Charting A New CourseIn Family Fun: Houseboating 101 (NAPSA)—It seems the only thing that’s for certain these days is that the world is an uncertain place. Perhaps that’s why Americans are looking for family-oriented vacation options closer to home. Reconnecting with friends and family, while rediscovering our nation’s cultural and geographic treasures, suddenly seems m appealing thanever. How do you choose a vacation that satisfies the diverse interests and activity levels of the family? What if some family members crave rugged outdoor adventures, while others demand indoor plumbingandicy cocktails at sunset? The solution, in one word, is houseboating. A houseboat vacation serves up something for everyone, including fishing, swimming, waterskiing, kayaking, powerboating or simply relaxing under the star-filled sky. Those who haven’t been on a houseboat for years may be in for a nice surprise. Today’s top-of-theline houseboats, such as the Admiral Class boat at Lake Powell, boast such amenities as air conditioning, individual staterooms, slides, multi-speaker CD sound systems, VCRs and outdoor gas grills. Houseboating first-timers or novices may benefit from the following pointers provided by ARAMARK, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service at Lake Powell, the second largest man-madelake in the U.S. and America’s favorite houseboating destination: * Look into special deals and incentives, especially those maximizing convenience. For example, at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, visitors renting the Admiral Class houseboat receive free Concierge Service. Travelers can arrive to a fully stocked boat with a full gas tank and an experienced marina employee ready to assist with anchoring. * Allow enough time—no fewer than three days—for a houseboat trip. It can take a couple of hours to get to and from a desired spot on the Lake. Most people want at least one full day to relax and enjoy the wide array of available activities. * When reserving a houseboat, find out as much aspossible about the provisions on board to avoid overpacking. For example, is bedding provided? Silverware? First aid kit? * Be sure to rent from a reputable, established operator with a solid safety record, such as a National Park Service concessioner. Cleanliness, properly functioning equipment and friendly service will make all the difference in a houseboating experience. For information on houseboating at Lake Powell, visit www.lake powell.com. For general information on houseboating, including a link to Houseboat magazine, visit www.houseboat.net.
