Affordable family travel: Explore all-inclusive getaways

Traveling with the family can get pricey. Knowing ahead of time how much a trip will add up to can take some of the stress out of investing in your vacation. That’s when all-inclusive getaways, where lodging, meals and activities are included, can be a good option.

Go Western at a guest ranch

With an authentic and scenic setting as backdrop, you and your junior adventurers can enjoy beautiful places and learn horsemanship from experienced hands who will tailor the instruction to your skill and interest level. Typically lodging, meals and riding, as well as other activities like hiking, fishing in a nearby pond and games, will be included in your price. Opt to ride in open meadows, on mountain trails or in the desert Southwest. Will your family members choose to participate in a real cattle drive? Are you up for a horse pack trip into the backcountry? Will your youngsters be eager to learn the skills required for team penning and other arena games? Or will you be happy to relax during daily trail rides? The options are yours at working dude ranches and guest ranches across the country. Furthermore, you’ll easily meet other families and share stories on the trail, around a campfire or across the breakfast and dinner tables.

MORE INFO duderanch.org

Say yes to a grand adventure with help from the pros

If you have yearned to commit to a grand adventure but have been overwhelmed by the potential price and complexity of planning, consider connecting with a travel company that can handle the details and provide peace of mind. You’ll have a clear picture of what’s included in the trip before departure. Whether you want to venture to Antarctica to study climate change, dive into the diversity in the Galápagos Islands or explore the Amazon River and its tributaries, make this the year you say yes to adventure. Leave it to the pros to craft a plan, utilizing local know-how and deep experience. Harness the anticipation, and prepare to make memories that will endure a lifetime.

MORE INFO abercrombiekent.com; adventure-life.com

Choose an all-inclusive resort

Check in knowing you have a holiday ahead with a firm understanding of the all-inclusive price tag. With so much to do at a resort like Beaches in Jamaica or Turks & Caicos, it will be a breeze to keep everyone happy and active. Ride a banana boat, splash through the water park or learn to snorkel. Try a guided "Snuba" experience, a kid-size first step toward learning to scuba dive. Sail on a catamaran, relax on the beach or grab a bite in one of the specialty restaurants. Take an adult break at the spa while the kids take a tennis lesson or take part in the curated kids sports activities.

MORE INFO beaches.com

Board a family-friendly cruise ship

Whether you choose a small sailing ship or a city-size vessel, there will be plenty to engage the younger set, plus a multitude of ways to carve out "me time." On the bigger ships expect water parks, ropes courses, rock-climbing walls, multiple pools, theaters, ice-skating rinks, surf simulators, character parades and a zip line. Companies like Royal Caribbean have made families a priority and have dedicated large portions of their ships to putting smiles on young faces. Many lines offer separate areas for toddlers, kids and teens and provide free daytime and early evening access to their kids’ clubs. With nursery care and after-hours fun available, it’s easy to book grown-up time in the evenings. Working with a travel agent who specializes in cruising can help you get the best price with the most inclusions.

 MORE INFO disneycruise.com; royalcaribbean.com

Join an organized tour

Feed your junior explorer’s natural curiosity on a memory-filled trip. Do they yearn to learn more about art, history or science? Is there a burgeoning chef, musician or engineer in your midst? How about a language-immersion class? Are your kids curious about other religions, cultures or lifestyles? Whether you opt for magnificent cities, nature’s classroom or immersive experiences, expand their knowledge (and your own) by exploring new ideas together. An organized tour can provide the opportunity for kids to connect and share the experience with others in their own age group and for adults to enjoy their own camaraderie.

MORE INFO roadscholars.com; austinadventures.com