It's Summer and an Amusement Park is Calling

       It's the middle of summer, and for millions of Americans that means a trip to the amusement park.  Whether that means a day trip to a local park, a side trip to a regional park during your vacation trip, or a planned family trip to the mega parks in Orlando; their is no doubt Americans love their amusement parks.  When determining what are the best amusement parks in the U.S., and to help you to decide if a trip to one should be in your future, I thought I would post the results of a recent survey of fans of the Travel Channel, who voted for their favorite water, amusement and and theme parks.  Take a look at these fun picks to help you plan a great family trip.

Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)
The roller coaster capital of the world on the shores of Lake Erie, with 17 coasters is an adrenaline junkie's dream come true.

Knoebels (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
An old-fashioned amusement park that offers nostalgia and value; admittance and parking are free of charge.

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)
With over 13 million people visiting the park last year, its the special "Disney Magic", that has continued to make it the "happiest place on earth", and the most popular amusement park in the world.

Schlitterbahn Water Park (New Braunfels, Texas)
On over 65 acres, it has been rated the best water park in the nation for the past 13 years.  It offers something for every water lover, from coasters to surfing, to beaches and more.

Universal's Islands of Adventure (Orlando, Florida)
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction has made this popular park a destination unto itself.  But the  park has so many other features and attractions, that the family will not want to leave.

Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California)
18 roller coasters plus Hollywood flair equal a great experience.

King's Island (Mason, Ohio)
A great modern park that has something for everyone in your family.  Tickets also include admission to the nearby water park, Boomerang Bay.

Dells Water Parks (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin)
Home to more indoor and outdoor water parks than anywhere else in the U.S., the Wisconsin Dells is a water park lover's dream.  Many of the parks are open year-round.

Hersheypark (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
While chocolate may be the theme, the park features outstanding attractions including roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to nearby ZOOAMERICA.

Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, California)
One of the older parks in the nation, Knott's Berry Farm is just a classic amusement park that offers great thrill rides, water rides, and family fun.

July: A Traveler's To Do List

       I have been reading about, and reporting in this blog, the projected surge in global personnel travel for the remainder of 2014 and all of 2015.  From projected increases in air travel by the airlines, to massive increases in global hotel demand from companies such as Marriott and Starwood, to cruise lines increasing capacity by double digits to meet projected increase in demand for year round cruises in Europe and Asia; companies in the travel industries project global travel to be above pre-recession levels.  With U.S. personnel travel levels already back, and the European economies starting to recover enough for strong increases in foreign travel projections; and state travel agencies from Australia to Hawaii projecting 10 to 20% annual growth in tourism from Asia over the next 5 years; you can understand where this travel growth will come from.   So I found an interesting article in the July 2014 issue of Conde Nast Traveler, " The Five Things Smart Travelers Should Be Doing This Month", which I thought I would share with you.  If you believe the travel experts, then the old saying of "the early bird and the worm", may just work for you.

Plan Spring Break 2015.  School calendars are out and you should be planning on a destination.  In high demand locations like the Caribbean, experts suggests making reservations asap at the hotel you want.

Consider Japan.  International tourism to Japan is at record levels.  If the cherry blossoms are on your to do list, experts recommend booking 9 months ahead before the hotels and inns become full.

Book your fall weekend getaway.  If your planning a weekend getaway to a small inn or B&B during leaf season, demand is up significantly this year in popular regions such as New England.

Buy your South Pacific airfare now.  If you are thinking of a trip to some South Pacific paradise over the next year, buying your airfare in July historically offers the lowest rates.

Get a jump start on next summer's big trip.  If your planning a major vacation takes time. The sooner you start researching, the more options you will have.  If the the vacation you want includes and event or location with limited capacity, such as that dream safari you always wanted to do, then the global personnel travel surge may make space a premium in 2015.

The Best Caribbean Resorts for Golfers

       Last week, after finishing a round of golf at my local club, I went to the 19th hole to share an adult beverage with my golf buddies.  As I sat down, a Club member, who knew my wife and I were in the travel industry, asked if I could recommend several golf courses in the Dominican Republic that where challenging for his hard core golfing son in law to play on his upcoming trip to that nation.  After giving him the names of several famous courses, I started thinking about my own situation.  After the brutal winter of 2013, my wife wants to go someplace warm for our Holiday vacation, instead of our normal ski trip out west. One of the options we are looking at is vacationing at a luxury beach all inclusive in Cancun which offers free rounds of golf at a nearby golf course.  Now, I don't know the reputation of this particular golf course, or how well it is maintained; but any chance I can  get to play a round in the middle of winter, becomes an opportunity.  For that reason alone this  vacation option gets my vote, ( thou unfortunately not the only vote), for our family trip.

       I started thinking about these two similar events happening at the same time; and it started me asking myself what are considered the best  all inclusive resorts and dedicated golf resorts in the Caribbean region for that golfer with the skill that wants to play the best, ( unfortunately above my skill level). Here is a consolidated list of the highest rated and most recommended golf resorts that offer the most beautiful, challenging, and value for the golfer who is planning to travel to the Caribbean region; from the pages of Caribbean Journal, Golf Digest and Travel and Leisure.  So if you are thinking about a vacation to one of these destinations, check out the list and don't leave your clubs at home.

Dominican Republic
  Casa deCampo
  Eden Roc Cap Cana
  Tortuga Bay Resort
  Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Resort
  Paradisus Palma Real

Bahamas
  One and Only Ocean Club
  Sandels Emerald Bay Resort

Cancun
  Le Blanc Spa Resort

Puerto Rico
  Dorado Beach (Ritz Carlton Reserve)
  El Conquistador (Waldorf Astoria Resort)

Nevis
  Four Seasons Resort

Jamaica
  Half Moon Resort and Spa

St.  Kitts
  St. Kitts Marriott Resort

St. Lucia
  Sandels Regency LaToc

Curacao
  Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort