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January 6, 2009
Top Budget Caribbean Family Resorts
Families can easily enjoy some of the Caribbean's best beaches without breaking the bank. In fact, a number of family friendly resorts throughout the Caribbean regularly offer affordable vacation values and family oriented amenities. The Family Travel Network staff has researched the market and surveyed travel agents, family travel experts, readers, and others to come up with our list of the best budget Caribbean resorts for families as well as a few ideas for finding cheap Caribbean family vacation deals… (read more)
Great Deals At Northeast Ski Resorts Northeast ski resorts are hoping for another banner year of snow and many of the resorts have great deals for families heading to the slopes this winter. If you’re planning a family vacation on the slopes, there are some great family travel bargains available this year. Several popular ski resorts have added family-pleasing packages and other vacation amenities as well. (read more)
Six Hot Winter Weekend Escapes Cold winter temperatures have settled in across the country and the endless parade of gray days can be mind-numbing. If your crew is in need of a family vacation to cure your winter blues, travel to the sun for a long winter weekend family getaway. Short warm weather family vacations can be fun and inexpensive this winter, particularly this year when a number of great resorts and destinations are offering family travel deals. (read more)
Sea-ing Europe Together With Holland America Europe is a wonderful destination for multigenerational family vacations. European family vacations provide a tantalizing combination of learning, adventure and cultural experiences suited to the interests of every family member. Travel logistics and cost considerations for such a trip can be particularly daunting for large family groups, however. That is why a growing number of families are putting Europe on cruise control. (read more)
Resort Spotlight: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson is a great spot for family travel and the family vacation star in the area is the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Set in a beautiful desert landscape on the border of the Tucson Mountain Park, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort delights families with its extensive waterpark collection, Rising Starr Kids’ Club recreation program, spacious rooms, and a wide variety of activities for all family members. . . . (read more)
Wrap It Up: 10 Tips For Saving Money On Holiday Vacation Travel
Family travel is shaping up to be very expensive during this year's holiday season, so if you haven't made your plans - do it now. Family vacation shoppers are likely to find higher prices and fewer cheap travel deals due to an unfortunate trifecta of expensive fuel costs, limited available seats, and fewer cheap airfares. More than ever, shopping early will be one of the most important keys to scoring holiday travel savings this year.
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Bonaire Family Vacation: Dive Into Adventure If your family is looking for a vacation filled with adventure, watersports, fine dining and natural beauty - look no further than the Caribbean island of Bonaire. This laid-back little gem is certainly a diver's paradise, but there's so much more to this destination than what's under the sea. Bonaire has a broad range of attractions that are sure to meet any active family's vacation demands. (read more)
Win A Luxury All-Inclusive Family Vacation In Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is an excellent travel destination for family vacations. Now, families can enter the Grand Velas Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes and win a luxury four day/three night all-inclusive family vacation for four in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. All entries in this family travel sweepstakes must be made by February 1, 2009. (read more)
Travel Q&A: Ask KidTravel
In this travel column, Nancy Schretter, Managing Editor of the Family Travel Network, answers real family vacation questions from some of our readers. (read more)
Disneyland for Teens: Where To Discover The Magic
Walt dreamed up Disneyland for his two little girls, but “The Happiest Place on Earth” has plenty to offer big kids as well. When we recently visited with my 17-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son, they were both charmed and thrilled by this classic park . . . (read more)
10 Money-Saving Secrets For Orlando Family Vacations
If you're planning a family vacation in Orlando, there are a number of ways to stretch your family travel dollars. Here are 10 great budget-saving family travel tips help you find deals, save money, and get the most out of your Orlando family vacation . . . (read more)
Riviera Maya: A Beach and Adventure Family Vacation That’s Worth the Trip
Watching my 8-year-old daughter two days into our mother-daughter family vacation, it’s a little hard to believe my eyes. Zoe’s always been a little bit fearful – she’s the kid who will never try the roller coaster at the theme park and who shuts her eyes tight when the plane takes off (this from the daughter of a travel writer). But she’s swimming in a dark, underground cave, and she’s laughing her head off. Of course, it can’t hurt that she’s met a cute little boy from Oklahoma and he’s pointing out bats to her as they fly overhead . . . but since when does Zoe like bats?. . . (read more)
Be Enchanted On A Short Family Cruise
Are you looking for a family vacation getaway that fits your tight budget and time-crunched schedule? A short cruise on a family-friendly ship may be just the answer. Our family of four took a short cruise recently on Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas and came away hooked on the short cruising experience. (read more)
Give And Take: How To Give Back When Taking Your Next Vacation
Family vacations always involve a lot of taking. We take plane trips and tons of pictures. We take excursions and take in all the sights. Taking a family vacation to an interesting destination is exciting, but it's often more rewarding when we give back as well. As my mother always said, "It's better to give than receive." Many families would like to help others when they travel, but don't have the time or money to take a separate expensive volunteer vacation. Giving to others while on vacation is easy, you just have to know where to look. We have made volunteerism a part of many of our vacations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, and it has often been the highlight of our trip. (read more)
St. Kitts: A Sweet Spot For Family Travel
Families seeking an unspoiled destination for their next family vacation should take a close look at St. Kitts. The Eastern Caribbean island changed its focus from sugar cane to tourism just three years ago, so this laid-back paradise still remains relatively undeveloped. St. Kitts has a particularly appealing place in the family travel world: it's an off the beaten path vacation destination with an abundance of natural attractions, direct flights, and a gorgeous brand name hotel. (read more)
Great Mother/Daughter Getaways
Taking the kids on one-on-one family vacations is one of today's fastest growing family travel trends. Many parents are booking these family vacations to celebrate special occasions, enjoy shared interests, and create opportunities for individual parent-child bonding. At other times, however, these types of family trips are simply due to family scheduling conflicts. Based on recent conversations with family travel agents and tour operators, mother/daughter getaways have become some of the most requested one-on-one family vacations. . . . (read more)
Bring The Kids To The Caymans
On some maps, the tiny island of Cayman Brac looks like a speck of dust. On others, the 13-mile by one-mile mixture of coral and limestone in the middle of the Caribbean Sea doesn’t even rate so much as a mere pinprick. But families who know it exists -- such as the David Wylie’s of Princeton, New Jersey -- have deliberately chosen to bring their four children, aged 10 to 14, here because they know what pleasures “the Brac” has in store for them… (read more)
The Savvy GrandTraveler: 12 Tips For Traveling With Grandchildren
Many seniors are seeking increased involvement and spiritual bonding with their grandchildren. It's no surprise, then, that multigenerational travel is one of the fastest growing segments of the leisure travel market. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, 30 percent of U.S. leisure travelers who are grandparents have ...(read more)
Indoor Family Fun at Great Wolf Lodge
Resorts with indoor waterparks are one of the most popular weekend travel destinations for families. These hotels with large indoor waterparks are proven family pleasers, and are packed with features such as waterslides, water basketball courts, water forts, huge tipping water buckets, and more....
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10 Spectacular Places for Families to See Sea Turtles
Family travel is booming, and family-oriented nature travel is one of the hottest travel segments of all. Travel destinations and resorts are catering to these trends by offering innovative, environmentally sensitive programs, unique opportunities for family members to observe nature, and wide variety of family packages. In this "10 Spectacular Places" article, you'll find the Family Travel Network's picks for the best places to take your family to see sea turtles in the wild (read more)
Family Eco-Travel Adventures
Nature-oriented family travel can provide the perfect combination of excitement, shared learning, and the thrill of observing wildlife at close range. Peak family experiences can include swimming with dolphins or sea turtles, snorkeling through a colorful underwater wonderland, being eye to eye with a whale, or travel to the Galapagos Islands. For families who love the outdoors, a wide variety of eco-travel options available. An entire family vacation can be planned around nature-oriented activities, or a simple day trip can be included as part of a family weekend getaway.
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Cultural Getaways for Families
Family friendly cultural getaways are an increasingly popular vacation option. These destinations and resorts offer families the opportunity to relax, renew, and bond in a culturally significant setting. A number of resorts offer this unique family travel opportunity, with of the best being the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. (read more)
Family Volunteer Vacations
planning to travel and looking for something different for your next family getaway or teen's spring break? Family travel experiences can be used as a time to experience different cultures and help others in need. Consider a family volunteer vacation for an upcoming family trip. Researchers at the Family Travel Network have found some great sponsoring organizations that would greatly appreciate your help. (read more)
Take the Family on a Fascinating Factory Tour
Family travel does not have to be expensive -- and factory tours fit the bill perfectly. Your family will enjoy these educational glimpses into the inner workings of companies and how products are made. In addition, since there are hundreds of tours available throughout the United States, one is sure to easily fit into your upcoming family travel or weekend getaway plans. For this article, the staff of the Family Travel Network has selected some of the best factory tours available, paying particular attention to those that would be of most interest to the family market. (read more)
Celebrating Special Family Occasions with Memorable Travel Experiences
As any parent of teenagers knows, teens are a tough audience to impress. So when my daughter Amy called her recent Sweet 16 celebration at Woodloch Pines in the Poconos the “best birthday ever,” I was feeling pretty proud of myself for picking such a perfect place for a party… (read more)
Kids Sail Free On 3-Night Disney Cruises
Family travel alert: Disney Cruise Line family vacations are on sale. Now, Disney Cruise Line is making it easier than ever for families who have wanted to take a Disney cruise vacation to sail this winter and spring with their "Kids Free" special offer on three-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. …(click here for more)
Save Money On Your Vacation With Go Card USA
Go Card passes can help save you money on dozens of attractions in your vacation or travel destination. Passes are available for Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, San Diego, Orlando, Miami, Oahu, Maui, Los Angeles and the Blue Ridge.
In addition, a Powder Passport provides multi-mountain access to 16 ski destinations in the Northeast with no blackout dates. Powder Passports are available for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days.......(click here for more)
Kids Sail Free On MSC Cruises, Boomers & Seniors Save Too!
Save big on your next family vacation with MSC Cruises. Children (as many as two) ages 17 and younger cruise free on all MSC Cruises' sailings when staying in the same stateroom with two full-fare paying adults. Government taxes and fees are additional, per person.(click here for more)
Family Travel With Babies and Toddlers
With a little bit of preparation and an open mind, you can travel with your young family AND survive to do it again. Believe it or not, family travel is often easier with an infant than an older child. Infants are very portable, they can sleep nearly anywhere, and if you’re breastfeeding, you don’t need to find the nearest supermarket as soon as you land. Toddlers, with their new awareness of the world, make family travel seem like fun. They’re fascinated by everything: snack trays, miniaturized food served at mealtimes, earphones for the movies, movie screens, things they see out the window --- basically everything to do with family travel........(click here for more)
Pigeon Forge: The Place for Family Fun
Families seeking a family vacation packed with thrills, music, excitement and fun should consider a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Because of its wide variety of attractions and close proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this family travel destination attracts more than 11 million people a year. Pigeon Forge is a popular choice for large family reunions and well as a year-round family vacation getaway.....(click here for more)
Family Vacation Guide: Boston, MA
Boston is a great family destination for a vacation during any time of the year. There is so much to do here for every member of the family. In fact, the abundance of activities and sights can often be overwhelming. Do take the time to plan your trip and resist the urge to cram too many sights and experiences into your getaway. You'll have so much from which to choose.....(click here for more) More Current Family Travel Features
15 Tips for Last Minute Family Holiday Vacation Planning
If you're just beginning to think about making your family's holiday vacation plans, you aren't alone. According to researchers, more Americans than ever are waiting to make their holiday vacation plans this year. …(read more)
Top 10 Family-Friendly U.S. Bargain Hotels
Money constraints are the hardest part of taking family vacations, according to a recent family travel survey conducted by TripAdvisor. In a survey of over 2,400 people worldwide, more than half of the respondents said that the most difficult aspect of family vacations is staying on a budget. …(read more)
Maui: Island of Adventure
When choosing a Hawaiian island for your next family vacation, say aloha to Maui. Our family vacationed there this past summer, and Maui delivered everything two work-weary parents and two active teens could want in an island getaway. My husband and I logged hours of lounge-chair time on the beautiful beaches and reveled in the peacefulness of the place. At the same time, our restless teens still found plenty to do there. Magical Maui was able to meet our divergent needs by offering the perfect balance of relaxation and action…(read more)
Top Resort Spas for Kids and Teens
Savvy family friendly resorts have spotted one of today's fastest growing trends: demand for spa services by teens and their younger siblings. In the past, "family friendly spas" used to mean resorts that offered kids programs to entertain the kids while Mom and Dad went to the spa. Now that is no longer the case. Teens and younger children want to be pampered with spa treatments as well…(read more)
Annapolis For Families: It’s All About Water and History
Annapolis is an exciting family travel destination, offering lots of activities for the entire family. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis has a lovely waterfront location and a legendary past. Whether you choose to stroll the city’s historic streets or cruise the picturesque waterways, Annapolis is a great choice for a weekend getaway or as part of a Washington D.C. family vacation.
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5 Great International Family Eco-Lodges
If you're looking for a family vacation surrounded by nature and wildlife, consider choosing a family friendly eco-lodge as your family's next travel destination. These lodges offer family oriented accommodations and meals, as well as a wide variety of activities, tours and adventure opportunities. Here are five of our favorites:…(read more)
Ranch Vacations: A Family Reconnects in Paradise
“On your left you’ll see Cloud Peak.” Maddy giggled in her saddle when Kirk gestured in the fog. After finally winding our way to the top of the mesa above Paradise Guest Ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming we could see… maybe 50 yards…(read more)
Fishing, Family and Fun at Florida's Cheeca Lodge
Cheeca Lodge has long been a mecca for fishing lovers. The resort's location in Islamorada, the sports fishing capital of the world, offers guests a wide variety of angling opportunities. In recent years, however, this Florida Keys resort has been luring more than fishing enthusiasts to its 27-acre property. Families have discovered all of the wonders that Cheeca Lodge has to offer, and have been beating a path to its door. In addition, nearby attractions add to Cheeca's appeal as a family travel destination…(read more)
Leave The Kids With the Dolphins On Your Next Family Travel Adventure
Parents who are divers are often faced with a dilemma when selecting their family travel destinations. They want to dive, but they hate leaving family members behind. Now, divers can travel to a resort that has developed a unique approach to family vacations. At Anthony's Key Resort, dolphins are part of a unique kids program that makes nature and learning a unique part of the family travel experience..........(read more)
Adopt a Dragon in Grand Cayman
If your family is planning to travel to Grand Cayman, make your vacation even more exciting by adopting a dragon. Well, maybe not the fire-breathing kind, but an animal that closely resembles one.......(read more)
Puerto Vallarta Offers Adventure and Luxury for Families
It is easy to fall in love with a place as warm and inviting as Puerto Vallarta, and families all across North America are finding that out. A beautiful place to stay, if you want to be close to the ocean and every amenity that an all-inclusive resort can offer,.......(read more)
Choosing Age-Appropriate National Park Family Vacations
For every family, there is a perfect national park vacation. Choosing the right family vacation experience, however, requires a bit of planning and research as well as factoring in family dynamics such as age and fitness level...........(read more)
12 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Family Travel Budget
Parents in the midst of family vacation planning are always looking for ways to stretch their travel budget. In this article, the Family Travel Network staff reveals some of today's latest and best money-saving travel tips for family trips. If you're busy planning your family's next getaway, these twelve tips and insider secrets will save tons of travel dollars on your family's next vacation..........(read more)
Super Family Resorts
At the Family Travel Network, we're constantly receiving requests for all-season resorts with a wide variety of activities and amenities. These are the types of places that are perfect for multi-generational trips, family vacations, and long-weekend getaways at any time of the year. .....(click here for more)
Vacationing With Teens Can Be A Breeze
Planning a warm weather family vacation certainly seemed a lot easier when my children were in elementary school. Our family was relatively easy to satisfy -- all we needed was a family friendly resort with great beach, a large pool (preferably with a water slide), a room that could accommodate four, and restaurants with children's menus. A captivating children's program was a big plus, of course, but we could make up for its absence with lots of family time.......(read more)
Planning International Family Travel? Check Documentation Requirements.
If your family is planning international travel in the next six months, make sure you are aware of the documentation requirements for international travel. It is important to make sure that every member of the family has the necessary travel documents in order well before your trip. This particularly applies to any family planning to travel with children under 14 and parents planning to travel solo with their children...... (read more)
Family Travel's Best-Kept Secret
If you're dreading that upcoming family trip by car or plane, here's a great way to banish the "are we there yet?" travel blues. To eliminate frayed nerves on your journey, pack a travel knapsack for your kids. Travel knapsacks make family travel so much easier, and soon will become a much beloved part of your family's vacation memories. (read more)
A Family Vacation Guide to Memphis
Family-friendly resorts and amusement parks often immediately come to mind when families begin to plan their next family vacation, but cities are excellent family travel destinations, too. Family travel to major cities can be highly rewarding – not just for the entertainment value, but also for the cultural and educational benefits as well. A city that offers families all of these options for family vacation enjoyment is Memphis, Tennessee. (read more)
Costa Rica With Kids … the Easy Way
“Fifteen red poison dart frogs!” yelled seven-year old Cammy Resnick excitedly as she hopped up and down on the jungle path. “Now it’s sixteen… No, seventeen!” her nine-year old sister Katie hollered back. (read more)
