Spas treatments for all ages at Disney’s Aulani

Spas treatments for all ages at Disney’s Aulani

Laniwai (the name means freshwater heaven in Hawaiian) is supposed to embrace the Hawaiian connection to nature. I think it can enhance family connections too both by encouraging families to enjoy the facilities together and on their own

There’s a lot do on Oahu but so too at the Aulani

There’s a lot do on Oahu but so too at the Aulani

There’s so much to keep kids busy right here at Aulani–the water slides and ides and lazy river, the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon, the chance to interact with the stingrays and play in the calmest lagoon I’ve ever seen.

Hawaiian tradition and culture blend with Disney at the new Aulani

Hawaiian tradition and culture blend with Disney at the new Aulani

Ready to learn the Coconut Walk? “Aunty,” who actually is well known Hawaiian entertainer Sonya Mendez, leads the children as they clap Coconut shell instruments together around the outdoor restaurant. In between songs, Goofy, Minnie and other Disney Pals—all decked out in Hawaiian gear—stop by for photos and hugs

A visit to Disney’s new Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii

A visit to Disney’s new Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii

What I like most is that this big resort—when it is fully open it will include 359 rooms and 481 two-bedroom condo units—is that it will up the ante for family resorts in Hawaii and elsewhere, improving the family experience in the process.

Learning to scuba dive at a Caribbean resort

Learning to scuba dive at a Caribbean resort

We’ve just finished the most spectacular dive of the day off of Grand Turk Island called “anchor” so named for a historic 10-foot anchor deep in the water. We’ve seen a Manta ray and sea turtle, hog fish, huge grouper, eel garden ray, that flounder and all kinds of other big and little fish–blue and purple, silver and spotted…as well as all varieties of coral.

Interacting with rescued marine mammals at Atlantis in the Bahamas

Interacting with rescued marine mammals at Atlantis in the Bahamas

The facility serves as the best marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in the Bahamas—the sea lions here were also rescued. Corbett shows us the lab which she proudly says is one of the most medically advanced in the Bahamas — for creatures or people, she jokes — complete with ultra sounds equipment, digital x-rays, anesthesia machines and more. Experts here have the ability via the internet to consult with experts around the world.

Where would you take the kids on vacation if money is no object

Where would you take the kids on vacation if money is no object

Travelocity and TakingtheKids collaborated on a new poll asking families just that — where they’d take their kids on their “dream trip,” if money was no object. According to the results from the 1,500 people polled, it’s clear that no matter how bad the economy, when it comes to our vacation wish list, we dream big.

Memories of a kayaking adventure off the tip of Cabo

Memories of a kayaking adventure off the tip of Cabo

Welcome to Lover’s Beach. No it isn’t so named because of affectionate couples. Apparently Jacques Cousteau so named this spot in Cabo San Lucas after watching the Pacific swells pound the calmer Medano Bay on the other side. He said the Pacific was making love to the Sea of Cortez.

The Fresh Air Fund needs help, get it from the Cayman Islands

The Fresh Air Fund needs help, get it from the Cayman Islands

With the Fresh Air Fund reporting that 700 needy youngsters still are without a place to go this summer, I can’t help but wonder why other islands and airlines haven’t stepped up to help like this. The Cayman Islands and Cayman Airways are in their 5th year of taking inner-city youngsters to and from the island for a summer outdoors

Living life in the slow lane on Amelia Island, Florida

Living life in the slow lane on Amelia Island, Florida

Though we’re just a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport, and plenty of nonstop flights from major cities like New York and Atlanta, we might as well be on another planet with long, deserted beaches, lots of wildlife and clear, warm water. It feels more like the South, though, than South Florida, with canopies of trees and locals who seem happy to live life in the slow lane.