The holidays are a special time for many families as the home is filled with warmth and familiarity of special holiday traditions. However, many families choose to leave their homes to forge new traditions during the holidays. They travel... not to Grandma's house, but to warmer climates and new adventures. If you're looking for a few ideas, here are Florida holiday vacations sure to dazzle the entire family... any time of the year.

Resorts

Children's programs have made their mark on top Florida resorts during the past few years. Kid's activities are designed to give parents time on their own, but they also provide new and exciting adventures for the children.

Activities vary from resort to resort - some are simply themed days featuring crafts and games; while others teach new skills such as as water-skiing, tennis, sailing, and golf; and still others develop one-of-a-kind programs like Club Med Sandpiper's circus. Most employ specially trained staff, and some even host special appearances by celebrities and world-class champions.

Children's resort programs are geared toward specific ages. Programs catering to ages three to 11 are the most common. It seems that many resorts avoid babies and those tough-to-entertain teens, but you will find a few resorts that cater to these ages as well.

Combining lodging, recreation and fun into one package makes sense, especially during the holidays. Resorts may offer their children's programs as part of your vacation package, while others charge an additional daily rate per child.

Family-Friendly Lodging

Children are perpetual bodies of activity that never want the fun to stop. Well, it doesn't have to if you stay at any of the family-friendly hotels in Central Florida. These vacation getaways cater to kids and their parents, and it goes farther than just offering a babysitting service.

Special kid accommodations may include separate sleep areas, game rooms, special planned activities and more. Surprisingly, many of these hotels are easy on the family budget while providing that little extra to dazzle the kids all year round.

Cruises

If you're wanting a dazzling adventure, set sail with your favorite Disney characters to the Caribbean. Disney's legendary service and magical touch is everywhere aboard your luxury cruise to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, and Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is Disney's own island paradise with Never Never Land for children and teens, and Shangri-la for adults. It's pure entertainment in true Disney fashion and a day of fun-in-the-sun you'll never forget.

Choose your itinerary to include a three- or four-night stay at a Walt Disney Resort in Orlando and then embark on a three-, four-, or seven-day cruise. This is one vacation your family will remember for years.

Samet Bilir writes about technology trends, digital camera reviews, and photography, such as best tough camera 2012 and professional portrait photography. To read more articles from him visit his website at chi-photography.com.

Image credits:
1) By Theme Park Mom
2) A Panorama of Disney's Wilderness Lodge Lobby by Samantha Decker