These 9 Activities are Better than the Best Beach in Tenerife
The Canary island of Tenerife appeals year-round as one of Europe's best beach destinations, with geographic contrasts that spawn activities and landscapes you don’t find in a typical island vacation. While the Canary Islands belong to Spain, they sit in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Morocco – a cultural plus. Geographically, Tenerife is in Africa; politically, it is in Europe...
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The Very Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas
Spring break is our favorite time to get away with the family, an ideal time to travel affordably between the pricey winter holidays and crowded summer months. Why is spring break such a wonderful escape? Maybe because you’ve been working so hard all year. Maybe because you get to feel the sun on your shoulders after being cold for months. Or maybe because you get to spend a week making great...
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16 Family Experiences You Can Only Share in Israel
Israel, usually marketed as a destination for religious pilgrims, has many unique sites that non-sectarian families can learn from. During my fully-escorted weeklong tour in December, 2018, I discovered 16 experiences that have had lasting impact. I also corrected several misconceptions, including that the climate was warm and dry; it's not necessarily so in winter. Jerusalem Highlights for...
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Hike And Ride The Rails At Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Located in Brecksville, between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, little known Cuyahoga Valley National Park surrounds the 100-mile-long Cuyahoga River, named by American Indians for its “crooked” shape. It famously caught on fire in 1969 for just 24 minutes because of pollution. Long cleaned and restored, the river now provides a cool place to fish, kayak and relax without the crowds that many...
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Swimming With Manatees, Gentle Giants of the Sea
Swim and explore the undersea world of the manatee in Crystal River, home to the largest concentration of Florida manatees in the world. These lovable mammals are native to the bays and fresh-water estuaries around the towns of Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida. Although only 85 miles west of Orlando, it's a vacation experience that's a world away in natural beauty and Southern charm.
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Camping 101: How To Look Like An Experienced Camper To Your Kids
Take some advice from a frequent camper who's learned that overnighting in a local park is just as thrilling, and less cumbersome, than a long hike into the wilderness. I want my kids to have the same enriching experiences I had when I was a youth, but I know why my parents sent me camping under the care of others. Simply put, it's not easy, especially for weekend warriors who haven't polished their...
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Gifts that Give Back – Kids Presents That Help Others
This season, why not skip the long lines, reduce click-fatigue, save money, stay warm, help a good cause and get some adorable gifts that give back? You can live your family values out loud by spending your gift allowance to show the kids how to support many wonderful adopt-an-animal programs, educational initiatives, and life-changing organizations that work around the world. Here are some of the...
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Tuscan Villa Family Vacation in Chianti Farmhouse
If you are craving a getaway "Under the Tuscan Sun," Villa Il Palagio in the heart of Tuscany could be just the spot you are looking for. Once a small, family-owned, bio-organic wine estate nestled in Panzano, Chianti, it has become a 30-room inn located within 32 kms (about 20 miles) of Florence, Siena and San Gimignano,...
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7 Florida Hot Spots to Visit That Don’t Include Disney or Universal
With 271,000 miles of road, more than 30,000 lakes, 11,000 miles of waterways and over 1,300 miles of coastline beaches that touch the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, it's easy to explore Florida beyond the theme parks. The Sunshine State is home to one of the 15 oldest cities in the United States, and features 11 professional sports teams from hockey to NASCAR and golf. There's something...
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Christmas Tree Farms: Where and How to Harvest Your Own Tree
Family excursions make the holidays special, so why not take the kids to a Christmas tree farm this winter? We make it easy with this guide to the U-Pick Christmas Tree Farm nearest you. Did you grow up with a fake Christmas tree? According to the National Christmas Tree Association, about 20% of all...
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