The Vacation Traveler

24 Jul

Great All Inclusive Honeymoon Destinations

It’s the ultimate honeymoon fantasy — luxury, style and comfort. These are what you call honeymoon all-inclusives. Such packages are made by many famous resorts and honeymoon destinations worldwide. Everything’s included in the package – from the food to the transportation to the taxes and services, from welcome cocktails to tours, from the use4 of tennis courts and equipment to a body massage. If you’ve got the money, the resources and yes, the dream to spend a week-long honeymoon with your loved one, doing nothing but lazing around in luxury and comfort, this is the way to go!

Trying for a Jamaican honeymoon? Choose an all-inclusive honeymoon package in sunny Jamaica. There’s perfect accommodation overlooking the Caribbean Sea, along with gourmet dinners and afternoon teas. There’s a wide range of activities to choose from – yoga to sunset mediations, kayaking, sun fish sailing, and snorkeling. The Sandals Whitehouse All-Inclusive Resort is definitely one place to visit. It is an hour and fifteen minutes away from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The resort consists of three European-styled villages, boasting of Dutch, Italian and French architecture. There are four swimming pools, nature trail, a spa and a fitness center. There’s also a traditional plaza one can explore, with restaurants serving Italian, Caribbean, and Asian cuisine. All rooms have a Jacuzzi and a mini bar. An all-inclusive package consists of meals, snacks, drinks, tips, water sports and land sports and scuba diving, among others.

If you’re thinking of the sun, sand, the beach and fire, go to the Kona Village Resort in Hawaii. A once-fishing village, Kona Village Resort offers 125 Polynesian thatched-hut cottages. Here’s the catch: there are no TVs, no radios, no in-room telephones, no locks on the dorrs— just peace and tranquility and yes, the two of you. You can enjoy tennis matches, sunfish sailboats, kayaking and snorkeling. If you’d like to engage in some craft activity, join in their lei-making, coconut-leaf crafts and Hawaiian quilt-making activities. Don’t forget an exploration of Hawaii’s volcanoes at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Honeymooners can drive around the rim of the Kilauea Caldera.

The Super Clubs Super Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, Brazil, Cuba and the Dominican Republic offer extensive all-inclusive honeymoon packages. It includes accommodations, meals and late-night snacks, drinks, entertainment, land and water sports, as well as hotel taxes and airport transfers. Couples staying for six nights even get to have a free extra night!

In picking out all-inclusive honeymoon destinations, remember that most are located in the Caribbean. Learn the packages and unless you want to have kids and families around, choose one that offers you the privacy you need.

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Source: vacations

26 Jun

Seattle’s Rich Train History Brings out the Inner Child in us All

Boys and girls of all ages love trains and trains have played a vital role in the history of this country and Seattle Washington and the Northwest in particular. In fact, the roles of trains on this part of the country have in the past been so vital that there are a few museums dedicated to that very important mode of transportation. Trains were essentially lifelines for the populations here for many years. While their importance seems to be diminishing in today’s society, their importance throughout the history of our country remains.

If you truly are a train lover, then it shouldn’t be difficult to talk you into stopping by Seattle’s Train Center before and after touring the museums dedicated to trains and their importance in history. The Train Center offers a wide selection of model train parts and pieces that would make excellent additions to your collection or a great beginning to a collection for you or your little one.

After you’ve whetted your appetite for trains and gotten your little one all excited about them, it is time to talk a walk back in time to the Northwest Railway Museum. Here you can learn about railway history or even choose to take a ride on one of the trains that departs for several excursions throughout the day. Most of the trips are 65-75 minutes long and a great treat for young and old alike. Perhaps the greatest thing about this museum is that their main objective is to educate the public about the important role that railroads had in the development of this part of the country.

If you’re really interested in sharing your love of trains with the ones you love, you may consider taking a turn on the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. This is a great way to not only get the experience of riding the rails but to take in some of the beautiful Washington scenery and have a gourmet meal in the process. During the months of November through April up to two children ride free with a paying adult. There are certain restrictions as to the type of seating, but it is a great time to enjoy the experience at a greatly reduced price. There are also special events such as Murder Mystery Trains and Magic and Illusion shows in addition to certain holiday events as well. Be sure to check out what’s going on while you’re visiting Seattle and see if this is something that might interest you and your family.

If you are up for a not so short drive to Pasco (about three and a half hours from Seattle), you might find the Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum well worth the trip. Be sure to remember that the museum is only opened on Saturday and that the hours are limited so this is a trip you need to plan in advance to take. The greatest thing about this museum to me is the fact that there are neat little stories, like the blackboard that recorded the first snowfall at the depot each year and others such as this. It’s the little stories that don’t necessarily make history that do make lasting impressions and I’m glad to see this particular story is being shared. Just remember, when visiting any of these depots, museums, and train tours that you absolutely must bring your inner child with you in order to properly enjoy them.

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16 Jun

Family Resorts in Mexico

Vacationing with your family in Mexico offers many benefits.  Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers.  Many children receive discounts at many popular tourist attractions.  Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their vacation in Mexico, without having to worry about the cost.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family vacation.  Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico.  For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park.  The Xcaret Theme Park is a wonderful attraction for those who are looking for a family resort.  Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland.  Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret, thanks to amazing rides and attractions.

An deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret Theme Park.  You and your family can see plenty of beautiful tropical plants as you enjoy the river.  Xcaret is also host to many wild and exotic animals.  There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim dolphins.  Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with this theme park.  In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts.  To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to check on the internet or speak with your local travel agent.

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, including children. Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world.  Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs.  This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children.  If your children will enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel.

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive vacation is a great idea. The vacation package will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodations and airfare.  Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to consider additional sights and attractions.  Mexico has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may wish that you could stay in longer.

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10 Jun

Overbooking your Time is a Vacation Destroyer

When planning a vacation it is often very difficult to set priorities from a distance. San Francisco is really no different than any other vacation destination in that manner. In fact, as a vacation destination, this city has so much to offer that the problem isn’t finding enough stuff to do; it is limiting yourself to only doing the things you want most to do because of time constraints. Unless you are going to be in this great city for a month, it would be very easy to overload your itinerary.

Here are a few suggestions for pacing yourself while traveling as well as providing adequate downtime for all family members while visiting San Francisco.

1) Remember that this is a vacation not a military exercise. Be especially aware of young children as they can tire easily and aren’t much fun when overtired. Plan rest times in addition to activities in order to provide much needed breaks for everyone that is traveling with you.

2) Remember that the little ones have things that are important to them too and your ideas and their ideas about what will interest them the most aren’t always the same. You don’t want a child with hurt feelings, especially when that could have been so easily avoided by simply offering your child a choice.

3) Keep in mind that while most things are great to do as a family, some alone time or split time, isn’t necessarily a bad thing-even when on vacation.

4) Plan your day with extra time in between attractions to accommodate for transportation issues, bathroom breaks, and any number of things that can come up. There is no point in being frustrated over the unavoidable, especially when on vacation.

5) Limit yourself to activities in the same general area of town on a given day so that you aren’t spending the vast majority of your day getting from point A to point B or looking for a parking spot. It is best to park and walk as much as possible or rely on public transportation in San Francisco whenever walking is unavoidable.

6) Let your young ones select at least one place a day (within reason) to eat. Obviously no one wants to eat at McDonald’s every day of your trip except your little ones, but by allowing them to have a choice you are making them feel special and giving them something to look forward to when standing in a long line for something you want to do more than they do.

7) Plan activities for younger children in the middle of other activities. This will keep them somewhat appeased if they know they have something to look forward to later and will save you from a long line of endless tantrums.

8) Plan for some sort of restful activity in the middle of the day if you aren’t close enough to your hotel for an afternoon nap. Even if it’s ducking into a library or bookstore to read quietly for an hour. You will be amazed at how much just a quick rest can do to perk up the spirits of everyone in your group.

These things won’t guarantee a smooth trip but will greatly increase the likelihood of less bouts of angry, overtired children and fed up over tired mom and dad as well. The most important thing about any vacation is that you take the time to enjoy yourself and your time together as a family.

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02 Jun

Inland Beach Cottage Rentals: A Well-Kept Summer Vacation Destination

>???????? year, a large number of individuals and families make the decision to take a summer vacation.  If you and your family are interested in scheduling a summer vacation, have you decided on a destination yet?  When families set off to reach their summer vacation destination, there are many that end up at the same place, the beach.

Summer vacations at the beach are a vacation “hotspot.” Everyone loves the sand, sun, and waves.  There are an unlimited number of advantages and disadvantages to vacationing at the most well-known beaches.  The main disadvantage is the crowds.  If you were to select a popular beach, such as South Beach, Daytona Beach, or Virginia Beach, you could be one of thousands vacationing in the sun.

When it comes to beaches, there are many who believe that only coastal locations can be home to a beach.  This is just simply not true.  The shoreline of a large river or lake can easily be turned into a beach; in fact, many of them are.  These beaches are often referred to as inland beaches.  When it comes to inland beaches, there are many individuals who are concerned with the lack of accommodations.  One of those accommodations includes a hotel.

While it is true that a large number of inland beaches do not have onsite hotels, many have something even better; private cottage rentals.  Private cottage or cabin rentals are found along the banks of many popular lakes in the United States.  Many cottage or cabin rentals are right along the shoreline. Cottage and cabin rentals are often compared to traditional homes.  This is because most come fully furnished with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen.

Many inland beach cottage rentals are popular due to their close proximity to the water.  In many rental locations, the shoreline in front of your cottage rental is privately yours.  This may allow you to spend your days and night relaxing beside the shoreline.  In addition to private shorelines, many cottage rentals are grouped together, almost like a community.  Despite being grouped together, many rentals are an appropriate distance away from each other.  To service the community of vacationers, common services and facilities can often be found nearby.

Just a few of the many facilities, services, and activities found in or around inland beach cottage rentals may include public boating, fishing, and swimming beaches.  If your cottage rental is not supplied with a washer and a dryer, there is often a public laundromat located close by.  In addition to a laundromat, you may find a small general store within walking distance or a short drive from your cabin.  General stores are popular around many inland beaches.

If you are interested in vacation at an inland cottage rental in the United States, you have a number of options.  There are hundreds of inland beaches found all across the country.  A large number of beaches can be found in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State and along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron; these beaches are often found in Wisconsin or Michigan.  In addition to inland cottage rentals in the United States, rentals can also be found in Canada.

Does an inland beach cottage rental sound like an exciting vacation for your and your family? Whether you are vacationing with the whole family or just your partner, you can enjoy a fun, romantic, or relaxing vacation with your own private, inland cottage rental.

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