Top Summer Family Destinations

Still can't decide where to take your family summer vacation? Liberty Travel just released the top 10 summer family destinations. There are several surprises on the list, and one hotel chain.

Liberty Travel Names Top Ten Family Destinations for Summer

Ramsey, NJ -- June 30, 2003 -- The vacation experts at Liberty Travel, one of America's top ten travel agencies, compiled a list of the "Top Ten Family Destinations for Summer 2003." "The picks are based on the destination's offerings of family amenities, services, attractions and value," said Cathy Pelaez, chief operating officer, Liberty Travel. In random order, the top ten are as follows; the first three include sample pricing:

… Cancun, Mexico ­ While most Americans associate Cancun with honeymooners and students, in the summer it morphs into a family beach party with free children's programs on all-inclusive packages and numerous family attractions, such as Wet N' Wild Water Park, Xcaret Park, swimming with the dolphins, pirate cruises and tours of Mayan ruins. Crown Paradise Club Cancun: Three-nights for a family of four, priced at $839, includes three-night ocean view accommodations, hotel transfers, hotel taxes and gratuities, all meals, snacks, beverages, non-motorized sports, nightly entertainment and kids clubs (18 mo.-12). Pricing is valid for travel July 14 through August 23, 2003.

… Williamsburg, Virginia ­ Williamsburg provides families with pure fun, beginning with Busch Gardens and Water County, USA, as well as a taste of America's past at Colonial Williamsburg, a charming, walking village. Comfort Inn & Suites: Three nights for a family of four, priced at $645, includes three-night accommodations in a standard room, hotel tax, continental breakfast daily and three-day two-park tickets to Busch Gardens and Water County, USA. Pricing is valid for travel now through August 31, 2003.

… Wyndham Hotels ­ While not a geographic destination, six Wyndham Hotels in the Caribbean make the list because of their innovative SpongeBob Summer Splash Parties with SpongeBob games, such as family limbo and jellyfish tossing, and more. Also, kids under 12 eat breakfast for free. Wyndham Rosehall Resort & Country Club, Jamaica: Three or six nights per person based on double occupancy, priced at $469 and $925, respectively, includes hotel accommodations, airport transfers and all SpongeBob Square Pants Party package inclusions. Pricing is valid for travel now through September 1, 2003.

… Aruba ­ Aruba's annual "One Cool Family" summer program earns this Caribbean island a top place on the list. Island-wide family perks include: kids under 12 stay free, play free and enjoy free daily breakfast; a free island or snorkeling tour; free dinners for kids; a free sail/snorkel cruise, and more.

… Jamaica ­ Jamaica offers all-inclusive resorts that have perfected the art of catering to families. While most kids clubs focus on children four to 12, Beaches cares for infants through teens (zero to 15) and the Jamaica Grande welcome kids from the age of 2.

… Orlando, Florida ­ Orlando, the mecca for family vacations and theme park heaven, boasts four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, two Universal Orlando theme parks, Sea World and Discover Cove. Need we say more!

… Nassau, The Bahamas ­ The beaches are only the beginning of family fun in Nassau. There is golf and gambling for mom and dad, water sports for the older kids and innovative programs, such as Camp Junkanoo at Radisson Cable Beach and Discovery Channel Camp at Atlantis Paradise Island, for the younger children.

… Turks & Caicos ­ All-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos with its kids program for infants and up, a spa for mom and dad, venues for teens as well as nightly entertainment for the whole family, puts this tiny island of crystal clear waters and white-sand beaches on the list. Turks & Caicos also serves up fishing, whale watching and the third largest coral reef system in the world.

… Oahu, Hawaii ­ The majority of hotels, many of them affordable, allow children under 18 to stay for free. Oahu also offers diverse kids programs from sand-castle competitions to learning how to make Hawaiian leis.

… Anaheim, California ­ Home to, Disneyland, Anaheim serves up other family attractions, including Knotts Berry Farm, as well as southern California sunshine. All hotels are located near Disneyland; all children under 12 eat free; all children under 17 stay free.

For reservations and information, please call 1.888.271.1586 or visit www.libertytravel.com.

Liberty Travel is one of the top ten travel companies in the United States, and the largest privately held leisure travel company, with 205 stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. Liberty Travel does not charge a service fee ‹ part of the 52-year-old company's goal is to deliver simply exceptional service to its clients.

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