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TRAVEL TIP OF THE DAY
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Ready for some Jungle Action? The Lodge at Chaa Creek and the Inn at Robert’s Grove in Belize—I just visited both resorts—have teamed up to provide a special and well-priced jungle-sea family adventure complete with special visits to Mayan ruins via horseback, snorkeling, canoe trips, and a trip to a local village, among other adventures that are designed especially for kids (and their parents). Even better, transportation to the activities and between the resorts are included as are meals are included so you don’t need to go searching for restaurants. Prices for kids under 12 for the week are just over $600. http://www.chaacreek.com Friday, May 16, 2008 Never let your guard down with young children around water
A child can drown quickly and silently. Never take for granted that someone else is watching the kids. Whether you are at the beach, a pool or a lake, an adult should be at a young child’s side at all times. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most young drowning victims had been out of sight less than five minutes and were in the care of one or both parents. Consumer Reports new Guide to Childproofing & Safety includes 600 tips for keeping children safe at home and on the go. Order for $12.95 http://www.ConsumerReports.org Thursday, May 15, 2008
If the weak dollar isn’t dissuading you from considering a trip to Europe this summer, check out the website http://www.vayama.com which is touting a fare under $800 (including tax) from Newark to Geneva, Switzerland nonstop on top-ranked Qatar Airways. Also look for hotels that will allow you to pay in U.S. dollars or offer other discounts. For example, The May Fair hotel—located in the heart of London offers a relatively affordable luxury weekend getaway with its “Let Loose in London” package, starting at £215 (approx. $429*) per room, based on double occupancy including breakfast and vouchers for restaurant and other discounts. That’s up to 30 percent off on rooms. The package is available Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Sept. 8, 2008. http://www.radissonedwardian.com/letloose London’s Athenaeum Hotel, meanwhile, has announced a guaranteed US dollar rate for North American travelers that in some cases, represent 50 percent off of published rack rates. They start at $350 (plus tax) and require a four night stay. http://www.atheneumhotel.com Opt for a stay at a Sicilian farmhouse with well-priced packages from http://www.tourcrafters.com that include rental cars. Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Look for travel deals that defray the high cost of fuel
With gas prices hovering near the $4 mark, look for hotel deals that offerto help defray the cost of getting there. For example, Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Mission Bay (San Diego), with more than a mile of white-sand beach, promises a $100 gas card. http://www.noblehousehotels.com Aspen, Co, meanwhile touts a green incentive package includes free gas and free bicycle rentals t. Visitors driving hybrids will be offered added benefits valued at more than $75. For more information on the Aspen Free Gas & Wheels & Carbon Offset promotion, call visit http://www.aspenchamber.org. The Eldorado Hotel & Spa is coming to the aid of travelers and re-launching its Santa Fe Gas Rebate, giving guests who stay two nights this summer a $50 food and beverage credit when they present a dated gas receipt or rental car contract that corresponds with the date of check-in. http://www.eldoradohotel.com Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Consider the Caribbean this summer
Looking for a deal this summer? Who isn’t! Consider the Caribbean. Plane fares will be less and there are lots of deals for families at luxe resorts. In fact, so many families vacation in the Caribbean over the summer that many call it “family season.” Check out the newly renovated Sheraton Cable Beach Resort in Nassau with $218 grand opening rates. When booking, guests should ask for rate plan “GRANDOP”. http://www.Sheraton.com/CableBeach Get a fifth night free and all kinds of other discounts with the U.S. Virgin Islands Sizzlin’ Summer Sampler. http://www.usvitourism.vi Check your favorite island’s website to see what they’re offering. Monday, May 12, 2008
The folks at http://www.Grandparents.com want to hear from active families who think it would be fun to star in its upcoming “Grandest Adventures” online reality series, chronicling extraordinary experiences shared by grandparents and their grandchildren. The family chosen to appear in the series’ debut episode will spend eight all-expenses-paid days aboard a Regent Seven Seas cruise from Alaska on Aug. 27, concluding in Vancouver on Sept.3 aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. To be eligible, families must include at least one grandparent and grandchild who will make the voyage, joined by as many as four additional family members. Those interested in entering may visit http://www.grandparents.com/regentapplication. Deadline for applications is June 30, 2008. Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother’s Day! On this summer’s trip with the kids, make sure moms (and grandmas) get some time on their own—guilt-free. Maybe it’s a massage, maybe an hour on the beach with a book and no kids to watch, maybe a morning to sleep in. As far as I’m concerned, that’ the best Mother’s Day present a mom can get – besides, of course, a hug and a heartfelt “I love you!” from the kids. Saturday, May 10, 2008
If you’ve got preschoolers in the gang, avoid the crowds and head off on vacation in the fall when the big kids go back to school. Resorts like Smugglers Notch (http://www.smuggs.com) and Beaches (http://www.beaches.com) in the Caribbean tout special packages and programs for the littlest travelers and their parents and grandparents. Book a seven night stay during the WonderFALL season of September and October at Beaches and you will receive two free nights, up to 45 percent off regular rack rates and a special welcome basket. There will be more Sesame Street shows, parenting seminars hosted by Sesame Workshop and grandparent programs as well. Friday, May 09, 2008 Give mom a break for Mother’s Day
Before you rush out to order flowers or buy perfume for mom, think about what she’d really love—a bona fide break on your next family vacation. Present her with an IOU for a morning to herself that would include a spa treatment, tennis lesson, gallery tour—whatever is her pleasure. She’ll love that you are so thoughtful. You could also promise a girlfriend getaway for her and her friends, sisters, mom… sometime in the next year. Thursday, May 08, 2008
Shoot at sunrise. You’ll find that photo tip and others at http://www.takegreatpictures.com , the premier online resource for photographers of all ages. May is National Photo Month and the website wants to encourage all of us—including our kids—to get out and take pictures. Submit your best spring or summer-themed shots to TakeGreatPictures.com for the National Photo Month contest. The winner will receive a weekend trip for two to any location in the continental U.S.
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