9 Once-in-a-Lifetime Family Vacations
We all have a dream trip (or maybe even 2 or 3) that may be on our Bucket List of places to visit But sometimes budget and kids put these dreams at the bottom of that list. However that doesn’t need to happen, because now there are some once-in-a-lifetime experiences that the entire family can enjoy. Let us help you create a lifetime of memories. Here are 9 once-in-a-lifetime family vacation options put together by MSNBC, Travel Today.
1. Go on an African Safari 
Although many safaris don’t allow children under 6, that’s OK because they must be able to stay quiet in the animal settings and appreciate what they are seeing. There are several companies who offer these fabulous safaris in South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya, and along the Mari-Masai to witness the Great Migration of thousands of Wildebeests and Zebras. View lions, giraffes, and elephants in addition in their natural habitat.
2. See the Northern Lights
The aurora borealis, a natural phenomenon, can be seen from Alaska and the northern provinces of Canada and Scandinavia. The best time to view these is between April and October. Another great spot is Iceland, where you can also swim in the Blue Lagoon’s hot springs. Or Greenland where the Northern Lights most often occur from September to October and from March to April.
3. Take a Barefoot Cruise
Charter a sailboat and sail the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. No lines at meal time, no scrambling to find a table on deck, no dressing up for dinner. Eat in your bare feet on your own deck, and swim or snorkel from the stern of your own boat. Just your family and captain/crew.
4. Work a Dude Ranch
A visit to a dude ranch can be rough-and-tough or a luxury spa. Even with though roughing it, there is someone who can help with your horse or other outdoors activities. Fun and together-ness is what you can find at a dude ranch.
5. Go to the Olympics
With the Olympics this year in London, this may be an easy option. It’s a terrific destination with so much to see and do and a great place to see the Games. Or you could try for Sochi,Russia in 2014 or Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
6. Ride a Mule to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is something every person should see in person once in their life, for its beauty and depth—it must be seen in person. Riding a mule up and down the canyon gives you changing views and a different perspective. Another destinationfamous for mule rides is Santorini, Greece. Take a tram or ride a mule from seashore to mountain top and down again.
7. Catch a Sunrise from the Top of a Volcano
Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii offer gorgeous views from Haleakala, or Mona Kea and Mona Loa. You can also climb Mt. St. Helen’s, in Washington State, to view an outstanding sunrise or sunset. Look into the crater for an even more spectacular sight.
8. Sleep in a Castle
Ireland and Germany are especially known for their family-friendly castle resorts. Scotland, England, and France
also offer the romance of staying in a castle. What an “olde world” experience!
- This was a very cloudy day. I’m sorry the pic is not very clear.
9. Climb to the Tp of a Man-Made Wonder
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A family all inclusive resort is an ideal vacation for the family. You know what your vacation will cost up-front. Family resorts usually include fully staffed children’s
programs with kids-only pools, game rooms, supervised indoor and outdoor activities, interactive programs and special nightly entertainment for the little ones and the teens. These resorts not only cater to the children but provide a wide variety of activities for the adults. All-inclusive family resorts combine accommodations, meals, snacks and drinks, family entertainment, taxes, gratuities, and most non-motorized land and water sports, all included in the price at a family all inclusive resort.
On the other hand, you may want to explore local restaurants and other activities on your own at your destination. These resorts, known as EP, may offer the same kids-only interactive programs and entertainment at no extra cost or minimal charge. Many EP resorts will also have an all-inclusive option.
Some of these wonderful family resorts include Dreams, Palace Resorts, Riu, Barcelo, and just to name a few. These resorts cover Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe.