School Vacations in North America

Arguably one of the world’s finest ski resorts, Whistler is a mecca for beginners, families and non-skiers alike. With a reliable snowfall and over 8000 acres of ski terrain, the resort ticks every box when it comes to a winter escape for families in the USA. A direct flight to Vancouver from London, followed by a short road transfer takes you to this powder paradise, home to a range of ski in/ski out accommodation, spectacular glacier skiing and back country off-piste terrain.

Easter is the perfect time to steal away to Florida with the family. Offering balmy temperatures and the twin titans of all theme parks; Walt Disney Resort and the Universal Orlando Resort, it is an unrivalled destination for a family adventure. Enjoy a fly and drive itinerary and while away the Easter vacations revelling in the magic of Disney, spotting crocs in the sun-baked swamps of the Everglades and relaxing on one of the very many beaches of the self-proclaimed Sunshine State. Take a look at our Disney and Palm Beach itinerary, to take in the very best of Florida's highlights.

Before the summer sun starts to scorch and the hoards begin to descend, head to southern California on a road trip for a fantastic way to ring in the summer. Begin your adventure dining with the stars in Los Angeles or indulging in a spot of shopping on Rodeo Drive before soaking up some serious relaxation on California’s iconic coast. With temperatures sitting at around 22 degrees Celsius, the climate is ideal for exploring, so whether its paddle boarding at Laguna Beach, taking a tour of Palm Springs or hopping across the border to nearby Las Vegas, California promises a half term you'll never forget.

The Southwest is a cultural and geographical melting pot. Home to the fascinating Navajo nation and some of the States’ most iconic landscapes, this is the Wild West at its very best. Whether it’s soaking up some of the region’s most metropolitan areas, such as Phoenix and Las Vegas, or exploring canyon country, the Southwest is an adventure playground for both young and old. Put your hands and feet in four different states at once at Four Corners Monument or enjoy hiking, biking and climbing in the phenomenal Grand Canyon on a real family adventure. Why not combine the Southwest with Southern California on our Desert & Beach Family Escape?

For intrepid adventure like no other, Alaska and its wild tundra offers much more than just an off the beaten track vacation with the kids in tow. Come face to face with bears, try your hand at fishing, stumble across a larger than life moose and discover the necklace of islands skirting its coastline in one whistle-stop itinerary. Whilst it is almost impossible to see all of Alaska at once, just discovering a small corner of this unspoiled country is bound to leave you vowing to return.

Combine wilderness, activity packed days and cosmopolitan cities on a summer vacation in Canada. Whether its exploring its mighty mountains in search of black bears or discovering its dramatic coastlines on the lookout for orcas, Canada holds the answer for an unadulterated adventure with older children.

Do as the locals do and escape the city for a summer vacation on North America’s east coast. Take in the city of Boston by cheering on the Boston Red Sox before heading out of town to Cape Cod or Nantucket for the ultimate combination of city and beach. For families that love the great outdoors, this snippet of coastline boasts a catalogue of activities which are ideal for sating the adventure seeking appetites of teens. One of our favorite family friendly itineraries, New England for the Family, promises boundless adventure for young and old.

Arizona is the perfect place for shoulder season travel. In our spring, the region enjoys pleasant, warm days and cooler nights, which are ideal conditions for horse riding, swimming and hiking. For an authentic taste of life in the Southwest, combine living like a cowboy at an authentic dude ranch before soaking up some serious indulgence at a luxury resort in Scottsdale on our Arizona Ranch & Retreat itinerary.

California is a much-loved destination during the summer months, yet by autumn, the crowds have all but disappeared and the mild climate lends itself perfect to sightseeing. San Francisco and the most northerly part of the Californian coast, which are often shrouded in fog during the summer, see some of their sunniest days at this time of year. Venture further afield to Napa Valley to soak up the excitement of the annual grape harvest or head to Yosemite to see the national park bathed in the spectacular golden hues of autumn.

Hawaii basks in year-round sun, yet despite its tropical climate this cluster of islands is home to many a unique festive tradition. Every December, Maui’s famed Banyan tree is decorated with thousands of colorful lights marking the festivities whilst traditional celebrations are not complete without hula. Spend Christmas day relaxing on one of the archipelago’s sugar white beaches, flying over the craggy cliffs of Nā Pali or snorkeling with manta rays for the ultimate family getaway.

What better place to spend the festivities than in the Big Apple, where the Christmas spirit simply knows no bounds. Whether its indulging in some retail therapy or soaking up the city’s sights, there are few better places in the world to embrace the festive season. A few days in Manhattan can be paired with a trip to the slopes of Whistler or an escape to the sunny shores of Florida.

With their very own winter programs, a handful of our favorite ranches are perfect boltholes for a Christmas getaway with the kids in tow. Offering a smorgasbord of activities ranging from horseback riding and ice skating to downhill skiing and snowboarding, the ranches are geared up to host youngsters who are bound to be entertained throughout. Whether its relaxing by a roaring log fire or exploring the spectacular scenery of the Rockies in a horse drawn carriage, this is a simply unforgettable way to celebrate the festive season.