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.
Market, One & Only Palmilla
Continental Magazine||by Candyce H. StapenCategories: Best Family Resorts, Central & South America Destinations, Cruises & Resorts, RestaurantsOne Los Cabos eatery introduces cuisine made from local ingredients.
Indulge – Eat
When I walk through the shimmering, amber-lit glass entranceway and see the racks of wine bottles stored neatly in vaults, and the open kitchen, I think I could be at a slick eatery in Manhattan or Chicago. But Market (Km 7.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, San José del Cabo, 52.624.146.7000, oneandonlyresorts.com), which debuted just over a year ago, is actually part of the posh One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. Market is Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s first West Coast restaurant. It’s part of a Los Cabos trend favoring fine restaurants that use farm-fresh, local items to create world-class global cuisine. “Jean-George’s philosophy,” notes executive chef Alex Theil, “is to buy great products and to make simple things the best way possible. Many chefs try to make everything complicated, but Jean-Georges tries to make everything simple and very good.” At Market, the result is Euro-Asian-inspired cuisine, with Mexican accents, that’s neither overstated nor overworked.
The heirloom tomatoes for the watermelon gazpacho, as well as the squash, pumpkin, avocados, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables, come from an organic farm in Miraflores, an hour from the resort. The chili peppers — habanero, jalapeño, and other varieties — come from handpicked suppliers. The bluefin tuna is caught off Ensenada, the shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico, and the blue crab in La Paz.
To these traditional Mexican staples, Market’s recipes add Vongerichten’s characteristic Asian herbs and spices. Crystallized ginger and lime juice with a bit of mango enhance the La Paz blue crab cake; a ginger marinade along with avocado brings out the flavor in the ribbons of tuna, a signature appetizer that appears in several Vongerichten restaurants.
Theil, who hails from Austria, arrived in Mexico four years ago to serve as executive chef at C, the Charlie Trotter restaurant at One&Only Palmilla that Market replaced. He knew Spanish, having worked in Barcelona. “When I arrived in Mexico,” he says, “I traveled the country, discovering the local culture and sampling Mexican enchiladas, frittatas, and chipotle sauces.”
Among Theil’s discoveries: “I love jicama and tamarinds. These products don’t exist in Europe. I also like all the varieties of chilies as well as sea beans. Everywhere the locals put a little lime and a little chili on their food. Now when I go back to Austria and I have chicken soup, I think, ‘Where is the chili? Where is the cilantro?'”
Jicama, a kind of tuber-like legume, finds a place in Market’s crispy wild huachinango (red snapper). Sea beans, also known as “sea grass” or “sea asparagus,” add a salty taste and a crusty texture to the dish.
When I ask for his favorite item on the menu, Theil immediately suggests the roasted veal chop with chipotle glaze. Why? “First of all, the veal chop is a nice portion,” he says. “It has a simple garnish of sautéed porcini mushrooms from near Mexico City. Then, there’s an aromatic glaze of chilies with orange, lime, and lemon juices.”
I ordered the veal chop and can report that Chef Theil was right. I still daydream about the mix of tangy tastes and tender veal — it’s world-class.
Getting There:
Continental offers nonstop service to Los Cabos from its hubs in Houston and New York/Newark.
Island Oases: Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico
Physician's Travel & Meeting Guide||by Candyce H. StapenCategories: Adventures, Beach Resorts, Beaches, Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda Destinations, College Age & Adult, Family, National and State Parks in the US, Nature Vacations, Teens Ages 13-17, Trip Ideas, Tweens Ages 10-12Even in the Caribbean, known for its turquoise waters and sugar soft sands, secluded oases are becoming increasingly rare.
But off the eastern shore of Puerto Rico, less than a 30-minute flight from bustling San Juan, we discovered two treasures: Vieques, population 10,000 and Culebra, with barely 2,000 people.
Both deliver the Caribbean of long-ago–a sun-swept seascape devoid of high-rise hotels and heaving traffic. Instead of partygoers swaying to salsa beats on packed dance floors, nightlife on these shores means swimming in luminescent bays or listening to the palm fronds rustle in the breeze. Without duty free shopping malls and make the scene crowds, these islands won’t please everyone– just those families who want eco-adventures and spectacular beaches plus a good property in each place offering civilized services.
As we kayaked in Mosquito Bay on a nearly moonless night, each of our strokes cut an electric blue ribbon in the water. Just ahead a flash of neon-like color betrayed a fish zig-zagging close to the surface. Amazed at how movements in this bay morphed into streaks of light, we jumped in, floated on our back, and waved our arms and legs to fashion foamy glowing “water” angels.
Instead of paddling from the kayak, our group happily splashed in the bay, creating strobes of light quickly followed by “wow” and “look at that.” Mosquito Bay, nicknamed Bio Bay, is one of the Caribbean’s best–some say one of the planet’s best– examples of bioluminescence. Disturb the mega-millions of dinoflagellates living in these waters and they light-up like fireflies, a mesmerizing experience.
On our second favorite Vieques adventure, we biked the back roads, winding through areas formerly off-limits as part of a U.S navy base. The huge bunkers we pedaled past once housed ammunition for practice bombing missions, but now bat colonies hung from the ceilings. With the cessation of artillery drills, and the departure of the Navy came the establishment in 2001 of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, a service that works to clean up the former target areas. Now more than half of Vieques, or 18,000-acres of the island’s 32,000-acres remain under control of the refuge, which has opened two new beaches since 2001.
Vieques’ has many alluring beaches, especially mile-long Sun Bay Beach, where coconut palms and sea grape trees line the white sands, and secluded Green Beach, our reward for our morning’s biking work-out.
The place to stay on Vieques: Wyndham Martineau Bay Resort & Spa, the largest of Vieques properties with 156-rooms. The beachfront hotel sports a casually elegant feel, comfortable rooms, but, alas, on my visit soon after their April 2003 opening, mediocre food. We’re told the kitchen has improved. But just in case, the casual M Bar & Restaurant, across the street, serves very good fusion cuisine that mixes Spanish, Cuban, and island influences to serve up imaginative entrees such as sea bass with
pumpkin, sweet plantains and fava beans.
Culebra
Culebra, much less-populated than Vieques, is even more laid-back. There are two main reasons to come here: swimming at Flamenco Beach and snorkeling off Carlos Rosario beach.
Named for the pink flamingos that once nested in the nearby lagoon, Flamenco Beach, part of a public park and popular with locals, is a nearly mile-long horseshoe curve of wide sands sporting modest waves. Concessionaires sell soft drinks and rent chairs and the park offers overnight camping spots so close to the sea that you can fall asleep to the sound of breaking surf.
After walking from Flamenco Beach about 3/4 mile up a hill and down to the next cove, we came to Carlos Rosario Beach, a sliver of sand that serves as the departure point for one of the island’s top snorkeling tours. We hovered over acres of watery gardens blooming with colorful orange brain, purple fan, and thick brown elkhorn and stag coral.
The best place to stay: Club Seabourne, an unassuming boutique hotel with 14 rooms and one villa plus some very good food. Be sure to try the lobster spring rolls.
Information
Vieques:
Wyndham Martineau Bay Resort & Spa,
800-WYNDHAM.
wyndhammartineaubay.com
Check with the hotel for kayak/boat Bio Bay Tours
La Dulce Vida Mt. Bike. 787-435-3557.
BikeVieques.com
Culebra:
–Club Seabourne
800-981-4435.
clubseabourne.com
–Culebra Divers
offers snorkeling and dive trips:
787-472-0803
culebradivers.com
Top Family Attractions: U.S. Virgin Islands
Family.Orbitz.com||by Candyce H. StapenCategories: Adventures, Beaches, Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda Destinations, College Age & Adult, Family, Grade-Schoolers Ages 6-9, Historic, International Parks, Non-U.S., Multigenerational, Museums, National and State Parks in the US, Nature Vacations, Teens Ages 13-17, Trip Ideas, Tweens Ages 10-12The U.S. Virgin Islands comes with white-sand beaches and translucent turquoise waters, hillsides blooming with bougainvillea, and reefs alive with multi-colored fish. Bustling St. Thomas is a shopper’s haven, St. John an eco-paradise, and St. Croix a memorial to its Danish heritage. Water Island—the most recent USVI addition—offers a quiet getaway.
Destination highlights
St. Thomas
Atlantis Submarine
The Atlantis submarine dives down as far as 90 feet below the surface of the water, offering its passengers a diver’s-eye view of eels, rays, snappers, and schools of rainbow-colored fish. You might even spot a sea turtle lazily swimming by. For this adventure, kids must be at least 36 inches tall.
Atlantis Submarines: 340.774.5650, www.atlantisadventures.com
Coral World and Sea Trekkin’
The aquariums of Coral World offer tanks of critters and two special experiences. The windows of the Undersea Observatory, sunk 20 feet into the sea, provide glimpses into the mystique of underwater life. While taking in the underwater world, you might find folks walking along the ocean floor wearing bubble-like helmets. Those adventurers are Sea Trekkin’, another Coral World option. The helmets supply air from tanks floating on the surface, freeing you to explore the land beneath the sea.
Coral World and Sea Trekkin’: 340.775.1555, www.coralworldvi.com
Magens Bay and Sapphire Bay Beaches
Magens Bay, rated as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, stretches for a mile and is a true delight. Sapphire Beach, less popular with the cruise crowd, is a wide swath of sand that boasts a resort, and windsurfing and parasailing outfitters.
Additional Info: 800.372.USVI, www.usvitourism.vi
Water Island Adventure Bike Tour
Water Island, the most recent addition to the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a quaint little beach island half-a-mile off St. Thomas with a population of under 200 people. The tour with Water Island Adventure starts with a ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie Harbor and a bike ride around the island. While pedaling, you’re likely to spot tortoises, iguanas, and pelicans on your way to some well-deserved swimming. The tour is recommended for children age eight and older.
Water Island Adventure Bike Tour: 340.714.2186, www.waterislandadventures.com
Trunk Bay and Honeymoon Beach of Virgin Islands National Park (St. John)
Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park, features a 225-yard snorkel trail marked by underwater plaques. Although the trail has suffered from frequent use, enough schooling fish and colorful coral remain to excite novice snorkelers and reward even long-time fin-and-mask devotees. Less-visited Honeymoon Beach, accessible by boat or a short hiking trail, features clear waters and good snorkeling.
Additional Info: 340.776.6201, www.nps.gov/viis/
Hiking Trails of Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park offers 20 miles of hiking paths that share the islands’ history and natural offerings. The mile-long Cinnamon Bay Trail leads downhill through the forest to the sea, while the Annaberg Historic Trail takes you to the partially restored ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation, complete with its windmill, the slave quarters, and huge kettles for boiling cane juice and making refined sugar. Rangers lead treks on the Reef Bay Trail, a three-mile route that passes petroglyphs and ends at a white-sand beach.
Virgin Island National Park: 340.776.6201, www.nps.gov/viis/
Mongoose Junction
You have to lunch somewhere and Mongoose Junction, a stone and wood shopping complex in Cruz Bay, sports interesting shops in addition to its two casual eateries. Kids and teens will find plenty of souvenirs to purchase, including hand-painted clothing and batiks, pottery, shell creations, and tropical prints.
Mongoose Junction: www.usvi.net/shopping/mongoose/
Salt River Kayak Tour (St. Croix)
While the fact that Columbus landed at Salt Bay on November 14, 1493 may impress the kids, it won’t as much as kayaking along the Salt River. The historical portion of the paddle takes you by Indian burial grounds, with rest breaks on deserted beaches. The ecological tour concentrates on the mangroves, home to egrets and iguanas. Offered by Caribbean Adventure Tours, both outings employ double kayaks, are two hours long, and are suitable for kids six and up.
Salt River Kayak Tour: 340.778.1522, www.stcroixkayak.com
Buck Island National Reef Monument
Turtles nest on the beaches of this 880-acre island known for an underwater snorkel trail rich with coral and brightly hued fish. Bring sneakers so you can go ashore to hike. En route to the 340-foot summit you pass prickly pear and barrel cactus. The hilltop’s prize is a panoramic view of reefs, azure waters, and speckles of islands. Be sure to wear a hat and bring sunscreen as there’s little shade.
Buck Island National Reef Monument: 800.372.USVI, www.usvitourism.vi
Estate Whim Plantation Museum
Dating to 1743, the great house of the Whim Plantation is restored and gives views into just three of its rooms, but those rooms convey the power and riches sugar brought to the landowners. Guides dressed in period clothing inform about plantation life. The 12-acre site also has a museum store and the remains of a furnace chimney.
Estate Whim Plantation Museum: 340.772.0598, www.usvitourism.vi