“W
e’re going on a learning vacation!”
Parents who make that announcement and expect their kids to jump
with glee are likely to be disappointed. Rather than excitement,
odds are good they’ll be met with rolling eyes, exaggerated sighs
and a world-weary teenage “Whatever.” But the wise parent who
changes that announcement to something like “We’re taking a
cruise!” or “We’re going to the beach!” will probably get a much
more positive reaction. When it comes to mixing kids, holidays
and learning, it’s all in the spin. Fortunately, more and more
travel companies are realizing the advantages of helping parents
and kids (or grandchildren) enjoy an enriching, affordable
vacation together.
ASTRONAUTS AND ANIMATORS AFLOAT
Savvy families know that cruises can offer excellent value
and fun for everyone in the family, from toddlers to seniors.
Enhancing an already attractive vacation option, many cruise lines
now offer extensive educational programs—everything from
mystery novelists giving workshops on creating the perfect plot to
astronauts talking about their trips to the stars. These may appeal
to older children, particularly if they’re thinking about careers in
one of the professions spotlighted.
Some cruise lines even have enrichment programs just for
kids. Holland America Line, for instance, offers culinary workshops
for children as young as age 3. The line also provides an acclaimed
National Park Service Junior Ranger Program on its Alaska
itineraries, which helps kids learn about the ecology of America’s
most northern state.
