Going on a Vacation with Kids

Planning a vacation with kids in tow, or at least planning a vacation that involves kids is definitely one very challenging task. For one thing, kids can be quite picky, and they also get bored really fast so you have to make sure that you have tons of activities for them to do. Of course, you must also not forget that this is a vacation so you must find some things to do for yourself to help you relax. But is it really possible to have a real vacation with kids in tow?

As you know, it is possible. Many families have done it before – have successful, enjoyable, yet relaxing family vacations with kids. It all comes down to the destination. You want a place where there is something for everyone.

Luckily a lot of the big-name and popular resorts have thought of including activities for kids that are separate from adults, this way the parents could also enjoy their own activities. These are usually part of family vacation packages. The kids go off to do their activities for the day (supervised by qualified adults, of course) and the parents also have their own sets of activities. At the end of the day, you can all gather and tell stories about how your day went. There are also family activities that these hotels and resorts can arrange for you that offer fun for everyone. It also serves as a great bonding time as you spend the day with your kids. Beach resorts often have family beach vacation packages that you should check out.

Another thing you can do is to go to places you loved as a child. Surely Disneyland ranks high among these spots. You could also try to go to some other places you loved and enjoyed as a kid. You will get to relive your experiences and then get to show your kids the things you used to do when you were like them. Win-win for everyone!

Enjoy Colorado Even if You’re Not a Ski Bunny

People often flock to Colorado to ski. We all know that much of Colorado tourism involves skiing and some other form of snow activity. Colorado boasts of 26 ski resorts, so you’ll definitely never run out of skiing venues there. It’s also great to know that in these environmentally conscious times, Colorado ski resorts continue efforts to protect the environment and maintain their ski resorts using a healthy environmental plan.

But of course there’s definitely more to Colorado than skiing. Colorado tourism has generally taken a step up with providing other tourists more attractions even when snow season is over. The tourist attractions in Colorado are so diverse that even if you stick to its major cities (Denver and Boulder in this example) you’d still have plenty to do, whatever season you decide to visit.

Denver Attractions

Denver Microbrew Tour – if you’re a self-confessed microbrew connoisseur then you’ll surely enjoy a pleasant afternoon touring Denver and its microbreweries, sampling more than 10 beers, and learning a bit more about beer and Denver’s history.

Denver Zoo – bringing your kids along? The Denver Zoo is a must-see stop. Home to 4000 animals encompassing more than 700 species, the Denver Zoo is one Colorado attraction that features a large indoor tropical forest, marine and freshwater aquariums, and an area called Predator ridge where you can observe lions and hyenas “talk” to each other. Your kids will love it and you will too.

Mount Evans – Colorado is a very mountainous state and here in Colorado, mountains are not just for skiing or snowboarding. It is a bit of a drive from Denver but totally worth it once you see the majestic panoramic views and natural wildlife that make the mountain their home.

Boulder Attractions

Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art – if you want to see the art of the old West, the wild West, then make sure you make a pit stop to this museum. Beautiful paintings and sculpture, plus a free gallery tour.

Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory – factories are fun to visit because it allows you to take a peak on how everyday staples such as tea are manufactured. A visit to the tea factory includes free tea samples, a walk through the Celestial Herb Garden, a sinus-clearing visit to the mint room, and a tour of tea bag factory. This tour is one of the most popular attractions in Boulder. Do not miss it.

Chautauqua - a park, a historic site, a picnic place, a music event venue – these all describe Chautauqua perfectly well. Relax and enjoy a picnic at the park, perhaps before or after your hike. In the summer, enjoy music from different performers. You may also want to try your hand at rock climbing while you’re there.

Colorado certainly offers more attractions than what these two cities can offer, but it goes to show that it’s not only the ski bunnies that get to enjoy Colorado. Colorado is for everyone.

Planning a Budget Adventure

These are probably great times to travel. Well, with the volcano and other natural disasters, maybe you’d second guess your decision, but barring that (as there are many more places to go on this earth), these are perfect times to travel or at least plan an adventure for the near future. Transportation has become so accessible and there are hundreds of ways to get a particular destination, with modes of transport to fit any budget.

Depending on the type of traveling that you’d want to do (Luxury? Backpacking adventure?), you can at least map out routes and canvass accommodations as early as now so you could have a better, more efficient travel itinerary that will suit your needs. The internet is a great tool for would-be travelers as it enables you to access a ton of information while staying rooted on your seat.

The trick to having a budget friendly adventure is to check out packages or better yet, go in the off-season. That could be loads better than going during peak season as you won’t have to compete with throngs of people but you have to know why certain times are off-seasons or peak seasons. For example, you want to go surfing. Surf season are usually times when wind speeds are high, usually around the time monsoon season is in tropical countries. During the off-season, waves may still be present of course, but they may not be as big as you would want them to be. Same with destinations where their attractions are dependent on the season — sometimes it pays to be there for the very thing you came there for.

But there are also some places that are just as beautiful and just as exciting even during the off season. Hotels and airlines are always willing to have guests and passengers no matter what time of the year so they often offer discounts and other amazing deals, so these are also worth checking out especially if you are working on a tight budget.

Beach Destinations for Memorable Family Vacations

For families the world over, the beach is one fail-safe destination. It’s an all-in-one destination where the parents can relax, soak some rays, and the kids can go crazy with running around the beach, making sandcastles, and splashing about the ocean – clearly the stuff of memorable family beach vacations.

Resorts and hotels situated in these beach towns have become aware of the needs of families who go on vacation and have come up with activities oriented towards just the kids, just the parents, or for the entire family. And when you want to go beyond the beach and beach activities, you can pack up the family and visit the other tourist attractions in the surround area, try the local food, meet and interact with the locals, and have fun choosing souvenirs to take home. For family beach vacations like these, we suggest several destinations:

Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Playa del Carmen has consistently ranked on top among travelers as a family beach vacation place. It is located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about 40 miles south of Cancun. Have fun soaking up the sun and playing on the sun, have some kiteboarding action going. You may also want to go on a daytrip around town, explore the jungle on an ATV, or even learn to cook authentic Mexican fare at The Little Mexican Cooking School. All these things you can do in Playa del Carmen Mexico.

Maui, Hawaii – as far as beach destinations go, this is one of the more famous and for many reasons. You’ll never run out of things to do in Maui. Hiking, boat excursions, sailing, and visiting the Haleakala Crater – there are just some of the activities you can do in Maui, and that’s not counting the sun, sand, and surf that you’ll surely enjoy.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – not a tropical beach, but it doesn’t mean the sand and the sea won’t be as enjoyable. Myrtle Beach offers not only a stretch of white sand beach but also nearby shopping centers, water parks, golf courses, and other areas of entertainment. For all your family’s vacation needs, Myrtle Beach has it pretty much covered.

San Diego, California – children will surely love San Diego because of two things: Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. Parents, on the other hand, will enjoy the cosmopolitan food served in San Diego’s restaurants and learning about the history of the city (which they could promptly share with their kids). There is also, of course, a wealth of beach and water activities that the entire family can enjoy on their visit to San Diego.

Viva Las Vegas!

Las Vegas is actually one of my favorite cities. For some it may be gaudy, corny, and loud, but I still see it as a glittery place that’s really fascinating for everyone, not just those that are over 21 years of age. I first went to Las Vegas as a child, so I know that it’s possible to take children there. Not everyone who goes to Las Vegas are big rollers but still enjoy themselves. There is no need to break the bank to have a wonderful time in Las Vegas. Sometimes it all comes down to knowing where the best deals are and being smart about where to stay.

Hotels located directly on the famed Las Vegas Strip are of course going to be more pricey than the ones located just a little off it. Not staying on the Strip doesn’t negate from your Las Vegas experience, and you can still visit the famous hotels and casinos and gamble there, enjoy the food and other facilities even if you’re not actually staying there. These non-Strip hotels are just as good as some of the ones on it. Visit travel sites and see how hotels rank with real-life travelers.

And because Las Vegas is such a tourist hub, getting there could be easier than you once thought. Peak seasons will likely have an increase with regards to ticket and accommodations. The best way to get the best deals in Las Vegas is to go during the off season. Las Vegas doesn’t really have an off season per se, but it surely beats going there when everyone else is. The off season we’re referring to are those times when people aren’t likely to be flocking there. In short, it’s NOT summer, spring break, or winter holidays.

Keep these in mind, and have a fabulous Vegas time!

Top 10 Must-See European Vacation Destinations

Europe is such a vast and diverse place that reducing all its wonders in order to come up with a list of its top 10 vacation destinations seems to difficult. What criteria will you use exactly? How do you include one and exclude others? I might as well list them all down, but that’s quite impossible.

As a vacation destination, Europe has countless places to offer no matter what your vacation preferences are. A European vacation doesn’t mean you have to spend big bucks to fully enjoy a city or country. For this list, I decided to go the way of must-see destinations in Europe. If you haven’t been to Europe yet, it’s a great way to start in these places.

London, England - A perfect springboard for any European vacation. Its historic locations, backstreets, and castles are something that most of us have only previously read in books. Culture and great entertainment are also big draws for London. From London you can also visit other English cities such as Bristol, which is known as an art hub, or spend a day at the English or Welsh countryside.

Paris, France – Paris is one of those places that is just so quintessentially European. The architecture, the food, the people, and the way of life are just so European that you just know that you’re in this very different yet very special place. Paris is home to fashion, art, and good food in Europe so expect a beautiful good time exploring the sites and absorbing as much of the city as you can.

Amsterdam, Holland - I have a feeling that Amsterdam would most likely appeal to the younger set because of its liberal reputation, but I have to say that Amsterdam is a very beautiful place to visit no matter what age you are. The cheeses alone are worth a visit, as well as walking around the city so flat it won’t be so tiring. You can also make Amsterdam a starting point for seeing the rest of Holland where you can see tulip fields and the famous windmills.

Venice, Italy – the City of Canals is one unusual city. First of all, there are no motor vehicles and trucks. Second of all, water covers almost every part of the city and transportation mostly takes on gondolas and ferries. Visiting Venice is truly an experience, couple that with breathtaking architecture and good food and wine, and you have yourself a memorable European vacation.

Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona lies by the sea, so expect a lot of great seafood meals during your stay there, as well as some fun in the sun. Take time to drop by the street markets and don’t forget to check out the Sagrada Familia, that still unfinished church in the city. The city itself is also home to a lot of street art and unusual architecture so be sure not to miss that.

Rome, Italy – Another Italian city makes it on the list. Rome is one of Europe’s largest cities, a culturally rich one that has a lot of historical sites for visitors to enjoy. Tucked in the middle of Rome is Vatican City, technically another country, and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Even if you’re not the religious type, be sure to check the art and architecture around you.

Berlin, Germany – A modern yet cultured city, Berlin offers you historical palaces, museums, and a fantastic nightlife. Another great reason to visit Berlin is to see where the Berlin wall once stood, a reminder of the issues that once split the country in half.

Vienna, Austria – the Austrian capital has plenty to offer in terms of history, culture, culinary delights, and even shopping. Classical music fans will love visiting Beethoven’s various residences, as well as Mozart’s memorial. It has consistently ranked surveys with regards to the quality of life, and a visit to the city will surely allow you to have a taste of it.

Athens, Greece – even if you go to Athens to see the ruins of the ancient Acropolis alone, the trip would be all worth it. But it isn’t the only thing that Athens has to offer. Great food and friendly people are nothing short of willing in helping you explore the city see its riches.

Brussels, Belgium – Brussels used to be overshadowed by Europe’s bigger, better-known cities but it is now starting to emerge as a top European vacation destination. Rich architecture, fabulous culture, a great night life, sumptuous food, and friendly people all make Brussels a top destination.

Cruising from New York

New York is such a strategic place to start a cruise from. It kind of makes you feel like one of those immigrants back in the day, but in reverse (you get what I mean?). Whether you’re a New Yorker or would simply want to visit the big city before embarking on a cruise, making New York the starting point to your new adventure is a great decision.

Cruises from New York depart from one of these three ports: the cruise terminal in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and (technically not in New York, but close) the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey. Which port you would depart from actually depends on which cruise line or cruise ship you booked your cruise in.

Manhattan Terminal
55th and 12th Street, by the Hudson River
Its prime location and proximity to Times Square and Central Park make it an ideal springboard for visitors who wish to do a little New York sightseeing before heading to their cruise.
• Cruise lines sailing from the Manhattan Terminal are: Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Holland America, and Crystal Cruises.

Brooklyn Terminal
Pier 12 at Red Hook
Located about one mile from the Brooklyn Bridge and Battery Park in Manhattan and easily accessible by taxis, limousines, and public transportation.
• Cunard Line and Princess Cruises both depart from the Brooklyn Terminal.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port, NJ
Bayonne, New Jersey
One big draw of this terminal is its accessibility and proximity to the New Jersey turnpike and the Newark Airport.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are the cruise lines that depart from Cape Liberty.

Planning a Cheap International Weekend Getaway

There are just some days that I feel like getting out of here, even for a weekend. Yes, a weekend getaway sounds nice, somewhere very far, somewhere where a passport is required. One of these days I just might.

Now if you’re like me and want to have that weekend getaway like right now, fret not, because it is possible even if it’s last minute or don’t have much of a budget. Believe it or not, it is possible to plan a last minute thing and it would actually be better to do so.

The internet is your savior when it comes to things like this, as you may well know. Everything from cheap international flights to deals and inexpensive hotels, the internet can help you plan your last minute weekend getaway. Certain airlines offer cheap international tickets at regular intervals and mostly these are offered to people who subscribe to their newsletters and such, so it would help to be part of these groups if only to be the first to know about ticket sales.

As for your accommodations, travel sites such as TripAdvisor.com have chockfull of information coming from travelers themselves, including lesser-known deals and which inexpensive hotels are best. And since these are coming from unpaid sources, the reviews on this site are some of the most honest and helpful I have seen. They also tell you the must-see attractions in certain locations and will tell you in all honesty what each place or attraction is like. That site is definitely worth a visit.

Wherever you plan to go this weekend, or if you’re just planning that trip for someday, keep in mind the resources that are available online and you could really have that cheap international weekend getaway you have been dreaming of.

A Family Vacation for ALL

“You’re going on a vacation with your little children? Are you insane?”

That’s probably one of the things you’re going to hear when you start asking about good family vacation spots and activities. You can’t blame them, as traveling with children can be quite a challenging feat. The good news, however, is that it’s not impossible and your options are many and varied.

My family traveled a lot when my siblings and I were little, so there were like three children to look after and keep entertained. I believe the secret to having a family vacation that both kids and adults can enjoy is to find places where activities appeal to both parties. My parents achieved that. Among places I can suggest (it’s a pretty unusual list) are:

Disneyland/Disneyworld
Even if you are a cynical adult, you have to admit that you have a soft spot for the Magic Kingdom. It’s because the memories you forged there as a child were so good it’s ingrained in you forever. Why not do it for your kids? You can ride the teacups, the cable cars, Magic Mountain, among others. The “It’s A Small World” ride still appeals to me even as an adult. Older children may like the thrill (or mini heart attack) that the Twilight Zone ride gives. You can watch the parade on Main Street and then the light and fireworks show later on. It’s reliving your childhood while sharing it with your children. Win-win.

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Universal Studios
I’d go have a future family vacation in Universal if only to hear E.T. say my name once again (note: The E.T. ride is now only available in Universal Studios Florida). Any of the Universal Studios locations are good picks. You can interact with your children and explain to them what that talking car was about or why there is a giant shark with its mouth open. If you are a movie-watching family, this place will really keep kids entertained.

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Las Vegas
Yes, you read that right. As a child, I loved Las Vegas. I loved seeing the lights. I loved eating as much mashed potatoes as I wanted. I loved winning tickets and exchanging them for prizes. My parents utilized the Midway to keep kids happy while they sat on slots. Of course it wasn’t all about fun and games. Las Vegas has a lot of shows and I’ve watched many great magic shows and circus acts as a child. Cirque du Soleil is breathtaking to watch no matter what age you are.

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Historic Places
Personally I think these are great places for kids to visit because they’ll actually be in places most people would only read about in books. It also helps that you are interested in things like that because children will ask questions. My parents took us to the Statue of Liberty and I never saw it the same way again. My parents took us to see the pyramids up close, which would mean I was horseback riding in the Sahara. How many children can say they’ve been to Egypt? These kinds of places are a great way to teach your kids something else aside from the usual school stuff.

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The Beach
Come on, you’re going on a vacation, might as well go to the beach right? The beach is all kinds of perfect, and resorts have all sorts of activities planned for both adults and kids, or even the family as a whole. The children can play on the sand while you relax and sip your drink. You can try something new and get surfing lessons and what-not.

See? A family vacation isn’t that hard to plan. You don’t need to stress about it. Just remember, enjoy yourself and take photos. Take lots of photos.

I Will Travel To Mexico… Soon

Why would anyone not want to go to Mexico? It has beaches, it has art, it has historical sites, it has great food, the people are fun, and the list goes on and on and on. I’ve long been planning a visit to our neighbors to the south, and several travel shows, travel books, and reading about traveling to Mexico all this time, I think I have figured out my itinerary.

I’m going to be alone and it’s going to be my first time there so I know I’m bound to go to some known tourist destinations. I don’t mind this at all. And besides, I want to somehow “discover” the country. It’s going to be like The Amazing Race minus the stress of racing. Get ready, because this is gonna be grand (at least in my head it is).

Since I’m gonna be landing in Mexico City, my first days will be spent exploring the city on foot, eating authentic, authentic, authentic Mexican food, people watch at their enormous plazas, and visit the Catedral Metropolitana (the largest church in Latin America). I also want to see the Templo Mayor, which is a remnant of Aztec architecture right smack in the middle of the city. And of course I have to go to the Frida Kahlo museum. I have to admit I primarily wanted to go to Mexico for that.

Next stop on my itinerary is Oaxaca. Ah, Oaxaca. I once watched a feature on the state and it featured Oaxaca’s finest product: Chocolate! All the more reason to travel to Mexico, right? I’d want to go to a chocolate tour, eat mole perhaps, then settle down and enjoy the laidback vibe, the architecture, maybe do a bit of shopping if I hadn’t already done so back in the big city. And then go back and have another hot chocolate. I can feel it. Oaxaca’s gonna be divine.

After spending my first days exploring decidedly urban places (well, Oaxaca can’t really be described as urban but they have a lot of people so you get what I mean?) I think it would be time to head to the beach now. The beach is where I’m going to spend the few days I have left on the country and will probably take over my budget because I booked myself on a 3-day, 2 night stay in Puerto Vallarta. I really meant to end my travel to Mexico big time and by the time those 3 days are over, I’ll probably be itching to start my vacation again.

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