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 Kiawah Island, South Carolina, an untouched natural paradise teeming with wildlife.

SOUTH CAROLINA

KIAWAH ISLAND
"Kiawah Island is a natural habitat for wildlife, not the 'wild life,'" writes Janet Bosserman of Toledo, Ohio. "That's why we love it." Her sons Andrew and Timothy agree, although between sand castle building, biking long stretches of beach, bodysurfing and spying on alligators in the lagoons, the boys hardly find island life tame. The Bossermans stayed at Kiawah Island Resort, which offers family activities, a kids' day program and a variety of lodging options (rooms in the inn range from $109-$229 daily; private villas range from $94-$374 daily). For further information, Kiawah Island Resort can be reached at 800-654-2924. For Kiawah Island, call 800-868-8118.



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