Family Travel News
MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND TOURISM CHIEF NICHOLAS KICK OFF NEW YORK'S SIZZLING SUMMER SEASON
 - Mayor Joins Cristyne Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company, to Announce "Summer Breaks" Travel Savings

New York, NY (May 28, 2003) - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Cristyne L. Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company, today kicked off New York City's sizzling summer season at a Times Square press conference announcing NYC & Company's Summer Breaks, a citywide summer savings promotion offering hundreds of discounts at hotels, Broadway shows, restaurants and sightseeing tours. The program is produced by NYC & Company, the city's official tourism marketing organization.

"Summer is just around the corner in New York City and with it, all the exciting new opportunities to celebrate life in the 'World's Second Home'," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This season, show your support for New York City at a great savings by taking advantage of one of NYC & Company's 'Summer Breaks 2003' travel packages. Enjoy the array of activities our city has to offer from live entertainment on Broadway to our extraordinary collection of museums, performing arts centers, zoos and botanical gardens as well as hundreds of free summer events and festivals. Our cultural institutions, our entertainment and our cuisine all underscore New York City's rich diversity. There's something for every age group, background and taste so join in on the fun and spend a part of your summer in New York."

"With all the exciting things to do in New York, it's like being a kid in a candy store, and Summer Breaks lets you experience more for less," said Nicholas. "Whether you're a native New Yorker or a visitor from across the Atlantic, Summer Breaks offers the advantage of great savings at our wonderful Broadway shows, hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, attractions and more. We appreciate Mayor Bloomberg's strong support of our industry and our efforts to spread the word that New York City is a great place to visit this summer."

From June 1 through September 5, 2003, the Summer Breaks program will offer a variety of 1, 2 or 4-night hotel packages including a Broadway show, dinner at a popular New York City restaurant and a sightseeing tour. The packages start at $126 in June and only $116 July through September 5. Rates are based on double occupancy.

Savings this summer can be enhanced with a free Summer Breaks savings card providing discounts, exclusively for American Express Cardmembers, at more than 300 of New York City's best hotels, restaurants, retail stores, museums, attractions, tours, Broadway shows and more.

Summer Breaks offers visitors two ways to save:

* Travel Packages - low priced travel packages that combine a hotel stay with a Broadway show, dining, cultural and sightseeing options and parking discounts.

* Individual Offers - "do it yourself" discounts at businesses throughout the city. Use to create a unique trip or add to the experience of a travel package.

Special offers and discounts include:

Hotels Rate discounts and complimentary breakfast at many of NYC's hotels from the Four Seasons New York to the Habitat Hotel, with rates starting as low as $75 per night

Restaurants Up to 20% discounts on lunch and/or dinner at city restaurants with cuisine including classic American, Italian, Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean and Continental

Theater Discounts for Broadway and off-Broadway shows such as Blue Man Group, Cabaret and the new A Year With Frog And Toad

Retail Stores 15% discounts and gifts with purchase at great stores including Bloomingdales, Macy's, Tourneau and Niketown

Tours/Attractions 2-for-1 admission on tours and attractions including the American Museum of the Moving Image, New York Water Taxi, On Location Tours and the US Open Tennis Championships

Produced by NYC & Company, Summer Breaks is presented by American Express, Delta Air Lines and the Coca-Cola Company and supported by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and I Love New York.

NYC & Company makes it easy to take advantage of summer happenings. To receive a free copy of the Summer Breaks guide detailing savings at more than 300 businesses throughout the city, log on to www.nycvisit.com, call 1-800-NYC-GUIDE or stop by either NYC's Official Visitor Information Center at 810 Seventh Avenue at 53rd Street or the City Hall Park Visitor Information Kiosk at the southern tip of City Hall Park (on the Broadway sidewalk at Park Row).

About NYC & Company: NYC & Company, the city's official tourism marketing organization, is a private, membership-based non-profit dedicated to building New York City's economy and positive image through tourism and convention development, major events and the marketing of the city on a worldwide basis. For more information visit www.nycvisit.com or call 212-484-1222.
AMTRAK'S AUTO TRAIN "KIDS RIDE FREE" TURNS I-95 INTO "I DON'T THINK SO"
 Kids Ride Free on the Auto Train All Summer

WASHINGTON - Here's a new take on the traditional family vacation. Start with some downtime, gazing out the window as America's backyard rolls by. Then spend a comfortable evening starting with a fine dinner served at your table, followed with a family-friendly movie with the kids. Arrive the next morning at your destination rested and ready for a fun-filled vacation in the family's own car. With Amtrak's Auto Train, summer vacations begin and end with an enjoyable train journey and still provide the freedom of car travel once you arrive. Plan a trip on the Auto Train and take the car and the kids and -- through August -- the kids go for free with Auto Train's Kids Ride Free Summer promotion.

Vacations on the Auto Train are made for families as the train travels non-stop between Lorton, Va., just south of Washington, DC and Sanford, Fla., just outside of Orlando. With Auto Train's Kids Ride Free Summer promotion, up to two children ages two to 15 may travel for free with each full-fare paying adult. So, whether this year's vacation is to the historical sites of our nation's capital or to the theme parks of central Florida, Amtrak's Auto Train can get you there in comfort and style, and minus the fatigue of I-95.

"Because passengers travel with their cars - including SUVs - on the Auto Train, this unique train trip is ideal for families with small children," said Barbara J. Richardson, Amtrak's vice president of marketing and sales. "And, with our Kids Ride Free Summer promotion, the price is right, making Auto Train the best way to travel the east coast this summer while avoiding the traffic and fatigue of a long car trip."

Amtrak's Kids Ride Free Summer promotion is available for sale through August 23, 2003 for travel June 16 through August 28, 2003. This promotion is available on the Auto Train only, and passengers must travel together. Reservations are required and must be made at least five days in advance of travel. When making reservations, mention code H310.

Because availability is limited, customers should act quickly. Tickets may be upgraded to include sleeping accommodations upon payment of the applicable accommodation charges. Fares are non-refundable once purchased and changes to an itinerary are not permitted after August 23, 2003. Other restrictions and blackout dates, including the Independence Day holiday, do apply. For more information, passengers should visit www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

About Amtrak

Amtrak passengers enjoy rail service in more than 500 communities in 46 states across a 22,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and reservations, visit Amtrak's Web site at www.amtrak.com.
Seventy Percent of Americans Plan to Travel This Summer - And an Increasing Number Are Taking Along the Family Pet
 BREA, Calif., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that 70 percent of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer and 14 percent of those will be taking along their companion animals. In response to this growing trend, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) teamed up with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Animal Planet to develop the top 10 tips for safe driving and travel with pets.

"With the travel season upon us, we want to make sure that Americans traveling with their pets have a safe and happy experience in the car," explained ASPCA Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) and an "Animal Precinct" regular Mark MacDonald. "Our Pet Travel Safety campaign continues our efforts to educate the public on the proper and humane treatment of companion animals."

With this in mind, American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), the ASPCA and Animal Planet offer the following safety tips for summer travel and driving with pets.

Top 10 Safety Tips for Summer Travel and Driving with Pets from the ASPCA, Animal Planet and American Suzuki
  1. Acclimate your pet for a long trip by taking him or her on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.

  2. Ten days before departure, take your pet in for a physical, inoculations, rabies and health certificates.

  3. Confirm that your travel destination permits pets.

  4. Start your pet on a travel-feeding schedule with a light meal of kibble two to three hours prior to departure. Never feed your pet in a moving vehicle.

  5. In addition to travel papers, food, bowls, leashes, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

  6. Make sure your dog has a flat (never a choke) collar with an ID tag imprinted with home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone and a destination phone number (and any other relevant contact information).

  7. Bring a photo of your pet in case he or she gets lost.

  8. Harness, rather than leash, your dog inside the car. For smaller animals, a well-ventilated crate is recommended.

  9. Don't allow pets to ride with their heads outside the window as it subjects them to flying objects, inner ear damage and lung infections.

  10. If you travel frequently with your pet, consider cargo-area pet barriers, waterproof seat covers or rubberized floor liners sold by auto product retailers.
ASMC has forged a collaborative partnership with the ASPCA designed to promote safe travel and driving with pets and support the organization's national efforts at ensuring the humane treatment of animals. The partnership was arranged through ASMC'S multi-tiered marketing alliance with the cable television network Animal Planet.

As part of the partnership, American Suzuki, the ASPCA and Animal Planet jointly produced a series of public service announcements (PSAs) promoting safe travel and driving with pets for airing throughout 2003 exclusively on Animal Planet. The 30-second spots feature Mark MacDonald, ASPCA Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) and an "Animal Precinct" regular, demonstrating proper pet safety techniques on a Suzuki XL-7 SUV.

For additional information on pet travel and driving safety, visit http://animal.discovery.com/ads/suzuki/pets/

About the ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and exists to promote humane principles, prevent cruelty and alleviate pain, fear and suffering in animals. 740,000 members and donors support our mission. The ASPCA provides national programming and leadership in humane education and public awareness, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, animal placement, animal medical services and poison control services. While there is no direct reporting relationship with other SPCA's, the ASPCA National Shelter Outreach department provides extensive assistance and support to shelters nationwide. The New York City headquarters houses a full service animal hospital, animal behavior center, adoption facility, and Humane Law Enforcement Department, which is responsible for enforcing New York's animal cruelty laws. The ASPCA is a privately funded 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation.

For more information, visit http://www.aspca.org or our online adoption partner http://www.petfinder.com.

About American Suzuki

The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of approximately 440 automotive dealerships in 49 states. SMC, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer with 141 distributors in 127 countries.

For more information on Suzuki's small cars and SUVs, visit http://www.media.suzuki.com

About Animal Planet Launched in 1996, Animal Planet, available in more than 80 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network's original programming brings together people of all ages by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals and providing an entertaining mix of programming including original movies, adventure series, sports, drama and sitcoms.

For further information please contact: Deborah Sindell of ASPCA, +1-212-876-7700 ext. 4568; or Rebecca Rose of PainePR, +1-949-809-6730, for American Suzuki; or Jennifer Marburg of Animal Planet, +1-240-662-2497

SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corporation; American Society for the Prevention
Web Site: http://animal.discovery.com/ads/suzuki/pets
More Outdoor Family Vacations Planned to Reduce Stress, Costs
 RESTON, Va., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures rise this summer, recreation vehicle (RV) travel will be heating up as well, according to a new survey of RV owners.

The "Campfire Canvass" biannual survey reveals that, despite the sluggish economy, 98 percent of RV owners expect to travel more (71%) or about the same (27%) this spring and summer as they did a year prior.

"RV travelers possess a special loyalty to their vehicles and have a history of not letting anything get in the way of their journeys," said David J. Humphreys, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). "RVers feel a greater sense of control over their travel schedules. They enjoy a safe, hassle-free and flexible way to go and enjoy nature -- with all the comforts and conveniences of home."

Enjoying nature, spending quality time with family, escaping stress and saving money were cited as the top reasons to travel more by RV. Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents say RV trips are more affordable than other ways of travel. "You have all the conveniences of an expensive motel for a fraction of the costs," says RV owner Bruce Brenner of Bethlehem, Pa.

RV owners also cherish the control that RVing offers in today's uncertain travel climate. Some 88 percent say the freedom, flexibility and control they enjoy is more important than ever.

"RVing creates less stress and makes a more pleasant vacation due to the world events at this time," says Tyrone McClure of Adairsville, Ga.

The survey of 660 RVers was conducted for RVIA in early April by Robert Hitlin Research Associates, Reston, Va.

The survey sheds light on RV travel's advantages in stressful times. The ability to travel at the spur of the moment (84%) ranked as the most important advantage by those with RVing plans this spring and summer. Escaping to nature and remote locations (84%), getting an opportunity to rejuvenate (69%) and pursuing favorite hobbies and passions (49%) were also cited as important advantages of RV travel.

The overwhelming favorite activity of RVers is camping, according to 87 percent of RV owners surveyed. Sightseeing (80%), swimming (62%), fishing (62%), shopping (54%), hiking (52%), biking/ATVing (45%), antiquing (45%) and attending festivals (44%) were also mentioned as activities enjoyed by RVers.

Eighty-eight percent of RV owners say RVs provide quality time with children and grandchildren, while 84 percent plan to use their RVs as guest quarters during trips to visit relatives and friends this spring and summer. "In this cell phone age of overbooked, long-distance families, RVing provides a great opportunity for bonding with loved ones," says Humphreys.

RV owners -- traveling in motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers and folding camping trailers -- plan to travel an average of 38 days and eight weekends this spring and summer, according to the survey. In addition, those surveyed plan to log approximately 2,650 miles and visit an average of five states on RV trips this season.

"I love the feeling of controlling my own destiny," says Allen White of Shelby Township, Mich.

The RVIA survey is consistent with a recent Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) survey that finds Americans are more interested in staying within the United States, visiting small towns or rural areas and traveling by auto, motorcoach or RV.

Order a free RV "getting-started" video or CD-ROM at 1-888-Go RVing or GoRVing.com. Surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in your area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.

SOURCE Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
Web Site: http://www.rvia.org
RECORD NUMBER OF AMERICANS TO TAKE OLD-FASHIONED FAMILY ROAD TRIPS THIS SUMMER

WASHINGTON, DC -- With the war over and consumer confidence rising, Americans are getting back to travel with 82 percent planning to take at least one trip this summer, according to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). A record number of Americans will be staying within the U.S. and driving to their destinations. Research indicates that travelers are looking for flexible, affordable, hassle-free vacations to create their own unique memorable experiences.

TIA and the Department of Transportation have joined forces to showcase America's Byways and All-American Roads. Officially launching this week, See America's Byways is designed to encourage Americans and international visitors to explore America's culture and heritage. Visitors to the non-profit www.seeamerica.org web site will find itineraries for hundreds of trips by clicking on the SeeAmerica's Byways icon. The information will help make the traveling public aware of historic, recreational, cultural and scenic attractions throughout America.

Itineraries are available in every state ranging from one-day trips from major gateway cities to one-week trips and more. Maps and photos are available for most trips, along with a detailed description of what to do and see along the way.

"The old-fashioned great American road trip is making a comeback," remarked Betsy O'Rourke, senior vice president of marketing for the Travel Industry Association of America.

"People are looking to reconnect with their family and with their country's heritage as well as explore parts of the country they haven't seen since they were a kid on a family vacation," O'Rourke continued. "That's why these trips along America's Byways are so timely. They showcase our country's natural beauty, its culture and its heritage and give travelers the chance to pick and choose what they want to see and do within their own timeframes and budgets."

SeeAmerica's Byways are a two-tiered designation consisting of 20 All-American Roads and 75 National Scenic Byways. All-American Roads are America's finest byways: the best of the best. They are destinations unto themselves and an exciting adventure for all ages. NationalScenic Byways possess outstanding qualities that exemplify the regional characteristics of America. Combined the scenic byways and all-American roads cover more than 25,000 miles of roadway in 39 states. Nine of the scenic byways pass through more than one state.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES MAKE A CRUISE AN IDEAL MULTIGENERATIONAL VACATION OPTION

New York - Nearly 1 Million Children Cruised in 2002, Twice the 1998 Number

Families represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the cruise market, with nearly 1 million children estimated to have cruised in 2002, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a marketing association representing 24 North American cruise lines.

The number of children cruising has nearly doubled since 1998, when CLIA estimated that 500,000 children cruised.

Several ships offer spacious accommodations ideal for families, with extra closet and drawer space and the option for connecting staterooms or mini-suites. Several lines also provide in-room babysitting.

Special menus aim to satisfy even the most finicky eaters, with such kid favorites as chicken fingers, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream. Many lines also offer soda cards giving unlimited fountain drinks for a set price. Gourmet, spa cuisine and a multitude of ethnic restaurants are available nearly 24-7 to appeal to adults and children who have a more sophisticated palette.

The all-inclusive nature of a cruise and the regularly available deals including children sail free specials have families realizing that cruising is an affordable way to make everyone happy, says Sharak.

Here is a sampling of family cruise activities, facilities and programs offered by CLIA member lines:

Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Conquest features an expansive teen recreation center housing a high-tech game room and teen dance club/soda bar, along with new hands-on science and geography activities, a computer lab and the largest play area in the Carnival fleet -- all part of the lines top-rated Camp Carnival program. As part of the lines EduCruise activities, junior cruisers have an opportunity to partake in fun, interactive science projects and experiments and focus on the cultures and landmarks of the various islands visited by Carnival Conquest.

Celebrity Cruises features a four-tiered family program with options for children in various age groups, plus a Fun Factory or Childrens Playroom on all ships where kids of all ages can be kids. In the summer, kids can participate in the Summer Stock Theater program in which junior cruisers direct, produce and act in their own production, or learn tricks from a professional magician. On formal evenings of seven-night sailings, Celebrity treats parents to free babysitting when counselors take the kids to a pizza party for dinner.

Available on Caribbean and Europe sailings, Costa Cruises Costa Kids Club features scavenger hunts, Italian language lessons, games, coketail parties, pizza parties and kids karaoke while the Costa Teens Club offers activities specially geared toward 15 to 17 year olds. Also offered on Caribbean cruises is Parents Night(s) Out, enabling parents to spend the evening alone while their children are supervised in their own activities.

Crystal Cruises features a childrens program designed to stimulate kids 3 to 17 years of age. Highly-trained and experienced youth counselors oversee activities such as scavenger hunts, cookie baking, fashion shows, mini-Olympics, ice cream/pajama parties, Trivial Pursuit, teen karaoke, Computer University@Sea classes and, new for 2003, etiquette classes including cotillion training. For parents interested in some alone time, in-stateroom babysitting service also is available.

Cunard offers nursery and babysitting services for children as young as 1 year of age as well as a supervised program with childrens teas and organized activities for junior cruisers and young adults. The line also introduced a Children Cruise Free program on select Western Mediterranean sailings on the Caronia and the QE2.

Disney Cruise Line offers age-specific programming in areas that span nearly an entire deck. Imaginations soar for 3 to 4 year olds with flying carpets, magic lamps and genies in the newest childrens programming themed after the animated feature, Aladdin. Ages 5 to 7 share a laugh at Goofys Giggle Gala slumber party, while 8 to 9 year olds make batches of Flubber at Apprentices Workshop. Ages 10 to 12 make new friends at a private evening party at the Mickey Pool. Teens find adventure onboard ship and at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, with a game of elimination at Gotcha!

First European Cruises Dolphin Club for kids 2 to 18 features a variety of activities such as treasure hunts, sport tournaments, water games, dancing contests, arts and crafts, and appearances of Pully, the lines dolphin mascot. The Teen Club offers karaoke, teen disco, video games, and Internet programs. Kid-friendly menus and babysitting services also are available. The 1,500-passenger European Stars and European Vision feature family suites.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers experienced youth counselors during summer and seasonal sailing periods such as Easter and Christmas.

Holland America Lines Zuiderdam enhances cruising for multi-generational guests with large facilities for children and teens while their parents and grandparents enjoy the classic cruise experience. The ships Club HAL program features KidZone, a childrens play area designed for 5 to 12 year olds and WaveRunner, a place for teenagers to dance, play video games, watch movies or just hang out with friends.

MSC Italian Cruises new cruise ship, Lirica, features a video arcade, Cyber cafe for interactive fun and MiniClub, a children's playroom.

Building on the success of Norwegian Cruise Lines popular Kids Crew program, the Norwegian Dawn was constructed with families in mind and features an expanded kids program. The ships T-Rex Childcare Center comes complete with jungle gym, childrens playroom, Flicks Movie Theater for kids and Clicks, a computer learning center. The Teen Club offers a disco, a cinema and Video Zone, an arcade with 25 video games. Also available are spacious cabins with extra closet and drawer space as well as connecting staterooms and mini-suites.

Princess Cruises' Princess Kids offers a wide range of activities for kids ages 3 to 17 in three distinct, age-specific programs: Princess Pelicans for ages 3 to 7, Princess Pirateers for ages 8 to 12, and Off Limits for ages 13 to 17, with activities such as arts and crafts, deck parties and backstage and galley tours for the younger kids and a private disco, pizza parties and movie fests for the teens. Princess recently added "edutainment" offerings from such organizations as the National Wildlife Federation, Miami Seaqurium and California Science Center that offer young passengers the opportunity to do such unique things as dissect a squid or build a rocket.

With multi-generational family vacations growing in popularity, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises brings its Club Mariner childrens program to the Seven Seas Mariner in Alaska and to the Seven Seas Voyager in the Baltic in July and August. The program will also be offered in May and June aboard the Seven Seas Navigators Bermuda sailings from New York. Club Mariner offers a creative, lively program of age-graded events for kids 6 to 11 and 12 to 17 both aboard and ashore, focusing on the destinations nature, heritage and crafts.

A new program from Royal Caribbean International and Crayola lets junior sailors exercise their creativity with crafts while learning about the art, history and culture of the regions they visit. Through the lines Adventure Ocean Youth Program, kids traveling to the Caribbean, for example, create a Mexican Huichol mask, those traveling to Europe make a Greek Theater mask and Alaska cruisers create an Eskimo oil lamp. Each project is age-specific and supported by historical and illustrative books to help kids learn while they play.

Childrens programs are available on all Royal Olympia Cruises ships when there are several kids booked to cruise or during the traditional holiday and summer periods. Onboard activities include childrens movies, coketail parties, pizza parties and organized games while the port-intensive itineraries provide opportunity for youngsters to learn about the history and the people of far-off lands.

During the summer months, young cruisers visit an exciting array of new places when sailing on Swan Hellenic Cruises Minerva II. The lines culturally intensive destinations Italy, France, Russia, Finland and Sweden, to name a few provide ample opportunity for entertainment, exploration and education. The line also offers special discounts for children under 18 years old.

Families planning very special milestone celebrations might wish to consider a charter of one of the intimate Yachts of Seabourn. Carrying just 208 guests in all-suite accommodations, the Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend are ideally sized for weddings, birthday celebrations, anniversary voyages and other family gatherings.

To learn more about family cruise activities, visit CLIA's website, www.cruising.org, or visit a CLIA-affiliated agency. To find one, use the Cruise Expert Locator on CLIA's website, or check the yellow pages.

INSPIRED BY MOTHER NATURE AND HUMAN HISTORY, U.S. NATIONAL PARKS OFFER MEMORIES, VALUE AND EVEN THRILLS

DENVER, -- Think of them as the original theme parks. Most people know that when it comes to education, inspiration and value, nothing beats a vacation in a U.S. national park. What's not as well-known, however, is that a variety of thrilling adventures are also available in national parks. From riding on the back of a mule along a precarious-looking, switchback-laden trail to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to canoeing the Everglades backcountry and seeing an alligator float just inches from your paddle, national parks offer thrills that will be remembered for a lifetime.

National parks are often associated with one or several "themes." Yellowstone, with its world-famous geo-thermal features, is certainly about geology. But the wildlife and colorful human history of the world's first national park are also overriding themes that visitors quickly come to appreciate. The most obvious draw of Everglades National Park is the wildlife. Death Valley, on the other hand, has elements of human history - it was the destination of Old West pioneers - as well as spectacular and unusual geologic features.

"Mother Nature has provided us with an abundance of one-of-a-kind destinations to explore in this country, so we have come to think of our national treasures as the original 'theme' parks" said Judi Lages, vice president of sales and marketing for Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the country's largest national park concessioner.

Following are examples of adventures popular with fun-seekers visiting national parks: Mule rides in Grand Canyon National Park:The switchbacks and vertical descent experienced on a mule trip from the rim to the floor of the Grand Canyon is the dream of a lifetime for many people. More than 600,000 riders have made the famous trek into the canyon on these "long-eared taxis" for close to 100 years. Leaving every morning from the corral and heading down the Bright Angel Trail, these sure-footed creatures have become famous in their own right. Age, weight and other restrictions apply.

Wildlife viewing in Everglades National Park: Something tells us it is not all happening at the zoo. Wildlife viewing in the Everglades is unparalleled. Birdwatchers will spot more than 200 species of birds in the winter, including egrets, storks, roseate spoonbills and an occasional bald eagle. The best places to see the birds are at ponds, particularly in the dry winter months. The Anhinga Trail - located 40 minutes away from Flamingo Lodge - is one of the most dependable areas for wildlife viewing. Observers can spot alligators, snakes, turtles and the occasional otter. Wildlife watching is best during the winter when the animals gather around water-filled gator holes.

Guided snowshoe tours in Yellowstone National Park: As the temperature drops in the park, visitors enjoy stunning winter scenes as they snowshoe over pristine fields. Guides narrate tours and explain geologic wonders such as Yellowstone's renowned geysers, and there's always a chance of spotting wildlife such as moose, bison and elk.

Hiking in Zion National Park: Sometimes the biggest challenge when it comes to hiking in Zion National Park is making a decision. Zion is home to world-class - and world-famous - hikes that range from the flat and spectacular Narrows of the Virgin River to the white-knuckle climb to Angel's Landing. With more than 146,000 acres, this national park is noted for the striking cliffs and rocks that form Zion Canyon and the box-shaped Kolob Canyon.

Horseback rides in Bryce Canyon National Park: A merry-go-round is fun, but after 360 degrees the views don't change. On the other hand, in Bryce Canyon, the scenery is overwhelming and constantly changing as the sunlight plays upon the rocks as riders make their way up the canyon. Up close is the best way to explore this 36,000-acre land of red rock spires, pillars and temples in Southern Utah. Guests learn about the geology and stars during campfire programs on guided trail rides.

Hiking explorers' trails in Death Valley National Park: With the ruts from wagons still visible, today's guests can follow the trails made by explorers searching for a shortcut to gold in the 1840s. Breathtaking scenery surrounds hikers as they travel to the Harmony Borax Works, Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon and sand dunes. Designated a national monument in 1933 and later a national park in 1994, Death Valley features the lowest point in the Americas, 282 feet below sea level, to mountain peaks in excess of 11,000 feet.

Experiencing history at Mount Rushmore National Memorial: You can go to Las Vegas and see a replica of Mount Rushmore. Or you can go to Mount Rushmore and view the real thing along with the artist's original models and actual tools. Film footage and interpretive displays make this a must-see destination. Mount Rushmore was recently named the No. 1 family destination in the U.S. by FamilyFun magazine.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra is the country's largest national park concessioner. The company operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone National Park, the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Death Valley National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Everglades National Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at the Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif.; Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and seven Ohio State Parks.

Long committed to the preservation and protection of the environment, Ecologix, Xanterra's environmental program, includes a variety of proactive environmental stewardship programs in each location. Xanterra was the recipient of Environmental Achievement Awards from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2002 and from the Department of Interior in 2001 and 2002. Xanterra also received the Travel Industry Association's Odyssey Award for its environmental initiatives in 2001.

For more information about Xanterra and links to individual properties, visit: www.xanterra.com. For reservations and more information about Grand Canyon, Bryce or Zion, call (1) 303-297-2757 or toll-free at (1) 888-297-2757. For reservations and more information about Yellowstone, call (1) 307-344-7311. For reservations and more information about Flamingo Lodge in Everglades National Park, call (1) 800-600-3813 or (1) 239-695-3101. For reservations at Crater Lake Lodge, call (1) 541-830-8700. For reservations and more information about Ohio State Park Resorts, call (1) 800-282-7275.

Media contact:

Mesereau Public Relations
(1) 720-842-5271
pr-corp@xanterra.com
For reservation information, go to Make A Reservation.
For information regarding jobs with Xanterra Parks & Resorts, visit Find A Job.
To request general information, Contact Us.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GUIDE TO CARIBBEAN FAMILY VACATIONS
Family Fun on the Islands, Coastal Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and Honduras
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington -- Planning a Caribbean getaway? National Geographic Books recently published a valuable new guide that shows how to ensure this vacation paradise is a fun-filled destination for the entire family.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GUIDE TO CARIBBEAN FAMILY VACATIONS (National Geographic Books, ISBN 0-7922-6973-X, February 2003, $20), by Candyce Stapen, is an authoritative, user-friendly resource that profiles hundreds of tours, programs and activities, as well as places to stay and eat, on more than 30 Caribbean islands and the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and Honduras. Each of the options is designed for families that want to be active or immerse themselves in the local culture, while enjoying time together. Whether one is traveling with toddlers, teens or twenty-somethings, this guide highlights a wealth of family-friendly fun. With the book's focus on exploration and discovery, vacationers can use it to hike, paddle and pedal; to visit museums or tap into island rhythms; or to sample all manner of local delicacies, from flying fish to soursop ice cream. Whether one wants to tag turtles in Barbados, dive with stingrays on Grand Cayman, whale-watch off Dominica, hike a medicinal rain forest on Nevis or learn the local Garifuna language of Belize, this handy volume provides all the details and insider information one needs. The comprehensive guide consists of two parts, arranged alphabetically. The first section covers family vacations in the islands of the Greater and Lesser Antilles; the second covers coastal fun in Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and Honduras. Each island or country profile begins with an introduction detailing its history and topography, followed by top picks of sights and activities for families with kids of all ages and a wide variety of interests. Also included are in-depth features on various aspects of Caribbean culture that would appeal to families, including its food, music, carnivals, diving and snorkeling, and the best beaches and hikes in the region. Each chapter ends with a Travelwise section that lists lodging, dining and outfitter information, as well as contact details for each country or island's tourist office. Candyce Stapen is a pioneering expert in the field of family travel. She has written nine travel books, including the four-part series "Great Family Vacations" and "The National Geographic Guide to Family Adventure Vacations." Her travel articles have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, among them National Geographic Traveler, Good Housekeeping, Parents and The Washington Times. In 1997 she won a gold Lowell Thomas Award from the Society of American Travel Writers.