Houseboating It on Lake Powell, UT

We knew FamilyFun readers were a loyal bunch, but when we asked them to reveal their favorite vacation spots, we wondered if we'd gone too far. After all, who'd want to share their special island hideaway, mountain retreat or seaside camping spot? We shouldn't have worried. "This place is so good, I almost don't want to tell you about it," began many of the letters, "but I will." In fact, more than 250 of you responded, praising destinations that, in some cases, have been family secrets for years.

How on earth did we choose the 20 winners? We looked for travel ideas with a spark, the kind that made us want to pack up the car and hit the open road. We looked for letters that described new ways to enjoy classic spots or those that tipped us off to places rarely celebrated in guidebooks, such as the old-fashioned resort that hosts family reunions, or the little-known state park where the river and natural pools are just right for floating. In the process, we discovered an experience unlike any other--vacationing houseboat-style on the waters of Lake Powell, Utah.

UTAH

HOUSEBOATING ON LAKE POWELL Talk about a close family. Every summer, 22 Palmers, from ages two to 59, gather for their vacation--on a houseboat. Since the clan hails from five Western states, Utah's Lake Powell is a perfect central location. "There's never a murmur from anyone, even the teenagers, about being bored," writes Robyn Palmer Steeler, of Colorado. While the older Palmers fish, water-ski and jet-ski, Robin's younger kids (Cody, eight, Caroline, six, Kaitlin, four, and Cassidy, two) prefer to lounge around on Lake Powell's sandy shores. At night, the gang tells stories by a bonfire on shore, then it's back to the boat to drift off to sleep. At Lake Powell Resort and Marina, a five-day rental for a six-person houseboat begins at $1,180. Larger boats are available. Call 800-528-6154.



Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.