A Great Vacation on the Island of Hawaii with your Kids

       When most people plan a family vacation to Hawaii, the first thoughts are going to Honolulu and the island of Oahu or the island of Maui.  But if you want to experience something really different and special on your trip; and want more variety than the perfect beach and perfect weather, (which you will still have). then you owe it to your family to explore going to the Big Island of Hawaii.    The Big Island is just that, big.  And with all that room it has plenty of adventure waiting for the traveler willing to explore it.  On the south side of the island, Kilauea Volcano is the world's most active and usually stuns visitors with its pyrotechnics show.  The Big Island's east shore is home to Hawaii's capital, Hilo, which is the wettest place in the United States.  The west shore is known for its drier climate and sunshine.  Most of the big resorts are located along the coast north of Kona.  Between the east and west ends of the island you will find everything from lush tropical rain forests to areas that look like like your on the surface of the moon, to snow and being able to ski and and hour later being on a perfect tropical beach.

Kilauea - Volcanoes National Park
       One of the most active volcanoes on the planet, Kilauea is the main attraction in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where  visitors can see hardened lava flows, feel and smell volcanic gases steaming from cracks in the earth, hike through lava tunnels, and if their lucky, view active lava oozing or exploding down the hillside  to the ocean below.  An interactive museum explains how the Hawaiian islands were formed and the continued volcanic process (some of the newest land on earth is being formed here - and the island is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain).  Affects of the volcanic activity can be seen all along the west coast of the island, but if you are looking for more stellar volcano, you can drive up the side of Mauna Loa, the world's biggest volcano and take a peek at the heavens at the Mauna Kea Visitors Information Center.  If you lucky it may have just snowed and you will be able to go skiing.

Kona and the West Coast
       The Big Island of Hawaii's west coast is all sunshine and beaches and therefore attracts the bulk of the tourists.  It's an arid environment with lots of lava rock everywhere.  To get a bit of Hawaiian culture in on this coast visit "City of Refuge" National Park.  The park was used as a place of refuge inc ancient times, and later used as asylum from a death sentence for breaking Kapu, a local series of laws regarding conduct.  Kids love the huge ki'i, large carved wood statues, which are still carved on premises.  Kids also love playing lonane, a Hawaiian version of checkers played with lava rocks.

Along with some spectacular beaches, Kona is known for some fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling.  Up the coast is the Hilton Waikoloa Village, a great place to stay or just spend a day.  The village resort features ocean view pools, canals and lagoons filled with boats and kayaks, a train tram running through the resort to the beachfront, oceanfront golf putting course and more.  In the oceanfront lagoon, the resort hosts Dolphin Quest, a really fun interactive dolphin program.  Its really amazing getting up-close and seeing how fast a dolphin really moves underwater.

Hilo and the East Coast
       The east coast of the island is much wetter and therefore much greener than the west coast.  Hilo receives some rain an average of 275 days a year.  The benefit of all that rain is spectacular vegetation and scenery.  On the way to Hilo, stop in the Waipi'oValley, for an incredible view over the first of seven sacred valleys on the Hamakua Coast.  Hiking into the valley is a popular activity, or you can hike to 'Akaka Falls.  The easy path to the Falls winds through superb a tropical rain forest and past lookouts over two amazing falls, Kahuna Falls and 'Akaka Falls, which plunges almost 500 feet down a moss-covered gorge.  In Hilo, kids will love the Pana 'ew Rainforest Zoo where tropical birds and turtles share billing with the white tigers.  The monkey enclosure, which features a tunnel shape fence that goes straight through the center of the cage, will give your kids an up close view of squirrel monkeys, plus the kids will like watching the tiger feeding.

Getting to and Around the Big Island
       There are a number of direct flight to both Kona and Hilo from most major cities on the West Coast.  In addition, Hawaiian Airlines offers dozens of flight daily from Honolulu with more connections to the mainland.
The Big Island is huge, and therefore driving around the island takes a long time (6-8 hours to drive around the island; about 4 hours between Hilo and Kona).  Some of the more spectacular features are remote and require a 4WD vehicle to reach them, (but its worth it).

     

Upgrade Your Family Summer Vacation

       Your family likes to take high quality summer vacations.  Maybe you are grandparents, who want to get all the kids and grandchildren together for that multi-generation trip everyone will always remember.  If these describe you, and you want a vacation for your brood that is both unique and will always be fondly remembered and talked about at family reunions for years to come; here are some great picks for kid-approved luxury destinations.  From witnessing the peak of the wildebeest migration in Kenya to indulging in 60 acres of green grass in the heart of Paris, there is something for families of all shapes and sizes.

Witness one of the world's wonders in Kenya

What a better summer vacation story to bring back to school than witnessing one of the world's wonders in Masai Mara, Kenya.  The peak of the Wildebeest migration happens in July and August, where tens of thousands of animals move out of the Masai Mara and head to the Serengeti - a truly incredible site to see.  Staying in a safari camp provides both luxury and convenience while offering interactions with both the Masai people and the extraordinary wildlife in Kenya.

A beach getaway fit for America's Royalty on Cape Cod

Summering on Cape Cod was made famous was made famous by the Kennedy family.  The allure of long summer days spent playing touch football on the beach, just as the Kennedys did, draws families from not just the Northeast; but from all over the nation.  Lobster dinners and whale watching are de rigueur on the Cape.  Meanwhile, the concierge at the newly renovated Ocean Edge Resort can bring summer vacations fantasies to life.  The historic mansion property accesses a private beach, boasts a Jack Nicklaus golf course and no less than five swimming pools.  Even the Kennedys would be impressed.

Experience nature and Viking culture in the land of Ice & Fire

A five hour direct flight from the East Coast, Iceland is closer than most people think.  Vikings, fairy tales, trolls, amazing sights and natural wonders await you and your family in this majestic country.  From geothermal spas, to spotting petite Icelandic horses, there is much to explore in this vast country.  South Iceland is breathtaking and the perfect base.  Try an Icelandic horse experience that will have your children talking for weeks.  In Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, be sure to visit the Saga Museum that transports guests to the Viking Age.

Ski and hike on the same vacation in the Swiss Alps

Switzerland's iconic chocolate box village, Zermatt, at the foot of the breathtaking Matterhorn does not disappoint for families this summer.  Whether you want to please one child by skiing one day and another by hiking the next, few places in the world provide this exciting combination of activities.

Visit the #1 Tourist City in the USA, Charleston, South Carolina

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine has crowned Charleston, SC "Top City in the United States" for the third year in a row.  This walkable city offers a heady combination of civil war history, bespoke fashion, and a vibrant food scene.  Stay in the historic and uber-luxe Wentworth Mansion in the center of town.  Add a few days to your summer vacation and venture out to the renowned beaches of Kiawah Island just thirty minutes away.  There is plenty of room for your entire gathering to stay in-style at the exquisite oceanfront hotel, the Sanctuary.

Summertime in Paris transforms the City of Lights into the ultimate family playground

Spring travel to Paris may be expected, but summertime travel to Paris truly is the piece de resistance for families.  French families and trendy tourists alike can be found beach-side at the Seine - sand and umbrellas are imported for a month for Paris Plage (Paris' beach).  The Tuilleries Jardin adds a seasonal carnival offering loads of cotton candy, Ferris wheels, and arcade games.  Your posse can stay in royal style at the refurbished palace of Roland Bonaparte, now the Shangri La Paris.  Bring your swimsuit, the stunning new indoor pool also has a luxe outdoor patio - perfect for sipping a delicious French wine while watching your kids work on their swim strokes.

Great Golf Resorts for Your Family this Summer

   
       Its the time of year when most families plan their summer vacation. For many golfers, the summer vacation is also the time you have to put away the clubs and go too the touristy destinations and  those family and kid friendly activities, when you would rather be out on the golf course.  This year why don't you mix it up, add some golf to your family vacation.  Here is a list of great world class golf resorts, that are located near popular family vacation destinations and offer great family friendly amenities and special programs and discounts for your kids to play golf with you.  Here is a list of some of the best resorts, and some of the programs they have to help your kids develop a love for the game that will allow your entire family to enjoy an activity that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment and memories: plus you will also have a great vacation.

    

Walt Disney World: Orlando, FL.
       Along with its four theme parks, two water parks, and two dozen resorts, and myriad shopping and dining, Walt Disney World also offers 4 golf courses.  Disney's golf facilities are operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management.  Lessons include 45 minutes of private instruction, including video analysis, golf club rental, and shoe rental.  All ages are welcome, and juniors 17 and younger enjoy a lower rate.  In addition, there are junior summer golf camps for kids ages 8 to 13 which includes instructions on the basics of the game and on course instruction.

 Pinehurst Resort: Pinehurst, NC.
        The historic Pinehurst Resort is more kid friendly than you may imagine.  Family-friendly amenities include spacious suites, great swimming pools, age specific kids' clubs, and a fabulous pricing plan where kids 12 and under stay, eat, and play golf for free when accompanying a paying adult.  In the summer, the same deal extends to youths 17 and younger.
       The resort has established 5 of its 8 courses as family courses, with special family tee markers on the courses.  The golf club offers special family tee times, and junior tee times, as well as lesions and clinics.  In the summer Pinehurst offers a "Family Fairways" package, that encourages families to play golf together.  Kicking off every afternoon at 4pm, Family Fairways includes free golf club rentals for the entire family, a one hour beginners or or refresher clinic, unlimited range use, and a round of golf on the Tom Fazio designed championship course number 8.

Omni LaCosta Resort & Spa Resort: Carlsbad, CA.
       The Omni LaCosta Resort offers two championship course set against the background of the Pacific ocean in stunning Carlsbad.  Kid's can take part in the resort's TOUR Academy Junior Golf Program, whose instructors include past and present touring pros.  The program is available to all kid's 7 to 17 in full -day and half-day experiences for all ability levels.  In addition to golf, the resort offers tennis, a world class spa, and pools and water park.

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, Kauai, HI.
       The Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach is a family-friendly resort on 800 beach acres that features the single largest swimming pool in Hawaii.  The adjacent Kauai Lagoons Golf Club offers ocean and mountain vistas set in a lush Hawaiian setting.  The golf club offers the "Family Fore-Some Special",  for around $100, a family of four can play nine holes on the inland Waikahe Nine Course.  The price includes greens fees, cart and rental clubs for up to 4 players, with a maximum of 2 adults.  Juniors from 6 to 17 can play for free anytime on the Waikahe Nine Course when accompanied by a paying adult.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Kiawah Island, SC.
       From family tee times and junior club rentals to kids' activities to junior lessons, the Kiawah Island Family and Junior Golf Program delivers for families.  Four of Kiawah's five courses have junior tee markers during the summer.  The Tommy Cuthbert Learning Center at Turtle Point holds clinics for junior age 8 to 17, and two-day junior golf camps for intermediate players age 12 to 17.