Dutch resort caters to families

Commentary by Cassandra Kardeke

221st Base Support Battalion Public Affairs Office

It started out a little like an episode of the “Mission Impossible” television series.

My mission — to find a weekend getaway that was appealing, affordable, relaxing for me and exciting for my teenage son. The trick was not to have my wallet self-destruct before the vacation was completed.

After days of searching through travel agency brochures, advertisements and websites my husband found a clue to the ideal getaway.

For four days I could unwind, enjoy the sauna, get a massage and wander trails around a lake while our teenager was busy rappelling from 30-foot towers, going white-water rafting, quad racing and enjoying other activities.

With 19 parks throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Great Britain, Center Parcs seemed liked just the thing we were seeking — vacation packages for families at reasonable rates.

The www.centerparcs.com website features information in English on all of their parks and services. Each park has a variety of accommodations ranging from small cabins for two people to larger cabins and villas for large groups.

To save money, vacationers can bring their own linens and towels or for an extra fee have the park supply what is needed. Most of the cabins come equipped with a kitchen, cooking and eating utensils, bedroom, bathroom and living room. Meals can also be purchased with the room. Most of the parks offer an “All American Breakfast” buffet package as well as a buffet dinner. Several parks also feature more than one restaurant.

Once our cabin was booked and the meals taken care of, we began planning our recreational activities. I knew immediately when I saw a Japanese spa and garden and personal massages available at De Huttenheugte, a Center Parcs facility in the Netherlands, that it was where I wanted to spend the majority of my time. Fortunately there were also plenty of activities to keep a teenager busy.

Each park offers an action pass which allows for three activities. It’s best to order an action pass for each full day there. Action passes cost €20. Waiting until you arrive to choose which activities to participate in is recommended. Included with your reservation is unlimited use of the indoor water park for each person in your group.

Once you arrive, you will find little use for your car. All services and activities are on the park grounds and within walking or biking distance. Bicycles are available to rent by the day, weekend or week or you may choose to bring your own.

With summer right around the corner this is a good time to start planning your vacation. Check out the June 8 issue of the Herald Union for another vacation spotlight.

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