The Lollipop Road

Posts Tagged ‘family travel’

As I was watching The Amazing Race last night, I began dreaming about yet another family adventure vacation. While there are literally thousands of possibilities for adventure around the world, they aren’t always created equally. Well, this time, we’ve done most of the legwork for you, coming up with three of our favorite worldwide adventure destinations for families with Tweens and Teens. Choosing one of these unique adventure spots will be sure to yield a successful family vacation.

1. Gulf of Thailand - Combining the most beautiful country in Asia with the most friendly people in Asia yields a family vacation that will not soon be forgotten. The breathtaking, yet remote islands of the Gulf of Thailand (Kho Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Samet, Koh Chang) offer a virtual playground for family adventure. Prisitine beaches, azure waters, tropical sealife, dense jungles and rustic beachfront accommodations lure you into a life of leisure highlighted by thrilling excursions, such as kayaking, canopy, snorkeling, scuba diving, rappelling, watersports and exploring remote beaches. If you enjoy marine life and water-based adventures, this is the destination for you. Also great for families searching for an international adventure on a budget.
2. The Alaskan Wilderness – The largest land mass in the United States is covered in white powder for much of the year, but that’s okay, because the summers here are quite spectacular. Spawning salmon, foraging bears, migrating moose and gruff mountain goats create the perfect backdrop for backcountry adventures. Whether you’re kayaking Prince William Sound, rafting the mighty Copper River, hiking along Mendenhall Glacier in a pair of crampons or fishing for King Salmon in Kachemak Bay, you’ll enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery and plenty of excitement. Rent an RV or join an organized adventure tour tailored specifically to families. Whether you’re traveling by air, sea or highway, you’ll never forget the breathtaking views that Alaska has to offer.
3. The Jungles of Central America – If you’re looking for tropical splendour, look no further than the lush jungles of Central America. Tube the backwater rivers of Belize, explore the grand Mayan ruins of Guatemala or take a quick coastal break to enjoy snorkeling amongst the coral encrusted cayes. If you’re looking for a remote destination, hang out at one of the many lodges nestled amongst the tropical Belizean jungle. Float down a lazy river, explore ancient caves or hike high into the jungle to discover tropical enclaves and their inhabitants. Interested in exploring ancient cultures? Visit the spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal, Caracol, El Pilar or Xunantunich. This is a perfect vacation destination for active families who enjoy history, culture and nature.

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Once in a while we agree to do guest posts for other blogs. Today one of those posts was supposed to go live, until their account was suspended. My fellow bloggers will agree that navigating the online world is a challenge at times, but hey, we love what we do! Enjoy our essay.

It was late in the evening and we’d spent much of the day zipping along the winding country roads of County Mayo in the West of Ireland, dodging a sheep or twenty along the way. A typical dreary day in Ireland, the rain pelted the windshield as I squinted to find the entrance leading the way to our salvation.  Meandering up the secluded drive, we were bursting with anticipation.  It was a full house and we were the last to arrive.

As I searched aimlessly for a spot to park our micro-rental, a gentleman, dressed rather smartly and supporting a large umbrella waved us down.  “We’ve been waiting for you, sir.”  Huh?  “We’ll unload your luggage, reception is waiting.”  Still a bit shocked, we made our way under the safety of his umbrella to a lovely sitting area inside reception.  After a brief shuffling of papers, our chambers were awaiting us.

The door slowly opened to reveal a well-appointed guest room with an expansive view overlooking Lough Corrib.  A far cry from the small, but charming guest house we had visited the evening before, we could definitely become accustomed to this.  It was still early enough to catch a song or two and a Guinness in the Dungeon Bar buried in the “basement”.  Local Irish performers entertained the crowd with classical music and upbeat melodies with a few Irish tales thrown in for good measure.  It was a wee bit late and we had a long day behind us, so settling into our cozy bed with fine linens was our next and last stop for the evening.

The following morning we awakened to rays of sunshine peeking through the thick stately draperies shielding the outdoor paradise from view.  We admired the vast lake and but a small expanse of the sprawling estate as we prepared for our day.  It was breakfast time and we were famished.  As we made our way to the palatial George V dining room, we were greeted several times by staff members as if they had known us for years.  With an offering of fresh baked pastries, fresh fruit and perfectly poached eggs, breakfast was a feast sure to satisfy us well into the day.  As we prepared to depart breakfast, I foolishly asked “Do you need to know our name or room number?” “We know who you are” was the simple response.  “Have a lovely day.”  Okay, now I began to worry that our photos might be pinned up like wanted posters at reception.  How did they know exactly who we were?  Perhaps they knew the gentleman who had escorted us in last evening – oh well, the rain had subsided for the moment, so we  seized the day.

With countless activities to choose from on the estate, golf, equestrian, fishing, we chose falconry.  Making our way down the winding paths, through a wooded area, to a secluded part of the estate, we arrived at a simple old stone cottage where we met our teacher and guide.  After a few pointers and a few pieces of essential protective gear, we were on our way.  Who knew that these broad winged creatures could find the tiniest morsel of fresh chicken hundreds of feet away.  It was a good thing that we had already eaten breakfast and that these hunters preferred chicken.

A quick tour around the castle grounds and we were ready for another day of exploring the countryside.  As our new friends bid us farewell, we continued to wonder – how did they know who we were?  I suppose that is what makes Ashford Castle more than just another hotel.

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Since our launch in November of 2009, we’ve shared travel deals, discounts and tips with our readers every Wednesday in what we’ve dubbed deal day. Beginning this week, we’re asking other bloggers/writers, travel agents and travel providers to join us in submitting their best travel deals. Please read how it works and The Rules of The Road before posting your link.

Our pick for the best family travel deal of the week is being offered by Expedia. Book a minimum 3-night Bahamas vacation package (air and hotel) now through September 15th for travel August 15th-December 22nd and get $300 off! With a minimum $600 required spend (before taxes and fees), you can save up to 50% and at many hotels kids stay and eat for free! Use promo code BAHFALL.

Here are a few of the bargain prices that we’ve found (prices include air and hotel after all discounts including taxes and fees):

• 3-nights at the British Colonial Hilton from just $224pp for a family of 4. Conveniently located in downtown Nassau, this property has a great pool and wide sandy beach and the Nassau Pirate Museum is just a block away!
• Paradise awaits – 3-nights at the Comfort Inn and Suites on Paradise Island offers free breakfast and unlimited use of the Atlantis facilities from just $233pp!
• Looking for an all-inclusive resort – try the Paradise Island Harbor Resort from just $243pp for a family of 4!

Going to the Bahamas? Be sure to check out the following resources:

• A Day at Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau
• Family Friendly Excursions in Freeport
• Lucayan National Park – Grand Bahama Island
• Finding the Right Bahamas Tours

Share your best travel deals, discounts tips or secrets with us by adding your link below. Read the Rules of the Road before posting.

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When searching out budget friendly family travel, free is usually an offer we don’t refuse. We’ve taken advantage of free admission at National Parks, museums, train rides and other kid-friendly attractions – the cheaper the better, right?. However, I recently had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City during their free public entry (Friday 4-8 PM) where free was an offer that I definitely should have refused. After all, getting kids into a museum is hard enough already – you don’t need to give them more reasons to hate it!.

I arrived around 4:30 PM after a pleasant ride to the Top of the Rock. At first blush, it appeared to be a bit crowded, but it wasn’t until I hit the exhibits that the full reality set in. If you aren’t familiar with MoMA, there are 6 floors connected by rather narrow escalators. On this particular evening, the escalators were packed solid with a constant flow of visitors, like a colony of ants relocating their nest. Breaking into their formation or stepping out of line risked a trampling by the human species.

Against my better judgment, I did break formation at the second floor, but was quickly repelled back into the conga line making its way steadily upward. Fearful of what awaited on the next two floors, I made the safer decision to exit on the upper floors – I prefer the Masterpieces anyhow. Weaving through the maze of ants foraging for food left little room to set out a picnic. It occurred to me at that moment that it was nearly impossible to actually enjoy and appreciate the incredible works of art that hung on the wall while dodging the throngs of visitors snapping photos and staring aimlessly as if the paintings would come to life if they stared just long enough.

Sparsely interspersed were those visitors who were trying to truly appreciate the museum; for them I felt especially sympathetic. It was at that point that I firmly concluded that free isn’t always fun. Heading to the exit like prey escaping from the ant’s nest, I struggled to disguise myself, re-enter the queue and escape without detection. Whew, it felt so good to be out in the oppressively humid streets of Manhattan again.

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The school year is almost over and we’ll be spending some time in the next few weeks focusing on deals for summer family travel.  With airfare up and additional fees the new norm, flying the family across the country may not be your best option this summer.  More car trips and local excursions could save you a bundle.

Here are a few family focused specials that just might help you save a few bucks this summer.

• As part of their conservationist efforts, SeaWorld is offering child admission tickets for only $5 with the purchase of an adult admission.  This offer is valid for kids aged 3-12 through December 31, 2010.  At an average savings of over $50, you can’t pass up this deal!
• For only $25 you can get 7 daily passes good at over 200 California State Parks. Save $15 off the regular sampler pass rate and up to $80 off of regular admission fees.  Act fast as this sale could end at any time!
• The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is offering FREE admission from June 7-11 and again on August 30th.  A family of four can save as much as $60!  Check out additional free days throughout the year.
• Visiting Vegas?  Our friends over at Travelzoo have a humdinger of a deal.  You can score seats for popular Cirque du Soleil Productions through August for just $50pp.  At a savings of up to 65% off, you can afford to see a few.  Book by July 5, 2010 using promo code SUMMER.

Until next week, be sure to follow us on Twitter as we tweet the best summer deals as they happen…enjoy!

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