Family Trip Planning Blog | Best Family Trips | TripWiser.com

Traveling with Babies: Air Travel

Even if your trip begins in an airplane, you still need your Road Trip Planner to hold your car and hotel reservation information as well as having a handy place for listing restaurants, things to do, and places to explore once you land at your vacation destination.

·         International Travel - If you plan on traveling with your baby to an international destination, you will need to get passports and visas for you and your baby, including neighboring Canada or Mexico.  In some cases getting passports and visas for you and your baby can take quite a long time.  In Canada, for example, getting a birth certificate often takes 8 months!  Add to that the process of getting a passport, and your baby will be a toddler by the time you get all your paper work ready! If you need to travel abroad with your baby, research your destination in advance and find out what documents you will be required to have.

·         Domestic Travel - For domestic travel with a baby, there are plenty of wonderful locations in the United States where you and your family can have a great vacation. If all-inclusive family resorts are not your thing, consider condo rentals in coastal communities somewhere in Florida or California. If Florida or California are too expensive, oceanfront condos along the Northern length of the Oregon Coast, including the towns of Astoria, Cannon Beach, Oceanside, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay can all offer a beautiful compromise.  Although pricey, condo rentals are still more affordable than hotels. Condo rentals are also more convenient for family travelers with babies, as bathroom and laundry facilities as well food preparation can be done the same way you have been doing them at home.

·         Tickets - If you are planning to travel with your baby by air, check with your airline for their regulations regarding infant airfare. Delta sells seats to children under 2 for 10% of the full fare. If you carry your child on domestic flights, there usually is no charge. For all International flights, there is a charge regardless of whether or not you carry your infant or buy them a seat. 

·         Car seats - Bring your baby car seat with you, but check to see if it is safe for air travel.  Note that cabs don't carry baby car seats, so if you bring your own car seat, it will be handy both on  land and in the air.  Bring your car seat even if you are not planning on buying an extra seat for your baby. In a lot of cases, there will be spare seats, so don't be shy, take it. Do not hesitate to ask passengers to change seats if this will give you a spare seat for your baby.  At the beginning of the flight, listen for flight attendants to make an announcement about spare seats in the business class cabin. If the seats in the business class are not taken, passengers from the economy class are offered an upgrade, so if there is such an opportunity, jump at it immediately.  It will make your flight with a baby much more enjoyable.

·         Stroller - One of the most important things to do when traveling with a baby by air is to bring a stroller.  It's nice to have one with a storage bin underneath to free your hands.  Almost all airlines will allow your stroller as a courtesy item. You keep your baby in it all the way up the ramp, right before you get on the plane you leave it with an attendant. When you get off, the stroller is right there for you.

·         Family rooms in airports - Most airports have family or play areas that offer facilities  suitable for travel with babies and toddlers.  So if you have a few stopovers with some layover time to kill, find out where family room is and go there.  There, you can change your baby with ease, find some new toys to play with and generally be more comfortable, as these areas are less crowded.

·         Bathrooms on domestic and international flights- When traveling with a baby by air, keep in mind that the bathrooms on both international and domestic flights are very tiny.  Domestic flights usually do not have changing tables in the bathrooms.  Only the international flights usually have changing tables, but it is very cramped inside. Check with the airline regarding a changing table. Try to clean your baby before getting on the plane and try to hold off if you can until you get off to change her again if it won't be too long.  The flight attendants are prohibited by law from handling a dirty diaper even if it is in a bag, if they are serving a meal.  Our suggestion is to get a window seat and request a blanket for privacy. Pack diapers in a backpack and bring a few plastic bags to arrange for a smooth diaper disposal.

·         Packing carry-ons - Pack a carry-on backpack and take it with you on the plane.  Pack at least two changes of clothes for your baby and an extra top for yourself, diapers, wipes, baby food, snacks and toys.  Make sure to wear very comfortable clothes.  Ask a flight attendant for an extra blanket as soon as you board. An extra blanket will be very handy if you need to change your baby or if you are nursing. When traveling with your baby by air, do not bring many toys. The seating is very cramped and there is no room for much of anything.  Do not bring any musical or noise-making toys; pack a couple of small soft toys instead. Pack your own snacks.

·         Nursing or feeding - Check the individual airlines regarding bringing breast milk or baby formula aboard.  Watch for your baby's hungry signals and try feeding them before they get too hungry and start crying. Wrap a blanket around yourself and your baby to create a cozy safe environment; this will help your baby relax. 

·         Water - During the flight, make sure to keep your baby and yourself well hydrated, but do not use aircraft water.  As of 2006, passengers are no longer allowed to bring their own bottled water inside aircrafts.  Ask your flight attendant to bring you bottled water and check to make sure that the cap has not been broken (listen for the bubbly noise). If the cap has been broken, do not drink this water, return the bottle and ask for another one.  In many cases, when there are not enough bottles of water for all passengers, flight attendants routinely use tap water to re-fill empty bottles. Tap water on aircrafts is highly contaminated. Make sure you and your baby don't drink any of it (for yourself, avoid having tea and coffee, as these drinks are dehydrating).

There you have it!  A safe and comfortable airplane trip.  Now you’re ready to grab that road trip planner…and hit the road!

All Aboard for a Family Fun Train Adventure

An appealing alternative to the standard road trip adventure that road trip planners might consider this summer is to utilize the train system for the long stretches of highway between destination cities and then renting a car to explore the destination cities.  This way, “getting there” becomes its own adventure, especially if your trip includes an overnight stay aboard the train!  Plus you get the added bonus of leaving the bulk of the driving to someone else.

There’s something about a railway road trip that beckons the pioneer spirit within us.  And there’s a certain appeal to letting the rhythmic chug-chug-chug of the tracks lull you to sleep.  Granted, these sleeping cabins aren’t as spacious as hotel rooms, but then again, it allows you to cover a distance while sleeping that you couldn’t have achieved in a car or RV unless you traded driving shifts.  And the sleeping cabins are definitely roomier than airline seats!

Family train trip adventures are growing in popularity.  Dad can play a marathon game of Monopoly instead of being stuck behind the wheel; Mom can watch a movie with you instead of her riding shotgun to keep the driver on track and alert for the duration.  When kids get antsy or hungry, you can round them up for a walk to the dining cab (without losing any traveling mileage).  Explore the train, revel in the changing scenery buzzing by your view, curl up with a good book and maybe take in a catnap.  Trains allow you to slow down and relax…and isn’t that one of the main vacation objectives?  Your road trip planner will still be filled with things to do, hotels, car rental and restaurants once you reach your destination.

Amtraks’s Superliners have sleeping cars that range from Roomettes (1-2 people), special accessible rooms (1-2), and even bedroom suites (4-6) that includes 2 toilets & 2 showers (usually two bedrooms with the partition removed).  Even though you’d be advised to stay the bulk of your trip in hotels surrounding the areas you want to explore, sleeping overnight on a train is an adventure in itself.  Plus, you get the bonus of Sleeper Service, which entitles you to receive all regular meals as part of your accommodations.

Below are a few of the most popular railway destination in the United States.  Amtrak has more than 500 destinations so these are just enough to whet your appetite to fill your road trip planner with a brand new adventure.  Bon appétit!

West Coast Spectacular – Set aside about 10 days for this vacation, starting out with 2 full days/nights in Seattle, an overnight aboard the train heading south to San Francisco, spend 3 nights there exploring city, then aboard the train again to head south to Los Angeles for a 3 night stay there.  

Grand Canyon Discovery –This 10-day trip includes 2 nights in Chicago, an overnight aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief SM as it travels south toward Arizona and an amazing natural wonder, the Grand Canyon. You’ll get 2 days to explore the southwest flavors found in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and on Day 6, you’ll hit Williams, Arizona.  Day 7 brings you to the Grand Canyon and a South Rim Tour while you stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.  Explore Flagstaff on your 8^th day and enjoy a scenic tour of Sedona on your 9^th Day.  From there, you can head back home on the 10^th day or continue your exploration in Phoenix or head further west to Los Angeles.

You can also opt for Railway Day Passes if you want the total freedom of coming and going whenever you please):  15- Day Railway Pass: 15 Days (8 segments) $389.00 – Adults, $194.50 - Child (Ages 2-15). 

So…hop aboard the fun train!  Whichever ticket mode you choose, your road trip planner will still come in handy because it will contain the things to do and restaurants to try at each destination. 

Best Family Vacation to Daytona Beach, Florida

Florida: Daytona Beach, Family Vacation Ideas – Beach Time, Living History, and Daytona 500 Experience. Imagine a series of white sandy beaches stretching along the blue-green waters of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Add beach shops, mini golf, surfing, kayaking, parasailing, fishing from the Daytona Beach Pier, marine science discoveries, an awesome lighthouse, the world famous Daytona 500 Experience, and the new Daytona Children’s Museum - a recipe for family fun.

It all starts along the beach. If it has been awhile since you have been on the beach in Daytona then you will be pleasantly surprised the sand is still there and it is clean, making it ideal for sandcastle building. At low tide, the hard packed surface invites cycling, jogging, fishing, and driving is permitted (too cool) on 11 of the 23-mile long beach area. At times, the beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide tempting beach goers to join a game of beach volleyball or practice sand-surf skimming at the edge of the waves.  Bonus points: Ride the Sky Lift to the end of the Daytona Pier or enjoy the view from the top of the 180-foot space needle on the beach at the end of Main Street. Need to know: For a bird’s eye view of beach life parasailing along the edge is available; for an adrenaline rush try the Daytona Slingshot which launches riders 300 feet in the air at about 100 mph or share a more traditional beach experience like license-free fishing at the Pier.
 
Hear "The Lighthouse's Tale".  Impressive from a distance and more impressive from its base looking up, the lyrics from Nickel Creek’s ballad “I am a lighthouse worn by the weather and the waves….” match the romantic beauty of Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. I know saying romantic and beauty in conjunction with a family vacation activity seems odd but standing 175 feet tall, the nearly crimson lighthouse is the second tallest in the U.S. and a romantic beauty by anyone’s standards. The lighthouse complex at the very end of the barrier island includes the original lighthouse keeper buildings. On select days costumed interpreters create a sense of Florida’s maritime past but any day visitors may browse maritime artifacts, educational interactive exhibits and see a rare Fresnel Lens exhibit. Even before you leave home checkout the website and make use of the pages created for children. Bonus points: Save enough energy to climb the 203 steps to the top for the panoramic view of the Atlantic horizon, shoreline surf, and Ponce de Leon Inlet's waterways, and the Marine Science Center nearby.  Insider tip: Within the shadow of the lighthouse and just outside the fence is a lovely shaded park complete with playground and picnic tables.

Look for “Caution turtle crossing”. Just ask your kids to watch for the turtle crossing sign and the Marine Science Center will be just down the pathway hidden among the mangroves and scrub oaks. This location meets the needs of the curious no matter what age but it is definitely child friendly. Docents and staff stand ready to guide visitors along the boardwalk, demonstrate the science of survival, and answer questions with firsthand knowledge. Interactive exhibits provide plenty of touch-and-feel time so no one will be bored. While the center’s original purpose was to function as a seabird sanctuary and sea turtle rehabilitation facility, the center now provides a unique and entertaining learning experience. Go with questions and get plenty of answers. Meet Priscilla, the resident American Kestral (hawk) and watch Otis the young screech owl now on staff to educate visitors; see Fuzzy Bob a shy octopus.  Bonus points: Within the learning lab you’ll find fish tanks, activity sheets to color, and baskets of touch-and-feel marine artifacts. Insider tip: Do not miss the book store. The selection of books, shirts, visors, and puppets is worth a browse.

Get the whole story on Beach Street. Daytona Beach Historic District along Beach Street is the location of the Halifax Historical Museum – one stop with a big story to tell about Daytona. Located in an old bank building with high ceilings and dramatic columns the displays convey a rich sense of Daytona’s past. An entertaining twenty-minute film sets the tone for the visit by contrasting then and now.  While the exhibits are not interactive, there are plenty of very interesting things to share with your kids including antique toys, school books, Daytona Speedway artifacts.  Bonus points: Riverfront Park and Beach Street itself have been revived making it an enjoyable off-the-beach spot for shopping and dining. For a chocolate adventure make a stop at Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory and watch artisans hand-make more than 100 kinds of candies.

 Look at fossils, hear the train, and see a sloth. The Daytona Museum of Arts and Sciences, surrounded by 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve, makes a delightful spot for a family field trip combining, history, nature, culture, and interactive fun. The most memorable resident a 13 foot-tall, 130,000-year-old Giant Ground Sloth is on display the Center for Florida History. He is almost as cool as a dinosaur. Found near the museum in 1974, complete skeleton is considered one of the finest specimens of its kind in North America. The museum is also renowned for its multi­cultural exhibitions and children may make their own discoveries within the museum through interactive exhibits, games and activities. Bonus points: On weekends the planetarium provides interactive solar adventures for youngsters and at least one weekend per month there is a laser light show set to music the music of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles or Metalica.  Need to know: A new addition to the museum complex, the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum, is a little spot of heaven for families wishing to do, share and enjoy hands on learning.  The space is cheerful and pure fun, filled with oodles of interactive science stations demonstrating basics in an engaging way.
 
Try on speed just for fun. The word famous Daytona International Speedway needs no introduction and during race weeks, it is chaotic, awesome, and thrilling.  The best way to get a sense of Speedway is to drop by the Daytona 500 Experience, located just outside Daytona International Speedway's fourth turn. There is no need to love NASCAR in order to enjoy the motorsports attraction. The high-tech, hands-on activities meld with a fascinating historical account of racing in Daytona. Interactive means a chance to change a tire in a timed pit stop competition; design and video-test drive your own car; try broadcasting a famous race finish; become immersed in the racing experience with the NASCAR 3D, The IMAX Experience featuring rare behind-the-scenes action and exhilarating racetrack footage that may simply make your head spin.  Bonus points: The highpoint of our visit was the chance to race one another. Well,  actually it was a simulated race but it felt very real to me.  My palms were sweating as I listened to the sounds of the crowd and the banter of the commentator. Finally, the flag signaled the start of the race.  At first, my foot was little light on the accelerator and seven laps seemed like an eternity to me as others lapped me while I tried to develop my own banking technique. The autos are real, the effect of surround sound is convincing, and the wide screen raceway panorama leaves little to the imagination. If you ever feel the need to race with your kids, this is the place. Need to know: For racing buffs, it is also possible to take an open-air tram tour of the Speedway complex and see firsthand garage area, pit road, and eyeball the world-famous 31-degree high banks.

Make it happen. For the full menu of family vacation options including Daytona Beach area sleeping places, activities, attractions, and events contact the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (386) 255-0415, toll-free 1-800-854­1234.

Location on the planet. Daytona Beach on the north tip of Florida’s Central East Coast, is located 54 miles from Orlando, making it just an hour’s drive from many popular theme parks and more awesome shopping. Daytona Beach International Airport is served by several major airlines, including Continental, Delta, Air Tran and U.S. Airways, with service to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Planning Details

The Daytona Beach Pier, 1200 Main Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. (386) 238-1212

Daytona Sling Shot, 49 Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach (386) 254-8626

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association. 4931 South Peninsula Drive - Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127. (386) 761-1821

Marine Science Center 100 Lighthouse Drive Ponce Inlet, Fl 32127. (386) 304-5545

Halifax Historical Museum, 252 S Beach St. Daytona Beach, FL 32114. (386) 255-6976

The Museum of Arts and Sciences. 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. (386)255-0285

Daytona 500 Experience, 1801 West International Speedway BoulevardDaytona Beach, FL 32114. (386)681-6800

Content and images provided by FTF. Copyright 2009.

Going Green with Your Kids at Daytona Beach, Florida

Florida: Daytona Beach, Seeing Green with Kids – Kayaking, Secret Gardens, and an Ocean Safari. Going away green is easy because the Daytona Beach offers a remarkable number of earth friendly experiences for families to share. From dolphin watching, fishing for snook, and living history to hiking forest trails, meandering tree-shaded boardwalks, and kayaking among the marshes, it's all about having fun being green.

 Go fishing for snook or tarpon.  Nestled along the tranquil, easy-flowing Tomoka River, Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach sets the standard for green and peaceful. The 1,540-acre park remains a secret natural beauty ideal for a family getaway. Fish from the shore, rent a boat and explore, canoe water pathways, hike nature trails, enjoy a picnic under a canopy. The waters surrounding the park are popular for fishing. More than 90 different fish species have been identified in the Tomoka River and its tributaries. The finned population includes red drum, black drum, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, common snook, and tarpon. Need to know: A salt water-fishing license is required for non-residents and for those fishing from a boat. Youth younger than the age of 16 and seniors older than 65 do not need a fishing license, but they must abide by all other fishing regulations including gear type, bag, and size limits.

It takes a green heart. Geckoes dart along the railings, birds vocalize to one another, and turtles sleep in a patch of sun. Fern, mistletoe, and Spanish moss adorn trees. At the heart of Daytona Beach, Tuscawilla Preserve Discovery Center anchors a network of boardwalk trails originating from the Museum of Arts and Sciences. The well-marked trails weave throughout the densely forested preserve. In each direction there are interactive spots for viewing and listening or smelling and touching. From time to time staff at the Discovery Center conduct programs on varying topics, but really, the nicest aspect of this location is the chance to become immersed in nature. Bonus points: Pay attention to the fragrance garden at the beginning of the boardwalk.  

Find the perfect picnic spot. Several spots come to mind when I think of packing a cooler and getting away for a picnic. Spruce Creek Park to the south of Daytona Beach off U.S. Highway 1 has sunny space, picnic and playground areas, hiking trails, a beautiful creek and several Indian mounds originating from Timucuan Indian residents. A second secret picnic spot is guarded by dinosaurs. Set amid an established neighborhood, Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange surrounds the ruins of a 19th century English period sugar mill. The 12-acre garden complex is also home to 40-year old concrete dinosaur statues now covered with moss and lichen and hidden among the ferns and pothos tendrils - too cool. Bonus points: Within the garden complex you’ll find a unique sundial which determines the time of day by the participants shadow. Visitors may purchase indigenous plants at bargain prices from the make shift garden nursery. The proceeds go to sustain the garden.  

Search for Nocorocco. I love places with a story – not just a fish story, any story. So Tomoka State park fits the bill. In addition to being a lovely spot to camp, launch a boat, or rent a canoe, Tomoka State Park protects the site of the ancient Timucuan Indian village of Nocorocco. Severe budget cuts have closed the discovery center but the remains of an earlier time still may be discovered on your own. Most remarkable is a 40-foot high concrete and coquina sculpture of chief Tomokie and his warriors reflecting a moment in history. It looks like something leftover from Raiders of the Lost Ark and makes an ideal backdrop for campfire stories. Though we saw no evidence of plantation life we also learned that the same land was once part of Mount Oswald Plantation – an indigo plantation in 1766. Today there are about 100 camping spots with the woods or along the shore and there is a playground available in the camping area. Bonus points: Tomoka also offers guests the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library for campers aged four to nine. The second Saturday of each month from October through March Florida history comes to life at the park. Each month the topic changes and knowledgeable interpreters explain and demonstrate events and activities from the area’s rich past.

Cruise the Halifax River. Share the best of Daytona Beach area's rich history by taking a mini cruise along the Halifax River in a 1890s vintage watercraft with a fantail launch with a red and white surrey top. In addition to historic sites and beautiful parks, passengers also get the chance to see plenty of native wildlife including pelicans, herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. Depending on the time of year it is also possible to catch a glimpse of playful dolphins or a herd of endangered manatees. A Tiny Cruise Line offers four narrated tours along the Halifax River. The themed excursions include a blend of river lore, landmarks, nature's beauty and old Daytona stories. I think the best is timed at sunset because the colors in the sky reflect in the water creating a made-for-the-movies kind of experience. The awesome scene combines with relaxing music, a pleasant sea breeze, and friendly conversation.  

Take an ocean safari. Who would expect a London double-decker bus on the streets of Daytona Beach? And one that picks up passengers for an adventure – so much the better. Daytona Beach Aqua Safari has the big red bus which they use to transport clients to the ocean safari launch spot not far from the lighthouse. The ocean safari begins on fishing eco-tour boat the Cnidoblast. Depending on the tide, the discoveries made on each trip will be different. During the water safari, the boat is anchored next to a sand bar where passengers disembark and watch while guides cast nets, and pull in sea creatures for closer inspection. You’ll get a first-person look at a crab trap and may even spot sand dollars.  Passengers are invited to view, touch, and inspect each catch from the sea before it is returned to the sea. The day adventure also includes pizza, refreshments, admission to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, and Marine Science Center. Bonus points: Want to take your kids fishing but would rather not do it alone?  The Aqua Safari folks conduct fishing excursions in Ponce Inlet. The charter group size is between four and 10 and the trip lasts about four hours. The fish population changes by season. Popular catches include snook, blue fish, grouper, snapper, and stargazers. Everything needed for fishing is included (except a hat and waterproof sunscreen) and no prior fishing experience is necessary.

Waves, kayaks, fishing, and fun. Daytona Beach is the place to launch from the beach to enjoy ocean kayaking; navigate the shoreline of Halifax River or discover countless quiet water escapes including Hidden River and Blue Springs. Several outfitters provide not only rentals but also tours and lessons. Ormond Beach Kayak Center can also schedule kayak fishing. Your kayak will be transported for you including all related paddling gear to the water’s edge. All you have to do is paddle out, have fun, and pull in a fish. Quin's Kayaks in Daytona Beach conducts guided kayaking trips on the St. Johns and Tomoka Rivers - ideal for families. The unique excursions provide an easy way to share nature with your kids and learn about the wildlife and ecosystems in the area. Paddlers often encounter manatees and alligators, and see osprey as well as bald eagles nesting along the shoreline. If you’d rather do your own thing they offer free pickup and delivery to all beachside accommodations. Bonus points: During school holidays, Quin’s Kayaks often conducts a kayaking day camp for ages nine and older.   

Make it happen. More about Daytona Beach area attractions, events, sleeping places, and deals Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1-800-854-1234.

Location on the planet.  Daytona Beach on the north tip of Florida’s Central East Coast, is located 54 miles from Orlando making it just an hour’s drive from many popular theme parks and more awesome shopping. Daytona Beach International Airport is served by several major airlines, including Continental, Delta, Air Tran and U.S. Airways, with service to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Planning Details

Tuscawilla Preserve Discovery Center at The Daytona Museum of Arts and Sciences. 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. (386)255-0285

Tomoka State Park, 2099 North Beach Street, Ormond Beach, (Park hours are 8 a.m. dusk daily.) 386-676-4050

Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens. 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd. (386) 767-1735

A Tiny Cruise Line. 425 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL 32114-5003. (386) 226-2343

Daytona Beach Aqua Safari, 601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach (386) 405-3445

Ormond Beach Kayak Center, 1750 Ocean Shore Blvd. (SR A1A), Ormond by the Sea toll-free 1-888-9-KAYAKS (952-925)

Quin's Kayaks Daytona Beach, 300 N. Atlantic blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32118
(786) 487-8114 (786) 487-8114

Content and images provided by FamilyTravelFiles; comments by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor Copyright 2009.

Plan a Family Trip: Southwest Corn Mazes

USA: Southwest, Best Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals for Families 2008. From country traditions in Texas and New Mexico to luscious apples in Arizona the season is in full swing.  Corny or not mazes are made for families and mean fun. Sometimes with a pumpkin patch and sometimes haunted on weekend nights, mazes provide unique signatures as the lunar calendar ends the calendar year. Taste sweet apple butter or corncob jelly; carve a pumpkin or stuff a scarecrow; play flashlight tag or chase the kids through the corn stalks; ride on a wagon full of hay or bob for apples, the season looks promising.

Texas: Brookshire, Texas Maze at Dewberry Farm (09/27/2008 – 11/30/2008). Dewberry Farm shares its love of seasonal corn mazes with a series of family friendly events including duck races, goat walks, pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, a barrel train, hay rides, a sunflower patch and corn cannons. Toast marshmallows, yodel a cowboy tune or play your harmonica. On Saturday nights take a hayride through Pumpkin Hollow to see carved pumpkins glowing in the twilight. See the Dewberry Farm honey bees at work. Learn about their honey making process and how pollination plays an important role in farming. Bonus points: Do the MAIZE on a Saturday nights and feel how eerie corn stalks can be. (Seven miles north of Brookshire on FM 362. 1 (281) 934-3276 or www.texasmaze.com)

Texas: Houston, 42nd Annual Original Greek Festival (10/2/2008 – 10/5/2008). Be Greek for a day at the annual Greek Festival in Houston, Texas. Highlights of the festival include cathedral tours, displays of religious icons/artifacts, Greek folk dancing and delicious Greek specialties prepared from recipes handed down generation to generation for more than a century. Attendees can also purchase Greek food to take home at the Agora Greek Food Store and buy videos, CDs, and tapes of Greek music, dancing and culture to help keep the “OPA!” spirit alive all year long. Bonus points: This year the festival grounds several activities specifically for children have grown in number and include an Athenian playground and the Annunciation Orthodox School Exhibit. (Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral complex, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard, Houston. 1 (713) 526-5377 or www.greekfestival.org)

Texas: San Antonio, Devine Acres Pumpkin Extravaganza (10/04/008 – 10/26/2008). Located outside of San Antonio, Devine Acres is the host of an annual Pumpkin Extravaganza featuring scenic hayrides, catch-n-release fishing, a barrel train ride, duck races, hay bale & rope mazes, scarecrow dressing, a petting zoo and many more Autumn-appropriate activities. Also on-site is a new mining sluice next to the old watering hole which invites visitors to go gemstone mining and maybe even take home a new treasure. (944 FM 2200 West, Devine 78016. 1(830) 665-9730 or www.devineacres.com)

Oklahoma: Gore, 40th Annual Fin & Feather Fall Festival (09/26/2008 – 09/28/2008). Each September, Fin & Feather Resort hosts the annual Fall Festival, one of the most popular arts and crafts shows in the state. In 2007, thousands of attendees flocked to see the more than 200 exhibitors during the three day festival. In addition to the multitude of arts and crafts vendors, families will enjoy the Fall-themed food and fun. (Route 1 - Fin and Feather Resort is located approximately 8 miles north of Gore on Highway 100 on the right hand side of the road. 1(918) 487-5148 or www.finandfeatherresort.com/fallfestival.html)

New Mexico: Las Cruces, Ghosts of the Past (10/23/2008-10/25/2008) Take an evening stroll around the Ranch Heritage Museum and meet a ghost or two. During this annual living history event visitors are taken on a guided tour of the museum where they will encounter various characters from New Mexico’s past. This special three-night event also includes music, refreshments and children's activities. Bonus points: The 47-acre museum contains real stories about real people. The interactive museum, which has welcomed visitors from all over the world, brings to life the 3,000-year history of farming and ranching in New Mexico. (Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces. www.frhm.org)

New Mexico: Santa Fe, Harvest Festival (10/04/2008 – 10/05/2008). This very popular community event features harvest activities including crushing grapes for wine by foot; listen to music and enjoy dancing, grinding sorghum with burros and stringing colorful chile ristras. Visitors can buy traditional crafts from artists, try dipping candles, see soap making and taste warm bread and bizcochitos from the horno. (334 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe, 87507. (505) 471-2261 or www.golondrinas.org)

Arizona: Wilcox, Apple Annie’s Fall Pumpkin Celebration (09/27/2008– 10/26/2008). You’ll find Apple Annie’s in the Sulphur Springs Valley of southeastern Arizona. The 4300’ elevation means warm days and cool nights a situation which is ideal for fruit and vegetable growing. The Orchard is known for tree-ripened apples, peaches, pears and Asian pears as well as farm-fresh vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, chilies and pumpkins. During their annual fall celebration enjoy old-fashioned family fun picking your own pumpkins, fall vegetables. Taste freshly pressed apple cider and pick-your-own apples. Pumpkins of all sizes are ready for adoption from their huge pumpkin patch. For a small fee enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch and children's play area (Children 2 and younger are free.) Need to know: Don't forget to bring a jacket because fall days can be comfortably cool in Willcox. Bonus Points: Don’t miss Arizona’s newest and largest corn maze. There are three levels of difficulty so it is perfect for the whole family! (6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox, 85643. 1 (520) 384-2084 or www.appleannies.com)

Arizona: Oracle, 9th Annual Fiesta de las Calabazas (10/25/008). The Fiesta de las Calabazas is a great pumpkin and harvest festival which promotes eco-tourism and heritage tourism while fostering awareness of the natural environment and showcasing the cultural and artistic diversity of the communities of Oracle, San Manuel and Mammoth, Arizona. The Fiesta is, above all, a celebration of art music, diversity and the process of creation – of crops of talents and of people. Check out the live music and positive community message of the Fiesta de las Calabazas this Fall. (Oracle State Park, 3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle 85623. www.calabazas.org)

Information compiled from theFamilyTravelFiles.com database as of July 2008. Sometimes things change, so please confirm details before making plans. Images provided by respective venues. Copyright 2008.

Boston Affordable Family Vacation

Are you planning to go on an affordable family vacation to Boston?  There are so many amazing sites and attractions in Boston and you will want to see them all.  Believe me when I say that you can do so without flying high on your budget! How? The Go Boston Card!!!

With the Go Boston Card, your family will get admissions to many Boston attractions that you have always wanted to visit, and all for a deep discounted price. What's even better is that the card is not only applicable to adults.  A child version of the card is available for children 3-12 years old at an even lower cost!  These Go Boston Cards are available in one-day and multi-day.  Whether you plan to stay in Boston for just a day or a week, there's a Go Boston Card for you. You purchase these cards prior to your trip to Boston by clicking here.

The Go Boston Card has more or less 60 participating sites, everyone in the family will each have the chance to see their personal must-see Boston places.  So go ahead and plan your day to day Boston excursion thoroughly and make sure you don't miss a thing.  As a parent, you would most definitely want to include a little bit of learning during your family vacations.  Take the family to any of the number of museums in Boston, like the Museum of Fine Arts, JFK Library and Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, New England Sports Museum (ideal for the sporty family for its interactive exhibits) and the Boston Children's Museum. In addition to these museums are the historic sites like the Paul Revere House, Liberty Fleet Tall Ship Adventure, Salem Witch Museum (with narrations of the witch trials in 1692), and the Salem Heritage Walk.
Some tours are open only seasonally due to the weather conditions.  One tour that particularly earned popularity to the kids is the Boston Duck Tours, a former World War 2 part-truck part-boat craft ride that promises nothing but fun to the whole family.  The tour starts on the road where the driver points out popular landmarks and then the craft transforms to a watercraft to allow passengers to have a waterside view of Boston.  Then it is into the Charles River.

What's a family trip without visiting the fun stuff in your children's terms?  Visit their favorite animals at the New England Aquarium, Boston Common Frog Pond or the Franklin Park Zoo.  Or if your kids still haven't gotten enough of theme parks, there's Six Flags New England and Hurricane Harbor waiting for them with The Dark Knight Coaster (a Batman attraction) opening this 2008.

The Go Boston Card definitely will help you make this affordable family vacation to Boston a walk in the park.  All you have to do is enjoy the beautiful sites together with your family.

The Best Family Vacation in Club Med

Coming up with family vacation ideas for people with children of different age groups can be quite a challenge.  Good thing there's Club Med.

There are three Club Med resorts within reach for people in North America:  Club Med Cancun Yucatán and Club Med Ixtapa Pacific in Mexico, and Club Med Sandpiper in Florida.

A trip to any of the Club Med resorts is a breather for everyone in the family.  Parents no longer have to compromise their children's (and theirs as well) interests.  At Club Med, kids can have fun the way kids of their age should.  For a daily rate of only $40, children 3 and below can be brought to the resort's day care that facilitates such fun things to do like face painting, puppet shows, arts and crafts and more.  Equally entertaining programs are available for older kids to join such as trapeze flying, soccer, in-line skating and science activities.  The resort also prepares treats for the teenagers free of charge - jewelry making for the girls who love to dress up,  sound mixing, and graffiti work in built just for them.

Parents can now bask under the sun without worrying about their young children. There is even a center in Club Med, the Siesta Club, where highly qualified personnel to tuck their kids in for a nap, read them stories or watch a movie.

The rooms are even more child-friendly.   No more stressing about traveling heavy because the rooms are fully equipped with cribs, changing tables, bottle warmers and other baby essentials. Microwaves, blenders and booster seats are also provided.

A visit to Club Med truly is one of the brightest idea for a family vacation.

Traveling with Babies: Nursing on the Road

(image by Flickr user jessicafm)

If you are a nursing mom traveling with your baby, prepare for your trip carefully. In Europe, breastfeeding in public is not a problem and you can often see women openly breastfeeding their babies without trying to hide anything.  So if you are traveling with your baby to European destinations, you don't need to worry about breastfeeding.

In the United States, however, women have to take measures to cover as much of their breasts as possible when breastfeeding their babies during travel.  So if you are traveling within the United States, wear lose comfortable tops that can be easily lifted or unbuttoned.  Watch for your baby's hungry signals and try feeding them before they get too hungry and start crying.  To create privacy, bring a cotton or silk scarf with you and wrap it around your shoulders and arms. This will also help your baby relax in a noisy and crowded environment. If you need to breastfeed your baby in a public place, look for a family room or go to a restaurant and get a corner table. If you are traveling by air, pack the most essential necessities in a backpack, it will be easier to carry around.

Traveling with Babies: Single Parent

Traveling with babies as a single parent is challenging but does not need to be a burden (Image by Flickr User BohPhoto). If you, as a single parent, decide to travel with your baby for pleasure, then you simply need to do some very good planning in advance.

First of all, if you are thinking of flying with your baby, try to select a travel destination that will allow you to catch a direct flight with no stopovers or layover time. If possible, arrange to have another adult with you to accompany you. Ask someone you trust and whose habits you know well. Provide incentives. Promise something nice in return. If this is not possible, do not be shy and ask for help from people wearing uniforms. Most train stations and airports have personnel working the floor, so ask them to help you carry your bags or call you a taxi. But never under any circumstances leave your baby with anyone, regardless of what uniform they wear. If you need to go to the bathroom, take your baby with you. Most restrooms in the United States are equipped with baby-changing tables. Many airports have family rooms where you can change your baby, rest and wait for your flight.  Buy your tickets online; electronic tickets automatically generate boarding passes, so you don't have to wait to get them at the airport.

When flying as a single parent with a baby, buy your baby a separate ticket and bring a car seat with you (rentals are expensive, so you might as well bring one, but if you have to check your car seat in, put it in a large plastic bag and wrap it well). Consider the length of travel and schedule your flights so that your baby can sleep most of the way.

Pack a backpack with diapers, a simple medicine kit, toys and 2-3 changes of baby clothes. For yourself, wear loose comfortable clothes and pack a couple of extra tops as well. Chances are you'll spill something or miss the time to change your baby's diaper. Bring some spare clothes as carry-ons, underwear and socks for a couple of days in case your flight is delayed or your luggage gets lost.

When traveling by car as a single parent with a baby, arrange your itinerary with plenty of stopovers.  At stopovers, park your vehicle in the shade and keep your windows open to have plenty of fresh air circulating inside the car. Use air conditioning, but do not forget to get fresh air every few hours.  Most air conditioners omit chemicals that can give your baby a headache or even a skin rash, especially if your car trip is long.  Do not leave your baby in the car unattended, not even for a few minutes.  If you need to get something quick at a gas station, ask the local personnel folks for help, don't be shy.  You are asking for help not because you are lazy, but because you are traveling with a baby. Pack plenty of chlorine-free purified bottled water and keep yourself and your baby well hydrated.

Traveling with Babies: What to Pack

When you travel, it is always advisable to pack lightly.  But when you travel with babies, you need to bring all essential baby things with you; otherwise, your trip will be hectic and you will spend your free time running around trying to find places where you can get the missing things.  So when you are planning on traveling with a baby, do not pack lightly. Instead, try to bring all the essential things that will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.  Prepare to check in your luggage and take carry-ons with you. If traveling by car, plan to have a large enough vehicle with space to store all your baby supplies.

Here is a check list of what to pack for a family trip with a baby:

• Diapers and diaper rash cream
• Wipes
• Paper towels
• Pacifiers
• Plastic zip lock bags of various sizes
• Plastic containers of various sizes
• 2-3 changes of clothes per day
  • Call and find out whether your hotels have self-service laundry facilities
• Your baby's favorite toys
• Stroller
• Infant carrier
• Baby car seat
• Portable crib
• Sheets for the crib, soft towels, blankets, bibs
• Hat with a wide brim
• Car shade
• Umbrella
• Baby formula, bottles, spoons
• Water, juice, snacks (note, as of 2006, you can't bring your own bottled water on board on an airplane)
• Medical kit with first-aid remedies for you and your baby:
  • Cotton swabs
  • Droplet or pipet       
  • Liquid iodine for cuts and burns (a small bottle costs $3.00)
  • Chamomile extract for minor eye and ear infections
  • Aloe Vera cream for skin rashes and inflammations
  • Aloe Vera juice for bowel problems
  • Psyllium seed husk for constipation and/or diarrhea (mix a large tablespoon with a glass of water or apple juice and drink on an empty stomach, follow with another glass of water a few minutes later and then drink plenty of water during the day, at least 2 liters per day). If you're breastfeeding, all this will pass to your baby through your milk.  Interestingly, psyllium alleviates symptoms of both constipation and diarrhea without creating dependency. There are no known side effects, and it works without fail, even in severe cases (in such cases, you need to take psyllium 2 or 3 times per day for the first little while and then gradually decrease). 
  • Tea tree oil to treat mosquito bites and to prevent mosquitoes from wanting to bite you. Make sure you and your baby are not allergic to it. Be careful not to get it in the eyes.
  • Sugar free Vitamin C for colds and flues. If you get a cold or flu during the trip, take 5-6 grams (yes, grams, i.e. 5000-6000 mgs) of vitamin C at once, do it three times a day for 2-3 days or more depending on how bad your symptoms are. There are no known side affects except you will run to the restroom more often. Your symptoms will go away. This method works without fail. Do not continue high dosages for more than a few weeks (unless you are chronically ill).
• Camera and notebook (either electronic or paper-based).

When traveling with a baby, take notes and then write to us to let us know what you've learned while traveling with your baby, so that we can share it with our members.