Are you ready for an EAT vacation? It’s one that promises memorable Experiences, adrenaline-pumping Adventure, and truly Transformative moments.
Here are five ideas that may fit the bill for you and your family.
Cycle in Spiritual Spain
Pull out your passports and prepare to join countless other pilgrims on the storied El Camino de Santiago trail. It’s the sacred route that winds from the rugged Pyrenees to the plunging hills of Basque Country to the vineyards of La Rioja and on to the medieval cobblestone streets of Santiago de Compostela. Ride on two wheels into a breathtaking world where the adults can taste the region’s celebrated wines and all can sample the freshest seafood. You might share meals at a luxurious estate or a local family’s home. Steep in the region’s rich cultural heritage as you make transformative memories with your family and friends.For more, visit VBT.com and VisitEurope.com.
Set Sail in Europe
Board the world’s largest sailing ship, Wind Surf, and set out to explore the nooks and crannies of Europe’s most compelling coastlines. Slip into Italy’s small ports, where you’ll wander through charming villages and relax on pristine beaches. Marvel at the picturesque, pastel towns that dot the Amalfi Coast, dip into the turquoise water of Croatian caves, and get inspired by the natural beauty and the cultural gems you’ll discover inland.Choose from shore excursions that will get your heart pumping—hikes, river rafting, or cycling—or opt for intriguing adventures that will provide insight into local customs and culture. On board your boutique sailing vessel, toast amid sunset departures as your captain raises the billowing sails, directing the stunning ship to its next port of call.
For more, visit WindstarCruises.com.
Enjoy Active Adventure in Arizona
Head to sun-drenched southern Arizona for a multi-faceted family adventure. In Tubac, established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio, declare the historic and family-friendly Tubac Golf Resort & Spa your base camp and let the exploration begin. Don’t forget your binoculars, because the area is considered one of the best spots for birding in the country. When not checking off hummingbird and elegant trogon sightings on your list, enjoy a round of golf, a stroll through the local art community, or time at the spa. Hike from the resort, situated on the 500-acre Otero Ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley, and appreciate views of the Tumacácori and Santa Rita peaks in the distance.For more, visit www.TubacGolfResort.com and www.VisitArizona.com.
Experience Nyepi in Bali
While many celebrate a New Year with fireworks and frivolity, the Balinese choose to cleanse the spirit, meditate, and bask in silence on Nyepi, or Silent Day. On Nyepi Eve, observe local villagers as they play music, dance, and parade colorful, hand-crafted “monster dolls” through the streets while encouraging evil spirits to join the party, hoping they will then sleep through Nyepi. During the 24 hours of silence that follow, Bali’s airport, seaports, roads, and all businesses are closed, steeping the island in a magical, pristine quiet. Lighting and the use of electricity are kept to a minimum, and visitors and resort guests are encouraged to join islanders in a day of relaxation and reflection. It’s an ideal time for journaling, napping, quiet conversation, candlelit dinners, and stargazing. Ease into the day with morning yoga at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay’s peaceful ocean-front pavilion. At the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan, guests are invited to join in a meditation under the stars aside the roof-top lotus pond.Nyepi falls according to the lunar-based Balinese calendar and thus changes each year. The next Silent Day begins on March 22, 2023.
For more, visit FourSeasons.com/JimbaranBay and FourSeasons.com/Sayan/.
Discover the Geology of Zion
Shimmering waterfalls and verdant hanging gardens. Crimson cliffs and emerald pools. Descriptions of Zion National Park rarely do it justice. The landscape is one best experienced up close, wading through the world-famous Narrows or capturing the colorful canyon hues at sunset. Visit to imagine the first peoples who once tracked mammoth, giant sloth, and camel across this southern Utah terrain as you hike, bike, or float through the geologic wonder. Make the most of this bucket-list-worthy adventure by staying at Xanterra’s Zion National Park Lodge, the only lodging inside the park.For more, visit ZionLodge.com.
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert, and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com.
©2022 FamilyTravel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
