Muling down sea cliffs to exploring volcanoes.
Innovative destination ideas to suit any teen’s interest.
by Carrie Simmons

TWEENS & TEENS News April 2007

Mention “family vacation” in some circles and visions of National Lampoon’s Vacation are sure to come to mind. For those of you who don’t know the movie, picture this: Goofy parents take two very reluctant (and somewhat obnoxious) teens on a road trip across country. On the way, the family encounters all sorts of obstacles such as broken down cars, lost wallets and family sing-alongs before reaching their ultimate destination, a theme park, which is closed for renovation.

Despite the ridiculously clumsy father (Chevy Chase) whose good intentions often cause major mishaps, the siblings realize that they do like one another and the family creates memories to last a lifetime. And, after all, that’s the goal of a family vacation, right?

Yet, as the movie shows, heading out with the family can sometimes be tricky. Every family member has a different idea of the ultimate bonding experience. Little brother wants to catch frogs at the lake. Middle brother wants to try rock climbing in Arizona. Teenage daughter just wants to stay home with her friends. What’s a family to do? Help is on the way. Below are some ideas that excite every family member when traveling to some of the most popular family vacation spots: The Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico.

Adventure
For you adrenaline junkies, I’ve got just the fix. Nowadays it’s easier than ever to get the adrenaline pumping.

•Kayak through Bioluminescent Creatures (Vieques Island, Puerto Rico). Hop in a two-person kayak at night. Then watch the ocean light up with each dip of your paddle or jump in and swim through the green, glowing water. Finish your tour watching a moonrise over the bay.
•Ride a Mule Down the World’s Highest Sea Cliffs (Molokai, Hawaii). Hold on to your hats as your mule clambers down a narrow path that clings to the side of the towering cliffs. At the bottom, discover the history of Hawaii’s leprosy colony and the impressive work of Father Damien. Minimum age: 16.
•Snorkel through an Underground Cave (Tulum, Mexico). A small hole in the ground opens to an expansive underwater cave dripping with stalactites. Put on your mask and fins, and explore the underwater labyrinth of caves in one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world.

Family Enjoyment
Not up for heart stopping madness, but still want to get your game on? Check out these outstanding family outings.

•View Life Below the Waves Onboard a Submarine (St. Thomas, Caribbean). Head down 100 feet to the ocean floor and maneuver through marine valleys and coral formations viewing wildlife of all sorts on an underwater safari.
•Ride a Dolphin (Oahu, Hawaii). Jump in the water with these amazing creatures of the sea. Learn all about dolphins’ bodies and how they move in the water. Feed them, pet them and, for the grand finale, take hold of their dorsal fins to speed across the lagoon.
•Jet Ski through Mangroves (Cancun, Mexico). Hop on a jet ski and explore Cancun’s extensive maze of mangroves, spotting marine wildlife on a wild ride!

Naturally Fun
Maybe you’re the quiet type looking for the perfect, serene spot in nature. Experiencing the planet’s natural entertainment can be a rewarding experience for the whole family.
•Snorkel an Underwater Trail (Buck Island, St. Croix). Hoist the anchor and set sail for one of the Caribbean’s most fabulous reefs— the underwater National Monument at Buck Island. Follow an interpretive trail that points out different sea creatures and hike around the island to explore some land creatures.

•Hike the Rugged Na Pali Coast (Kauai, Hawaii). Don your hiking boots to tread one of the most well-preserved and accessible tropical forests in the world. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail winds along the towering cliffs and isolated valleys of Kauai’s north shore. Make a fabulous weekend out of the trip by camping at the end of the trail, or take a day trip just two miles up the trail to Hanakapi’ai for incredible views.

•Snorkel, Cliff Dive and More at Xel-ha (Mayan Riviera, Mexico). A huge eco-friendly marine park, Xel-ha offers tons of family activities. Snorkel with tropical fish and turtles, explore a Mayan cave, swing like Tarzan, jump from a 20-foot cliff, cross a rope bridge and see what other adventures you can conquer.

Historical & Cultural Experiences
Yes, it’s true. You’re not in school while on vacation, but you can still learn a thing or two in a foreign land. And you may be able to get extra credit if you are missing school. Besides, don’t doubt the fun factor in the edu-tours listed below!

•Explore the Colonial Fort of El Morro (Old San Juan, Puerto Rico). Imagine the skirmishes between pirate ships and soldiers stationed at El Morro. Stand sentry over the Caribbean Sea, run the ramparts and feel the rusted cannons as you relive scenes from an epic colonial battle.

•Discover the Effects of Lava (The Big Island, Hawaii). Feel heat oozing from crevices in the rocks, hike across hardened lava plains and frozen lava tubes, smell the sulfur pouring from the steaming caldera and, if you time it right, watch the glowing lava plummet into the Pacific Ocean at Volcanoes National Park.

•Investigate a Mayan Pyramid (Mayan Riviera, Mexico). The Mayan Riviera is dotted with signs of the ancient Mayan civilization that once flourished there. Climb huge Mayan pyramids, explore dark tunnels and crevices and get to know the Mayan people at Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Coba.

Inspired to plan your trip? In this information age, it’s easier and cheaper than ever to plan the vacation of a lifetime. The Internet offers access to all sorts of travel information, and travel search engines provide a great way to compare prices, as well as videos and pictures for hotels, activities and more.

If you’re not quite sure where to go, subscribe to a travel deals e-mail service, like www.travelzoo.com. These services scour the Internet for the best deals around and e-mail their findings directly to you. Also, be sure to visit your local library. Libraries often keep a huge inventory of travel guidebooks, travel videos and historical and cultural information on different countries that can help make your travel plans easy.

Get going and plan a trip that your family will remember forever. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even discover that you like to go frog hunting with your little brother.

Carrie Simmons is a freelance travel writer, longtime traveling parent of two and producer of the Travel With Kids series, which introduces parents and kids to new and exciting destinations. Titles include Travel With Kids Caribbean, Travel With Kids Hawaii and Travel With Kids Mexico. For more information, visit www.travelwithkidsdvds.com.