Looking for a vacation that takes you back to nature? Want to get away from the TV and Playstation for awhile? Opportunities abound for vacations experiencing the natural beauty and wonder of the great outdoors. Many TAN properties are conveniently located near national parks and other outdoor destinations. Hike to a waterfall, ride a horse, explore in a kayak, bike down a mountain, or even swim with dolphins. Outdoor activities are often low-cost, and almost always guarantee fun vacation memories. For a vacation that's out of the ordinary, here are some of our favorites.
Craters of the Moon National Park
Future astronauts will love the volcanic wonderland that is Craters of the Moon National Park in Arco, Idaho. Take a walk on the moon, without leaving planet Earth! This interesting park offers a variety of hiking trails with intriguing names like Lava Trees, Echo Crater, Spatter Cones and Devil's Orchard. Hikes range from an hour to a day, depending on your agility level and length of stay. We suggest: Grand Teton Resort (Driggs, ID).
Joshua Tree National Park
Plan to spend an entire day at California's popular Joshua Tree National Park. Play in the dirt in the park's extensive network of dirt roads, perfect for mountain biking. Joshua Tree is a popular rock-climbing area. Many visitors enjoy just watching the climbers in action. The park offers a dozen self-guiding nature trails, or if solitude is what you're seeking, plan an all-day hike into the backcountry. Take part in a ranger program to learn about the park's history and wildlife. Kids will enjoy the Junior Ranger program, where they can earn a badge by completing activities as they explore the park. We suggest: Tuscany Manor (Palm Springs, CA).
Jockey Ridge National Park
Jockey Ridge National Park in North Carolina's Outer Banks boasts the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. Hike to the top of a huge sand dune, fly a kite, glide from a cliff, paddle a kayak, windsurf or even sand-board. Take a self-guided tour of the dunes or cruise the park's boardwalk, featuring interactive displays about the park's plants and wildlife. During the summer, don't miss the park's popular Sunset On The Ridge program, held evenings at the top of the ridge. We suggest: Quick Getaway or Seahawk (Nags Head, NC).
Pocono Mountains With seven state parks, thousands of acres of forests and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains are a natural retreat. Go whitewater rafting or kayaking through Lehigh Gorge or cast your fishing line in over 150 lakes. The Pocono Mountains boast some of the most scenic hiking trails in the U.S., ranging from leisurely strolls to rugged climbs. Horse lovers will enjoy the popular waterfall horse trail. We suggest: Woodfield Manor (Swiftwater, PA) or Snow Ridge Village (Blakeslee, PA).
Ocean World For a back to nature excursion that's a little more exotic, visit Ocean World in the Dominican Republic. Interact and swim with playful dolphins and other sea creatures for a once in a lifetime experience. Ocean World's Dolphin Encounter is fun and educational for all ages. Take the kids for a dip in Snorkel Reef, a safe, enclosed tropical reef full of colorful fish. Pet and play with the clowns of the sea in a Sea Lion Encounter. Get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays, and even swim in the shark reef if you dare! We suggest: Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic).
Ready to book your next vacation? Book online at www.planwithtan.com or call Total Vacation Services at 800.223.0088 x 3.