This is a safe and affordable trip into the wild, best suited for families with children older than 10 years. The experience: The sky is turning show-off shades of red and gold, putting the lush up-country landscape into stark relief. Your children stand quietly beside you, and you steal a glance at their faces. Like you, they are mesmerized, not just by the scene before them, but by the entire, life-changing experience--the grandeur of the grasslands, the escarpments of the Maasai Mara, snow-capped Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, and all those magnificent animals. Truly, nothing says "wow" like an African Safari. Hideaways recommends: Our customized Kenya Explorer safari.

#2 Family Glamping at The Resort at Paws Up. Far from roughing it, this is a rather indulgent way for families to enjoy Montana's great outdoors together. The experience: You used to think of a tent as an inferior alternative to a house, but now you're wishing your home was a little more like your luxe tent, with its thickly woven rugs, plush bedding, serene riverside setting, and even your own camping butler. The kids have never been happier, and neither have you. Hideaways recommends: The 5-night "Family Glamping" package ("glamping" is Paws Up's term for "glamorous camping") in a 2-bedroom tent-suite; rates start at $8,767 (2 adults/2 kids) and include daily gourmet meals and all kinds of adventures.

#3 A Private Yacht Exploring the Greek Isles. This option is perfect for independent-minded families who want to literally chart their own pampered path, all under the warm and welcoming Greek sun. The experience: You're perched on the top deck, bathing in the golden light and sipping a glass of local wine. As your kids splash around in the Mediterranean, you relax and take in the views: the deep-blue sky, rainbow-colored fishing boats, bright white churches with crimson domes, and the Greek isles themselves, each one just begging you to visit and explore. In a word: AAhhhh. Hideaways recommends: Calling Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433) for yacht charter suggestions to fit your family's specific needs.

The Rest of the List
We have more once-in-a-lifetime family travel experiences to share; here's a sneak peek:

See all of Hideaways' Top 8+1 "Go Big or Stay Home" Family Vacations now. For even more suggestions--tailor made for your family--simply reach out to your Hideaways Travel Specialist (toll-free: 800-843-4433) to help identify the vacation that best suits your family's ages, interests, budget, and sense of adventure.