers, fathers, aunts,
uncles and children that will provide the opportunity for all generations to
interact and experience together their common heritage.
This tour package will include the following; six nights at the Moriah Plaza
Jerusalem, three nights at Kibbutz Kfar Blum, four nights at Moriah Plaza
Tel Aviv, and one night at a Bedouin Camp. Program highlights include a
scavenger hunt, jeep tours, a trip to the water park, and an archaeological
dig and a seminar. This tour program will provide Bar/Bat Mitzvah services,
as well as a vacation extension to Eilat, to families who request it.
Extension to both Eilat and Jordan are also offered.
Contact:
Ofra Fisher, Director, Center for Jewish Family Life
(202) 8576577
FAX: (202) 2961092
As vacation time nears, one theme rings through---loud and clear. Don’t forget the kids!
Jay Walman’s reviews are syndicate worldwide on the internet by Punch In International, heard dailyon WEVD (1050 am) radio, and read in Fodor’s Guide Books.