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

Family RV Road Trip to Colorado

Colorado is located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States.  The region alone already guarantees an absolutely adventurous family RV road trip.  Get yourselves and your cameras ready to see and capture some of the country's most phenomenal sites.

Before we go further, here's some RV links to check out:

• Rent your RV in Denver through Nolan's' RV Rentals. 
• If you own your RV, this supply & service store in Grand Junction might come in handy.
• Enjoy the hot springs at the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa in Alamosa.
• Many of these hotels have a separate area for your RV where you can avail yourself of the facilities including laundry room, playground, picnic & pool.
• Otherwise, head for the campgrounds dotting Colorado & park your RV amongst the trees!

Colorado has more than 500 mountain peaks throughout the  state. The highest point of the state (and the entire Rocky Mountains for that matter) is Mt. Elbert which has an elevation of 14,440 feet.  Veer east from the southern Rocky Mountains and you'll find the Colorado Eastern Plains. These plains are a section of the Great Plains within Colorado with elevation ranges of more than 3000 feet to 6562 feet. The lands are used primarily for dry land farming or ranching, though you'll find occasional irrigation farming.  The drive to the west takes you to some notable peaks like Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak and the Spanish Peaks.

Continue to the interior of the Rocky Mountains and you'll see several large parks.  One of which is the North Park, east of the Continental Divide.  The North Park is a high basin that surrounds a wide valley in Jackson County.  In its vicinity are the waters of the North Platte River, Michigan River, Illinois River and Canadian River.  On the west side of the Continental Divide is the Middle Park, located in the Grand County.  Then there's South Park, with the South Platte River as its water source.  Driving west to east in Colorado allows your family to see the state's desert-like basins, alpine mountains and the vast Great Plains. You will also get to see Pike's Peak, the mountain in the front range of the Rocky Mountains, and just 10 miles from here is the Colorado Springs.

Be sure to drive by Denver, the capital and the most populous city in Colorado. Take a stop and enjoy its parks and gardens. If you have time, seize the opportunity to isit the Forney Transportation Museum where your family will get to see hundreds of cars and other modes of transportation.  Try to also stop by at the Denver Merchandise Mart. Your kids will love to join in the Denver Kids Expo. Admission to this expo is just $9 for adults and kids are free of charge...and parking is also free!

Your family will enjoy more scenic drives near Denver - Golden, Boulder and Fort Collins.  The drive from Golden to Boulder via Highway 93 will thrill the kids with all its twists and turns.  Colorado really is a really great destination for a family RV Road trip.

Family Adventure in the Olympic National Park Wilderness

At first glance, Road Trip Planners might think that a National Park that was 95% wilderness was probably too wild for a family adventure, but there are actually a number of areas at the Olympic National Park that make it a very kid-friendly place.  If you really want to give your children a taste of primitive Earth yet are still close to amenities (& civilization in general), take them to this unique National Park in Washington.

What sets this park apart from the rest is that Olympic National Park is divided into three distinct regions: The rugged Pacific coastline, the Olympic Mountains, and the lush rainforest.   Three distinctly different biospheres…one fantastic vacation. 

The most popular area is the 9-mile Ozette Loop.  It features 3 miles each of a coastal forest, ocean beaches, and camping at Ozette Lake.  Even though it’s 9 miles and may be too much for children younger than 5, it’s an easy hike with an elevation change from sea level to 100 feet.  You could always do a 3 mile hike in the morning, rest during a lovely picnic on the beach, do another 3 miles before nap and rest time, and the final 3 miles after that.  Dad could always carry a tired one on his shoulders cuz 2 of these 3 stretches are on a level boardwalk.  Since 2 points of this triangular hike end on beaches, you could go up and back on the same boardwalk & hike just for 6 miles.

If you’ve got smaller children, and only want to experience the “wild” during the day, then explore during the day but return each evening to your hotel.  One great resort to add to your road trip planner is the Kalaloch Lodge in Forks, a family-friendly resort that sells kites in their gift shop and has other amenities like a gift shop, dining, and groceries store onsite.  It’s highlighted in this trip:  Family Fun Trip to Olympic National Park.  

Nearby, you’ll find another popular resort, the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which has 3 mineral pools and 1 freshwater pool.  The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has the added attraction of providing RV sites as well as cabins (tent camping is nearby at the Sol Duc Campground with 80 sites). 

Coastline:  The coastal portion of the park is a rugged, sandy beach along with a strip of adjacent forest.  The beach has unbroken stretches of wilderness ranging from 10 to 20 miles. 

Mountain zone:  The Olympic Mountains rise from the center of the park, dominated by the peak of Mount Olympus, which rises to 7,965 feet.  It has several glaciers, the largest of which is the Hoh glacier, nearly five kilometers in length. Looking to the East, the range becomes much drier due to the rain shadow of the western mountains. Here, there are numerous high peaks and craggy ridges. The tallest summit of this area is Mount Deception, at 7,788 feet.

Rainforest:   At the Hoh Rainforest’s Hall of Mosses, you’ll need waterproof shoes. Trees stretch toward the sky while mosses, lichens and mushrooms cover the ground. This hike is easy enough for a family to enjoy.

Scenic Drives:  Catch the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Loop and drive along till it connects with Upper Hoh Road.  This 18-mile stretch traces the silvery Hoh River and is simply gorgeous to behold. There’s also a 17-mile Hoh River trail that takes you across the flat valley to Mount Olympus's Blue Glacier.

Other points of interest: 

• Hurricane Ridge brings you from the lowlands blanketed with old growth forests to spongy meadows.  A number of trails can be found here, depending on the group’s ability.  Be sure to check out the views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• Lake Crescent is an excellent place to walk along the 12-mile shore of this glacier lake.
• Rialto Beach is more active, with waves crashing on cobblestone beach sections and rocky islands known as seastacks are easily visible from the Beach.  This is a stunning place to photograph during sunset.

Add this NPS link to your road trip planner which highlights a number of day hikes you can go on; choose your favorites and then…have fun exploring!

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. 

Top 10 Reasons To Go On a Family Campout this Summer

Every road trip planner should build a camping road trip for a memorable “hands on” vacation.  They are especially fun when you go as a family, though I went on 2-3 camping trips annually before I had kids and had wonderful experiences then as well.  Sure, luxury hotels give you the sense of spoiling yourself, certainly a desirable feeling, but being outdoors in natural surroundings rejuvenates the spirit, another sought after vacation objective.   Read on for 10 more reasons why a California Campout should be on your vacation list this summer.

No. 10--You get hands-on experience with California's state symbols. In one campout, you could spot the valley quail perched in a redwood tree while you hike through a field of golden poppies. You could also find evidence that a grizzly bear has visited your campsite: There's the smashed windshield of your car (you left sunflower seeds on the front seat) and the demolished ice chest (you didn't realize bears weren't deterred by flimsy storage locks).

An article in the Yosemite Guide newsletter mentioned that backpackers could protect their food from black bears by renting a bear-proof food canister instead of hanging their food from a tree.   This canister could hold a three-day supply of food and yet weighed only two and a half pounds. I told my husband I couldn't imagine how such a lightweight item could keep bears from getting at the food.   "The canister probably includes a big roll of cellophane wrap," Bill replied. "You wrap your food in it, and the bear goes crazy trying to find the edges."

No. 9--You get to wear all your grungy clothes. You know the ones; those faded T-shirts, torn shorts and baggy jeans that are so comfortable you just can't throw them out yet…even though your spouse has tried on a number of occasions to bury them in the bottom of the household rag bin.

No. 8--Your kids don't have to wash up before dinner. What's the point? Between the bathroom and the campsite are 100 yards of magnetic dirt. Speaking of bathrooms...

No. 7--You appreciate the overlooked luxuries of home. Like having a toilet that flushes. Or taking a shower that doesn't cost a quarter for every five minutes. Once, during a 10-Day California to Colorado Road Trip, Bill and I had only two quarters between us. I finished in time; Bill didn't. He stood there, covered in suds, while I dressed and ran out to try to find someone with change for a $20 bill. The suds nearly dried on him.

No. 6--You're prepared for an emergency. If a moderate earthquake should hit California while you're camping, you won't be inconvenienced because 1) your musty tent is suddenly a safe haven, 2) you've already got all your food on ice and 3) you have a portable radio and a lantern, so you won't miss what most people miss after an earthquake--electricity.

No. 5--You get to have barbecue for every night for dinner. And every morning for breakfast. And every afternoon for lunch. In fact, you can reach your barbecue quota for the entire summer in just one campout.

No. 4--You get to see just how many pores you have on your face. This is a good time to play connect-the-dots or mimic the Orion constellation on your left cheek. It's also the perfect opportunity to have your palm read by a fortuneteller, since all the lines in your hands stand out in stark relief. 

No. 3--You get to commune with nature. Blue jays and squirrels enter your campground daily to clean up your crumbs. At dusk, there are bats flying overhead.  Do you really trust their sonar? Are you sure they won't get tangled in your hair? At Cherry Lake campground, there are the two-inch bomber pine beetles; these, I can tell you from personal experience, do get tangled in your hair.

No. 2--You get to exercise. This can range from trying to reach that mosquito bite in the middle of your back to chasing the raccoon that's absconded with your favorite bag of chips to consenting to a hike because the sign says it's only two miles long (but neglects to tell you that it's two miles straight uphill).

And the No. 1 reason why you should go camping? It's cheaper than staying in a hotel.   

Seriously though, camping is one vacation any budget can handle.  And truthfully?  My best vacation memories revolve around campfires, nights spent star gazing and counting falling stars, family hikes to the top of Mt. Hoffman, Lassen Peak, Mt. Tallac, Moro Rock.  Highlights include stumbling upon fern-bordered swimming holes or nearly-hidden from view waterfalls. 

The great thing about camping in California is that there are always more campgrounds to be explored.  I’ve camped for nearly 5 decades and yet, my latest Road Trip Planner is being filled with a destination I’ve never been to before; Hope Valley. 

Ingrid McCleary (portions of this article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun and the Cupertino Courier).

Family Travel Tech Tips

I can remember the good old days when staying occupied during long car rides consisted of my brother and me punching each other.  My, how times have changed. Kids today still revert to the age old practice of tormenting their siblings, but at least nowadays there are plenty of distractions to keep them from making a road trip a living nightmare. IPod's, PSP's, DVD players, and the like have made travel quite a bit easier on parents. I have to say that my wife and I have fully embraced the new tech-age and our travels honestly are better off for it. But, at the same time, we don't want our little darlings to turn into drooling zombies from staring at screens for hours on end.

 

How do we do that? Well, it's not easy. Once the media gets its hooks in, it's hard to get them out. The key is moderation and regulation. Keep time limits and make sure there are ample breaks in between. You know your children best of all, so you’ll know their threshold before becoming over stimulated by games and movies. You’ll also know how long a media break to take before they start to turn on each other. For long road trips, this is an absolute necessity. For shorter road trips, it may not be necessary at all. It really depends on your situation. For example, if the road trip is any less than 2 hours, the DVD player doesn’t get any use. Likewise on long trips, when the DVD player is in use, take a break between movies before allowing the next one to be played. We’ve been guilty of not following this rule more than a few times, but it’s a sound rule.

Have chargers and/or batteries on standby as well. Portable media devices gobble energy like PacMan and you don’t want to be three hours into an eight-hour drive with the red light blinking.

Most of all, make sure your kids take notice of any special scenery that comes to pass, such as beautiful mountain views, the coastline, a 30-foot tall donut, or even a rare license plate. It’s still a family trip, so include them and make them feel like it is. Portable media can be a great thing for long trips, but if unchecked, they can also be a major detractor from your trip. Find the happy medium and your travels will be smooth.

Now, if there was only something we could do about the traffic.

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Ted Hardy also covers his family's travel escapades at Have Family, Will Travel.

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.

Family Vacation to Nassau/Paradise Island in the Bahamas

Bahamas: Nassau/ Paradise Island, Family Vacation Ideas – Beach Time, Dolphin Encounters, and a Pirate Adventure. Azure water and marvelous white sand beaches combined with lively music, tropical cuisine, and friendly people to create the perfect tropical playground for kids of all ages. From water slides and a lazy river to dolphin encounters, snorkeling and a horse-drawn carriage ride – family fun comes easy.

We have assembled a family vacation activity list to make imagining the fun easier. You can do everything or do nothing at all. Either way the sunshine, soft sea breezes, gorgeous beaches, great sea food, enchanting music will make the trip worthwhile. Just remember the sunscreen and it will be alright.

Escape for a day to Rose Island. Within the vicinity of Nassau are hundreds tiny islands ideal for day trips. Nearby but remote enough to provide the feeling of being lost in the Gulf Stream – no cell phone reception, TV antennas, or high tower tropical resorts to blot the tranquility. Sand crabs scurry along the beach, pelicans glide over the waves, and palm trees cast dramatic shadows on the sand. It’s an easy escape from the busy centers of Nassau and Paradise Island to Rose Island. Robinson Crusoe Shipwreck Cruises operates a triple deck catamaran to the island where guests are encouraged to just chill out - relax on the white sand beach, snorkel along the shore over coral reefs, explore tide pools, join a game of volleyball, go kayaking, or hike inland along palm shaded pathways. The day excursion includes a tropical lunch buffet with unlimited wine & lemonade/fruit punch.

Travel at the speed of Bond.  Not exactly in the style of James Bond but fun nonetheless, Powerboat Adventures sweeps passengers off to the Exuma cays for a day of wild encounters with nature and plenty of memories to share with kids.  Traveling across the water at 40 plus MPH makes the transition time quick, easy and slightly thrilling. Secluded Allan's Cay is the first stop. Passengers get a firsthand look at the endangered Bahamian Dragon during a scheduled feeding session. Next stop a private island paradise, Ship Channel Cay, where passengers disembark to enjoy the beach, the tide pools and get a chance to meet indigenous wild boars. Refreshments are provided at a tiny island cottage and there is plenty of time to explore the island. Bonus points: Get your water camera ready because the high point for many is the coming of the stingrays. During the feeding everyone is invited to participate, really! Save your film because the stingray session also attracts Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks and lemon sharks for their own feeding session managed by an island guide. It’s bit of wild kingdom in the shallows.

Count the fishes, name the shells. Appropriately named, Atlantis (on Paradise Island) is the home of amazing aquariums and lagoons. For guests of the resort, the water features come with the vacation but if you’re staying elsewhere on Nassau/Paradise Island, you can arrange to tour the resort to see its more than 500,000 marine creatures. Fish feedings take place everyday but Monday and sea life observation is effortless. A series of underwater tunnels allow eye to eye contact with sharks, stingrays, moon jellies and piranhas. Bonus points: For water lovers, Atlantis is also the location of the 141-acre waterscape, Aquaventure one of the world’s largest water-themed attractions in the world. The state-of-the-art complex includes water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids, wave surges, and special effects.   

Swim with the dolphins. Part of the Atlantic Resort’s water world is an extraordinary 14-acre dolphin habitat - Dolphin Cay Atlantis. The manmade water habitat, one of the largest of its kind in the world, has set a   new benchmark for dolphin encounters.  From sharing time during docile shallow water play to high energy deep water antics, it is all about learning and having fun with dolphins. The extensive complex offers six interactive programs, including several dolphin encounter options, plus Sea Lions - Behind the Scenes, Trainer for a Day, and Sea Keeper.   Need to know. Because group sizes are limited, advance reservations are strongly recommended.  Bonus points:  Dolphin Cay has a series of electronic interactive learning stations where visitors may read about our dolphins rescued from Hurricane Katrina, or learn more about dolphins in the wild and what needs to be done to protect them. Admission is free and open to all visitors of Atlantis. Meet the dolphins of Blue Lagoon Island. A 20-minute scenic boat ride begins the dolphin adventure set amidst a tropical island setting with the makings of a movie set. In fact some of the aquatic residents of Blue Lagoon have film time to their credit. Once on the island the participants receive an entertaining yet practical orientation about dolphin and sea lion encounters. The facility offers several dolphin encounters including a high-energy deep water swim concluding with a awesome foot –push, and a shallow water hands-on encounter that is both educational, and  fun. Blue Lagoon Island is also the home of several gregarious sea lions that meet, greet, and nuzzle visitors who are standing on submerged platforms at the edge of the lagoon. Bonus points: So that participants can enjoy the experience without the distraction of cameras, a professional photo & video staff captures the action of each encounter.

Feed the birds, meet a snake. This is definitely a fun stop for families. Petit in size but grand in experience Ardastra Gardens & Zoo is the only zoo in the Bahamas.  Within the five-acre tropical nature reserve you will find awesome gardens and plenty of colorful residents including geckoes, Eclectus parrots exotic pheasants, Red-breasted geese, and Bahamian boa constrictors. Trainers stroll the tropical walkways introducing visitors to raptors and parrots and encouraging interaction. Check out the wild cats on your own (no introduction needed). Look for the Great Horned Owl named Shadow, and the cute Vietnamese pot-bellied pig called Lulubelle. Bonus points: For an awesome photo opportunity don’t miss the flamingoes. Three times each day it is possible to watch native flamingos "marching" on command - forward march, pick it up, about face.  Afterwards, make tracks to the Lorry parrot exhibit and participate in the bird feeding by hand.

Ahoy mates, step aboard! Who doesn’t love a feisty pirate adventure? While not exactly a scenario set for Johnny Depp, Pirates of Nassau (located downtown) has created a mini adventure on a re-created pirate ship known as Revenge. The pirate ship museum experience is both fun and interesting. The Golden Age of Piracy spanned three decades from 1690 to 1720 and during those years Nassau was at a safe haven for the rogues of the sea. Learn facts and fiction about life on the sea and what really happened to real-life pirates, many of whom sailed to and from the Bahamas. Hear about notorious pirates Calico Jack, Black Beard, Black Bart, Mary Read, Anne Bonny, and arch-pirate Charles Vane.

Make it happen. It’s an easy escape for families who want to relax and soak in the Caribbean without the long plane trip. Nassau is about 40 minutes by air from Miami and there are daily direct flights, not only to Miami but to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and other cities in the U.S. There are frequent direct flights to and from London, U.K. and Toronto, Canada. Need to know: New U.S. government regulations require all adults and children (even newborns) to have a valid passport for all international travel by air to The Islands of the Bahamas. If you have a question, a Bahamas passport team member may be reached toll-free at 1-800-523-7682 – really there are no recordings during active call center hours  8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST weekdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST Saturdays and 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST Sundays. Nassau/Paradise Island - Get the whole picture at www.NassauParadiseIsland.com

Planning Details

Robinson Crusoe Shipwreck Cruises - (242)322-2606

Powerboat Adventures - (242) 363-1466

Atlantis Resort and Spa, Casino Drive, Paradise Island (242)363-3000

Dolphin Cay Atlantis, Toll-free 1-800-Atlantis

Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island - (242)363-1003

Pirates of Nassau, located at King and George St., (242) 356-3759

Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, Chippingham Road, south of W Bay St. Nassau, Bahamas. (242) 323-5806

Content created by FTF and images provided by Atlantis Dolphin Cay, Robinson Crusoe Cruises, and Nassau/Paradise Island Tourism. 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.

Family Fun with Winter Boat Parades in Southern California

Use your road trip planner to take your family to where the road ends… and where boats reign with pomp and circumstance (ie fancy fun!).  Floating light parades are a cherished holiday tradition along the West Coast, especially in Southern California.   Other states have their White Winter Wonderland, California, a state of seemingly perpetual sunshine, has to create a different kind of Winter Wonderland.  Here, the glints and glitters reflect off the water rather than off snow-covered hillsides.  But the twinkling lights are familiar everywhere.  So either hop aboard a decorated boat or line up along the waterfront and join the merriment.

Most waterfront restaurants take reservations months in advance so diners get the extra enjoyment of watching the parade sail by while enjoying a meal (add the reservation number to your road trip planner and print out the itinerary to have a copy handy in the car).  For others, the goal is to park as close to the waterfront as possible and stake out a spot.  Traffic increases significantly as parade time approaches so sometimes the best choice is to “park & walk”, especially if you’re going on a road trip that takes you more than four hours from home-base and you’re not familiar with the side-streets.

• Dana Point - Boat Parade of Lights  - Dana Point is a delightful harbor city.  Clean and picturesque, there are a number of nice, waterfront restaurants to enjoy before strolling out to the harbor to watch the flotilla of lights. DATES:  December 5-6 and 12-13, 7:30 p.m. FAMILY BONUS:  Enjoy a breakfast with Santa at the Jolly Roger Restaurant on December 13th.
• Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights in the Downtown Shoreline Marina.  Some of the best views can be found along the boardwalk at Shoreline Village.  Most of the parking in and around this area will be paid parking.  DATES:  December 13, 2008, 7 p.m.  BONUS TIP:  Make Long Beach the center of your road trip planning because there are lots of other cool water-themed activities you can enjoy like hopping aboard the Queen Mary or visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific.
• Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade – This parade shows off the boats as they glide along the Port of Los Angeles main channel.  You can view the boats from a number of locations like the Banning Landing Community Center or the Port of Los Angeles Cruise Ship Promenade on Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro.  Another popular viewing spot is at the Ports O' Call Village at 1100 Nagoya Way in San Pedro as well as the Cabrillo Marina at 200 Whaler's Walk, also in San Pedro.  DATES:  December 6, 2008, 6-7:30 p.m. BONUS TIP:  You might consider staying at the Hilton Port of Los Angeles/San Pedro because then it’s a mere ¼ mile stroll from the hotel to the Cabrillo Marina.
• Marina del Rey Boat Parade – The nearby Fisherman's Village would be an excellent viewing area for this parade.  Include fireworks and boat judging.  Click here to see last year’s winners. DATES:   December 13th.
• Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade - This annual Christmas event is one to  definitely add to your road trip planner. Join nearly one million other spectators as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along Newport Harbor. People from as far as Arizona and San Francisco have been known to make the trip to partake in this holiday custom. Viewing is free, provided you can find a vantage point. DATES:  December 17 - December 21, 2008, celebrating its 100th year! The parade starts off Bay Island at 6:30 p.m. and finishes at the same site at approximately 9:00 p.m. each evening. Fireworks will start at 6:25 p.m. from the Balboa Pier just before the start of the parade at 6:30 p.m.

Your car and road trip planner can get you there, but once there, the “king of the road” can be found along the waterfront, so sit back and enjoy the glide.

USA: Best Rated Fall Festivals & Corn Mazes

QUICK FAMILY ROAD TRIP GETAWAYS WITH HIGH FUN FACTOR. 

Looking for the fun stuff this fall?  TheFamilyTravelFiles.com and TripWiser.com have been collaborating on ways to make each season more fun.  Each fall, winter, spring, and summer, they will be identifying best rated places, activities, and events with unique family vacation value. The first in the series includes Best for Families - Fall Festivals & Corn Mazes – Quick Family Road Trip Getaways Across America.

Best Fall Festivals & Corn Mazes – Quick Family Road Trip Getaways Across America. Fun, quick, and easy is the magic phrase for families; pint-sized fun is better than no fun at all, whether it’s a getaway for a day or an escape for a weekend.  What matters is enjoying time together and making memories. 

Spanning seven distinct USA geographic regions: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Heartland, Southwest, Mountains West, and Western Edge, the collection of festivals and events spans the gamut from whale watching along the Atlantic Coast and attending Shakespeare Under The Stars to horse archery, living history, and most American of all, corn mazes and harvest festivals.  This year’s lists of Best Fall Festivals & Corn Mazes for Families reveal a plethora of opportunities to have fun with kids.  Review the best for 2008 and make plans to get away before the snow flies.

The expanded list of family friendly Fall Festivals & Corn Mazes may be viewed at www.theFamilyTravelFiles.com by clicking on the special folder dedicated to Events and Festivals or selecting a region of the country and viewing the e-zine features. To expand the list for the future, parents are encouraged to “Tell Mom” about their own favorite family festival.

At the Family.TripWiser Blog at http://blog.tripwiser.com/familytrip/ , it is possible to view the expanded list of Fall Festivals & Corn Mazes where readers can add their own favorite seasonal festival, contribute photos, view comments from others and  plan great fall road trip getaways for their families.

About FamilyTravelFiles.com

FamilyTravelFiles.com is one of America's top-rated online family travel resources offering more than 1000 pages of timely family vacation ideas. The user-friendly website specializes in displaying family vacation experiences, road trip getaways, destination information, ideas and advice about family travel. Unique lifestyle focus folders contain articles and vacation ideas highlighting Family Tours, Reunions, Beaches, Soft Adventures, Mountain Tops, Cruises, Theme Parks, Snow Places, Green Spots, City Takes, and Secret Places.

About Family.TripWiser.com

The Family Vacation Planning Blog at Family.TripWiser.com embraces diversity and offers a rich menu of family vacation ideas knowing that one size does not fit all when it comes to a family road trip. The family trip collection is open 24/7, making online family trip planning easy. The contemporary Family Vacation Planning Blog features a community atmosphere for family vacation online planning, making it easy to get customized information based on destinations, things to do, vacation budget and your kids' ages.  They present advice from family travel experts and include feedback from parents sharing their first-hand experiences.

Contact

Lisa A Duac, Publisher, (813) 968-4799 or publisher@theFamilyTravelFiles.com

David Reichman, Founder & CEO, (650)353-5016 or editor@tripwiser.com