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Articles for ‘Family Travel’ Category

Holiday travel in Ft. Lauderdale

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
up-north-033

Fort Lauderdale Beach off of Las Olas Boulevard

By John George

I’ve always had relatives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and my family lived there in the early aughts. We are returning for a week around Christmas, and will definitely utilize the following tips to help make our trip go smoothly.

Find Appropriate Accommodations
We’re lucky enough to be staying with relatives this trip, but have spent enough time visiting to know some of the better hotel options that suit our needs. Our current favorites in town are the Marriott Harbor Beach and the Riverside Hotel—we used to love staying at Ireland’s Inn Beach Resort, but it closed two years ago for renovations and no new information is currently available. We have also used the Embassy Suites on the 17th Street Causeway; although this hotel is about two miles from the beach, the suite layout is very family friendly.

Pack for the Weather
December weather in southern Florida is definitely unpredictable. We’ve enjoyed marvelous beach time and also some chilly days in late December—and even early January (we, of course, console ourselves by remembering the weather back home up north. If you are planning on visiting before about mid-January, be sure to monitor weather conditions before packing for your trip. One year, we had some of our cousin’s visit for New Year and during their stay, the weather turned cool—shorts and tank tops gave way to jackets and sweaters. Good thing we were there to lend some clothes! (more…)

Posted in Beach Vacation, Family Travel, Florida Vacation, Holidays & Events, Orbitz Parent Panel | No Comments »

Colonial Christmas in Williamsburg

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

By Mark McCulloughholiday3

Colonial Williamsburg officially starts the holiday season with Grand Illumination, a wonderful evening of singing, storytelling and fireworks. The event offers a great opportunity for families to get into the holiday spirit by strolling the pedestrian-only areas of Williamsburg’s historic district and enjoying the candlelit windows, wreaths and entertainment. There are multiple stages in the historic area that features storytelling, period music and events for the children.

My family arrives around 3 p.m. so we can take in all the sights before sundown. We pack a thermos full of hot chocolate in addition to making stops for hot cider and the traditional Virginia ham biscuits that should not be missed. The fireworks display truly highlights the evening as it projects from three different locations: the Governors Palace, the Colonial Capital and the Magazine. All of these are within eyesight of each other, so getting a good viewing spot isn’t difficult. Never before have I experienced seeing fireworks in a 360-degree eruption where the lights are kept lower in the sky, creating a more intimate setting that doesn’t scare the kids-truly a grand illumination. (more…)

Posted in Family Travel, Holidays & Events, Orbitz Parent Panel | No Comments »

Holiday travel with an international twist

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

By Alistar Wearmouth

My wife and I are preparing to pack up our two young kids for a family vacation to Scotland this Christmas, which is where my family lives. Getting on the road is never easy around the holidays, but even less so when you’re facing a long transatlantic flight. Here are some tips for coping with stressful international travel during busy holiday periods.International vacations

  1. Get Organized Early!: I swear my wife starts stressing about what to bring before the stores even have their Halloween decorations out. But she’s always the one smiling once the day of travel arrives. If you have presents or gifts to take, think about sending them ahead by mail to save some room in your suitcases. And don’t forget a daypack of kiddie essentials like changes of clothes, wipes, plastic bags, and that favorite stuffed animal.
  2. Be Direct: If you can, book direct flights to your final destination. Cutting down on layovers will lessen the chances of missing connections or sprinting through an unfamiliar airport with cranky kids in tow. It will also mitigate the chances of your luggage getting lost or delayed in transit. If direct flights look too expensive, consider flying through smaller regional airports to avoid some of the more major travel snarls that can occur at big, busier international airports (for example, we like to transit to Scotland via Ireland or Iceland instead of facing London Heathrow during the busy holiday seasons).
  3. Keep ‘Em Fed & Watered: A plentiful supply of snackfoods is the lifeblood of any family outing. But when you’re on a longer flight or train journey, for example, remember that Animal Crackers are no substitute for proper meals. Plan accordingly with sandwiches, fruits, and juice boxes, just in case there’s no meal service on board or the in-flight meal tray doesn’t do it for your kids. (more…)

Posted in Family Travel, Holidays & Events, International Vacations, Orbitz Parent Panel, Travel Tips | No Comments »

Top domestic beach vacations: Hilton Head and Amelia Island

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

By Lena Katz

With summer in the rearview mirror and Thanksgiving around the next curve, the landscape may look a little dreary to you these days. Maybe it’s time for a quick change of scenery. Quickie beach vacations, golf getaways or spa weekends are an easy way to perk up a blah autumn. Last installment was all about the Florida Keys—considered by many to be the ultimate Florida beach vacation spot. This time, we focus other domestic destinations: Hilton Head and Amelia Island on the western Florida coast.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head

Hilton Head

While Hilton Head Island has a storied history dating from Colonial times, it wasn’t until the 1950s when builders developed Sea Pines Resort that really transformed the island into a tourist destination. From the start, the intention was to maintain the simplicity and serenity of island life, while bringing in a range of high-end experiences and accommodations that could satisfy wealthy clientele. Today, the island has 24 golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links which hosts an annual PGA tournament. Apart from this it remains fairly pristine: Bike trails wind around groves of 100-year-old trees, while inlets and slow-moving creeks offer kayak fishing. People walk out to meet the incoming fishing boats in the harbor daily, selecting fresh catch to bring home and grill up, or eating at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Located in the Low Country coastal area, this is part of the Sea Islands system. It’s a quick drive from Savannah/Hilton Head airport, though it’s actually across the state line in South Carolina. At four hours’ driving distance from Charlotte and Atlanta, it’s a popular weekend getaway for residents of those cities as well as people flying in from the Midwest. Many of the big hotel chains have a presence here. Marriott Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa recently completed a revamp and opened a new spa with 15 treatment rooms. The Westin is a frontrunner as far as spa goes: the chain’s Heavenly Spa program, which draws upon indigenous ingredients from whichever region the spas are located, has a variety of inspirations to work with on this Low Country island. Signatures are the indigo massage and sweet grass wrap and—for people coming in with stiff shoulders after a day on the greens—a heated golf ball massage. For anyone who prefers to experience all the island’s dining and shopping, the Holiday Inn is right across from Coligny Plaza, which boasts more than 60 shops and restaurants. (more…)

Posted in Beach Vacation, Family Travel, Florida Vacation, Spa Vacation, Sports Travel | No Comments »

Clearwater, FL home to the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

By Joanna Citarella

On November 14 more than 1,800 athletes (plus myself and countless other spectators) will converge on Clearwater Beach for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship triathlon.

The start of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship

The start of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship

This race is the real deal, the holy grail of triathlons and the stakes are high with a purse of $100,000 split between the top 10 athletes. Participants will travel from all over the world and must complete a 1.2-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 56-mile bike ride through Pinellas County and 13.1-mile run through downtown Clearwater and the neighboring beach communities—all within 8 hours.

Admittedly this does sound like hard work, and not for everyone, but as I pondered my own upcoming Clearwater vacation (and by the way, the fall is a great time to visit Clearwater with average temperatures in the high 70- to low 80-degree range—perfect for enjoying the great outdoors) I thought it might be useful to share a few suggestions that will hopefully inspire you should you decide to reconnect with your inner athlete on your next vacation (yes, there is one hidden inside each of us!).

Swimming, skimming and sailing
The award-winning beaches of Clearwater and St. Petersburg, lend themselves to a little more than just sunbathing and paddling. Year round, the Gulf of Mexico enjoys warm and generally calm waters—excellent for a family vacation. The translucent waters of Caladesi Island State Park are great for swimming, and at Fort Desoto Park, there are two well-marked swimming beaches. While the gentle swells of the Gulf of Mexico aren’t entirely conducive with traditional surfing, there is plenty on offer for the water sports enthusiast. Children spend endless hours skimming on boards along the shallows, and for the more daring, kite surfing is extremely popular. If you want to venture a little further offshore, try your hand at sailing, with several schools in the area offering everything from basic skills training to advanced certification. (more…)

Posted in Beach Vacation, Family Travel, Florida Vacation, Sports Travel | No Comments »

Top 10 scary Halloween travel destinations

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Fall travel is in full swing, and with Halloween around the corner, many fall travel destinations are looking to give visitors a scare. From Disney’s haunted theme park to Las Vegas costume parties, there is an endless amount of Halloween fun this fall. Check out some of the top fall travel destinations for Halloween.

Disney Halloween (Photo copywright Disney/Kent Phillips)

Disney Halloween (Photo copywright Disney/Kent Phillips)

  • Disney World & Disneyland: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., is perfect for families with younger children. Children of all ages can dress up and trick-or-treat throughout the Magic Kingdom. The party runs through early November. Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., also serves up an age-appropriate scare with a haunted mansion, fireworks, trick-or-treating and more.

  • New Orleans: This year, New Orleans plans to host a 4-day charity Halloween Party. The Twisted Seasons event features dance parties, costume contests and New Orleans-themed surprises.
  • Las Vegas: Las Vegas hotels are teaming up to host the biggest and best costume party in the country. If it can get any bolder, Las Vegas kicks it up a notch on Oct. 31 with all-night parties and over-the-top shows.
  • Salem, Mass.: Home of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, Salem, Mass., is thought to be one of the most haunted places in America. As local hotels book up quickly, consider Massachusetts hotels north of Boston .
  • Chicago: Check out the spooky side of the Windy City. Haunted Chicago tours and lakefront haunted houses are just the beginning. Even Six Flags Great America, an amusement park in Gurnee, Ill., hosts Fright Fest, a zombie-filled festival sure to be a wild ride. (more…)

Posted in Disney Vacation, Family Travel, Florida Vacation, Holidays & Events, Top 10 Lists | No Comments »

Charleston hotels offer affordable luxury

Monday, October 12th, 2009

As part of my job as Orbitz market manager for the Southeast region of the U.S., I travel throughout the area to scope out cities and research great hotels. And while this sounds like a perfect job, it does have some setbacks: For one, I need to leave my toddlers behind (but now that I think about it, leaving the tantrums and potty-training accidents for a few days isn’t all that bad). And another thing, with so many fantastic hotels to visit and neighborhoods to explore, having to slice up my time becomes a task. At the end of the day, I can’t really complain since I get to head to beautiful cities, like Charleston, S.C.

Vendue Inn Restaurant

Vendue Inn Restaurant

This historic city in the Deep South is at times both elegant and exciting—and when visiting Charleston, you have many hotel options, depending on your budget and personal interests.

Historic Charleston hotels offer upscale options nearby great shopping, dining and nightlife, where you can find great deals on luxury hotel rooms and suites. The French Quarter Inn opens up more doors in an exciting setting. Or you can stay across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant, where you can find less expensive hotels, like the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, which often runs specials. A beach and golf vacation is not out of the question either, as Charleston hotels on Kiawah or Seabrook islands create a beautiful setting to relax.

The following five Charleston hotels offer a great value for fall travel, and yes I have toured, stayed at and even eaten at most of these hotels as part of my, um, stressful duties at Orbitz. (more…)

Posted in Family Travel, Food & Wine, Spa Vacation | No Comments »

Non-traditional family vacations: Skiing in the Southeast

Friday, September 25th, 2009

By Mark McCullough

Lynchburg, Va., perched in foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its tobacco history and connection to the late Jerry Falwell, the outspoken evangelical leader and founder of Liberty University. What it is not known for is its skiing, but that is is all about to change. Liberty University has put Lynchburg on the map as the single venue for synthetic skiing/riding park in North America.

A border getting some air on the slopes

A border getting some air on the slopes

My family and I stumbled upon this on an end-of-summer getaway as were traveling through Lynchburg and the sun was setting on a beautiful August day. Just above the Liberty U. Campus is Candler Mountain, where there is a collection of hiking and biking trails frequented by students, and great vistas open up of the Peaks of Otter Lodge and the Blue Ridge Parkway. We drove up the mountain to catch the sunset and discovered a ski lodge to the likes of Colorado’s Beaver Creek or Utah’s Alta ski areas, complete with stone fireplaces, bear rugs and many big game trophies mounted on the exposed log walls. (more…)

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Posted in Family Travel, Orbitz Parent Panel, Ski Resorts, Sports Travel, Travel Tips | No Comments »

Ski school a valuable part of family vacations on the slopes

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Ski vacation

The writer's boys on the slopes.

By Donna Mulligan

Ask my husband and he will tell you. His favorite family vacation with the kids is spent on the ski slopes in Vermont.

Taking the kids on a ski vacation does involve some organization and planning. Staying warm and dressing in layers is essential. Chattering teeth and blue lips can cut an afternoon of skiing short, so it’s important to pack with staying warm in mind. Don’t forget multiple ski gloves, turtles, socks, thermals, snow suits and goggles. Always remember to stash a few tissues in the snow suit pockets for runny noses on the slopes. (more…)

Posted in Family Travel, Orbitz Parent Panel, Ski Resorts | No Comments »

Make family vacations fun, easier with these gadgets

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Family vacation

Pac Back

By Mark Verone

Family vacations can be exciting, relaxing — even educational — but they can also present some challenges. When it comes to getting through the airport with ease, entertaining kids on flights and packing enough (but not too much), it helps to have the right gear. My wife and I have taken a lot of family vacations with our kids, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. Here are some of the gadgets we’ve found make travel easier:

Pac Back: The FAA recommends securing your child in a car seat approved for air travel during your flight. But the FAA has no suggestions about how to carry that car seat on the long walk to the gate, while pushing your child in a stroller. The Pac Back car seat carrier enables an me to carry the car seat like a backpack, leaving my hands free for dispensing snacks and changing diapers. Without the Pac Back, my family of four might never have reached the gate, much less our destination. (more…)

Posted in Family Travel, Gadgets & Gizmos, Orbitz Parent Panel, Travel Tips | No Comments »

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