Family travel five: Give the gift of going

It’s hard to go wrong with the gift of travel. Here are five ideas to consider that will enrich and expand the experiences of your family.

1.Animal lovers. Consider an active adventure in Zambia. Visitors can learn the art of game tracking while walking from one bush camp to the next with expert guides from Wildland. The guides will share their extensive experience as you travel through habitat where wild dogs roam among herds of buffalo, giraffe, elephant and wildebeests. Paddle canoes along the shores of Lower Zambezi National Park, scoping for hippos, elephants and lions in the area.

Contact: wildland.com/trips/africa/zambia/Wild—Zambia —Safari/overview.aspx

2. Thrill-seekers. Explore three mountain cultures during a ski safari in Italy’s Dolomite Mountain region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During a seven-day adventure, families will experience the Dolomiti Superski, a collection of 12 inter-connected mountaintop resorts, each with its own terrain. After a day on the slopes, you’ll arrive at a cozy bed and breakfast and enjoy a hearty meal. A private guide will lead the way and offer local insight as you make tracks through the South Tyrol, Badia and Cortina regions.

Contact:http://www.dolomitemountains.com/en/winter—spring—trips/dolomites—ski.htm

3. Cruise lovers. Are the young ones in your family fans of “Shrek” or in love with the penguins from “Madagascar?” If so, they’ll go wild for Royal Caribbean’s DreamWorks Experience on board the Anthem of the Seas.

From character breakfasts and meet-and-greet moments to screenings of the latest animated films in the ship’s theater, your family will create a variety of memories.

Kids’ activities include bumper cars, a climbing wall, pools, music and a teen center. Newly designed family accommodations provide appealing and comfortable options for larger groups on the activity-rich megaship, the second in the cruise line’s Quantum Class.

Contact: royalcaribbean.com

4. Road-trippers. How about an old-fashioned car trip wrapped with a little modern technology? Pure Adventures can help you get from here to there with self-guided tours customized to your budget, time frame and interests. Get started with a National Park pass, award-winning audio guides of parks, premier accommodations, a detailed road book and hiking suggestions in regions that include the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion national parks.

Contact: pure-adventures.com

5. Memory lane. Package your family history and share your story with the kids. Return to your hometown, tour your college campus or introduce them to your favorite sport. Visit the scene of your favorite film or the setting of the novel that sparked a lifetime interest. Follow the trail of your ancestors and explore the culture and cuisine that influenced members of your clan. It will be a trip long remembered and always treasured.