Tie a ribbon around your travel plans. Here are five family-friendly ways to share the gift of travel with those you love.
Snow lovers
For those who relish the white stuff, the gift of travel to Colorado ski country will be a high-altitude hit. At resorts throughout the state, kids under various ages are offered the opportunity to ski free. For example, kids under 5 always ski free at Arapahoe, Aspen Snowmass and Loveland. Steamboat’s Kids Ski Free and Grandkids Ski Free programs enable children 12 and younger to ski free the same number of days as their parent/grandparent with the purchase of a five-or-more-day adult lift ticket. Other resorts offer lift-ticket deals as well as lodging, lesson and gear discounts.
Consider a trip to Powderhorn, a western Colorado favorite for its reliable snowfall and 1,600 acres of impressive terrain. The resort is rolling out the first phase of on-mountain lodging in the form of six tiny homes that are fully equipped and sleep up to eight people.
In Nashville, Tennessee, home of the Grand Ole Opry and the best in country music, learn how a simple radio broadcast spawned a global entertainment phenomenon. From industry legends to the latest luminaries, you’ll get a taste of history along with a contemporary dose of the genre in the “home of American music.” Take in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, the Bluebird Cafe and the Johnny Cash Museum. Ask about backstage passes, behind-the-scenes tours and family packages. Or, indulge your teen with tickets to see his or her favorite pop star on stage in Las Vegas. Avoid some of the bright lights by staying at the Four Seasons, a nongaming oasis.
How is it possible to spend so much time with your parents and grandparents and not really know them? If you skirt the small talk and dig a little deeper, you’ll be surprised at what you might learn.
These gifts are for someone who'll eagerly tell you which mileage-reward program to choose, what pillow is best for a 14-hour flight, and how resort fees are the devil's own invention.
