family vacation Archives

Taking the Family to Disneyland? Here are a Few Things to Keep You Busy Besides Rides

May 28, 2022 by admin

You might be thinking, “why would anyone go to Disneyland and not ride the rides?” and you’ve got a point. Disney is home to some of the most incredible rides in the world, but there is so much more to the park than that. Like what? We’re glad you asked. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation at Walt Disneyland!

Eat at The Golden Horseshoe

There is no shortage of Disney-themed dining locations to choose from if you’re stomach is rumbling, and one of the most entertaining is The Golden Horseshoe. Here you’ll be able to fill up on tasty food and watch a fun show at the same time. If you’re lucky, you might even get called up on stage to participate!

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

This tiki-themed show features over 300 taking birds that sing and dance various songs and crack a few jokes in the process. Along with plenty of flowers, tiki drummers, totem poles, and other similarly inspired additions. It’s a great way to kick back and take in the island feels of Disney park.

Visit the Fantasy Faire Royal Theater

This show is great for young children, as it lets them see live performances from some of their favorite Disney movies, like Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. Each show is typically shown three times a day every hour and fifteen minutes before switching to a different production.

Fantasyland Theater

If you’re looking for a high-quality show, look no further than Fantasyland Theater. These showing are a little more specific due to the work that goes into production, so you’ll want to check times before going. The shows themselves incorporate a variety of different Disney elements and characters that come together for an entertaining display.

The Shooting Exposition

Do you consider yourself an expert marksman? Then go test your skills out at the Shooting Exposition, where you’ll get to fire your rifle at nearly one hundred different targets in order to get the high score. If your aim’s a little rusty, you might want to check out Outdoor Solutions shooting school if you ever want to leave the park with a prize—and your dignity.

Watch Fantasmic

Fantasmic is hands-down the best thing to do in the park if you’re wanting a break from the rides. The show happens twice a night, and at nearly thirty minutes long, you know you’re in for a real treat. The show has been recently revamped and features a host of many different characters, featuring dancing, lights, music, fireworks, and much more. This is an absolute must!

The Magic Never Ends

Disney is an amazing place to hop aboard thrilling and interactive attractions, but you might find that the real magic lies in other areas of the park. Whether you’re watching a fantastic show, observing a passing parade, or dining at one of many Disney-themed restaurants, Disneyland is a place where the magic never ends.

3 Tips for Taking Young Children on a Cruise

May 1, 2022 by admin

One of the best ideas for your next family vacation is a week-long cruise. Often overlooked as they are thought by many to be too expensive, cruises are a great way to spend time together as a family with most or all costs covered upfront and keeps all activities and amenities together in one central place. One major benefit of a cruise is that you get all of the entertainment of a normal vacation without worrying about additional transportation; you don’t need to drive to any restaurants, pools, theme parks, etc. from a hotel, and don’t need to worry about paying for parking. For an extra bit of luxury on a family vacation, consider chartering a jet from a company like Access Global to the destination your cruise is departing from.

Taking a cruise with young children can be stressful, so here are a few mom-approved tips to make sure your vacation is smooth sailing.

Research Entertainment Options

While many cruises have options for family-friendly entertainment or activities designed just for kids, some cruises are more family-friendly than others. Choosing an option like a Disney Cruise that is designed for children and their families will ensure that your children are included and able to be entertained the entire time they are on board. You should look into a cruise’s options for entertainment ahead of time, to ensure that they will appeal to your child. For example, some ships have kids clubs that feature a play area or video game station where children can interact with one another and play in the same room, whereas others have go-karting or rollerskating rinks onboard. Many cruises have performances like a circus or live music show, and others have character meet and greets with characters from their favorite shows, Think about the kinds of activities your child enjoys most, and choose a cruise accordingly.

Get the Right Dining Plan

Many cruises allow (or require) you to reserve specific meal times in advance. When doing so, it is helpful to consider your child’s behavior and eating habits. Try to plan your child’s meals around the activities they know they want to participate in, to avoid being in any time crunches or in a rush during what should be a relaxing trip. Also, be sure to pack lots of snacks. Although snacks are usually included in your cruise’s meal plan and the ship will likely have any food you desire, having your child’s favorite snacks on hand can come in handy during long waits for food or activities or early mornings/late nights when onboard cafes and stores might be closed.

Pack Light

Taking a cruise unfortunately means living in close quarters due to the small room size and lack of extra space onboard. While you want to make sure that you have everything you could need for a week of traveling, be careful not to overpack. Try to stick to basics, and plan to wear an outfit or two on board to save space. Also, keep in mind that if you forget something you end up needing, it is likely that it will be available in an onboard convenience store; although paying for something you have at home is frustrating, it avoids taking up space with things you might not end up using.

Unexpected Destinations for Family Vacations!

January 27, 2022 by admin

Vacationing with the family is like flying first class vs private jet: no matter what happens, it’s going to be an amazing time. You get to travel to incredible locations with your favorite people and experience new destinations together. It’s choosing the perfect vacation for a family that can be difficult. Driving or flying? Budgeting or splurging? How many days? Once you figure out the logistics, then you can worry about the preferences! Someone is always going to initially complain or be unhappy, but all of that will fade once you arrive. If you need some inspiration, consider these unexpected destinations for your next family vacation!

Branson, Missouri

You may not think of it, but Branson, Missouri has all of the components for the perfect family vacation. You can make everyone happy. We’re talking top-notch sports facilities, gorgeous clear water lakes, exciting dinner theaters, museums, and a modern landing with shopping and restaurants. In case you haven’t heard, Tiger Woods opened his 19-hole course, Payne’s Valley Golf Course, nearby in 2020. It’s everything you’d hope for from the iconic golfer, both challenging and beautiful. Another Branson attraction is actually about 20 minutes south. Table Rock Lake is known for its beautifully clear water and gorgeous shoreline. Inside, outside, rain, or shine, Branson has some sort of unique entertainment. You just have to give it a chance.

Fort Robinson, Nebraska

For the history buff and conservation enthusiast, Fort Robinson, Nebraska is the place for you. As a former military base from the late 1800s, it has a ton of history. It was active during multiple wars, trained K9 units, and served as a POW camp. If you’re not interested in the history, consider the sites. Fort Robinson has beautiful views, hiking trails, equestrian trails, kayaking, and best of all, guided tours through bison country. The cute, “wild” donkeys that approach your vehicles for pets and snacks make this destination a must!

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee really is a great place to visit. The mountains are truly stunning and offer the adrenaline seekers the fix they might need. White water rafting, hiking, or a walk across the Sky Bridge will get the heart pumping. If you’re more interested in indoor activities, there are museums and theater shows aplenty…they even have an indoor waterpark. You could spend your morning exploring the aquarium, grab a quick lunch at one of the many local steakhouses, and spend the afternoon ziplining through the Great Smoky Mountains. The options are endless.

If you’re interested in a family vacation that won’t break the bank and will keep everyone happy, search no more. You now have three more destinations to add to the list!

Great Places for Families to Visit in Southern CaliforniaGreat Places for Fa

August 14, 2018 by admin

California is one of the most popular states to visit in the entire US. From the mountainous, northern regions, down through the Bay Area and onward to the coastal south, there are countless activities and sites to see that would entertain someone of any age. However, it is Southern California that has stolen the spotlight from the rest of the state. The culture, climate and overall atmosphere in this area have made it very popular with out of state visitors. Here are some great places for families to visit in Southern California.

1. Carlsbad

Located near San Diego, Carlsbad is home to a stunning array of sites and activities for the whole entire family. The Flower Fields is located in the Carlsbad Ranch and is home to nearly 50 acres of beautiful flower blossoms in the springtime. South Carlsbad State Beach is another popular family destination known for the swimming, surfing, camping and outdoor activities that are available. The San Elijo Lagoon is another great outdoor attraction with beautiful hiking trails along the waterside. For those looking to get away from the heat, the SEA Life Aquarium is a great place to see a wide variety of marine life. To learn more about all the fun things to do in Carlsbad, check out the official site for Carlsbad tourism info and travel recommendations.

2. Death Valley National Park

Although the name doesn’t sound welcoming, the iconic Death Valley National Park is a wonderful place to visit in Southern California. This national park is located on the border of Nevada and sees some of the hottest temperatures in the entire United States. The natural rock formations have been an attraction at this park for hundreds of years. The park is also home to famous salt flats and has an abandoned town. Even a short drive through Death Valley National Park is enough to capture the immense beauty that this place has to offer.

3. San Diego

There isn’t a better place to visit on a family trip to California than the San Diego Zoo. This zoo has been rated the top in the United States several different times. The San Diego Zoo boasts over 3,700 animals and 650 different species. The open-air exhibits were actually first designed by this zoo, offering a truly unique experience. The San Diego Zoo is also one of the only places in the world to successfully breed the giant panda. Members of the entire family will enjoy a whole day exploring the vast sites that this zoo has to offer. This is also famous for the skateparks in San Diego, which are popular among those who love skateboarding.

4. Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is another great attraction for the whole family to visit when in Southern California. The pier features a host of attractions including a Ferris wheel, arcade center, an aquarium, pubs and restaurants, trapeze school and more. During the summer, there are more activities such as concerts and movies taking place along the pier. Although the evening is a popular time to visit the Santa Monica Pier, any family could easily spend the entire day enjoying all that this place has to offer. Santa Monica Pier is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and is over 100 years old.

Southern California is one of the most popular places for families to visit in the entire United States. The mild climate, laid-back atmosphere and host of fun attractions make this region the perfect family vacation. All of the places listed are great fun for the entire family and should not be missed on a trip to Southern California. More exploration of this region will reveal even more hidden gems.

How To Guarantee A Fun Family Vacation

November 30, 2017 by admin

There are no guarantees in life, not even when you’re going on vacation. That means it’s up to you to make sure everyone’s set to have an amazing time and minimize the risk of any issues. It’s all about what you do or don’t do prior to leaving and your attitude while you’re onsite.

Make time to arrange, organize and prepare well before your travel dates. Remember that spending a bit more in travel, like chartering a private jet, can go a long way in turning your trip into a more comfortable and enjoyable one. Read more about these private jets and their average costs. Get all of your family members involved, so everyone knows what’s going on. Create a priority list to help you ensure you have the most important items covered first. See how to guarantee a fun family vacation.

Choose the Location Wisely

It’s a good idea to research your destination options and know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Reconsider automatically booking the vacation that’s the cheapest. Get input from the family to hear where each person would like to travel to and why. Weigh a variety of factors before committing to one location. The better fit your selection is for the entire group, the more fun and less friction you’ll encounter once you’re on your trip.

Get the Right Luggage

Secure the right luggage for the destination and each person. Determine if it’s doable to take carry-ons along or if you’ll be needing more space in your suitcase. Pick out designs and patterns that you can easily spot once you’re in the airport gathering your luggage. Having the proper bags will make your travels that much more enjoyable. It’s worth investing in a set that’s going to last you a while and get you to where you’re going in style.

Shop Ahead of Time

The fun part of going on a trip is the new clothes you get to buy for the vacation. Help yourself out by shopping online at a store like Vingino. The Dutch fashion company convinces with creative children’s fashion, which thrills parents and children alike. To give the kids a lot of freedom of movement, the store relies on simple cuts and casual silhouettes. Your children will love the clothing, and it will make them that much more excited to leave for your trip. Shop together and agree to items you both can get behind.

Have A Family Meeting before Departure

It’s important to all be on the same page before you take off. Have a family meeting to go over the trip details and rules for when you’re on vacation. Allow everyone to discuss concerns and ask questions. Share the details you have planned out, so the entire family feels included and knows not to expect any surprises. You can even go as far as to print out an itinerary and review each day as a group. You’re more likely to have fun and experience fewer issues when you take time to lay it all out on the table for everyone.

Plan Activities in Advance

Don’t be afraid to plan activities before your arrival. This way you know exactly what you’re doing on which days. It also promises you spots or tickets for specific excursions and activities, saving you from disappointment. Once again, ask for input from the family before you start booking reservations. While it’s nice to have plans some of the days, it’s probably best to leave some free time during your trip. Part of having a fun family vacation is getting time to unwind and being granted personal time to yourself outside of the house. It’s all about balancing out your time together and giving each individual a voice.

Unplug

As the parent, it’s a smart idea to be a good example for your kids and unplug the majority of your time on vacation. Work ahead at the office and only bring with you what you must attend to while at your destination. It’s also a good idea that everyone makes it a habit to check phones and computers once a day and not be constantly glued to them. You’ll all have a much more enjoyable and relaxed time when you’re not always staring at your devices. Observe the nature, sights, smells and sounds around you and soak up the beautiful scenery. It’s likely you’ll all regret spending too much time connected and not enough of your trip being in the moment.

Have Meals Together

Use vacation as a chance to have meals together, especially if you’re usually too busy to at home. Make it fun and allow each person to pick a restaurant or food group to try while you’re away. Mix it up and go casual one night and dress up another evening. Come ready with conversation and to discuss what each person believes to be the highlight of the trip so far. Everyone should look forward to a nice meal together after having some alone time during the day. This is also a good chance to discuss any other activities the group wants to participate in or adventures that you’ve become aware of since arriving.

Document your Favorite Memories

One way to have a little fun is to take pictures of your family members enjoying themselves on the trip. Get a mix of action shots and posed pictures and return with a lot of great images to share and keep. Make an album or create a video when you get home and be glad you have these memories that you can cherish forever. Pictures are an excellent way to remember all the fun you had and be able to look back on your trip after you get home and time passes.

Conclusion

Your family vacation won’t be same if you decide not to plan and prepare. Get organized and excited about all of the enjoyment that’s to come. Remind everyone that traveling is about bonding as a family, having new experiences together and allowing yourself to relax. Of course, there may be situations that arise and obstacles to overcome, but don’t let that stop you from having a nice time. This is how to guarantee a fun family vacation.