Top five family adventures in the Americas for 2018

Made for born explorers and explorers-in-training, every handcrafted Grand American Adventures itinerary is rich in iconic sights and experiences; fits city and country comfortably together, and recognises most families want to mix up excitement with plain good fun, so always comes good on a huge choice of activities too.

According to Grand American Adventures, everywhere from California to Costa Rica, looks set to be incredible in 2018, and amazingly good value, for small-group family holidays. Have a look at their top five greatest adventures, and see if they’re right.

1/5 Discover the wild and wonderful west

Tired, but deliriously happy, is most likely the way you’ll all feel by the time you roll into San Francisco after 11 days proving your pioneer spirit on this western adventure. You expect to see icons in this part of the world, but you’ll seldom see so many in one family holiday, or get as closely involved in the experience.

So, whether they’re hiking the Grand Canyon rim, exploring Monument Valley with Navajo guides or mountain biking Yosemite National Park, kids can look forward to active engagement with nature, wildlife, heritage, science and sheer wonder, from first light, until they drift off to sleep under vast, star-scattered night skies.

Highlights

• Overnight stay in Las Vegas and San Francisco.
• Classic Americana on Route 66.
• Trekking trails through mystical hoodoo-strewn Bryce Canyon.
• Mountain biking in Yosemite National Park.
• Alien adventures on the Extra Terrestrial Highway.
• Hiking ‘The Narrows’ in Zion National Park.
• Nine nights of fun family camping.

Find out more about Western Family Discovery with Grand American Adventures

2/5 The grandest canyon adventure of all

An opportunity to gaze at the Grand Canyon counts as a once in a lifetime experience. This Grand American Adventures family experience goes so much further, it’s hard to believe it all fits into just nine days. But don’t expect any rush, rush, hurry, hurry; masterful planning leaves plenty of time to appreciate every up close and thrilling second.

You have two entire days to get acquainted with Grand Canyon National Park, hours for kayaking on lovely Lake Powell; all the space you need to be awed by Bryce Canyon and its colourful hoodoos; they’ve even squeezed in an overnighter in Monument Valley. And if you’ve ever slept anywhere more spectacular, that’s the tale to share with fellow travellers round a campfire.

Highlights

• Las Vegas and Valley of Fire State Park.
• Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park.
• 4 x 4 tour of Monument Valley with Navajo guides.
• Overnight camping in Monument Valley.
• Kayaking on Lake Powell.
• Sunset dinner on Grand Canyon south rim.
• Climb to Angels Landing in Zion National Park.

Find out more about Canyon Family Discovery with Grand American Adventures

3/5 Adventure from California’s coast to canyon country

Choose this adventure for fabulous beaches, famous cities, bike-perfect boardwalks, soothing hot springs, and close encounters with mighty canyons, even mightier oceans, and the ancient Giant Sequoia of Yosemite; just in case kids weren’t quite thrilled enough. Any family holiday with California in the mix is made to take your breath away and this one is no exception. But it is extraordinary, from glittering LA right through to your last lingering look at San Francisco’s stunning waterfront.

Highlights

• A day at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles.
• Watersports, biking and surfing in San Diego.
• Guided tour of Las Vegas’ neon-drenched Strip.
• Keough Hot Springs and Lake Havasu.
• Dinner overlooking Grand Canyon’s south rim.
• Wildlife, waterfalls and Giant Sequoia in Yosemite National Park.
• Guided sightseeing tour of sensational San Francisco.

Find out more about Pacific & Parks Family Discovery with Grand American Adventures

4/5 Family eco-adventures in Costa Rica

One of earth’s most amazing countries, little Costa Rica is an eco-example to the world. The same size as Switzerland with three times as much protected conservation area; one reserve alone is home to over 500 species of birds and mammals, 100 reptile species and more than 2500 species of plants – many entirely unique to this eco-system.

All seven species of sea turtle nest is in Costa Rica, and it’s also home to Howler Monkeys and three-toed Sloths. If all that doesn’t excite kids, mention the amazing volcanos, two coastlines, and Tortuguero National Park: possibly the most magical on earth.

Highlights

• A visit to the Sloth Sanctuary.
• Guided day tour of Manuel Antonio National Park.
• Night walks in the jungle.
• Arenal volcanic landscape and hot springs.
• Cruise and overnight stay in Tortuguero National Park.
• Caribbean and Pacific Ocean beach breaks.
• La Paz Waterfall Garden and San José.

Find out more about Costa Rica Family Discovery with Grand American Adventures

5/5 Creative family adventures in incredible Canada

Canada is the second largest country on earth, covered in vast wilderness areas, but its cities are still some of the world’s coolest. How do you design a single adventure in the land of immense mountains, iceberg strewn oceans, record breaking waterfalls, and legends like the  Yukon?

Ever innovative, Grand American Adventures let you choose family activities and experiences to fit your family, everywhere from Whistler Mountain to the breathtaking Rockies. Be as active or idle as you please, Canada is always amazing, whatever approach you take.

Highlights

• Two nights in Jasper and Yoho National Parks.
• Trail hiking on Whistler Mountain.
• Trekking in the Canadian Rockies.
• Two nights in Banff National Park, home to beautiful Lake Louise.
• Guided wildlife spotting experiences.
• Tour along Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s greatest drives.
• Walk on the Athabasca Glacier.

Find out more about Canadian Family Discovery with Grand American Adventures