This year I'm planning my family's vacation as a teen and I really want my family to go on a different type of trip: tropical with forest and beaches and adventure that we all can enjoy. Cities with good reputations and a charismatic ambience would be appreciated. Last year we explored Yosemite and my siblings want to go to Glacier National Park this summer. I am attempting to find a island or country that provides the same freedoms national parks provide with beauty and wildlife and exploration because I want a change that satisfies everyone. Does anyone have experience with any places that fit this description?
vacation for an adventurous family?
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When are you going and how much time will you have? Ages of kids? With more information we can help you better.
most all of central america, south america and the caribean will work
We are 14, 16, and 18 years of age. We would be there for a week or more during the summer. Thank you.
We visited Belize (our 2nd visit) in 2009 with an extended family group that included teenagers pretty similar to the ages of you 3. Check it out (and keep hitting "Older Post" at the bottom):
http://holemansandbrinksinbelize.blogspot.com/2009/08/we-arrive-in-belize.html
Oops - I meant "Newer Post".
Well if you are trying to get something like Glacier- how about Scotland? A little bit off track for this forum but the Scotish Highlands would do the trick.
That's where I'm heading this summer - 1st time in 35 years.
Check out Manuel Antonio Costa Rica. Maybe Tulemar Bungalows.
If your really up for an adventure, google Corcovado National Park. It's a remote, rainforest jungle in the South of Costa Rica. It's one of the worlds most bio-intense areas, and sightings of animals such at Tapir and Anteater are not uncommon.
Let us know what you decide, pura vida, Ballardo
I would think you may want to consider Costa Rica for your first trip to Central America. We have now visited both and both would fit your needs for Adventure. Manuel Antonio as mentioned above would be nice as one spot in Costa Rica. I don't think either country will have the type of cities you describe it is all about small towns and countryside in both Costa Rica and Belize.
I would recommend CR too! I wouldn't exactly call Manual Antonio "adventuresome" though - it all depends on what you mean by the word. It's very touristy, and the park can get really crowded.
But there's lots of fun to be had there.
Head a bit more south if you hope to avoid crowds. There is an awesome tree house down in the Osa that is good for a family rental - check it out http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p292693 When my kids are older I hope to do this. In general, as a family I think it's better to rent a house in CR than stay in a hotel, you get much more for your money and there are really spectacular homes, right in the middle of the jungle. Have fun!
If you want tropical forest and Beaches, Hawaii! The Big Island has it all and more, Hike the tropical vallies, or the volcano where you can see the lava close up forming new land as it hits the water! Kayak the tropical vallies on the North-east side where waterfalls drop a thousand feet to the blue ocean. See Humpback whales up close as they bring their newborns back to Alaska. Walk the fern forest and explore the lava tubes. The possibilities are unlimited..http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-hawaii-kayak-adventure-mickey-sarraille/1113888175?ean=2940045103626