Are you looking for some wonderful Family vacation ideas? Well, we have a list of family oriented vacation spots that are perfect for your family.

Smugglers' Notch, Vermont, USA

Smugglers' Notch, Vermont, located in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. It features mountainside lodging and impressive three mountains each with 1,000 acres of terrain for all aspiring skiers, excellent array of children’s programs, and a number of vacation packages. No-matter if you are or not an experienced skier the terrain and mountains will impress you and your children.

High Sierra Cross Country Skiing, USA

 High Sierra Cross Country Skiing, cross-country skiing is Montecito Sequoia Lodge’s premier winter sport. The diverse terrain accommodates all skiers and experience levels. Trails are through pine and fir forests to spectacular vistas of the Sierras, the Great Western Divide, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. Children's Ski Lesson Program, Montecito Sequoia Lodge has introductory cross-country ski lessons for children. These 90-minute sessions allow children age five through eleven to learn basic ski skills in a playful and supportive setting. Snowshoeing, a snowshoe walk with a naturalist is an inspiring experience. Come take our interpretive tour through stunning backcountry to magnificent mountain vistas. Snow Tubing & Sledding, have a fantastic snow tubing on Dandy’s Hill! Race down the slope in a breathtaking snow tube, then let our 400-foot handle tow lift pull you back to the top of the hill so you can do it all again. Dog Sled Rides by Sierra Sled Dog Adventures, experience the power and speed of Alaskan Huskies on a peaceful ride around the 1.5 km Homavalo Loop or the 6 km Sunrise Trail. Let these twelve strong but gentle dogs take you through a winter wonderland of pine-scented forests and scenic vistas. It’s a thrill you will never forget! Snowboarding, Sequoia National Forest is full of open bowls, hills and terrain parks that are perfect for backcountry snowboarding. Snow Biking, want to try something new? Try snow biking aboard one of our Extreme Snow Bikes. It’s like snowboarding on a BMX bike – and it’s totally awesome! Ice Skating, Montecito Sequoia Lodge’s private lake is lighted for night ice skating. Safe skating depends on the thickness of the lake’s ice, of course, but it’s typically available from December through February. *All activities are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Banff, Lake Louise, and Sunshine Village, Canada

Banff, Lake Louise, and Sunshine Village, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff and Lake Louise promises memorable skiing and snowboarding amidst the world's most awesome scenery and breathtaking slopes. Within the protected wilderness of Banff National Park, Banff and Lake Louise offers 3 ski areas and two towns; Banff, Lake Louise, and Sunshine Village. Banff is located just 1.5 hours from Calgary International Airport. The 3 ski areas of Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise feature more than 200 runs on 7,500 acres of ski-able terrain. Each has a unique character and the three are available on one convenient interchangeable lift ticket which includes frequent shuttle transportation. World famous dry (lower moisture content for the scientific description) Canadian Rockies powder is available for one of the longest, consistent ski-snowboard seasons in the world with opening in early November and operations until late in May each year. After skiing, try activities and attractions like the natural hot springs or visit museums. For more information please visit www.ski-canada.com.

Winter Journey in Ancient Greece

Athens, Arachova-Delphi, Epidavros-Mucenae, explore dramatic sites in mainland Greece while enjoying the rich ancient history. Start your journey in cosmopolitan Athens, Europe’s vibrant and exciting capital city filled with energy and aesthetic beauty. Electra Palace Hotel is centrally located within an easy access to major ancient temples, theatres, museums, upscale shopping-dining and beautiful parks. Although Athens is a big Metropolis many sites could be visited by walking on newly paved-pedestrian streets and of course, by using the marvelous subway system. Famous Delphi is only 20 minutes from Arachova, a traditional small town build on the slopes of Parnassos. Parnassos is also a popular ski destination during winter season and Santa Marina Hotel will satisfy all your hospitality needs. You will feel you are in the “centre of the world” just as the ancient Greeks believed about the picturesque location of Delphi and Arachova. Epidavros-Muceane, is beautiful with narrow streets built into one of the slopes of the “Akros” outcrop and nearby is the ruins of a historically significant Byzantine castle. The Sanctum of Asklepios was built in ancient times and it developed over the years to become the famous therapeutic center where many of the patients came from around the world to the god “Deliverer”, as they called him. The Theatre of the Asklepieion of Epidavros is the ideal specimen of the achievements and experience of the ancient Greeks on theatre construction. At the base of the outcrop is the breathtaking “Gorge of Vothila”. Epidavros stretches to the sea and ends into two scenic natural bays with clear water for swimming and fishing. The port is surrounded by pine, orange, and olive trees. Hotel Apollon is conveniently located in Ancient Epidavros nearby a majestic beach.  

 Spring Break…

 Carlsbad, California, USA  

Carlsbad is located just 35 miles north of San Diego County. This magnificent ocean shore town offers scenic views. Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course is new and promises to meet any golfer’s expectations. The Splash Landing Hotel has a unique sand beach entry to the pool and a waterslide with three fun cutes perfect for grown ups and active children…Grand Palisades Resort Hotel has some magnificent flower fields. All flowers are blooming in springtime and their beautiful colors and aroma transcends joy and energy in the air! Sheraton Carlsbad Resort offers an elegant selection of pampering services for tired parents and heated outdoor pool year round for aspiring swimmers! Of course, the most important place of interest is the Lego land. Children from ages 2 to 10 will be fascinated by the creative lego-sculptures exhibited throughout the park. Preschoolers will have the ride of their dreams…riding helicopters, airplanes, boats, and cars. The food is delicious too!  

Perth, Australia 

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the green heart of the city, covering 400.6 hectares and located adjacent to the Swan River, approximately 1.5 km from the Central Business District of Perth. With its remarkable expanses of unique bushland, tranquil parkland and botanic garden, the Park is the most popular visitor destination in Western Australia. Kings Park and Botanic Garden has extensive city and river views with panorama to the Darling Range. The magnificently sited State War Memorial is also one of several scenic vantage points. Kings Park and Botanic Garden showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australia flora. The Lotterywest Family Area (accessible from Kings Park Road) is home to the Ivey Watson Playground, an ideal location for families with very young children. Synergy Parkland (accessible from May Drive) is wheelchair accessible and features the popular Zamia Cafe. The playground, including an ornamental lake and island fort is adjacent to the outdoor cinema venue that operates between December and March each year. Broadwater Pagoda Resort Hotel, is overlooking the picturesque Swan River foreshore in leafy Como, the Broadwater Pagoda Hotel offers a relaxed ambience away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the Perth Zoo, a cinema, restaurants, and shopping areas. It also provides easy access to the Perth City Center, the stunning Kings Park, the vibrant port town of Fremantle, and the South Perth and Barrack Street ferry terminals. Yanchep National Park is located only 45 minutes north of Perth’s city center you’ll soon understand why Yanchep National Park attracts over 240,000 local, interstate and international visitors each year. Take part in a guided tour of Crystal Cave, Aboriginal cultural experience (subject to availability), or a leisurely boat tour on Lake Wagardu. Nestled in tuart and banksia woodlands, the park is home to many different water and bush birds including grebes, swans, pelicans, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers, parrots, wrens and honeyeaters, to name a few. Endangered Carnaby's black-cockatoos are a spectacular daily sight. Western Grey kangaroos are commonly seen on the walk trails or grazing on the picnic lawns and golf course.

Thessaloniki is the capital of the northern part of Greece, Macedonia, and second largest city of Greece. It was first established in 316 B.C. by Kassandros and named after his wife, Thessaloniki, half sister of Alexander the Great. It means Victory in Thessaly. It is here that the Apostle Paul first brought the message of Christianity (50 A.D.) and that Demetrius, a Roman officer died in martyrdom (303 A.D.), thus becoming the holy patron of the city. Thessaloniki was the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire, next to Constantinople, and is full of beautiful examples of Byzantine art and architecture. Thessaloniki, has a more pronounced influence of the east, not just in the delicious food, but in the relaxed lifestyle. Thessaloniki is a big harbor city with an almost college town feel, like Boston or Austin, but Greek. The nightlife is exceptional, the bars and clubs play great music. The restaurants and ouzeries are among the best in Greece. There are many cinemas showing first-run English language films. The city is, also, the site of the renowned Thessaloniki Film Festival in October-November. The women, considered the most chic in Greece, support a high-fashion industry that rivals Athens so if you like to shop for clothes, shoes and jewelry you will be quite happy here. There are not a large number of ancient ruins within the city, but there are enough Roman and Byzantine sites to keep any visitor occupied including; The Palace of Galerius (300A.D.) at Navarino Square. Roman Market and Theatre, ruins standing at the Law Court Square (Dikastiria). Roman Baths are North of the church of Agios Dimitrios. Nymphaion, an elegant monopteral, circular building. Galerian Arch (Kamara) erected shortly before 305 A.D. The Rotonda a domed building of early 4th century A.D., served as a Pantheum or as a Mausoleum for emperor Galerius. Now is the church of Saint George. It was, also, a mosque during the Turkish occupation and the minaret still stands. Church of Ossios David (late 5th century A.D.), the chapel of the Latomos Convent, an early Christian church that still stand in Thessaloniki's area known as Epimenidou or Kastra. The City Walls were erected during the time of Theodossios the Great to guard the city from Democracy Square of nowadays across Eptapyrgio up to the site later occupied by the White Tower, a work of the architect Sinan (first half of 16^th century). Agios Dimitrios, was completely rebuilt in 1948 according the original plans. The church has been destroyed twice before by fire. The Crypt, the most easterly section of the Bath, is the place where St. Demetrios was imprisoned, tortured and buried. Agia Sofia (8th century) marks the transition from the domed basilica to the domed cruciform church is a copy of the original Agia Sophia in Constantinople. Panagia Halkeon, a cruciform church, was built in 1028 A.D. according an inscription of that era. Agia Ekaterini (13th century) is very well preserved externally, with traces of frescoes inside. Agioi Apostoli (14th century) retains a rich decoration both externally and in the interior, dating at the time of the Byzantine Paleologos imperial dynasty. Agios Nikolaos Orfanos (14th century), 20 Irodotou Str. richly decorated with frescoes in the 17th century it became the chapel of Vlatadon Monastery. Profitis Ilias was built in 1360 upon the ruins of a Byzantine palace by the monk Makarios Houmnos. The post-Byzantine era has, indeed, left in Thessaloniki an important number of churches, plenty of museums and of course the ruins of Vergina which include the tomb of Phillip, father of Alexander the Great. It's, also, a good starting point for seeing the best beaches of Chalkidiki and most beautiful spots in Greece in the region known as Macedonia. For more information please visit www.greecetravel.com.  

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia, take advantage of Vancouver's scenic setting by strolling, bicycling, or rollerblading in Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre oasis thick with trees. The park, located on a peninsula not far from the convention center and Gastown entertainment district, has miles of hiking and biking trails leading along the waterfront and through thickets of tall hemlock and cedar trees. Smell the flowers at the Rose Garden, swing through 18 holes of pitch-and-putt golf, and swim in Second Beach's pool (from Victoria Day, the third Monday in May, through Labor Day). Little ones like to pet the goats, sheep, and llama at the Children's Farmyard. Located in the park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to sea otters, sharks, beluga whales, and a walkthrough Amazon rainforest with a regularly scheduled "thunderstorm." For an up-close adventure with one of the big boys, book the Beluga Encounter. You feed and touch these intelligent whales while assisting their trainers (ages eight and older, reserve ahead). A new 50,000-square-foot Discovery Education Center is now available! Beat the traffic by taking the ferry to Granville Island. This rejuvenated industrial area has craft studios; a Kids-Only Market selling stuffed animals, toys, and collectibles; and a public market-buzz with vendors selling fresh seafood, flowers, cheeses, and pastries. Ecuadorian flute players, violinists, face painters, jugglers, and balloon artists add to the lively and colorful scene outside. For more information please visit www.away.com.

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Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia

Hamilton Island is nestled in the heart of 74 tropical Whitsunday islands, just off the Queensland Coast and at the edge of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. As the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island is the only island with an airport catering for direct commercial and charter flights. Hamilton Island spoils families of any size with self-contained accommodation. Dining out with family is both an easy and fun experience on Hamilton Island, with a dedicated kids menu in selected restaurants. Hamilton Island has enough activities to entertain the entire family separately or together. With go-karts, mini-golf, Koala Gallery, water sports and tours, the famous Wire Flyer and much more. Kids get really spoilt on Hamilton Island with safe and supervised age related adventures including arts and crafts, beachcombing, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, mini-golf and pool games with children of similar ages, as well as 40 different activities to enjoy. While the children are enjoying themselves at the 'Clownfish Club', find a spot under a palm tree or by one of the 6 island pools with a cocktail and a book in hand, and feel the stresses of city living literally melt away. For more information please call: +1 800 075110 or +61 283 538 444.

Greece: An Authentic Summer Paradise

Greece is like no other place in the world, a combination of ancient and modern features, a country which unites traditional and contemporary characteristics, fulfilling every desire. The immaculate country of Greece is gifted with numerous bedazzling island clusters that are outspread in the heart of revitalizing oceans, as well as several extraordinary coastal regions interspersed among the magnificent continental Greece, is truly one of the most popular summer destinations for visitors from around the world. The rare beauty of the country of Greece and the stunning scenery is highlighted by the lucid rays of the blazing Greek sun during the summer season. Numerous islands and secluded islets, cosmopolitan capitals and scenic ports, modern towns and traditional villages, coastal hamlets and skirmished settlements, all adorned by extended sandy coasts and pebble beaches, Mediterranean  landscapes, historically significant archaeological sites, all of which are irresistible tourist allurements. The outstanding cosmopolitan islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Paros, and the marvelous less frequented islands of Milos and Serifos, at the Cyclades Islands cluster, as well as the popular islands of Rhodes, Kos and Kalymnos of the Dodecanese Islands cluster and the island of Crete, shall make your summer vacations authentic and memorable. Furthermore, the unequaled famous islands of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos at the Ionian Islands cluster, as well as the magnificent and secluded Skiathos and Skopelos of the Sporades Islands cluster are some of the trademarks of insular Greece. Chalkidiki is located in Northern Greece and has three peninsulas: Agion Oros (Mt. Athos), Sithonia and Kassandra. Each peninsula has its own distinctive characteristics but all provide guests with a plethora of endless beaches, natural beauty, charming settlements, archaeological, historical, and religious sites. Mt. Athos, is the center of Eastern Christian Orthodox Monasticism, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is a treasury which houses and guards many artifacts and monuments of religions with national and artistic value. It is also a "workshop" where religions arts and crafts are still practiced to this day, and where deep and genuine spirituality is allowed to flourish and bear fruit. As an institution Mount Athos is, and has been, the chief standard bearer of Orthodox Christianity. Danai Beach Resort offers Suites, Rooms and Villas, Luxury studios on Nikiti Beach, Sithonia, Chalkidiki. Some units, also, have a hydro massage tub, a private pool and a terrace with exquisite sea view. Visitors can relax in the hotel swimming pool, private beach spa, gym, tennis court and more. In Nikiti you can enjoy the beautiful natural setting, swim on pristine beaches and have fun in the many nightlife venues. The most extensive on-line database with more than 10,000 hotels & lodging facilities in Greece & the Greek Islands is available at www.greece-hotels-guide.com.  Georgia Bay Islands National Park, Ontario, Canada Georgian Bay Islands, are composed of 59 islands and shoals, this tiny park is part of the largest group of fresh-water islands in the world. As part of a 30,000 island archipelago, the park stretches along 50 kilometers of the eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay in what is truly one of the most picturesque of vacation wonderlands. Entirely water-based, it plays host to a wide variety of wildlife species including the Massasauga Rattlesnake while weather and terrain have created a transitional zone for diverse forest and plant life. Evidence of a great mountain range and tropical sea and the devastating effects of the ice age can be traced in the rock of its smooth low-lying islands. Indian legend and artifacts from archaeology digs on Beausoleil Island enrich our awareness of its history dating back 5000 years. Delawana Resort, has multiple fun-filled programs for children of all ages; nature programs, adventure course, junior golf camp, learn to sail, summer day camp and much more. For more information please visit www.delawana.com. Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, USA Santa Ana’s old village is reflected in the architecture of Tamaya Resort with adobe-style buildings and open courtyards. Each wall of Tamaya exotic New Mexico resort reflects the rich history of the Tamayame. Pueblo customs are incorporated in the recreational activities including the “Srai Wri” family program which is offered by members of the Santa Ana Pueblo. Archery and Pueblo Bread Baking class are kids’ favorites. The kids will be thrilled to knead the dough and bake their own loaves in the authentic clay huruna ovens. The cultural experience continues in a “Journey Through Tamaya”. A nature walk that takes you through the cottonwood Bosque Forest to the shores of the Rio Grande. In the “Clay and Culture” you could make your own adobe brick and pottery with the help of a Pueblo artisan and keep it for lasting cultural memories. The “Cultural Learning Center” is an onsite museum where you can view ancient tribal weapons, masks, and instruments. The resort offers a children’s program for young children where they can make dream catchers and learn Native American dances. Enjoy a fascinating combination of old and new in the endless activities at this Santa Ana Pueblo hotel – including soothing spa, nationally ranked golf, hot-air balloon rides, horseback riding, plenty of  Santa Fe Shopping, Galleries, Old Town Albuquerque and ruins dating back about 1,000 years, and Museums. A Native American flute player entertains you every Sunday and once the sun goes down, you could not help it and go down to the fire pit for a free “Storytelling Under the Stars,” led by a Native American the last remaining storyteller in the Santa Ana Pueblo... His tales about animals and nature will fascinate children and parents—and so will the s’mores served afterwards! For more information about Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, please visit www.tamaya.hyatt.com.   Cape Town, South Africa Jewel of Africa, welcome to an 18-day, all-inclusive vacation in South Africa. Experienced trip leaders put great care into ensuring this is a fun-filled, stress-free experience that you will never forget. After you arrive in Cape Town, South Africa come relax with us at one of our beautiful villas located in the city. The backdrop of the lofty Table Mountain offers a tranquil setting where you can kick off your shoes, breathe in the African air, and bask in your new surroundings.   The itinerary in Cape Town, where we will stay for a full week, includes such things as touring the wine lands, visiting local townships, a cruise in Table Bay, and exploring the city itself where we will barter at the local market places. We will ascend Table Mountain, visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, tour the Cape Peninsula, and enjoy an English morning tea with scones and jelly at the majestic Mt. Nelson Hotel. Meals will range from homemade breakfasts to authentic African cuisine and will, of course, include a real South African "braai" at the villa. We will also enjoy presentations and tours provided by some of Cape Town’s historical and scientific experts. The next leg of our journey will take us to the east coast of South Africa along the beautiful Garden Route. We will spend several days on a leisurely hike in the lush Tsitsikamma National Park where we will make our way along the coastline from the mouth of Storms River. With forests on one side and the rugged coastline of the Indian Ocean on the other, this hike offers some remarkably beautiful sights and a chance to experience the African outdoors. Before heading back to Cape Town, we will first stop for a couple of days in a small frontier town located at the southern tip of the arid Little Karoo. Here we will discover exhilarating mountain passes, Ostrich farms, and magnificent caves. Our quaint farmhouse lodgings, serving authentic South African boer meals, will leave you wanting more of South Africa’s rugged setting. During the final segment of our journey we will travel by air to the northeast part of South Africa where we will spend several days in Kruger National Park. Here we will embark on safaris to observe South Africa’s incredible wildlife. Accommodations will be exotic African rondavels located in the heart of the wild African bush where we will gather at nights in the open boma around a crackling fire to enjoy traditional African meals. Our hope is that over the course of this trip you will come to love and cherish South Africa for the jewel that it really is. For more information please contact www.larktours.com. 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