A house at the shore, summer camp, maybe a driving trip in the family Suburban through the national parks... For parents, planning summer vacations with their kids used to be easy. Now, many children under age 14 have their own passports, and kids have morphed into citizens of the world.

How can parents entertain--not to mention inspire and educate--been there/done that progeny who know how to order from room service, and can say "thank you" in five languages? The new Spring/Summer 2005 issue of Specialty Travel Index features a wide range of family adventures, covering more than 300 tour operators with programs in over 300 destinations around the globe. The #1 source for information about unusual travel worldwide, STI can also be accessed online at www.specialtytravel.com.

�More and more tour operators are designing family itineraries that meet the needs of both parents and kids,"says C. Steen Hansen, co-publisher of Specialty Travel Index. "Not only to the pace and activities match kids' interests--the accommodations are family-friendly, with facilities such as swimming pools. Some summer programs have counselors to supervise youngsters, giving grown-ups some quality time for themselves. Best of all, the kids become buds with the other youngsters on the trip while they experience adventures together."

Here�s a round-up of vacations that promise to be hot tickets on the "show-and-tell" circuit come back-to-school time this autumn.

Alaskan Adventures for All Ages. Located along the Inside Passage, The Lodge at Whale Pass sits on Prince of Wales Island--the third-largest isle in the U.S. Activities range from kayaking to caving and Native Alaskan cultural tours. Especially popular: the Geo Challenges on which participants track down different GPS coordinates while kayaking, mountain biking, or hiking. Of course the fishing is fantastic--from salmon and halibut, to Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout, to flounder that little fishermen and women can catch from the dock. [The Lodge at Whale Pass; 866-787-9676; www.whalepass.com]

Pharaohs for Phamilies: Explorations in Egypt. Kindling the thrill of history, this 15-day itinerary is packed with exploits such as riding camels into the desert, sailing on the Nile in a felucca (native sailboat), and climbing the ramparts of ancient fortresses. In addition to must-see sites such as the Sphinx, Luxor, and Karnak, the itinerary visits Sharm el Sheikh, a paradise for snorkelers; Mt. Sinai, where God is said to have given Moses the Ten Commandments; and Alexandria, with its Greco-Roman catacombs and amphitheater. [Travel Egypt; 877-778-3497; www.travelegypt.us]

The Maine Event: Multi-Sport Meanderings. Dramatic shorelines, serene mountain lakes, and villages full of New England charm highlight this six-day escape that features Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park. With The World Outdoors, families bike along quiet country backroads, hike through ancient forests, raft the Penobscot River, and sea kayak along the glacier-carved Maine coastline. Young people, ages eight through 18, receive a 15% discount on most of The World Outdoors' trips. [The World Outdoors; 800-488-8483; www.theworldoutdoors.com]

Czech It Out: Family Treks in the Tatras. Something different for European-bound families: a hiking adventure in Slovakia's High Tatras--the tallest mountains in Central Europe. Impressive peaks surround mountain lakes, waterfalls and rare Alpine flora. Programs are designed so that each family member can participate in activities according to his or her abilities and interests. [Atypus Journeys; 011-420 608 883 178; www.atypus.cz]

Belize: It's A Jungle Out There. The Cayo District in Belize is known for its rainforests, waterfalls, and caves. A small jungle lodge, duPlooy's offers plenty of activities right on the premises: swimming in the Macal River, relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach, canoeing, horseback riding or visiting the adjacent Belize Botanic Gardens. Birdwatching for toucans, tanagers, parrots and more can be done right from the deck with its 200 feet of canopied walkway. [duPlooy's Jungle Lodge; 011-501-824-3101; www.duplooys.com]

Kids Raft Free in Utah. "Family friendly" definitely describes these six-day whitewater adventures on the Green River through Desolation and Gray Canyons. In this region rife with Indian petroglyphs and legends of Butch Cassidy, rafters can often spot mule deer, mountain lion, and bobcats. Each adult guardian paying full fare can take a child age 12 or younger for free. [Bill Dvorak's Kayaking & Rafting Expeditions; 800-824-3795; www.dvorakexpeditions.com]

Horsing Around Idaho. Kids and horses share a natural affinity. Set in the heart of Idaho's "Big Water Mountain Land," Hidden Creek Ranch offers a full program from mid-June through August for children age three to teens. In addition to daily horseback riding, activities include programs in nature awareness, arts and crafts sessions, picnics, hikes, and a cookout followed by an overnight in tipi village. A Kids Rodeo gives young buckaroos the opportunity to show off the riding skills they've learned during the week. [Hidden Creek Ranch; 208-689-3209; www.hiddencreek.com]

STI is easy to use, indexing tours by both activity (bear watching, Jewish tours) and destination (British Columbia, Morocco). Subscriptions cost $10 per year (Canada $15, foreign $22) for two issues: January (Spring/Summer) and August (Fall/Winter). Send orders to: info@specialtytravel.com or order online at www.specialtytravel.com.

Press Contact: Steen Hansen Ph: +1 415 455 1640 shansen@specialtytravel.com

FOR REVIEW COPIES--CALL 415-455-1643 E-mail: info@specialtytravel.com