How about an multi-generational family trip to Rome, Japan or Costa Rica? A seasoned travel expert recently explained to me her experience with Canadian travellers who have "done" Florida, then Mexico, followed perhaps by a resort stay in the Caribbean, and are now wondering "where to next?" That first-time overseas trip to Europe, Asia, Central or South America can be daunting for the uninitiated, especially if you're trying to accommodate family members of diverse ages and travel interests.  Escorted small- or medium-sized group travel seems to be the answer. Trafalgar, the long-running and reputable small-group travel company, has just announced its Family Experiences Program for 2015, which has some time-honoured destinations on its list – but also a few bucket-list dream trips. The main appeal, I believe, of the Trafalgar tours is the emphasis on local cuisine, staying in or dining at family-owned enterprises and really getting a sense of the regional flavour of the locale. A few of the Trafalgar Family Experiences that jumped to the top of the list:

 Samurai Discovery Trip, Japan (Courtesy of Trafalgar)

  •  11-Day Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold in Italy, which includes stops in Rome, Venice and Florence, visits to the Vatican and  the Colosseum,  a chance for the kids to get a taste of the life of a Roman gladiator (sword-fighting, anyone?), plus art tours and gelato tastings in Florence, a pizza-making demonstration, plenty of time built in to check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa –  and the signature gondola ride in Venice. There are also wine-tastings and vineyard tours for grown-ups.

Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold, Italy (Photo courtesy of Trafalgar)

  •  8-Day Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes, Costa Rica: Get up close to turtles, monkeys, exotic butterflies and other rainforest creatures in the Tortuguero National Park, walk around Arenal volcano, take a dip in the thermal springs, go zip-lining through the rainforest, sign up for snorkelling or something as easy as a catamaran cruise.

(Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes, Costa Rica. Courtesy of Trafalgar)

 You'll want to check out their complete list for 2015.  And if you're into kings and queens and royal sagas, consider "Castles & Kilts."