family vacations Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

Budget Vacation Tips for Every Family

February 7, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on budget vacation tips for every family. Vacation and budget don’t belong in the same sentence — or do they? The truth is, even though Americans spend a collective $1.1 trillion on travel each year, vacations don’t have to completely wreck your budget. While vacationing, you can find low-cost attractions to bringing along entertainment.

Budget Vacations Tips:

Keep Kids Entertained on the Go

Travel itself plus the sights will keep the kids occupied during the day. As much as travel exhausts parents, kids still need distractions to wind down in the evenings.

Bring along long-forgotten toys from home. Rediscovering them while on a family trip can do wonders. Packing (or downloading) kid-friendly audiobooks is another simple solution to evening boredom. Bring along paper and pencils for drawing and writing while they listen.

You can also stream your kiddos’ favorite shows and movies from home. Bringing a portable streaming device — which plugs into your laptop or hotel TV means free movies just like at home. With viewing options ranging from television series and movies to streaming music, these devices could be a perfect fit for your next family vacation.

Travel in the Off-Season

In the United States, people tend to travel more during the summer. A Gallup poll confirms July as the most popular travel month. Picking a less popular travel date means lower costs on airline tickets and a less packed flight. According to the experts at the Penny Hoarder, it’s cheaper to fly mid-week, with Sunday and Friday proving the most expensive. Booking between three weeks and four months before your vacation is the ideal window. Planning farther in advance means higher prices.

Skip the Major Attractions

Business Insider confirms that theme park costs in the US range from $60 to $267 per person per day. These amounts aren’t ideal for the average family. Instead of visiting the major theme parks, travel off the beaten path. Smaller zoos, aquariums, and neighborhood parks may be the highlight of the trip for your kids. Consider libraries and even bookstores for indoor entertainment. Museums also offer educational and cultural experiences for kids of all ages.

Any place that’s novel to your children, or that’s different than what’s available at home, will provide plenty of interest. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally, cultural exposure is a crucial part of the overall experience. If you do visit theme parks, opt for multi-park or multi-day tickets instead of single-entry options. With these packages, per-day costs are lower the more days and locations you visit. You also have the flexibility to step out for naps, snacks, or just to recharge with the kids before diving back in.

Live Like a Local

Instead of planning to eat out every leg of your trip, live more like a local. Wherever you are, look for local eateries far away from the touristy areas. If you can, book a hotel or rental home with a kitchenette or, at the very least, a refrigerator and microwave. Packing food from home — preferably non-perishable staples — can save you a lot of money.

Depending on how long you’re staying and how expensive your accommodations are, you might find it’s worth the additional cost of booking a suite with a kitchen. After all, eating out is more expensive than grocery shopping. On the same note, look at the local neighborhood and what’s happening while you’re in town. Community centers often have free events and local businesses sometimes offer discounts on certain days. Doing some research ahead of time will also allow you to get to know your destination better.

Wherever you plan to go on your family vacation, a strict budget doesn’t have to mean a lack of excitement and fun. There’s plenty to see and do without spending a ton of cash, even when you have little ones along for the trip.

5 Family-Friendly National Parks

July 3, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on family friendly National Parks in the United States. The National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019. And, there will be plenty of special events at each park throughout the summer. While every park is a worthy destination, you’ll find that some work better for families than others.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

No other national park offers families as many ways to enjoy their time together as Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Captivating waterfalls, wooded hiking trails, fishing, camping, kayaking, and beautiful wildlife make this free-admission national park a nature-lover’s dream. The nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to a vast array of attractions including America’s #1 Aquarium. Additionally, the Dollywood theme park, several mountain coasters and chair lifts, water parks, go-karts, ziplines, funky museums and several theaters. They host a variety of family-themed music, comedy, and magic shows year-round.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon have plenty of lodging. However, for an authentic Smoky Mountain experience, many people choose a rental cabin. Pigeon Forge cabins offer the rustic charm of a mountain lodge combined with the convenience of modern living. Most cabins come with large decks. Furthermore, many are equipped with hot tubs and barbeque grills. Inside are game rooms, fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, multiple televisions, and Wi-Fi. Some larger cabins even have built-in home theaters, and all cabins come with views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. The views range from tranquil and park-like, to stunning and magnificent.

The Grand Canyon

At Grand Canyon National Park, you can explore an 800-year-old ancestral Pueblo site on the Tusayan Ruins Tour. Or, learn about some of the park’s diverse wildlife on the “Critter Chat” tour. Both are ranger-led, and both are free. When the kids or your feet have had enough, you can still enjoy canyon vistas from the comfort of your car. The 26-mile Desert View Drive (otherwise known as the East Rim Drive) from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View offers breathtaking views. There are plenty of photo ops along the way. Grand Canyon Village has several restaurants, a supermarket, plenty of places to picnic, and, of course, incredible views.

Stay inside the park at one of the seven lodgings (six on the south rim, one on the North Rim) for the ultimate Grand Canyon experience. Some rooms may even have a view of the canyon, depending on where you stay. If the park lodgings are booked, stay in nearby Williams, AZ. From there, you can take the rustic Grand Canyon Railway to the park. Storytellers and musicians provide entertainment and bring the Old West to life on the two-and-a-half hour ride.

Arches National Park

Add Arches National Park to your list of national parks. It is the world’s densest concentration of natural stone arches. In addition, there are spectacular red-rock formations, incredible scenic drives, and easy hikes with big payoffs. They make Arches National Park one of the most visited parks in America. The park has broad appeal because visitors don’t need to hike to enjoy the park. Formations like Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch, and Parade of Elephants can easily be seen from various roadside stops.

This southeastern corner of Utah is unique in offering two national parks close together, just outside the hub town of Moab. If you have time, spend a day at nearby Canyonlands National Park, as well as Arches. A wilderness made up of countless canyons and spectacular buttes carved by the Colorado River, this park is well worth the visit. Larger and wilder than Arches, it also can’t be easily accessed by car – so if you tire of roadside attractions and people, you know where to go.

Zion National Park

In the southwestern part of Utah, Zion National Park features massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red. Also, a unique array of plants, animals, and rich history brings visitors from all over the world. Zion has many family-friendly hikes, The Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk. For example, both offer a sampling of Zion’s gorgeous scenery and are even wheelchair accessible. The Emerald Pools Trail and the Weeping Rock Trail have spring-fed pools, waterfalls, and views of the canyon. Both trails are easy enough to navigate with small children.

Zion’s main road – the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – is closed to vehicle traffic from April to October. But, the National Park Service runs shuttle buses to many stops throughout the park. The shuttle starts in the nearby town of Springdale and runs all day. Springdale has plenty of family restaurants, reasonably priced accommodations, and a mix of shopping.

Yellowstone National Park

Striking cliffs, granite domes, colorful wildflowers, lush forests, 200-foot tall sequoias, and of course, Old Faithful make Yellowstone National Park a family favorite. For the kids, the Park Service runs several Ranger Programs like the Junior Ranger Wildlife Olympics. The entire family will enjoy the tours of Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Canyon Village. For the ultimate in star gazing, check out Cosmic Update, or Planet-Building in the Universe, two of the parks Astronomy programs offered in partnership with the Museum of the Rockies.

For a different perspective, take a boat tour of Yellowstone Lake on the Ranger-led Lake Sceni-Cruise. Yellowstone also has over 900 miles of hiking trails, dramatic scenery, and hundreds of animal species. Because Yellowstone is nearly 3,500-sq.-miles and covers parts of three states, you might want to consider camping inside the park at one of the twelve campgrounds. If the family balks at spending the night in the wilderness, Yellowstone also has a variety of lodgings. There are nine in total, including the Old Faithful Inn and the rustic Roosevelt Lodge.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: camping tips, family vacations, national parks, vacation destinations

12 Things to Do in Atlanta Georgia

May 11, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel destinations and tips on Things to Do in Atlanta. Atlanta is one of my favorite places to visit because of its diversity. It has something for everyone, and has an abundance of history on civil rights. It’s great for families, a girl’s trip or a couples get away. Because of Atlanta’s diversity, it’s a great place for the history buff.

Here’s a list of things to do in Atlanta:

World of Coca Cola – This is a great family activity, especially if you’re a coke lover. I loved the Coco-Cola Bear, and the tasting area. They have all the coke flavors including Coca‑Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Cherry Coke to name a few. Also, a tasting station by country is also there. It includes: Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Drinks that are unique to each region is offered. There’s a great gift shop, so be sure to pick up a sovuneir.
State Capitol – My brother was a Georgia State Representative for many years. So, visiting the state capitol was high on my list. The Capitol Building boasts an impressive gold-dome. If you’re interested in a guided or self-guided tour head over and check out what’s offered.

MLK Center – The Martin Luther King center is filled with history of the civil right movement. I actually became emotional when I saw the wagon that carried Dr. King’s body through Atlanta for his funeral. There’s a lot of history at the center, and I suggest that every family visit.
Centennial Olympic Park – Olympic Park has free concerts and other activities for the Fourth of July Celebration, Wednesdays and family day on the fourth Saturday. There’s plenty of photo opportunities too.

Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta hosts the largest aquarium in the United States, and the second largest aquarium in the world. The aquarium has sharks, Beluga Whales, African penguins and more.
CNN Studio – You can see the CNN Studio from Olympic Park. Contact the studio if you would like a tour.
Ebenezer Baptist Church – Both Martin Luther King, Jr., and his father, known as Daddy King, were pastors at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Dr. King held the position until his death in 1968.

MLK Jr. Birth Home – Also, my sister and I visited the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King. What a memorable and chilling day. We did not go inside; however, it is definitely worth a trip to experience where this historical civil right leader grow up.
Children’s Museum – Prepare for a day of science, health and interactive activities. Appropriate for ages 1 – 8 years of age.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library – The Carter Presidential Library and Museum houses the life of President Jimmy Carter. You can find information from his childhood to his work around the world.
Lego Land – Lego Land is appropriate for children 3-10 years old. It features more than two million LEGO® bricks. There is also a café and a 4 D Cinema.
Zoo Atlanta – Finally, a zoo that has something for everyone. It’s packed with activities, so check out the activities for the day.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: Atlanta, family vacations, GA, Things To Do in Atlanta, travel destinations

22 Family Friendly Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

July 27, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

It’s Myrtle Beach time! We visit Myrtle Beach annually, and we always enjoy our visit. The beach is clean, ocean warm and it’s a nice place to collect shells for crafts at home. So, it’s now on my list of favorite travel destinations. It’s also a great place for family fun and adventure. So, today I’m sharing my list of Things to Do in Myrtle Beach when you want some time away from the beach:

Second Avenue Pier – Great place to relax and fish. Also, have lunch or dinner while you’re there and enjoy a few cocktails to end the day.

Splashes Ocean Front Water Park – You want to cool off, but you don’t want to go to the beach? Add Splashes Ocean Front Water Park to your list of things to do in Myrtle Beach. It’s the only ocean front water park! If you like things slow, it offers a lazy river. If you like things fast, it offers speed slides. Also, littles can cool off in the kiddie area.

Hollywood Wax Museum – Next, stop and enjoy the day with Robert Downey, Jr., Robert DeNiro and Julia Roberts. Not your cup of tea, check out Salma Hayek and Nicole Kidman. You can also find Beyonce Knowles, Lady Gaga and Pink. Whatever you do add this activity to your list of things to do in Myrtle Beach.

The Track – If Go Carts and Bumper Cars are your thing, you will love The Track. Additionally, there is an area for smaller children that includes rides and a carousel. You can bring a bottle of water or purchase refreshments on the premises.

Wheels of Yesterday – Cars from the 50’s and 60’s are still items. You can see 50+ cars from yesterday at this museum. There’s unique cars like the limited 1963 Corvette Split Window Stingray Corvette. The cars showcased are from the private collection of Paul and Carol Cummings. They have over 100 cars in their collection, so they rotate them every 6 months or so.

Photo of Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge, TN

Wonder Works – I initially discovered Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge, TN. I was casually driving along and came across this upside down house. Out of curiosity, I stopped so we could check it out. It’s a great adventure for the kids, especially if they like science. I was delighted to see that they had one in Myrtle Beach. My grandson loves science. They have a Natural Disaster area as well as Space area. Additionally, they have a Laser Tag arena and Rope Challenges. There’s something for everything.

Black River Outdoors – If you’re an outdoors man and love kayaking, Black River Outdoors is the place to be. The offer Cypress Swamp Tours, Salt Marsh Tours and Beach Salt Tours. They also offer a Birding Tour at Huntington Beach State Park. It is one of the best birding sites on the East Coast.

Extreme Laser Tag – My grandson and his dad, my son-in-law, are huge Laser Tag fans. Extreme Laser Tag offers all day passes. Also, they offer air hockey, shooting games, dance machines, and more. Parents can even hand out in our lounge area and enjoy free WiFi!

Express Water Sports – Parasailing, scuba diving, banana boats, what’s your pleasure? They also offer sunset cruises, July 4th Firework cruises and more.

Oceanfront Helicopter Rides – Take a helicopter ride over the beach, boardwalk or check out million dollar properties. They have several tours to choose from.

New Life Ranch and Petting Zoo – If your kids love horse back riding and petting animals, check out the New Life Ranch.

Fireworks Display – Additionally, fireworks displays can be seen in many locations throughout Myrtle Beach. They had a great display each night at 10:00 pm on the beach where we stayed.

Luau and Fire Show – If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out the Luau and Fire Show. A Samoan family performs ethnic dances and Samoan fire knife performances. A buffet dinner is included in the price.

Historic Georgetown – Furthermore, if you want to get away from the sand for a day check out historic Georgetown. It’s a quaint coastal town between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC. Georgetown, SC is the 3rd old town in South Carolina. Additionally, Georgetown is known for it’s waterfront shopping, dining and historical tours.

I Love Sugar– Another adventure to add to your list of things to do in Myrtle Beach is I Love Sugar. It’s heaven for those with a sweet tooth. Mike and Ike are my granddaughter’s favorite and my grandson is a Jelly Bean fanatic. Both just happened to available at I Love Sugar. Be sure to add these sweet treats to your list.

Kirk’s Ice Cream Parlor – Have a taste for ice cream, but want something other than Sweet Frog? Check out Kirk’s Ice Cream Parlor. Vintage décor with hand dipped ice cream.

Alligator Adventure – Next, if you like wildlife, Alligator Adventure is a great place to take the kids. You can find alligators, Kookaburras, and Hyenas to name a few. Nice activity if you don’t want to spend the entire day at the zoo.

Myrtle Beach Safari – If you have animal lovers, check out the Beach Safari at night. There’s cheetahs, elephants, tigers and more.

Botanical Gardens – One of my favorite places to visit. The Brookgreen Gardens has the largest collection of American sculptures in the country. Beautiful photo opportunity.

Dolphin Watch – Furthermore, check out this 90 minute Dolphin Watch cruise. It guarantees a fun cruise where you will see dolphins jumping and surfing up close. Great photo opportunities.

Hannah’s Mirror Maze – Also, the goal of Hannah’s Mirror Maze is to help Princess Hannah of Savannah. She is trapped inside a maze of mirrors. So, King Oscar and Queen Emmy need your help to rescue their daughter before time runs out. Great family activity.

Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs – Finally, counting calories is not recommended when you visit Nathan’s. Their hotdogs are the best. But, they also offer Bacon Cheese Fries, Philly Steaks, Pretzel Dogs and more.

So, Myrtle Beach has become one of my favorite places to visit with my grandchildren. We never seem to have enough time to do everything on our list. As result, we just keep returning and we keep finding more things to do. Be sure to put a few of our recommendations on your list of things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Filed Under: Travel, Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family vacations, Myrtle Beach activities, travel destinations

Why Use a Beach Cruiser Over a Regular Bicycle

July 19, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

There is a lot of excitement with each passing moment as the holidays approach. They present the best opportunities to go on an island vacation. Riding a beach cruiser is a great way to enjoy the view and have a little fun along the way. They feature long handlebars, a longer wheelbase and often a well-cushioned seat. As a result, a beach cruiser is a perfect ride to explore the island at your own pace. Here are four reasons to choose a beach cruiser over a regular bicycle:

The Fat Balloon Tires

First, a vacation by the sea is no place for a regular bicycle. A beach cruiser is built with large balloon tires that will ensure a slow firm grip on the sandy shores of the beach. Furthermore, these tires are wide, typically sized 2” to 4.7” wide and also low-pressure which allows the ride to float over sand like magic.

Extremely Comfortable

Next, while you are cruising down the beach you will notice how comfortable it is to sit on a beach cruiser. It’s because it was designed for maximum comfort, ease, and stability. The long, low frames add to the comfort level. The beach cruiser also sports a pedal forward design that gives room to stretch your legs. Additionally, it allows for easier paddling. Also, the seats aren’t so high where your legs can’t reach the ground at will like on other bikes. You get to sit upright on a well-cushioned wide seat while cruising on your bike. So, be sure to bask in the afternoon sunshine while enjoying your ride.

Ride In Style

Beach cruisers have a cool retro look to them. As a result, they are like the Cadillac of bicycles. They are stylish with a distinctive and iconic silhouette. The parts used to make the cruisers are famous for their inability to corrode or wear. Their sexy and curved frames separate them from most ordinary bicycle brands too.

Furthermore, some beach cruisers are suitable for males while others have been carved for females. So, the cruisers have attracted many cyclists due to its stylish looks. As a result, get a cruiser bike for that unique ride on the beach!

Easy To Paddle And Maneuver

If you’re a beginner to riding on sand, beach cruisers are among the easiest bicycles to pedal. Unlike speed bikes, cruiser bikes make for a rather slow ride. Which is ideal to explore the island at your own pace. Ordinary rides on the beach will frustrate your cycling experience. But, that is not the case when it comes to cruiser bikes. The cruiser is designed for comfort. As a result, choose a beach cruiser if you want the ultimate beach biking experience.

Conclusion

Finally, you don’t have to do much comparison between a regular bike and beach cruisers. For example, the regular bicycles for men are not as stylish or as comfortable as a men’s cruiser bike. Check each out, and than decide if you should opt for a cruiser bike for a beach vacation or not.

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: family activities, family vacations, vacation tips

Amazing Vacation Skiing Tips In the Alps

November 15, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing skiing tips in the Alps. Going on adventurous holidays with little ones can sometimes be too much work. Traveling with children can be difficult, but the experiences and memories will be worth the preparation. When looking for a ski holiday there are resorts that offer the children’s classes, in chalet child care, and other child-tailored services. Check out our travel tips in the Alps too.

Here’s My Skiing Tips in the Alps:

How to plan the best ski holiday with children

There are certain things you should think about when planning family ski holidays:

· What type of accommodation should be booked

For families, a child friendly Chalet is the best option. You can choose from fully catered to self-catering stays. Family chalets in the Alps can include high chairs, stair gates and even playrooms.

· What to pack

Warm clothing; however, there are other things you should rent. It is more cost-effective to rent expensive gear such as boots, ski suits and jackets. Check with the resort before you book to get the best deal, or find out about local rental options.

· Do you need ski lessons

Children will definitely benefit from ski lessons at the resort. Expert ski instructors can offer lessons, especially those who specialize in teaching small children.

· Are lift passes included

When booking you will want to know if your lift passes are included. If you book early, you may get a good deal which includes your lift passes too.

· Is there in-chalet childcare and do you need it

Another skiing tip in the Alps is having childcare facilities in-chalet or in the resort. You may need childcare for very small children who can’t ski for half days or even full days. There are lots of different options you can choose from.

· What other activities are available

It is really important to have plenty of other things to keep the family entertained in the resort. Knowing what other activities are available before you go will help you plan your time wisely. Finding the right resort with entertainment is essential for families.

· What is the après ski

Après ski is entertainment after a day of skiing. It’s not just for adults, so you will want to know what options you have for yourself and for the kids. Teenagers need entertainment during the evening too, so choose somewhere that is right for everyone.

· When to go

Depending on the age of your children, you may be able to get a great around school holidays.

Which resorts are the best for families in the Alps

Some resorts are more suited to family ski vacations than others. Here are a few to consider:

Les Gets

A picturesque resort that is very popular with families, Les Gets. It is exactly what you would expect in an Alpine village. The surrounding slopes are great for beginners. However, there’s also the nearby Portes de Soleil for stronger skiers in your group. Additionally, there is a cinema and an ice skating rink to enjoy.

Accommodation in Les Gets is traditional chalet style. When you book a family chalet vacation here, you can expect family suites, playrooms and a layout designed specifically for families. Childcare is also available.

There are plenty of excellent restaurants serving local cuisine as well as international restaurants.

La Plange

This high-altitude ski area is excellent for skiers of all abilities. There are different slopes in the area where all members of the family can have their lessons together or separately. La Plagne has lots of shops, bars and restaurants. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained when not on the slopes.

Additional skiing tips in the Alps is the Olympic Bobsleigh run, and the ski-dooing for the older kids. For young children there’s plenty to do too. They will love visiting the magical Igloo Village and exploring the stunning Ice Cave.

You’ll find a range of accommodations including slope side chalets perfect for a family stay. Again there are companies that offer childcare and family orientated chalets.

Les Bruyeres

An excellent resort in Les Trois Vallees for skiers of all abilities, Les Bruyeres is another Savoyard gem. The village is traditional style unlike many of the modern resorts in the area. However, there are still ample facilities including bars, restaurants, an indoor swimming pool and a spa.

The pistes are varied and very close to the resort centre. Plus, you can get passes that will cover you for the whole Trois Vallees area if you wish. Kids will also love the Speed Mountain ride which is an exciting toboggan run on rails found in Les Bruyeres.

The chalets are family friendly, but have extra touches for the adults too such as hot tubs.

Avoriaz

This resort is child friendly and a car free resort. It is central to the Village des Enfants which is an unusual ski school for children from 3 to 16. The concept that learning to ski should be through play started here, so it is popular with families.

Avoriaz is a more modern resort than the others mentioned. But, the high-altitude location means there are hotels and chalets offering ski in ski out locations. There’s a strip of hotels bars and restaurants in the main area, as well as chalets dotted further out. If you can find what you are looking for here, the resort of Morzine is close by.

A fun activity for kids to try here is ski jeering. A popular thing to do in Avoriaz, is to hold on to long reigns attached to a horse’s bridle and you are pulled along on skis behind it!

Are you ready for an amazing Ski holiday in the Alps with your children

There are many ways to make you family skiing trip in the Alps amazing. Seeing what these great family friendly resorts have to offer will give you plenty to think about. With some planning, asking the right questions and knowing what your requirements are it will be easy to have a great holiday in the Alps.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family travel tips, family vacations, skiing tips

Planning a Family Vacation: A Chance to Get Together

October 12, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Multi-generational travel is one of the largest-growing segments of travel. According to the Travel Industry Association, at least three generations are traveling together. Every year, over 5 million three-generation families go on vacation together. Unfortunately, this presents those planning the trip with a huge challenge. How do you cater to everyone?

Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can create the perfect multigenerational vacation. And, you’ll definitely be rewarded for your efforts. The benefits of family vacations range from spending quality time together to parents having a break from the kids. So, use our travel tips to help with planning a family vacation. Our top tips are below:

Make Sure Everyone’s Involved

First, make sure everyone is involved in the decision-making process. They’ll feel more invested in the trip because they’ve had an input into the overall decisions. Before you book anything, hold a family meeting to discuss ideas. You can set up an online chat so you can all throw ideas around.

Choose the Right Accommodation

Furthermore, vacation rentals are often a much more affordable option for large groups. They allow you to choose the right accommodation that caters to everyone’s needs while also getting the privacy you’ll be looking for from your trip.

The goal of a vacation together is to spend quality time. However, it’s still important to make sure people can have some time out. For example, you might want to look at places with individual units instead of a large villa. Furthermore, those who don’t want to party late or need to escape from crying babies can go to their unit.

Just as important, it’s also worth booking everyone into airport hotels like the BWI Airport Marriott. When you’ve got a large group of people traveling together, organizing everyone to be on time can be difficult. So opting for an overnight stay at the airport reduces any risks of people missing the flight.

Spend Time in Groups

It doesn’t matter where you’re heading, there are going to be groups of people who want to do different things. When you’re planning your family vacation, remember some people will want to go off and do their own thing. That’s great.

Discuss what activities everyone wants to take part in. That way, you can arrange small groups who can go off and do separate things. While this is occurring others can babysit or relax by the pool.

When planning a family vacation, mix and match your quality time. Set up activities with different members of your family. For example, grandparents could head off to do some sightseeing during the day. Mom and Dad can go out a night and leave the grandparents to babysit the kids.

Other things to consider include self-catered accommodations. With different meal schedules and preferences, it can be difficult to find restaurants that cater to everyone. Plus, eating in gives you the chance to relax as a family. Most importantly, it also saves money.

Making sure everyone on vacation is happy isn’t hard. When you’re planning a family vacation, remember it takes a little planning, consideration, and flexibility. You and your family will be enjoying the trip of a lifetime!

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: family travel tips, family vacations, travel tips

Stress Free Tropical Family Vacations

November 29, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Going on vacation when you have kids can be difficult. There’s so much to think about. For example, what to do with your time and how to keep everybody happy and safe. It can be done. So, today we’re going to give you a few travel destinations and travel tips for your tropical family vacations.

Here are a few travel destinations:

Borneo Family Tour

Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands and one of the most interesting. There’s a huge range of activities and landscapes to enjoy in this tropical paradise. Perhaps the most enchanting for both parents and kids is the island’s orangutans. The best place to find orangutans is at the Sepilok Sanctuary. The apes are kept on display. However, if you head out on a bush tour, there’s a small chance you’ll see these enchanting creatures in the wild.

Borneo is home to many different tribal groups too. You can visit these groups while staying in one of the island’s traditional long houses. The rainforest here hosts many interesting creatures, including pygmy elephants and wild gibbons. Borneo is open to visitors all year, but the best time to take a visit is between March and October.

The Texas Coast

If you’re looking for something a little closer to home consider the Texas coast, around Galveston. Every summer, thousands of families descend on the area looking for warm waters and tropical skies. The main attraction on the Texas Gulf Coast is Galveston island. As this guide to Galveston Island points out, there’s plenty for families to do here. You can take a trip on the Port Bolivar Ferry where there’s a chance of seeing dolphins and do other sightseeing. You can also see some of the island’s many tree sculptures. If you’re into your history, your can pay a visit to the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, preserved as a monument to the region’s maritime history.

Burma

Burma has been through political strife over the last few decades. Recently they have begun to open its doors to the outside world. As a result, you might not think that it’s an ideal location to take children. Burma needs to attract tourists if it is to become a wealthy country.

Children will love the wealth of activities offered. How about spending some time in the Burmese jungle learning to ride an elephant? Or sailing to Inle Lake on your very own long tail boat?

There’s plenty of opportunities for children to get involved with the local culture. There are tours, for instance, where you can learn about the lives of traditional fishermen. You can also spend a night in a local village, living as the locals do and experiencing their culture first hand.

The Burmese people are very welcoming and have a very positive attitude to Westerners. More often than not, they learn as much from you as you do from them. When it comes to children, nothing is too much trouble.

Filed Under: Travel, Vacation Destinations Tagged With: exotic vacations, family vacations, tropical vacations, vacations

4 Top Family Activities in Bali

September 10, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Bringing kids along on an exotic vacation can be challenging. Today, I’m sharing family activities in Bali. Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Luckily, Bali isn’t just an exotic island. I knew that it was the best choice for our first international family vacation because of its high standards for safety and adventure. My 14-year old soccer-loving son (Aaron) and his 11-year-old sister (Olivia) would agree. Check out my other travel tips before you leave.

Here are the top family activities in Bali:

Elephant Riding

First, Bali’s main asset lies in the island’s picturesque natural landscape. Gorgeous beaches are a plus too. We decided exploring nature by visiting one of the island’s top elephant safari parks. My kids love animals, so it wasn’t that hard of a choice. We headed to a nearby rainforest where we took our sweet time admiring the endangered Sumatran elephants. The massive exhibit of a mammoth skeleton in the park’s museum is breathtaking. To top it all off, we had a tasty dinner at the nearby lakeside restaurant. Afterward, we returned home with several bags of souvenirs.

White Water Rafting

Next, White Water Rafting is a fun activity for the entire family. However, I don’t recommend it for the squeamish. Olivia decided to stay on the sidelines on our first go-around. She relented after seeing Aaron having so much fun. Consult experts before booking a ride, not every place is suited for children. Kids 9 years old and above will love The Telaga Waja River. The Ayung River is slightly easier and is suitable for children as young as 5.

Waterparks

Bali has perfect spots for water fun. Therefore, one of the most popular is Waterbom. It’s a paradise of water slides that made me feel like a kid again. Aaron and Oliva were screaming their heads off with joy the entire time. Their water slides that made me feel like a kid again too.

I recommend paying a visit to Splash Waterpark if you have small children. It is smaller, which allows you to keep an eye on your kids across the whole park. It also makes the children safer in the water park and the experience less dangerous. Come fully equipped with swimsuits in tow.

Treetop adventures

So, after splashing around for some time we felt the need to cap off our vacation with a bang. We knew that Aaron was into sports and that Olivia would likely want to follow her brother’s lead. As a result, we headed to Treetop Adventure Park. It was filled with all sorts of circuits and courses, and old fashioned tree-climbing. It was just what the kids needed. Furthermore, your little ones will want to explore at length leaving you and your weary bones in the dust. Also, the zip line we boarded at the end of our trips still makes my head spin.

Last, the island is remarkably kid-friendly. My children were welcome in most places with open arms. Bali will always be at the top of my list for family vacation spots. Finally, I encourage anyone to try it out and see for themselves what all the fuss about.

Heather is a accounting professional turned SAHM of two and a Midwest housewife. Heather was born in England, but met the love of her life in Italy while studying abroad. In her free time she enjoys gardening, jeopardy, and planning family gatherings and vacations.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: Bali, exoctic vacations, family vacations

18 Places To Travel Off Season

October 2, 2015 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on places to travel off season. I love to find travel bargains. First, off season travel gets you the most bang for your travel buck. So, I start planning my summer vacation off season. As a result, planning is essential. Deciding where I want to go, and then coming up with a ball park figure on how much it’s going to cost are essential in my planning. Enduring crowds is bearable, but my preference is for the crowds to be small and the prices reasonable when I travel.

I put together a list of 18 Places To Travel Off Season and when the best deals are offered:

New York in January – It’s the city that never sleeps. You can find great shopping, Broadway shows, sight-seeing, and dining in so many places. For example, Harlem, Manhattan, China Town, Soho and the list goes on.

Montreal in February – Brush up on your French. Because Montreal is considered to be cosmopolitan and is the second largest French speaking city in the world. Also, it is second only to Paris. Montreal is known for its museums, shopping and great food.

Italy in March – Next, Rome, Sicily, Naples, Venice, and Milan are places that I wish to see. Milan is famous for it’s designer shops and Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. Also, there’s the canals in Venice. Italians are known for great pizza and pasta.

Rio de Janeiro in March – Rio is known for it’s world famous Carnival, beautiful beaches, and the infamous Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Rocky Mountains in April – You can enjoy the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada. This includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico in the U.S. The mountains are approximately 3,00o miles from Canada to the U.S. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in April.

Australia in May – If you like wildlife, Kangaroo Island is the place to go. Additionally, you can meet sea lions on the beach, kangaroos, koalas, penguins and more on the beach. Furthermore, you can also snorkel, dive or swim on one of the beaches. While you’re there, head to the Australian Alps and spend your time hiking.

Lake Tahoe in May – For me, either North or South Lake Tahoe will suffice. The choice is yours. Lake Tahoe borders the Sierra Nevada, state borders of California and Nevada. Tahoe South is great for skiing, boating, bike trails, and bar hopping. Tahoe North is great for biking, hiking and golf. Either way you will enjoy this freshwater lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and alpine trees. Lake Tahoe is the 6th largest lake in the United Sates. Great family vacation spot.

Dallas in June – So, if you’re a Cowboys fan this is a perfect city to visit. And there’s plenty of beef and history in Dallas too. To name a few, Sixth Floor Museum and Southfork Ranch, which is about 25 miles north of Dallas.

Thailand in June – Thailand is located in Southeast Asia’s Indochina peninsula. Known for its tropical beaches, royal palaces, ancient ruins and displays of Buddha. Add Asia to your vacation list.

Palm Beach in July – Great beaches, shopping on Worth Avenue and a tour of celebrity homes. Howard Stern, Tiger Woods, Serena & Venus Williams, and Rush Limbaugh are a few celebrities living in the Palm Beach area.

Caribbean in July – Choose from the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas or Aruba to name a few. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches snorkeling, diving and great food for reason enough to vacation in the Caribbean.

Las Vegas in August – What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. There’s plenty to do in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Gambling on the Las Vegas strip, catch one of your favorite celebrity’s show, visit Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon or the Colorado River.

New Orleans in August – Looking for a diverse city with plenty of French, African, and American cultures? Head to New Orleans. It is located on the Mississippi River and near the Gulf of Mexico. It provides plenty of action around the clock. Likewise, if you like it hot, there’s plenty of spicy food to be found there as well.

Martha’s Vineyard in September – Martha’s Vineyard is only accessible by boat or air. Namely, vacationers head to Martha’s Vineyard for its beaches, lighthouses, farmland, and celebrity sightings.

Vancouver in October – Known for whale watching, Grouse Mountain, ziplines, Capilano Canyon and horse dawn carriages.

Riveria Maya in November – Next, Riviera Maya extends along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Notably, its beautiful white beaches and the bluest water that you can imagine is a major attraction too.

Napa Valley in December – Last, San Francisco has hundreds of vineyards. Take a ride on the infamous Napa Valley Wine Train. In fact, it’s actually a restaurant in vintage Pullman railcars with views of the vineyards.

Finally, select your dream destination and start planning your next vacation today. Most importantly, you can save hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars with our list of places to travel off season. In conclusion, check out my post how to pack light for vacation and enjoy your time relaxing and enjoying the sights. So, what’s your dream vacation destinations? You may also like: 15 Things to Do in Palm Springs.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family vacations, travel, travel destination, vacation tips