Contact: Gail Richard (603-430-4433 x112) PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

The trend in family vacations for 2011 is all about pushing the envelope, with exciting experiences of the once-in-a-lifetime variety that each member of the family will remember forever. "The important thing is to think outside the box and come up with ideas that fit your family's ages, interests, budget, and sense of adventure," says Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International, Inc. (www.Hideaways.com).

Hideaways International's Top 8 "Go Big" Family Vacations

#1. A Kenyan Safari: This is a safe and affordable trip into the wild, best suited for families with children older than 10 years. Hideaways recommends: Their customized Kenya Explorer safari. Rates for an 11-day excursion start from $3,895/person.

#2. Family Glamping at The Resort at Paws Up: Far from roughing it, this is a rather indulgent way for families to experience Montana's great outdoors. 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 children) and include daily gourmet meals and all kinds of family adventures.

#3. A Private Yacht Exploring the Greek Isles: This option is just perfect for independent-minded families that want to literally chart their own pampered path, all under the warm and welcoming Greek sun. Hideaways recommends: Calling Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433) for yacht charter suggestions (a luxury 8-cabin yacht rents for upwards of $100,000/week).

#4. A Hawaiian Villa Rental: This option is all about choice for families—each Hawaiian island offers a unique set of attributes, from bustling cities to untouched rain forest, as well as a varied selection of vacation rentals, from condos in the heart of an activity-filled resort to beach houses far from the crowds. Hideaways recommends: Calling Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433) for villa resort and private villa rental suggestions (a nice beachfront home averages $1,500-2,500+/night).

#5. A Visit to Blancaneaux Lodge & Turtle Inn: At these two Belizean properties, families will take pleasure in a travel surf and turf—at the coast, there are unspoiled beaches and warm, clear waters along the barrier reef that are just perfect for snorkeling, diving, and fishing, while in the interior, there are rain forests, highlands, and Mayan ruins. Hideaways recommends: Renting one of the resorts' larger villas; member-only rates start at $473/night for a Sea View Villa at Turtle Inn.

#6. A Grand European Tour: This is a classic adventure for families with older kids, especially those graduating from high school or college who've loved learning about Europe—its big cities and tiny towns, castles and windmills, and diverse languages and landscapes—and are ready to enjoy it in person. Hideaways recommends: Crafting a customized European Tour with Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433).

#7. A Trip to the Galapagos Islands: Families looking for a relaxing, educational, and cultural vacation will find all their expectations met—and then some—in the Galapagos Islands. Hideaways recommends: Their exclusive Explore Galapagos cruise/tour aboard the National Geographic Endeavor. Rates for the 10-day tour start from US$5,230/person, double.

#8. See North America by Train: Families with older children—specifically those who can handle nine hours a day on a train—will find this type of travel a thrilling and easy way to take in some of North America's most sublime scenery. Hideaways recommends: Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail.

"Family travel doesn't have to accommodate just the kids or just the adults," says Mike. "The best kind of family travel surprises, delights, and thrills every member of your family and creates shared memories that last a lifetime."

About Mike Thiel

Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International™ in 1979. Over the last three decades, he has traveled the world sampling its best lodgings and travel experiences, and has become a sought-after guest on radio and television news and talk shows across the country.

To arrange an interview with Mike Thiel, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.

About Hideaways International™

Hideaways International, Inc., which operates the Hideaways Aficionado® Club, has been seeking the best-of-kind and out-of-the-ordinary for its savvy, discerning, and well-traveled members for more than three decades. Members, who hail from around the world, range from notable celebrities, musicians, publishers, authors, captains of industry, and politicians to ordinary folks with extraordinary taste. All are part of this lively community with a passion for travel away from the madding crowds.

For more information, visit www.Hideaways.com or contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.