New Punta Cana Bahia Principe Resort Takes Family Vacations To An Entertaining Level
Punta Cana does not lack all-inclusive resorts. This Dominican Republic beach town is crammed with hotels that cater to vacationers seeking sand, sun and surf.
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March is spring break month – some last-minute ideas
Who says spring break is just for college kids? Certainly not the families impatiently waiting in line at Orlando theme parks, but at least it’s not as hot as in midsummer!
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Finding hidden gems in snow country
There are other hidden gems like Ski Cooper elsewhere in Colorado and around the country for snow-loving families, suited especially for those with young kids and families just learning. Here are five good bets:
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Suzhou, China: Gardens and Canals Equal a Family-Friendly Asian Adventure
As I exited the airport in Shanghai, my preconceived notions about China seemed initially accurate. It was my first time visiting this country and I imagined I would be stepping into a land that had come too far too fast.
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Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Weekly Column
Finding the value at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico
The family had chosen Azul Beach Resort the Fives, a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive Experience, just outside of Playa del Carmen, for their getaway, because it seemed to offer all they needed.
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Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries
Snow Shoeing, Back Country skiing and horseback – Vista Verde Guest Ranch
Vacation days don’t often get better than this. After a hearty breakfast at Vista Verde Guest Ranch——think fluffy buttermilk pancakes, sausage, oatmeal and eggs all varieties—we head out together snowshoeing
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Far from the ski crowds: Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado
Vista Verde Ranch, about 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, is about as opposite a downhill mountain resort as possible. Set on 540 acres in the middle of Colorado’s Routt National Forest, this is the place to come to explore the wilderness on cross-country skis, horseback, fat bikes or snowshoes away from the crowds.
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Skiing conditions not optimal? Try a spa treatment, like at Beaver Creek
It has been dumping snow it seems since we arrived in Colorado. So time for a treat off the slopes. Fantastic is how I feel during the sports fusion massage at the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt two-story Allegria Spa
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To Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands – a trip of a lifetime even for kids
We walked amid thousands of penguins (we saw five species) not bothered by our presence and fur seals who were. The huge elephant seals ignored us, as did the humpback whales we watched from zodiacs.
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Breckenridge CO: Plenty for families on and off the slopes
What I love about Breck, as locals call it, is there is plenty to do even if you aren’t a skier or rider. There are more than 200 restaurants, bars and shops
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Why Colorado’s Keystone Resort is such a hit with families
On the first day of his first trip with his grandchildren to the slopes — at Keystone Resort just 90 minutes from Denver — he couldn’t help getting emotional as the family dropped off the two grandkids, 4 and 8, at ski school.
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Families & Groups | Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Parks & Outdoors | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries
At Ski Cooper – a half hour and a world away from Vail and Breck
It feels as if I have the entire mountain with its fresh snow all to myself—and it’s Saturday. Welcome to Ski Cooper, just outside of Leadville with 39 trails and four lifts spanning 400 lift-served acres and no artificial snow
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries
In Leadville CO — the highest town in the USA!
Just an after dinner stroll. In 10,000-plus feet altitude. In the snow. What could be more fun after a delicious dinner in a Yurt cookhouse?
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Historic sites and museums to visit during Black History Month
February is the ideal time to visit a historic site or explore a museum exhibit celebrating African American History Month, which is also celebrated in Britain and Canada.
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Woodstock VT: A Winter Weekend of Outdoor Activities
Vermont is loaded with quaint villages and covered bridges, but Woodstock stands tall even in state that’s chockfull of adorable.
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Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries
Families have most everything at the Azul Beach Resort on Rivieria Maya
Welcome to Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya by Karisma, just 20 minutes from Cancun Airport and just 148 recently renovated rooms with everything, including SpongeBob SquarePants
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Taking the Kids on a lengthy travel ‘sabbatical’
For five years, David and Shari Jacobson saved as much as they could, but they weren’t saving for a dream house or college for their two sons. They were putting money aside for a dream family trip many thought would never happen.
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Azul The Fives – An all-inclusive with practically everything
The smiling woman is making them with fresh corn tortillas in the heart of the plaza. But we’re not in Playa del Carmen’s famous pedestrian Fifth Avenue. We’re just outside Playa del Carmen at Azul Beach Resort The Fives Plaza
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Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries
On the Riviera Maya – Suites for big family groups at Generations by Karisma
Welcome to the 144-suite Generations, a Karisma resort about 40 minutes from Cancun. Did I mention grandparents can get a one bedroom unit free this year with a two-bedroom unit for their family? Nice too!
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Bites of Nassau: A Bahamian Food Tour That Goes Way Beyond the Beach
As pleased as our palates were at Atlantis, we weren’t about to miss the opportunity to sample bona fide Bahamian cuisine.
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On a cruise for spring or summer break
Welcome to the world of cruising. The best part: You can easily stay within budget and bring the grandparents along without any trouble.
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Backyard Vacations | Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries
Terranea, A Southern California Resort Respite
Perched on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea is a rambling resort on 102 acres of land, pristine and brimming with flora and fauna
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Why families need travel insurance
. I know most families don’t think they need travel insurance, but it really can save the day — and lots of money as costs can run into six figures when someone must be evacuated in a medical emergency. And, as travel insurers note, that is as likely to happen at a Mexican resort as on a cruise ship in some exotic locale.
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Five ways to make food a fun part of your 2017 vacation
You can teach the kids a lot about the culture of a place through its food. Besides, it’s fun. Two-thirds of those polled for the 2016 Portrait of American Travelers say fine-dining is important on vacation.
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Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Getting There | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Memories for a lifetime: kids in Antarctica
Each kid on this A&K expedition to Antarctica has many memories but distinct favorites. “Sailing by an iceberg, it was so beautiful,” said Lake, 12, from New York City.
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New Years Day to Remember: the whales in Antarctica
Then there were the whales—feeding at the edge of the ice here in Wilhelmina Bay, which is kind of a supermarket for whales with abundant Krill that the Southern humpbacks feed on.
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Snow fun in the sun in Antarctica on New Years Eve!
The kids—and some of the parents from this Abercrombie & Kent expedition to Antarctica — are sliding down the hill they’ve just trudged up on their backsides. It is so warm everyone has shed parkas, hats and mittens.
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Day One in Antarctica – kids try a spin in the Zodiacs
We’re ashore with Abercrombie & Kent on the rocky, crescent shaped Half Moon Island which was known to sealers as early as 1821. The stars of the show are the Chinstrap Penguins
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Football, roses and art – Pasadena CA has it all
Pasadena, just 12 minutes from Downtown LA via light Metro Rail, has a lot to offer every day—not least the sunshine, 300 days a year.
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Watch for whales, seabirds and penguins on icebergs
Adults and kids alike on the Abercrombie & Kent trip aboard Le Boreal are on deck, bundled in parkas and hats as we pass a giant iceberg where Chinstrap penguins frolic
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Remembering five great family adventures in 2016
Ask anyone what they want from vacation and, besides a good time, they’ll likely answer that they’re after lasting memories for their family
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Kids learn about sailing in the Earth’s most difficult waters
We’re in some of the most treacherous seas of the world, Captain Etienne Garcia, tells the boys and girls.
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On South Georgia Island – learning animal behavior
This morning in Gold Harbor on the southern end of South Georgia, an elephant seal pup, just a few months old, approached Sophie as if to say “Be my friend!”
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Day Two on South Georgia: a Visit to the whaling station
Welcome to St. Andrews Bay in South Georgia with the backdrop of the Heaney and Cook Glaciers and home to the largest King Penguin colony in the world
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South Georgia Island: home of the Oakum Boys
they’re juvenile King Penguins, also known as “Oakum Boys,” who still have a fluffy coat of downy brown feathers and they’re pecking at their moms to feed them
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Whales and Christmas Carole on the High Southern Seas
On the Southern Ocean for the second day between the Falklands and South Georgia – rocking seas, HUMPBACKS! and Christmas carols.
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On the Southern Ocean, Dissecting a Squid is What You Do
This morning, as the Southern Ocean rocks the boat with waves 10 or more feet high, the kids have gathered in a corner of the sixth floor restaurant to dissect a squid.
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Who Knew? A Trip to the Fire Station in the Falkland Islands
The fire trucks pull up to our ship Le Boreal in the Falkland Islands, sirens blazing and lights flashing. But there was no emergency.
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It’s time again for families to have some fun in the snow
Peanut M&Ms are good, too. The Aspen, Colorado, middle-schoolers I interviewed for my “Kid’s Guide to Denver and Colorado Ski Country” opine that it’s always smart to have “power candy,” in your pocket
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Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
On a Cruise to Antarctica – 34 Kids and a Whole Lot of Enthusiasm
On the first day of our A&K adventure cruise from Argentina to the Falklands, S. Georgia and Antarctica – 34 kids on board and a lot of enthusiasm for learning
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Six LA museums guaranteed to wow families and kids
But this wasn’t a big holiday sale. People were waiting for the chance to get free tickets to The Broad, Los Angeles’ newest contemporary art museum.
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Gift suggestions for your favorite travelers during the holidays
There’s always that one thing you wished you had brought for the trip, but didn’t. Why not give your favorite travelers something that will genuinely make them happier and more comfortable on their 2017 travels? The best news: They’ll think of you, and your thoughtful gift, every time they travel.
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Backyard Vacations | Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
How about a quick pre-holiday getaway?
Make it an overnight when you head to see that favorite holiday light display or museum exhibit. Go see Santa somewhere else besides the mall.
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Ushering in the holidays with cool light displays
For a lot of us, heading to holiday light displays has become as big a Thanksgiving weekend tradition as football and pumpkin pie.
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A Mother-Daughter Yoga Retreat To Kripalu in the Berkshires
Kripalu, a wellness retreat in the beautiful Berkshires, offers guests a flexible program with the opportunity to practice as much or as little yoga as desired.
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Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Finding the Elixir of Life on Amelia Island FL
At the TMS Family Travel conference held on Amelia Island Nov. 10-12, I experienced how one man’s passion for the culinary arts can convey an aura of wellness over an entire resort
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How they make it all happen in Clearwater FL
Lisa Chandler wants everyone to love Clearwater Beach “by far the most family oriented beach in the state of Florida,”
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Plenty of options for lodging in Clearwater FL
Just before sunset at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater, kids are in the pool on the eighth floor while parents are nearby nursing a cocktail. The beach is spread out below us.
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Taking the stress out of holiday family gatherings
Why domillions of us drive hundreds of miles or fly thousands over the busiest travel days of the year to eat too much and sleep on a futon or lumpy sofa bed? Family. That’s why we do it
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Fun and education on the beach in Clearwater FL
We just have to decide what we want to do on the six-mile long Clearwater beach just before Sunset.
