The dreaded “Summer Slide” is famously known, but it’s not the oversized water slide at your local theme park. Up to 84% of school-age children experience a decline in skills such as math and other core subjects when they return from summer vacation.
A recent study by NWEA’s Collaborative for Student Growth in Portland, Oregon, looked at assumptions based on research from 30 years ago and found that while some educational progress is still being lost, it’s by no means inevitable.
The researchers say learning more about how to provide the most effective summer activities for different types of learners should be a priority.
One approach that may prove useful for some families looking to keep their kids’ curiosity high and learning fun over the summer is the trendy eco-friendly travel trend that’s making waves right now.
With new, hands-on, family-friendly environmental programs popping up everywhere from Mexico’s finest resorts to remote, off-the-grid destinations, family travel is quickly transforming into memorable, educational experiences that kids and parents are sure to enjoy.
Hands-on learning
With 76% of travellers now looking for certified sustainability measures in accommodation, going green is no longer a niche concern but a necessity.
“Today’s travellers are increasingly knowledgeable about environmental issues and are seeking tourism options that respect and promote sustainability,” says Xavier Ulloa, marketing director for Sandos Hotels and Resorts.
As sustainability becomes more essential for travelers, many forward-thinking destinations are looking for ways to directly involve their guests in these efforts. From coral farming programs and tree planting to organic farming workshops, some of the biggest names in hospitality are finding unique ways to involve their guests in earth-friendly efforts.
Increasingly, these initiatives are designed with young travelers in mind: Oil Nut Bay, located along the white-sand shores of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, offers an innovative ranger program that gets kids involved in many of the luxury destination’s environmentally conscious initiatives.
Kids can earn ranger pins for completing a variety of activities, from hiking and identifying palm trees to encountering wildlife.
Eco-friendly and fun for the whole family
All-inclusive beachfront resorts are also finding new ways to offer eco-friendly travel experiences that spark kids’ curiosity, while providing family-friendly experiences that adults will love.
No hotel illustrates this better than Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, nestled along the incredibly beautiful white sand beaches of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. One of only a handful of ecotourism all-inclusive hotels in Mexico, it sets a high standard by making its sustainability efforts an event the whole family can enjoy.
The resort’s location is already popular with parents looking for a hassle-free vacation — it’s just a 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, one of the best-connected airports in the Caribbean. Parents will also love the spa services, two new restaurants and other relaxing adult amenities.
But it’s the eco-friendly, family-friendly activities and entertainment that set it apart from other resorts in the area. Hike the on-site Sensory Awareness Trail with the family, bond during a “plant a tree” activity, swim in the Jade River surrounded by the resort’s mangroves, or care for rescued animals on the on-site farm – these are just a few of the ways kids can help protect and conserve one of the most biodiverse places in the country.
Daring guests can dive into the resort’s mysterious cenotes, which are naturally formed sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Swimming in a cenote is not only one of the most popular activities in Mexico, but it’s also an unforgettable geology, history and physics lesson that will stay with kids long after summer vacation is over.
Environmentally friendly
As the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives have proven popular, Sandos Hotels & Resorts has expanded them to cater to families as well.
The group recently announced the completion of 336 nature-inspired, family-friendly rooms at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort. “The renovated rooms and suites are part of the resort’s premium Eco Collection, a family-friendly design that offers three jungle-inspired accommodation options surrounded by lush jungle landscapes,” Ulloa said.
The addition is the latest achievement in a $20 million phased renovation and expansion project. Strategically located near Caracol’s freshwater cenotes and natural waterways, the suites are adjacent to the resort’s friendly spider monkeys, wild coatis and exotic bird colonies. Guests can make full use of the property’s children’s pool and water park with 29 slides.
In addition to Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, Sandos Hotels & Resorts properties are spread across attractive locations throughout Mexico, with family-friendly Sandos resorts in popular beach destinations such as Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
While the group’s other resorts aren’t as environmentally conscious as Sandos Caracol, they are still focused on creating the perfect environment for a family vacation along some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.
Multigenerational travel is here to stay
Multigenerational travel is likely to increase in the coming years: According to a recent IMG survey, 35% of travelers plan to take a domestic or international trip with multiple generations of their family in 2024.
The popularity of increasingly unique and diverse ways to engage children in environmentally friendly activities whilst relaxing over the holidays is likely to grow even more over time, reducing the dreaded “summer slide.”