My fiancé and I set off to explore the South Island of New Zealand on an eight-day road trip that coincided with the wedding of dear friends. Using online travel blogs and friends’ recommendations, we built our jam-packed, eight-day driving itinerary, trekking from Wellington (site of the wedding) to Queenstown.
Air Qantas: NYC> LA > Sydney > Auckland > Wellington
Getting to New Zealand was the tough part of the trip. The series of super long-haul flights was draining. We arrived in Wellington late afternoon and were energized seeing friendly faces waiting for us. We didn’t experience much jet lag since the 18-hour time difference between NYC and NZ allowed us to nearly catch up to our normal patterns.
Wellington, North Island, New Zealand – so familiar
After a good night’s sleep, we joined our friends on their walk to work through Central Park in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Wellington.
(Had we really left NYC?)
We ended up on Cuba Street, one of the main roads in Wellington which has many cafes, restaurants and shopping. You’ll see references to the island of Cuba such as the Fidel Cafe, but the street was actually named after the 1840 settler ship of the same name. Our friends were off to work, and we continued towards the Wellington Waterfront Walk in Oriental Bay.
The waterfront walk and park are home to the famous “Solace of the Wind” and “Whale Tale” statues. We walked along Oriental Bay and stopped for coffee at Babylon Beach, a cute retro beachside cafe and restaurant. Service was friendly, coffee was great, our cranberry muffin was super-moist and delicious. Then there’s the museum.
Te Papa Tongarewa, a “Container of Treasures”
Te Papa Tongarewa national museum is where our good friend Miri works. The museum houses and exhibits are dedicated to showcasing the unique Maori and Pacific Island cultural history as well as its treasures.
We started our personal tour at the impressive Te Marae (place of encounter) and wharenui (meeting house). The unique sculptures on the marae tell the genealogy and story of various Maori gods and forefathers, including Rangi (Father Sky) and Papa (Mother Earth). Other permanent educational exhibits include a preserved giant squid and an interactive “earthquake house”.
We were lucky enough to also take in the new Gallipoli exhibition which tells the story of New Zealand’s role in this infamous World War I battle. Giant, lifelike sculptures created by the artists at Weta accompany engaging interactive installations to bring the history and true stories of kiwi soldiers, nurses and families to life. We highly recommend checking out this amazing exhibition.
We were also lucky enough to get a firsthand look at the Hinatore Learning Lab, the museum’s modern educational facility which Miri launched recently. She walked us through the center which offers learners of all ages hands-on experiences using a variety of state-of-the-art digital technologies.
Scenic and Foodie Wellington
Walk along Commercial Street to the Wellington Cable Car entry. For a reasonable price, you can take in the sights as you ride the funicular up to the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place (at Carter Observatory) and Zealandia (via free shuttle). The view of Wellington and the harbor were spectacular.
We walked some of the garden trails and stopped in for a snack and glass of wine at the delicious Kowhai Cafe.
At the end of a long day, we met our friends for drinks at Golding’s Free Dive Bar down a hidden alley off the main street. The setting is relaxed and hip, definitely inspired by a typical US dive bar. Goldings offers an impressive selection of local craft beers and wine. Happy hour offers include buckets of puffy cheese balls and other unusual (but addictive) NZ bar snacks. In case you’re hungry for more than a puffy cheeseball, you’re also free to order in Pizza Pomodoro just across the way.
Dinner was at delicious Loretta Restaurant. This was one of our favorite meals of the trip.
Service was awesome and they were especially kind to accommodate a large walk-in group. We all shared many of the entrees ranging from pizza to veggie bowls; everything was fresh and full of bold flavor. This is a must for any foodie.
Side Note: Ugh, driving in New Zealand
Our next stop was to pick up our rental car at Omega Car Rental in the Miramar neighborhood near the airport. We reserved the rental through PlanIt.NZ who offered us a very reasonable price for our week-long rental plus a customized itinerary. A GPS was a must for us and we would highly recommend for anyone. The attendant walked us through driving tips and warnings; everything is backwards for Americans.
The first few hours were the hardest as your brain and instincts have to adjust to sitting in the right-sided driver seat and being on the left-side of the road. We practiced our driving around Miramar and passed the Weta Studios and Loca Boca Mexican.
We highly recommend Loca Boca which serves up delicious and authentic Mexican food in a friendly atmosphere.
Interislander Ferry: Wellington > Picton
Early the next morning we made our way to the Interislander Ferry. The ferry crosses the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton. The queue at the terminal was pretty long but the vehicle check-in onto the boat was quick and easy.
The 3-hour ferry ride was smooth and scenic. The views throughout the ride were beautiful; especially stunning were the grand views of the South Island. The ferry offered a variety of places to explore onboard. If you’re wanting to secure some window seating for the ride, be sure to arrive early so you’re able to grab prime seats. (The food on the boat was mediocre but there was a bar and live music.)
Dining between Picton and our Airbnb in Nelson
We were quickly introduced to the winding narrow roads which would become all too familiar throughout our trip. In order to get to our first Airbnb in Nelson, we drove along Route 1 and then Route 6. About halfway, Route 6 reaches the Pelorus Sound in the quaint town of Havelock.
We stopped for lunch at Captain’s Daughter in Havelock, mussel capital of New Zealand. The menu was varied but as Havelock is known for its huge green shell mussels, we opted for the local specialty. We sat on the outside terrace eating our mussels and taking in the lovely view of the rolling hills, preparing for the next segment of our windy two-hour drive to Nelson.
Days 3-4: Nelson, NZ (wine country)
We arrived at the Airbnb exhausted from the early morning ferry ride and the long drive. We were quickly soothed by the beautiful sanctuary Tasman Farm Luxury Wellness Retreat Ruby Bay. Our hosts were very friendly and accommodating, welcoming us with freshly picked fruits and spices for tea from the farm. They gave us recommendations for dinner and suggested a hike to Wharariki Beach.
We had a lovely dinner at Jellyfish Restaurant & Bar on the Mapua Wharf. Jellyfish has beautiful views of the water and was a perfect spot to catch the sunset. There are a few other restaurants and shops in town which were closed by the time we arrived for dinner.
Next morning, we drove over to Kaiteriteri Beach just south of Abel Tasman National Park, where tour companies offer a variety of activities and excursions into the Park. The day was not ideal for kayaking and hiking so we ended up driving north towards Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach.
Along the way we stopped over for a break from driving at the Te Waikoropupu Springs. What a lovely surprise — the walk into the park was truly magical. Te Waikoropupu springs, spiritually significant to the Maori people, are known for the clarity of the water and the volume of water discharged.
As we continued on the road, we passed the famous “Mussel Inn” in Onekaka which our good Kiwi friend Duncan had raved about. This low-key restaurant, bar and music venue just off of Highway 60 was just the stop we were looking for. As the website suggests, it is “very subtly sign posted but can often be recognised by the many cars parked on the roadside”. Great selection of beer and savory pies. We chatted with a German couple on holiday who were driving north towards Picton. They gave us some suggestions on hikes at Cape Foulwind and Lake Matheson.
GPS Fail: Farewell Spit not Farewell Cape
After our delicious lunch and conversation, we continued driving towards what we intended to be a lovely visit to Wharariki Beach and Cape Farewell.
Where we actually ended up was parking at Puponga Point and walking along the south side of the mud flats of Farewell Spit. It was a bizarre landscape, feeling like a far away planet with no signs of other human life and zero shade for miles. Don’t do this unless you are filming a science fiction piece.
We were too exhausted to continue after our mud exploration but based on our searches online, Wharariki Beach and Cape Farewell are very much worth the visit.
Better luck next visit.
By sea, by foot, exploring Abel Tasman
Since we only had half a day to explore, we set out early and picked up sandwiches in town for lunch. When we arrived at Kaiteriteri Beach again, the super friendly Kim helped us book a half day excursion to Anchorage with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle company.
The water taxi ride was fun; some choppy waters along the way depending on the weather. The taxi gave us some photo ops near Split Rock at Apple Tree Bay and by the seal colony resting on the rocks of Adele Island. We continued on and were dropped off for our hike at Anchorage Beach.
From there we hiked along the Pitt Head and Te Pukatea tracks to take in the Pitt Head Lookout and Te Pukatea campsites. The trails were lush, full of silver ferns, and offered perfect views of Torrent Bay from various lookouts. We spent about two hours exploring the trails before heading back to have lunch at the picnic area on the main beach.
After lunch, we had some energy and time before the water taxi pick-up so we decided to head over to the track leading to Cleopatra’s Pool, a beautiful natural rock pool and moss-lined slide.
Day5: On to Franz Josef via Cape Foulwind
Our next main stop was Franz Josef, but we decided to stop and rest overnight in Westport. We arrived at our Airbnb around dusk and were pretty disappointed with the stay so we won’t elaborate.
Our German friends from the Mussel Inn had recommended an early morning hike to Cape Foulwind, a gorgeous coastline trail. We started just before sunrise and took in the beauty of Tauranga Bay. Cape Foulwind was named by Captain Cook when he encountered bad weather at the spot around 1770. Unlike its name, the beach and trails along the coast were absolutely breathtaking.
We started the trail near the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony Car Park. We were able to see a few seals resting on the rocks on the beach but were careful not to disturb them. We continued onto the paved trail and soon came upon the first lookout towards the natural bird sanctuary that is Wall Island, home to thousands of sooty shearwaters, fairy prions (t?t? Wainui), white-fronted terns and red-billed gulls.
The next lookout was of the camouflaged Tauranga Bay fur seal colony. This is definitely a sight to see.
The coastal walkway continues along undulating farmland, granite bluffs and grassy downs soaring over the water and beaches below. It’s a fairly easy but long 2.5-hour return ending just after the Cape Foulwind lighthouse. We encountered plenty of wekas (flightless bird) and very vocal tuis along the path. We were fortunate to greet a team of wild horses out to graze and have good, long back scratches on the fencing posts.
Note to the next traveler — be sure to bring water and a snack on this trail. It is fairly easy but long, especially since the views are so spectacular you’ll slow down for lots of pictures and just to take in all the beauty around you.
Blowholes of Punakaiki
Afterwards, we stopped in at Underworld Adventures to have breakfast which was well-deserved. The cafe serves food all day and also offers glow worm tours (which we did not do). As we continued on the road, we happened upon a roadside outdoor Fox River market. A live band played in the background while local artisans sold their work. There were plenty of options for food and we opted for some delicious homemade ice cream.
Next stop on our way to Franz Josef was to see the famous pancake rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. Thirty million years of water and air pressure resulted in hundreds of heavily eroded limestone towers where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes during high tides.
The site is very touristy but it’s an easy 30-minute return along a well paved walkway. This is a sight not to miss on a visit to the west coast of the South Island.
A hike around Okarito within Sight of Franz Josef
-After a scary, foggy pre-sunrise drive, we knew we were getting close to Franz Josef because we saw Mt. Cook rise in the distance. The ski town was brimming with activity when we arrived and is full of hotels, camping sites, backpacker accommodations, restaurants, shops, touring companies and a supermarket all in the center of town. We arrived early evening and checked in to the affordable and very comfortable Scenic Hotel. The front desk was very friendly and accommodating. We woke up to a beautiful view of Aoraki a.k.a. Mt. Cook and the snow tipped peak of the glacier.
Weather delayed our morning heli-hike to the glacier so we decided to visit the small town of Okarito, where we were told you might encounter the rare kiwi bird. We spent about an hour on the Okarito Trig Walk. It was a nice leisurely walk through the wetland and coastal forest. No kiwi sightings for us but we did meet some fellow Americans who suggested an early morning visit to Lake Matheson, a reflecting lake near the Fox Glacier, for the next morning.
Heli-hiking to Franz Josef Glacier, Worth Every Penny
We awaited our afternoon heli-hike to Franz Josef and soon were suited and geared up and ready to head over to the helipad. As neither of us had been in a helicopter, we were very excited and slightly nervous.
Our group was split into two helicopters for the ride up to the glacier which was a short but exhilarating 5 minutes. The pilots flew in close to see some of the mountain features including a waterfall cascading from the top of the glacier. We landed on what seemed like the edge of the glacier ridge line and carefully dismounted. We held on to ropes to steady ourselves from the helicopter take off. From there we strapped on our ice cleats and began our hike.
The hike itself was amazing. We spent about two hours climbing, walking, and exploring as we went along. The sun was shining and, if it weren’t for safety, we would also have stripped down to shorts and tees along with our guide. The walk was mildly challenging in some spots but never overly strenuous.
The ice is pristine white but also many shades of blue along the crevasses and cracks. We heard two or three thunderous claps as a new block of glacier succumbed to the sunshine and fell from the Empire State Building-high topmost part of the ridge above us. The ride back down was just as stunning. We stayed a while longer at the base station and enjoyed the complimentary hot sauna pools.
Although a bit pricey, the heli-hike was definitely worth every penny.
Day 6: Drive to Wanaka via Haast Pass
After a much-needed night of rest, we got up early to start our 3.5-hour drive down to Wanaka where we had arranged a Maori experience at around noon.
The drive was beautiful as we continued through the Mt. Cook National Park and into Mt. Aspiring National Park along the Haast Pass. We stopped over for a break from the drive at the Roaring Billy Falls. It’s a short and pretty walk which ends at the rocky coastline of the Haast River. Like most of the water anywhere on the South Island, the water was pristine and clear enough to see to the bottom.
Had it been warmer, I would have been tempted to jump in, clothes and all. We opted for some silly photo ops and skipping the smooth rocks that laid at the base of the of the river across the clear water of the Haast.
After a short while, we were back in the car and continued our journey to Wanaka. As we neared our destination, the last stretch of the drive past Lake Hawea was spectacular. The size of the lake is incredible and the bright blue hues of the water on that clear day were breathtaking.
Wanaka Joe, our Maori tour guide
“Wanaka Joe” was going to teach us a bit about the Maori culture and history, and had given us very specific instructions of how our introduction was to take place. We were to walk or drive to the parking area by the Wanaka tree and find two orange cones. Between the cones we would find a specific wooden branch which we were to present to Joe who would be dressed in full M?ori clothing and adornment – k?kahu M?ori.
When we finally found the location, we were greeted by Joe in traditional M?ori custom, the haka. It was amazing.
He performed a powerful haka for us which drew a small crowd on the otherwise quiet beach. We were entranced as Joe moved towards us as he performing the haka. Once we presented the branch to Joe, he accepted it and then greeted us to his land of Wanaka with a hongi — a traditional M?ori greeting.
Joe is a terrific guide who spent about an hour with us by the water educating us on Maori culture and history of the people, the land and their spirit in today’s world. His enthusiasm, knowledge and respect for his culture is contagious and inspiring.
Do yourself a favor and visit Joe if you find yourself in Wanaka.
We stayed a while taking pictures by the Instagram-famous Wanaka Tree (one of the most photographed trees in NZ) with ice-capped mountains in the background, feeling once again in awe of the natural beauty.
We walked around the small town of Wanaka; there are plenty of places to shop and many choices for food. We wound up at a local pub before hitting the road again to Queenstown, our final destination.
Day 7: Onwards to Queenstown via Milford Sound
The remaining hour ride from Wanaka to Queenstown was another winding, treacherous yet beautiful ride. We were happy to finally arrive at our Airbnb along Route 6A – Franton Road along the Lake Wakatipu shore.
We were taking a Real Journeys bus tour to our Milford Sound overnight cruise, recommended to avoid 4-5 hours more intense mountainous winding roads. We were incredulous that the charter tour bus would make it around some of those tight corners. But we are here to tell the story.
The ride itself felt very long but our Journeys tour guide kept things moving with lots of interesting tidbits and facts about what we were seeing. We stopped several times for breaks including a long lunch stop in the cute town of Te Anau and walks to stretch our legs at scenic spots including Mirror Lake and Chasm Waterfall.
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
We checked in at the Real Journey office in Milford Sound around 3pm and were ready to board our vessel, the Milfod Wanderer. We reserved a shared bunk room and were happy to find the boat was not full, so we ended up with our own room. (I’m not typically claustrophobic, but It would have been extremely tight and awkward in there, and I felt the anxiety of the small space coming on a few times.)
The vessel has enough areas in which to explore and hang out — whether indoors within the main cabin or outdoors on the bottom or higher decks. We settled in, received a small welcome message and safety briefing and then prepared for a short hike on the Milford Track.
The choice of Sandfly Point as a hiking locale seemed a bit cruel as it was full of bothersome sandflys. It was a nice enough hike but it would have been more enjoyable if we were covered from head to toe to protect us from the annoying bugs.
Back on the boat, we had the option of taking a swim off the side of the boat before dinner. We decided a nap was the best choice. Dinner was a nice three-course meal served by the ship’s crew. We were exhausted by the long bus ride and, perhaps feeling a bit seasick, called it an early night.
We woke up pretty early to the 6am alarm ringing through the boat and had an hour to get ready, shower and pack up before enjoying a continental breakfast spread. During breakfast, the crew strips beds and ensures everyone is packed up.
Our last two hours were spent up on deck taking in the amazing views of the Fiordland National Park. We stopped in close to several waterfalls and tried to catch sight of fur seals, crested penguins and birds swimming and hanging out along the shores. The most special moments were the entire crew and guests gathered on the top deck trying to spot three Southern Right Whales making a rare appearance in the sound. With hushed voices, everyone carefully scanned the waters around the boat… we were treated to the sight of a few blows and tails flipping up as if to say hello. It was all over too soon.
The bus ride and the cruise, though pricey, was well worth the experience and sights in this majestic place.
Day 8-9 Queenstown, our last visit
We arrived back to Queenstown later that day and checked into our hotel – the Ski Lodge Hotel. There was nothing too special about the hotel and, if we did it again, we would have taken more time to find something closer to the center of town.
We treated ourselves to a dinner at Michelin starred chef Josh Emett’s restaurant, Rata. The meal was absolutely delicious and the service was wonderful. Our server spent time with us not only explaining the extraordinary dishes, but also shared some fun facts about the adventure sport, vineyards and historic mining sites in and nearby Queenstown.
After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll around the center of town and picked up an ice cream at Mrs Ferg Gelateria. We ate our ice cream on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, set against a dramatic setting sun behind the Southern Alps.
This was our last night on the South Island and we knew we would be sad to leave.
The next morning, before returning our rental car and flying back to Wellington, we had a lovely breakfast at Ivy and Lola’s. It is located close to the water and the food and service was excellent.
Still having a bit more time before our flight, and feeling a bit lame for not doing anything too adventurous in Queenstown, we decided to be daring and jump onto a couple of Segways. Admittedly Segways are not the most “extreme” of sports but nonetheless, we had a super fun time riding through the beautiful Queenstown Botanical Gardens with our tour guide from Segway Tour of Queenstown.
We packed up and said our farewells to Queenstown and were soon back in a plane.
Is our trip for you?
It was quite a trip in a relatively short amount of time. We would have never imagined how much we could pack into eight days. Plus, we had so much fun and met so many amazing people. There is so much to see, and it seems everywhere you look, the view is more gorgeous than the last.
New Zealand is such a beautiful country and the South Island is a very special place. We hope that everyone gets a chance to visit someday and experience their own amazing adventures.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.