Family travel 5: Have a backup in case the dream vacation plan evaporates
Here are five ideas to consider.
Dream trip: Cruise the Med
Oh, to cruise the Mediterranean. While pondering a trip aboard a Royal Caribbean mega-ship, the kids have focused on the latest on-board amenities, including skydiving, virtual adventures, glow in the dark laser tag and bumper car showdowns. The adults have no problem imagining a stroll down ancient pathways and sipping local wines on the Amalfi Coast. With older kids in your crew, perhaps you see yourselves savoring the stunning views under the whipping cloth of a Windstar sailing ship.
Backup plan: Relax on the river
With no time for the big splashy trip, go low key in the Carolinas. With more than 3,000 miles of trout streams and 1,100 miles of hatchery-supported trout waters in the mountains alone, North Carolina is an outdoor lover's haven. It's also home to the nation's only designated fly-fishing trail, the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, which directs anglers to 15 prime spots in the Great Smoky Mountains to cast a line. Expect a variety of options from wide-open rivers to small, secluded streams. The heart of the trail, the Tuckasegee River, or the 'Tuck' as it's known to locals, is the county's largest body of water. Designed by two outdoorsmen and fly-fishing guides, the trail is an ideal way for fly-fishers of all skill levels and ages to learn the art of fly-fishing.
For more: www.royalcaribbean.com; www.windstarcruises.com; www.flyfishingtrail.com
Dream trip: Epic theme park
You've been saving to visit an iconic park like Disneyland in California or Universal Studios in Florida. The kids have yearned to explore Space Mountain and to experience Harry Potter's World of Magic. But if this isn't the year to stand in long lines, nudge to the front for the street parade or wait for the Hogwarts Express, then having a plan B makes sense.
Backup plan: A U.S. national park
Visit a lesser-known national park in northeastern Ohio for a heaping dose of Midwestern beauty. Cuyahoga Valley National Park comprises 33,000 acres, tucked along 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron. The winding river gives way to deep forests, rolling hills and open farmlands, punctuated by iconic views of covered bridges and cascading waterfalls. Plan for hikes or biking excursions along the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Ask about the Junior Ranger program, ranger guided options as well as educational resources, games and DIY activities and crafts that will enrich the family experience.
For more: www.universalorlando.com; www.disney.com; www.nps.gov/cuva
Dream trip: French art and history
Your bucket-list trip to France would ideally include plenty of art and history. The Louvre and other important museums would be on the list. Perhaps a river cruise and a tour of a family owned-castle would fit the bill. A D-Day-focused educational tour of the beaches of Normandy -- including Omaha Beach and the American cemetery where more than 10,000 white crosses dot the landscape -- might be part of the plan.
Backup plan: American adventure history
If crossing the pond must wait, consider dipping into history stateside.
Discover some of the last remaining natural stretches of America's longest river - the Missouri - while on the lookout for wildlife and scenic vistas and contemplating the significant history of the area. How might this river have appeared to Lewis and Clark when they navigated their way along the Missouri more than 200 years ago? You'll learn about the plants, animals and landscapes described in the Lewis and Clark journals and find out how the river has changed course over the years.
Explore the Missouri National Recreational River, a national park unit consisting of relatively free-flowing segments of the storied river.
For more: www.france.fr/en; www.uniworld.com; mri.usd.edu/watertrail
Dream trip: Luxury in Scottsdale, Arizona
Checking into a luxury resort is a real treat, and a family stay at one of several in the Scottsdale area is no exception. At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a Sonoran Desert gem, families love the chance to dig toes in the sand at the Sunset Beach pool or join the festivities at the Sonoran Splash pool where water slides, music, games and dive-in movies increase the fun factor.
Backup plan: Scottsdale home rental
However, this may be the year your family chooses to dial it down a notch by booking a home rental in a resort area you are eager to visit. It might be easier to manage naps, teen sleep schedules or picky eaters in your own kitchen and expanded space. Still, you'll enjoy the many options including shopping, museums, golf, hiking and star-gazing that a resort destination, like Scottsdale, provides.
For more: www.fairmont.com/scottsdale; www.experiencescottsdale.com; www.vrbo.com
Your dream trip
It's important to carefully consider all change and cancellation policies when planning your dream trip and a backup plan. Given life's demands and occasional curve balls, your best option may be to give your dream trip the opportunity to unfold when it will be most enjoyed by all.
Your backup plan
Sometimes the best backup plan is to stay in your home, sweet home, with a commitment to take advantage of the nearby restaurants, parks and other amenities you've always intended to visit.
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FRANKFORT — By the time the doors opened at 9 a.m. on a recent Friday, at least 300 guests were already waiting outside Buffalo Trace Distillery. As people snaked through the queue, my mind wandered to the excitement around the midnight release of "The Phantom Menace" in 1999 or the seventh "Harry Potter" book in 2007. Make no mistake, this is a cultural phenomenon for bourbon lovers. But it was also just another day at the Kentucky bourbon distillery. Without fail, a few hundred people appear every morning at Buffalo Trace, 113 Great Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, eager to purchase a bottle of Blanton's ($74.99), E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch ($59.99), Eagle Rare ($42.99) or Weller Special Reserve ($30). All four bottles are difficult to find on liquor store shelves, but if you head to the distillery gift shop in the morning, usually at least one of them will be available for purchase. 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