I am trying to help a friend find some vacation ideas for her young family. She is a busy veterinarian with her own animal hospital, married with 4 children - two boys ages 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 and twin daughters who just turned two. God Bless!
Anyway, they don't RV but are looking for trips suggestions over the next 2 to 4 years. She is looking for trips that are all inclusive, like dude ranches, river trips with overnight camping where the guides lug all the tents and food, etc so they are free to spend time with the kids. Thinking places like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, etc. These kids are very active and fearless. Outdoor activities play a major role in their lives. They don't play video games or even have a computer in the house. All have been swimming since pretty much before they could walk. Mom is a total Type A personality and pre-baby time, participated in triatholons. I can't say money is no object but it isn't the primary deciding factor.
Searching the Internet yielded a lot of results but I'm looking for personal recommendations for commerical companies who do a good job giving an all inclusive adventure. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Dave & Kathy
2007 Monaco Knight 40PDQ towing 2003 Odyssey
Two cats - Kitty & Casey (18 & 15 years old)
Fulltime since October 2007
Before you give someone a piece of your mind, make sure you can get by with what's left.
We've never done this as it's way out of our price point, but we've been by the place when we've taken the Durango-Silverton NGRR. In fact the railroad and helicopter are the only way in and out of this place. It's called Tall Timber Resort and the link is to a four page article about the place. Not inexpensive, but definitely out in the middle of some of the finest beauty in Colorado, and you get to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge RR to boot!
One caveat about the dude ranch/adventure type vacations is that a lot of these places have minimum-age rules for many of their activities. I think the toddlers won't qualify for some of the things you mention (river rafting, horseback riding, etc.) It has nothing to do with whether the kids are familiar with it, and everything to do with liability insurance.
I really think the best bet for this family is to consult with a good local travel agent. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of options out there, and an agent could help them sort through them & find what's right for their family. Otherwise, the time for vacation will come & go and they'll still be on the internet doing searches...
I think staying in a cabin at the YMCA of the Rockies was the best "pre RV" family vacation we had! It's in Estes Park, CO, and has scheduled activities for everything from blowing bubbles for the 2 year olds to hiking Long's Peak for those in better shape than we are!
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