Sun or snow or stay close for your family winter getaways? Maybe your winter escape is that long-delayed trip to Orlando. Perhaps it’s a cruise with extended family or experiencing Rome during its Jubilee Year.
You have plenty of affordable winter getaway options (especially after the holidays), whether traveling in the US, North America or abroad.
Here are our 12 favorite trip ideas reimagined with partners at Taking the Kids and Little Family Adventures.
MONTREAL, THE ULTIMATE WINTER AND SPRING BREAK DESTINATION
From Feb. 27 to Mar. 9, 2025, celebrate 26 years of lighting up winter! For the past quarter century, the legendary Montréal en Lumière festival has welcomed nearly 600,000 visitors yearly to experience Montreal’s winter to the fullest through a unique program combining performing arts, gastronomy, free outdoor family activities, and a whole night of original surprises.
Skating is at the center of the festival. The Skating Loop overlooking the Place des Festivals allows festivalgoers to enjoy an extraordinary sound and light experience on the ice. Nearly 150 free activities are also offered to entertain the whole family, no matter the age or snow sports skills. Bundle up to experience the Ferris wheel, DJ Booth, animations, illuminated art and much more.
Discover everything the festival has to offer at montrealenlumiere.com
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE | FEBRUARY 27 TO MARCH 9, 2025 | GASTRONOMIC PROGRAMMING STARTING FEBRUARY 20
ESCAPE TO SUNNY EUROPE ON MID-WINTER RIVER CRUISES
If you’re looking for something a little different this winter, enjoy southern Europe’s sunshine without the crowds. Consider a 7-day cruise through the Canary Islands. CroisiEurope offers Winter Cruise Family Offers cruises in February and early March. Discover six islands with wonderfully mild weather yet contrasts in landscape that set them apart. Celebrate the company’s 25th year of Venice operations with a 25% discount. The 5-day Culinary and Artisan Treasures of Venice trip runs in March so you can take advantage of school breaks. Or, go big and fulfill a bucket list dream by booking their ship for the world famous celebration of Carnival in Venice.
The celebrated river cruise company, which took Kyle McCarthy’s family down the fascinating Mekong River in Southeast Asia, welcomes guests of all ages and interests on their well-priced river adventures. Check out their new itinerary on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia that is more active, including mountain biking. It’s offered on smaller ships (20-40passenger). For more adventurous or well-traveled families with kids 12 and over, this nine day itinerary includes a cable car ride, tuk-tuks, local boat rides and biking.
Act now to take advantage of Wave Season promotions with incredible discounts on a wide range of Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia cruises. Highlights of CroisiEurope’s 2025 Wave Season Offers:
- Up to 50% off on selected canal and river cruises across CroisiEurope’s fleet of 50+ ships.
- No Solo Supplement and single occupancy cabins on select cruises for solo travelers, making river cruising more accessible than ever before.
- Up to 40% off Cruise & Stay Programs. Choose from Paris & Bordeaux, Florence/Tuscany & Venice or The Beautiful Blue Danube & Munich.
- Celebrating Three Anniversaries in 2025 with fantastic offers. 10 years on the Loire, a CroisiEurope exclusive, 25 years in Venice and Canal Bianco and 30 years on the Rhone and Saone.
- 2026 Early Booking Incentives, take advantage of up to 15% off in all destinations.
Experience CroisiEurope’s exceptional service, impeccable French cuisine that kids love, intimate-sized ships, and immersive itineraries at an exceptional value. Don’t forget that year-round family perks include children under 16 cruising free, which means up to 2 children per cabin occupied by at least 1 paying adult. Additionally, if a grandparent or uncle wants to join, they enjoy a free single cabin supplement when they are sharing with a child under 16 yrs cruising free. Contact the knowledgeable CroisiEurope agents today for tips on the best river cruise option for you and your family.
Make Your Holidays A Family Adventure
We’re excited that 2025 travel trends are all pointing to more affordable and meaningful family vacations in the months to come. If you’re intrigued by vanlife or the idea of a spa retreat — maybe a bucket list trip to Alaska — there are many new opportunities ahead.
Companies like RVshare.com, for example, connect you to RV and campervan owners in your area or at a dreamed of destination. You don’t need to go all in now; just rent a campervan or RV and try it! It doesn’t take long to appreciate the simplicity of the ‘tiny’ lifestyle and the beauty of the great outdoors in winter. A taste of vanlife may even be your spark to try homeschooling or worldschooling with the kids.
GET AWAY THIS WINTER TO THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS WE LOVE
A Caribbean winter getaway is certainly a no-brainer; it’s a favorite escape for much of the Northeast. With advance planning and some flexibility in travel dates, however, you might score a bargain.
Barbados in Winter
Barbados is known for its sophisticated African/British heritage and white sand beaches. Opt for an all-inclusive resort as well as condos at the luxury Sea Breez Beach House. See the swimming horses if you can get to Pebbles Beach at 6 am when the trainers exercise them. At the Eco-Adventure Park at Harrison’s Cave, tour the nearly 1.5-mile long stream cave system and stop into the Rum Museum at one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.
The D. R. Attracts Snowbirds with Budget Getaways in Winter
An elegant yet affordable, all-inclusive resort in Dominican Republic is The Finest Punta Cana. Your group can split up into the separate adults-only wing known as The Excellence, or opt for The Finest (family) wing. Take advantage of extensive and spacious kids’ facilities including a kids’ spa, well-spaced loungers and cabanas, and gourmet dining.
The Dutch Islands: Aruba and Curacao
The ABC islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, are part of the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It’s tough to find winter deals in the Caribbean, but the new, super family-welcoming Embassy Suites By Hilton Aruba has suites including sofabed, balcony, full breakfast, nightly cocktail reception, WiFi, and kids’ activities at rates from $359/N. Plus, the beaches are gorgeous.
Curacao, just 40 miles from the Venezuela coast, is a true gem. We loved the European vibe and less-touristy feel of the island. In fact, most of those staying at our beachfront 137-unit Lions Dive Beach Resort were Dutch families. Don’t miss the Barrio Urban Street Food patio that serves up dishes from six different street food stands.
Getaway Passport-Free to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are also excellent bets for midweek, non-holiday winter getaways. These islands are served by low-cost carriers Sun Country and Frontier.; have myriad vacation rentals and don’t require passports from US citizens. You can luxuriate at Puerto Rico’s super posh Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reservein a suite or residence. Enjoy the West or East Beaches, a first-class golf course, private pools, gourmet restaurants, and an ultra-luxurious spa. Or , check into the Residence Inn Isla Verde where four can sleep and have breakfast for $229/N.
WINTER ESCAPES IN BAJA AND THE LOS CABOS PENINSULA
Follow the social buzz to Baja or Cabo this winter. The long, skinny Baja California peninsula boasts 1,900 miles of coastline split between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.
Escape to any of the winter getaway resort areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and Todos Santos, all in the south. While the beaches and glittering sea are equally beautiful, the vibe in each town will appeal to different travelers.
Our guide to Los Cabos and where to stay, dine and play should help you decide where to go. The Hilton Los Cabos, for example, near Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez, has a swimmable beach and access to four world-renowned golf courses. Rates through Dec. 6, 2024 start at $239/N — 40% off with a three-night minimum stay. The family-friendly and all-inclusive Solmar Playa Grande Resort is taking 30% off in booked by Dec. 1.
And with hotels from under $200/night throughout the winters eason, smart shoppers will still find a bargain.
JUBILEE MARKS THE HOLY YEAR OF 2025 IN ROME, ITALY
Pope Boniface VIII began the Jubilee tradition of a Holy Year in 1300. He called for Roman Catholics to reaffirm their faith by making a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul. Holy Years were celebrated every century and by 1470, Pope Paul II proclaimed them every 25 years. Thus, 2025 is a Jubilee year and Rome is ready for an expected 35 million visitors.
The Vatican’s new Via della Conciliazione entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica has been enhanced with technology to welcome every pilgrim, including those with disabilities, in their own language. Multimedia VR and augmented reality displays designed for families introduce the basilica complex. Masterworks such as the newly restored “Baldachin” by Bernini are highlighted. A new app will give pilgrims access to a network of outside clergy, while in-person dialogue will take place at the Basilica. Visitors to Rome should expect a merchandise blitz with a new Piazza San Pietro magazine plus souvenirs of the occasion.
A Challenging Time to Do as the Romans Do
Note that pilgrims who participate in the Jubilee are granted a plenary indulgence. In addition to visiting St. Peter’s, make the 25 kms ‘Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches,’ and visit the Holy Door. Check the official Vatican Giubileo calendar for more information on special events throughout 2025.
You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate the refreshed face of Rome, where enhancements to infrastructure, museums, historic sites, hotels and more have just been completed. Unless you are traveling with a church group – the only way to find a cheap hotel — you need the services of a local tour operator. Tourist Italy is a good one to facilitate your Roman holiday. According to Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome, “The hope is that the millions of pilgrims will have a remarkable, unforgettable experience, a great spiritual experience; that the Jubilee of Hope will have extraordinary spiritual value in a world that is emerging from a terrible pandemic, that is ravaged by wars.”
OUR SHARED BLACK HISTORY EXPLORED
Black History Month, celebrated each year during February, is a chance for Americans to learn details of their nation’s history that are far too often neglected. Fortunately, there are more opportunities to do that year round on your next family vacation..
Start, if you can, at the terrific Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC. The sweeping panorama of Black history provides a rich overview of Black American culture. There’s so much to see and do in DC. The capital is #3 on WalletHub’s list of Top 10 Winter Getaways, and has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room of any of them, especially on weekends when government offices close, The homey Hotel Lombardy has spacious rooms from just $117 per night; while the compact, hipper Motto by Hilton starts at $95 and features bunk beds.
Destinations Where Black Lives Always Mattered
The National Park Service has added new listings to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Take a self-guided audio tour of the Underground Railroad in Boston. Visit the Douglass Family South Street Home Site in Rochester, NY. Look deeper into the Underground Railroad as you bike in stages up to 1,997 miles of the Adventure Cycling Association’s Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. Five itineraries follow freedom seekers from Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario.
Jackson, Mississippi is a beacon of civil rights activism, dedicated to keeping the story alive including the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, which pays homage to Medgar Evers, the first secretary of the NAACP. Minority stories are now highlighted at many sites of national significance.
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA INSTEAD OF LOS ANGELES THIS WINTER
If you tuned into this post earlier, you would have seen our feature on Los Angeles, one of this year’s dozen top family getaways. Sadly, the raging wildfires have made it impossible for us to recommend you visit now. Instead, let’s look at Carlsbad, just an hour south. It’s packed with outdoor and beach family attractions, making it much more than a dupe destination for families who planned to visit the wondrous sites of LA.
Plan time for the Agua Hedionda Discover Campus and the Batiquitos Lagoon. Both environmental centers conserve unusual habitats and have scheduled educational programs in addition to hiking and discovery trails. Rent a bike and ride the hills at the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Free tours of the classic adobe ranchhouse take place weekends. The Museum of Making Music, where kids can try out different instruments, is another favorite attraction.
Many hotels are now accommodating regional families displaced by the devastating wildfires, yet this town still has good room rates. Check out our review of Carlsbad’s top sights and hotels. The Legoland theme park is close by, and the thrills of Disneyland in Anaheim and SeaWorld San Diego are within an hour’s drive. In addition, enjoy the upscale shops and restaurants, good day spas and fun fish shacks along Carlsbad’s oceanfront drive. And if you go close to the March 1, 2025 opening date, you’ll see the rainbow of blooming ranunculus at the 55-acre Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. This year’s display includes an art show by artist Alex Heveri, “Glass in Flight” which features over three dozen glass and steel sculptures of sparkling butterflies, dragonflies, bamboo, bees and insects.
GO BIG ON SNOWSPORTS: THINK SMALL THIS SEASON
Family ski trips are among our favorite winter getaways, but travel with the required gear can seem more stressful than gleeful. Enter ShipSkis. This company will pick up your family’s ski gear and luggage at your home and seamlessly deliver it to your destination. Read more about their affordable, easy-peasy service here.
We highlight our top large and small mountain resorts in the annual Family Ski and Snowsports Directory. Families already hooked on snowsports will appreciate the many on-mountain improvements being made this season. You know to save money on lift tickets at the major resorts with an EPIC (Vail Resorts) or IKON (Alterra Mountain Co.) Pass.
Small Ski and Snow Fun Resorts Can Mean Big Savings
If you’re new to the sport, consider one of the smaller mountain resorts closer to home. It’s more economical to opt for a smaller ski resort your first time out. Extend your budget by driving rather than flying to your destination. Pay less for lodging near the slopes instead of on them. Save on lift tickets and ski school classes with regional passes.
Many states such as Idaho, Michigan, New York, Utah and Vermont have kids’ ski free deals for certain grades, often starting for third graders, even for non-residents. Besides free lift tickets — a significant savings that can add up to hundreds of dollars – many Kids Ski Free passes encourage lifelong learning with discounts on rental gear, outerwear and more.
National and State Park Provide Free Winter Getaways to Snow Lovers
Hardy families should head to Mount Rainier National Park to sample Washington’s best snowshoeing and winter camping free of charge. Utah’s Bryce Canyon will likely have less snow, so winter is a great time to tour the Hoodoos (rock spires) the park is known for. Browse the National Parks Foundation Travel Guides for more free fun ideas for winter getaways.
PANDAS AND ORANGUTANS AND BEARS, OH MY!
Pandas are back at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Bao Li and Qing Bao have arrived and starting in late January, you can visit them in their renovated habitat on Asia Trail. Meanwhile, there is also plenty else to see and do. Meet animal keepers and see demonstrations throughout the day. Visit the Great Ape House and the Reptile Discovery Center. Laugh at the orangutans.
The Atlanta Zoo has four pandas, including the first twins born in the U.S. in more than a quarter century. This year, the San Diego Zoo made a new commitment with China Wildlife Conservation Association and welcomed two Pandas once again—YU Chuan and Xin Bao—who live in the Zoo’s Panda Ridge. The newly refreshed and expanded area takes inspiration from the breathtaking, lush landscapes in and around giant pandas’ native habitats in China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces.
Until February 2, see the Wildlife Rescue Interactive Exhibit at Zoo Miami where kids can climb, play and learn about the animals that need our help.
You may not think winter is the time to visit a zoo or aquarium but think again. Immerse yourselves in an animal habitat for a low cost, enriching escape from the ordinary. Animal and marine life conservancies in colder climates must provide warm habitats for the species (and visitors) that need them.
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT IN DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN?
Door County, Wisconsin offers a variety of fun and exciting winter family activities. From skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing to snowshoeing, sledding and tubing, Door County has something for everyone. You can enjoy the cozy warmth of a fire in a wood stove and the breathtaking beauty of sparkling snow-covered trees while drinking hot cocoa by an outdoor bonfire. For those wanting to explore beyond the snowy terrain, visit any of Door County’s state parks for hiking, guided tours or educational programs. Explore the unique shops in Fish Creek or take an exciting sleigh ride through winding wooded trails. Whatever your family desires, you will find it in our perfect three-day Door County winter itinerary.
If the weather is too rugged for some family members, the county also has several museums with fascinating exhibits. Learn more at the Maritime Museum which offers insight into the history of the Great Lakes. There are plenty of indoor activities as well including bowling or curling at Sister Bay Bowl. Stay warm visiting one of their many art galleries where you can purchase handmade souvenirs to remember your winter adventure in Door County.
SPANISH HERITAGE CELEBRATED IN FLORIDA’S PALM BEACHES
Palm Beach County is so much more than a visit to grandma’s, a winter getaway, the Mar-a-Lago Club or grand hotels. Families in the know flock to horse shows in Wellington and the quaint Yesteryear Village, a living history museum about early 20th-century Florida. Culture hounds plan ahead for the Japanese garden at Boca Raton’s Morikami Museum, and regional productions at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Thanks to support from the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the region’s rich Spanish culture will thrill snowbirds and visitors this winter.
Boca Raton Attractions
The original Boca Raton, a graceful Mediterranean Revival style beach town, was designed by architect Addison Mizner based on Spanish architecture. To celebrate its centenary, and the 75th anniversary of the Boca Raton Museum of Art, they’re featuring Splendor & Passion through March 25, 2025. Baroque-era masterworks include 57 paintings loaned by New York’s Hispanic Society Museum & Library (HSM&L.) Art lovers can revel in paintings by Velazquez, Goya and other stars that highlight conquistadors and the region’s Spanish history. Families should book events that provide context for kids, such as live flamenco (Dec. 13) and Spanish Guitar (Jan. 26) performances. Kid-friendly, inspiring Creation Station crafts and sm(ART) programs run each Saturday morning among other events.
Palm Beach Collections
The Norton Museum of Art features more riches from the HSM&L in Sorolla and the Sea through April 13, 2025. Painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida from Valencia was hailed by Monet as a “master of light.” Don’t miss their 30-minute Saturday tours of the exhibit and other family programs included with admission. The selection of Sorolla’s paintings showcase Spain’s beaches and his love of the sea – a perfect complement to the Palm Beaches.
Save $ in the Palm Beaches
Frugal travelers love the convenient Embassy Suites Boca Raton and its bountiful free breakfast. From $203/N, sleep your family of four in a one-bedroom unit with living area and a sofabed. The pool is nice too!
As for beaches, usually warm and sunny all winter, you’ll need this local’s guide to those free Palm Beach oceanfront parking spots your grandparents may remember.
ICELAND IS NOT AS COLD IN WINTER AS IT SOUNDS
Aurora trackers make Iceland as popular in winter as in summer for views of the Northern Lights. Winter visitors also love to soak in geothermal hot springs, explore ice caves and glaciers, and participate in plenty of other winter sports. The majority of people in Iceland live in the Reykjavik area. Only 370,000 people live in Iceland and about 63% – some 236,000 – live here, many in the suburbs. This is the center of Iceland’s culture, economy and government. If you plan to take in some of Reykjavik’s major museums, including the National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavik Art Museum, the Reykjavik Zoo, the excellent Maritime Museum and Family Park, as well as many of the city’s thermal pools, invest in a City Card, as it also includes Reykjavik City Buses and Videy Island ferries, as well as discounts at various restaurants and tours. Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, once a department store, fit the bill. It was walking distance to the compact city’s major museums, restaurants, and shopping and best of all Baejarins Beztu. It’s the oldest hot dog stand in the city that has been in operation since 1937 and has served everyone from Bill Clinton to Kim Kardashian.
Do you have a favorite family winter getaway? If so, please share it in the Comments below.
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For summer vacation St John in USVI is an excellent place to visit. St. John is a true gem in the Caribbean with crystal clear waters, lush green mountains and gorgeous white sand beaches. Though it is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. Sixty percent of the island is national park land, creating the illusion that you are as far from civilization as possible. However, fine shopping such as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques are just a short distance away. Boating is also a popular activity for visitors of the islands. Rent a boat and island hop to neighboring islands and cays or enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, picnicking and relaxing aboard one of many day sail charter boats.
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I would suggest a car seat cover it helped me and my wife a lot from our last trip to Hawaii with my baby daughter here it is
Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and through the termites’ nests of Virgin Islands National Park. These are some beautiful places which are really attracts travelers to visit the islands.
Yes! Go to the Dominican Republic at least one time in your life.
Travel Forum are always helpful
Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Hello
I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.
Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
Royal Desert Camp is one of the best tent camps in Sam, Jaisalmer. We had visited on 31st Dec and stayed here for the night. There was an extra charge for the Gala Dinner, but it was worth the money spent. We were 3 girls on a road trip and it was a safe and good place to be at.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
Jaisalmer luxury camp in Sam Sand Dunes is an unquestionable requirement visit in the province of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when wanting to visit Thar Desert or the consequences will be severe, the purpose of going there is pointless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an expanding significant vacation spot of the city.
Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php
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There is a reason why Iceland is a favourite travel destination. It’s natural beauty of mountains, volcanoes, and bodies of water make this country seem surreal … https://www.merrchant.com/daily/2/travel-blogs/
Indeed Caribbean islands are popular with families in the summer because of less rates than in winter, and the beaches and cultural attractions are just as appealing.
If you are interested in visiting Cusco, getting in touch with its people, volunteering in our Nutrition and education projects, then visit http://www.takemeinyourheart.org
My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift. We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea. We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip. Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa? A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.
What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.
Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.
Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of help.
I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance.
The Montcalm Club is a reward program offering free membership for all 5-star MontCalm hotels in London. Each of The MontCalm Luxury Hotels is uniquely and elegantly designed to enhance your stay whether you are in London for business, shopping, theatre or sight-seeing. We extend a diverse range of benefits for our valued guests. Become a member by registering online or at reception at any of MontCalm properties and earn 100 points straightaway & 10 points on every pound you spend on your room booking at any of our hotels. Collect the requisite points and redeem them for a free night stay at the Mont Calm Hotels in London. So, what you are waiting for? Join, Earn & Redeem at the montcalmclub. This time montcalmclub offering the loyalty rewarding in that people can save up to 15% on membership.
This is such a piece of paradise.
Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!
Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels.
A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.
Hurricanes strike without intimation, we need to take some preventive measures to reduce the impact of hurricanes. The information given here is really useful. I would like to add some of the tips that help to survive a hurricane like, create a plan for the family, secure your home with hurricane resistant products, always have a survival kit with you. Take some helpful hints from the professionals and secure your home and make sure you have an escape route ready with you.
Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.
Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful.
Great article with good information
thanks for it
If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy.
https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/
Great products!
Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.
Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.
How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.
A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.
The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs. By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October. In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.
The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely. Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage
What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.
I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about.
We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo, and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.
During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.
we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!
My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old. What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?
Submitted by D.A. to moderator
This article explains the forms that we recommend and why they are needed for the 16-year-old: https://myfamilytravels.com/content/14513-permission-travel-letters-and-why-you-need-them
There is a field within the article where you can input your email address to request that blank forms are sent to you. Please check your Inbox and spam filter for a confirmation email that will ‘confirm’ your request, and once you have clicked on it, you should get a second email with the forms themselves.
My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.
Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.
One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns. The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center. I believe its set to reopen soon. This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback.
Fairway Mfg. Company
Mark Sobelman, President
2424 Schuetz Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.
Congratulations!
Traveler Carla K asks:
My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well).
This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?
Our answer:
We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.
We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.
The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY
Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day. The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide. Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com
I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc are there accommodation for children that are autistic _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland annual pass holders
By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator
Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming. (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.)
DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.
You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount. One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.
Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!
From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.
Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.
Hello, my name is Joshua. You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in the navy and live in Jacksonville. I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it). I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1. It seems as if you took both on your road trip. Maybe you can suggest which I take. If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on. I would like easier access to motels and food. I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels? Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed. The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet. Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now. The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker. I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information. Thanks so much.
ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!
Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one. Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?
< The patio of my guesthouse.
Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine, beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)…
Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.