Page 5 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – March/April 2017

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Great Family Getaways
When it comes time to plan a family vacation, Orlando often springs to mind first. With its many amusement parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, this destination appeals to the kid in just about everyone. But this year maybe it’s time to look beyond Mickey and Minnie and try something new. Here are some ideas for making your next family vacation truly memorable.
A road Trip in the Wild Southwest
Combine the great outdoors with the hustle and bustle of one of America’s fastest-growing cities to create a family vacation unlike any other.
Start at the 1,904-square-mile Grand Canyon, with its majestic, multihued cliffs and clefts. The Colorado River cuts through the canyon. For the daring, there is whitewater rafting and a vertigo-inspiring glass- bottomed walkway that extends 70 feet out into the canyon.
Then, venture by car (about five hours) or plane (about an hour and a half ) to Las Vegas. On the way, stop by Hoover Dam, just 30 miles outside the city. The 6.6 million-ton structure offers a self-paced tour that descends 500 feet into the wall of Black Canyon to the power plant. Views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River from the Overlook are nothing short of breathtaking.
Like water for a thirsty hitchhiker, Las Vegas rises from the barren desert, an oasis of entertainment and fun for the entire family. Take the children to Circus Circus, with its free circus acts every day on the half hour; conquer the death-defying thrill rides more than 100 stories up at the Stratosphere; and get lost in M&M’s World.
All-inclusive resorts
If you’re looking for a carefree vacation without fretting about unexpected costs, think “all-inclusive.” At all-inclusive resorts, hotel accommodations, meals, recreation and entertainment are all included
in one up-front price. Airfare and airport/hotel transfers are also included. There are no hidden costs and tipping is simply not permitted.
During the day, enjoy golf and tennis, bicycling and water sports of all kinds. Optional tours can also be arranged, during which guests can take part in
a variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and sightseeing. When the sun sets, enjoy moonlight strolls along powdery white sand beaches surrounding your resort.
All-inclusive resorts vary in ambiance and style, from the ultra-luxurious to the modest. There
are many properties sprinkled throughout the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico where the lifestyle is refreshingly casual and laid-back.
All-inclusive resorts are especially great for families. There are plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. With its Kids Kamp supervised children’s activities for all ages, the popular Beaches Negril
in Jamaica is particularly well suited for families. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa is another great choice, as kids get a vacation of their own at Pirates' Island, an action-adventure themed water park with everything from waterslides to a huge pirates' ship, state-of-the-art video game center, and a '50s style diner.
kids Love Cruising Too
A cruise is a wonderful vacation option for families because it offers something for everyone, with onboard entertainment and shore excursions suited for all ages.
In recent years, cruise lines have gone to great lengths to bring the concept of family cruising
into the spotlight, offering separate areas and age- specific activities for kids, babysitting services, teen recreation centers, even staterooms configured especially for families. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts having the widest choice of accommodations at sea, with the largest and most interconnecting suites and staterooms to fit families of any size, so you can keep your crew together.
Cruising is one of the best vacation values
there is, offering all-inclusive packages that
include accommodations, meals, transportation, entertainment and activities. Before you even set off, you’ll know the cost of your vacation. So you can relax and work on having fun.
Especially appealing for families are Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-class ships. These vessels have introduced a wide range of innovative never-before-seen recreational facilities, including the industry’s first rock-climbing walls, ice skating rinks and in-line skating tracks.
With so many shipboard activities and such a wide range of destinations and itineraries to choose from, there’s never been a better time to cruise. And now, you can take advantage of departures from convenient U.S. ports such as New Orleans, Cape Liberty and Baltimore.
Call us, your professional travel counselors, for more information about these destinations and to book your airline tickets, hotel accommodations and rental car or tour.
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