24 September 2009

Tour operators cite Grand Canyon as tops

The top US destination for families? Try the Grand Canyon, said a poll conducted by the US Tour Operators.

Grand Canyon’s natural wonders "that leave adults and children in awe," along with parents’ desire to show children their own country were cited as major draws by companies such as Collette Vacations and Tauck World Discovery.

Other popular destinations were:

• The Galapagos Islands. "Our clients tell us that taking their children (and even grandchildren) to the Galapagos Islands is an immensely rewarding experience, and it has become our most popular family destination. Often a family’s interest starts with what the children are studying in school, and then an outing to the Darwin exhibit, or the Galapagos 3-D IMAX fires their imagination," says a spokesperson for Abercrombie & Kent.

• Australia Unique cultural heritage and wildlife, absence of language barrier and safety as a destination, attracts families, according to Goway Travel.

• River cruise trips in Europe, including Amsterdam to Basel and Amsterdam to Paris are particularly popular for families, largely due to the fascination of castles which capture the imagination of children and parents alike, according to Uniworld River Cruises.

For a list of USTOA member companies offering family-friendly vacations, try www.ustoa.com or www.ustoa.travel.

By David Wilkening