Good news: hotel industry is waking up to healthier kids menus

Good news: hotel industry is waking up to healthier kids menus

In the past year, a growing number of hotel chains have revamped their kids’ menus to make them healthier with less fat and sugar as well as prepared with locally sourced foods. It’s terrific to see a travel industry contest that actually focuses on something families care about—healthier and better children’s menus–rather than giving them another toy or backpack they don’t need or want.

Nantucket island, once the whaling capital of the world

Nantucket island, once the whaling capital of the world

This small island — just 14 miles East to West and 3.5 miles north to south — is so pretty with its weathered gray shingle houses, roses climbing white picket fences and cobblestone streets in Nantucket town. There are more than 800 pre-Civil War houses on the island, which shares the name with a county and a town — the only place in the country that all three have the same name.

At Beaches Ochos Rios – an excursion to popular Dunn River Falls

At Beaches Ochos Rios – an excursion to popular Dunn River Falls

Breakfast at leisure at the Bayside buffet at the relaxing but active Beaches Resort in Ocho Rios. We were treated to freshly made smoothies and omelets, delicious morning glory muffins and everything else you could want at a breakfast buffet, and, of course, more interactivity with our friends from Sesame Street. Then we grabbed some towels from the pool and headed to the Dunn’s River Falls.

To Aspen in summer when it’s affordable

To Aspen in summer when it’s affordable

There’s no better place to combine activity and indulgence than in Aspen in summer. And it won’t bust your budget either. The Little Nell, for example, is offering free room nights and fly-fishing excursions, with rates as much as half-off peak winter rates. You can save even more on a condo rental in Aspen or Snowmass,

Three days at Beaches Ocho Rios in sunny Jamaica

Three days at Beaches Ocho Rios in sunny Jamaica

When we arrived at Beaches Ochos Rios, the welcome staff immediately swept Jude up to get ready for the carnival parade with the Sesame Street characters. She was given a glittery crown and had her face painted right off the van. She instantly forgot about the long day of travel and was immersed in the fun and activities.

Families flock to the Caribbean for great deals in summer

Families flock to the Caribbean for great deals in summer

In summer, you’ll find cheaper air fares to the Caribbean than in winter, too, which will enable you to experience more far-flung locales. Look for deals in the Bahamas, for example, that include free airfare from Nassau to the outer islands. But be forewarned that especially if you plan to travel in August or September, a tropical storm might rain on your parade.

Al Fresco Family Fun on Lanzarote

Al Fresco Family Fun on Lanzarote

The Canary Islands and Lanzarote in particular, are in many ways the ideal location for an unforgettable family holiday. For a start there’s the weather.

Blending all generations on Antigua

Blending all generations on Antigua

Talk about kid vacation heaven — Caribbean style. “They really cater to the kids here at Curtain Bluff observes Dr. Tania Spenlinhauer, here in Antigua from Maine with her husband and three kids, including Brady, for her sister’s wedding at the resort. That the small (just 72 rooms) all-inclusive resort offered so much for the six young grandchildren was a big factor in why the family opted to gather here, they said.