Wednesday July 28, 2010
For many families with kids of a certain age, summer vacation means a "college tour", hitting the road to check out a number of campuses.
(Btw, I love this list of "
stupidest reasons a child rejects a college", with gems such as "size of squirrels" or "tour guide's shoes" -- ah, teenagers.)
Size of squirrels aside, much important info can be gleaned on a visit to a college campus. So it's best to prepare in advance, with some practical advice... After all, this is your summer vacation, not to mention your teen's future: get the maximum benefit from the trip!
*Photo credit: Thomas Barwick / Getty Images.
Monday July 26, 2010
Finding a NYC Babysitter: If you're traveling to New York City with kids (highly recommended!) you might want to hire a babysitter during your trip... Check out this helpful list, from About.com's Guide for New York City Travel-- who's a mom with two young kids, herself. (Wondering about that photo? It's from Scott's Pizza Tours - just one of so very many
Great Things to do with Kids in New York.)
SPF Months at Beaches: no, this isn't about a type of sunscreen. At Beaches, "SPF" means "Single Parents Fun" Months. Beaches is a top brand of all inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean, with nurseries, kids programs, Sesame Street characters and live shows, teen and tween programs, and lots more. This year, dates are from Aug. 23 to Oct. 31 2010: single supplement fee (up to $190/night) is waived, and some special activities are set up.
Social Network Site, for Travelers and Travel Pro's: Tripatini has niche groups for dozens of travel topics: volunteer vacations, vacation rentals, iPhone travel apps; hostelling, agritourism, travel with pets; destinations from A to Z. Travelers and travel pro's (writers, publicists, agents, etc.) can communicate; one useful feature is "Ask a Travel Expert" any kind of question you like.
More Family Vacation News -- Read more...Saturday July 24, 2010
I just returned from a fascinating "hard-hat tour" of Disney's
Aulani Resort, on Oahu (- due to open August 29 2011, and you'll be able to start booking in August this year.) I'll be writing about this resort soon...
Meanwhile, now's a good time to check out promotions for other Disney destinations, for late summer and early fall.
Read more...Tuesday July 20, 2010
Lots of families these days are opting out of road trips (gas prices!) and summer air travel (stress!), and sticking close to home. Remember, though, that a "staycation" doesn't mean just life-as-usual. The point is that -- even if you stay right in your home -- you need to have fun, relax, have an actual v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n. Take time to do the day trips and sightseeing that tourists do. Eat out. Break the usual patterns of electronic media.
A good strategy, if you can swing it, is to take the family to a nearby hotel: still staying local, yet getting away from the patterns of home. Maybe even splurge one night on one of the hotel brands that offers special kids programs.
