In 2002, FTF's annual Top 10 survey of award-winners hightlighted North American destinations that provide the fun and enriching experiences that families want to share.

In the months after the 9/11 tragedy, Family Travel Forum recognized that the needs of traveling families changed dramatically. Rather than the carefree, all-inclusive beach vacation where children and adults could enjoy 'time off' from each other, many family decision-makers began to perceive the ideal journey as one which offered a time and place to be together, grow together, and celebrate life as an extended family.

With this in mind, in 2002, the fifth year of honoring travel establishments with our "Top 10" awards, FTF's editors selected "Top 10 Getaways for Family Travelers" to celebrate destinations that every member of the family, from infants to grandparents can enjoy together. With altered criteria we sought destinations that offer vacations as a time to reunite and reconnect.

Today, we find that these goals are still fueling family travel decisions.  We continue to endorse these choices which are all 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.

Additionally, they are perfect three or four-night getaways, considered by 72% of American adults polled recently by Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown to be the most popular vacation option for time-starved parents. If you agree that hitting the sand, the slopes, or the courts, enjoying thrilling rides or visiting national landmarks sound tempting, search for more information about each of these FTF (fantastic-to-families) Top 10 Getaways for Family Travelers today:

Top Family Getaways in the West: 
Brian Head Resort, Utah
San Diego, California
Whistler Blackcomb Resort, B.C., Canada

Top Family Getaways in the Northeast:
Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada
New York, New York

Top Family Getaways in the Midwest:
Sandusky, Ohio
Wisconsin Dells

Top Family Getaways in the South:
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, Longboat Key, Florida
Sandestin Golf& Beach Resort, Destin, Florida