Virtuoso Life - March/April 2009 - 71
Insider Expertise Planning your family vacation? We asked Virtuoso traVel adVisors for their recommendations. they shared hundreds of great ideas for vacations that will please the whole clan. Here are nine surefire winners. east africa WHy go? “Set aside the BlackBerry and cell phone for two weeks to share time and experiences together. Air service here is plentiful, and the dollar goes a long way in both Kenya and Tanzania.” don’t miss: “Micato Safaris offers a family-oriented safari where children can help build a mini Masai hut, cast big-cat tracks from the real thing, create beaded Masai jewelry or traditional Swahili masks, or join in a soccer game with local schoolchildren.” cHarter a Barge in euroPe WHy? “Such value! Prepay in U.S. dollars and included are virtually all meals, an open bar, sightseeing with a private vehicle and driver, and the use of onboard facilities (such as bicycles and a Jacuzzi, if the barge has one).” don’t miss: “Cruise the Alsace region on French Country Waterways’ eight-passenger Princess in July and August or explore southern Burgundy on the 12-passenger Adrienne.” Belize WHy go? “It’s an easy destination to reach and offers jungle adventures, Mayan ruins and culture, and some of the best snorkeling and diving available in this hemisphere.” don’t miss: “Swimming with whale sharks off Placencia during the full moon in April and May and cave tubing – floating on inner tubes through caves used in Mayan ceremonies.” alaska WHy go? “Cruise lines are don’t miss: “Salmon fishing in Ketchikan, whale-watching in Juneau, the scenic rail journey from Skagway, bear-watching, and the domed railcar trip to Denali National Park.” offering great deals right now.” yelloWstone and grand teton national Parks WHy go? “This region is relatively inexpensive even if you splurge on luxuries. In addition to national parks, the outlying communities offer many great family activities: hiking, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and watching for wildlife together.” don’t miss: “In Yellowstone, hire a guide to take you to outof-the-way places to avoid the crowds. Float the Snake River in a wooden boat early in the morning or late in the day.” WasHington, d.c. WHy go? “The country has a new president!” don’t miss: “The American Museum (home of Dorothy’s red shoes and the first ladies’ inaugural gowns), which just reopened following an $85 million renovation. The Smithsonian museums (all offer free admission), including the Air and Space Museum at Dulles, featuring the space shuttle Enterprise. Check out historic Alexandria, Virginia, and Georgetown, and take a day trip to Williamsburg.” costa rica WHy go? “It’s close to home with lots of family activities, from surfing to zip-lining, in a beautiful setting amid jungles, cloud forests, and great beaches – not to mention wonderful hotels and villas.” don’t miss: “Zip-lining in the jungle!” Walt disney World WHy go? “In 2009, get free don’t miss: “A special-occasion celebration at the California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. After dinner, catch the Magic Kingdom’s spectacular fireworks show from the restaurant’s huge picture windows or its 15th-floor catwalk.” (zip line) Kevin Schafer/alamy admission on your birthday.” galáPagos islands WHy go? “This year marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s don’t miss: “Abercrombie & Kent’s October 22 sailing, aboard the birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species.” 48-passenger Eclipse, accompanied by Darwin’s great-great-grandson Randal Keynes. Attend the grand-opening celebration of the new Darwin Facility in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.” MARCH | APRIL 2009 71