Five Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love

I went right to the source for this blog post and here are my children’s responses:

1. A return trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando to the Magic Kingdom to ride rides and to see more of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, since we didn’t get to see as much of that as we wanted.  The best time to go is in September and since we home school that isn’t a problem for us.

2. Jekyll Island Georgia and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Go on a turtle walk or behind the scenes tour to really learn more about the Sea Turtle. Go swimming. Check out more stuff on the island such as the Tidelands Nature Center.

3.  A camping trip to Northwest Ohio to the Lake Erie Islands.  We can hit Cedar Point for Amusement Park fun  with the adjacent Soak City for water park fun.

The Lake Erie Islands are our favorite place to visit and can only be reached by boat or plane.  Cars are permitted on all three island; however a golf cart or bicycle offer a slower pace to enjoy the beauty around you.  Rental shops are located within walking distance of the ferry docks.

Take the ferry to Kelly’s Island and check out the glacial grooves. Kelly’s Island offers boating, bicycling, fishing, fossil hunting, scuba diving, snorkeling, (check out the 50 shipwrecks around the island) picnicking, playgrounds, sailing and sea kayaking.  Kelly’s Island State Park has camping for RVs and tents, hiking trails and a beach for swimming.

Middle Bass island with glacial grooves, small houses, rental cabins, camping, beaches, marinas, a historic district, a wildlife refuge and soon – an Ohio state park.  It’s accessible by public ferries, private boats & planes and air service.

Put in Bay is on South Bass Island. There are several independently owned hotels (no chain hotels here) along with bed & breakfast inns, island cottages, private homes and condominiums.  There is a state park with  10 full service camp sites with electric, sewer and water along with 125 non-electric sites.  Put in Bay is home to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument.  There is para-sailing, golf, mini-golf, a rock climbing wall, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, boating and bicycling.  You can tour a historical society museum, a butterfly house, an aquatic resource center, a historical home tour, and a museum of island life.  There is a tour train with an hour long narrative tour of the island, two caves to explore and a family owned historic winery to tour.  There are lots of entertainers and festivals throughout the summer season.

Back on shore, in the winter (or summer), we can hit all the indoor water parks: Great Wolf Lodge, Castaway Bay, Kalahari and Rain.

4. Kennywood and Idlewild are two great family fun amusement parks we LOVE to visit over in our neighboring state of Pennsylvania.  Kennywood is a little closer for us and a standard old fashion amusement park but offers great deals and lots of thrills for my not so brave girls that still want amusement park fun.  Idlewild is a slower paced park and little further away for us but includes the water park.  It’s great for real little ones because it incorporates Story Book Forest and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.  But for the older ones there is the water park and a few rides that still provide thrills big enough for my girls.

5. Lastly – Mom’s Idea –  a trip to Kentucky…not only do we have friends there, I’ve seen a few places I think the kids (and grown-ups) might enjoy:

• Creation Museum with 70,000 square feet that bring the pages of the Bible alive with lots of exhibits, theater presentations and live plants.  I really think this would be so awesome to check out.
• The Newport Aquarium with a million gallons of water displaying animals from around the world.  You can touch a shark and meet a penguin too.
• Drive further south to Mammoth Cave National Park.  In this area there is lots to do with 8 different cave tours, an alpine slide, horse back riding, golf, canoeing, the national corvette museum and much more.
• For the horse lovers, from Downtown Lexington you can take a 3 hour narrated Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farms tour.
• And finally, if you really want to check out Kentucky’s back roads try finding Loretta Lynn’s birthplace.  Here is a website that gives directions.  Here are two reviews from Trip Advisor and although they are a few years old, the place sounds very interesting and not overrun with tourist traps.

I can think of many other places to go that we could all enjoy but we’ll just have to save those for another post down the road.

All-inclusive Resorts

You may have heard your travel agent talk about all-inclusive resorts but what does that really mean?  Well, when working with a reputable travel agent with a well-known industry leader, such as Beaches or Sandals resorts your all-inclusive, well, includes almost everything.

Since Beaches resorts are my recommendation for Family all-inclusive. (Sandals is adults only.)  I am going to go over what IS included with at their resorts.

All meals, drinks & snacks

With up to 16 specialty resorts per resort, Beaches offers kid-oriented restaurants and couples only restaurants.  Most restaurants offer specialty meals just for kids. And many have dining areas featuring child-size table and chairs.  With 24-hour food service, you’ll never go hungry.   Leave your wallet at home, but bring your appetite, because everything is included.

Luxurious Accommodations

Several different room and suite categories at each resort accommodates families of all sizes. You’ll enjoy luxurious appointments that include custom-crafted furnishings and lavish baths, with a level of service that sets the standard for all other family resorts.

Scuba Diving & Watersports

Scuba Diving for those who are certified and if you want to take their course and become certified there is a nominal fee but than once you are certified you can scuba for free.

Snorkeling, Kayaks, Sunfish Sailboats, Hobie Cats Sailboats, Aquatrikes, Windsurfing, Waterskiing* and Glass Bottom Boats*

(*not available at all resorts)

Waterparks

Water slides, kids only pools, swim up soda bars and more.  Enjoy Pirates Island waterpark at Beaches Negril and at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Championship Golf

Prestigious championship courses in Jamaica with unlimited play without greens fees. (Caddies are not included, but mandatory for all golfers. Carts, shoes and clubs are not included but are available for rent.)

Kids Supervised Activities

Certified nannies for your infants and toddlers.  Supervised activities for children ages 6-12 and a special places for your teens to hang out.

Airport Transfer, Tips, Taxes

At Beaches they include everything you need for a perfect, worry-free vacation-from airport transfers, in air-conditioned buses, to all tips, gratuities and hotel taxes. That way the only thing you have to think about is having fun. Please note that airport transfers in Jamaica are from Montego Bay International Airport only.

Butler service

Select suites include the intuitive services of a personal butler. Trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, your butler will take care of every detail.

Premium-Brand drinks

Unlimited premium-brand drinks at any open bar and if you are in a Concierge suite your in-room  bar is full stocked and replenished daily.

Entertainment is also provided everyday from 11 am to 11 pm.

Weddings also included.

Beaches offers a spectacular collection of weddings and vow renewals – including free weddings. And they take care of every detail, so instead of thinking of your wedding day, you can focus on each other. Best of all, your honeymoon begins the moment you say, “I do.”

So next time you vacation – think all-inclusive.  So you can truly ENJOY your vacation.

New Direction

I’ve decided to take a new direction with our blog….instead of posting specials I want to discuss destinations.  What is there to do?  Where is your favorite place to go?  etc.  So let’s start on our new journey and look for our newest post soon.

Early Booking Bonus – Save up to 30% on 2010 stays in the Riviera Maya

Save 30% of 2010 Travel + Kids Stay Free

Quick Facts

Destination: Riviera Maya

Departure City(s): All

Hotel(s): Ocean Coral & Turquesa – All Inclusive

Ocean Maya – All Inclusive

Travel Dates: April 5 – August  15, 2010

Book by: March 23, 2010

Ocean Coral & Turquesa
Located at the heart of the Riviera Maya, by the Puerto Morelos coral reef, the second largest coral reef barrier in the world, the Ocean Coral & Turquesa resort offers the full range of conveniences and services to ensure an unforgettable stay in the Caribbean.

Ocean Maya
Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, this fantastic hotel has 33 villas surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. Relax and enjoy our spa, our 2 swimming pools facing the sea, newly improved beach area with Balinese sun beds and our 3 a la carte restaurants, where you can taste the best International delicacies plus enjoy Mikes coffee so you don’t have to miss your favorite cup of java.

OCEAN MAYA NOW OFFERS A FULLY RENOVATED ROOM SELECTION, the Maya Deluxe guest rooms. All of our new 104 modern and stylish guest rooms are outfitted with comforting amenities such as room service, flat screen tv, mp3 player docking station, coffee/tea maker, bathrobes and slippers just to mention a few.

 

Inclusions

 Ideal for Romance or Family Travel

Included amenities at your fingertips:

• Spacious comfortable accommodations
• Variety of A la carte or buffet dining for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and beverages
• Non motorized water sports plus day and night time activities program
• Attentive and friendly service
• Daisy Kids club
• Free shuttle bus , organized once daily *programmed destination differs at each property 

Disclaimer

Up to 30% offer is not combinable with other promotion; Offer is valid for bookings made Now – March 23, 2010. Travel dates April 5 – August 15, 2010, subject to availability. Kids Stay Free offer is valid for travel April 5 – August 15, 2010. Free children apply for children sharing the same room with parents . Ocean Maya up to 2 kids 2 and younger stay free of charge and Ocean Coral up to 3 kids 2 and younger stay free of charge. Children 3-12 will be surcharged. Free Wedding package where applicable. May not be applicable for group bookings. Offer can be changed or withdrawn at any time.

Contact: Summers Travel 216-246-9872 or summerstravel1@yahoo.com to book your 2010 Vacation today!

Last Chance To Book Walt Disney World Resort Free Dining Plan Offer

Time is running out!

Through Sept. 26, 2009, when you purchase a 5-night, 5-day non-discounted package to the Walt Disney World® Resort (with five nights’ accommodations in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort and a 5-dayMagic Your Way Base Ticket), you’ll get the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan FREE. This offer is valid for stays most nights Oct. 2 — Nov. 24,Nov. 29 — Dec. 1 and Dec. 10 — 17, 2009.

Contact us for more information: summerstravel1@yahoo.com

www.summerstravelstore.com

4 All-Inclusive Days in Cancun from $239 per person!

Great Parnassus Resort & Spa*
Great Parnassus features 500 comfortable and spacious rooms equipped with all the amenities fully designed to ensure an unforgettable stay. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of delicious gourmet dining options or refreshing cocktails at any of the 10 international restaurants or 11 bars.

Golden Parnassus Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort & Spa
Surrounded by breathtaking blue lagoons and white sandy beaches, golden Parnassus is located 10 minutes from the most exciting nightlife.  This resort is a perfect paradise for those seeking beauty, romance and privacy; visitors will appreciate the high standard of exclusive personal service and welcoming atmosphere that emanates from every corner, the combination of architecture and décor creates so many places that make it unique and enchanting.

4-days/3-nights from $239 per person – land only – include:

• Roundtrip hotel transfers
• 3 night hotel accommodations
• Hotel tax
• All meals, drinks & snacks
• Non-motorized watersports
• Daily activities
• Nightly entertainment
• Much more!

Book from: 8/26/09 – 10/31/09

Travel from: 9/01/09 – 10/31/09

Tours operated by Travel Impressions. Hot Deal Special Reduced Rates promotion for the above listed hotels are valid for booking and for travel now – 10/31/09. *Sample savings based on a 3 night stay at Great Parnassus in Deluxe room category for travel 9/1/09 – 10/31/09.  Rates are land only, per person, based on double occupancy in specific available room category, and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations and hotel tax. Rates valid for travel 9/1/09 – 10/31/09 and vary by hotel and departure date. Blackout, weekend, holiday peak season surcharges apply. Rates and promotions are accurate at time of printing and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in price. Rates are subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. CST # 2029006-20, IOWA#758. NEVADA#2004-0029. Washington UBI # 602 425 801

For more information, contact me at: summerstravel1@yahoo.com

New York City Fall Sale

New York City Fall Sale – Packages starting at $165* per person, per night

Sample starting prices below are per person, per night prices for select participating hotels. Other participating hotels will say “Fall Savings Sale” in red text during the booking process.

Destination(s):New York City
Departure City(s): All Valid Origins
Valid Through:Southwest Airlines Vacations
Hotel(s):Vary
Travel Dates:9/8 – 11/21/09
Book By:8/7 – 8/27/09 by 6:00 p.m. CST

 *Prices are per person, per night based on double occupancy and do not include a $3.60 federal excise tax per takeoff and landing, airport taxes of up to $18 roundtrip per person, and a federal September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip per person

 

Information on how to redeem the free New York TV & Movie Sites Tour or Sex & the City Tour will be listed on your itinerary. Buy One City Sights Night Tour Get One 1/2 off prices are reflected during the booking process and will be shown at checkout.

*Price in the headline is per person, per night based on double occupancy at the Holiday Inn Midtown – 57th Street hotel for a four-night package with Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday departures from Baltimore/Washington, D.C. 9/8 – 10/24, 11/3 – 11/17/09.

CARNIVAL DREAMS – “Fun Ship” Getaway from New York!

Join us aboard the newest and one-of-a-kind Mega “Fun Ship” in the Carnival fleet, CARNIVAL DREAM, for an exciting 2 day Cruise-To-Nowhere sailing right from New York!

This unique ship which, includes a new concept in entertainment called The Piazza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; the most elaborate children’s facility at sea, including expansive play areas and a huge Carnival Waterworks aqua park; “scenic whirlpools” that extend over the ship’s beam; and a variety of new stateroom categories, including those specifically catering to families: Deluxe Ocean View staterooms featuring two bathrooms and quint occupancy and affordable Cove Balcony staterooms on Main Deck 2 located closer to the waterline.

INCLUDES:

• Fine dining, plus our casual “Seaview Bistro” and convenient 24-hour Pizzeria

• Wide range of entertainment including spectacular Vegas-style stage shows

• Full Casino, including table games and slots in various denominations

Call now to book your “Fun Ship” cruise!

2 Day Cruise – To – Nowhere From New York
Friday, November 13, 2009

INTERIOR From $369*
OCEAN VIEW From $429*
BALCONY From $469*

DAY                       PORT                              ARRIVE                   DEPART

Fri.                         New York                                                       5:00 P.M.

Sat.                        “Fun Day” at Sea

Sun.                       New York                     8:00 A.M.

Carnival reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel.

*Rate does not include mandatory prepaid gratuities of $20 per person.
No group rates are available. Cruise-only rate is category: 1A Interior, 6A Ocean View and 8A Balcony, in U.S. dollars per guest, based on double occupancy. Government taxes/fees are additional for all guests. Optional air transportation is not available for this cruise. Some restrictions (including stateroom category availability) apply. Ship’s Registry: Panama.

Beaches Luxury Included® Family Vacation

Autumn at Beaches is all about “falling” prices and round-the-clock fun. Come enjoy our amazing WonderFALL celebration featuring an endless line-up of themed activities and events for tots, teens, parents and grandparents! Play on pristine, white-sand beaches caressed by crystal-clear seas while spending your family vacation in luxurious rooms and suites. At Beaches Luxury Included® Resorts, just about anything you could ever imagine is included. So leave your cares behind, and get ready for the time of your lives!   

For a limited time only, save up to 60%* and get up to 1 night free** on new bookings made before Aug. 27, 2009.

Destination(s):Jamaica and Turks & Caicos
Departure City(s): All
Valid Through:Beaches Resorts
Hotel(s):All Beaches Resorts
Travel Dates:Now – December 17, 2010
Book By:August 27, 2009

All Meals and Gourmet Dining
Unlimited premium brand drinks & cocktails plus anytime snacks
A wide selection of land and water sports including tennis & Scuba diving
Supervised kids camp
XBOX® Game Garage
The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street.  Kids get to interact with some of their favorite Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster, Grover and Bert & Ernie
Certified Nannies Service & Nursery
All Tips & Hotel Taxes
Roundtrip Airport Transfers

*Up to 65% offer applies to new bookings of min. 3 nights made before Aug. 27, 2009 at select resorts and specific room categories for travel on select dates.

**Free Night offer is valid for new bookings made by Aug. 27, 2009 at select resorts and select room categories for specific travel dates. It only applies to adults, (children do not receive the free night). Maximum 2 person limit for offer. Blackout dates are Dec. 20 – 31, 2009, Feb. 13 – 20, 2010 and Mar. 28 – Apr. 11, 2010. Promotion is combinable with Beaches consumer savings promotions for 2009. Offer is not combinable with any other free night promotion or resort’s credit nights. May not be applicable for group bookings. Offers can be changed or withdrawn at any time.
Not responsible for errors or omissions.

Special Theme Cruises by Costa

 

HOLISTIC HOLIDAY AT SEA

Taste natural foods by vegetarian chefs and bakers.  Participate in cooking classes and spirited lectures by Dr. T. Colin Campbell and actor/author Marilu Henner and 30 more great instructors.

Costa Fortuna –  March 21, 2010

KOSHER

Enjoy the Caribbean adventure – a new tradition for observant Jewish travelers.  Enjoy 5 star Fresh Glatt Kosher Cuisine and drink in the sweet sun and sea on the kosher cruise of a life time.

Costa Fortuna  – January 17, 2010; January 24, 2010 (Jewish Musical Festival at Sea)

OLDIES CRUISE

You’ll be rockin’ to a collection of Oldies music while enjoying the timeless traditions of Cruising Italian Style.  This package includes a collection of some of the hottest artist of the 50′s & 60′s for a week of non-stop entertainment highlighted by a seemingly endless list of events and activities, including shows, dance classes and meet & greet with the artists.

Costa Atlantica – January 23, 2010

CIRCOLO ITALIANO

Annual Celebration of Italy Cruise  – Celebrate the flavors and experiences of Italy in the tropics aboard the beautiful Costa Fortuna. Cruise in the company of friends celebrating Italian heritage in every port of call.

Costa Fortuna – March 21, 2010

SINGLES CRUISE

You can mix and mingle with other singles aboard Costa this winter with singlescruise.com.  Sail the beautiful Caribbean and experience all the fabulous emenities of the Costa Fortuna PLUS a special invitation to all the exclusive single activities singlescruise.com will be throwing on board!

Costa Fortuna – January 31, 2010

ANDY COONEY’S CRUISE OF IRISH STARS

Join Andy Cooney and other gifted entertainers including Ronan Tynan, Noel Ginnity, Cherish the Ladies, Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones, The Willie Lynch Band, The Andy Cooney Band, The Screaming Orphans and many more!  Enjoy the elegance and generous hospitality of Cruising Irish Italian Style.

Costa Atlantica – January 30, 2010

Contact me at:    summerstravel1@yahoo.com for information on these great cruises and more!