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Welcome to FamilyTravel.com!
FamilyTravel.com is dedicated to making family travel fun, rewarding, and affordable for the entire family. Find and book all your family vacations and family adventures here. Our family travel experts and partners bring you the best ideas and great rates on everything from family friendly hotels, to reunions to adventure travel. From Disney World and All Inclusive Resorts to family ski vacations and family whitewater vacations, we have the family vacation ideas for you! Sign up for our newsletter (it's easy ) to hear about the latest great travel deals. Tell your friends! We look forward to being partners in family travel.
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes & Pam Plesons
Read on for our Feature Articles, Family Travel News, Family Travel Deals, and Expert Travel Tips!
Planning Holidays with the Grandkids
by
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Intergenerational travel is on the rise. Busy family schedules and geographic distance sometimes prevent regular gatherings. Thus, “grand travel”, as one aspect of this growing trend is known, provides an opportunity for two generations to get to know each, and the world, a little better.
By spending time away, with parents out of the picture, grandchildren and their grandparents can forge their own special bond. Grand travel need not include a fancy holiday in a luxury resort or a visit to a trendy theme park. There are other options. Here are five:
1.Over the river and through the woods. Invite the grandkids to your place and then paint the town. They’ll love getting comfortable in your home and seeing your local sites. Check in with your Chamber of Commerce or Convention and Visitors Bureau for an update on great options for kids. Consult parents from your neighborhood or church for family-tested ideas. See your home town through the fresh eyes of youth.
Read on.
Your National Parks, Your Way
For every family, there is a perfect national park vacation. Choosing the right experience, however, requires a bit of planning and research as well as factoring in family dynamics such as age and fitness level.
“National park vacations are all about making memories, and even young children can have positive experiences they will remember for a long time,” said Judi Lages, a spokesperson for park operator Xanterra Parks & Resorts. “Some park experiences are perfect for families with older children while others call out to families with high-energy youngsters. And within most parks there are a wide variety of experiences from which to choose.”
Xanterra operates lodges, restaurants, gift shops, tours and other activities in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Crater Lake, Death Valley, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Everglades, Petrified Forest and Bryce Canyon National Parks and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Here are some suggestions: Read More!
Interested in Yellowstone?
Spring Strategies
Rentals Offer Family-Sized Getaways
Choose From Popular Destinations
Shopping for family fun this spring and summer travel season?
Look no further than EVRentals.com for accommodations that are perfect for family gatherings with the privacy and comforts of home. The website offers condos, villas and even beautiful homes at comparable pricing, or lower in some cases, as a traditional hotel stay and with no charges for extra people in the room.
Accommodations are as diverse as the destinations where they are located ranging from studio, one bedroom and two bedroom resort condos in popular U.S. destinations like Hawaii, Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida, Atlantic City. Or if you’re looking for great places to stay in Mexico and the Caribbean, you’ll find them at EVRentals.com. For the intercontinental traveler, there are cottages, villas, apartments and homes for rent in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Great Britain. Read more.
A Taste of Freedom: Adventure Cycling Releases First-Ever Day Trip Maps
New bicycle routes guide day-trippers — from beginners to experienced riders — through landmarks of Underground Railroad
Adventure Cycling has launched three new Underground Railroad day trip bicycle routes in the Ripley, Ohio area. As its first foray into creating maps for the day-tripper, Adventure Cycling predicts these routes will appeal to cycling newcomers as well as seasoned cyclists, featuring a short loop for beginners and longer loops for intermediate and advanced riders. Created by a partnership between Brown County Tourism and Adventure Cycling, the three loop routes start and end in downtown Ripley and take in a rich variety of Underground Railroad historic sites along the way. Read More!
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Steep Yourselves in BC Native Cultures
British Columbia has over two hundred unique Aboriginal peoples, each with their own distinct languages and cultures. Their cultures remain strong, rich, and diverse. Throughout the province local aboriginal tour guides continue the tradition of hospitality and provide a glimpse into their way of life and culture through adventure excursions, fishing trips, wildlife viewing and enriching educational programs.
The Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia website gives information on the diverse indigenous peoples in each region, including an introduction to culture, history, and heritage. Cultural events and festivals throughout the year are listed so visitors can take part in festivities when they are in any region. Travel information, with links, helps tourists navigate within the province from one region to another. |
For more information on the array of Aboriginal cultural and nature experiences available in British Columbia, visit www.aboriginalbc.com.
Guest Ranches Make Roughing It Easy
For nearly a century, travelers have visited guest ranches for an authentic taste of the old West. Today's wranglers and ranch hands are busy welcoming families eager to unplug from the hectic pace of modern life.
Horseback riding lessons, guided trips and individual trail rides are central activities. An experienced crew will match horses to riders of every ability and experience level. For those less comfortable in the saddle, choose from hayrides, singalongs, Western dance lessons, cookouts, hiking and even spa activities.
There are many ranches where you and your family can share a good time.
Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, Gallatin Gateway, Mont. – The Kelsey family has been hosting guests in this secluded valley near Yellowstone National Park for more than 50 years.
Their Appaloosas will carry guests through pine forests, over the trout-laden Taylor Fork stream and across meadows rich in wildflowers. Kiddie wranglers ensure that even the youngest guests enjoy their stay. Contact: 406-995-4276; www.ninequartercircle.com. - Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Read more about ranch vacations.
Take a Family Hike
by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Hitting the trails as a family is a great way to get some exercise and explore an area up close. Find a trail close to home or make a great hike the centerpiece of your family vacation.
Here are five places that blend history, great views and a good time.
Read more!
Air Fair
Making Air Travel Simpler For Families
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
I went through airline security today and marveled at the challenges faced by parents of young children getting through the check point. Diaper bags, strollers, toys, snacks, gear; it can be overwhelming.
Recognizing the hurdles faced by toddler-toting parents and the business travelers behind them, the Transportation Security Agency ( TSA ) recently began testing “family” lanes at the Salt Lake City and Denver airports. Nearby, “expert” lanes allow frequent and often unencumbered travelers to breeze through the process, using their experience to avoid snags in the system.
If boarding a flight with the kids is part of your spring travel plans, here are six tips to consider:
1. Be prepared. Print boarding passes in advance. Confirm flight departure times. Remind older children to bring their IDs and have yours ready. Arrive at the airport with time to spare. Find out more.
E x p l o r e O u t d o o r s !
Whether at home or on holiday, getting outside with the kids is healthy for everyone.
There has been a substantial decrease in the amount of time kids spend outside, despite overwhelming evidence that suggests that getting outdoors provides life-long physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Instead, children spend an average of 6.5 hours per day watching television and sitting at the computer, leading to physical inactivity and increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and other serious health concerns. Here are ten ways to enjoy the great outdoors together! Mothers and Daughters Relax at Los Angeles Day Spas
It used to be that mothers and daughters did some of their best bonding over a cup of tea and cucumber sandwiches. These days you’re more likely to find them spending quality time together, side-by-side, draped across a massage table. They are chatting it up (or not) while receiving an array of innovative body treatments administered at one of the many trendy day spas popping up in markets across the country. Read More!
Five Road Trip Tips You Don’t Want to Miss
Before you hop in the car to begin any road trip - near or far - be sure your vehicle is ready for the open..or snowy road. Here's what to do!
“Defensive Flying” Can Ease Travel Woes
The travel experts from AAA suggest travelers should practice “defensive flying” if they plan to have a pleasant and stress-free flight. These tips may help:
Seven Ways to Save When Planning Your Summer Vacation by Lynn Hayes
1.Do your homework! Travel companies are looking to get their fair share of travelers by offering great deals, special offers. Check them out!
2. Master the web. Cruise the internet for last minute deals, background information on your destination, best rate guarantees and special offers.
3. Review your loyalty programs. This may be the time to trade points for rooms or airfares. OR to collect extra trip rewards for your summer travel. Use these programs to your advantage.
4. Drive. Even though gas is pricey, air for a family of four can be prohibitive. It’s also your chance to see America up close. This year, celebrate America’s National Parks where special deals are programs are being offered.
5. The best things in life can be FREE. Scenic drives, beautiful beaches, nearby parks, national forests, hiking trails, bike paths and wonderful entertainment and cultural experiences are there for you -- at no charge!.
6. Book early or book last minute! Both can be great ways to get great deals.
7. Check our deals section for some great money-saving ideas.
Travel News
Healthy Teens and Parents Have Spa Option
 According to the American Heart Association and the Surgeon General, teenage obesity is on the rise at an alarming rate. Fifteen percent of the nation’s children and teenagers are considered overweight, a six percent increase from 20 years ago. Doctors are reporting teenagers with high blood pressure, clogged arteries and type-2 diabetes, typically all adult diseases. Red Mountain Spa is working to change all that. Read More!
Read Lynn Hayes' Dallas Morning News Travel Column
Travel Deals
Kids Stay Free, Parents Save On Beach Holidays
Experience the cool beach breeze at Allegro Playa Dorada in the Dominican Republic. Zip line through the rainforest in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Save up to 40% on all-inclusive stays at Occidental Grand and Allegro resorts throughout Mexico, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.
For our readers only: Kids age three to 12 vacation free at all Allegro resorts through December 19, 2008. Find out more!
Feel Good Deal
During April, national volunteer month, the Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of New Orleans will provide guests with an easy way to help rebuild their city with the Big Easy Spirit To Serve program:
· Donation to Local Charity - $50 per night of the guests’ room rate will be contributed to New Orleans Habitat for Humanity to help in the revitalization of the Big Easy.
· Care Concierge – Once reservations are confirmed, the Care Concierge will provide recommendations on local volunteer organizations for guests who want to help in the rebuilding of New Orleans. Recommendations will be sent via email.
· Goodies for Do-Gooding – Voluntourists will be armed with breakfast for two to help keep them fueled throughout the day. Read More!
Wilderness Romance
Escape everyday distractions and rekindle the romance at the River Dance Lodge in Idaho. Spend the day exploring. Spend the night in your hand crafted log cabin with a private hot tub, chocolates and champagne. Read More!
Family Adventure Travel Collection
Living with Juvenile Diabetes is a challenge, but not a limitation!
Read one family's commitment to break free from the routine and explore the world for a year aboard their 45 foot boat, OHANA.
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