Laid Back Family Vacations….That Aren’t Walt Disney World

I had a conversation with a client the other day sort of like this: We love going to Walt Disney World, but we’re looking for a vacation that’s a little more laid back – do you have any ideas?

There’s no doubt going to Walt Disney World involves a little work – weeks before you even travel we have to pick hotels, restaurants and which theme park you’re going to on what days.

Once you arrive there are buses and boats to catch, theme parks to navigate, dining reservations to get to and rides to get to.

Here are four types of family vacations that require very little preplanning and very little effort once you arrive.  These choices are also all or mostly all-inclusive.

Of course, I can help you plan and booking any of these vacations and do all the work.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like more information about any of these.

– All-Inclusive Resorts

I think most people are familiar with all-inclusive resorts.  There are lots of well-known brands offering complete vacations with locations for families and locations that are just for adults.

When people think about all-inclusive resorts, they usually think about sun and sand and surf in places like Mexico or the Caribbean.  We’re going to an all-inclusive in Cabo this December.

But you can also find all-inclusive resorts in places like Colorado and Montana with clamping and horseback riding, even full-blown dude ranches. There are all-inclusive safari vacations in Africa.

Of course, there are more exotic beach locations like Hawaii and Bora Bora

– Guided Travel

Guided travel from companies like Adventures by Disney offer fully planned vacations to locations all around the world including in the United States.

Guided travel means you have a local expert guide (or two with ABD) with you for your entire trip.  Everything – transfers, hotels, meals, sites and experiences – is included and is booked and scheduled for you.

Most guided travel will offer special access to popular tourist attractions just for your group.  For example, if you go to Rome with Adventures by Disney your group gets a private, after-hours tour at the Vatican.

Guided travel is usually a group tour with 25 – 35 people although Adventures by Disney does offer Private Adventures for smaller groups or families.

Adventures by Disney also offers special programs, activities and meals just for kids so parents can explore on their own.

While Adventures by Disney is the best at family guided travel, they also offer adult only vacations to most destinations.

See a list of Adventures by Disney destinations here: Adventures by Disney Destinations

– Ocean Cruises

I love cruises because I don’t have to do anything.  You can spend all day in a lounge chair watching the ocean go by if want.  You don’t have to be anywhere at any time.

Of course, if you want things to do, there are plenty of ways to stay busy and active.

A cruise is basically an all-inclusive vacation with you room, meals and activities included in the cruise fare.  There will be additional charges for things like alcohol, specialty dining and shore excursions, but you don’t have to do any of that if you don’t want to.

Cruise lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean offer loads of activities just for kids, just for adults and just for families.

Like all-inclusive resorts, ocean cruises don’t just go to the Caribbean and Bahamas.  Cruise lines visit ports all over the world including Alaska, Europe, and Asia.  Next year I have clients cruising to Greece, Iceland and several going to Alaska.

– River Cruises

River cruises are another great option, especially if you really want to ‘see the sights’.  European river cruises allow to and experience places in a unique, up-close way you just can’t get from a car or bus.

River cruises are port intensive – you stop in a new city or town every day. And because you’re on a river, you’re usually stopping right in the middle of the location.  Most river cruise line have at least one excursion or tour included at each stop.

Like ocean cruises, you may visit several different countries during your sailing…but you never have to change hotels because it goes right along with you.  Of course, your meals are included as well.

While river cruises are usually thought of as for the older crowd, there are great options for families as well.  I’ll mention Adventures by Disney again as they offer several European river cruises in conjunction with AmaWaterways that are designed for families and again, with activities and experiences just for kids.

Just like the other options aren’t just sun and beach vacations, river cruises aren’t just in Europe.  You can take river cruises in Africa, Egypt, Vietnam and right here on the Mississippi River.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like more information about any of these.