Ready, Set, Go Wild
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Adventure travel covers a huge range of activities, from cushy inn-to-inn cycling trips to hard-core, high-altitude treks. "Soft" adventure, with activities that offer excitement without too much exertion or danger, is big with families, according to Dave Wiggins, a vice-president of GORP Travel, Inc. (877-440-4677; http://gorptravel.gorp.com). "Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and canoeing are among the most popular ways to experience the great outdoors as a family," says Wiggins.
What to Consider Before You Go
- The Age of Your Kids. Most trips have a minimum age for kids, which is determined by the type of activities involved. Generally speaking, adventure travel is a better choice for families with older kids-ages seven and up. For trips that involve rafting, some companies require that youngsters be at least ten years old.
- The Type of Activities. For first-time adventurers, Wiggins recommends a ranch- or lodge-based trip that offers plenty of activities for families with young children or a variety of ages. Some adventure-travel groups offer half- and full-day activities, another good option for families new to the experience.
- Family-Focused or Family-Friendly? Be sure you understand how the kids will fit in. Family-focused trips are designed with young adventurers in mind, down to the range of activities, level of difficulty, and quality of food. But don't automatically disregard trips that aren't marketed especially for parents and children. The Stromans' trip to Belize wasn't specifically for families, but the kids loved it nonetheless.
- Will Other Kids Be on the Trip? Meeting another family with kids the same gender and age as yours can be the difference between a good trip and a great one.
- The Roughing-It Factor. Some families enjoy the camping experience; others prefer the comforts of a condo or a lodge. Ask specific questions about the accommodations.
- What Do the Fees Cover? Trips like these can be expensive, but moms agree that you get lots of fun for the money. Stroman says her trips' all-inclusive rates provided convenience and comfort. Make sure you understand what the fees cover (lodging, activities, equipment, meals, transportation) and ask about discounts for kids. If you're flexible, you can trim costs, perhaps by scaling down accommodations (for example, taking a one- instead of a two-bedroom condo) or by opting for more self-guided activities.
- Don't Forget Tips. Tips for the guides -- for example, $50 to $100 per guide on a rafting trip -- generally aren't included in the price. The outfitter can offer guidance on appropriate tipping.
- Kid-Friendly Guides. Make sure that the trip operator has plenty of experience working with kids, says Wiggins.
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Ready, Set, Go Wild
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perceptivepanda says:good information. thanks for the tips.
