New York, April 1, 2002.     In the six months since the 9/11 tragedy, Family Travel Forum has seen the needs of its frequent traveling families change dramatically.  Rather than the carefree, all-inclusive beach vacation where children and adults could enjoy 'time off' from each other, many family decision-makers now perceive the ideal journey as one which offers a time and place to be together, grow together, and celebrate life as an extended family.

With this in mind, FTF's editors have selected the 2002 "Top 10 Getaways for Family Travelers" because they are within driving distance of major metropolitan centers, provide superb facilities for children and adults of all ages, and combine learning opportunities with the old-fashioned fun that a multi-generational group can enjoy together.

FTF congratulates the 2002 Top 10 Getaways for Family Travelers, to be featured in the April - May "Tiny Travelers" special edition of the FTF newsletter:

TOP FAMILY GETAWAYS IN THE WEST      
     Brian Head Resort, Utah - The top venue for young skiers and riders boasts a spectacular Canyonlands setting.
     San Diego, California - Our favorite family city for its natural, recreational, and cultural attractions.
     Whistler Blackcomb Resort, B.C., Canada - Size matters here; you get great terrain and children's programs.

TOP FAMILY GETAWAYS IN THE NORTHEAST
     Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada - A region whose scenic beauty and simple lifestyle offer elemental pleasures.
     New York, New York - In the world capital of heroism, children learn the meaning of resilience and hope.

TOP FAMILY GETAWAYS IN THE MIDWEST
     Sandusky, Ohio - A summer getaway combining small town charm with the country's best family theme park.
     Wisconsin Dells - Where rugged natural beauty meets the slick, manmade fun of indoor water parks.

TOP FAMILY GETAWAYS IN THE SOUTH
     Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia - The top living history museum reinforces America's democratic ideals.
     Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, Longboat Key, FL - Perfect your tennis or your tan at this full service resort.
     Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Destin, FL - With 2,400 beachfront acres, you can stay busy or totally relax.

In addition, "Top Family Getaways" Honors go to Barry Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. for his campaign to improve crib safety; Carnival Cruise Lines for designing short stay, affordable cruise itineraries with excellent children's programs; and the Holiday Inn Family Suites Lake Buena Vista for innovation and implementation of the KidSuites and FamilySuites hotel suite concepts. 

FTF's 2002 'Tiny Travelers' newsletter, as in the past, focuses on the special needs of parents with very young children, with reviews of essential New Mom travel gear, baby supply rental companies, medical precautions for foreign adoption, and other features.  "Our fifth annual Top 10 Getaways awards reflect parents' changing values," notes publisher John Manton. "This year FTF honors those North American destinations which provide the fun, enriching, inclusive experience today's families want."

The independent, award-winning Family Travel Forum publications, along with customized trip planning advice, travel discounts and a vast library of destination research, serve a global network of travelers with children.  In March, 2002, FamilyTravelForum.com received the prestigious Forbes Best of the Web award, one of 16 web sites to be honored as a "Forbes Favorite" from the 3,000 sites reviewed by the magazine's staff.

To purchase individual print copies of the 2002 "Tiny Travelers" (US$6.50 including S&H), or to join Family Travel Forum's program, visit www.FamilyTravelForum.com, or contact FTF at 891 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10025 (tel. 212/665-6124; [toll-free USA] 888/FT-FORUM or 888/383-6786;  fax 212/665-6136.)

Have  Kids,  Still  Travel !