Judy (J.A.) Kundert Novelist
Speaker
Adventurer

Would you and family prefer to scale a mountain in Colorado or the Himalayas,

go scuba diving in the Caribbean or Australia,

or wander through a farmer’s  market in Italy or Vietnam?

What counts — for each of us — is the new ways we see the world — and possibly make new friends in foreign places.

For families this type of experience is almost impossible. In between sports practices and games, music lessons, volunteer work, and of course heaps of school projects and homework, families are pressured preparing children for college. As a result, an emerging family travel trend is blending vacation time into a child’s school curricula for history, literature, geography, and science. The emerging trend is called Eco-adventure vacations. This type of family travel focuses on fun, outdoor experiences and the impact these meaningful travels can have on a child’s imagination.

These Eco-adventure vacations offer up-close-and-personal views of nature are led by naturalists and historians who are trained to understand — and have a passion for — culture, plants, birds and animals and their relationships to ecosystems.

Eco-adventure vacations bring education alive, and if a child can better understand the worlds they will be more likely and better prepared as an adult to improve it!

Get Your Kids Involved in the Planning

If they have a say in picking an adventure trip they’ll look forward to it more. Let everyone old enough to read look at brochures to learn about each trip you are considering. While looking, one locale may resonate with some kids because they’ve studied it in school. If one child hates biking but they all love hiking and rafting you’ve narrowed the field. a trip and everyone will have a better time. Let the kids help with the planning, by brainstorming places, activities, and dreams. Let them help with gathering the information. Finally, let them plan the trip.

Getting started with your Eco-adventure trip:

Here are some suggestions that offer something for every member of the family, yet offer a range of adventure activities.

National parks

There are nearly 400 places with a total of 84 million acres of land protected by the U.S. National Park Service, and most all of them are accessible to families. Many of these national treasures are childhood homes of presidents, remnants of ancient civilizations and wars, and countless trails and natural phenomenon. At national park sites, families can stay in local hotels or on campgrounds. The National Park Service also hosts events during the year at various parks, such as Presidents Day programs at several of the childhood homes.

For more information, visit: nationalparkservice

Ages: Depending on the park and the accommodations, park vacations can be suited to children from infancy to young adulthood.

National Geographic Expeditions Family Adventures where families can watch humpback whales breach and kayak into remote fjords in Alaska; spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more on safari in Tanzania; or go white-water rafting through Costa Rica’s tropical forest. Families have the benefit of expedition leaders and local experts who enrich their understanding of the culture, wildlife, and natural wonders of each incredible destination.

Find out more at: nationalgeographicexpeditions

Ages: School-aged and up

Costa Rica

This Caribbean hot spot has become a destination for nature-inspired families because of the family friendly region’s rich wildlife, and ecosystems like volcanoes and rainforests. Parents and children can easily plan their own itineraries or hook up with several U.S.-based travel companies that specialize in family tours. Among the area’s diverse Eco-friendly and educational attractions are the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui Wildlife Boat Ride, where participants view animals up close without a long hike; the Poas Volcano, where you can drive up to the crater; and the Pacific Coast beaches.

For help finding a family Eco adventure, please visit: ecoteachcosta-rica

Ages: Infancy on up, depending on activity participation

Thanks for stopping by: