In Edinburgh, where Harry Potter was written and history abounds
Welcome to Daigon Alley. No, this is not at Universal Studios Orlando. It’s here in Edinburgh, where JK Rowling famously wrote the first book in a coffee shop.
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At Gleneagles, falconry is more than for the birds
Margo is a Harris Hawk at the British School of Falconry here on the grounds of the historic Gleneagles Hotel, the first in the country and extremely popular with kids. In fact, we had an audience as I was learning to hold Margo and let her fly.
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Gleneagles: a world-famous golf resort, now family friendly
Of course, Gleneagles is known for golf — it is home to three of Scotland’s best championship courses and it is where the 2014 Ryder Cup was played. But today, only 30 percent of guests play golf — and some of them may be kids taking lessons.
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Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland – a foodie paradise
What is vacation without good food and Gleneagles Hotel certainly delivers. It is home to Andrew Fairlie, chef of Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant. But the other restaurants offer something special as well—maybe trying Scottish food for the first time.
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Gleneagles: Famous for golf but beloved by UK and US families
Gleneagles is known for golf—it is home to three of Scotland’s best championship courses but today, only 30 per cent of guests play golf and Gleneagles is a kid-friendly resort that draws families from the United Kingdom as well as the United States back year after year
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At Scotland’s Fort George: a youth bagpipe band
Tour buses took us to Fort George, where the Inverness Youth Band with 30-plus members –drummers as young as nine and led by adults are “Beating Retreat,” performing a traditional military ceremony 16th Century England.
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A hidden gem of a restaurant in Scotland
Three Chimneys Restaurant and six-room inn is on an out of the way stretch of road on the Isle of Skye where you brake for sheep crossing the road and the fish you eat for lunch might have been caught that morning, the lettuce just harvested.
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Fans from all over the world love Harry Potter studio tour near London
The Woods family had flown 24 hours to London from Australia, but they weren’t planning to ride the famous London Eye, see a West End play or even check out the Crown Jewels. In fact, they’d come for just one reason — the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London — The Making of Harry Potter
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Learning about the origins of the Titantic in Belfast
We are on day two of our cruise aboard the Windstar yacht Star Legend – the Gaelic Explorers tour. We’ve anchored in Portrush and taken an excursion bus for the one-hour trip to Belfast to learn about the building of the Titantic.
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Cruising Ireland and Scotland on a Windstar yacht
We are on an eight-day Gaelic Explorer Windstar Cruise on a yacht with just 212 passengers can go to smaller ports. Windstar, known for its sailing yachts, has added three more yachts from Seabourn—these without sails–that after a $12 million refurbishment have joined the fleet.
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When in Ireland, soak up culture in Dublin
Our guide says the mistake Americans make when visiting Ireland is rushing around too much. “Give yourself time,” he says. Don’t rush off on day trips to the west of the country. “I don’t go to New York to see Chicago,” he said. Here are some places he suggests you visit
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A multi-gen foodie heaven at Ireland’s Ashford Castle
The great food at Ashford Castle in Ireland is inspired by Lord Ardilaun, a scion of the Guinness family, who insisted on only the freshest and most varied of local produce, a tradition continued by new executive chef Philippe Farineau
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Ireland’s Ashford Castle – beloved by American families
We are at Ireland’s School of Falconry—the oldest in the country—at Ashford Castle that dates back to 1228 on the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in Ireland, and the River Cong, which is reputed to have the best salmon and trout fishing in Europe.
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Touring London with a local journalist – curry anyone?
Will Hide, a London journalist, jokes that locals say Chicken tikka masala should be Britain’s national dish. Indian food—especially “takeaway” is so popular. Vacations, of course, are a great time to try new cuisines and when in London, that means Indian food (actually mostly Bangladeshi).
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Fans and their families love the Harry Potter Studio tour near London
The Warner Brothers Studio Tour where the Harry Potter films were made outside of London draws 6,000 visitors a day but is well worth the effort for families with Hogwarts fans.
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Hotel VIP Lounges – great for families on extended vacations
It’s not that I need to be treated like a VIP. I just want to de-stress experience as much as possible—especially with kids. That means not having to wait to be served breakfast or a snack or paying through the nose for food the kids won’t eat.
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Tea with Charlie at a hip but kid-friendly London hotel
In Britain these days, one young local explained, tea “is for a special occasion—like a birthday. Maybe it’s going to see your first West End Play—say Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
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Puerto Vallarta resort is more than an all-inclusive
If you think Mexico is only about all-inclusives, think again. The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, with its contemporary décor and just 280 rooms, offers all-inclusive options, though many also like to explore Puerto Vallarta’s lively dining scene.
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Souvenir shopping rule #1: don’t buy something you can buy at home
Sure London has lots of sites to see but there is something to be said for spending a morning wandering along with local families. Come on a Sunday in July when Regent Street is closed to pedestrians.
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Disney | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Weekly Column
A new Orlando resort that does more for families
The kids want to stay right where they are because they’re having way too much fun at the expansive Explorer Island pool-water play area at the New Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World,
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Take your family to Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city webbed with narrow cobblestone streets, opening onto squares of medieval cathedrals and monasteries overlooking the Rio Tejo. With its yellow trams, open parks, 1930s cafés, and ghostly spirit, Lisbon is a city that has plenty to offer every member of the family.
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10-plus ideas for family summer adventures in ski country
You’ll find increasing mountain-biking options at ski resorts across the country, whatever your level. You’ll also find free kid-friendly activities, festivals, farmer’s markets, mini and disc golf, tennis, challenge courses or, of course, the chance to hike, fish and river raft.
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A Very Special Destination Wedding
Like one in four American couples getting married this year, according to research by TheKnot.com, my daughter, Reggie Yemma, and her new husband, Dan Foldes, opted for a destination wedding
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Lake Tahoe On a Budget: The Beach Retreat & Lodge
Lake Tahoe is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, with a full menu of recreational options to match its grand size. Combine the cobalt blue water with miles of pristine nature trails and you’ve got a perfect match for lovers of the great outdoors.
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To Rocky Mountain National Park as it celebrates its centennial
Rocky Mountain National Park is one giant outdoor playground offering more than 350 miles of hiking trails, many from Trail Ridge Road, 114 mountain peaks and 147 lakes that stretch 415 square miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake.
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A whirlwind trip to the parks and great memories
The whirlwind parks tour continues at Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm. Heading home with an armful of souvenirs, Hannah says: “I had such a great time with my dad and will always remember this trip with him.”
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Backyard Vacations | Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
A father-daughter trip to the parks and beaches of Southern California
Ten-year-old Hannah Sitzman is a serious and competitive gymnast who only gets one week off her training a year. So she and her Dad Mike made the most of every day on a whirlwind visit to the parks and beaches around Los Angeles recently.
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Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
21 ways to show your Dad some love on summer vacation!
As Father’s Day coincides with the start of the summer vacation season, I figured there’s no better time to offer some suggestions to up dad’s fun quotient on vacation, which is a much better idea than yet another Father’s Day tie, or an IOU, accompanied by a charming kid’s drawing.
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Ten fabulous Caribbean summer deals for families
Looking for a summer beach bargain?
You know, somewhere with white sand beaches, clear blue water and plenty of activities to keep everyone happy — paddle-boarding, giant sand castle building, boogie-boarding and snorkeling. Let’s not forget kayaking.
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Visiting Universal Orlando as it celebrates its 25th year
The shop windows are full of surprises, like the self-knitting needles. There’s the towering dragon that breathes fire, the Escape from Gringotts ride through the Gringotts vaults and the chance to chat up the Knight Bus conductor and the shrunken head hanging from the rearview mirror
