Family trips

Black Enterprise, May, 2005 by Patricia Jacobs

No matter what you call your family, there are more than a few types of vacations that cater to the special needs of your particular group.

Whether it's a getaway with the guys, a family reunion, or a trip with the kids, there's something to fit every budget and taste; from cruises to resorts to even jungle treks. There's nothing like being able to spend down-time with the people who have your back. According to The Minority Traveler (2003 Edition), compared to travelers overall, nearly three times as many African Americans take group tours than anyone else (10% vs. 3%).

Cruises are made for a crowd, and range from a short "cruise to nowhere" to longer trips with exotic ports-of-call. Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class cruises cover the gamut, catering to everyone with teen-only nightclubs, spas, casinos, shopping, Broadway-style theater, and even basketball. You can enjoy the amenities on-board or take an on-shore excursion (book 10-days in advance online or purchase on-board). Activities can include mountain-biking in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, trekking in San Juan's El Yunque Rain Forest or exploring Mayan temples in Cozumel, Mexico.

For bigger gatherings, their Royal Family Reunions package (a minimum of eight cabins qualifies as a group) keeps everyone playing together. Aqua Park passes, personalized cake, photos, and an on-board Scavenger Hunts are just a few specialties available on Caribbean-bound cruises. [www.royalcaribbean.com (866) 562-7625. Royal Family Reunions (800) 205 9812, ext. 80805].

If you and your crew's adventurous spirits soar beyond the confines of a ship, there are numerous adventure tours--offering everything from mountain trekking to whitewater rafting--catering to you. According to Adventure Travel Report, about 98 million people have taken an adventure vacation in the last five years, and the number's are growing.

One country revered for its eco-tourism is Costa Rica. Flanked by both the Pacific and the Caribbean, this Central American Locale offers volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, and rivers with 850 species of birds and exotic mammals as the backdrop to adventures like scuba-diving and horseback riding. For a bird's eye view, strap on a mountain climbing harness for a rainforest canopy tour 100-feet up. [www.visitcostarica.com, (866) COSTARICA, http://www.caravantours.com]

You might prefer your adventures a little closer to sea-level if you're traveling with children. As if natural wonders like whale-watching or surfing weren't enough, many Hawaiian resorts cater to the little keiki. Keiki Clubs operate in two ways: e.g. the Kapalua Bay Hotel (Maui) is free for ages five to 16 when accompanied by a paying adult, offering snorkeling, Golf Academy and pineapple picking. While at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental (Oahu), price ranging from $30 half-day to $50 all day, kids from five to 12 can participate in supervised activities including lei-making, bamboo pole fishing and hula (while the parents can follow more adult pursuits). [www.gohawaii.com, 1-(800) GoHawaii (1-800) 464-2924).]

For pursuits everyone can enjoy together, there's not much better than a theme park resort. Typically offering special rates for groups, from smaller gatherings to family reunions, many will do the planning for you. Disneyworld Resorts can arrange your family reunion by virtually hold your hand from contacting to booking.

With the free, downloadable Magical Gatherings Planner (10 or more rooms), your extended family can chat online in real time, from anywhere. You can schedule activities or select a resort near your favorite Theme Park; arrange a dinner at Epcot or plan an African safari. They'll even provide goodies (photos, t-shirts, etc.) to take home. [(800) 327-2989. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com; (407) WDW-MAGIC]. You can even take home a learning experience that benefits the entire family. Find out what your group's main interest is and focus on the theme. If they love water and all that dwell in it, the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas is like university where a massive "waterscape" of waterfalls, streams and lagoons filled with shark, coral and numerous fish species thrive.

Sailing adventures, cruise excursions, water slides--if it's wet, it's represented. Your group can also speculate on the existence of Atlantis with The Dig: a maze of tunnels and chambers filled with spectacular sea life, all surrounding underwater ruins that represent the ancient city. Young ones can join the Aqua Tots feeding program, while older kids can go off to Discovery Channel Camp, while you indulge at the luxurious Mandara Spa. There's also snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the three-mile white sand beach. After you've dried off, a giant casino and 23 restaurants await. [www.atlantis.com (888) 528-7155 (brochure), (800) 722-2449 (group sales)]

With some advance planning and a little imagination your family of choice can come away with a vacation of a lifetime.