The word “vacation” means different things to different people. Some want to lounge on the beach sipping a piña colada while others crave adventure. Before booking your next vacation, you’ll want to make sure the destination offers what you’re looking for.

Vacation spots such as Europe center around history and culture more than activities. While sightseeing and tours are plentiful, those with a need for speed will likely long for something more. With that in mind, here are my recommendations for the top 5 action-packed destinations.

Number 5 – Mexico

From Cozumel to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico offers a great variety of activities for thrill seekers. Hike through dense rainforests or explore jungles, plunge down a natural waterfall, race off on a Baja four-wheeler adventure or Jeep safari, soar to new heights while parasailing high above the ocean and much more.

Number 4 – The Bahamas

One of the most popular cruise destinations, the Bahamas gives you plenty of opportunities for fun. Swim with dolphins or dive deeper with a guided scuba adventure. Participate in an actual race aboard one of two America’s Cup vessels as part of the sailing team or hop aboard a Thriller powerboat for a high-speed tour you’ll not soon forget.

Number 3 – Hawaii

Hawaii has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, but it is also filled with excitement for adventure seekers. Catch a wave off Oahu’s famous North Shore, which offers some of the best surfing in the world. Hike through lava fields to the top of active volcanoes for up-close views of fire pits, lava tubes and an 11-mile crater rim. Dolphin encounters, off-road adventures and more are also available.

Number 2 – Alaska

Just imagine yourself flying across an expanse of solid white with a team of dogs under your control. Dog sledding is just one of the many quests Alaska delivers. Tour the Inside Passage for a salmon-fishing tour guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Hop a high-speed catamaran and zip past blue icebergs, as white thunder crashes all around you, or explore the most remote areas of the Juneau Icefield by foot. The frozen tundra awaits!

Number 1 – The Caribbean

Reportedly the number-one cruise vacation spot of all time, the Caribbean is comprised of a string of small islands dotted throughout the Atlantic Ocean. There’s little wonder why with all the thrilling excursions you can participate in. Climb Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls, go whitewater rafting or mountain biking in Costa Rica’s rainforests. Snorkel with stingrays, ride horses on the beach… from helmet diving to jungle-river tubing, you’d better take your vitamins because the Caribbean will keep you on your toes.

The world is filled with exceptional destinations for thrill seekers, but these 5 top the list of satisfying the action lover’s thirst. Before booking a cruise to any location, check the list of available excursions to ensure you’ll have numerous options to keep you busy.

What Should You Do?

How does skiing fresh powder of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, or relaxing in the white sand of Hawaii’s beaches and hitting a hole in one at one of Myrtle Beach’s many golf courses sound to you? Ski, beach and golf vacations are great choices for families.

Skiing Vacations

Many resorts offer a plethora of activities for you and your family. While you are skiing fresh powder, your children can be supervised by a certified ski instructor while enrolled in ski school. After that lesson, you can meet up with them and they will be happy to show you what they learned. When the day ends, be sure to explore the town. Ski towns are notorious for some of the best shopping and fine dining. If you want to take a day off from skiing to catch your breath, try ice skating, toboggan runs or just sit by a fire with a good book. When it comes time to plan a ski vacation, try to plan at least 5 to 6 months ahead of time. This is when you can find the best deals and you shouldn’t have to worry about the hotel you want to stay in, completely booked. I have found that a little research goes a long way. After you choose your hotel, see if they have any packages or specials available. Most of the time hotels and resorts will offer a bit of a discount on lift tickets and other activities. If a special or package is not available, make sure to buy your lift tickets in bulk to save some money. Try to buy a 3 or 4 day pass versus buying individual tickets each day. Often times, these lift tickets will be good for more than 1 resort in the area.

Ski Vacation Destinations.

The Rocky Mountains of Colorado offer many good resorts to choose from. Some favorites include Telluride, Vail and Breckenridge. Telluride Ski Resort was built in the 1970’s and along with it came cultural events, festivals, music and more. People come to this town year after year for the wonderful skiing and other fun activities.

If skiing is what you are all about, Vail is the place to go! It has just been named number 1 for the 14th time in 19 years in Ski Magazines “Top 50 Resort Guide”. Vail offers world class skiing, fabulous nightlife and many fine dining options.

Breckenridge is a 147 year old Victorian town. People flocked to this town in the 1800’s in search of riches in the form of gold. Now this town is a haven for skiers of all types. This town offers many activities for families and travelers.

Beach Vacations

Beach resorts can be perfect for your next family vacation getaway. Some of the best resorts are in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Mexico

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. It is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Los Cabos features luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some of the best sport fishing in the world. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.

The Caribbean

The Cayman Islands offer many things for many people. 99% of the travelers visit Grand Cayman Island. It is easy to see why people go here. Of the islands this island offers the most when it comes to resorts and hotels. The fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving is not to be missed. When diving, you will think you are in a pet shop aquarium. The fish are abundant and the stingrays are gentle and fun to watch. If time permits, rent a Jeep and cruise around the Island.

Hawaii

Hawaii offers many choices for the traveling family. Each island is unique and offers something for everyone. Kauai is less touristy but still offers much to do. The surfing and snorkeling are not to be missed. Be sure to take a day and drive up to Waimea Canyon. This canyon offers many photo opportunities, and spots to get out and hike near beautiful waterfalls. Maui offers white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Maui also offers great sightseeing and wonderful shopping. Of the islands, Hawaii, also known as “The Big Island” is the largest. Here you can visit the only active volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands. You will also find wonderful resorts, pristine beaches, great nightlife, fine dining and shopping.

Golf Vacations

Right about now, you may be thinking “How can a golf vacation be good for my whole family?” Well, many golf resorts offer more than just golf. While you are out hitting the lynx, your family can be enjoying a beach, pool, or shopping. When you are done on the course you can meet up and head to one of the many fine dining establishments near your resort. Many golf vacations can be combined with a beach getaway. Mexico, Hawaii and the United States offer some of the best golf near some of the best beaches. These resorts offer many different specials and packages that can be tailored to fit your specific wishes.

Whatever your next vacation entails for you, you will not be disappointed with any one of the recommendations above. Be sure to see all you can see. The bottom line is to enjoy yourself and relax!

First locate the destination on a world map and identify nearby cities and neighboring countries. Then check for the most convenient way to travel to the destination you prefer. Learn about the local currency and the current exchange rates. Get the list of moderately-priced hotels and good restaurants. Find out how to greet people in the local language. Discuss and decide with your family and friends what to do during each day of the tour. To help you locate your exciting holiday destination, a few exotic locations are given below.

Florida holidays

Florida holidays are popular for the extraordinary fantasy world found in the city of Orlando with the world-famous Disney and Universal theme parks. Cheap Florida holidays include the astonishing green region of lakes and rivers and the chance to visit both the Atlantic Space Coast and the magnificent white sandy beaches of the western Gulf Coast.

The Canary Islands

Though the canary islands are part of Spanish territory they are much closer to Africa than the Spanish mainland. These seven islands are the tips of a vast volcanic mountain range lying beneath the Atlantic Ocean. The Canary Islands are truly a paradise for lovers of nature and water sports. This archipelago of volcanic origins was rightly called as the Happy Islands by ancient Greeks and Romans.

Australian Holidays

To enjoy Australian holidays, you should travel the whole of Australia and witness nature’s awesome and breathtaking display of colors, heat, frenzy, and vibrancy. Australia is a land of extremes. In Australia, summer actually happens from December to February. That is, Aussies celebrate their Christmas at the height of summer. In the summer, the Victorian Alps are a great place for anyone looking forward to sightseeing Australia, as well as hike, rock climb, fish and bike. During the winter, the Victorian Alps offer the most popular ski holidays in Australia. Launch yourself into the winter wonderland and make the most of what these resorts have to offer. Find the marvelous place for your adventure; put yourself into the latest gear that gets you up and down the mountains.

Holidays in Mexico

For an exotic holiday with fine beaches, plenty of sunshine and every convenience, look no further than Mexico holidays. Some of the popular places and sports: Mayan Ruins, Copper Canyon, Sea Kayak in Baja, an exciting sight of the Monarch Butterflies, Hike a Volcano, Raft the Veracruz Rivers, Whale Watch in Puerto Vallarta and many more.

Caribbean holidays

The typical perception of Caribbean holidays is that of fine white sandy beaches, palm trees and cocktails. Caribbean islands consist of French islands, former British and Spanish islands and American islands, all contributing to a fascinating cultural blend. Be sure to explore the many beautiful beaches that boast about the wonderful clear blue water for which the Caribbean is famous. Exploit the opportunities of snorkeling and scuba diving, as the marine life thrives with activity in the shallow regions beneath the surface.

Make arrangements to capture the golden moments you will be enjoying, by taking professional family photos that lasts for life. Do not forget to shop presents for everyone on your gift list. Have the kids’ pictures taken, posing on exotic locations with awesome backgrounds. Have a snap taken while riding in a horse-drawn carriage. Spend considerable time with your extended families during holiday feasts.