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FAMILY TRAVEL IDEAS

When it comes to typical trips, many families have been there and done that. But not too many families will be familiar with the following unusual family travel ideas. This is definitely not your father's or mother's family vacation!

"We know that today's generation of families is always seeking new and exciting travel ideas," says Dorothy Jordan, family travel expert, book author, and newsletter editor. Jordan says an abundance of unique trip ideas like the ones below make family travel more exciting then ever.

Candyce Stapen, another family travel expert and author of Globe Pequot's Great Family Vacations series of books, adds, "Traveling with your children offers many bonuses for you and your family. Over donuts in an airport or dinner in a new hotel, you suddenly hear about that special science project or how it really felt to come in third in the swim meet."

From the Florida Keys up to Maine and all the way west to Alaska and Hawaii, we've searched the U.S. for some of the best vacation ideas you'll ever find. We've also included lots of helpful information (see accompanying sidebars) for planning a truly unique trip.

UNDERWATER BEDTIME STORIES

How many families can say they've spent the night in the world's only underwater hotel? At Jules' Undersea Lodge in the Florida Keys' Key Largo, your hotel room is located in about 30 feet of water and is entered through a hole in the bottom of the cottage-sized structure. You don't need any diving experience to reach it, as the lodge can conduct a pleasant three-hour class to acquaint non-certified divers to comfortably dive in the the company of the lodge's dive instructor. Once there, families never want to leave.

Designed for comfort, the air-conditioned living space includes two private bedrooms and a large common room with dining and entertainment areas. It's ideal for families and can accommodate up to six people comfortably. Each of the bedrooms and the common room is equipped with telephone, intercom, television/VCR, and a stereo sound system.

But the main focus of attention is the big 42-inch round window that graces each room. "Waking up to view a pair of angelfish looking in your bedroom window is a moment you'll never forget," says owner and co-developer Ian Koblick. Other common sightings include parrotfish, barracuda, and snappers, while anemones, sponges, oysters, and featherduster worms seem to cover every inch of the lodge's exterior.

Guests of the lodge have included the likes of Aerosmith's Steve Tyler, Jean Michel Cousteau, and astronaut Scott Carpenter. Birthday celebrations are also quite popular, making kids underwater celebrities for the day. Part of the Key Largo Undersea Park, other attractions include a hyperbaric chamber and diving bell, several submarines, a recreated wreck, an underwater talk station, a mangrove nursery area, and a MarineLab for study. Of course, the rest of the Florida Keys provide even more water-based fun for the entire family. For more information, call (305) 451-2353.

START YOUR ENGINES

If anyone in the family likes cars and car racing, then Daytona Beach and Daytona USA will put your next vacation into overdrive. Auto racing began in Daytona Beach way back in 1902, when cars raced on the wide hard-packed sand of the beach. Many land speed world records were set there and it became so popular that the Daytona Speedway opened in 1959. This huge complex now hosts at least eight major racing events each year, including the famed Daytona 500 each February.

Highlights at the huge Daytona International Speedway complex include the mile-long 110,000-seat grandstand, the actual racetrack, and the World Center of Auto Racing. But the entire family will really enjoy 50,000-square-foot Daytona USA, which allows visitors to change a tire or work on a NASCAR pit crew, take a simulated qualifying run, 'talk' to legendary drivers, announce the finish of a race, and much more. Kids (and kids at heart) 16 and older can take three laps in an authentic stock car at 150 miles-per-hour in the Richard Petty Riding Experience (other exciting 'driving' experiences for younger NASCAR fans are also available). For more information, call (904) 947-6800.

DISNEY WITH A DIFFERENCE

Many families may have Disney World memorized by now, but those same 'experts' may not know that there is much more to Disney than the Magic Kingdom and other theme parks. We've found some unique ideas to take a Disney vacation with a difference.

If you want a really special Disney vacation for your family, consider the Disney Institute. This educational vacation enclave features more than 60 courses in eight areas of interest--Entertainment Arts, Performing Arts, Story Arts, Design Arts, Culinary Arts, Lifestyles, the Environment, and Sports and Fitness. There are special programs for guests 10 to 17 and children 7 to 9 can participate in Disney Day Camp. Many packages are avialable. For more information, call (800) 4 WONDER.

If your family is into Disney 'firsts,' then you'll want to be one of the first families to take a cruise with the new Disney Cruise Line, which debuts on April 30, 1998. The Disney Magic will offer three- and four-night cruises combined with a Walt Disney World stay. For more information, call (407) 566-7000 or contact your travel agent.

If your family really loves the entire Disney experience, why not make it ongoing. The Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership program that provides its members with a world of vacation opportunities for years to come. Anchored by the purchase of deeded real estate, members receive an annual allotment of vacation points that can be used in a variety of ways for different types of accommodations at a number of resorts and for other vacation experiences. The flexible program includes: two Disney World properties; Disney's Vero Beach Resort; Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort; other Disney hotels; and, through an exchange system, top-notch hotels and resorts worldwide. For more information, call (800) 800-9100.

A REALLY SPACEY VACATION

Houston, we don't have a problem when it comes to Space Camp. The U.S. Space & Rockert Center's Space Camp provides one vacation your family will never forget. Parents and their youngsters participate together in astronaut training and various activities throughout a weekend, culminating in simulated space shuttle missions. The popular programs are available in Alabama, Florida, and California. Other possibilities include a similar Aviation Challenge, Adult Space Camp, and many other programs. For more information, call (800) 63 SPACE.

COLONIAL CAPERS

Virginia's Colonial Williamsburg is living history at its best, with a family-friendly atmosphere of fun and education. Your family will become immersed in 18th century Williamsburg, with the living and breathing preserved and restored town of shops and shopkeepers, slaves and freedmen, visiting dignitaries, outspoken patriots, children, and just regular people going about their lives in colonial Virginia. But Colonial Williamsburg makes it even better for families, with five unique "Revolutionary Fun" family packages that include other popular area attractions, as well as specific programs for young visitors to dress up and act like their 18th century counterparts ("Felcity," "Young Recruits," and "Colonial Girls" packages). For more information, call (800) HISTORY.

WE'RE JAMMIN'

Whether you want to help your kids hoist the sails or just want to watch them do it, a Windjammer cruise off the coast of Maine definitely provides a fun and active history lesson at sea. A variety of traditional sailing vessels in the Maine Windjammer Association ply the nooks and crannies of Maine from spring to fall. For instance, the stunning three-masted Victory Chimes, built in 1900, offers popular half- and full-week cruises to a maximum of 40 passengers. For more information, contact the Maine Windjammer Association at (800) 807-WIND or the Victory Chimes at (800) 745-5651.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS

The Rocky Mountains make for a great family vacation and few places welcome families like Colorado's Keystone Resort. Since it's opening, Keystone has catered to kids and happy parents with a variety of activities in any season. During the ski season, children's skiing and non-skiing options are virtually limitless, including ski school child care, 'snowplay' programs, sleigh rides, ice skating, and more. Other times of year, family pursuits include llama treks, mountain and nature walks, a 40-acre Wetlands Park, biking, rafting, in-line skating, and much more. This is the best kind of high for today's kids. For more information, call (800) 222-0188.

HEY DUDE

If your family has ever wanted to go ranchin', then many dude ranches in the Wild (or Mild) West await. For example, Lake Upsata Guest Ranch in Montana offers a wide variety of family oriented packages that include three meals a day, horseback riding and instruction, fishing in a beautiful mountain lake, wildlife programs, Native American programs, nature hikes, biking, boating, campfire, cookouts, and much more. Accommodations options include rustic cabins and tipis (a favorite with kids). For more information, call (800) 594-7687.

Some other excellent 'dude ranch' options include: The Home Ranch in Colorado, (970) 879-1780; Montana's Laredo Enterprises, (800) 535-3802; Wyoming's Castle Rock Ranch, (800) 356-9965; California's Coffee Creek Ranch, (800) 624-4480; Leon Harrel's Old West Adventure in Texas, (210) 896-8802; New York's Pinegrove Dude Ranch, (800) 346-4626; Scott Valley Resort & Guest Ranch in Arkansas, (501) 425-5136; New Mexico's Wild Horse/Derringer Ranch, (505) 773-4860; and the Y.O. Ranch in Texas, (800) YO-RANCH.

GET HOT IN ALASKA

Families visiting Alaska are getting themselves into a lot of hot water these days--but they're not complaining. Interior Alaska is home to natural hot springs that offer an unsurpassed resort experience. Located near Fairbanks, The Resort at Chena Hot Springs, Arctic Circle Hot Springs, and Tolovana Hot Springs offer the unique experience of swimming and soaking outside in 100 degrees water while the air temperature ranges down to 30 degrees below. Other fun family activities include the unforgettable experience of viewing the famed Northern Lights, skiing, dog-sledding, flightseeing, horseback riding, hiking, and much more (depending on the season you visit). For more information, contact the Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 327-5774.

COOL HULAS

Hawaii's islands are all unique, so if you really want to see as much as possible, you need to take your family on a cruise. American Hawaii's classic liner, the completely refurbished S.S. Independence, visits five ports on four islands in just seven days. The ship sails from Honolulu on Saturdays, with ports of call on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island (Hilo and Kona). Through the line's Hawaiiana Program, families experience authentic hula, Hawaiian language, and the true aloha spirit of warmth and respect for Hawaiian people and places. Their president, Tony McKinnon, explains, "We intend the ship to be more than just a means of transportation between the islands. We strive to enhance our passengers' understanding of the Hawaiian culture and people." The award-winning shore excursions enhance the overall experience, making the cruise an ideal way to see the islands.

Your family members are sure to become "Kama'ainas" (ones who "know" Hawaii), as they become immersed in the culture of these fascinating islands. American Hawaii Cruises is the only cruise line offering seven-night cruises through the Hawaiian Islands from Honolulu. There's simply no better way to see so much of Hawaii in a week. They are now also offering three- and four-day segments as well. For more information, call (800) 765-7000.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY

GREAT RESOURCES

Publications:

--Travel With Your Children (TWYCH): renowned family travel expert Dorothy Jordan offers a popular newsletter and          many other publications. (212) 477-5524

--Great Vacations With Your Kids book series: Dorothy Jordan's books that cover nature, adventure, cruises, and more.      (800) 292-1966.

--Great Family Vacations book series: family travel expert Candyce Stapen's four books for Globe Pequot (covering the        Northeast, South, Midwest and Rocky Mountains, and West). (800) 243-0495.

--The Family Travel Guide: an inspiring collection of family-friendly vacation stories. (510) 527-5849.

Tour Operators & Other Resources:

--Backroads: wide variety of multi-adventure family vacations. (800) 462-2848.

--Born Free Safaris & Tours: great trips for families in Africa. (800) 372-3274.

--Cheeca Lodge: famed family programs at Florida Keys resort. (800) 327-2888.

--Class VI River Runners. West Virginia whitewater rafting and many other outdoor programs for families. (800) CLASS      VI.

--Colorado Outdoor Education Center: family nature programs in the shadow of Pike's Peak. (719) 748-3475.

--Delta Air Lines Fantastic Flyer: discounts, member kit, publications, and much more. (800) 392-KIDS.

--Dinamation International Society (DIS): Family DinoCamp and other dinosaur-oriented programs for families. (800) DIG    DINO.

--Elderhostel: several trips for seniors with children. (617) 426-7788.

--Familyhostel: families learn about a foreign culture by living in it. (800) 733-9753.

--Family Explorations, Inc.: worldwide family vacations and tours. (800) WE-GO-TOO.

--Grandtravel (see sidebar): trips for grandparents and grandchildren. (800) 247-7651.

--Hyatt Hotels & Resorts: world-renowned Camp Hyatt program for families. (800) 223-1234.

--Journeys: large adventure travel operator with many unique family departures. (800) 255-8735.

--Micato Safaris: many family-oriented safaris in Kenya. (800) 642-2861.

--Nantahala Outdoor Center: whitewater and many other adventures. (800) 232-7238.

--Northern Outdoors: Maine's oldest and largest adventure company. (800) 765-7328.

--Outdoor Adventure River Specialists (O.A.R.S.): special Family Trips whitewater adventures. (800) 346-6277.

--Rascals in Paradise: family travel specialists. (800) U-RASCAL.

--River Odysseys West (ROW): whitewater trips on nine rivers in Idaho, Oregon, and Montana and much more. (800)          451-6034.

--Sierra Club: many trips exclusively for families. (415) 977-5630.

--Wilderness Southeast: several trips for families in the Southeast U.S. (912) 897-5108.

--Wilderness Travel: large adventure travel operator with many unique family departures. (800) 368-2794.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY

AIN'T LIFE GRAND

If grandparents want to join in the family travel and fun, Grandtravel is the perfect contact. Many seniors have discovered the joys of traveling with their grandchildren, but struggle with the logistics of planning appropriate trips. One call to Grandtravel is really all they need. This unique company currently offers seven domestic and 10 international programs for grandparents and grandchildren. President Helen Koenig says, "For grandparents who are searching for creative ways to strengthen ties with their grandchildren, we offer an exciting idea--travel together as Grandtravelers!" Varied trips cover the U.S., Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, and more. For more information, call (800) 247-7651.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY

RVs ARE FAMILY-FRIENDLY

A recent study by Louise Harris and Associated for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) found that RVs are growing in appeal with younger people and families. More than half of likely RV buyers are age 30 to 39. Others most likely to buy have two or more children and like to drive while on vacation. RVing is a perfect family-friendly option, with enjoyable advantages including cost, flexibility, ease of travel, and outdoors fun. With many RV rental options throughout the U.S., renting an RV makes for a unique family vacation and just may lead to an RV purchase. For further information, call (888) GO RVING.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY

JUST THE TWO OF YOU

Sometimes, you need a vacation just for the two of you. If you'd like one call to do it all, check the romantic getaway offerings from one or more of the following: Club Med, (800) CLUB MED; Fiesta Americana, (800) FIESTA 1; Historic Hotels of America, (800) 678-8946; Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, (800) 233-1234; Island Outpost, (800) OUTPOST; Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites, (800) 228-9290; Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, (800) 462-6262; Princess Hotels, (800) 223-1818; Radisson Hotels International, (800) 333-3333; Sandals Resorts, (800) SANDALS; Sonesta Resorts, (800) SONESTA; Westin Hotels & Resorts, (800) 228-3000; and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, (800) WYNDHAM. You may also want to consider a productive Weekend for Couples (800) 254-2022;

A romantic cruise for two is also an excellent way to sail away to some serious time together. Some top possibilities for couples include: Carnival Cruise Lines, (800) 327-9501; Celebrity Cruises, (800) 437-3111; Clipper Cruise Line, (800) 325-0010; Club Med Cruises, (800) 453-7447; Commodore Cruises, (800) 237-5361; Costa Cruises, (800) 462-6782; Crystal Cruises, (800) 446-6620; Cunard Line (including the famed QE2), (800) 221-4770; Delta Queen Steamboat Company, (800) 543-7637; EuroCruises, (800) 688-EURO; Holland America Line, (800) 426-0327; Norwegian Cruise Line, (800) 327-7030; Orient Lines, (800) 333-7300; Princess Cruises, (800) LOVE BOAT; Royal Caribbean, (800) 327-6700; Star Clippers, (800) 442-0551; and Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, (800) 327-2602.

PHOTO CONTACTS

1--Jules' Undersea Lodge, Agnes Newcomer, 305/451-2353

2--Daytona USA, Amy Sample, 904/947-6782

3--Disney (three):

-Disney Institute, Dan Higgins, 407/397-6397

-Disney Cruise Line, Laura Pesin, 212/213-7224 or Amy Foley, 407/566-3687

-Disney Vacation Club, Mariska Elia, 407/566-3123

4--Space Camp, Ed Davis, 205/721-7160

5--Williamsburg, Patrick Saylor, 757/229-1000 (slides included with article)

6--Windjammer (Victory Chimes), Nancy Marshall, 207/594-0755

7--Keystone, Kristin Yantis, 970/496-4253

8--Lake Upsata Guest Ranch, Greg Griffin, 800/594-7687

9--Alaska springs (Fairbanks), Cindy Caserta, 907/451-8742

10--American Hawaii Cruises, Nancy Loewenherz, 847/949-4379