AN ALL-IN-ONE Family Adventure

By Alexa Wheeler

From exploring Costa Rican rainforests, learning how to sumo wrestle in Japan or spotting wildlife in Alaska’s national parks, G Adventures has recently unveiled a new collection of experiences aimed to expose families to new cultures, languages and environments.

G Adventures has partnered with National Geographic Expeditions to create a family adventure travel program focused on children while maintaining a multi-generational appeal. National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures includes various itineraries which uncover destinations through photography and storytelling, history and culture, wildlife and conservation, and exploration.

But G Adventures takes the program one step further – from the food served to the transportation and lodging provided to the activities planned, no detail is missed in making sure all family members ignite their sense of adventure, educate their minds, immerse themselves into the destination’s culture, and return home with fond memories to last a lifetime.

MUD BATH IN COSTA RICA

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Known for responsible travel and their “G for Good” social impact initiatives, the G Adventures team believes all family members should be able to take part in meaningful travel and truly enjoy it. “We connect different generations together through the lens of the child but not specifically for the child,” said Aizaz Sheikh, G Adventures’ Canadian Director of Marketing.

WATER TUBING IN COSTA RICA

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G Adventures knows young travellers require a special amount of attention. On a typical G Adventures tour, one tour guide (also known as a Chief Experience Office, or CEO) joins the travellers. But on a National Geographic Family Journeys tour, two CEOs, both trained to work with and engage children, guide the group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

SOCCER GAME ON BEACH IN GUANACASTE

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These family trips offer a seamless mix of both fun and education, bringing what young travellers learn in school into their actual life without them even noticing they’re learning something new. Itineraries have been thoughtfully crafted with age-appropriate activities introducing young travellers to other cultures through language, sports, crafts and more. Each small-group tour, typically including 20 or fewer like-minded travellers, is a great way for children to interact with other kids from around the world who share similar interests.

BUTTERFLY FARM VISIT IN COSTA RICA

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National Geographic Expeditions and G Adventures identified the opportunity for the Family Journeys program after surveying family travellers around the world on what they want most in a family trip. Eighty-five per cent said they preferred activities that the family could enjoy together as a unit. With the survey findings as inspiration and multi-generational travel in mind, the National Geographic Family Journeys program was born. While learning about the world around them and igniting the explorers within, families can accomplish what more than 90 per cent of those surveyed identified as the most important outcomes of a family holiday – to bond, have fun and create lasting memories together.

HORSEBACK RIDING IN COSTA RICA

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“Between National Geographic’s rich storytelling and G Adventures’ local expertise, families will discover that there is no need for compromise. Parents and children will each find something to look forward to – starting from pre-trip materials like family field guides and photography tips to spark a child’s imagination, to unique destination experiences that will impress even the most seasoned adult travellers,” said Sheikh. By combining exposure to cultures, languages and environments outside of one’s own, families on a National Geographic Family Journeys adventure can develop new interests, helping today’s kids become tomorrow’s responsible and well-rounded adults.

All of G Adventures family programs, including the National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures’ 2020 departures, are on sale globally. Contact your Ensemble travel specialist to plan your family’s next vacation.

Our experts suggest…

National Geographic Family Journeys feature five continents and 12 destinations for travellers ages seven and up, including Alaska, Costa Rica, France, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Peru, South Africa, Southeast Asia, Tanzania and Yellowstone. The journeys range in length from eight to 13 days, and pricing begins at $2,449 per person with reduced pricing for travellers ages 12 and under.