America’s largest state (586,000 sq. miles or one-fifth the entire country) and her last frontier, Alaska comprises 19 national and 55 state parks, 3,000 rivers, 1,800 islands, and over 100,000 glaciers. Now, thanks to many new family adventure offerings from cruise and land tour operators, Alaska has become a more practical and affordable destination. With such an awesome variety of scenic wonders, wildlife, fascinating native cultures, and both “soft” and “hard” adventures, planning is key to a successful visit with children. Let’s review the state’s five distinct regions and what they have to offer.
“Research your trip extremely well, Alaska is expensive as travel goes. Trust local knowledge, plan well and carefully, and you will have a great trip no matter what area you choose.” – Clint Hlebechuk, Hallo Bay Bear Lodge
Orientation to Alaska’s Regions
Inside Passage: This waterway runs from Prince Rupert, B.C., along the Canadian coast past fantastic fjords and forested islands, to Haines or Skagway, Alaska. This is the best-known region and comprises Stewart, Ketchikan (a fishing mecca), Juneau (the capital), Haines, and Sitka, an old Russian town whose visitors appreciate its architecture and Tlingit Indian totem poles. Glacier Bay boasts 12 glaciers and sightings of orcas, seals, sea lions, humpback whales and other animals during the June to September high season.
South Central: The Prince William Sound (10,000 sq. miles of fjords and glaciers) area, is a sea kayaker’s heaven. Daytrips in the region leave from Whittier (ferry cruises) or Cordova (fishing and hiking), towns which also offer tourist services. The larger cities are Anchorage (for downhill skiing, Gold Rush tours, and museums) and Seward (cruises to the Kenai Peninsula for amazing fishing and moose-spotting). In winter, there’s cross country skiing and the Iditarod race.
Southwest: This area includes the Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, and Katmai National Park, famed for its wealth of wildlife, with the highest brown bear population in the state. Kodiak is a rich fishing area, where halibut, silver salmon and King salmon abound. The region’s volcanic terrain and dramatic mountain scenery are much less seen than other parts of the state.
The Interior: Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city and site of the 1902 Gold Rush, has museums and historic sites of the state’s pioneer days. From mid-May through July you’ll really have trouble putting kids to sleep with 20 hours of daylight! The North Pole is due north, and Denali National Park — featuring Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America and a mecca for adventurers — is due south. Both areas offer prime hiking, rock- and ice-climbing, horseback riding, family educational activities, and dozens of wilderness and birding tours. The Midnight Sun Express train offers sightseeing journeys by rail; the Alaska Highway by car.
Far North: The Arctic Wilderness Wildlife Refuge is one of the most stunning, least visited areas. Barrow, 330 mi. north of the Arctic Circle and known as the “Top of the World,” delivers the midnight sun and freezing temperatures in summer, the Northern Lights in winter, and a small town of drying caribou skins, lazy huskies, and ethnic Inuit (Eskimo) families year-round.
Family Options: Escorted Alaska Sea & Land Tours
Families with time and an adventurous spirit will enjoy wandering around in an all-terrain vehicle and camping out, or taking public transportation between cities. Families with limited time and a fixed budget should consider all-inclusive cruises or a land tour by train or bus.
Cruises are set up for easy sightseeing with younger children, and provide companions for siblings of disparate ages and only children. Be sure you understand their childcare options on “shore excursion” days.
For less-expensive train or bus tours, ask if there will be enough free time for kids to roam and run on their own. Is the tour guide skilled at handling children? Will there be other kids on board? If you’re traveling with teens, consider the state’s many exciting eco-tours, but keep in mind that these tend to be the most expensive options because of their participatory nature and location — usually off the beaten path.
Organized, fully-guided tours with other families provide an exciting and educational experience. Discounted children’s rates are often available.
Backroads (800/GO-ACTIVE) Several departures between June and August take family adventurers ages 6+ on 6-day “Multisport” trips to bike, hike and kayak Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula.
GorpTravel.com GORP Travel offers links to many Alaska adventure trips, with dozens of departure dates. For example, their Alaska Explorer Safari trip (minimum age 12) through Alaska Wildland Adventures, combines multiple sports, lodging, and camping in a 9-day excursion.
Among the major cruise companies, these are luxury cruise operators offering group childcare (which means little ones may spend more time indoors, playing, than outdoors viewing wildlife), expert staff, varied nightlife, health spas, handicapped facilities, casinos, shops, swimming pools, other shipboard sports facilities, shore excursions in smaller vessels, and all-inclusive prices. Several other cruise companies also offer Alaska sailings, so contact a cruise-travel agent to explore itineraries and rates.
Carnival Cruise Line (888/CARNIVAL) features the Spirit where your kids (ages 2-17 in age-appropriate groups) can attend Camp Carnival, where activities include arts and crafts, games and sea animal exploration. Special features include playrooms with computers, a kid’s wading pool, and group babysitting in the evenings. The Spirit sails three distinct seven day cruises: Glacier Bay, Northbound and Southbound, each with its own unique itinerary.
Holland America Lines (877/932-4259 ) features the year-round Club HAL (ages 3-12, divided into two age groups) on all their luxury cruise ships, offering campers the opportunity to participate in special onshore adventures including hiking, a scavenger hunt, and a visit to a totem pole center. Teens, ages 13-17, have their own activities like karaoke, Alaska Trivia, video games and a polar bear swim. Also, if there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show will be organized by the kid-friendly staff.
Norwegian Cruise Line (866/234-7350 ) presents “Freestyle Cruising” with flexible dining options and several kids menus. The Kid’s Crew (for 3 to 17-year-olds, divided into four age groups) is available on itineraries from Vancouver through the Inside Passage, and from Seattle to Glacier Bay. Group babysitting is available every evening and on port days.
Princess Cruises (800/PRINCESS) offers Princess Fun Zone (ages 3-17, divided into 3 groups) a dedicated children’s center, as well as a Teen Center, staffed by coordinators during the busy summer season. Note that infants under 6 months are not allowed, nor is private babysitting an option, however, there is evening group babysitting. The Alaska Junior Ranger Program (ages 6-12) and the Teen Explorer Program offers special age-appropriate activities.
Royal Caribbean International (866/562-7625 ) has a class-act reputation with discerning travelers and won first-place in a poll of family travelers for its wonderful Adventure Ocean (ages 3-17) kids’ camp program and facilities. Special features include a teen center (open until 2am), a well-equipped arcade, “playgroups” for 6-36 month olds, and evening group babysitting (fee based).
Alaskan Eco-Adventure Tour Operators & Family Offerings
Eco-adventure Tours are anther popular option, especially for families with older children. In a region where nature and wildlife rule, some of the best travels come from experiencing an area naturally, thus putting man’s creature comforts in second place. Those seeking smaller adventures and vessels to provide access to secluded fjords, bays, rivers, and villages beyond the reach of the mega-ships can choose from the following:
American Safari Cruises (888/862-8881 ) has five yachts that carry between 6 and 39 passengers on 7, 8 or 14/N trips between Juneau and Sitka, Prince Rupert or Seattle.
Alaska Adventure Cruises (206/310-2309 ) offers small-scale, scenic trips aboard the vessels of the Alaska Charter Yachts cooperative, for those who like to support local business when they travel. Each company has its own set of itineraries–expect plenty of local lore, up-close-and-personal wildlife viewing, and sea kayaking opportunities.
Cruise West (888/851-8133) gives passengers the opportunity to sail through narrow passageways to remote villages, in the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and more. On ships with a capacity of under 138 guests, passengers are brought as close as possible to glaciers and wildlife.
Hallo Bay Bear Camp in Kodiak (907/235-2237 , 888/535-2237) is an award-winning, eco-wilderness operation (actually self-catered cabins with a maximum of 6 guests) on the Pacific coast of Katmai, in an area dense with brown bears, great ocean fishing, and marine life. Children are welcome, but must be under parental supervision at all times.
Lindblad Expeditions (800/EXPEDITION, 212/765-7740 ) offers educational outdoors-oriented cruises that stick to wilderness areas and tiny port towns. Off-vessel excursions are by motorized launch and on foot. Expedition staff are whale experts, and research scientists often come along.
Alaska’s Budget Tours & DIY Lodging Resources
Your family can create a wonderful diverse itinerary if everyone’s willing to rough it a little, do lots of research, and make hotel reservations in advance. Note that ferries spend only 1-2 hours in each port, so overnight sightseeing stops will be necessary. There are some good choices among the state’s public transportation.
By Ferry: Alaska Marine Highway (800/642-0066 , 907/465-3941 ) A budget alternative to the mega-cruise ships and eco-friendlier expedition vessels mentioned above, the Alaska State Ferry is “transportation” rather than “cruising.”
There are four separate ferry routes:
- The Inside Passage Route from Canada to Alaska
- The Southcentral Route across Prince William Sound to Whittier and Valdez, or from Kenai Peninsula to Kodiak
- The Southwest route (seasonal service only) to the Aleutian Islands and Alaska Peninsula
- The Cross Gulf Route from Juneau, Prince Rupert, and Ketchikan to Whittier
Passengers can board at Bellingham, Washington (near Seattle), Prince Rupert, B.C. and several ports in Alaska. Ferry rates vary according to season, distance, and passenger ages; cars and food extra. Some vessels have reading rooms, play areas, and on-board Forest Service experts to give lectures.
By Train: The Alaska Railroad (800/544-0552 , 907/265-2494 ) runs 470 miles within this scenic state, from Seward in the south to Fairbanks in the north. Connecting service to Anchorage runs by Denali State Park and Mt. McKinley. Summer or winter season passes and organized tours are available; call 800/248-7598 or visit www.alaskapass.com for more info.
By RV: Great Alaskan Holidays (888/225-2752) lets you travel across the state at your own pace in a modern Winnebago. A variety of floorplans are available including queen beds, dining area, TV and kitchen. The company will also match prices on any motorhome rental with their Best Rates Available offer.
Bed & Breakfasts: B & B rooms run $55-$110/double depending on season. You can search an online database through Alaska B & B Reservations (907/235-2148 ; fax 907/235-3773) or visit the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s website.
Camping: Call Alaska State Parks (907/269-8400 in Anchorage, 907/451-2705 or 907/451-2705 in Fairbanks); or Alaska Public Lands (907/271-2737, or 907/271-2737 in Anchorage, 907/456-0527 or 907/456-0527 in Fairbanks, or 866/869-6887 toll-free) for campground information.
Hotels and Lodges: There are several hotel chains in every price range in the major cities. The charming and picturesque lodges in the park areas tend to be expensive and cater to tours. Ask your travel agent for help in booking rooms, especially during the peak summer months.
For More Information
Contact the Alaska Travel Industry Association (800/478-1255 ). Here are some excellent guidebooks to help you plan your adventure:
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.