Lori Rogers

There is nothing like sharing adventurous experiences for promoting family bonding. My family went camping across the country in a trailer while I was growing up and we still talk about those family adventures when we get together. I believe that those trips are part of the reason my brothers and I are so close. 

Adventures don’t necessarily mean roughing it — some of the most adventurous trips that I plan combine five-star accommodations and service with thrilling forays into exotic ecosystems and cultures.  

COSTA RICA

For active families, Costa Rica can be a dream destination. You can do extreme eco-adventures such as zip-lining and white-water rafting, or more laid-back nature walks. There are also lovely beach resorts where families can enjoy water sports and relax. And since English is widely spoken in Costa Rica, it is easy to connect with the local culture. 

The most exciting thing about Costa Rica for families is the chance to explore its fascinating and pristine ecosystems, including cloud forests, rainforests, and beaches. Costa Rica’s excellent wildlife reserves and licensed naturalist guides will introduce you to animals and plants unlike any in North America, from playful monkeys, nearly motionless sloths, and brilliantly plumed birds such as toucans and hummingbirds. Not to be missed is a chocolate tour. You’ll learn to identify cocoa pods in the forest and see how indigenous people made chocolate. The highlight, of course, is the tasting!  

There are some wonderful nature lodges. I took my daughter to El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Baja del Toro for her 13th birthday. It’s a remote five-star resort where you have a dedicated butler. Ours greeted us after a chilly hike with hot cocoa and a waiting hot Jacuzzi bath, and even though our rooms were heated, he warmed our beds with hot-water bottles at turndown every night.   

HAWAII

Hawaii is another wonderful luxury destination for family adventures. Like Costa Rica, it combines great beaches with a welcoming culture and a wide array of eco-adventures. Hawaii is especially good for families of diverse ages and abilities because it offers so many different ways to experience its wonders. For example, you can spot amazing sea life from a submarine or glass bottom boat, or snorkel around coral reefs and volcanic formations. 

CRUISES

Another great vacation option for families is cruising. I can help you select the right line, depending on your interests, budget, and the ages of the travelers. Royal Caribbean is the right choice for many families. Its connecting cabins let kids and parents have their own space. It also has a great kids program, plus a wide range of activities, both on and off the ship, for teens and adults. Many families opt to go their separate ways on some days and then come together for dinner to compare notes. River cruise companies and tour operators increasingly offer family-friendly departures. I also can arrange customized itineraries anywhere in the world that will create shared memories that will last a lifetime.  

Where does your family want to go next?