Austria Archives Canadian outdoors and adventure travel writer and photographer Matt Gibson Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:05:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 Four Exciting Family Destinations https://xpatmatt.com/four-exciting-family-destinations/ https://xpatmatt.com/four-exciting-family-destinations/#respond Sat, 13 Oct 2012 21:21:23 +0000 http://www.matt-gibson.org/?p=6825 Four of the best and most exciting family vacations on the market this year.

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]]> With hectic lifestyles and full school schedules, it can be difficult to find the time to unwind as a family. It also sometimes seems as if planning family vacations can become a logistical nightmare of trying to please everyone at once. Here are four ideas for a family getaway that make the most of educational fun, high adventure and lots of quality time together while also offering a little something for everyone.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Photo by The Uprooted Photographer

The perfect mix of education and fun, Colonial Williamsburg offers excellent open-air museums dedicated to the early settlement of Jamestown. Explore replica ships, wander through a Native American village and enjoy an in-depth musket demonstration. On-site museums showcase priceless artifacts of the era. For some modern fun, the nearby Busch Gardens features the latest breathtaking rides and European-themed venues. Three miles away, Water Country USA offers the chance for a refreshing dip in the pool or an exciting water ride.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Photo by Al_HikesAZ

The stark desert beauty of this sandstone rift forms the backdrop for a vacation focusing on hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or even whitewater rafting. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can enjoy the canyon from helicopter or on one of the many jeep tours available for exploring remote areas. Adventurous families can even camp in a Mongolian yurt on the North Rim.

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas

Photo By KM&G-Morris

No less than 11 swimming pools offer respite from the Caribbean sunshine at this resort that welcomes families with children of all ages. Indoor aquariums create a fantastical underwater seascape dedicated to sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and barracuda. Wave pools, water slides and lazy rivers add to the aquatic-themed fun. Restaurants, shopping, theaters and luxury accommodations all ensure a worry-free vacation dedicated to enjoying family time together.

Salzburg, Austria

Photo by lichtmaler.at

Ornate castles, pristine Alpine landscape and Austrian charm grace this vacation inspired by “The Sound of Music.” Take a tour of sites seen in the famous movie, explore the birthplace of Mozart or indulge in one of Austria’s famed tortes. The city’s toy museum has a large collection of European toys and features puppet shows to delight young visitors, while the Salzburg Zoo offers hours of enjoyable diversion for children of all ages. The city is perfect for exploring by bicycle, with miles of paths and a convenient rental system.

Lead photo by muslim page

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