The Orbitz Family Travel Guide
Meet the new Orbitz Parent Panel, a group of Orbitz moms and dads coming together to share experiences and advice to help you plan an affordable, stress-free family vacation.
This month, our focus is on educational travel:
- Trip ideas: Two moms bring lessons in American history to life.
- Museum tips: Get roundup of educational exhibits deemed “worth the trip.”
- Doing DC: How to arrange a tour of the White House, Capitol & Pentagon.
We went looking for travel experts who were also doting parents and found them right under our nose. These Orbitz parents have plenty of experience traveling to a variety of destinations with children of all ages. Join them as they share their vacation adventures, mistakes and successes -- as well as personal strategies, tips, and opinions.
Donna Mulligan is a full-time working mom to 3 hockey players. Her family's favorite travel destinations include Killington, Vermont, the Adirondacks, Florida's Gulf coast, and Quebec City.
Our kids' social studies classes taught them about the struggle and triumph of America's patriots. But we brought them to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia to experience it first hand. More
posted by Parent Panel | August 2008
Carrie Russell, mother of three and teacher, is a member of the Orbitz Parent Panel by marriage.
Two score and several weeks ago, we took our kids on a 3-day trip to learn about Abraham Lincoln and Illinois state government - a departure from the typical spring break vacation. More
posted by Parent Panel | August 2008
We asked Orbitz Parent Panelists to nominate educational museum exhibits in North America that are "worth the trip."
My my, what large teeth you have...
Walking with Dinosaurs
Fifteen life-like dinosaurs, each weighing about as much as a car, roar to life with the help of technology and a team of master puppeteers. This show, touring venues across North America, depicts the life and evolution of dinosaurs, like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus and Brachiosaurus. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Journey with Gentle Giants
Or, if you want to sound impressive to your friends, call it: "Swim with the 'Sharks.'" These are whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Jump into a 6.3 million gallon exhibit with these gentle creatures, as well as zebra sharks, sawfish, leopard whiprays and bowmouth guitarfish. This exhibit is at the Georgia Aquarium for ages 12 and older.
Open Sesame
Jim Henson's Fantastic World
Peer into the imagination of Jim Henson, the late brilliant creator of Kermit, Big Bird, and other childhood favorites. Witness his process of "visual thinking" through artworks, photos, puppets and video. This touring exhibition is at the Smithsonian through Oct. 5.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Explore the sky with Big Bird, Elmo and friends in Sesame Workshop's new planetarium show. "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure" is scheduled to make its U.S. premiere at Chicago's Adler Planetarium on Oct. 15, 2008.
Night at the museum ... or zoo
KidSpy Overnight: Operation Secret Slumber
Once the International Spy Museum in Washington DC locks its doors for the night on Nov. 15 at, top-secret spy training begins for kids 9-13. Pint-size secret agents disguise themselves with new identities, gather intelligence about espionage, and hunt for a mole within their ranks.
Visiting Washington DC has almost become a rite of passage for many children in the United States. Touring the White House, Capitol or Pentagon can be a highlight, but you’ll need to make arrangements in advance:
White House tours: Submit a request for a free tour through your congressional representative. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays, and can be booked to 6 months in advance.
Capitol tours: Pick up free tickets for scheduled tours at the Capitol Guide Service Kiosk, beginning at 9 a.m., Monday through Saturday. Tickets are first come, first serve. Tours are Note: The new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is scheduled to open Dec. 2, 2008.
Pentagon tours: Contact your senator or congressional representative to arrange a free guided tour. Tours operate Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are no tours on weekends or federal holidays.
More planning tips
Orbitz parents rated these family-friendly hotels hotels on a scale of 1 to 5, based on:
- Service
- Amenities
- Comfort
- Location
- Value
Read their reviews to get first-hand observations, as well as practical tips on what to do, where to eat and how to get around.
Family getaways and reunions
With lots of onboard activities, tons of shore excursions and plenty of meal options to choose from, cruising is a fun and affordable family vacation.
Explore Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico. You and your family will see it all, and unpack only once!