It's mid-summer and winter & spring break planning is in full swing.  Great idea to get the best availability and prices, particularly when it comes to cruises.   As you look through the cruise brochure or website, you'll often notice many of the popular itineraries include a stop at the cruise lines "private" island.   The thing I often find surprising is that most new cruisers consider this a no-stop day, or an empty day of their trip.  And I suppose, not knowing what to expect can lead you to believe this.   However, over and over again I will hear from people after they return that it's was their favorite day.   Especially when cruising Disney, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.

"Private" Island stops are generally land that is owned or leased by the cruise line to offer a perfect beach day on your trip.  You'll find scenic beaches where you can relax or play to your hearts content.  You'll often find the ultimate mix of beach fun, swaying palm trees, clear blue water and a bounty of watersports.    The islands are clean, the food and drinks are brought off the ship, and you don't need anything more than your cruise card for cash. 

Don't underestimate the private island experience.  There won't be a Diamonds International, there won't be pushy vendors on the beach,  there won't be large groups of people waiting for their excursion -- but you will get some great exclusive experiences to make wonderful memories. 

My family just returned from a very quick trip to Texas for a family college graduation.   Our total "vacation time" from touchdown to take off was less than 48 hours.  Turns out, just enough time to have a lot fun.
In addition to our time with extended family, and graduation festivities, we found ourselves digging into Texas and really enjoying our stay.  Maybe it was because we had a 7 year old with us and we were looking at everything through kid eyes, but as a family we took full advantage of our time together and made some great lasting memories.

Our quick trip to Texas gave us the sweetest cattle dog mix named Tiger,  more y'all's than we could count, the worlds largest rocking chair, a snack in the rain while listening to live music, and a seat on a real live longhorn! 

After all, Ferris told us "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. "  Point is, whether you are in your home town or away, are on a trip of a lifetime or a quick getaway, give yourself a chance to take it in.   Slowdown, don't overthink, sometimes don't plan and just enjoy. 

Now, where do you want to go to try this vacationing thing out?

dedicated kids club, water adventures, fine dining, wine tasting, golf, spas, beautiful beaches, top notch entertainment and more ...  truly any age will be entertained.  

We know it's a fantastic idea... next, how do you pick the type of vacation and location?  Your family, like most, probably has a variety of different preferences on what makes a perfect vacation.  Along with the age differences, abilities and needs of travelers, there is a lot to take into consideration.  Your travel planner will help guide your decision and find the packages available for groups.   Some resorts and cruise lines even create special multigenerational adventures that include unique experiences such as volunteer opportunities or local enrichment tours. 

It can be a bit of work to put together the perfect multigenerational vacation, but it really is worth it.  The memories, stories and pictures will last a lifetime!  It's a treasure to have. 

Guided tours with families are a stress-free, action packed yet relaxed way to explore the world.  Many companies offer guided tours on both land and at sea or river, but when you are traveling with family of all ages, it's tough to beat Disney.   And, it's not the Disney you think of -- princesses, castles and Mickey Mouse.  Instead it's the quality of it's product, the service and exclusive VIP experiences that only Disney can provide.  Let's be honest - your Adventure by Disney vacation will not be inexpensive, but when you consider the high-quality of all components -- lodging, dining, tours...etc. it's incomparable to other tours.   Check them out -- you'll be happy you did.

Adventures by Disney
With more than 30 different vacations, over six different continents and a new river cruise option, Adventures by Disney has the experience you have been dreaming about.   Guided adventure tours, with plenty of time for exploring, highlight the magic only Disney can provide.   Imagine spending spring break in France, or early summer in Italy on the trip of a lifetime with your family.   And, it's not just far away places ... Nashville, New York, Montana, it's all available and perfectly packaged for you.