Summer Travel

- Ideas for Families

For those of us with school-age kids, June, July and August offer the chance to have a longer, more leisurely family holiday. See suggestions in ten popular regions.

Surveys suggest that even when families need to economize, parents are determined to have a summer vacation with their kids. They just try harder to plan a one that's affordable.

Very different from family camping! Like camps for kids, but for the whole family: stay in simple lodgings, meals included, lots of fun outdoors and other activities. Some family camps get very creative: stilt-walking, gourd-painting... And for grown-ups, cheese tasting and art gallery trips.

My favorite things about family camping: the Great Outdoors; a low-cost getaway; bringing along the family dog; getting off the internet/wireless/tv-media grid (- though that's harder to do these days, with wider wireless service, iPhones, etc.) Meanwhile, those who don't really want to rough it can try Camping Resorts.

National Parks are awesome destinations for summer travel. Not only do you get the Great Outdoors, many Parks have special features for families, such as Junior Ranger programs for kids, free hikes with a Ranger, and multi-day family programs.

River rafting is exciting fun for families: great scenery from the river, plus the excitement of white water. Pick the right Class of river rafting, and even young kids can enjoy the ride. As the season progresses, the rafting gets calmer... Families can even opt out entirely from any "white water" -- most river rafting companies offer an alternative calm river float.

Horse-riding, the Great Outdoors, home-cooked meals; cookout under the stars; and maybe a massage and spa treatment... Dude Ranches these days range from rustic working ranches to resort-style luxuries. Many have kids' programs. Pricing typically includes meals and some activities. (Price doesn't always include horse-riding, though!)

For many families, summer travel is defined as a road trip: load up the car or minivan, pack in the gear and snacks and kids, and pull onto the highway for a family road trip. Check out tips.

Ski resorts try hard to woo summer travelers, with jazz festivals, food festivals — and, always, plenty of fun for families. Some ski resorts run Family Adventures, with activities in the Great Outdoors (hiking, biking, wilderness challenges...) Or how about a 3030-ft. giant Alpine Slide?

The summer travel months are when Europe's in full bloom: flower boxes bright with color, ice-cream shops doing business day and night, cafe's spilling out onto sidewalks and into squares.. Also prime season for colorful festivals.