Ceud Mile Failte – one hundred thousand welcomes greet families who choose a Scottish road trip (including a stop to see Loch Ness) during the summer festival season.
Scotland is known for its festivals, and the summer is a great time to visit and experience one of the country’s many celebrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and farther afield. To encourage family travel, the Scottish National Tourist Organization is offering the Children Welcome program where businesses and attractions are welcoming families and have a genuine interest in meeting their needs. This warm welcome extends from the major cities and cultural centers to the rural parts of the country.
Since 2007, Scottish tourism officials have worked to publicize Highland culture, a little known aspect of this beautiful country. The Highlands are made up of several mountainous regions in the north and overlap with the Highlands and Islands regions in the north west, which are serviced by an efficient ferry system. We suggest a 7-10 day driving itinerary through the Scottish countryside to enjoy the many things on offer. The extensive Scottish road network makes driving easier, and you can follow up on my recommended attractions by using this online route planner to help plan the exact route you will take.
Travelers will get the chance to experience all that Scottish culture has to offer, and not just in the fashionable cities. This year-long celebration of a rich Highland history encompasses six strands of culture – arts, heritage, sport, environment, science and language. Each village will celebrate their own local identity, with a huge number of events ranging from Highland games to traditional music to outdoor adventures. Many of these events are free, and with so many choices — especially in summer — there should be something for the whole family. Though summers tend to be cool and wet, the weather changes so frequently here that it makes for a good topic of conversation (and a good reminder to wear layers).
Aberdeen: A City in Bloom
A good place to start your vacation is in Aberdeen, the third largest city in Scotland. This city in the east is diverse, full of international culture, and comes with its own sandy beach, though this beach is better for strolling than for swimming. With unique castles close by, outdoor activities are easy to get to. In the city, famous Union Street, known as the Granite Mile, brings you to 800 shops, bars and restaurants. Aberdeen is also known for winning 13 “Britain in Bloom” awards, with its beautiful flower-filled parks adding some color to a city of gray granite.
If you’re in the city, celebrate the arts with the kids at the annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival. It takes place over 10 days early in August, when dance, theatre, music, and more are featured across the city. Visit www.aiyf.org for more information on this cultural highlight. If you’re looking for a trip outside the city, Scottish Highland Games are a great and fun choice. Across the Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands, there are 14 games throughout the summer, mostly on the weekends.
Highland dancing, piping, events such as Tossing the Caber, and even a children’s sack race are featured at Braemar, just a two-hour drive outside Aberdeen. The Queen and other British Royals are also known to make annual appearances at the festive Braemar games. As a local event, it is a more intimate gathering than larger festivals, and is a ton of fun. For more information on the event, to buy tickets and for accommodation, go to www.braemarscotland.co.uk. Dates and information on other Scottish Highland Game events across the country can be found here.
Other fun stops as you make your way across the Highlands include wildlife trips. Gemini Marine Tours is one option in the fishing village of Buckie, a 1 ½-2 hour drive from both Aberdeen and Inverness. Sail past fishing villages and Findlater Castle, spotting seabirds and marine wildlife along the way. This tour boat carries only 12 passengers so it fills up quickly. Tickets for adults cost £25; children under 16 pay £18. The tours last 2 ½ hours, with two or three trips daily.
Inverness, the Highlands Crossroad
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a great spot to start exploring from if you’d rather fly into the Highlands at Inverness rather than Aberdeen. Or if starting in Aberdeen, this crossroads of the Highlands is a good spot to rest. Pedestrian-friendly High Street is filled with places to shop and eat. In the city, Whin Park is perfect for kids with a boating pond and play area. Adults may be interested in the records for geneology research at the Inverness Library.
Outside the city, try a dolphin-watching boat trip at Nairn, a Victorian seaside resort east of Inverness, with award-winning beaches and many historical and cultural attractions.
Between Inverness and Nairn, you might want to stop at the Highland Aviation Museum at the Inverness airport. This museum is open to the public for the first two weekends of each month as they restore their aircrafts. For more information, visit their website.
One popular stop if you’re in Inverness is the famous Loch Ness. The whole family can enjoy the beautiful scenery of this lake, and wonder at the creature that may hide beneath its waters. Nessie, as the Loch Ness monster is affectionately known, brings thousands of visitors each year. Deepscan Cruises leave from the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre to view Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen and this is a great way to check out the scenery. The Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre offers multimedia exhibitions not just about the infamous monster, but also about the loch and Scotland.
Also nearby, visitors can find shopping, pony trekking, and Urquahrt Castle to explore. On the north shore of the lake, Divach Falls, an easy, family-friendly walking area from the village of Drumnadrochit, is the main monster spotting area, so get your cameras ready!
Rugged Western Highlands
In the west, the regions of Skye and Lochalsh offer beautiful, rugged scenery, coastal beaches, gentle walks, wildlife cruises, watersports, and more. This area of Scotland is a great place for sightseeing, but if the wee ones are getting bored, a fun stop is the Skye Serpentarium Reptile World in Broadford. An award-winning reptile exhibition and breeding center, kids will love the interactive handling sessions with snakes, turtles, lizards and frogs (though Mom might think differently).
The village of Elgol on the isle of Skye is on Loch Coriusk, claiming to be the best viewpoint in Scotland. With Misty Isle Boat Trips, you can see if it lives up to its reputation. Sea birds, dolphins and porpoises, whales, seals at sunset and even a basking shark can be spotted on these cruises, and will delight family members of all ages. Choose from a standard trip that lasts about 3 hours, an all-day trip for about 6 hours, or a view of the seals at sunset on a 1 ½-hour trip.
Details, Details
In the Highlands and throughout the country, families should look for the “Children Welcome” logo to ensure they’ve found a family-friendly holiday spot. Businesses participating in this program will provide a minimum of extras including children’s beds or cots, flexible eating times and children’s menus, extra safety features, adjoining or expanded family rooms, and much more. For all the details, and to see suggestions for kids of all age ranges, from wee pre-schoolers to teenagers, visit the Children Welcome website.
With the Children Welcome program, families can stay at some distinctly different places such as a wooden wigwam, a church, a cottage tent, train, or even a lighthouse! Check this link for more information.
One spot you might like to try is the Culloden House Hotel. Located in Inverness, this site is where Bonnie Prince Charles, a member of the royal Stuart family, set up his headquarters before the final battle during the Jacobite uprising in 1746 on Culloden Moor. Now these headquarters are a country house on almost 40 acres of land, including beautiful gardens, lakes, and parks. Golf, fishing and shooting packages are offered by the hotel, though they can fill up rather quickly. Private chauffeur tours are also available for a number of full-day trips, including visits to towns on the north and west coast.
Another unique place to stay is Tigh Dubh in Edinbane on the Isle of Skye. With self-catering accommodation for up to four people, this traditional Highland stone cottage is perfect for families interested in the outdoors. The house includes two single beds on the ground floor and two singles or one double bed in a loft (there are steep steps up to this sleeping platform, so it is not for suitable for under 5s). It is heated by a pot-bellied stove, with all other modern amenities including a color TV, fully equipped kitchen, a washer/dryer (for a small fee), electricity, bed linens (but no towels), and more. Available for week-long or three to four night stays, Tigh Dubh (which means “blackhouse” in Scottish Gaelic) is a great place to slow down and enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery for a few days.
Getting there is easy, as your family can fly into one of Scotland’s four airports directly (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness) or easily connect at a major European hub including London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam. For more information on car rentals, accommodation, and the large number of events and activities going on in the Highlands this summer, visit www.visitscotland.com.
2009 Events
The country’s major celebration is known as Homecoming Scotland and their site provides a calendar of year-round activities.
Inverness Fest
Where: Inverness
When: mid-July, 2009
Inverness celebrates traditional and modern Scottish culture in a festival featuring concerts, Highland games, traditional music, and other multicultural events. Later in the month, the Childrens Festival is especially fun, with puppet shows, face painting, arts and crafts, and treasure hunts featured in the city center.
Scottish Countryside Festival
Where: Glamis Castle
When: first weekend in September, 2009
This festival celebrates the rural traditions and games of Scotland at Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II. With tons of activities for children in the KidsZone and Childrens Corner, there are events for all ages, including fishing, archery, and crafts. Food from around the world will be readily available from a food hall and many stands throughout the festival, and children cooking events will take place as well.
Doors Open Days
Where: All over Scotland
When: Usually held each weekend in September
Heritage sites across the country offer free entrance to museums, tours, exhibitions, cathedrals, and more. Visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk for details on which places are opening their doors this year.
K.S.
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Hi BVIslands411 –
we really appreciate your comments and have just updated this story in response. Thanks for keeping us up to date! – editors
Please check this web site to get informations about trekking in Morocco.
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Hello,
I am giving away a free 30 minute Spanish class via Skype (conversation, grammar, etc. depending of your Spanish background. It could be from zero level to very advanced). I have more than 25 years of teaching experience and Spanish is my native language. So, don't miss this chance and write me to fit a schedule. Regular online Spanish classes via Skype are just $5/hour. I hope you will find the lesson very instructive and could ask for more lessons, but if not at least you will get your free lesson.
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There are so many great ranches that it is a fun challange to find the right one for you…but I have to say that the Dude Ranchers' Association website and directory are a very big help…you will find quality ranch vacations that will match what you are looking for. I recommend contacting the Association for more information.
Story tapes allow the driver to be amused and entertained along with the troops. The website Audible.com has a selection of stories for children and families and it allows you to preview a story to see if you like the reader.
A & J Aparments are no longer a vacation rental.
Sage Mountain Villas, the area code would be (284) not (809) we have not used that area code in many many years and is now used but the Dominican Republic.
Hello to all ! Great site. I am new here greetings to all from Poland.
Hello to all ! Great site. I am new here greetings to all from Poland.
These are all great options and sound like lots of fun. We've been planning to visit New Zealand and the Butterfield & Robinson vacations seem to be right up our alley.Thanks for the suggestion it sure beats me stressing over the details.
If you're looking for a place to stay try to have a look on http://www.rivierAds.com. Hope this helps.
For the bargain hunter, the beauty of Yosemite can still be enjoyed with an inexpensive stay at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging. The resort is now offering <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com">Yosemite lodging</a> starting at only $39 for two nights for a yurt that can accommodate up to five people. Yosemite cabins start at only $49 for two nights for a basic cabin that can accommodate four people. With the Yosemite National Park entrance fee of $20 per car for unlimited entries for seven days, a family can spend less than $100 for two days of Yosemite-area lodging and admission to the park. These special rates are available at http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-camping-specials.html during the fall and winter season. Some restrictions apply. Yosemite Pines (http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com) is an RV resort, campground, and lodge located near Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Pines offers <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-camping-rv-tent.html">Yosemite camping</a> near Yosemite National Park with full hook-up RV and campsites. Yosemite Pines also offers Yosemite lodging and <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-cabins-yurts.html">Yosemite cabin rentals</a> near Yosemite National Park with cabin and yurt rentals. Amenities include a clubhouse, gold mine, gold panning, petting zoo, swimming pool, hiking trail, general store, children’s playground, horseshoe pit, and volleyball.
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You can find information about the Caribean zone at http://www.Cahuita.cr
D.C. is incredible. I love going there for the cherry blossom festival and I have also been lucky enough to get a tour of the White House's West Wing.
The Verizon Center is a great place to see concerts, and the metro is such an easy and convenient way to get around.
I'm lucky to live just a couple hours away in Colonial Beach, a great little riverside resort town.
I always wanted to visit Jamaica with my kids (boys 7 & 12), but lots of people really discouraged me with horror stories about the safety and attitude of locals towards tourists. I was told if we decide to go just make sure we stay inside our resort. We love exploring and learning new things so this keeps me away.
Thanks,
busymom
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Hi Guys,
Just joined up, thought i would say Hi 🙂
Claire
You can contact this tour operator in South Africa that specializes in African Safari. http://www.journeyintoafrica.co.za/
Hi. I like your story. I'm here in Växjö on a study abroad semester from SFSU. I found a nice Miyata 12 speed and totally refurbished it, including a new free wheel and brake levers. My main question is how easy it is to get on Swedish highways? I giving serious thought to riding to Copenhagen via Malmo from Växjö. I'm sure I can make an average of 80 miles a day but I would really like to just hop on a highway and tread right to Malmo. Do you know if Swedes allow riding on larger roads? I had a some problems with this in the states.
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Thank you for the interesting piece about Provence, and for giving us the courage to consider a French holiday with OUR teenagers the coming summer! It sounds like it was a great time for all. Looking forward to following your further family holidays.
The Gaylord Resort is a great place, although it's a bit far from downtown Nashville. But if you don't mind driving a bit, it's an empire unto itself and older kids can amuse themselves for hours just exploring the place.
UNLESS ITS NOT A CROWDED DAY, I THINK THE CABLE CARS ARE A MAJOR PAIN WITH TODDLERS. I WOULD WAIT TIL KIDS ARE OLDER TO GO TO THE TROUBLE UNLESS YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE AND JOSSLE FOR A SEAT.
I ALSO THINK CROSSING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IS FUN, BUT ALSO LOST ON TODDLERS, SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO IT, SKIP THAT ATTRACTION OR MAYBE JUST WALK OUT A LITTLE WAYS.
THE EXPLORATORIUM SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR A COLD, FOGGY OR RAINY DAY – IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR LITTLE ONES TO RUN AROUND AND PUSH, PULL AND POKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.
if you're in Scotland you have to try the national dish, haggis, just don't tell your children what it is! It's actually quite delicious. Scots often refer to dessert as pud or pudding, but they mean the entire gamut of dessert items, not just pudding.
I think it's important to get out of the city and go into the country if you get the time. Check the calendars to see where a Scottish game might be where there will be bagpipers, the tossing of the caber, and all kinds of interesting Highland games. They take place throughout the spring and summer throughout the country and are well worth a detour.
I'd skip Poble Espanyol in Barcelona — way too touristy — unless you want to take advantage of the kids crafts activities.
Kids adore Gaudi's crazy Sagrada Familia, the high-spired church that soars above the skyline. Pay to take the elevator up and then climb down the tight spiral staircase – your kids will be thrilled.
Barcelona;s beachfront was developed during the Olympics, it's now a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with the kids after too much busy city-touring.
Another great kid pleaser is the aerial tram ride up to Montjuic where older kids may enjoy the Olympics museum or a quick stop in the Miro museum.
Villa Cosmica
Villa Cosmica is located on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, far away from the noise, where only the sound of wild birds and the whispering of the waves colliding in the ocean will awaken you every morning. Enjoy this 5 bedroom house, where all bedrooms surround a beautiful swimming pool with a Jacuzzi for 10 people and the most marvellous view to the bay is just a glance away from you. All the bedrooms have air conditioning, also our T.V. room with a game table and SKY cable at your service. Our living room, in the center of the villa is open to the breeze, under a beautiful palapa roof with a small bar to pamper all your senses.
Bedrooms: 5 Sleeps: 10 Baths: 6
Floors: 2 Parking Space: 2 Year Built: 2007
Size of Unit: 450 sq. mts.
Period Nightly Weekly Monthly
Jan 6, 2009 – Apr 30, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2009 – Nov 15, 2009 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2009 – Dec 17, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2009 – Jan 5, 2010 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
Jan 6, 2010 – Apr 30, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2010 – Nov 15, 2010 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2010 – Dec 17, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2010 – Jan 5, 2011 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
http://www.pvrpv.com
Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the lush jungle greenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling waters of one of the world’s largest bays, The Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta has earned an international reputation as one of the best Gay tourist cities in the world.
Being a port city and a destination for many cruise lines including RSVP and Atlantis, Puerto Vallarta is tolerant and abundant with all things gay.
The center of the activity is the charming section of old town known as The Zona Romantica. Here you will find cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and lovely white washed buildings rich with Spanish architecture. Many gay owned and gay friendly businesses including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries for every pallet and taste, fill the narrow streets of this splendid fishing village.
Coming Events
There are no scheduled events.
Most tourists spend their day on the gay beach. With its white sand and raging surf Playa Los Muertos is the place to be and be seen. Find a deck chair, sit back and relax and let the friendly servers indulge you with great cocktails and yummy food while you unwind and watch whales and dolphins frolic in the blue ocean waters. If beaching is not for you, Puerto Vallarta offers many gay tours to fill your days. Bay cruises, horseback riding through the jungle, bike rides along the Rio Cuale and canopy tours are just a few of the many activities available.
Late afternoon the roof top bars of the gay hotels offer entertainment and a place to enjoy and view spectacular sunsets. These lively spots are crowded with beautiful men and women drinking, laughing and sharing their stories. After the sun sinks into the ocean, it’s time for dinner. From internationally recognized 5 star restaurants to small local eateries Puerto Vallarta is a foody’s delight. At last count, Puerto Vallarta boosted over 1100 restaurants of every description. Haute cuisine to meatloaf, the list of places to dine is extensive and wonderful.
Being a top gay destination, Puerto Vallarta offers more gay bars and dance clubs than most mid-sized American cities. Cantinas, martini bars, stripper and drag shows and fabulous dance clubs await you. As some of the clubs serve until 6am, most are not busy until 1am, so it is advisable to take that all important ¨Disco nap¨ before heading out.
While the vast majority of gay travelers are from Canada and the United States, Vallarta, recently has seen an increase in gay tourists from Europe and as far away as Australia. Gay men and women world wide are discovering and falling in love with the little spot of paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, making it Mexico’s and perhaps the world’s, gay mecca.
It’s good to be gay and it’s great to travel to such a gay friendly resort town. Puerto Vallarta beckons and embraces its gay tourists and it will be a spot you will return to often.
Agree that the skiing is absolutely terrific – the tram to the top of the mountain makes this resort absolutely awesome top to bottom. But I think there is one level of skier/rider who would have trouble – the advanced beginner or beginning intermediate. There isn't as much terrain to select for this group. But it's a resort that you definitely have to experience at least once – and you might get hooked and never want to go anywhere else!
It's important to start 'em young! Of all the family vacations you can pick that can last through the decades, skiing is the very best. When the kids are little you get a break because they're having fun in ski school. When they're older and more accomplished you can ski together. When they're teens and are whizzing past you, you can still ride up the chairlift with them and have them to yourself in the condo. Then when they're in college, you get to spend quality time with them on the slopes and in the condo because you're buying your lift ticket. It's a family vacation that can continue on as a tradition until you're too old to strap on a pair of skis…
i think many accidents occur when new teen or young men (and sometimes women) who are not very experienced are out with their much-more experienced pals. They get talked into trying a part of the mountain that is too much for them and then they try to keep up. They get themselves into trouble that way and often are injured.
If you are looking into hostels and you are a family, call the hostel to get a sense of the character of the place. We went to a hostel once with our elementary age kids(not in a ski area) and it was filled with young 20 somethings and teens having lots of fun – smoking pot in the parking lot, partying, etc. Even though some hostels have family rooms, if the place is full of kids it can be uncomfortable. Some hostels do have older visitors and more families, so it pays to ask.
Don't forget to plan some time to see some of the other attractions in Monterey, like the aquarium, which has an amazing sea horse exhibition coming up and take a drive to Point Lobos to hike around and Big Sur to see some of California's most spectacular coastline. Have lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur.
Great advice and some fun ideas for new places to try. thanks for sharing your family secrets!
All of Wyoming is a great destination with kids, but my family especially loved this place because it is really a unique bit of the Old West. Definitely worth a detour!
Hello People,
I Just joined up and am trying edit my profile but i can't see the button!! probably staring me in the face lol
thanks guys
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The 25-year-old tour company Wildland Tours has a family vacation package for 2009. It will be a great multi-generational adventure for folks who like whales, puffins, comfortable hotels, and the many wonders of Newfoundland.
Just stopping by to say that the fourm seems to be a great place so i thought that i would signup and join in on all the fun
Hello People,
Just joined! I'm liking it around here 🙂 hopefully i can contribute something to the forum in future.
G
Great article- I am a resident of oregon and my family and I enjoy the coast and central oregon. Oregon has some of the best fishing in the northwest and such a diverse climate to choose from year round. The weather is very tempermental and almost impossible to plan around so bring a rain coat and sunglasses. I think this article gave a pretty good overview of everything that Oregon has to offer.
Sunriver Resort is a quality organization with a great reputation in Oregon. I have been to sunriver probebly 10 times since moving to Oregon and we have used the resort 7 times to book vacation rental accomodations. I highly recomend them and also visiting Sunriver.
Good hotel in a great location.
I find it to be a good value hotel, breakfast facilities are one of the best i have seen. Room is great for people on a budget who want the amenities and cleanliness of a 5 star. I'm very happy with our choice.
Hello Cassiano!
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Thank you,
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Very useful for me. Thanks!
This is a very good article. Thank you.
Just wanted to add that we're on Central Daylight Time and now open at 9:30 am (Holiday World) and 10:30 am (Splashin' Safari). In 2009, we're introducing the World's Tallest Water Ride, Pilgrims Plunge, plus the new (free) HoliWatch program which will help separated family members find each other during their visit.