Every family is different, so while a summer vacation for one may entail a tropical locale, another family may prefer to explore the great outdoors. Here are a few North American getaways for your clients ranging from luaus to luxury mountain stays.
Island Escape
For an island getaway sans passport, Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii is offering a package that will keep the entire family entertained.
The 1,240-room resort, set on 62 oceanfront acres, has enough on site to keep families entertained, with its Big Island Luau dinner show, two championship golf courses next to the ocean, and its Dolphin Quest facility, where guests can interact with dolphins. The Dolphin Friends and Family experience even allows guests to come together with the center’s dolphin family for a 45-minute session.
Recommend your clients book the Ocean Explorer Family Escape package, which includes activities and meals, such as a full breakfast buffet daily at Big Island Breakfast for up to two adults and two children; an Ocean Explorer Kids backpack filled with an underwater camera, ocean fish guide card and coloring books; and a glass-bottom boat cruise for up to two adults and two kids. Children under 4 aren’t left out either, since the hotel has a Kids Eat Free menu at participating restaurants.
The package is available now through Dec. 31. Rates start at $269 per night for an Ocean View room and $600 per night for a 1-bedroom suite. For more information, visit hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.
Outdoor Adventure
Travelers are becoming more interested in exploring America’s natural beauty and its parks, making for a great family vacation or roadtrip. With the increase in demand, Austin-Lehman Adventures has expanded its offerings to Yellowstone National Park by adding a family trip.
“Inquiries and bookings this spring point to a strong trend toward domestic travel this year—especially to national parks,” says Dan Austin, founder and director of Austin-Lehman Adventures. “Pent-up desire, the prediction of lowering gas prices, a recovering economy, recent TV documentaries and media attention are all helping drive the demand.”
The 6-day trip geared toward ages “7 to 70” takes travelers horseback riding into the Absaroka Mountains with a fourth-generation wrangler; to a natural hot spring; rafting part of the Yellowstone River (perfect for beginners!); and to Old Faithful with an overnight stay. The kids will also have the chance to become Junior Rangers before hiking into the backcountry of Yellowstone.
Rates start at $2,198 for adults and $1,758 for children. For more information, visit austinlehman.com.
Mountain Getaway
At the Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge in Telluride, CO, families can cozy up in 2- to 3-bedroom accommodations and go for a mountain hike with the Family Adventure package.
With this package, families will take to the woods on a 3-hour hike with John Sir Jesse, an expert in local plants and mushrooms, learning about edible local plants. Families staying at the hotel can also take part in other outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, river rafting, fly fishing and jeep tours.
As for the luxury accommodations at the lodge, guests can expect a living and dining room with a natural gas stone fireplace; a fully equipped kitchen; two master baths with spa tubs; and a private balcony.
Rates start at $250 per night with a 3-night minimum, plus a $150 package fee. Rates include two spots on the hike ($65 pp for additional people) and airport transfers from Telluride or Montrose airports, as well as complimentary valet parking. For more information, visit fairmont.com/klammer-lodge-telluride.
