Best international family HG vacation? - Hang Gliding Org - Worlds largest Hang Gliding community, discover Hang Gliding

lostgriz · Last edited by lostgriz on Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:50 am; edited 1 time in total

My wife and I are looking to plan an international vacation of some sort next year for our family of 5. I am interested to hear some suggestions from the Org. My criteria would be as follows:

1. Economical - This is a big consideration for a young family of five.
2. Conditions - Location should have a very high probability of good flying weather.
3. Attractions - Since this is a family vacation, I need a destination that will be fun for the whole family.
4. I don't plan to travel with my gear, so I will need to rent a glider. Good quality rentals is pretty important too.

I would appreciate any feedback you all may have.

Thanks,

Matt

boarini2003 · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:22 am Post subject:

Great topic. Here's my list:

British Columbia: Places like Pemberton or Golden are beautiful and there are so many natural parks and places to visit, and the summer flying is legendary.

Costa Rica: You can´t go wrong, tons of family activities. The flying is more paragliding oriented but hang gliding has been done there also.

Valle de Bravo is another possibility, great on the flying aspect but I don´t know if it is the most entertaining place for kids, but could be wrong.

I think these places are probably the most economical that are international. I can think of tons of more places but Europe, Australia and South America would probably be pricey.

lostgriz · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:47 am Post subject:

pjwings · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:54 am Post subject:

I've been told that Valle De Bravo isn't really a great spot for families. Kind of out in the mountains without much built up around there.

I like the look of the Italian alps. The flying sites there are just gorgeous. It would be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Of course I don't have personal experience with the area so I'm just going from the videos which I'm sure you've watched too drool

If you're really on a budget, pack up the RV and head to California.

boarini2003 · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:57 pm Post subject:

I share your concerns about Mexico, probably not the best place right now to take kids. Because of proximity Canada seems like the best option, and when it comes to glider rentals, you can probably find one through forums or better yet, make it a road trip!

slimchance · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:02 pm Post subject:

Contact Fox....or is it Fawkes.............. Mr. Green

lostgriz · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:15 pm Post subject:

My wife likes Lago De Garda, so I have tasked her to figure the cost out..... It looks pretty awesome.

What flying is near home for Fawkes?

remmoore · 3 thumbs up Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 1311

Your first consideration listed is economical - is it realistic to plan for an international vacation?

Frankly, I would fly the family to sunny California, rent an RV and tour the state from top to bottom. Mt. Lassen, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, SF, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, LA, San Diego. Depending on the time of year you choose, you might want to reverse that order. There are dozens of excellent flying sites quite close to (or actually in) world-class tourist destinations throughout the state.

You could arrange to buy a good used glider, and plan to sell it on consignment after you leave. You might even get your full purchase price on the resale.

U.S. currency, customs, language, insurance, medical system - all much easier to deal with when traveling with a family. California is quite different than the east coast geographically, but with all the US familiarities you might value.

Sure, international travel is more of an adventure - you'll have to decide if the extra effort is worth it.

RM

lostgriz · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:54 pm Post subject:

California is definitely, on the list of trips. I grew up in Northern California and look forward to going back to fly.

For this vacation, we want to go international, maybe Canada. So by economical I mean relatively speaking, but cost isn't the only consideration.

Thanks,

Matt

Fred Wilson · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 4:02 pm Post subject:

I take it you mean a summer vacation... So I would strongly suggest you think about Quebec. http://www.aqvl.qc.ca/wiki/Sites
French language and culture out the yin yang, close enough to drive to, with your glider.

Staggering flying sites and scenery.
My Yamaska has several club owned launches. http://www.dvl.ca/dvl/mont_yamaska.php

Mt St Pierre + Cap-Martin + Cap de roche are pretty hard to beat for scenery.
For images, Google the site + vol libre or parapente.
_______________________

I would insist on Australia for a winter vacation. Manilla can not be beat. http://www.mss.org.au/
$, flying, facilities, on site 4WD with driver for $5.oo a ride. Camping + cheap as all get out cabins with all the extras you could dream of. http://www.flymanilla.com/

Fred Wilson · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 4:27 pm Post subject:

Wakinyan · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:47 pm Post subject:

tom emery · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:31 am Post subject: Trip

Been to Costa Rica several times. Lived there for a while. Beautiful place. A little pricey. In country transportation is either quick and expensive (flying), or slow (bus, rent a car). Expect to pay American prices for lodging. Food is slightly cheaper.
Mexico has been getting a bad reputation lately. Spent years living there. Some of the nicest people on the planet. Great food, inexpensive accommodations, Just don't try to set up your own drug cartel, you'll be fine.
PM me for any questions.
Muy bueno terra y persones.

CAL · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:13 am Post subject:

why not national, California is great place to fly, with lots of places to visit for family, Orange County is home of Disney land, Sea world is close, Rob M will set you up with good flying equipment

or you could visit us here in Utah, Ryan could set you up with some great equipment, lots of family things to do, especially if you like sight seeing, Beautiful Zions Canyon, Cedar breaks, Bryce Canyon, Rent atvs to tour some of these awesome sites, Timponogus cave, in beautiful American fork canyon,

YA come on out, we would love to have you !

boudreaufly · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:18 am Post subject:

Matt,
Come to Nova Scotia and stay at my house. It's only a 5 hour drive to sketchy 600 foot hill with a crappy LZ. ;-)
Brian

FMAN · 1 thumbs up Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 1181

New Zealand or Australia?

It sounds like parts of South America have a big pilot community. thumbsup

lostgriz · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:47 am Post subject:

wayne ripley · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:18 am Post subject: vacation!

Go to the Ranch, close to Orlando, Glider's to rent, The pool on off day's, and I would rent a hootch and stay right there.

ChattaroyMan · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:54 am Post subject:

Went to Australia to fly back in the late 70s - what I great place! The ocean sites are beautiful! Plenty to do for the whole family. At the time I borrowed a glider from the Moyes Boys for 3 weeks - without even a call ahead. Going back there is on my list!

lostgriz · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:54 am Post subject:

Thanks for all of the great suggestions guys. Utah, California and Florida are great places for sure. I have flown in Florida and Utah(PG only), and look forward to getting some hours logged in CA, where I grew up dreaming to fly.

For this trip, I want to give my wife and kids an international experience. I may be tempted to Canada, because we could take our trailer.....maybe; but I would rather spend the time flying and relaxing instead of driving. I had originally been thinking northern Italy...... but we are still figuring the cost out.

Any other suggestions?

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