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.

Vacations for Beach Lovers

Although there are many wonderful vacation destinations, one of the most popular is a vacation at the beach. If your perfect vacation includes water, sand and sun, you’re probably likely to choose a beach as your next vacation, however, there are some factors that you should consider before embarking on a beach vacation.

Oftimes, when people decide to stay at a beach, they choose the “hottest” or most popular beaches, and, while that can be fun, there are some disadvantages to visiting such a popular place.

First of all, since it’s popular, that means that a huge number of people also will be visiting along with you. This means that thousands of people will also be overcrowding the beaches along with you. This leads to traffic jams, little or no parking, lack of bathroom facilities, and an increase in crime. Also, if you are vacationing with young children an overcrowded beach might not be in your family’s best interests.

If you’re searching for a more secluded, private or romantic beach, you might want to try a beach resort. There are also inland beaches such a rivers or lakes you can visit. Many of these offer the same activities and even more.

When you’re choosing which beach you’ll vacation at, make sure that you also determine which accommodations you’ll be making. Often beaches have large hotels nearby or you can also look into staying in a B&B. Make sure you ask how far from the beach you’ll be so you can determine if it’s within walking distance.

Since many beach resorts have onsite hotels, the developers have often included additional features and services. They include room service, spas, restaurants and internet. They also offer tours, swimming pools and more.

There are a lot of options when determining where to vacation. There are popular coastal beaches in California, Florida and Texas however you might also want to consider less crowded areas such as South Carolina, Virginia, Oregon and Washington. And you could also consider a vacation to a lake such as those found in New York, Utah, Michigan and Wisconsin.

When starting to make your travel plans, it’s important to start as far in advance as possible. Check to see if you can make your reservations online. Then use your charge or debit card to book your accommodations and relax.

Spa Resorts in St. Thomas

Spa Resorts in St. Thomas

When you start planning your vacation, are you confused about where you’d like to go and even what activities you’d like to participate in? Perhaps you’re an active person who craves a wide variety of activities, or maybe you’d just to relax, read a good book or even get a massage.

Well if this is you, then you should consider vacationing in St. Thomas, in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is a very popular destination because there are so many things to do while there. St. Thomas has an almost unlimited number of accommodations including hotels and resorts to choose from. In fact, you might have a difficult time deciding which resort or hotel to choose. However, you can narrow it down by deciding what you’d like to do while you’re vacationing there. For instance, do you like the beach and water activities, or would you prefer something like golfing or spending time at a spa? If you sit down and make a list of what you enjoy, then you can pick out the best resort to suit your needs.

Although many people visit St. Thomas strictly for the beach and water activities, there are those who choose one of the spa hotels for the perfect relaxing vacation.

If you are interested in spending the day at a spa, you may want to consider vacationing at a spa resort. Below is a summary of three top rated spa resorts in St. Thomas.

One of St. Thomas’ most famous resorts is the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa which is not only a spa but an all-inclusive one at that.

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa caters to people of all ages and levels of activities. While children certainly are welcome, there are areas which are designated off limits for children under 18. This means that adults can enjoy the onsite restaurants, bars and gaming rooms while the children enjoy the onsite activities in the kid’s club.

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa is located along the coast which makes it ideal for those who enjoy swimming, SCUBA diving, sunbathing, boating and snorkeling.

Another Spa resort that is located along the beach shore of St. Thomas is The Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. Owned by the Marriott International, this hotel chain is one of the most respected and popular worldwide and the Frenchman’s Reef lives up to the reputation.

The Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort is best known for its onsite spa, the Reef Health Club. While the health club is very popular, guests can also enjoy activities such as golf and tennis. No expense was spared when decorating the rooms and the common areas such as the restaurants and bars. The Frenchman’s Reef is the ultimate spa destination.

But the spa isn’t the only reason to visit this fantastic resort. There are numerous beach/water related activities such as SCUBA, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, boating, wind surfing and kayaking.

Located on the eastern side of St. Thomas, the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is considered one of the island’s most beautiful resorts. And while it caters to people of all ages, including children, adults will benefit from the first class treatment at the Boutique Spa. There is also a fitness center, golf course and salon. When adults are enjoying their favorite activities, children can enjoy the fun activities designed specifically for them.

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is, as the other two, a beach resort and therefore activities can include swimming, SCUBA, sun bathing, beach activities and sailing.

These three resorts are just three of the many first class accommodations located on St. Thomas. For more information, check online or with your travel agent.

Mexico Vacation Packages

Sun, sea and nightlife is the perfect combination for most people and Mexico can offer all this and more. Mexico vacation packages are a convenient and affordable way of visiting the country. Many reputable companies are in this market and people are taking the opportunity of a vacation with friendly people and a fascinating history and culture.

One of the destinations catered for by Mexico Travel Net is Acapulco. Immortalized in song, this resort has been a playground for a long time and tourists enjoy the pristine beaches, water sports, golf and tennis facilities. Mexico vacation packages to this spot have more than 300 hotels to choose from. Acapulco Bay is one of the best places for nightlife, restaurants and shopping. Puerto Marques is a scenic bay surrounded by mountains. The Diamante Area is a beautiful tropical lagoon and many luxury hotels are sited here.

The James Travel Points company offers a range of all-inclusive resorts in their Mexico vacation package options. Cancun is one of the favorite destinations for Americans and flights go there from 20 US cities. The resort is favored because of its white sand beaches, clear waters, nightclubs that stay open until dawn, and first class amenities. Snorkeling and scuba diving is one of the main activities here and enthusiasts head for Palancar Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. This modern resort is also close to Mayan ruins at Coba and Itza.

Discounts on hotels and flights are available from 4 Mexico Vacations. A selection of resorts are serviced by the company and it also offers specialist Mexico vacation packages dealing in cruises, sport fishing and golf resorts. La Paz has something for everyone with its desert landscape and fishing opportunities. Visitors can dive, snorkel or go whale watching. The handicraft market is ideal for shopping for souvenirs and gifts and there is a 1720-built cathedral and a Museum of Anthropology. This travel company also arranges packages for Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa and Mayan Ruin Tours and Copper Canyon Tours.

Sun Mex Vacations specializes in the Los Cabos area, which includes the towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It’s popular with golfers and there are championship golf courses to choose from. There are the usual first class beaches, dining and nightlife. Glass Bottom Boat Tours, Snorkel Tours and Whale Watching Tours are amongst the best in Mexico. Tourists on this Mexico vacation package can also visit a blown glass factory or watch the sunset on a cruise of San Lucas Bay.

Incorporating Education into Your Summer Vacation

For kids, summer vacation means playtime, sleeping in, and maybe a family vacation.  As a parent or grandparent, you want to encourage your child to enjoy their summer.  You might still be interested in keeping their minds alert and help them learn something new.  Family vacations are the perfect tool to expose your child to new ideas and educational experiences.

Educational vacations are not a new idea.  Vacations with fun, excitement and new learning experiences enrich not only your child, but your whole family.  Destination can be an important decision if you wish to make the effort to educate your child.  A mix of activities may also be important to consider.  While the obvious choices of art, science, or history museums are a great choice, they may not be the ideal choice for your child.  They may also not be the ultimate destination for your vacation.

If you are traveling, a stop at a museum along the route may be a welcome stop and thought provoking experience that will stay with as you continue on your journey.  Another option of taking a group tour of a museum may give you a different insight into the exhibits.  Meeting a tour group and traveling with them by common carrier may also open the doors to meeting people with similar interests.  Research into a particular type of museum based on your childs interests may find you sources for groups or multiple museums that will give you a variety of experiences.

Amusement parks, theme parks, and other attractions may offer educational experiences.  Parks such as Sea World with their aquariums and shows may allow your child an up close look at another part of their world.  Parks such as Bush Gardens, animal sanctuaries, and local zoos may offer educational adventures into the animal world.  Many of these parks also have rides and attractions that will allow you to mix fun and education.

State parks, historical landmarks, national parks offer unique learning experiences of their own.  Many offer guided tours that focus on the unique opportunities and sights of their particular area.  Areas such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite also offer unique sights and opportunities for very educational guided tours.

Another benefit to educational tours and vacations is the chance for some relative privacy.  Many families opt for more entertainment vacations, so seeking a more educational venue will help you find deals, discounts, and often less expensive admission prices.

Finding activities that are both fun and educational for your family can mean a great mix of memories.  You will be happy that your children are learning, and your children will remember the fun they had on their summer vacation.  Why not make your summer vacation an educational one this year?

Family Vacations

Will you be taking a vacation this year?  Many people look forward to summer in order to plan their summer vacations, however many other people do not.

Sometimes people decide to not take a vacation because of the cost.  People have an idea that a vacation will be expensive or has to be extravagant.  But it really don’t have to be.  Going to a local amusement park, zoo or other public event can be a great vacation.  Or perhaps packing up and heading out to go camping can be another memorable family vacation.

Another reason that families often forgo a vacation is because of their busy schedule.  But consider the fact that a vacation can allow a family to take a break from their activities, relax and enjoy each other’s company.

The break doesn’t have to be for weeks at a time…a couple of days is all that’s needed to relax and have fun.

One of the benefits in a family vacation is being able to spend time together.  Busy family activities, work hours, homework and school activities sometimes prevent families from being able to enjoy fun activities.  Therefore it benefits that family to break away and spend time together.

Vacations should be designed to be relaxing.  Families have more stress put on them than in the past.  Homework, sports activities and schedules, pressure – these all create stress that can be hard to handle.  A vacation will provide your family with the relaxation that it needs.

Although children need to get away and relax, adults do also.  Both children and parents need to get forget about the daily grind and spend time rejuvenating with the family.  A vacation can be the perfect opportunity to forget about work and home and spend quality time with your family and spouse.

When planning a family vacation, pick the destination together.  Choose activities that each person in the family enjoys.  This will allow everyone to have fun as well as making everyone feel like they’ve given input.

After you’ve chosen a destination, then schedule the activities that everyone enjoys.  It’s fun to allow everyone to research the places and activities that they might enjoy and then present their top choices.  By doing this everyone can have a say in the matter and it will also allow your family to spend time together.

Family Resorts in Mexico

Family vacations in Mexico can be great fun.  Although some Mexican cities are known for their partying, there are also many activities designed for families with teenagers and children.  There are also discounts available for children at popular tourist attractions as well as many resorts that offer all-inclusive vacation packages for the entire family.  This all-inclusive vacation is beneficial because you know all the upfront costs and don’t have to be concerned about additional costs.

Before booking your family vacation in Mexico, make sure that you research what attractions are geared toward families and children.  The activities offered make this an ideal family vacation.

Here are a few of the attractions and resorts that cater to families visiting Mexico.  Of course, this is just a start and you should research additional accommodations and attractions before you leave.  Also, take advantage of your travel agent or the internet to help find additional activities.

Cancun:

The Xcaret Theme Park, located on the Mayan Riviera is perfect for those searching for a family resort.  The Xcaret Theme Park is often compared to Disneyland and attendees can expect a fun filled day at the park.  The Xcaret has amazing rides and attractions.

One of the features at the Xcaret Theme Park is a deep underground river filled with beautiful tropical plants and wild and exotic animals.  There is also a butterfly pavilion and coral reef aquarium.  And for those who dream of swimming with dolphins, there’s that opportunity to do so too.

Cancun also offers additional family friendly resorts.  You can check the internet to locate others.

Cozumel.

Cozumel is another area that is ideal for a family vacation.  In addition to offering great attractions and activities designed for people of all ages, it boasts one of the lowest crime rates in not only Mexico, but in the world.

Cozumel is also known for some of the most beautiful coral reefs, which makes it an ideal place for SCUBA and skin diving as well as other aquatic activities.  Children love to snorkel in the shallow waters and adults love to SCUBA dive in the deeper areas.

Many families opt to choose an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico which can be a great idea.  The packages include all airfare and accommodations as well as meals, drinks and snacks.  Children can also learn about customs and cultures as well as viewing Mayan ruins.

There are also great family activities such as SCUBA diving, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, horseback riding and parasailing.

Each area offers additional attractions and sights so before you leave, make sure that you research the area to see what your Mexican vacation destination has to offer.

Entertainment at Disneyland

Disneyland.  Just the word brings a smile to most faces and people who have visited the “happiest place on earth” agree that they have memories that will last a lifetime.  There’s always something to see or do at Disneyland, and  Disneyland provides more with nightly entertainment during the peak season, and weekend programs during the off-season. There are also special holiday programs during Fourth of July and Christmas.

One of the things to look forward to is Fantasmic which is held twice nightly  during peak season, and on weekends during the off-season. The show is located on Tom Sawyer’s Island, and has many characters, music, and fireworks. For the best seating possible, you should purchase tickets for Fantasmic in advance.  Free seating is also available, and is included in your price of admission to Disneyland.

Another “can’t miss” entertainment is the “Parade of Dreams” featuring colorful floats accompanied by Disney characters.  Twice each day the parade heads through the park, stopping three times for a choreographed show.  Many classic as well as new Disney characters are a part of the “Parade of Dreams”.

If you are a fan of Snow White, head over to the Fantasyland Theater for a musical of Snow White, held several times daily.  This fantastic show is held several times daily and no reservations are required.

There are always new shows opening and older ones closing so make sure that you check with the park for a list and schedule of all available shows.

FIREWORKS!!!  One thing that Disneyland is known for are their fireworks which are held late each night just before the park closes. Even if you miss them, if you’re staying near the park you can probably see them from your hotel window. Most people agree that the view of the fireworks from in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the best.  If you can arrange to visit Disneyland on 4th of July, the fireworks are even more spectacular.

Finding out about special shows and events during your visit is as simple as visiting the Disneyland website, calling the park or checking with your travel agent.  You can also ask when you arrive at the park.

Most of the entertainment is free of charge – all inclusive in your price of admission, however, special or priority seating usually is charged and requires a reservation.  Again, the website can give you all the information you need to know.

St. Thomas Vacation Packages: Are They Worth the Money

If you’ve decided that a vacation in St. Thomas is what you’d like, you might be trying to decide if you should purchase a St. Thomas vacation package.  You might be considering this and need to know if they’re worth it.  Almost all vacation package companies say they will save you money, but this may not, in fact, be the case.  Actually the kind of vacation package that you purchase is the determining factor.

First of all, consider what is being offered.  Most vacation packages offer hotel accommodations but some also include your airfare. Make sure that you examine what accommodations are offered.

If your airfare is included in the vacation package, it should specify what airline the reservations will be on.  It is a simple thing to then go online and price the airfare against what the package offers.  Also compare how many stops, if you have to change planes and what is the airline schedule.  If you’re unfamiliar with the airline, research them online and especially look at their on time arrival record.

Consider the cost of the hotel that you will be staying in as well as the safety factor.  The cost of the hotel or resort as well as the name should be specified upfront.  Once you know that, it’s easy to compare prices and determine the cost of the reservations.  You can look online, ask your travel agent or even call the hotel directly.

What are some of the other things included in your St. Thomas vacation package?  Often they might include entertainment or discount coupons on meals or tours.

Don’t confuse vacation packages with all-inclusive vacations.  They aren’t the same thing.  All-inclusive vacations include accommodations, entertainment, meals and travel and vacation packages don’t.  While entertainment is often similar and can be boat tours, SCUBA diving, beach activities, most vacation packages don’t include food and drinks.

Once you have determined the estimated cost of entertainment, travel, and overnight accommodations, you can compare your total to the total cost of the vacation package. You may be surprised to see a significant difference.  The difference often varies. There are many individuals who are given a great deal and others will actually lose money by purchasing a St. Thomas vacation package.

Why are some St. Thomas vacation packages considered bargains while others are too expensive?  Well it depends on many factors.  Is the package from a discount travel website?  If so, then you might get a better deal.  One thing to note though is that when you’re purchasing a St. Thomas vacation package, you might want to make sure there are no hidden fees.  These fees can significantly increase your cots.

One thing that might surprise many people is that vacation packages to St. Thomas can sometimes be the best bargains if purchased directly through St. Thomas resorts.  You can also use a travel agent however you must be prepared to pay for that.  The nice thing about purchasing through a travel agent is that most of them offer a guarantee of satisfaction so you can know that the resort and travel agent are trustworthy.

So if you’re planning a vacation to St. Thomas, make sure that you look into purchasing a vacation package.