Recommend March 2016 - (Page 85)

LatinAmerica Carla Hunt AdventureLands Ripe for Family Travel Zipping through Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney. Carla Hunt We all know that family travel is a booming segment of the leisure marketplace, and Latin America has some of the hottest spots of all. But interestingly, what hasn't changed greatly in recent years are Central and South America's leading destinations attracting family travelers-Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. This trio continues to drive tour operators to design extra-specially-appealing-and-involving family adventures. Just a small sampling follows: Tauck Bridges' family travel adventures take clients to Mystical Peru, highlighting Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu. "Peru has something to please everyone," says Tauck's CEO Dan Mahar, "from incredible history and culture to outdoor activities that are educational and fun." Priced from $3,808 pp dbl and with departures scheduled for June, July and August, the 8-day journey features accommodations for two nights each at the JW Marriott hotels in Lima and Cusco, two nights at the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel in Urubamba, and an overnight at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Reflecting Tauck's philosophy of "shared enrichment" for family members of all generations, travel highlights include learning about the influences of the Incas and Spanish conquistadors when exploring Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman and Machu Picchu; visiting a weaving center and a pottery studio; bracelet-making with school children; a Peruvian pan flute lesson; and chocolate-making at the Choco Museum. Outdoor activities include swimming with the sea lions along the coast, horseback riding and rafting in the Sacred Valley. Adventures by Disney puts the accent solidly on the great outdoors-from the Caribbean to the Pacific coasts-in its 7-day Costa Rica family vacation. The highlights are many: exploring the rainforests of Tortuguero National Park by boat, in search of exotic animals; touring a pineapple plantation and meeting those who farm a true working plantation; ziplining through the treetops of Arenal Volcano National Park-a thrill of a lifetime; white-water rafting on the Tenorio River (Class II and III)-or choosing the alternative of a river float; cruising the Guanacaste coastline by private catamaran; dropping anchor for frolicking on the white-sand beaches; or plunging into idyllic snorkeling locations. The itinerary is full of special happenings, from night tours of the jungle to chilling out in hot springs, not to mention learning to make mojitos. Accommodations featured are the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel in San Jose and El Mangroove Beach Resort on the Guanacaste Peninsula; both hotels can offer family connecting rooms. Adventurers stay in Laguna Lodge (no TV or AC, but private baths and ceiling fans) in Tortuguero and in Arenal Manoa Hotel, occupying a working farm and with full views of the Arenal Volcano. Departures are scheduled May through August, and again in December; the tour cost covering most meals and an extensive menu Two great island vacation getaways. Ambergris Caye, Belize S U N BRE E Z E Suites S U N BRE E Z E SunBreeze Hotel HOTEL Toll Free 1-800-688-0191 S U N BRE E Z E HOTEL Suites S U N BRE E Z E SunBreeze Suites Toll Free 1-800-820-1631 Prime location in the town of San Pedro, yet out of the hustle and bustle of the town and easy access to all of the towns activites and dining experiences. Daily scuba, snorkel and mainland trips can be arranged. The Suites are fully equipped and ideal for families while the SunBreeze Hotel features all the services of a resort. Great island vacation getaways and a variety of packages are available. www.sunbreezesuites.com * email: sunbreezesuites@sunbreezesuites.com www.sunbreeze.net * email: sunbreeze@btl.net march 2016 85 http://www.sunbreezesuites.com http://www.sunbreeze.net

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend March 2016

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk: Growth of Barcelo
Tour Talk: Are We There Yet?
The New All-Inclusives For Families
Onsite Review: Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
New Happenings at All-Inclusives
2016 Delta Air Lines Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide
Family-Friendly Sailings
Spring into Hawaii’s Family Fun
New Choices for Families in Florida
Onsite Review: Icy Strait Point, Hoonah
What’s New in Alaska
Adventure-Lands Ripe for Family Travel

Recommend March 2016