Unless you can afford to fly your whole family in the aforementioned cheap business class airfares, then the only draw-back will be that you may need to sacrifice the creature comforts you’ve come to know and love and put up with the horrors of economy for the family trip. Of course you could always travel up in business class and let the family battle it out down in cattle class, however this may not start your family holiday off on the right foot.
So, what could be better than a family holiday that is based around a theme park? It comes as no surprise that the current Top 5 theme parks in the world are all located in the USA. So, put your request in to do some business development in North America and treat your family to any (or all) of the following theme parks spread across this great land.
1. Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio
No wonder it comes in as #1 – this park holds the world record for the most roller coasters in a single amusement park. A 364-acre amusement park it is also the only amusement park with four roller coasters that are taller than 200 feet. As of 2010, Cedar Point has more rides (75) than any other amusement park. Cedar Point is officially dubbed “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” Known as “America’s Roller Coast”, Cedar Point has been deemed “Best Amusement Park in the World” by Amusement Today for the past twelve years.
2. Knoebels Amusement Resort - Elysburg, Pennsylvania
The Knoebels website tells you to “strap in and get ready for some of the best amusement park rides anywhere!” They’ve got the Grand Carousel with organ music and brass rings, and a whole heap of world-class roller coasters!
But in my opinion, the big draw card for this one is that you can camp there overnight! Who doesn’t want to camp out at an amusement park? The kids will definitely be rating you as Dad (or Mum) of the Year for this holiday.
3. Islands of Adventure - Orlando, Florida
Dad may even enjoy this one more than the kids. Universal’s Islands of Adventure® is where the world’s most cutting edge rides, shows and interactive attractions bring your favourite stories, myths, cartoons, comic book heroes and children’s tales to life. You can join the battle of good versus evil above the streets of Marvel Super Hero Island®, hang out with your favourite cartoon characters in the water rides of Toon Lagoon®, or meet some dinosaurs at Jurassic Park®. My personal favourite would be jumping into the crazy world of Dr. Seuss in Seuss Landing™
4. Holiday World - Santa Claus, Indiana
Not only is this theme park called Holiday World, but it is located in a place called Santa Claus – this place just has to be awesome! And awesome it is, with Wildebeest – the World’s Longest Water Coaster. Wildebeest is one-third mile of wild and watery uphills, drops, twists and turns. Ride up a conveyor lift hill and down a four-story drop at a 45-degree angle! Voted the #1 Water Ride on the Planet!
5. Disneyland - Anaheim, California
Disneyland Resort is without doubt the world’s most famous theme park, and it actually surprises me that it comes in at #5 on this list. With attractions featuring masterful storytelling and unbelievable special effects, fireworks, parades, live shows and unbelievable nighttime spectaculars… Disneyland Park is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Do you feel like you’re away on business travel more than you are at home? Are you constantly on the look out for cheap business class airfares for your travels? Do you dine more often with your work colleagues than with your family and are your breakfasts more often the hotel’s buffet, rather than cereal at home with the kids?
Why not turn your next business trip into a family vacation? With a bit of planning and preparation, you will save money on the travel and accommodation expenses, and you will get to enjoy your trip guilt-free.
So, what are you waiting for? Book in your business trip/family holiday – your kids will love you for it!
Image by marinakvillatoro
