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Are there a few travel destinations that you want to cross of your travel to-do list so badly that it keeps you up at night? Maybe you think that you should have gone to these places in your 20s - before you had a career, kids and a mortgage.
Now, you've become the armchair traveler, living vicariously through the adventures of others, waiting for retirement to take your next dream vacation. I am here to tell you that there is no need to wait. You can, in fact, take a trip of a lifetime, bucket-list adventure with the whole family (within your allotted 10 days of vacation) and here are six prime examples of how to do that.
Paul Gauguin
Families who want to experience the best that French Polynesia has to offer might want to sail with Paul Gauguin Cruises. After all, Travel + Leisure readers just voted Paul Gauguin as the "Top Small-Ship Cruise Line for Families" at the World's Best Awards. Most likely, they heard about the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program, a unique program, created by explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau, that introduces young travelers (ages 9 to 17) to the natural wonders of French Polynesia through direct, hands-on, interactive experiences with marine and island ecosystems.
Right now, the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available for free on holiday cruises in 2014 and on select summer and holiday sailings in 2015.
Explore Machu Picchu With Adventures By Disney
Peru is a magical place and what better way to see a magical place than with the magic of Adventures By Disney. Explore the ruins of an ancient civilization, experience traditional Peruvian celebrations and ancestral culture and glimpse what life was like in the time of the Incas.
The nine-day Peru and Machu Picchu Family Vacation includes Urubamba river rafting, a Pachamama feast, a private tour of Machu Picchu, a visit with master Peruvian weavers and more.
Enchanting Christmas Markets Onboard Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Get into the sprit of the holiday season and bring the magic of Christmas alive on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Christmas Markets river cruise. Onboard, families discover the varied history and traditions of the holidays throughout the region and unique tours guide guests through beautiful handicraft markets, quaint villages and the enchanting atmosphere that lights up each town. Kids can taste sweet gingerbread and sip warm apple cider while parents can experience the warming properties of gluhwein.
Discover Africa With Abercrombie & Kent
Explore Africa with a luxury family adventure from Abercrombie & Kent. There's no doubt that you will be making memories for a lifetime as you spot the Big Five on safari, engage with local communities and discover the traditions of the nomadic people with the help of a Young Explorers Guide.
The 12-day Family Kenya & Tanzania Safari includes a customized program of activities with games, butterfly catching, mask-making, kite-making a treasure hunt and more.
See Norway and the Northern Lights With Hurtigruten
Are your children in search of the real life Disney's "Frozen"?Hurtigruten can take them there. Discover the Northern Lights on a journey from Bergen to Tromso to get a taste of this Arctic region. Guests will cross the Arctic Circle, visit the Nidaros Cathedral, stop in the capital of the Arctic, Tromso, see the Seven Sisters Mountains and more on In Search of the Northern Lights Voyages.
Take a Lindblad Expedition to the Galapagos
Discover nature in its most pristine setting onboard the National Geographic Endeavour in the Galapagos with Lindblad Expeditions. Weeklong journeys will bring out the inner scientist in your whole family as you hike, kayak and snorkel your way through these amazing islands. Through careful conservation and expert guidance, everyone will learn about the incredible flora and fauna that make these islands unique, but kids might get the best deal with photo workshops, hands-on science projects and nature lessons created just for them.
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