When in Rome, you’d prefer to do as the Romans do, and have a nice villa with extra bedrooms available for your family visit. But Italy’s capital can seem unwelcoming if you’re trying to find a family-friendly hotel room large enough to lay several sleepy heads. It is expensive and challenging to find accommodations that sleep more than two people; connecting rooms are rare as well. So, here are our picks of those places that are most convenient and a good value, where families of three or more are truly welcomed.
Tip: November to March is considered the low season; note that most suggested hotels provide a discount for multi-night stays, so be prepared to settle in.
Budget & Moderately Priced Rome Family Hotels
Hotel Villa San Pio
Via Santa Melania, 19
00153 Rome, Italy
+39 06/570057
Friends recommended we stay at the Hotel Villa San Pio because of its beautiful location atop Aventino Hill, arguably Rome’s most affluent neighborhood. Aventino is for walkers because it’s uphill from Testaccio — one of the hippest quarters for bars and restaurants — and above the Roman Forum. It’s also a 15-minute walk to the Colosseum and even farther from that Metro station, but trams and buses are available close by. Expect the grace of a bygone era, with frescoed hallways, a beautiful garden, concierges on staff happy to make dinner reservations, an excellent cappuccino maker and a delicious breakfast…. all the pleasures of not being in a homestay. It’s ideal with older kids who will appreciate the luxurious, Old World rooms that make you feel right at home; young ones will enjoy running around in the gated garden. There is a four-bedded family room.
Rates: $-$$$
Maison Giulia
Via Giulia 189/A
00186 Roma, Italia
+39 06/68808325
This welcoming, seven-room guesthouse is on a quiet cobblestone street just off the Tiber, near to Campo di Fiori, in a posh diplomatic neighborhood. Decor is eclectic and artsy but it’s charming, and you’ll feel totally safe letting the kids wander around on their own. The gracious staff are happy to recommend restaurants and attractions, and WiFi and breakfast are included. Unusual in such a small place are the three- and four-bedded guest rooms; there are also 2BR and 3BR furnished apartments nearby with a required minimum three-night stay.
Rates: $-$$
Gioberti Art Hotel
Via Gioberti 23
00185 Rome, Italy
+39 06/45210474
This small yet colorful and contemporary is located one block from the central Termini train station, which is just a half-hour away from the airport via the Leonardo Express train and across from bus and underground stations. While not wildly beautiful, the neighborhood combines comfort and convenience because a well-stocked mall, ATMs and lots of snack food restaurants are outside the door. Best yet is Palazzo Massimo, Rome’s greatest collection of classical sculpture just 2 minutes away. Elegant rooms are stylishly outfitted with built-ins, coffeemaker, fridge, workdesk, sofabed and unexpected niceties like a bathrobe so you can recover from jet lag in comfort. Check their website for family room specials; some doubles connect, too.
Rates: $-$$
Hotel Grifo
Via del Boschetto, 144
00184 Rome Italy
+39 06/487139
According to Trip Advisor, the Grifo is a three-star hotel. It is in the Monti District on a quiet side street near the Colosseum, off the via Nazionale, close to the Piazza Venezia and the Ministero dell’Interno. Furnishings are more eclectic than designed, with light wood pieces and linoleum floors. This décor may remind you of family-run hostelries you have enjoyed in the past. In addition, it offers charming neighborhood views from a simple roof garden where they serve drinks and complimentary breakfast. They have some family triples and quadruple rooms, and all the amenities you need are in the room.
Rates:$-$$
Hotel Nord Nuova Roma
Via G. Amendola, 3
00185 Rome Italy
+39 06/4885441, 800/860-004 (toll free in Europe)
This is a three-star hotel according to Trip Advisor. The property dates back to the 1930s and it underwent a complete renovation, as part of the Bettoja Hotel group, in 2014. Now it features bright, pretty rooms with A/C and minibar, oriental rugs, floral prints and curtains; a gym, rooftop bar, WiFi access and other amenities. Though the largest of the 157 rooms only sleeps three people (they’ll put in a rollaway), it’s well priced and serves a tasty complimentary buffet breakfast. Not only is it near the Termini railway station, but also near the Trevi Fountain, Opera and new National Museum of Rome. The Nord is the least expensive of the family-owned Bettoja Hotels chain that includes Rome’s four-star Atlantico Hotel, Massimo D’Azeglio Hotel and Mediterraneo, as well as the Relais Certosa in Florence. The four Rome Bettoja hotels also support the arts year round with a special Art & Culture package including breakfast, WiFi, an official walking guidebook, as well as one free priority entry ticket — subject to availability — to exhibitions at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni or the Scuderie del Quirinale.
Rates: $$
Hotel Parlamento
Via delle Convertite, 5
00187 Rome Italy
+39 06/69921000
Trip Advisor gives this hotel a 2-star rating. It is on a small side street between Rome’s Parlamento and Piazza S. Sebastiano and has 23 rooms on the fourth and fifth floors of a 16th-century Palace that is now a larger apartment building. Rooms – some triples and quads – are simple but clean, and rates include private bathroom, continental breakfast, TV, WiFi and A/C (for an extra fee) and a safe for valuables. With several quad rooms, it came recommended to us by Clare Jordan, then seconded by another FTF traveler, all of whom enjoyed their stay. Great rates include breakfast, and it’s family-owned and tended, so very nice atmosphere.
Rates: $-$$
Starhotel Michaelangelo
Via della Stazione di S. Pietro, 14
00165 Rome Italy
+39 06/398739
A short walk from St. Peter’s Square, Starhotel Michaelangelo is a Trip Advisor 4-star rated hotel. It is part of an Italian 22-boutique hotel chain — features 179 high-style rooms with minibar and television. A maximum of three people may stay in each room; an extra bed added for a child under 16-years incurs no additional charge — a bargain in Rome. This hotel’s restaurant, “The Dome,” serves international cuisine. There is also room service, concierge, laundry service and two meeting rooms.
Rates: $-$$ for special weekend rates; family plan includes 50% discount on second room occupied by children up to 16; many online specials.
Hotel Duca d’Alba
Via Leonina, 14
00184 Rome Italy
+39 06/484471
This restored small hotel earned a Trip Advisor 4-star rating. It is typical of Italy’s squished-into-a-room tiny family accommodations. The 27 rooms available include Standard, Superior and Junior Suites. The ambiance, distinguished by really First Class design, features marble flooring in the lobby, comfortable and elegant breakfast room (a substantial cold buffet is included in rates), ornate marble sinks in tiny bathrooms, phone, free Wi-Fi, minibar, TV & A/C, and stylish, if compact, furnishings. With a very convenient location just minutes from the Via Cavour metro stop and about a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum, its reasonable rates convinced us that being so close in our room could be considered a positive bonding experience.
Rates:$-$$$
Fabulous Family-welcoming Rome Hotels
When budget is not a consideration and you want to treat the family to the best of the best, these hotels deliver an authentically luxe Italian lifestyle.
Hotel Hassler Roma
Trinita dei Monti, 6
00187 Rome Italy
+39 06/699340
Rome’s deluxe hotel, the venerable Hassler Villa Medici, recently received a 5-star rating from Trip Advisor. This Hotel has presided over the Spanish Steps in gilt and marble splendor for over a century. As with many of Europe’s great hotels, infants will be pampered and older children accepted (even enjoyed), as long as they’re well behaved. (Dressed adorably helps too!) We can’t say enough about the service and the rooms, but it’s on Conde Nast Traveler‘s Gold List every year, with good reason. This is an ultra-splurge, the type of place where double rooms are large enough to accommodate an extra bed, but you’ll pay €100 and up for that privilege. Babysitting is available upon request.
Rates:$$$$+
Hotel Forum
Via Tor De Conti, 25-30
00184 Rome Italy
39/ 06/6792446
Definitely the most luxe place in Rome’s historic quarter surrounding the Roman Forum, this Trip Advisor 4-star hotel’s lovely roof garden restaurant has thrilled travelers for generations. Though not the fanciest, it is cozy, comfortable and immaculately maintained, with spacious rooms (including a few family rooms) and all the amenities you could want, excellent service, a popular American bar and private parking. We love the location on Via dei Fori Imperiali, the original route for parades from the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia. Babysitting is available upon request. Early booking discounts apply through the website.
Rates: $$-$$$ ($$$$ for a family suite of two connecting rooms)
Hotel Kennedy
Via Filippo Turati, 64
00185 Roma Italia
39/06/4465373
Considered a 3-star hotel, it was founded in 1963 to honor John F. Kennedy’s memory. The hotel is located between Termini Station and the Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore. Rooms enjoy a panoramic view of the Roman Aquarium Archaeological Park as well as a private bathroom and satellite television. The bedding options include single, double, twin, triple, and junior suite (two bedrooms connected and sharing a bathroom). Children are welcome and roll-aways are available. Rates include breakfast — a morning “all you can eat buffet” set to opera music.
Rates: $$-$$$
Recommended Neighborhood Finds in Rome
Other recommended family hotels we’ve heard of but haven’t visited ourselves include:
- Hotel Abruzzi(+39 06/97841351) – 26 recently renovated rooms in a 3-star place near the Pantheon.
- Campo de’ Fiori (+39 06/68806865) – Baroque style place on Rome’s historic Market Square; has furnished apartments as well as rooms.
Budget Housing in Convents & Monasteries
Families with well behaved children may be interested in the experience of staying in an Italian monastery, an affordable lodging option favored by many Italian travelers.
GD Lodging in Italy’s Monasteriesby Eileen Barish ($20; last revised 2015) suggests more than 400 monasteries around the country that welcome visitors. Ms. Barish cautions that their austerity of decor (though many display great Renaissance art), curfews, simple but hearty meals, and “quiet and contemplative” atmosphere are very different than what many travelers are used to.
Beds and Blessings in Italy: A Guide to Religious Hospitality ($24; last updated 2010) is in a similar vein, produced by Paulist Press with detailed listings of religious houses that accept overnight guests.
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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.