To San Francisco to commemorate the “summer of love”
Take the kids and grandkids to San Francisco where the city is marking the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love with a year’s worth of special events, exhibits, concerts and more.
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Amenities galore in the business and first lounges at Dubai Airport
Even after midnight the lounges are busy, as Dubai is a major gateway and global connection point. (There are appealing packages from Emirates for those who want to stop over for a day or two.)
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A Trip to Cubs Spring Training with my Dad
I convinced my dad to join me this spring in Arizona for spring training. As coincidence would have it, two of his very best friends from his college years at The University of Texas were also planning a trip.
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A mixture of Bedouin tradition and modern: Dubai
Dubai is such a mixture of the old from the Bedouin tradition and the new—the tallest building in the world–The Burj Khalifa–and the biggest indoor theme park
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On a long-haul flight, Emirates Airlines thinks of everything
It’s the extra touches—the captain signing their travel journals, the chance to have their picture taken in a flight attendant’s or captain’s hat
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Montreal Celebrates 375th Anniversary
In 2017, the city of Montreal is celebrating its 375th anniversary, and the festivities run all year long! With activities ranging from festivals, shows and more, there is always something new to explore
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On the Russian River in Sonoma County CA
We’re kayaking in the mouth of the Russian River in Jenner, CA as one harbor seal after another pops up his head. We see Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Ospreys with fish in their mouths, going to their nests presumably.
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Sonoma County CA: a foodie paradise
There are about 500 restaurants in Sonoma County—places to get fresh crab and sandwiches on just-baked bread, freshly made soup and all varieties of cheese.
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Three days in Sonoma County – a birthday treat at a special spa
I’m soaking in a natural thermal pool that’s heated to more than 90 degrees. Even better, the setting couldn’t be more bucolic—flowering shrubs all around. We’re at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Willow Stream Spa,
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Catch your fish and bring it to Nauti Nancy’s in Clearwater FL
At the popular Clearwater restaurant Nauti Nancy’s, families bring their catch–which the restaurant prepares blackened, lemon picata or beer battered—along with sides for $10.
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Taking the kids to Germany’s famous Christmas markets
Germany has the most holiday markets in Europe, drawing tourists from around the world, though you’ll also find them a popular holiday tradition in neighboring Austria, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia.
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Inspired by “Frozen,” families flock to Norway
Not only have spunky Princess Anna and ethereal Queen Elsa stolen the hearts of little girls everywhere, but they’ve significantly contributed to the increasing number of tourists visiting Norway
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At Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado – on a different kind of snow vacation
I wondered when I planned this trip if my gang of grown kids, who love nothing more than tearing down those steep slopes, would like a more laid-back holiday — at least for a few days on a week-long winter trip to Colorado. I needn’t have worried.
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The Few kids on this cruise have a blast
During school vacation weeks, the Norwegian Gem can have up to 800 kids aboard. But this week sailing from New York to Canada and back there are only 15. But they are having a blast.
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Halifax, Nova Scotia – History and Heroism Combine
Everyone knows about the Titanic, but few have heard about the Halifax Explosion of 1917 that killed 2000 people. Here in Nova Scotia history, tragedy and a beautiful city combine for some incredible stories.
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Families on the Norwegian Gem – NYC to Canada
On this week-long cruise from New York to Canada, families of all sizes are aboard the Norwegian Gem – grown kids, grandparents, cousins, girlfriends on getaways
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Grapevine TX – not just a place near the airport but family central
Grapevine, TX, 10 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and in between the two North Texas cities, hosts some 20 million visitors a year, more than half from out of state.
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Salzburg Austria Is Not Just for Sound of Music Fans
I think this picturesque city would be a good place to base yourself for several days or a week, though it can get crowded as the city of 150,000 welcomes more than 1.5 million tourists a year
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Exploring history and viewing the modern at Disneyland
Walt Disney was tapped out. The construction of Disneyland was taking nearly every penny he had. A kid-friendly, upscale hotel next to a theme park seems like a slam-dunk, but not in the early ’50s
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Food and wine and an angry potato make a grownup family weekend in Aspen/Snowmass
When you’re traveling with grown kids, as we are this weekend, artisanal cocktails can play a key role.
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Snowmass in Summer – cool air and lots of family activities
After an arduous 16 mile hike yesterday, I’m at The Spa at Viceroy Snowmass while an experienced massage therapist ministers to my aching legs and shoulders.
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A Family Culinary Adventure in Merida, Mexico
On a recent trip to Merida, Mexico, Alison Tibaldi booked a hands-on cooking class. It was an immersive experience that offered a window into the local culture in a highly sensorial way.
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A Family Getaway To Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is loaded with New England charm. The pedestrian-friendly streets are brimming with retro sweet shops, folksy art galleries and authentic lobster shacks.
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Tauck’s latest European river boat — extra space for families
I’ve never seen a nicer bathroom onboard a river ship. It’s so spacious! It has a rain shower. And as the MS Joy boasts more suites and fewer guests than other similarly sized vessels, it is a good bet for families.
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Rained out in Austria? No chance
We’re about an hour northwest of Vienna—a great place for a respite after city touring, The entire area is famous for its abbeys, churches, castles, picturesque villages and hiking and cycling. The best part—It’s not at all crowded!
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Aboard Carnival’s newest ship, the Vista
What’s first the new, super-fast waterslide, IMAX movie or SkyRide attraction? If you pick SkyRide, you get bragging rights for being among the first to ride a bike on an 800-foot track suspended 150 feet above the oceanWelcome aboard Carnival’s newest, biggest ship VISTA, with nearly 5,000 guests and 1,450 crew members.
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Food Tours: A Delicious Way To Explore Cincinnati OH
Nowhere is tradition and innovation more apparent than in the culinary arena of Cincinnati. While this city gets its share of recognition for down-home Cincinnati-style chili, cutting-edge chefs are flocking here like bees to honey.
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To the new, enhanced Disney Springs in Orlando
Book a $125 vintage Amphicar ride for the gang at the new Boathouse Restaurant at the newly imagined Disney Springs, which used to be Downtown Disney before its multi-year transformation.
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Sampling the great foods of Athens
I think the way to a city’s heart—or to understand its culture—is through its food. That’s why in Athens I signed us up for a “Beyond Feta” food tour offered by Context Travel,
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Visiting Turkey, briefly, in a year of travel warnings
Although the US State Department has warned about travel in parts of Turkey, we are far away from the unrest and terror threats in the tiny village of Sirince not far from the famous ruins of Ephesus
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No way to diet: 19 restaurants on Carnival Vista
It’s nearly impossible to stay on your diet aboard Carnival’s new and largest ship Vista with some 19 places to eat.
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Carnival’s newest and biggest ship – chock full of kids activities
Kudos to Carnival for what they have achieved for families on their new and largest ship, Vista, now sailing in the Mediterranean.
