Laurie Harris

Casa de Campo is a relaxing, elevated experience with kind staff, ample activities for adults, and beautiful beaches. A golfer’s dream, this resort has three courses, spread out over 7,000 acres, with something for every skill level.

Having recently spent two weeks in this far-flung region, Thailand was a magical experience for the whole family. With children in both high school and college, I would recommend this itinerary primarily for families with older children, as it requires a fair amount of stamina. On this trip, we learned many things about Buddhist culture — meeting monks and touring temples. We quickly developed an appreciation for the artists who have created these stunning structures over the years. We gained a sense of the importance of these spiritual centers and their integral role in Thai culture. Skyscrapers merge with majestic golden temples on the skyline, where sunsets take on an entirely new meaning, and the rivers sparkle as the sun sets. It is magical! The contrast between the bustling cities, the excitement of Muay Thai fights (more on that later), and the peaceful, isolated national parks and busy beaches is striking. This diverse country offers everything for an adventurous, active trip, from rich cultural experiences to mouthwatering food. We experienced everything, from wild animal encounters to glistening shorelines.

Belize is a charming island destination, with friendly locals and great adventures around every corner. It is such a diverse country, that you could spend days exploring areas outside the beach towns most people think of when they think of Belize. My experience there was outstanding. I had the opportunity to visit the interior of the country in San Ignacio, where you can explore local ruins on horseback, and the tranquil beach town of Placencia, where you can discover the Monkey River and nearby islands. They were equally as beautiful in different ways, and the experience was made whole by exploring both on the same trip. In general, Belize is less developed than its surrounding countries, such as Costa Rica. This lends to its charm and makes for a very rugged, beautiful countryside. The locals are always ready to tell you their story and many ex-pats move to the beaches there as well, for good reason.

The Canadian Rockies are not only filled with adventure, but some of the most beautiful scenery seen anywhere in the world. With blue cerulean water and breathtaking mountaintops, this picture-perfect part of Canada is a must-see for anyone interested in the outdoors. Whether you are interested in skiing or want to hike it in warmer weather, this promises to be a family adventure you won't want to miss out on. Whether rock-climbing in Banff, or riding the easy rapids in Jasper, you are sure to find something for everyone in this majestic alpine atmosphere. Although it can be shortened to meet your family's needs, this itinerary is based on a 10-day trip of the region in warmer weather.

Greece is an amazing location to travel to if you want to see it all! History, culture, and beaches abound. It's ripe with incredible sites and locals who are happy to teach you all about their history and way of life. Diverse in its landscape, you can be investigating historical sites in Athens one day, and resting on the beautiful rocky beaches of Elounda the next. Simple to travel between Islands, you can easily plan a 10-day trip and see multiple locations, having time to explore each in-depth. And, don't even get me started on the food...

The Southwest is an amazing area of the US to visit, with gorgeous hikes, beautiful vistas, stunning red rock and Native American history. Our family adventure started in Arizona and ended with the bright lights of Las Vegas and included tons of fun for the kids and lots to see for us active adults! This vacation does require a certain amount of stamina, so you'll need to be ok with getting your steps in for the week.

The northern East Coast is beautiful in any season. You can take advantage of the Atlantic in the summer, skiing in the winter and the beauty of the changing seasons in the fall and springtime. This road trip begins in Maryland and travels north through Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts. Great for any family, this trip allows you to enjoy the outdoors, sample great food and enjoy quintessential New England in all its beauty. Although this particular guide is family-friendly, this itinerary could easily be tweaked and used for a romantic road trip as well.