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Window Seat or Aisle Seat: 8 New Family Boating Vacations

Peter Greenberg Worldwide
Locations in this article:  Baltimore, MD London, England Los Angeles, CA

5. Barges

Did you think a barge was simply a watery transport? Think again! Group IST offers a family-friendly way to see the French, Italian or German countryside by barge. The barges typically accommodate between 8-12 passengers and prices start at $3,600 for a 7-day trip.

6. Schooners

If a weekend away is all the time you have the Pintita, a 45’sailing ketch that docks in Baltimore, Maryland could be your ticket. Think bed and breakfast but on the water. The overnighter includes a 2-hour sunset sail and gourmet breakfast. The Pintita has two staterooms that can accommodate four people as well as a private head (bathroom) and shower plus air conditioning. She can accommodate up to 4 persons in the two staterooms. To find out more about the Pintita or other boat and breakfasts visit BNB Finder.

7. Houseboats

With more shoreline than the Western United States and hundreds of canyons to explore, Lake Powell is one of the most popular houseboating destinations in the nation. Its vast size allows for families to get away from other boats and reconnect with one another and nature. Plus, this summer families can get 50 percent off of houseboat rentals on the lake. Click here for more information.

Or, I am sure you have all heard of House swaps, where families swap houses for vacations. But did you know the Home Exchange website also has many listings for private boats that a family can stay on?

Image Credit: Wikimedia, Thomas Kutzli. Original uploader was Hibou at de.wikipedia

All you need to do is switch your home for a houseboat boat home. There is no fee exchanged between members (lodging is free). It is a fabulously affordable way for a family to travel!

8. Gulets

A gulet is a two-masted wooden sailing vessel from the southwest coast of turkey. Sailing on one of these traditional boats, your family can explore the shores of the Turquoise Coast, snorkel in remote coves, explore uninhabited islands and relax on the Iztuzu beach. Plus, many gulet packages include visits to the region’s natural and cultural highlights including a trip to the ancient capital Xanthos and the sunken ruins of Kekova. Explore Worldwide runs the Blue Cruise as an 8 day family adventure in Turkey from $1020 (not including flights).

For more family-oriented boat ideas, check out:

By Kerri Zane for PeterGreenberg.com. For more advice on health, beauty and travel, visit Kerri Zane on the Web at KerriZane.com.

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