Is ABD right for an "active" family?

[wallawallakids]

We have been considering doing an ABD tour for the last few years but every time we think we are going to do it, we get cold feet. We are a very active family. We enjoy hiking, biking, running and swimming. We (sadly) like to work out on vacation. We are the speed walkers in the park. It isn't that we don't like to slow down and take in the environment, we do. But we like to go and keep going. (If that make sense?) I am wondering if ABD is a good fit for us? We are a pretty large family too, and I know that can be difficult on ABD sometimes.

We are most interested in trying Montana, the Winter Wonderland trip, or Costa Rica. The idea of white water rafting, hiking, dog sledding, or zip lining appeals to us. We just don't know it is more of a laid back feeling to the trip where you are stoping and waiting for the rest of the group to catch up? Or if it is as active as you want? I know there is a lot of time spent on a bus and I am afraid we will get stir crazy. Is there still enough time to get out on your own and maybe go for a run? Or hit a gym? Thanks so much for your opinion.

 

[Woodview]

If you are an active family then the answer is No

You could wind up in a Tour Group that .... You are the only Active Ones.

Here is what I would do....

Look up the ABD Itinerary Study it .... Then plan your own trip

based on a variable on their route.

Fly to your destination ......... Hire a MiniVan or Large Car.....

Plan a sort of Route with Various Hotels / Motels along the way.


Not really a hard " Chore " to plan & you are Free to stay longer

at a Place you all like ... OR By Pass ( not often it happens ) a

Non Exciting place ......... YOUR & Family's Choice


There are many co in Europe who do Fly Drive trips to USA.

www.trailfinders.com is the one .. We use from Ireland to Europe &

Australia

 

[wallawallakids]

If you are an active family then the answer is No

You could wind up in a Tour Group that .... You are the only Active Ones.

Here is what I would do....

Look up the ABD Itinerary Study it .... Then plan your own trip

based on a variable on their route.

Fly to your destination ......... Hire a MiniVan or Large Car.....

Plan a sort of Route with Various Hotels / Motels along the way.


Not really a hard " Chore " to plan & you are Free to stay longer

at a Place you all like ... OR By Pass ( not often it happens ) a

Non Exciting place ......... YOUR & Family's Choice


There are many co in Europe who do Fly Drive trips to USA.

trailfinders.com is the one .. We use from Ireland to Europe &

Australia

Thank you for the website information.

 

[sayhello]

We have been considering doing an ABD tour for the last few years but every time we think we are going to do it, we get cold feet. We are a very active family. We enjoy hiking, biking, running and swimming. We (sadly) like to work out on vacation. We are the speed walkers in the park. It isn't that we don't like to slow down and take in the environment, we do. But we like to go and keep going. (If that make sense?) I am wondering if ABD is a good fit for us? We are a pretty large family too, and I know that can be difficult on ABD sometimes.

We are most interested in trying Montana, the Winter Wonderland trip, or Costa Rica. The idea of white water rafting, hiking, dog sledding, or zip lining appeals to us. We just don't know it is more of a laid back feeling to the trip where you are stoping and waiting for the rest of the group to catch up? Or if it is as active as you want? I know there is a lot of time spent on a bus and I am afraid we will get stir crazy. Is there still enough time to get out on your own and maybe go for a run? Or hit a gym? Thanks so much for your opinion.

You might want to check out Backroads. A lot of ABD's philosophies (and some of their Guides!) seem to be taken from Backroads. They're the first group tour company I took a trip with, and I loved it (back when I could do stuff like that!). They have 3 Guides per trip. They have cycling trips, walking/hiking trips, multisport trips, and some really nice itineraries. They have Family trips now, too. It sounds like they are probably more your speed.

Sayhello

 

[wallawallakids]

You might want to check out Backroads. A lot of ABD's philosophies (and some of their Guides!) seem to be taken from Backroads. They're the first group tour company I took a trip with, and I loved it (back when I could do stuff like that!). They have 3 Guides per trip. They have cycling trips, walking/hiking trips, multisport trips, and some really nice itineraries. They have Family trips now, too. It sounds like they are probably more your speed.

Sayhello

They look amazing and like something we would really enjoy doing. Thank you so much.

 

[sayhello]

They look amazing and like something we would really enjoy doing. Thank you so much.

You're welcome. When you're all exhausted, come check out ABD again!

Sayhello

 

[wallawallakids]

You're welcome. When you're all exhausted, come check out ABD again!

Sayhello

Will do!

 

[lovetotravel]

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[sayhello]

Although the international Backroads adventure trips sound amazing, I'd be worried about the possible exposure to injuries to my family members and having to deal with the costs of getting medical attention in another country. Make sure you have really good insurance.

I agree. I would never take this type of trip internationally without trip insurance. Most medical insurance does not cover you outside of the US. Be sure and check before you go. Honestly, this is true of any international trip. Accidents can (and do!) happen to anyone. (And, if you don't care to cover the entire trip, you *can* purchase Medical only trip insurance).

Sayhello

 

[wallawallakids]

I agree. I would never take this type of trip internationally without trip insurance. Most medical insurance does not cover you outside of the US. Be sure and check before you go. Honestly, this is true of any international trip. Accidents can (and do!) happen to anyone. (And, if you don't care to cover the entire trip, you *can* purchase Medical only trip insurance).

Sayhello

Thank you for the tip. I don't ever take a trip without trip insurance. There are 6 of us, I figure the odds are always against us. Someone will get sick or hurt at some point. I am leaning more towards doing a US one first if I go this route anyway. I will still get insurance though. I am still going back and forth on trying this or trying a short ABD first. Thank you again for the tips though.

 

[lovetotravel]

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[kristilew]

We are a very active family as well. We've done the Peru, Southwest, and Galapagos ABDs and were by far the energizer bunnies of our groups. It was never a problem and we always fell into bed totally exhausted each night. There is downtime built in, but there were also always alternatives offered. We just always added on during downtimes. This was especially easy on the Southwest trip, where we could take off and hike from all our resorts. I imagine the Montana trip you are interested in would be similar. Also, on the group activities, the guides will split up, one going in front with whomever moves the fastest and one bringing up the rear. We never once felt held back by less active adventurers.

 

[wallawallakids]

We are a very active family as well. We've done the Peru, Southwest, and Galapagos ABDs and were by far the energizer bunnies of our groups. It was never a problem and we always fell into bed totally exhausted each night. There is downtime built in, but there were also always alternatives offered. We just always added on during downtimes. This was especially easy on the Southwest trip, where we could take off and hike from all our resorts. I imagine the Montana trip you are interested in would be similar. Also, on the group activities, the guides will split up, one going in front with whomever moves the fastest and one bringing up the rear. We never once felt held back by less active adventurers.

Thank you. This is very helpful to know! I am happy to hear that there is some down time away from the group where you can add on and do your own thing. It would be nice to have a good balance of having group time and then family time. I guess that is what had made me nervous. I want it to be a family trip where we can connect, but also have fun in the group. (If that makes sense). Sounds like that is possible.