Posts Tagged ‘family vacations’

Ideas for Fun Adventure Family Vacations to Take Your Kids On

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Ideas for Fun Adventure Family Vacations to Take Your Kids On
Photo by Wyldh20.com

Ideas for Fun Adventure Family Vacations to Take Your Kids On

By Christy Tanner


Sometimes when we plan our family vacation we want to do something completely different from other vacations. I have researched a few vacations that are unique, but also fun. So include that fun factor with your decision and it will make for a memorable family vacation.

First, if you like Tropical Islands and relaxation, a few ideas you might want to consider are:

Cruising Around the Barrier Islands

Cruising Around the Barrier Islands

How about a day of shelling on deserted beaches, or perhaps swimming in emerald green water, or even fishing under the stars relaxing at night? If these ideas sound like fun to you, then try these islands out … Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva and Cavo Costa which are all off the Southwest Florida coast. This could make for a memorable time for you and your family. You will create new memories with your family in this once in a lifetime vacation that your kids will always remember.

Kelsey Family Dude Ranch in Montana

Kelsey Family Dude Ranch

How about you and your family roughing it out while you leave the rest of the world behind. Leave all of your computers, tvs, radios, cell phones, and PDAs behind. Check out the Kelsey family dude ranch. This unique ranch offers a family oriented and authentic dude ranch experience for families. You might even want to consider holding a family reunion here for an experience that is easier (no one is stuck doing the cooking or cleaning) and memorable. Daily ranch activities include the ever popular horseback riding, weekly gymkhanas, even an all day ride with a tent packed for an overnight trip.

Blacktail Mountains In Montana

cave school - Blacktail Mountains

A great mountain range to check out is the Blacktail Mountains. This is part of an 8,000 acre jewel with unique activities for your entire family. This working guest ranch offers horseback riding, bird watching, mountain bike riding, cave school, and more for all family members. Go to the Blacktail Mountains and find out what many families have already discovered…that the Blacktail Mountains is the prettiest place in the world hands down. Try out the BlackTail Ranch.

The Amazons

The Amazons

The Amazons


Another unique and great adventure to take your family on is the Amazons. There are three accommodations that are still unspoiled. Each location offers a different experience and the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful Amazon. The three locations are Jungle Lodge, River Lodge, and Jungle Camp. Any of the choices will leave you happy.

Grider Hill in Kentucky

Grider Hills Lake

A great lake to check out on vacation is Grider Hill. Grider Hill is a 50,000-acre lake that stretches across 100 miles. The water shimmers as you look out onto it and the shoreline is huge. In fact, to see the whole lake you would need to travel 1,225 miles by boat. Along the shore you will witness the foothills of the Cumberland towers, and the foliage is of hardwoods, hemlock, cedars, and pines. Visit Grider Hills Lake Dock.

White Sands Cove

White Sands Cove

For a perfect beach setting in a tropical surrounding, check out White Sands Cove in the Caribbean. There are fresh pools, island spas, a dive shop and so much more to experience.

F5 Tornado Chasing Safaris

F5 Tornado Chasing Safaris

A very unique and fun adventure is the F5 Tornado Chasing Safaris. F5 tornados will bring you face to face with the most severe weather in the world. F5 tornados separate themselves from the competition by limiting tours to a maximum of two suburban, and only four people per vehicle. Talk about an adrenaline rush for your family!

Plummer’s Arctic Lodges

Plummer’s Arctic Lodges

The best fishing around goes to Plummer’s Arctic Lodges. In the morning you are given a hot breakfast and a nice pot of coffee, and then your guide is waiting for you after you are done eating. They take you out for some great fishing.

Bar W in Montana

Bar W

To find out what you can do this summer or winter time, check out the Bar W in Montana. The countryside will swallow you in beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a life free of laptops, phone, and faxes. You will also find horses, cattle, mountains, and green grass.  Activities include Winter Horseback Riding, Snowshoeing/Hiking, Ice Fishin, Ice Skating, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Sleigh Ride Dinners, Square Dances, as well as a kids club.

Rock Springs in Florida

Rock Springs in Florida

How does a horse adventure sound to you? This family vacation idea includes Horses and people together in a great adventure. Check out Rock Springs and their activity programs. At the ranch, children will make new friends, and you have the great pleasure of knowing that the kids have experienced one of the best vacations of their life. Check out Rock Springs Riding Ranch and Stables.

Greenhorn Creek in Quincy, California

Greenhorn Creek

How about try out a family adventure of a lifetime in Greenhorn Creek. This family vacation is supposed to be one of the best-in-the-west riding, lakes, and streams vacations ever. Plus there are acres of national forest and mountains, a wonderful down home hospitality, barbecues, hayrides, meals, and a great place to sleep. Greenhorn Creek will change your life.

Dale Hollow Lake at Sulphur Creek Resort in Kentucky

Dale Hollow Lake at Sulphur Creek Resort in Kentucky

Another family adventure vacation idea is to visit the Dale Hollow Lake’s Complete Vacation Center, which you can experience while at the Sulphur Creek Resort. You can rent deluxe houseboats, and luxury cabins for a great time.

Lake Cumberland in Kentucky

Lake Cumberland

On this family adventure vacation you will have the chance to captain your own houseboat. Explore the wonderful Lake Cumberland, which we’ve talked about in another fun vacation for families. If you are interested in this vacation, visit the state dock marina services for more information.

Tsylos Park Lodge in Chilko Lake, BC Canada

Tsylos Park Lodge in Chilko Lake, BC Canada

If your family enjoys fishing together then consider a fly fishing vacation for the family by going to Tsylos Park Lodge which is a vacation primarily for fly fishing enthusiasts. You will fish on the Chilko water system which is full of Rainbow Trout as well as other fish.

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands

Finally the ultimate vacation that I would love to go and see is a visit to the Galapagos Islands. You can see the wildlife and enjoy hikes, kayaking, rafting, canoing and fishing. There are five islands to visit. Like I said I think this would be the greatest vacation possible.

It’s strictly up to you and your family when deciding what and where you want to go. Make it a decision made by all and everyone will enjoying it that much more.

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Posted in Adventure Travel Ideas, Family Travel Ideas for Vacation, Family Travels, Lists, Memorable Trips, Travel with Kids, Traveling with Kids | 1 Comment »

How and Where to Find Budget Family Travel Ideas

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

How and Where to Find Budget Family Vacations Tips

How and Where to Find Budget Family Travel Ideas

For those families who love to travel, getting a great deal on the vacation is an ideal concept. The good news is that budget family travel ideas are plentiful if you know the right places to look for them. The following will provide some helpful information to aid you in your search for budget family travel ideas.

The Internet

Use the Internet to Research Budget Family Ideas

The Internet is a great resource to use when trying to find budget family travel ideas. Use search engines and enter terms such as “budget family travel” or “cheap family travel ideas”. Then you can limit the search results to those which suit your needs the best.

Budget Travel Options through Organization Affiliations

Budget Travel Options through Organization Affiliations

You may also be entitled to discount family travel simply by being a member or a certain group or organization. For example, military families have various options available to them which supply them with discounted travel opportunities. These include things such as hotel stays, entertainment packages, rental cars, airline tickets and more. Therefore, if you are a member of a certain organization check with the group to see if any family travel discounts may be available to you.

Tourist and Convention Bureaus in Various Locations

Tourist and Convention Bureaus in Various Locations

Another idea regarding where to search for discount family travel ideas is via various tourist and convention bureaus. Determine where you will be traveling and then contact their tourist bureau by either phone or the Internet and ask them to send you brochures and coupons. This may present you with a wealth of options when it comes to finding budget travel ideas.

Magazines

Family Travel Magazines

Travel magazines and their affiliated websites will also present options for budget family travel ideas. Some magazines will offer highlighted budget travel ideas whereas other magazines will focus strictly on budget vacation ideas tailored toward families.

Friends and Family Members

Friends and Family Members

If you have friends or family members who have traveled to various locales with budget family travel in mind, they may present you with great ideas relating to where you can go and what you can do while there for a reasonable price. Never discount recommendations, especially when searching for budget family travel ideas.

 

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Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

Friday, August 1st, 2008

Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

 

Yes family vacations are suppose to be fun and stress free, but they rarely work out to be that way. The kids argue amongst themselves or don’t pay attention to what you tell them to do, and even you and your spouse get into those little fights. You know the ones that I’m talking about, the ones that are about nothing at all. Maybe the fight is that you made the peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the wrong kind of jelly. It happens to families that are new, and families who have been together for years.

You know what I always think about when I think of a family vacation? Yes, you guessed it, I think of National Lampoon’s Vacation, Chevy Chase as Clark Griswald, and Beverly D’Angelo as his wife, and of course they had the two teenage kids. That movie has got to be the epitome of the worst vacation someone could ever have. I mean think about it, what else could have gone wrong? Nothing really. I laugh now just picturing scenes from that movie and how Clark seemed to stumble and bumble through the whole trip. I mean couldn’t the guy just get a bit of a break?

I know none of our own vacations are that bad (hopefully). If family vacations were really like that, I don’t think that anyone would ever take one. There are a number of ways that you can cut down on the stress of a family vacation, number one being don’t put too much pressure on timelines. If you’re rushing because you only have five minutes to get to a certain location, but your 30 minutes away, the stress will escalate past the point of good. Go a long with a pace that is leisurely and never schedule something at a specific time, unless it is utterly unavoidable. Don’t try to fit too much sightseeing in one day, again you will only be rushing your family and causing a sure fight as everyone gets upset and tired. On the same note, you want to make sure that you don’t schedule too little to do in a day. Bored kids are unhappy kids and may cause a problem with another family member. It is a happy medium you have to reach for your family in making sure that you have the right amount of activities planned.

Also make sure that the places you are choosing are oriented towards a children as well as the proper age of your kids. A child will become grumpy and moody if they are bored. So don’t pick a place like Las Vegas where there isn’t a whole bunch of things that are targeted towards kids. Not saying they don’t have children’s stuff to do, heck Circus Circus is a great place for kids, but if you are going to be there a week this might become old hat for you kids. Instead, pick an amusement park, like Six Flags or something along those lines, the kids are guaranteed to be busy and happy campers. Like I said it just takes some proper planning as a family and you should have a relatively stress free time.

Something else to think of is how are you going to get to your destination? Are you going to be driving a car, taking your RV, or are you going to catch a flight? All of these are good choices, but some can cause more stress than others. Not that everything will be stress or problem free. So choose wisely when you decide how you are going to get to your destination. Every child is different, and you know best as to what your kids will tolerate.

A good idea for planning a family vacation is to gather everyone around to talk things over. You might want to speak with your spouse or partner first and then gather the kids around to discuss details. Either way, kids will feel better about the vacation if you include them in the decision making. Maybe what you should do is make schedule a family meeting. Discuss the itinerary and whether or not everyone feels that the pace will be okay with them. Vacations are short, but don’t try to pack everything into one day. Nobody will think that is fun so it’s always a good idea to discuss these things as a family … it is everyone’s vacation after all. Try to make it a peaceful relaxing time with no mishaps like the Griswalds.

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Posted in Airplane Travel with Kids, Car Travel with Kids, Entertaining Kids During Travel, Family Travels, General Travel, Travel with Baby, Travel with Kids, Traveling with Kids, Travelling with Infants or Baby | 1 Comment »

Family Travel Ideas for Kids Who Love Animals

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Family Travel Ideas for Kids Who Love Animals - kids swimming with dolphins

Family Travel Destinations/Ideas for Families Who Like Animals

When planning a family vacation most families base it around what they all like to do as a family. Some families agree that sports are a key component to family fun whereas other families have different ideas in mind. Some families find that basing their family vacation around their love of animals is the way to go. For this group of individuals the following will provide some ideas for great family vacation fun.

Take a Zoo Tour

Take a zoo tour with the kids

Visiting zoos provides a great way for families to see all of their favorite animals up close and personal. Since most individuals will have different ideas as to what type of animal is their absolute favorite, the zoo provides a way for families to see all different kinds of animals all at once. As vacations usually last a few days or weeks, families may consider planning a zoo tour where they visit different cities and go to the zoos in each city. This is not only a way to see the animals but see various city sights as well.

Working Farms for Vacation

Working farms for a family vacation

These days there are vacation destinations to suit almost any individual tastes. One type of vacation which is getting to be popular with the masses is a “working” vacation. On these types of vacations the individuals will learn a specific trade or be involved with a certain occupation. For animal lovers, vacationing at a working farm where you can be involved with the day-to-day operations involving animals is a great possibility for a destination.

Aquarium Tour

Aquarium tours with kids

Along the same lines of a zoo tour vacation, families may also consider an aquarium tour. Not only will you be able to see a wide array of fish and marine life but you will see other types of animals as well. You can choose to visit one particular city or a few, depending on the length of your vacation and desire to travel to different locales.

Go On a Safari

Go on a family safari vacation

For the daring families and those who have some extra spending cash, going on a guided safari in a different country is an adventuresome option. There are many different safari companies in various countries which will take individuals on a safari for a few days. This allows the individuals to see exotic animals in their natural habitats and brings out the daring side in the family members. For those individuals who worry about the safety feature of this type of tour, there are also contained safari tours such as Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida which gives individuals the feeling of a safari without having to leave the country and provides them with a safer environment than a true safari vacation.

Go on a Dude Ranch Vacation

Go on a family dude ranch vacation

Although I have never been on a Dude Ranch vacation with my kids, I have heard that they are a hit with the kids. In fact, Dude Ranch vacations are one of the biggest growing trends in family vacations. Some Dude Ranch packages are set up the same way that an all-inclusive resort in set up in that there are kids’ camp programs in which the parents can leave the children in camp from morning until night (if they choose to) in order to get some alone time. While the kids are in the camp, they have a blast and make life-time friends as well. Your kids will be able to play hard, learn about nature, and learn how to ride and take care of horses. This is a lot of fun for your animal-loving kids.

Swim with Dolphins and Sea Lions

Swim with the dolphins and sea lions

Swimming with dolphins and / or Sea Lions is an adventure that your child will never forget. There are so many companies that offer Swimming with Dolphins / Sea Lions, especially cities that are located off of the coast, such as Florida. These programs are well worth the money as your kids will certainly not forget this amazing experience.

Go to a Vacation Spot That Allows Dogs / Animals

Go to a vacation resort or hotel that allows and caters to dogs and other animals

Believe it or not, many resorts, campgrounds, and hotels are now accommodating pets as well so you no longer need to leave Fido at home. A few examples are Paw House Inn, The Mountaineer Inn, Camp Gone to the Dogs, and Dog Paddling Adventures. I got these links from a very helpful article that I found about Going on Vacations with Dogs … you might also enjoy it as well.

 

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The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

Friday, May 30th, 2008

The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

Traveling with kids is an adventure in and of itself. However, some places can be too adventuresome for traveling with kids and can actually be downright dangerous. For parents who are planning a family vacation and are cautiously considering where they should and should not go with their kids, the following will provide some key components to be on the lookout for in making a determination that traveling to certain regions may not be a safe thing to do.

War Torn Regions

Don't travel to war torn regions with your kids

Places which are experiencing political and social unrest at the moment and can be seen as war torn regions are definitely ones to stay out of when traveling with kids. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and parts of Africa should be steered clear of when traveling, especially when children are on the trip. You can find out more information on these areas by contacting your country’s State Department by phone or visiting their website online.

Dangerous Weather Locations

Don't travel to locations that are prone to deadly weather conditions

Another dangerous locale to take the kids on vacation to is any area where dangerous weather is expected. Weather conditions such as tornados, hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, landslides and more should be avoided at all costs. Although you may not know about the weather condition until it is close to your time to leave on vacation, try to consider which areas experience bad weather at certain times during the year and try to avoid those locations.

Impoverished Nations

Many impovereshed locations are dangerous because of high crime

If you are going on vacation with the kids, try to avoid areas where the economy is extremely bad and the area is impoverished. There is often a link between poverty level and crime rates, taking your kids to these areas should be avoided. This is not to say that you should only visit extremely wealthy regions, just use common sense when selecting your vacation destination.

Locations Where Disease is Prevalent

Visit Places with Your Kids That Haven't Had Outbreaks of Serious Illnesses

Not only should you worry about places with crime and violence when considering travel destinations but also look into the disease factor of the locations. Certain areas of the world experience an influx of diseases and these areas should be avoided when traveling with children. There is no sense in taking the risk of getting ill or your children getting ill simply to travel to a certain location.

Any Place Your Country’s State Department Warns Against

Don't travel with your kids to any Place Your Country's State Department Warns Against

If the State Department of your country is currently warning against travel to a certain location in the world, then this is a place which should be avoided. Do not travel with your children to a location on the State Department list if you are concerned about your family’s safety. As mentioned above, this information can be collected by contacting the State Department directly or visiting their website if one is available.

Use Common Sense

Use Common Sense to keep your kids out of danger when traveling to locations that you aren't sure about

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When all is said and done, the easiest way to determine where to take your children while traveling is to use common sense. Think about the safety factor first and then you will be able to figure out which locations may be the most dangerous places to travel with kids.

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How to Find The Safest Places to Travel with Kids

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

How to Find the Safest Places to Travel With Your Kids on Family Vacations

How to Choose the Safest Places to Travel with Kids

When traveling with kids, most parents view safety as one of the most important components of the trip. Although there are too many safe places to mention in one list, there are features to search for when choosing a vacation destination in order to help ensure that the spot you are choosing is a safe place to travel.

Low Crime Rate

Travel to places with your kids that have low crime rates

Before heading to a certain travel destination you want to try to find out what the crime rate of the area is. Although this will not determine for certain whether or not the place will be safe as there are other factors to consider besides crime, it is a step in the right direction in order to determine the safety factor of the location. These statistics can be acquired online by using a search engine to pull up crime rates of a particular city.

Low Outbreak of Serious Illnesses

Visit Places with Your Kids That Haven't Had Outbreaks of Serious Illnesses

Safety also revolves around health issues. A place which has a low outbreak of serious illnesses or none whatsoever is the best place to choose. This will help to ensure that not only your kids are safe but you are as well.

Stable Social and Political Setting

Stable Social and Political Settings - No riots or political uprisings

A location which has a stable social and political setting is a safe one for children to travel to with their parents. If the country or locale is currently experiencing social unrest and/or is in wartime then the parents should definitely not bring their children to this location at all or at least not until the environment is a more stable one.

Places You Have Been Before

When in Doubt, travel to places that you have been before

It is also a good idea to have traveled to the destination before in order to deem it safe for your children. If you are going back to the same place every year then you know that it is a safe location to bring your kids or otherwise you most likely would not still be going there. Sticking with the usual vacation spots is often a good move for parents traveling with kids, so long as the place is a safe environment for all involved.

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