Have you planned your family's summer vacation?

Who doesn't enjoy a great family vacation in the summer? But coming up with vacation ideas and then researching and finding the best option takes time.

This article will help make your vacation planning easier. There are three vacation ideas with examples to consider - cruises; all-inclusive resorts; tours. The ideas just might help you come up with other ideas of your own.

Idea #1 – Enjoy a cruise vacation…

- Caribbean

Disney Cruise Line offers more than a dozen sailings across the Caribbean. Some popular ports include St. Kitts and Grenada.

Royal Caribbean cruises have a great selection of itineraries with port visits to Barbados, St. Thomas, Jamaica, Cozumel, Nassau, and the Cayman Islands.

Celebrity is known for its quality service and has a variety of Caribbean itineraries with stops in ports like the U.S. Virgin Islands and Aruba.

Carnival cruises to Caribbean hot spots, including Turks & Caicos, Martinique and Belize.

Norwegian Cruise Line has sailings to dozens of popular Caribbean islands, including Aruba, St. Thomas and Antigua.

- Alaska

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America offer the most popular cruise itineraries for Alaska. You have several itinerary choices. You can cruise round trip from Seattle, Washington; you can embark in Vancouver, Canada and sail to Seward (2+ hours from Anchorage) or embark in Seward and sail to Vancouver. Another very popular Alaska vacation is to do a pre- or post-cruise Denali tour connected to the cruise itinerary.

- Hawaiian Islands

Norwegian Cruise Line offers 7-night cruises on its Pride of America cruise ship. It embarks in Honolulu; spends two days in Kahului, Maui; it then sails to Hilo and Kona; spends two days in Nawiliwili, Kauai; and ends in Honolulu.

- Mediterranean

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, Carnival Vista offers an 8-night round-trip cruise from Barcelona with ports of call in Messina, Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno ( Florence/Pisa), Marseilles and Palma de Mallorca.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a 7-night cruise that sails round-trip from Venice with stops in Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Katakolon.

Princess Cruises offers a 7-night sailing on its Royal Princess cruise ship. Start in Civitavecchia (Rome) and enjoy the ports of Naples, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Mykonos and Athens.

Royal Caribbean International has several itineraries available throughout the Mediterranean. During a 7-night cruise, you can choose a sailing that visits Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseilles, La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples or one that includes the ports of call of Civitavecchia (Rome), Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Katakolon.

Idea #2 – Relax at an all-inclusive resort…

- Cancun, Mexico

Azul Beach Resort by Karisma on Riviera Maya Beach overlooks the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean and offers the ideal spot for luxurious family getaways in an intimate setting. Your family can relax with gourmet inclusive dining options, daily and nightly activities programs customized for every member of the family, a kid’s activities center and sensational guestrooms and suites with family-friendly amenities.

Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma is Mexico's premier all suite, all butler, all gourmet, beachfront resort where couples and families enjoy a vacation that fosters togetherness. Enjoy the astonishing views of the turquoise ocean from all of our beach front rooms. This 144 suite hotel stretches along a secluded beach, providing indulgences from gourmet cuisine to infinity pool suites with complete butler service. Families can relax knowing that their little ones are in the hands of our certified team of professional nannies.

IBEROSTAR Paraiso Maya on Riviera Maya Beach is an oceanfront resort that appeals to families, spa and golf enthusiasts and luxury travelers seeking a sensational all-inclusive beach vacation. With the only wave pool in the Riviera Maya, a soothing lazy river, an 18-hole championship golf course, a 5-star PADI Dive Center, all-suite accommodations and an expansive spa, the resort caters to guests of all ages. With exchange privileges at the restaurants, bars and facilities at the IBEROSTAR Paraiso Lindo complex, guests will run out of time before they run out of things to do and see at this sprawling resort.

Riu Palace Las Americas on Cancun beach combines luxury and style with beautiful beachfront surroundings. A five-minute walk from the shopping, dining and entertainment of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, guests to the resort enjoy richly-appointed guest suites featuring a private balcony or terrace, a distinctive selection of all-inclusive restaurants and bars, opulent spa services and an exciting selection of unique activities and entertainment.

- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort is spread across 50+ acres of lush tropical landscapes. It is a luxurious getaway with hacienda-style villas amidst a breathtaking expanse of private beach, romantic sunsets and sparkling blue sea. Guests to the resort enjoy all-suite accommodations, European spa services, a state-of-the-art fitness room, sparkling, ocean view pools including the unique Sky Pool, a cigar bar, wine cellar, a choice of opulent restaurants and family-friendly amenities including a kid’s club.

Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is a premiere oceanfront resort offering distinctive amenities, personalized service and lavish guest suites that feature sweeping balconies, breathtaking ocean views and fully stocked mini-bar and liquor dispensers. Fronting the Land’s End Arch rock formations and one of the area’s most picture-perfect beaches, this expansive, luxurious getaway delights with friendly service, gourmet dining, nightly entertainment and a relaxing atmosphere.

- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Paradisus Palma Real is located on Bavaro Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of the setting, the stunning tropical gardens, and a climate of eternal summer all year round in this luxury all-inclusive resort. 

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana offers a perfect combination of comfort, nature, pristine beaches, exclusive services and personalized high-quality treatment. This spectacular deluxe hotel located on the paradisiacal Bavaro Beach and with all-inclusive service, offers a unique experience to travelers looking for a relaxed vacation in the Caribbean.

Idea #3 – Tour a country’s landmarks and places of interest

- Costa Rica

Tour this tropical paradise. Begin in the colorful capital city of San Jose and continue with visits to Guanacaste, Monteverde, Arenal, and return to San Jose. Throughout the tour you’ll experience beautiful beaches; fascinating forests where trees grow to heights of 100 feet; the world’s largest butterfly gardens and a gallery of hummingbirds; the Arenal volcano, which has been generating lava for the past 30 years; Cano Negro, which is home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife; and much more.

- Italy

Italy is a country that has something for everyone. Great food and wine; fascinating architecture, sculptures and paintings; and some of the world’s most treasured landmarks. Selecting the desired city or cities for your summer vacation depends on whether you’re a foodie, art-lover, romantic, or you just want to visit historical locations. The top cities include Nice and Ventimiglia; Bologna; Verona; La Spezia; Turin; Milan; Naples; Venice; Florence; and Rome. You can easily travel between any of these cities by train, which makes it easy to visit several cities in one summer vacation.

- Ireland

Vacation in the magical Emerald Isla and take in the beautiful landscapes of rolling hills. Visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Limerick and experience a combination of Ireland’s natural beauty, rich history, and its culture of hospitality and friendship.

- London and Paris

Visit two of the most popular European cities in one vacation experience. London is a sophisticated metropolis that combines both culture and history. You can visit beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, popular monuments, and glorious theatres. Following your London experience, arrive in Paris – the City of Light. Enjoy dinner at the Eiffel Tower, view world-famous landmarks including Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place Vendome, the Louvre and much more.

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If you need help planning and booking a family vacation we would like to hear from you. Please give us a call at 847.825.7761 or contact us through our website at http://www.funfilledtravelers.com/pages/contact

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Gerry and Margaret Waller combine their years of travel experience and passion for dream vacations to help clients get the most out of theirs. They provide thoughtfulness, patience, and careful attention to details in planning and accomplishing every client’s needs and desires for new and exciting vacation opportunities. Whether it is a luxurious cruise, relaxing resort and spa, or an adventurous escape from day-to-day lives, Gerry and Margaret go above and beyond to help turn your vacation dreams into dream vacations.