Vacations with the Kids!

Vacations with the Kids! -

Going to the Big Island–Part 1

Through a sudden change in “vision”, it looks like our family will be heading to the Big Island next year instead of Maui. With that in mind, I decided I would do a series of posts just on the Big Island!

What has brought on this change of heart? A lot of it has to do with what I’ve seen on the show Hawaii Life on HGTV. At least a couple of episodes were on the Big Island and seeing the beaches and all that was available to do, it piqued my curiosity and had me start doing a bit of research.

The Big Island is less touristy than, say, Oahu or Maui. This brings with it some positives and negatives: fewer tourists all over, but that also means fewer “big” attractions. Fewer tourists and the lovely beaches I’ve seen were a key factor in my considering the Big Island.

As I continue to do my research, I will share here about activities, accommodations and whatever else I find! Come back soon!

 



Great Guide to Mexico

Are you the kind of family that likes to explore the history of a place you are visiting? Or would you be interested in going on a family vacation where you can learn more about the Aztecs and Mayans?

I ran across a really fascinating travel guide on Mexico. What makes this one different from your typical travel guide is that it calls itself an “explorer’s guide” and is part of a large series of travel guides for US, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean. The one I got a hold of to share with you today is “An Explorer’s Guide to Mexico’s Aztec and Maya Empires”:

I found this particular guide extremely well done. The first part of the book gives a very good grounding in Aztec and Maya history. The rest of, and majority of, the book is to detailed information to help plan your trip to the pertinent areas. The information given on activities, historical sites and accommodations is among the best I’ve seen in any guide book with the author giving his personal recommendations on things and why. The series has been described as having a mini-encyclopedia about a location and I have to agree! Despite the thoroughness of the information, it is well laid out and organized so that it’s not overwhelming.  Photos by the author are also provided throughout the book which help give a feel of a person on vacation in the locales rather than just a stock photo to advertise.

Hop on over to Amazon.com today and get your copy of this guide for Mexico or any other travel guide! Many of them are available in paperback and Kindle, so you can choose which format will suit you better.

 

Get Away to Great Wolf Lodge

Kids love waterparks! Well, let’s face it: often we adults do, too. What’s even better is they can be part of a weekend getaway or a longer vacation somewhere!

One chain of hotels with waterparks as part of the features is Great Wolf Lodge. This chain focuses on being lots of fun for the whole family and has great reviews from families who have visited. With 10 different locations across the United States and 1 in Canada, there are lots of opportunities to stay at one.

While each Great Wolf Lodge has an amazing waterpark (included with the nightly rate), each waterpark is different from the others and each resort has different activities available for families vary depending on which one you go to.  You might find mini golf at some, a bowling alley at another, arcades, kids’ spas, and so much more.

Remember to check Book Now and Save at hotels.com for a great deal!

4 Places to Take the Family in California (Other Than Disneyland)

When I think of travelling to California, I tend to think of Disneyland and LA first. California’s a pretty big state, though, and there is so much more to see! And I’ve seen some of it myself; very worth taking the family on vacation there. Here are a few ideas of places to go on vacation in California:

1) Go see the redwoods during the summer. The redwood forest north of San Francisco is an amazing area to visit. The trees are like nothing you or your kids will ever see. They’re huge. They seem like something out of a storybook. You can even camp in the national park which would make the experience even more magical. There aren’t just trees to check out there, but an amazing area with a “pristine coastline” and wildlife galore. I went when I was 7 or 8 and I actually remember visiting the trees just as much as visiting Disneyland. To make the most of your visit, check out some of the guide books available.

2) You’ve undoubtedly seen this city in movies, so why not visit it in person? San Francisco! You can check out all the recognizable features like the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars and also take the kids to Golden Gate Park (like New York’s Central Park) and Alcatraz (yes, you can take your babies).

3) Up for a mountain adventure? You may not think of California and mountains going together, especially near Los Angeles, but there is a superb area where you can go all-year round for a mountain experience: Great Bear Lake. The number of activities available is truly impressive: skiing, water slides, helicopter rides, fishing, golfing, camping, boating, horseback riding, ziplining… You will definitely find something to please every member of the family here!

4) We can’t forget San Diego, can we? The famous San Diego Zoo would be a must-see with the kids, but there are so many other things to see like Belmont Park (a beachfront outdoor amusement park), Sea Life Aquarium (another must-see), San Diego Automotive Museum, Legoland (another must-see!) and so much more. To help you explore the city, you can also get San Diego Tour and Attraction Discount Tickets.

Disneyland is not the only place to visit while exploring California. Take your pick of any of the above locations and you’re bound to have a fantastic family vacation!

 

Picking a Family Weekend Getaway

Sometimes the family just needs to get away, have some fun, take a little break from the daily routine. I’ve already given four broad suggestions here for family weekend getaway ideas. If you’re sure you want to go somewhere but not sure how to pick the destination, I’ve got another idea for you today:

What’s on sale?

Many people who want to get away have a look at the deals available for hotels or flights. For a weekend getaway, a hotel within driving distance might make more sense due to the extra time you need to give yourself for everything involving the airport, but if you’re up for that adventure or have a long weekend to really make the most of going somewhere a little farther away, then why not?

How to find those deals? Hotels.com is one site that finds the deals for you. Check out their packages and flights, last-minute deals and monthly deals sections. (The link takes you to the US site. If you are looking for a location in another country, just click on the link at the top “Our Global Sites.”) By seeing popular destinations, the current deals and the reviews for the different hotels, you might just find that perfect mini-vacation with the kids! You can, of course, search for a city you have in mind and see what sort of deals are available for you and your family.

However you go about it, getting a deal is always good. Book Now and Save at hotels.com! Use APRSHOWERS before April 15, 2013 to get up to an additional 10% off for May 2013 travel!


Make Literature Come Alive: Anne of Green Gables

I had some homeschooling moms suggest to me to write some things specific to homeschooling families, especially trips that could be considered somewhat educational. As I mulled this over, the thought to do a family vacation series on locations many will only know about from literature came to mind. How cool would that be for kids–and parents, too–to really visit some of these places they only read about?

My first pick of the series: Anne of Green Gables.

Many families, Canadian and American, have either read one or more books in the series or have seen the movie of the same name with Canadian actress Megan Follows. It’s an absolutely delightful story about an orphaned girl in Prince Edward Island, Canada, at the turn of the 20th century and all the joy and mishaps she brings to those around her. It is a beloved Canadian classic that has stood the test of time and has even created an entire tourist industry around it.

The websites Tourism PEI and Experience Anne provide all kinds of information to plan your visit. You can visit and explore the whole island or you can choose from one of various packages from the Experience Anne site–all of which are specifically aimed at families. The Avonlea village is almost like travelling back in time and into the book, complete with people dressed in character. No other family vacation would have you ! The various museums focused on Anne or her creator and the other attractions tied to the story all add to the vacation.

Is Anne of Green Gables the only thing to experience in PEI? Not at all! There are beaches to visit, golf courses to play, various events to attend, historical sites to visit, and just the uniqueness of island living to see. It is the kind of place you can take the family on vacation without Anne of Green Gables being the reason.

Whether you go to Prince Edward Island for the sake of going or go specifically to connect with this piece of literature, this vacation with the kids is bound to be delightful!

Some books to help you explore PEI:

Family-Friendly Resorts on the Big Island

The Hawaiian island officially called Hawaii is usually known by the name “The Big Island.” It is becoming an increasingly popular destination for vacations, so I’ve done some research and found a few great resorts for families there.

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Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas on the Big Island

This is a different sort of resort. It is condominium resort, each condo individually owned, managed by Aston Hotels and Resorts to give you a mix of a condo-hotel feel.

Family Size Considerations: There are one-, two- and three-bedroom villas available, allowing you have up to 4, 6 and 8 people per villa respectively. If you are going with extended family as a large group and need more space, you can contact them and they will do up a proposal.

What Makes This Special: Spacious villas; even the 1-bedroom has 1000 sq. ft. of space. Those who like to golf will be delighted to find out that the villas are right next to the golf course. The villas are condos with complete kitchens, laundry and extras like air conditioning and cable TV.

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Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

This resort popped up more than once in my searching as the best place for families to stay on the Big Island. Of my three posts here and given I have teens, this would be my pick.

Features for Kids:  Kids for All Seasons is a free program for kids aged 5 through 12 with daily scheduled activities ranging from crafts and canoe lessons to feeding animals and playing games. They also have a teen club, Ka Hui, for those ages 13-18, with a wide variety of activities.

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Hilton Waikoloa

Features for Kids: Kids club, Club Keiki, is available for kids aged 5-12, meals are free for kids 4 and under, and there is a kids’ pool.

What Makes This Special: Dolphin Quest–the only interactive dolphin program offered on the Big Island. Different programs are available for families where you can interact with the dolphins and participate in a variety of related activities. Tennis is also available as well as lei making, ukulele lessons, and since the hotel is beach front, there are also all kinds of water sports. And let’s not forget the spa and fitness centre available for Mom and Dad.

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Fairmont Orchid

Features for Kids: The kids club, Keiki Aloha, is available for kids aged 5-12 where they get to do things like explore the tidal pools, make leis and weave things with coconut fibers. Like other Fairmont hotels, kids 5  and under eat free from the kids’ menu and kids aged 6-12 eat half-price from the regular menu.

What Makes This Special: Fairmont hotels are known to be luxurious places to stay in, so that alone makes it special. This particular hotel is beach front and on 32 acres and offers tennis, golf, 6 restaurants, a spa and more. This makes it extra special. Passes, good for your entire stay, are available to enjoy some of the resort’s features, like beach rental equipment and yoga classes.

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Sheraton Kona Resort at Keahou Bay

“At Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, we have fun activities for every age to ensure that all of our guests depart Hawaii, the Big Island with special memories.”

Features for Kids: Children and teens have a number of activities available to them, ranging from a teen lounge (which has a ping pong table and gaming systems, among other things), special areas of the pool for kids, a waterslide (okay, Mom and Dad might have some fun with that, too). A number of areas are open to kids and adults, so the whole family can have fun together.

What Makes This Special: There are a few special features to this resort: 1) The Manta Ray Super Slide and Pool is a fantastic feature for families that like water slides or just hanging out by an amazing pool. 2) The opportunity to actually see live manta rays. 3) There are also complimentary features like the fitness centre and a shuttle to Kona and Kailua shops. Other places tend to charge extra for such features.

Book Now and Save at hotels.com

 

3 Family-Friendly Hotel Chains

When going on vacation with the kids, it’s always nice to stay in a place that isn’t just accepting of kids, but actually does a little more to really make the whole family’s stay enjoyable. Seeing where they are can also give you some great ideas of places to travel to. Here are 3 resort/hotel companies that do just that:

Club Med

I remember the days when all the ads made Club Med seem like it was just for singles or people wanting to party. Things have changed! They have different types of options now, with several resorts having Children’s Clubs for different age groups, providing age-appropriate fun activities for the kids. The places you can go and find a Children’s Club are quite impressive: Morocco, Turkey, Malaysia, Tunisia, France, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and more.

Click on the banner below for more info:

Hoteles Costa Blanca

Located in Spain, this hotel chain prides itself in being a great place to take the whole family, stating on their website that they are “the specialists of the holidays for all the family”. They provide large apartments for families who need the space and great activities for the kids–and dance lessons for the parents while the kids are off having fun.

Click on the banner for more info:

 

Princess Hotels and Resorts

Princess Hotels and Resorts is another that offers family-friendly options in some of  locations. These options include things like a children’s menu, kids’ club, kid-friendly activities and babysitting service. You can find Princess Hotels and resorts in Mexico, Caribbean, Spain and the Canary Islands.

Click on the banner for more info:

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Do you know of another chain that has some great family-friendly features? Let us know!

It’s Not Too Late!

If spring break hasn’t happened yet where you live, it’s not too late to get away on a family vacation.

Fly Somewhere:

There are a lot of last-minute deals available at all times of the year. Check around online to see what different companies are offering for reduced flights, hotels or vacation packages. You can find deals for just about anywhere: Europe, Caribbean, Hawaii, US/Canada, Mexico…

Drive Somewhere:

Figure out just how far/long you’re willing to drive, get out a map and see what fits! Will it take you to the mountains for downhill skiing or just a mountain retreat? Or maybe a big city with all of its attractions?

Where not to go if your spring break coincides with college spring break:

Cancun, Mexico; Daytona Beach, Florida, and Miami Beach, Florida. There may be other locations–check to see if where you are thinking of going is a popular spot for college students and then avoid it! I would suggest avoiding Disneyland and Disneyworld during spring break as well. I can only imagine how long the line-ups will be!

 

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a popular family vacation spot in Mexico. There is so much to see and do in Playa del Carmen, from seeing the turtles and hanging out on the beach to checking out the water slides or more cultural things like the nearby Mayan ruins. I have yet to talk to someone who has been who hasn’t loved it!

The Azul Fives Hotel is one choice for accommodations that has been well rated by its visitors. They have 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites available to accommodate 6 to 8 people–very suitable for larger families or if you have extended family coming with you–and even specialty suites like the 1-bedroom Fisher Price ® Suite, which comes complete with suitable toys for the age(s) of your child(ren) (only up to 2 kids!).

That is not the only thing that makes this hotel family-friendly. They have the Azulitos Play House, an area set up just for the kids ages 6 months through 12 years. I have not come across a hotel that has provided such an amazing kids’ area. Here is what Azulitos Play House has:

  • Azulitos Room, a space just for kids 6 months to 5 years old, with suitable toys and age-appropriate activities like listening to stories and singing songs.
  • My Gym Children’s Fitness Center which has things for all ages, including a trampoline and springboard.
  • Three activity rooms: Arts and Crafts Room, Interactive Game Room, and the Doll Room.
  • Kids Club Activities for children aged 4-12 with a variety of activities including ping-pong, playground and beach games and can include things like balloon fights and making pinatas.
Azul Fives Hotel pool area

From Groupon

 

Of course, there are great things for the adults in the family, like swim-up bars, five restaurants to choose from and a spa (oh, yes, there is even a spa section suitable for ages 5-17!).

This is truly an amazing, award-winning hotel to stay in when going to on vacation with the kids to Mexico!