THE PULSE: G Adventures Announces 2015 Family Trips Selection

WHY IT RATES: Family travel has been on an upward trajectory for more than a decade. Travel has become increasingly a family activity. People like to travel with their families and this trend shows no sign of abating.

G Adventures is at the forefront of most of the major industry trends toward small groups, adventurous travel to exotic destinations, cultural immersion and authenticity. The company’s new line of programs for young adults puts them in the forefront of the family travel market too. - David Cogswell, TravelPulse tours senior writer

PHOTO: A family surveys the merchandise at a Marrakech market. (G Adventures)

Leading small-group adventure travel tour operator G Adventures introduces its collection of 2015 Family adventures. Spanning three continents and 14 countries, the company’s family-friendly trips are designed to deliver a mix of adventure and education.

“Traveling is a great way to open up a child’s world to possibility and wonder. Experiences lead to new interests, and exposure to different cultures, languages, and environments helps the kids of today become the responsible, well-rounded adults of tomorrow,” says Alistair Butchers, Innovation Manager, G Adventures.

Beginning in 2015, the tour operator will offer “Teen Adventures.” Developed based on feedback from agents and clients, the departures for ages 12 and above feature more age-appropriate activities. 

“Teenagers are just as keen to experience the world and have the same curiosity and yearning to explore as adults. What these departures will do is combine the best of our regular trips while ensuring you’re traveling with similar, like-minded families,” adds Butchers.

To mark the launch, travelers will receive $200 off per adult with promo code G15TRAVELFAMILY on Family tours booked by Dec. 15, 2014, for travel between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2015. 

All family adventures are two weeks or less in length and planned around school holidays. Group sizes are no larger than 20 travelers and average around 12. Each trip comes with a skilled Chief Experience Officer (CEO) responsible for enriching the journey and offering local insight.

The 2015 Family brochure is now available. Sample itineraries include:

- Classic Vietnam Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – Teenage Adventure: Experience bustling Hanoi, sail on a junk boat through Halong Bay, shop in romantic Hoi An, squeeze through the Cu Chi tunnels, sip Vietnamese iced coffee and people-watch in hectic Saigon. Priced from $1,099 per adult and $999 per child. Minimum age 12 years.

- Morocco Family Adventure: Experience the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, try mint tea and learn Arabic and wander the souk of Essaouira. Priced from $999 per adult and $899 per child. Minimum age six years.

- Peru Family Experience: Search for wildlife along the Amazon River, explore the mysterious Inca ruins at Machu Picchu and sample the seafood in Lima. Priced from $1,799 per adult and $1,699 per child. Minimum age is six years.

SOURCE: G Adventures press release

For more information please visit: www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/family.