The Lollipop Road

Posts Tagged ‘family vacation’

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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Vacationing in an RV with your family is an easy way to see the country while having all of the conveniences of home at your fingertips.  It’s like a traveling hotel room that you have access to 24 hours a day.  Some families love it so much that they eventually purchase a motorhome or travel trailer. I have to admit that we’ve thought about it more than once. 

Traveling with kids (especially young kids) and all of their gear can be a bit daunting.  Having a mobile place to eat, sleep, play and store all of that gear can make a big difference!  I think the biggest fear for most people is driving the RV.  Well, fair enough, it isn’t your mini-van or SUV and it certainly isn’t a compact vehicle, but you shouldn’t let that prevent you from renting an RV. 

First of all, what is an RV – well, a Recreational Vehicle comes in a few forms.  There are travel trailers (towed by a vehicle), fifth wheels (towed by a pick-up truck) and motorhomes (drivable).  You would be most likely renting a motorhome.  Motorhomes come in several types, Class A, Class B and Class C.  The most common rental units are Class C, which look very much like a truck in the front with a traditional engine compartment and a bunk area over the cab.  Class A units, which have a flat front, large windshield and a bit more room inside are not readily found in rental fleets and when they are, typically command higher rates than a Class C. 

The choices in Class C motorhomes vary widely.  Most rental locations will offer units ranging in size from 19′-34′.  You may also have the option of renting a unit with slide-outs.  A slide-out is a portion of the motorhome that at the touch of a button will slide outward to extend the living space in the motorhome.  As slide-outs become more common in Class C rental units, so do family friendly layouts. 

An RV in the 25-26′ range is workable for a family with one or two kids on a shorter trip of 7 days or less.  These units typically do not have a slide-out, but if you find one that does, it will make the trip a little easier.  In this basic RV, you’ll likely find a queen-sized bed, small kitchen area with stove/oven, microwave, fridge and a small sink.  The living area will have a small dinette for 4 people (that converts to a bed), a single chair and a bunk above the cab.  The bathroom facilities will consist of a small sink, toilet and shower.  This is the minimum size that we recommend for a family.

As RVs increase in size, you’ll see such features as slide-out living areas, a full-size sofa, slide-out sleeping areas, bunk beds, larger bathroom areas (with larger shower/mini bathtub) and larger wardrobes and storage areas.  In the largest units, like the Winnebago 32′ Chalet, you’ll enjoy two slide-outs, separate bunk beds and plenty of living (play) area that would easily accommodate a family of up to 6 on a 2-3 week vacation. 

Most units include a television with DVD or VCR, basic housekeeping supplies, bedding, towels and cooking/dining wares.  The units are self-contained, meaning they have fresh water, grey water and black water tanks, motorhome batteries and a generator.  You can overnight in the RV without any hook-ups to water, sewer or electric.  We’ve found that 3 nights of dry camping (without hook-ups) is the maximum for our family. 

When selecting a motorhome, make sure that the size and layout will provide ample space for everyone to sleep comfortably.  If you have young kids, there should be enough room for them to play without getting in your way.  Slide-out rooms and larger motorhomes work best for longer trips and larger families.

When reserving a rental, make sure that you understand what is included.  For example, many agencies will charge extra for bedding, towels, etc.  Additional items may also be available, such as a coffee maker, toaster, grill and folding chairs, so be sure to figure that into your price when comparison shopping.  You’ll also have to choose between an unlimited mileage plan and pay per mile.  Plan out your anticipated itinerary, calculate the mileage then add 10%.  Compare the two rate plans using that mileage and choose the cheaper option. 

Finally, you will want to consider insurance.  Unlike with a rental car, your insurance company may not cover you for an RV rental.  Be sure to check your coverage, then buy any additional insurance to cover damage to the vehicle.  Repairs to a $60,000 RV that you’re unfamiliar with driving can be costly. On our last trip we had a small chip in the windshield (which we repaired before returning for $65) and a small scrape on the bottom of the RV, which cost us about $250 on return. You’ll ultimately have to weigh the risk and your level of comfort when making the decision.  

Make your next family vacation an RV trip…you’ll be glad you did. See you on the road!

If you’ve enjoyed these photos, please visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby for more.

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• Departure Port – Families might be coming from all over the country, so choose a point of departure that is convenient for everyone. 
• Itinerary – You’ll want to evaluate each port and look for those offering activities that appeal to all age groups in your party. Also be sure to account for climate and health considerations when selecting your itinerary.
• Cabin Choices- You may want to consider connecting cabins, cabins that accommodate your entire travel group or larger cabins that offer space for family gatherings. As these tend to fill early, you’ll want to plan well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Dining and Entertainment- Dinner most evenings will probably be a family affair. Finding a cruise line that offers dining and entertainment options that appeal to multiple generations can be challenging. Carefully read all of our cruise reviews for additional information.
• Shipboard Activities – Most major cruise lines now offer a variety of activities onboard that will appeal to multiple generations. However, larger ships tend to satisfy a greater diversity of age groups and tastes, so that may be a good place to begin your search.
• Money Matters – Not all family members may be able to afford the same cruise, so be cost sensitive when choosing a sailing. Set boundaries up front so that money does not become a problem later on.

All major cruise lines offer incentives for groups sailing together, which can make your experience even more special. To take advantage of these benefits, you will need to reserve at least five cabins, but more frequently eight or as many as ten cabins, depending upon the length of the cruise and the cruise line.

At least two cruise lines have even created programs geared directly toward multigenerational family reunions. Royal Caribbean’s Royal Reunions and Holland America Line’s Family Reunion Program offer special benefits like complimentary family photos and daily family activities to groups planning family reunions. Engaging a good travel agent who is experienced in group travel will also make the process easier.

A multigenerational cruise can be as small and intimate or as large and extensive as you’d like. Just remember, the idea is to have fun!
 

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

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With our vehicle overflowing with supplies for the week, we set off for Islesboro, Maine, a secluded island about 3 miles off the Central Maine coast.  We had searched high and low for a quiet destination where we could spend an entire week together as a family while getting back to basics.  What we found was the secluded rocky coastline that has long attracted world famous celebrities who cherish the mild summer breeze that makes Islesboro a perfect destination for just about any water related sport.

We admittedly lead a hectic and hurried life, so the thought of seclusion without the distractions of the typical loud and crowded tourist attractions was incredibly appealing.  Of course, this meant finding a vacation rental that had lots of activities to keep the kids busy and packing the car with plenty of outdoor toys, books and DVDs so that mom and dad could enjoy some peace and quiet too.

We were incredibly fortunate to stumble across a lovely summer cottage for rent on breathtaking Ryder Cove.  Situated on the North side of the island and perched high above Ryder Cove, our 3 bedroom getaway featured a long private drive shared with a well known celebrity, which we hoped would ensure privacy and give us a sense of having our own private estate retreat.  We were right – it was awesome!

A short, but steep hike down to the cove revealed a secluded private sandy beach with a panoramic view of Ryder Cove.  This quickly became a favorite spot for collecting shells and launching into the cove on kayaks provided by our hosts.  It was our oldest sons first time kayaking and he loved exploring the cove, especially our new neighbors various water toys.  Swimming was possible, but the plant life was a bit thick and the water still chilly (even though it was mid-August).

One of the things that attracted us to this rental was the kid-friendly offerings such as a sandbox, water table and a variety of toys and games.  They even had bicycles for the entire family, although our little guys were a bit too young at the time.  The kids enjoyed evening walks down the secluded private drive.  Our older son pulling his brother in the wagon while we helped him dodge the potholes.

One afternoon we decided to load up the wagon and head over to Hutchins (aka Hutchinson) Island.  At low tide, a sand bar bridge magiacally appears, allowing foot access to a secluded island ripe for exploring.  If your kids love collecting shells, this is the place to find some unique specimens for their collection.  Bring plenty of water and snack for an impromptu picnic.  There is limited shade, so take advantage of a cloudy day if you can.

Islesboro is pretty laid back, but still offers enough activity for a relaxed family vacation.   With a small public library, playgrounds, picnic areas, a small museum and a quaint eating and shopping area in Dark Harbor, there was just enough to keep the kids busy when they tired of hanging around our “private estate”.  There is also a newly completed community center that offers lots of family activities.  With an internet cafe and fitness center, this is sure to be a popular spot with teens and tweens.

Be warned that restaurants and shops close early, even in the summer.  There is no resturant for dinner other than the Dark Harbor Shop, which serves sandwiches and light fare throughout the day.  Take-out, however, is readily available at the local grocery stores located in Dark Harbor and North Islesboro.

Because Islesboro is only accessible by ferry, expect to pay premium prices for most goods, including groceries.  If you are staying for a week, it is advisable to bring some staples with you, fill up your gas tank on the mainland and supplement your needs with items from the local stores.  We were fortunate to be able to enjoy locally baked items at a nearby craft fair and social.  There are always lots of cultural activities throughout the summer, but understand that this is an island community and the scale of activities often matches its year-round population of 600.

If you are looking for relaxation, family bonding and seclusion, Islesboro is the place for you.  With a multitude of vacation rental options, you’ll have a tough time choosing, however, I like to think that we had the best cottage on the island.

Be sure to check back next week for some amazing photos around Islesboro.

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You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Today was a sea day and we were all looking forward to some pool time, a little bit of Nickelodeon activities and relaxation. The day started with a 6AM trip to the gym for my wife while I continued to sleep and babysit. By 8AM we were all awake and getting ready for an early breakfast so we could make it to Dora’s Dance Party on time. The buffet was crowded so we ended up eating in the Great Outdoors at the aft of the ship. They serve a smaller selection, but it was adequate for our needs and we were on our way quickly. The activities start promptly, so we didn’t have long to wait. For the next 35 minutes Dora and her human crew entertained the kids with music and dance from a new release CD. Unfortunately, everything does sound like bad lip syncing, but I don’t think that the kids really noticed – although our 4 year-old did ask why her lips were not moving.

We decided to check out the Under 2 Zoo next. Advertised as a free play area for kids under the age of 2, we figured that this would be a good opportunity for both of our kids to have some play time outside of the cabin. There were only a few families there, but the toys were extremely limited. There were three pop up tents, a collapsible tube to crawl through, several leap pad interactive books, and three or four other educational toys along with some large dice and a couple of balls. We actually had more toys back in our cabin, so this excursion only lasted about 20 minutes.

We took a quick tour through the Galleria (a huge gift shop) then parted as my wife and our 19 month- old went to nap and my four year-old and I went to the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet. At the Meet and Greet, there were cookies and beverages and we were able to ask questions of the Hotel Director and Cruise Director; this was the first time I had ever done one of these. I learned that we were traveling 45NM off-shore and that the tugboat pilot wears a suit while onboard…all very interesting.

The weather had cleared up (from early morning rain) so we geared up and headed to the pool deck, along with the rest of the passengers. The splash pool, tucked away in the corner of the deck, was tiny; it made the Disney Wonder area that we said was too small look spacious. There was a kids only hot tub that was always full of 5-8 year-old kids who kept trying to go into the splash pool and down its slide, impeding the little ones from playing. The sole security staff assigned to the pool deck stopped by twice, warning the kids both times. On the third round, after I had been deliberately soaked by several of them, security removed the unruly kids from the area. Sad part is that one of the parents was sitting nearby and must have seen how their child was behaving…oh well, all in a day.

By now we were all hungry, so it was time for lunch. We were lucky enough to get a table on deck, which is not an easy feat on this ship. We decided to try the grilled food that they were preparing on deck…it smelled so good. Big Mistake! My hamburger was dry and crispy and the potato salad was warm and mushy. I wasn’t allowed to put my own condiments on either, so I got a huge glob of mustard that I didn’t want. Needless to say, course two was Indian food from the buffet – much better. The kids ate pizza, so they were happy. I got crazy and decided to try the cheesecake…another Big Mistake! I’m not even sure that it could actually be classified as cheesecake. I have to disclose that my wife’s hamburger and the one that Grandpa had yesterday were both very good…perhaps they had it in for me!

Next, we headed back to the cabin to get ready for the character meet and greet at 2:30PM. There were tons of families and the photo opportunity lasted about 45 minutes. The kids enjoyed just watching Sponge Bob and Patrick, so we hung around until the end to take our photo (with a bit of kicking and screaming). We needed a treat – ice cream was on tap.

Exhausted from the day, we retired to our cabin to take a quick nap, allow the kids some play time, chill on the balcony (enjoying the breeze) and get ready for the Formal (if you care to) night dinner. We ventured out to Tsar’s, one of the main dining rooms on the ship. We hadn’t made reservations and noticed the dreaded red bar on the dining status monitor on our way (there are monitors throughout the ship that tell you how full each restaurant is at any given time). Red told us that there was a wait, which ended up being about 15 minutes – we should have made reservations. It took them a while to rustle up a high chair and they couldn’t find a kids menu, so we were left with the impression that they really weren’t well prepared to handle kids – we’ll see how things go next time. They brought the kids food first, but by that time, our youngest had fallen asleep. Everyone enjoyed most of their meal (spring rolls, beef wellington and the ice cream were popular) and this was the first time that I had a dessert on this cruise that I actually finished (other than ice cream). The crème brulee with chocolate ganache was truly excellent – now if they could only apply that same effort to the rest of their desserts.

It was almost 8PM and The Captain woke up (our youngest was wearing a captain’s uniform) just in time for dessert. We were all tired and there wasn’t any family friendly entertainment tonight, so we headed back to the cabin. Our oldest watched cartoons, our youngest went to bed for the evening, I wrote and mama read a book. Yup, just another day cruising the seas!

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

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