Trip Ideas By Activity
There are so many ways to vacation with your children.
City explorations, museum sleepovers, condo-style rentals, road trips, mountain and lake cabins, beaches, cruises, and all-inclusive vacations stretch budgets. Resorts run the gamut from moderate to pricey. Staying midweek or during shoulder season saves money.
Dream trips—African safaris, Galapagos treks, polar bear watches—deliver the thrill of wildlife encounters but at a hefty price. Farmstays, state and national parks, and hikes through Costa Rican rain forests let you enjoy animal encounters at a fraction of the cost.
Time travel fascinates kids. At living history parks, march with the militia and meet pioneers. In Europe, tour centuries-old castles, climb atop medieval walls, and stroll streets laced with 18th-century buildings. Go back millions of years to the dinosaur era. Satisfy your kids’ curiosity by going on a dinosaur dig, walking in dinosaur footprints, and ogling fossils of these fierce critters in museums.
Build sandcastles at the beach, canoe and fish at a lake, get tossed, twirled, and dropped on rollercoasters at an amusement, ski downhill, or snowshoe through snowy woods.
Stay overnight, for a few days, or a week. Plan carefully, allow for spontaneity, know that things will go awry, and maintain your sense of humor. Have fun.
Who are the most annoying fliers? Survey says …
USA TODAY||by Candyce H. StapenCategories: Air Travel, Family, Family Travel TipsInattentive parents — those with no control over their crying or naughty kids — and rear seat kickers, little or big, rank as the two most irritating types of fellow flyers, according to Expedia.com’s recently released 2013 Airplane Etiquette Study.
The 1001 adult Americans surveyed were given the names and definitions of 19 types of improprieties on airplanes and asked to vote for their three most annoying.
Wimpy parents received the most wagging fingers, 41%, and foot kickers scored second at 38%.
The next two please-don’t-sit-near-me passengers: the aromatic who exudes body odor or strong perfume, 28%; and the disruptive boozer, 26%. The non-stop conversationalist, dubbed “chatty Cathy,” received 23%, placing the frequent natterer at number five on the list. However, 73% of respondents admit that “talkative fellow passengers inspire dread.”
Sky misdemeanors continue with the audio insensitive who speaks or cranks his music up too loudly, 19%, and tying for seventh and eighth place with 13% each are the seat-back guy who reclines his chair full tilt, and the carry-on baggage offender who totes too much luggage onboard. The back seat grabber, that person behind you who launches himself upright by clutching your seat back, and the queue jumper, the one who elbows down the aisle to deplane before everyone else, each received 12% of the bad behavior votes.
According to Expedia, 10% of the 1001 surveyed reported engaging in sex with a fellow flight mate. Nonetheless, respondents deemed inappropriate levels of affection a social breach when it involved someone else, giving the amorous, a 9% disapproval rating.
However, the actions at 30,000-feet are not all etiquette disasters. More than three-quarters of respondents — 79% — report experiencing the kindness of strangers. Most often, the good deeds were switching seats, 32 %, helping with luggage, 12%, and sharing food or drinks, 8%.
So have you been naughty or nice?
Former Robben Island inmate leads memorable prison tour
USA TODAY||by Candyce H. StapenCategories: Africa & Middle East Destinations, HistoricWe stood in the yard of Robben Island Prison, looking at the tennis court that some prisoners were allowed to use for exercise.
“We would take a tennis ball, cut a small opening in it, put a note inside and hit the ball over the wall,” said Patrick Matanjana, who spent 20 years jailed at the facility. “That’s how we communicated with prisoners in other cell blocks.”
Matanjana’s personal recollections and his dignified presence, made the tour vivid, powerful and memorable.
Former prisoners escorting visitors through prison buildings were common more than a decade ago when I visited. Some former prisoners still lead tours.
At age 19 in 1967, Matanjana became prisoner 7067. “They gave you a number because the wardens could not pronounce your name,” said Matanjana, housed in the same cell block as Mandela for some of the time. Pointing to Mandela’s cell, Matanjana said “For a time he had a cot, but Mandela was tall so when he would go to sleep his head and feet would touch the walls.”
How did Matanjana get through 20 years of prison?
“The first day I walked through the door I was worried. I didn’t know if I could do it. How was I going to stay 20 years in this prison?,” said Matanjana. “But when I was inside two or three days, I saw Mandela and some others who were doing a life sentence. I thought ‘What is 20 years compared to a life sentence?, ” said Matanjana.
Mandela served as a leader, a coach, and an inspiration for the prisoners.
“In the beginning there were no doors on the toilets, no privacy. We smuggled a petition to request changes. Mandela told me ‘When you go and talk to the guys, face the man. He is a man and you are a man.’”
Through hunger strikes and other actions, the prisoners, led by Mandela, fought for the right to be educated.
“Education sustained us. You could not think about your family, your girlfriend. You had to in some way forget those people because there was nothing you could do. But when many came here they could not read or write and some left with university degrees.”
What did he feel when being released in 1987? ” I cried tears when I left because I was leaving behind Mandela and the others who were doing life sentences,” said Matanjana.
As we made our way to the exit, I asked him if he was angry.
“There is no bitterness. You cannot take Apartheid out the door and bring it back in the window. As Mandela (told us), we cannot correct a wrong thing by doing that very wrong thing. I am proud in the sense that all that we have been fighting for we achieved.”
I thanked Matanjana for his tour, telling him that I didn’t think I could ever be so forgiving. He smiled at me, squinting in the bright light, a result of years of chopping salt mounds in the glare of the South Africa sun. “We were creating the foundation for the next generation. In spite of all that happened, I forgave to rebuild our country.”
Best Caribbean resorts for families
USA TODAY||by Candyce H. StapenCategories: All-inclusives, Beach Resorts, Beaches, Best Family Resorts, Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda Destinations, Central & South America Destinations, Cruises & Resorts, Family, Trip IdeasThe Caribbean has some of the best sands and the friendliest family resorts.
At these six diverse properties, you and your children can encounter dolphins, ride horses in the surf, snorkel through schools of tropical fish, learn sailing and simply sit and chat.
The Bahamas: Atlantis Paradise Island
The Reef, Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
This mega-resort has 3,414 rooms spread out in six locations on its sprawling property. Not just for families, Atlantis attracts gamblers to its casino and foodies to fine dining at Nobu and Mesa Grill. These items also play well for parent date nights and for multi-generational families with twentysomethings who want nightlife.
Atlantis’ show-stoppers are the marine life and habitats (among the largest open-air aquariums in the world), and the 141-acre waterpark. Both are free. More than 250 species and 50,000 critters live in the 14 lagoons and the 8 million gallons of salt-water tanks. View spiny lobsters, spotted eagle rays and schools of tropical fish in the Ruins Lagoon or dive (for an extra fee) the habitat with scuba-certified family members. Hammerhead, blacknose and reef tip sharks zig zag above you as you walk through an acrylic tunnel in Predator Lagoon. At The Dig indoors, ogle lionfish, 6-foot-long Moray eels, iridescent jellyfish, tiny seahorse and groupers weighing hundreds of pounds. Special experiences (get out the wallets) include petting stingrays, interacting with dolphins or sea lions and becoming a trainer for the day. Kids won’t get bored at the water park — home to 11 pools and 20 swimming areas. Young kids like the tube slides and water cannons at just-for-them Splashers and the mini-slides at Ripples. The Mayan Temple pool attracts families with its waterfalls and the Baths pool has a large deck. Don’t bother saving a lounge chair for your tweens and teens as they’re likely to be too busy plunging down the slides: Leap of Faith is a 60-foot nearly vertical drop, and the Serpent Slide is a twisting ride of dark moments and descent through a clear tunnel cut into the shark lagoon. At the Atlantis Kids Adventures Club, ages 3-12 engage in a variety of activities that include cooking classes, creating virtual postcards and directing and acting in their own movies. The caveats for this Bahama behemoth: cheap eats are hard to find and some of the wished-for experiences can be costly.
Dominican Republic: Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med was there in the beginning, both as a pioneer of the all-inclusive concept and as an early devotee of the Dominican Republic. That accounts for the well-executed concept and for the Punta Cana resort’s ample setting on 75 beachfront acres along the eastern tip of the country. As the chain’s flagship in the Caribbean, the Punta Cana resort draws praise for its wide and long stretch of sandy beach, its reasonably good food, its comprehensive children’s program and its family suites. In August 2013, Punta Cana enhanced the Mini Club (ages 4 to 10) with three new themed rooms. At the Music Academy kids dance using Wii video games and play Dominican-inspired instruments. The Art Studio is the place for crafts and paintings and the Game Factory adds a digital and creative play space. Younger kids romp through the splash park’s fountains and slides. Ages 4 and older try the trapeze, play tennis, learn Zumba moves and — at week’s end — put on a show for parents. For an extra fee, nannies care for tots 4 months to 23 months at the Baby Club. With Club Med Passworld for teens, this hard-to-please group has its own hang-out. They can try island dancing, learn video editing and find out how to be a scratch DJ. Teens also keep busy sailing, windsurfing and playing tennis. All of Punta Cana’s 553 rooms can accommodate two adults and two kids under age 15. Some offer a separate bedroom off the main bedroom for the kids. For more space and service, consider one of the Tiara rooms — a two-bedroom, beachfront unit with 753 square feet. Guests have their own check-in area and a separate pool.
Jamaica: Half Moon Resort
Half Moon Resort Villa, Jamaica
In 2014, Half Moon, a 400-acre upscale property in Montego Bay, celebrates 60 years of operation — a testament to its combination of charm, service and setting. Managed by RockResorts since 2011, the resort exudes a British jewel-in-the-crown feel. The staff is welcoming, pools anchor the low-rise buildings, and the lush grounds bloom with bougainvillea and hibiscus; palm and seagrape trees shade the beach. Half Moon offers much to do without going off-property, an advantage for work-weary parents. You and your tweens and teens can swing through a round of golf on the 18-hole course and horseback ride along the beach — an outing highlighted by heading your mount into the surf for a swim. Young kids can go on pony rides (not in the water). For more animal interactions, get to know the resident dolphins at a beach encounter, best for little kids, or swim with the friendly critters at group or private sessions. Half Moon’s beach, although not wide, stretches for 2 miles. Kayaks and pedal boats are free; windsurfing and sailing on a Sunfish cost extra. At the grassy and gated Anancy Children’s Village, 3- to 6-year-olds go on crab hunts, have their faces painted, do gardening and get kissed by the dolphins. Seven- to 12-year-olds snorkel, make s’mores and learn reggae dancing. At the Hype Zone, teens sing karaoke and dance at the disco. Activities outside include mini-golf, water polo and tennis. After busy days, parents and college-age progeny can relax at the Fern Tree Spa, a 68,000-square-foot oasis with indoor and outdoor pools and treatments that employ coffee, herbs and other Jamaican elements. For families wanting more space and privacy, ask for the villas along the beach or the two-bedroom, oceanfront Hibiscus suites. Only some of the Royal Villas at the far end of the property have been recently renovated. Half Moon’s food is good and the service attentive at its several restaurants. Meal plans and packages are available. Families looking for a bit of luxury in a gracious setting with plenty of activities will enjoy Half Moon.
Mexico: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
The Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort is for those who like all-inclusive resorts and, especially, for those who don’t. Situated on more than 80 acres in the Riviera Maya — not far from Playa del Carmen — Grand Velas is a rarity: an all-inclusive property that’s earned AAA’s highest rating of Five Diamonds. The accommodations, located in three areas called “ambiances,” rank as suites, not for their multiple rooms but because of their size. At 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, the rooms are larger than some city apartments. The adults-only Grand Class is beachfront. Of the two family options, the Zen units, set amid the tropical trees and mangrove thickets near the spa, require a shuttle ride to the beach and main buffet. The oceanfront Ambassador section is much more convenient. At the supervised children’s program, ages 4 to 12 make piñatas, fly kites, fashion jewelry and pair up for Wii tennis and bowling. Outdoors, teens play beach volleyball, swim and sunbathe. The new teen hangout features air hockey, foosball, billiards, Xbox and other games. During holidays and summer, the resort ramps up the teen program. Grand Velas works well not just for families with grade-schoolers, but for those with college-age and adult children and for grandparents accustomed to luxury resorts with upmarket amenities. At the 89,000-square-foot spa, among the Caribbean’s top-rated facilities, you and your family members age 16 and older relax first with a water journey. Soak aching shoulders under waterfall jets and soothe tight muscles with water sprays. Inhale calming herbal mixes in the steam room, slather on medicinal clay in another area, then shower and cool down in the ice room. Afterwards, indulge with a healing massage or treatment. Unlike at many all-inclusives, the food is not only abundant, it’s also good. Cocina de Autor, the resort’s signature restaurant won a AAA Five Diamond award. Serving Spanish fare, the chef’s inspiration for flavors and sauces comes from the items’ chemical composition. Other good choices are Frida, the Mexican restaurant, and Sen Lin, the Asian restaurant. Grand Velas isn’t perfect. While the umbrella-shaded beach stretches for 1,000 feet, the swimming area is relatively small. Most families congregate around the large Ambassador pool with its ocean view. Those wanting luxury and an all-inclusive price in Mexico’s Riviera Maya will like Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
St. Lucia: Coconut Bay Resort
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St. Lucia
Not all noteworthy family resorts are costly. Moderately-priced Coconut Bay Resort, an all-inclusive strung along 85 acres of green lawns and palm tree-lined sands on St. Lucia’s south coast, features all the components for a child-friendly beach getaway. Those vacationing without kids stay in Harmony, the adults-only area fronted with a quiet pool. Families lodge and lounge on the resort’s Splash side, whose crowning jewel is the water park — a wetscape of twisting slides and a lazy river that’s great for floating via an inner tube. In Cocoland, home to the Coco Kidz Klub, youngsters cool off by dancing through spouting fountains and getting drenched by a bucket dump. For dry play, there’s a kid-sized zipline. The resort offers programs for wee ones to those 12 years old. Nannies watch infants to tots (up to 23 months old) in an air-conditioned nursery. Two- and 3-year-olds paint coconuts, bake cookies and watch puppet shows. Four- to 7-year-olds and 8- to 12-year-olds, careen down the water slides, go on nature hikes and play tennis. Teens have targeted activities during holidays and summer. The Coco Kidz Klub staff chronicles your kid’s activities in photographs so that your child can gift you with an album of these special moments at the vacation’s end. Renovations in 2011 and 2013 freshened the décor, upped the number of Splash premium rooms to 64, as well as rehabbed the pools. Kids can now swim up to their own pool bar to order fruit smoothies and other kid-friendly, non-alcoholic drinks. What don’t you get? Marble bathrooms, turn-down service, luxury furnishings and memorable meals. Although the food is reasonably good, recycled entrees do appear. Nevertheless, Coconut Bay Resort delivers a fun family vacation, especially for those on a budget.
Turks & Caicos: Beaches, Providenciales (Provo)
The three Beaches resorts lure families with all-inclusive prices, engaging children’s programs and meet-and-greets with favorite Sesame Street characters. At the 223-room Ocho Rios, Jamaica, resort kids can practice putts and swings at the chain’s only children’s golf program. However, the beach is relatively small. The 220-room Beaches Negril, also on Jamaica, features Pirates Island, an 18,000-square-foot water park, and stretches out on a long swath of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. Although both Jamaica resorts deliver family fun, the 614-room Beaches Turks & Caicos is best for both its location on a swath of 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach and for the choices. At the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Waterpark, tots can play in their own pool, preschoolers climb a pirate ship and jump through water jets, and older kids zoom down water slides, body surf and catch their breath by floating along a lazy river. If you can get your kids off the sand and out of the waterpark, they’ll have plenty of things to do at the supervised children’s program that offers care for infants to 2-year-olds, as well as activities for ages 3 years through teens. Preschoolers and grade-schoolers delight in digging for seashells with Zoe, turning trash into treasures with Oscar the Grouch, learning about feathered friends with Big Bird and baking cookies with Cookie Monster. Tuck-ins, tea time and other special one-on-ones with a favorite Muppet cost extra. Teens learn to spin discs at the Scratch DJ Academy and meet and mingle at Liquid, the under-21 nightclub. Turks also offers more lodging options: 30 categories as opposed to the Jamaica resorts’ 11-12. When the Key West Village debuted May 2013, it upped the luxury by offering butler-serviced suites and villas, just in case you want additional space, privacy and pampering amid the happy family madness of this mega-resort.