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Though the winter cold is only now just arriving, I find myself already thinking about shedding my outdoor layers and escaping to warmer weather. For many people, especially those with families, spring break is the perfect time to do just that — and it’s not too early for you and your clients to start planning.

Travel is a wonderful way to introduce kids (and adults!) to colorful destinations and legends they’ve read about. It’s an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into a world of living history, culture, science and art. And with insider access and authentic connections to local people around the globe, the tour operator members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) are ideally suited to provide unforgettable family memories.

Following is a sampling of spring break itineraries for the entire family from a handful of USTOA member tour operators:

Adventures by Disney: Animal lovers will rejoice in the 10-day “South Africa” journey from Adventures by Disney. Visiting Cape Town, Knysna and the Kapama Game Reserve, guests will observe African penguins at Boulders Beach, lemurs and gibbons at the world’s first primate sanctuary, elephants at the Knysna Elephant Park and the big five — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo — at the Kapama Game Reserve. Available over various departure dates, including March 26, prices start at $7,619 per person based on double occupancy ($7,239 for kids). Visit www.adventuresbydisney.com.

Austin Adventures: The company’s “Costa Rica Family, Arenal Rainforest to Manuel Antonio” itinerary will get the blood pumping for adventure seekers. Families will kayak, snorkel and surf in Manuel Antonio National Park, walk through treetops along the Arenal Hanging Bridges, relax in natural hot springs, and look for sloths, green iguanas, basilisk lizards and squirrel monkeys in the Arenal Rainforest. The seven-day itinerary is available over various departure dates, including March 20 and 27. Prices start at $2,898/adult and $2,608/child, based on double occupancy. Visit www.austinadventures.com.

Abercrombie & Kent: The Galápagos are a dream for aspiring naturalists, and Abercrombie & Kent’s 10-day “Family Galápagos” luxury small-group journey provides an up-close look at the interesting species found there, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. For kids, an Abercrombie & Kent Young Explorers Guide will lead interactive activities such as wildlife photography, scavenger hunts and Spanish lessons. Available over various departure dates, including March 25, prices start at $8,795 per person based on double occupancy. Children under 12 sharing with an adult save $800. Visit www.abercrombiekent.com.

Goway: From a visit to Tolkien’s magical land, Hobbiton, to ziplining in Queenstown, the 11-day “Aussie Kiwi Explorer” itinerary from Goway will be a hit for all ages. Families that have always wanted to visit Down Under will experience the culture of Auckland, Queenstown and Sydney and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. With daily departures, prices start at $2,411 per person and include a special Goway kids backpack, specifically designed for kids ages 11 and under. Visit www.goway.com.

Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions’ “Baja California and the Sea of Cortez: Among the Great Whales” offers families the opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife without leaving the U.S. Along with veteran naturalists, undersea specialists and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor to capture the memories, families will see gray whales at Bahia Magdalena, one of the whales’ main breeding grounds, hike desert islands and sculpted sand dunes, and snorkel with sea lions, among other activities. This eight-day adventure is available over various departure dates January — March, including March 5 and March 12. Prices start at $6,390 per person, based on double occupancy. Visit www.expeditions.com.

Contiki: High-energy college students and young professionals will be exposed to a variety of cities on Contiki’s “Mexico Grande” itinerary with nine stops — Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Tequila, Merida, Chichen Itza, Cancun and Playa del Carmen — in 13 days. With visits to Mayan ruins with local guides and plenty of free time to explore on one’s own, the journey blends history, culture and beach time. The trip is available March 12 and April 16, among other dates with prices starting at $2,669 per person, based on twin share. Visit www.contiki.com.

For more information about tours and packaged vacations, visit www.ustoa.com. Remember that when booking with USTOA Active Members, you also get the assurance of knowing that they are held to the highest standards in the industry with our $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.