Customer Reviews

100 Best Family Resorts in North America: 100 Quality Resorts With Leisure Activities for Children and Adults (4th ed)

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Having done Disney World and most of the other typical family type vacations, I eagerly awaited the arrival of this book in the hope that it would provide what it promised: Many resorts in North America that would be ideally suited for family vacations. While the book seems fairly well-researched, be forewarned...buy this book only if your idea of a perfect vacation is one during which you are not forced to spend any time with your kids.

We had hoped the authors and the resorts would share our idea of a family vacation. That is, a destination where families could go and enjoy all sorts of leisure activities together. In reality, the book merely lists resorts that provide great skiing, golf, nightlife, and/or other adult activities that also happen to feature a place to park your kids throughout the day and evening. These are billed as "day camps", or "adventure clubs", and the like, but in reality they are merely day care centers; places to drop off the kids and get them out of your hair while you're off having a great time.

If, as the authors suggest, you are a family with two working parents who feel a need to be alone during your vacations, and often consider leaving the children at home (!), then I suppose this book will help you. If, on the other hand, you are a family that truly enjoys each others company and views vacations as a time to connect, have fun, and get to know each other better, then save your money. Your kids will have more fun staying home with you and maybe doing some special things or taking daytrips than they will being trucked to one of these resorts and deposited in yet another daycare center all day and night.

I understand the first reviewers comments, but do not completely agree. Families are looking for vacations that have activites that appeal to all ages. 100 Best Family Resorts in North America describes all types of resorts, hotels, ranches, etc. that cater to FAMILIES. A family can spend lots of time together if they want, or parents and children can choose their own activites. None of the resorts mentioned requires parents to leave their kids all day. It's the best of both worlds, time with family and time pursuing other interests. There is plenty to choose from.

Very informative book. It talks about many different resorts all over the world. It provides you with good information on which resorts have the best cabins, which ones are known for better fishing, golfing or lakes. I like that it covers which resorts are better for families with children and which are better for adults. This book does't only cover resorts, it also has information on different ways to spend your time, while on a trip. You'll learn all about different museums, activities for everyone in your family, sightseeing places, dining, and pricing on motels. This book has lots of useful information.