Swimming With Manatees, Gentle Giants of the Sea
Swim and explore the undersea world of the manatee in Crystal River, home to the largest concentration of Florida manatees in the world. These lovable mammals are native to the bays and fresh-water estuaries around the towns of Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida. Although only 85 miles west of Orlando, it's a vacation experience that's a world away in natural beauty and Southern charm.
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Join the Royals at Windsor Castle
One of the noblest of treats on a London holiday lies on the outskirts of London -- the town of Windsor and its famous Windsor Castle, which makes every visitor feel regal. The Royal castle, dating from the 11th century, is still used today by Queen Elizabeth and the Royals as a private weekend residence. Perhaps most famously, it was the wedding venue of Prince Henry of...
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Berlin, Germany Attractions
As one of Europe's hottest cities, Berlin, Germany is teeming with the latest shops, restaurants, galleries, clubs and boutique hotels. But it's also a city with a rich history and a lively art center, where monuments, government buildings, classic museums and creative venues have been designed for foreign visitors, locals and the next generation. Read on for what's best with kids, and for further...
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Chicago, Illinois Attractions
With museums, theatre and outdoor fun galore, Chicago is a happening destination for family travelers of all ages. You can plan a visit at any time of year -- it's never too windy in our book. So even if the Obamas showed you all of their favorite Chicago haunts, read on and you may learn about a few more attractions from us. (FTF may receive an affiliate commission through some links in this story.) ...
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The Internet of Things Sails Out to Sea
In a technologically stunning presentation in New York, Royal Caribbean Cruises unveiled its next generation of digital innovations aimed at making the passenger experience “frictionless”—giving back to the passenger time wasted in lines, in waiting for bags to arrive, in ordering food and booking events and experiences. The program is due to roll out across the fleet by early 2018. It’s...
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Cuba is Closer at the American Museum of Natural History
Cuba, a Caribbean isle whose recently unmuted siren song is attracting sophisticated travelers, has just come a little closer. In conjunction with the island nation of Cuba opening up to foreign influence at political, touristic and economic levels, its culture and biodiversity have planted a beachhead in New York’s American Museum of Natural History. The new exhibit ¡CUBA! is...
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Mixing Fun and Volunteering on a Fathom Cruise
The recently created Fathom Cruises, a division of the mammoth Carnival Cruise Line, offers a kind of social good cruise unprecedented in the industry. For the inaugural Dominican Republic itinerary, that translates to two days cruising from Miami each way, and three days docked at Amber Cove to give back to the Puerto Plata community. The concept is to combine travel with “social impact,” providing...
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Spring Skiing: Squaw Alpine Does It Right
Think T-shirts, hiking shorts and polypropylene socks and you'll get a hint of the magic of spring ski season while the snow lasts. I know from experience that families want good snow plus sunshine on a spring break snowsports adventure. While the Christmas-New Year break is a crowded and expensive time, the spring and Easter breaks are dramatically less so, due mainly to the fact that different...
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How A Global Entry Card Will Reduce Airport Hassles
Over the past month, I've been going through the process of joining the Global Entry program. The government enticed me by saying, "Global Entry is a national program enabling Customs and Border Protection (CPB) officers to quickly facilitate low-risk travelers entering the U.S. at certain international airports." And friends assured me it's really true. Having access to self-serve...
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Tour the World from the Comfort of Your Theater Seat
"Traveling Papers" has to be among the rarest of theater events -- a play based on travel writing -- and among the easiest and most fun trips I've ever taken. I am pleased to report that it is a very entertaining play and, for inveterate travelers, literary buffs and even armchair travelers, not to be missed in its limited Off-Broadway run in New York.Utilizing a mixture of quotes about travel...
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Snow Thrills at Valcartier Vacation Village in Quebec
Imagine a snow-capped theme park that in winter has as many sled and tubing rides as the major waterparks, and in summer melts into a major waterpark, too. Say “Bonjour” to Village Vacances Valcartier, located within a half hour drive of Quebec City, Canada. For snow tubing on steroids – with toddler-friendly snow playgrounds and teen-thrilling...
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Windham Mountain Resort, New York’s Best Kept Ski Secret
Sometimes time and circumstances don't permit us to get to the very best or biggest mountain resort for a family snow getaway - that's when you discover resorts like this metro-area New York secret which offer a real vacation and money savings.Windham Mountain Resort is one of the sweetest family ski destinations in New York's Catskill Mountain area, and even in all of New York State. When...
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Alta, On Top Of The Ski World In Utah
Snow-loving families know Little Cottonwood Canyon shelters the hardcore charms of Alta, a classic mountain resort which celebrated its 75th anniversary in the 2012-2013 winter season. Within a 45-minute drive of the Salt Lake City Airport, this valley of the Wasatch Range finds snowboarders (along with loads of skiers) taking one fork to
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Winterlude in Ottawa
Pack your bags and head to the capital and shy star of Ontario province -- Ottawa, Canada -- for a winter wonderland.Among Canadian cities, Ottawa best straddles the nation's cultural schisms. It sits at the confluence of three rivers -- the Rideau, the Ottawa, and the Gatineau -- and right on the lingually-charged Ontario/Québec border. Queen Victoria picked it as the Canadian national...
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New York Museum Introduces Kids to Disease, Natural Disasters in Fun Way
The recent publicity about the rapid spread of the deadly Ebola virus in central Africa should lure travelers to New York’s American Museum of Natural History to see the uplifting “Countdown To Zero: Defeating Disease.” The new exhibit explores continuing efforts to eradicate certain diseases and is a good starting point for discussing global health and poverty with school-age...
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Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
When there's snow in Colorado, having Bachelor the golden lab reclining by the grand fireplace makes the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch the ultimate in luxury and warmth for a family snowsports vacation. As you drive up the valley to Beaver Creek, you will pass the cutoff for Bachelor Gulch, which actually sits on the hill just above Avon. Let’s be clear, however – for...
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Exploring The Wild West In Fort Worth, Texas
For over 140 years, Fort Worth, Texas has fully earned its nickname, “Cowtown.” So, if you’ve come to Texas for a taste of the Old West, this is the place.From the late 1870s until the mid 1980s, the Fort Worth Stockyards (817/625-9715) was a major business, drawing cattle from all over the state.Originally it...
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Skiing Sunday River Is A Peak Maine Experience
Our family was thrilled at the quality of the ski experience we found at Sunday River in Maine. A favorite of New England skiers and an easy reach from Portland (1.5 hours) Boston (3.5 hours), Sunday River is, arguably, one of the best ski mountains in the Northeast . Good Snow, Good Grooming, Nice Runs at Sunday RiverStarting with the mountain -- eight...
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Copenhagen, Denmark Attractions
Celebrate the Little Mermaid's centennial in a city packed with fine arts, family-friendly attractions and accessibility; the Scandinavian capital of Copenhagen, Denmark is a great place for a sophisticated and cultural family vacation. Copenhagen is truly one of Europe's superb cities, an eminently livable, bikable, walkable urban environment of pleasing, older,...
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The Best Credit Card And Foreign Exchange Rates For International Travel
Looking for the best credit card with no international fees and the smartest way to exchange currency? Savvy travelers know the challenges and money-saving strategies for managing their vacation dollars in a foreign country. The best approaches can save you substantial amounts of money. Remember the old days when the first thing you did when arriving at a foreign airport was change money...
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Waterfront Fun And Festivals In Norfolk, Virginia
Each June at Harborfest, the mid-size American city of Norfolk, Virginia turns out to be a family destination of major merit and interest. Norfolk is actually home to more than 100 annual festivals, the grandest of which is Harborfest, a three-day harbor-oriented extravaganza which unfolds each year in mid to late June. Festivities start with the Parade...
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The Real Turks And Caicos
A family of FTF experts share their experience on the beautiful beaches of Providenciales and the other islands of the TCI. If you ask upscale family travelers where Turks and Caicos is, many will respond with, "Oh, that's where Beaches is." It's true that the very popular, all-inclusive Beaches Turkoise resort is on Providenciales, the busiest of the eight inhabited (40 total) T&C Islands....
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Cheap Skiing In Family-Friendly Brighton, Utah
Brighton is this skier's pick for the best value snowsports vacation in Utah, where ski hills are many, close to Salt Lake City and super competitive.Salt Lake City, Utah sits in the epicenter of one of the richest collections of ski mountains in the United States. Within 45 minutes' of baggage claim, you’ll reach 10 mountains worthy of that annual family ski vacation. If value...
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Legoland Windsor, Britain’s Themepark
Let Family Travel Forum show you around this wonderful theme park for children in England, a fabulous day trip from London for kids ages 3-11 years and Lego fans of any age. Let's cut straight to the essentials: there are currently 55 million Lego bricks at Legoland Windsor, with more arriving every day. Which is why anyone in London with child in tow will find the gravitational pull from...
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Denmark Family Attractions
In addition to the many delights of Copenhagen, Denmark boasts Helsingor, Hillerod, Odense and Roskilde, towns of rural charm and varied local cultures.Our base for exploration of Denmark was Copenhagen, at the Scandic Hotel Copenhagen. It is conveniently located at Vester Søgade 6 (+45 33 14 35 35), just 5 minutes from Tivoli Gardens and a few...
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A Gentleman Rancher At Wildcatter Ranch, Graham, Texas
Ask a Texan to choose between a dude ranch and a fine dining, wellness spa, and Hill Country resort, and this is what you get for a great family vacation.In the lexicon of guest ranches there are “dude” ranches and then there are “resort” ranches. Texas’ Wildcatter Ranch bills itself as a resort ranch, though I would call it a just little bit of heaven in the West...
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The U.K. Snow
I can safely say, without any hesitation, unequivocally, without any shadow of a doubt I bleeding hate the snow. Fun for 1 day and so pretty but the UK is just not setup for this kind of weather and it grinds to a halt. I am really sick of being stuck at home. I live on...
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What’s happened in Haiti
I have been reading about the terrible earthquake that struck Haiti, just outside the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Estimates are now of more than 100,000 people killed by this earthquake with a magnitude of 7. I don't know about you, but I think that this is close to the last place that needs such a tragedy. The people of Haiti struggle enough already. I visited there many...
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Vermont’s Smugglers Notch For Grown-Ups
A Vermont mountain known for its super children's programs makes the thrill of discovery available in an adults-only camp rated M. There's something funny about Smugglers' Notch Resort, a ski area tucked away in northern Vermont at the foot of a mountain pass (Smuggler's Notch) over which the rum runners used to haul hootch at night. It's a bit hidden because the condos and base area are...
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Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Whale-watching, black raspberry-picking, hiking, good eating, arts n' crafts, and elk-tracking are a few of the quiet family pleasures to be found in California's most popular park preserve. Whale-watching, black raspberry-picking, hiking, good eating, arts n' crafts, and elk-tracking are a few of the quiet family pleasures to be found in California's most popular park preserve.
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Bozman, Maryland
We were RV camping on the Chesapeake Bay peninsula a few years ago, when I noticed on the map a town with my family name: Bozman, Maryland. We had to go visit, and soon discovered an almost timeless outpost of Americana on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, not far from the bustling-but-cute tourist haven of St. Michael's. Of course, we seized every photo op in town. We...
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Utah’s Sky High Deer Valley Resort
How posh can your family ski vacation get? Learn about Utah's top-notch celebrity getaway and decide if it offers value to you.In the universe of upscale ski resorts, Utah's Deer Valley Resort rests comfortably in the upper cosmos. It was founded in 1981 by the family that then owned the lush Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco. Their concept...
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Turks And Caicos: Hotels, Resorts, And Restaurants
Drawing from their trip to the Atlantic islands of Turks & Caicos, the authors offer tips on some of the best family accommodations and dining venues. Provo's Family Resorts and Condominiums Most families will arrive in the Turks & Caicos in Providenciales (also known as Provo), and most will choose one of its deluxe beachfront hotels or condominiums. Most are comfortable and full...
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Finding Freedom At Boston’s Liberty Hotel
Hip, new Boston, Massachusetts hotel -- families looking for a happening place to stay can find a "Get Out of Jail" pass at Boston's reformed jailhouse.Most of us will never spend a night in jail, but at Boston's Liberty Hotel, you can come close by sleeping in an elegant hotel built upon the former Charles Street Jail building. There's no punishment involved, as the mid-19th-century...
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Rotterdam, Netherlands Hotels And Resorts
Rotterdam is a compact city, with most of the elements of interest to tourists grouped near the harbor. There are several hotels which would be suitable for traveling families in this area. There are also several hostels; one of which is a sailing ship, one of which is to be found in the architecturally significant and striking Cube Houses. As in many European hotels, it’s sometimes difficult...
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Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort
This writer examines one of the top resorts at Beaver Creek that will suit your family's needs.Winding west from Denver, through the long and narrow Vail Valley, and a few miles north through the friendly town of Avon, we arrive at the two resort areas of Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch, both developments at the base of the exclusive Beaver Creek mountain. From many points, you can see...
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Family-Friendly River Outfitters
Selecting the best outfitter for your family's whitewater rafting adventure may be the most crucial decision you'll make; here are some recommendations. When you're ready to raft with three generations, as I recently did with my parents and children, contact your travel agent or one of the top outfitters below, all of which welcome families. Most of these companies plan trips...
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Off-Road Adventures On Dirtbikes And ATVs
Take the high road on introducing ATV and dirtbike riding to kids: safety always comes first and practice makes perfect. As a family, we have always enjoyed the adventure sports of speed—skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, jet skiing, go-karting. So, when Kawasaki Motors Corp. offered an opportunity to test ride some of their new line of dirt bikes and ATVs (collectively known as...
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Jet Ski Adventures For The Family
A curious dad and an adventurous son discover the joy of jet skis on a Connecticut River outing, and learn about personal watercraft safety in the process.There are many sporting activities that families can enjoy together, depending on the kids' (and parents') appetite for adventure, the locale and the family budget. We've been snowmobiling in Finland, skiing and snowboarding...
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Dressed To Kill Sunburn, Sweat And Mosquitoes in ExOfficio
Adventuring families embarking on a big trip need the right clothes to go from day trip to dinner table and ExOfficio makes many stylish and practical options.Regular travelers know how tough it is to stay cool, calm and pressed on the road. Now, from the adventure outfitter ExOfficio comes...
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Segwaying Your Way Through The World
Introducing kids to two-wheeled electric sightseeing aboard the innovative Segway personal transporter is a pleasure for adults, too. While in Paris last year, my family rented bikes for a leisurely biking tour through that magical city. At the rental shop, we were struck with a massive attack of Segway Envy as we watched other families roll away from the rental shop for their guided tour...
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White Water White Hair: River Rafting For All Ages
With grandparents along, a Canadian whitewater rafting trip becomes an unforgettable multi-generational adventure. As they sipped a caffe latté in the Nouveau Monde office off Mont Tremblant's main square, Doris and Bill Bozman were remarkably calm. They were touring Québec to celebrate a 55th wedding anniversary and had joined me, their son, and my family for a day of river rafting...
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A Long Winter’s Weekend In Berlin, Germany
To a family who adore off-season weekend trips to Europe, Berlin before Christmas is the most child-friendly place of all. Don't miss the city's famed Christmasmarkets, too.Berlin is one of the most exciting and, at the same time, enigmatic cities in Europe. In the years of dual Germanys, it was an island of the West floating deep in the sea of East Germany. Long a hotspot of Cold...
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Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, California
Hollywood's classiest upscale hotel transforms itself on request into an urban resort for sightseeing families.You might have heard of the Beverly Wilshire, a legendary hotel smack dab in the epicenter of posh Beverly Hills, especially if you've seen the movie Pretty Woman, filmed there some years ago. Fortunately, the glamorous reality lives up to the cinematic legend and...
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From Aswan To Luxor: Egypt Along The Nile
A cruise on the Nile River makes for an exciting - and surprisingly affordable - family trip to Egypt. Here's an account of how history can come alive when you fix in some fun and good food. A cruise on the Nile River makes for an exciting - and surprisingly affordable - family trip to Egypt. Here's an account of how history can come alive when you fix in some fun and good food. There...
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