When you hear the words “family” and “destination” together, what places come to mind? Often we think of the most popular or heavily advertised places, like the beach or an amusement park. And while these can certainly be fun, they can get be crowded and expensive. So where does a family go when they are looking for something off the beaten path, and desire a more unique destination?

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Do you love animals? Have you seen them at the same places too many times? Perhaps you are also concerned with the way these animals are being treated at many facilities, and are wondering about the ethics of animals in captivity.

Maybe it is time for a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, where you can see animals living in a home where they are cared for and live as close to their natural habitat as possible. A wildlife sanctuary is a place where abused and abandoned captive animals are brought to live the rest of their lives with dignity. Visiting a place like this is contributing to the humane treatment and rescue of animals rather than using them for entertainment.

Historic Sites

Do you think that learning about history on your next family vacation will bore your kids to tears? Think again! The history of our country involves such a wide range of themes that there is truly something to please everyone.

From the Gettysburg National Military Park to the Old West feel of Tombstone, Arizona, to a tour of the White House, you are sure to pique at least someone’s interest. The great thing is that many of these historic sites are free, so it eases the often expensive costs of a family vacation.

Swimming Holes

Do you love the water but cringe at the thought of yet another theme park decorated with colorful plastic? Then perhaps your next family destination should be one of our country’s beautiful natural swim holes. Amazingly, these are more common than one would think.

The Boiling River in Gardiner, Montana gives you a meeting of river and hot springs temperatures which combine perfectly. The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico stays at a comfortable 64 degrees year-round, allowing divers to enjoy it whenever they are in the area. Blanchard Springs Caverns in Fifty Six, Arkansas is a unique and amazing experience and known as “living caves” due to how the caverns transform over time.

Nature Preserves

Nothing is as relaxing and bonding as spending time together as a family in nature. Depending where you live, this can be hard to come by. Next time you are looking for a place to visit, why not try a nature preserve?

Nature preserves are areas of land protected in order to preserve what may be endangered habitats and their flora and fauna. Study and research may happen here, as well as observation. Find out what preserves may be near your area and be sure to spend at least a day in one of these beautiful areas.

Deciding on a destination for family time doesn’t need to be a complicated, expensive, and highly commercial endeavor. Look beyond the typical vacation and find something new that you can all enjoy together. You will surely look back on this time together as some of your greatest moments.

Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need to plan their next family road trip, vacation, or holiday break in Travel Planning.  Not yet a member?  Join today and get organized to make your travel less stressful and more enjoyable.