family travel | cover story SPAIN


Few European countries are as well set up for a family vacation as Spain, where its mix of sunshine, Iberian culture and well-priced packages have long made it popular among continental holidaymakers. Te standout city for families is Barcelona, where you’ll find beaches, museums and a laid-back vibe, while both Madrid and Seville are perfect for indulging in tapas, bike rental and historical exploration. Outside the big urban centers, the country’s appeal is arguably even greater, with the southern Costas offering resorts, watersports, whitewashed villages and outdoor activities. Pick from horse-riding, cookery courses and mountain-biking, or delve into the calendar of fiestas and festivals. Looking further afield, both the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands — sunny outposts of mainland Spain — have plenty to offer. spain.info


AUSTRALIA


From Top: Gaudi Park, Barcelona; Climbers on Sydney Harbour Bridge


It takes some time to reach Australia, but a family trip Down Under makes for an unforgettable vacation. Its two showpiece cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are well stocked with teen-friendly attractions (ever scaled a 46ft-high bridge or learned the flying trapeze?), while the country as a whole offers some of the most celebrated outdoor adventures in the world. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, catch waves off Bondi Beach or get up close to the kangaroos, koalas and wombats that make Australia such a renowned wildlife destination. For Americans, the destination’s size and location make it an adventurous choice, but there are ample rewards — not least the fact the US dollar exchange rate is markedly better than it’s been in recent years. In aviation news, Qantas is starting direct flights from San Francisco to Sydney in December. australia.com u


SAMPLES


n FLORIDA PARKS: Orlando Vacation offers a six-day, seven-night All Star Orlando Vacation Package with seven nights of lodging, a four-day Disney World Base ticket and two-day tickets to Universal Studios. Priced from $490 per person, based on two adults and two children. orlandovacation.com


n WINTER LONDON: Great British Vacations has a London Winter Wonderland package, available November to January. It includes four nights at a four-star hotel, admission to a West End Show, the London Eye and more. Prices for an en-suite triple start at $1,349 per person. greatbritishvacations.com


n YELLOWSTONE NATURE: Caravan Tours offers an eight-day package taking in Yellowstone National Park as well as Mount Rushmore and Grand Teton National Park from $1,095 per person, with accommodation, transport, most meals and a range of included activities. caravan.com


fall 2015 | ASTAnetwork | 73


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