In a fresh look at the gay travel scene, Vermont, New Mexico and Indiana are “coming out” along with some classic resorts.
The 2007 summer season was the busiest one post-9/11, and it left some new trends in its wake. Among them, we have juvenile spas; pet hotels and restaurants and… yes… pet spas; yoga everywhere; fitness-equipment-filled hotel rooms; an abundance of butlers; and again, mounting interest in the LGBT market. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“gay” for short); not only has the travel industry outed itself to attract this market, it’s coming along nicely in support of same-sex couples traveling with children. Here’s what’s in store.
According to the San Francisco-based research firm Community Marketing Inc., 97% of gay travelers vacationed in 2006, compared with 64% of the general American population; 82% spent at least five nights per year in hotels; 84% had a US passport (29% is the national average); and 20% took at least one cruise. It’s natural that savvy travel companies are courting this market with advertising dollars and new products to new destinations. Wayne S. of Staten Island, father of a teen, agrees, “There are tons more venues where we find ourselves welcome than there were 10 or 12 years ago.”
But for the near future, some of the newest destinations being marketed are unlikely to be on the gay travelers’ short list. We’re talking about Santa Fe, New Mexico; Burlington, Vermont; and Bloomington, Indiana. They ranked as the top three US cities with a population under 200,000 in the number of gay residents, according to a recent analysis of Census Bureau data from 2000.
As the Bloomington Convention & Visitor Bureau states on www.visitbloomington.com under the “Gay Bloomington” tab, “While Bloomington obviously has an appeal to gays and lesbians looking for a place to live, its potential as a vacation destination for the discerning traveler is just beginning to attract attention.”
New Gay-Friendly Family Destinations
What is it about these three cities that attracts discerning travelers? Let’s take a look.
Burlington, Vermont is not only a hip and very fun college town, it’s also a great base in northern Vermont for visits to the Shelburne Museum (802/985-3346), Lake Champlain, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory (866/BJ-TOURS), or the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory (800/829-BEAR). Check out Vermont’s official site or call directly at (800/VERMONT); seasonal recreation, such as boating, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing abound. A few recommended everyone-welcome hotels include:
The Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center (802/865-6600) is the state’s largest, with 309 rooms furnished with all the mod-cons you’d expect at a business hotel. Some sleep up to five people. Most popular for its proximity to several ski areas, this full-service resort provides free shuttle service from the airport and a continental breakfast. Added perks: the heated indoor pool is staffed by fitness center personnel and has an adjacent outdoor sundeck and hot tub.
Outside the city is the notable Inn at Essex (800/727-4295, 802/878-1100), which bills itself as Vermont’s “premier culinary destination.” In fact, their restaurant is staffed by graduates of the acclaimed New England Culinary Institute. Your kids will more likely be impressed by the 120 elegant guest rooms, many renovated in a colorful mix of country and Swedish modern style. The property has lovely gardens, gazebos and on-site golf. Note that the Essex Inn also offers packages for Civil Unions and Commitment Ceremony receptions.
New Mexico’s culturally rich city of Santa Fe, or Fantasé as some prefer, has long been a magnet for alternative lifestylers and the tourists who follow them. In addition to its famous International Museum of Folk Art (505/476-1200), Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (505/946-1000), world-class galleries and educational Native American attractions, this chic pueblo boasts excellent restaurants and hotels. Families will find wonderful opportunities for hiking, biking and not too far away, skiing. Contact the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau (800/777-2499) for more information.
Of the many top tier hotels, the Bishop’s Lodge Resort & Spa (800/419-0492, 505/983-6377) is among the most welcoming. It mixes the local Native American stucco pueblo flavor with some Spanish colonial flair to create a beautiful and pricey hotel. The Lodge is located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and has been a restful retreat since 1851, when namesake Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy stayed there. Today, families will find Camp Appalossa, a summer children’s program, organized Bar-B-Qs, trail rides and Dive-In movies every Saturday night during the summer, as well as a pampering staff, and richly furnished rooms with Indian patterned carpets and exposed beams.
Casa Pacifica B&B (877/982-2078 toll free or 505/982-2078) is much smaller and a has a very different style, focusing on the Healing or New-Age interests of Santa Fe visitors. Large guestrooms each have their own steamroom for bathing, and the inn’s chef recommends and likes to prepare special healing menus. The sales people say, “We are completely handicapped logical, adult pet friendly, child friendly, elderly friendly and gay friendly,” which covers all the bases. Public spaces are great for expending energy; there are courtyards, an open air courtyard dining room and small gardens. Inquire about their spacious suites, some with sofabeds or extra beds.
Bloomington, Indiana for the gay family? Why not Indianapolis, you ask?Indy has the famous raceway, a highly lauded Children’s Museum, Wonderlab Museum of Science, Health & Technology (812/337-1337) great art collections and a downtown of famous architecture. Well, Bloomington boasts a certain New England charm — sort of small town meets college quad — and it’s less precious and pricey than Cambridge for the visiting family. According to the Bloomington C &VB, the city is “home to the nation’s fifth largest per capita population of same-sex couples and one of the most progressive cities in the Midwest, both socially and politically.” You’ll find a diverse local population, a huge University (home to the famous Dr. Kinsey and his Kinsey Research Institute) and lots of ethnic restaurants, galleries and fun shops. The city also boasts some fine museums, as well as Lake Monroe, popular for outdoor activities during the summer.
Bloomington’s Fourwinds Resort & Marina (800/824-2628, 812/824-2628) is unusual in that it promotes itself as a “tropical” resort. This place seems to offer waterfront dining, boating, fishing and tennis, along with a casual vibe, to all its guests. Along with its motel style decor and marina on the shores of Lake Monroe, there are simple rooms, most with two double beds. Rates are reasonable, with midweek specials in summer, and steep discounts in icy winter.
A Summerhouse Inn (800/371-0934, 812/332-2141) is more a motel than an inn, but it features a very kid-welcoming lawn, picnic area with firepit and Bar-B-Q, a sunken speedboat turned sandbox (no kidding!), play ground, and outdoor pool. The 96 rooms, not grand, are comfortable and inexpensive, and the staff are known for their can-do attitude. Gay and straight families will appreciate the range of guests, from sports teams, to wedding parties, to visiting parents and Hoosier alumni.
Classic Destination Resorts Become Gay-Friendly
Besides promoting new destinations, the travel industry — including some of the major hotel chains — has turned its attention to attracting same-sex couples to the classic resort destinations. That’s good news for gay and lesbian parents who are more interested in being around other families than those with their sexual orientation. Notes one gay Mom, “I have tons of gay friends, but on holiday with my kids I’m not looking to bond with other gay couples.” Reasons for this vary; most gays agree that lesbians traveling with children attract little attention and so, feel more welcome in a variety of destinations. But, concede Ann and Kathy of New Jersey, mothers of two toddlers, “Maybe two men with kids (and with no ‘Mom’) might get a different reaction.” No parent wants her/his child to be put in an uncomfortable situation. Some male couples even prefer mainstream resorts to avoid the prejudice they feel from other gays, who may think having kids is a “hetero” thing to do.
“I’ve never been to a lesbian resort and I certainly wouldn’t choose to go to one,” insists Australian Carol Ann, who travels frequently with three teens and a ‘tweener from a prior marriage, with and without her female partner. “I’m not a homogeneous type of person — our family’s idea of travel is more cultural — to go to India, visit a monastery, meet the monks.” Many years of international travel, including 12 summers on the gay-friendly Greek island of Mykonos, have given her kids, “an attitude that anything goes.”
The newly gay-welcoming Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (877/999-3223) have been a favorite with families for many years. The company’s Wyndham ByRequest guest loyalty program, which promises the pillow of your choice and other pre-selected, personalized amenities, is the umbrella under which gay, lesbian and other travelers are welcome. Deluxe, service-oriented resorts such as the El Conquistador (866/317-8932) in Puerto Rico and The Peaks (866/282-4557) in Telluride, Colorado — each with their own superb outlet of the Golden Door Spa — have award-winning children’s programs, wonderful facilities for sports and recreation, and a pet-friendly policy. (Some resorts even offer pet massages through their Golden Door Spa progam!)
In 2005, these resorts and some Wyndham properties, such as The Boulders in Arizona; Palm Springs and Hollywood hotels in California; Key West and Miami hotels in Florida; Boston; and Philadelphia, became official members of the IGLTA – the world’s leading travel trade association committed to the gay and lesbian tourism business. The company says many other Wyndham hotels and resorts will become IGLTA-approved next year. This synergy makes Wyndham a good choice for same-sex couples who prefer a diverse mix of clientele; their guests typically come as much for the beautiful resorts as for the noted spa treatments, tennis, golf, watersports and ski facilities.
The Viva Wyndham brand of self-contained, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean is another option popular with families. Same-sex couples should be extremely discreet when touring most Caribbean isles, where homosexuality of any type is culturally (and often, legally) taboo. Note: As part of its new LGBT initiative, Wyndham will offer specially-designed commitment ceremonies at some of its resorts, making them ideal honeymoon destinations for same-sex couples with children and step-children.
Many families – gay or straight – prefer the privacy (and anonymity) that rental homes or condos provide. The gay-welcoming Club Sunterra (800/GETAWAY) is self-described as “one of the world’s largest vacation ownership companies, with more than 300,000 owner member families and 100 affiliated resort locations in 13 countries.” Sunterra’s Americas destinations include Arizona, California, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia and the Caribbean. Travelers will find that many of these timeshare resorts have studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment or townhouse style units that are available as rentals to families who don’t have an ownership stake. The prices are moderate and the facilities exceed most hotel standards: kitchens, extra bedding (such as pullout sofas), balconies, fireplaces, pools, hot tubs, laundry facilities, restaurants, spas, supervised children’s programs and myriad recreation opportunities are demanded by year-round owners — and provided at each property to renters as part of their fee.
Location and recreational opportunities are not the only factors that go into choosing a vacation. A key for any family travel planner is the participants’ ages. When interviewed, the dads of 1- and 4-year-old daughters said they would prefer to vacation at a resort with other gay families with toddlers. But they acknowledged that when the girls get older, they’ll prefer to spend time with their peers. “Our friends have said that when we have teens, we’ll be going to regular places like Club Med, where we can find something for everyone,” they sigh. In fact, Club Med (88/WEBCLUB) has a long history of working with gay and lesbian tour operators who typically book an entire resort for a week-long LGBT group. While these are mainly all-gay, adult, party-oriented affairs, Club Med management insists that their sophisticated staff and clientele are used to welcoming same sex couples with children at any resort, any time of year. A spokesperson adds, “Our focus is on the child in the activities program, not who their parents are.”
Classic Gay Destinations Welcome Families
America’s top gay resort destinations include Key West, Florida (see FTF’s coverage of Key West here); Palm Springs, California (see FTF’s coverage of Palm Springs here); Provincetown, Massachusetts; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. While a large destination resort makes an easy, self-defined vacation on its own, many families prefer the smaller, more intimate and cheaper getaways to inns and B&Bs. That type of lodging abounds in these destinations.
Provincetown, Massachusetts is a favorite destination for many families and gays. During the annual Family Pride Week, its Main Street is transformed by LGBT parents and their kids, window-shopping and strolling from early morning to well past midnight. One same-sex couple and teen that have spent many summers in Provincetown prefers a condo, where they can prepare meals before and after a day at the beach. They recommend renting a condo through In Town Reservations (866/376-5170).
Among Provincetown’s many B&Bs and small hotels is the Benchmark Inn & Central (888/487-7440) a member of the Foremost Gay & Lesbian Hotels group, but a very family-welcoming place. Five of its 14 rooms will accommodate a family of three, and there’s no charge for children under 6 years sharing a room, if they use existing bedding. The Four Gables Cottages (866/487-2427) in the town’s west end is also recommended. Here, kids and pets fill the 1940’s-style Cape Cod cottages, each with its own porch and kitchen.
The South Florida area has a gay haven in Greater Ft. Lauderdale, an area with 23 miles of beaches (three of them gay-friendly), more than 100 gay-owned establishments and more than 30 gay or lesbian-oriented accommodations. While most are members of the active Rainbow Carpet Lodging & Hospitality Alliance (954/258-9915), few allow guests under 18. Instead, this beach town has sister resorts, the Sheraton Yankee Trader (954/467-1111) and the Sheraton Yankee Clipper (954/524-5551). Both are similar white highrises on the broad, gold sand Ft. Lauderdale Beach, and each has its own steak restaurant, 24-hour deli, poolside grill, laundry room, private childcare with advance notice, and daily recreation program. The smaller Yankee Trader has 459 rooms and a tennis courts, the larger Yankee Clipper has 500 rooms yet sends its guests next door to the Trader’s tennis courts. Both are known for thfeir friendly staff and top value rates.
Nearby is Orlando, every family’s dream vacation. The success of the annual Gay Day celebration, held the first week of June, is further proof of growing tolerance of the LGBT market. More than 10,000 guests have attended this event, noted Brian Bottorff, the festival organizer, in an interview. While he cited several hotels, such as the Wyndham Palace Resort, that were selling themselves as “boy hotels” or the Courtyard by Marriott that billed itself as a “girl hotel,” he noted that same sex-couples with children, an important segment of festival-goers, had almost sold out the Hilton brand Doubletree Suites (800/222-TREE) and Embassy Suites (800/EMBASSY) hotels affiliated with Walt Disney World. Added amenities, extra sleeping quarters, guaranteed early admission to some of the theme parks, and character breakfasts, noted Bottoroff, made these properties the most popular with families.
Other cities popular with families are making their orientation known. The city of Minneapolis (888/676-MPLS) boasts one of the nation’s top children’s theatres, the enormous Mall of America, fine museums, dining and recreation facilities. It’s also the home of Rainbow Families, one of America’s largest gay, lesbian, bigender and transsexual parenting organizations, with more than 2,000 family members. Working with the local tourist promotion board, they have created a very useful website, www.glbtminneapolis.org that features all of the wonderful things to do with kids when visiting Minneapolis and the region, and lists a calendar of local Rainbow Family events and conferences. Note Safe Space, the nation’s first after-school recreation center for LGBT teens, their friends and families.
Washington DC, not considered the most “open” city during the George W. Bush administration, is actually a popular destination for gay and lesbian travelers, and certainly for families with children. (See FTF’s coverage of Washington DC here.) The nearby beach community of Rehoboth, Delaware, known for its Atlantic beach, lively boardwalk, shops, and attractions for all ages, has recently begun welcoming LGBT families as a summer playground.
Cruises For The Gay Family
The family market remains a huge segment of the cruise industry, with many cruise lines vying for parents by instituting new kids clubs, teen lounges and juvenile massages, plus skating rinks, rock walls, and cyber cafes. For gay families, the only success story is R Family Vacations (866/732-6822), a tour company begun by Rosie O’Donnell. R Family Vacations offers an annual chartered family cruise from New York harbor. Instead of returning to the Bahamas, its original port of call, the chartered Norwegian Dawn has sailed up the New England coast to Canada.
A heart-warming account by Liza Schoenfein of the 2004 journey published in Out Traveler (May 2005) begins, “I looked around at the joyous seas of parents and children who had come from near and far for this floating festival of family diversity…”
As the travel industry continues to make social progress, a landscape of diversity will be something to aspire to.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
Thank you so much for your beautiful article!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.