Strategies for a Last Minute Summer Getaway

Its happened again.  You meant to plan a summer vacation.  But it seemed like you had plenty of time, and there was always something else to do.  Now, somehow you're staring down the summer months.  No worries:  I've got some tactics for pulling it off, on the double!

Stay Flexible
You may assume that you'll have to be totally open on the dates to be able to take a trip before Labor Day.  But it's actually more important to have wiggle room with the place.  Sure, your heart may be set on an iconic dream destination, but a lot of other people's hearts at too.  You may want to go to Hawaii at the last minute--but that may not be the best idea.  Pick a date range, define the type of vacation you're hankering for; say a beach, hiking, or city wandering.  Then hunt through that wider lens; and even then you should keep an open mind.

Go to Extremes
Focus your search on two extremes; either under-the-radar places or locations where everyone goes.  For example, unknown beach towns can be a little kitschy and maybe a summer fog pattern can roll in, (there's always a trade-off), but then you open the door to your room to a great ocean front view and a quiet beach, and you say to your self, Yes!  Or flip this script completely by taking a chance on a mega-popular family destination like Orlando.  Due to the shear number of guests they expect in the summer, last-minute cancellations can be scavenged.  Places you probably won't have any luck?  Well-loved but small scale destinations such as Cape Cod.

Elevate Your Mind (And Your Family) at a Ski Resort
"Winter" resorts like Vail, CO, and Park City, UT, make for refreshing summer escapes.  They're cooler than a sweltering amusement park, full of adventure sports like mountain biking and kayaking, and relatively uncrowded.  I like to recommend them to my clients because they host plenty of activities, festivals and concerts geared toward families in order to attract more visitors during their downtime.  For families on the run, that kind of no-plan-required fun works out great.

Get a Package from a Pro
For the procrastinating traveler, the issue usually comes down too not enough time.  Now ask your self, do you suddenly have more time to plan all the details for that last minute getaway?  The answer; let a travel professional create a complete vacation package for you.  A travel pro will work with you to create the perfect customized vacation, and handle the details, saving you precious time.  In addition, with their contacts industry knowledge, they have pricing and availability that most people will not find on their own.  The result is a great vacation package that saves you time and money: you just have to pack your bags and go have fun.

Great Ideas for a Fall Family Vacation

Okay, maybe your job or the kids sports or band camps are keeping the family from taking a traditional family summer vacation.  But that doesn't mean you can't take a family getaway.  Just because summer is over, doesn't mean the fun is over.  There is no better time than the fall to get away for a few days or even a week to savor our kids, laugh with our spouse and just enjoy time as a family.  Here are some great Fall getaway ideas that the whole family will love and always remember.

Exercise Your Ski Legs at Mountain Resorts

Before the snow falls, mountain resorts have lots of activities and lodging bargains, making them a great choice.  Mountain bike, hike together and leave some road trip time to watch the aspen change color.

Aspen, Colorado is the place to hike, mountain bike, fly fish, golf, disc golf on the highest disc golf course in North America and indulge at a spa when hotel rates are as much as 50% off in one of the most spectacular times of the year in Aspen.  Check out the guided hikes at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, enjoy yoga on Aspen Mountain, and enjoy some of the best food and shopping around.

This fall make Sugarbush Resort in Warren,VT part of your scenic foliage getaway.  Daily activities include golf at Sugarbush's Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed course, lunch and apres at Hogan's Pub, and hiking  along the Long Trail in the majestic Green Mountains.  Weekend and holidays through Columbus Day bring scenic lift rides on top of Dadd Peak, disc golf on two 18-hole courses and over 20 miles of lift-served mountain biking.  Kids activities include splinting and bouncing - both on the bungee trampoline and in the inflatable course.

Jackson, Wyoming is the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and fall is an ideal time to visit - after the summer crowds are gone.  Unlike other snow resorts, Jackson is busier in the summer the the winter.  Explore Grand Teton National Park with an expert from the Teton Science Schools and see the wildlife in Yellowstone.  Go horseback riding and experience the authentic Wyoming ranching culture.  Ride the tram up at Jackson Hole snow resort and mountain bike or hike down.

Kick Back at a Island Resort

You'll find top values, warm weather, world class beaches, and fun seasonal festivals on the major Caribbean islands, and lower cost flights in the shoulder season between Labor day and Thanksgiving. The combination makes traveling to the islands a great family getaway, whether for a quick weekend or even for a week during a fall school break.

With three locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate family getaway with waterparks, XBOX Play Lounge, the Scratch DJ Academy, exclusive Kids Camps, teen nightclubs, Certified Nannies, Butler service, and Red Lane Spas.  Beaches has been partnered with Sesame Street - little ones can spend time with their favorite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows.

Take the whole family for a long weekend in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands - no passports are required.  A little closer to home, the city of Nassau in the Bahamas is serviced from most major U.S. airports, and allows you quick access to world class Atlantis Resort, which offers something great for the entire family, and is located on Paradise Island.  For something more exotic, head for an outer island of the Bahamas and  "Two Fly Free from Nassau".

Just be mindful that Fall is also the height of the Caribbean hurricane season.  Don't let that ruin your family vacation plans. Check what kind of hurricane plan your hotel has, and look into purchasing low cost travel insurance; which will cover your costs if something did happen.

Cruise From a Home Port Near Your Home

You have some 30 ports to choose from and you can go for a long weekend or  a week, whether you want to head to Bermuda from New Jersey, up to Canada from Boston or New York, the Caribbean from Galveston or Florida or Mexico from California.  Check with your travel professional; great shoulder season deal are available and you might still be able to snare a deal for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

And whether your kids are not in school yet or you're looking for an adult getaway, opt for a cruise  on a luxury liner instead of a driving trip to see the best of the fall foliage.  With luxurious dining, accommodations, entertainment and activities in the price, it is an experience you will truly love.  Many of the major cruise lines sail special New England and Canada itineraries at this of year.  Princess Cruises offers great and really memorable 7 on the Regal Princess and 10 night itineraries on the Caribbean Princess from New York in the Fall.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a great way for a family to enjoy a cruise.  The cruise line's newest ships; the Norwegian Breakaway sailing from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean and the Norwegian Getaway; sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean are made for families.  Both have some of the largest water parks at sea complete with a splash zone for the littlest cruisers, huge sports complexes, Broadway productions, Nickelodeon Characters and over two dozen different dining options.

Disney Cruise Line sets the standard for family cruises.  Sailing from Galveston as well as Florida and the West Coast some at certain times during the Fall.  You'll find a nursery at sea, all the characters and princesses your kids want to see and first-rate kids and teen facilities and programming including for Halloween this year.  Plus you get the accommodations and service which Disney is known for, and everyone loves Disney's private island.

Top 5 Dining Options at Walt Disney World Part 2

Here are 5 more Walt Disney World dining picks to whet your appetite and to show you there is way more than burgers & chicken tenders.

1. Victoria & Albert's (Grand Floridian Resort). The top rated restaurant in Orlando and yes, located at Disney's flagship resort. It does require men to wear a jacket and the menu changes on a daily basis depending on fresh ingredients. Also you can try to get a seat at the Chef's Table, which is even more exclusive with a different menu.

2. Tangerine Café(Morocco Pavilion Epcot) This is a go to for hummus, falafel and your other Mediterranean favorites even at Walt Disney World. One of my top Quick Service picks for your dining plan use. Portions are plentiful and lots of choices for vegetarians on the menu.

3. Crystal Palace(Magic Kingdom) If you have kids, yes you will probably need to do a character meal while at WDW. Crystal Palace features Winnie the Pooh and friends, plus it's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you do breakfast, an 8:00 am reservation(ADR in Disney-speak) gets you into Magic Kingdom before the park opens at 9am. A big plus if you don't want to experience park opening. Lunch and Dinner, the salmon is fantastic and save room for the flan for dessert.

4. Jiko-The Cooking Place  (Animal Kingdom Lodge) One of Disney's Signature Restaurants, the cuisine is African Fusion and an extensive list of South African wines. Harissa chicken, maize encrusted fish and Durban Curry are some of the menu highlights. How good is Jiko's? the chefs, participate in the special Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining during Epcot's Food & Wine Festival. These are exclusive events that the chef prepare a special menu with wine pairings.

5. Artist Point(Wilderness Lodge)-Another of Disney's Signature Restaurants, which means they require 2 table service dining credits. The flavors of the Pacific Northwest are featured here. Cedar Plank roasted King Salmon is a favorite, and especially good when it is Copper River King Salmon season. But save room for dessert, because the Artist Point Cobbler is the bombs. I'll just order an appetizer and salad because the Cobbler is that good!

So that concludes my top 10 favorite places to eat at Walt Disney World, plus there are other great places to eat in the parks and resorts, no you don't need to eat burgers & hot dogs at every meal even in the parks.  If you have a food allergy Disney is one of the most accommodating places you can go. For my first 5 favorite restaurants click here.

5 Great Adventures To Do on Maui

If you ask most people to describe the island of Maui, in the state of Hawaii, many will describe it as the perfect beach vacation.  And for most people visiting the island for that perfect beach getaway.  From the lush and green Kaanapali area on the west side of the island to the sun drenched Wailea area on the southside, each area has great beachfront resorts, fantastic restaurants, and miles of sun drenched beaches to live out your small slice of paradise in paradise.  But if vacationing in paradise means wanting to do more than sitting on a beach, then Maui has a great deal more to offer you.  Here are five of my favorite activities away from the beach for the explorers and adventurers in our lives.

Molokini Snorkeling
There are plenty of great spots to snorkel and scuba dive around Maui, and I like to suggest Molokina because it offers a whole package of fun in one trip.  You'll cruise on the on the water and see Maui from a different perspective.  You may see dolphins and whales in season, and if the trip allows, you can do 2 snorkeling sessions: 1 at Molokina Crater and another with loads of green sea turtles.

Bike Haleakala
For the adventurous, riding a bike down a volcano sounds like a great start to the day.  Luckily, many Maui bike companies offer van tours for those looking to see the crater in complete comfort.  Either way, viewing sunrise from on top of the world is something you will never forget.  It's a blissful moment that can only be matched by many effortless miles downhill on a bike.

Road to Hana
I can't say enough about doing the Road to Hana.  Driving this road and enjoying the sights, smells, and people along the way is something you will never forget.  Waterfalls, coastal cliff line, and lush jungle will make you think you've gone to heaven ( if that's your sort of thing).

Fishing
Maui waters are abundant with tropical fish of many kinds.  Take advantage of a seasoned, skilled fishermen captains when choosing the right vessel for your Maui fishing trip, and have an experience to always be remembered.

Explore by Helicopter
Many of the most beautiful spots on the island are inaccessible in any other way than by helicopter tour. Hover next to towering waterfalls, cruise along rugged volcanic coastline, and enjoy the majestic beauty of Haleakala Crater above the clouds.  You can even hop across the channels to see the sea-cliff waterfalls of Molokai or the coast of the Big Island.

A New Player on the Block

Hyatt Hotels entry into the all inclusive resort market has been somewhat under the radar of most people. They have eased into the market with resorts in Cancun(adult only), Rose Hall Jamaica, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. The last 3 resorts have both an adult only section(Zilara brand) and family section (Ziva). Unfortunately the Cabo San Lucas resort was heavily damaged shortly after it opened by Hurricane Odile and will re-open this summer.  Their concept is the evolution of all inclusive. So I was intrigued by an invitation to visit the location in Rose Hall, Montego Bay Jamaica. I jumped at the chance to check out a luxury family resort only 15 minutes from the airport. With little ones, do you really want to take that long drive to Negril or Ocho Rios especially if you are not staying a full week. Plus this property had been a former Ritz Carlton, so I wanted to see what they did with the renovations and additions to see if they maintained the elegance of the property.

First I did use Club Mobay to fast track through immigrations and customs and was escorted to the Hyatt Ziva/Zilara airport lounge to wait for my included transfer. It's a 15 minute trip from the airport to the resort. Each brand has it's own entrance and lobby. I was staying at the Ziva side and was met by Travis who took my bag and escorted me inside to check in. I was handed a much needed adult beverage after my long flight and checked in. I was escorted to my room by Travis with my bag. I was in a Ziva Ocean View Junior Suite, which was quite large at 656 sqft and in the new addition to the existing hotel.

 

 

The pool area for this section is brand new, it consists of an activity pool(think water volleyball and they do have water spinning classes in the morning also) and a relaxation pool with the swim up bar and water lounge chairs. And around the pool are the covered beds, which will let you take a nap without getting sunburned and they are for everyone, not just people in the "club" or "butler" rooms like at some resorts.

No getting up really early and calling for dinner reservations! The Italian, Brazilian and Asian a la carte restaurants do not require reservations. The buffet is very elegant looking with indoor and outdoor seating. I only ate breakfast there, but it is well laid out even though the bread station is behind a wall. Food is very high quality with some international touches, like baked beans for our friends from the UK and they also had a couple of Jamaican items also. The open air restaurants for both hotels were excellent. They also have a couple of places to get your lattes. Also no need to grab a cab and go to Schotchies to get your jerk chicken, because the resort has a great jerk shack on site.

For entertainment they do put on a nightly show and have a late night English Pub style bar for the night owls. There is a roof top Moroccan style bar, as well as an open air bar and piano bar opened in the evening.

They do have all the other amenities that you would expect from a top level all inclusive; spa, fitness center, 24 hour room service and kids club.

Now the adults only guests from Zilara can come over and use the Ziva facilities(it's really just one resort) but to be honest most everything is over on the Ziva side. When we were there the Zilara pool was more crowded than the Ziva pool.

For the balance of 2015, when staying 3 or more nights you get a complimentary round of golf at either Cinnamon Hill or White Witch, which is always on every Top 10 Caribbean golf course list.
The beach is more lagoon like, so it is safer for kids to swim.

All in all I think this will be a great family resort for those looking for an upscale resort within close distance to the airport, which is great for shorter stays. Who wants to spend a 4 day weekend trip with long rides to a resort? It would be a good choice for a destination wedding, where everyone could be at the same resort. Families in Ziva and the bride & groom and adult guests at Zilara. Also with the meeting room space and the food quality, it would work well for business meetings/events also.


Great Summer Vacations for Time Consumed Families

With the kids getting out of school over the next month, now is the traditional time many families would  traditionally be finalizing their summer trips.  But with hectic work schedules, youth travel teams, computer camps, and a myriad of other activities; their summer has become the busiest time of the year for both parents and their kids.  It has become more difficult for us to find the time to just get away from it all and pack up the car and head out for a traditional family vacation.  If you still want to take summer vacation with your family, but schedule is up in the air or you thing you will not find a decent flight or hotel to stay in for a last-minute vacation; here are some great options for a fantastic summer vacation that is flexible, and available for last-minute getaways.

Colonial Willamsburg
More than a museum, more than a town, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living-history museum in the U.S.  The 300-acre historic area in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia, requires a ticket to enter.  But once inside, you can visit the historic buildings ans see a number of daily recreations.  For the kids, that includes playing the "spy" game RevQuest, building bricks, trying out historic games, or training with the militia.  Parents hope their kids have fun and learn things.  Colonial Williamsburg is the place for both.

Smithsonian Institution
Established in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, DC is the standard by which all other museums in the country are measured.  In fact, it used to be known as the United States National Museum.  With over 137 million items, the Smithsonian includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park.  The main campus is situated right on the Mall in our nation's capital, and admission is free.  But know in advance what you might want to see - history, air and space, portraits - or the kids could easily get overwhelmed.

San Diego Zoo
San Diego is a popular spot for a family trip, with its warm weather and sunny beaches.  There's no place more families head to than the massive San Diego Zoo.  The zoo houses more than 3700 animals of 650 species.  While many animals are more active in the morning, you'll want to stay all day to get the full zoo experience.

Yosemite National Park
Almost 4 million people make the trip every year to Yosemite, in the middle of California.  The vast majority of those people spend their whole trip in Yosemite Valley, where there is park lodging, a visitors' center, and popular day hikes,  If you want to travel out of the gorgeous valley, there are thousands of miles of wilderness to explore.  For a family wilderness vacation, nothing beats Yosemite.

Myrtle Beach
If you want a dreamy beach vacation, you haven't missed the boat!  Myrtle Beach's miles of sand. wildly popular boardwalk, charter fishing expeditions, and Ripley's Aquarium will keep you busy while the sun shines, and its world-class eateries roll out an irresistible southern-style welcome.

Chicago
A major American city that is as affordable as it is friendly.  Chicago welcomes families from around the world with its second-to-none theater, improv comedy clubs, unparalleled Art Institute museum, blues venues like the House of Blues, and its rollicking Navy Pier along Lake Michigan.  And its a great time to take the kids for a day game at Rigley Field.

Atlantis Resort
If you want a family resort, nothing can beat the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.  Atlantis is a massive resort and water park that has kept adding towers and attractions since it opened in 1997.  It's most popular attraction is Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park.  Aquaventure's most popular ride, the Current, is a mile long and includes fake waves, tides, and rapids.  The resort also houses a lagoon and a number of aquariums.  Oh, and there are some regular beaches too.

Top 5 Dining Options at Walt Disney World

Visiting Walt Disney World is not like going to your local amusement park, first it is way bigger than a lot of people imagine and you don't have to spend your time there eating "amusement park" food. Sure you can find burgers, fries and chicken tenders but you do have other interesting options to eat in the parks and at the various resorts. Here are the top 5 favorites of myself and my family that we have discovered in our many trips to the World.

1. Wolfgang Puck Express(Marketplace, Downtown Disney). This is one of our favorites, it is classified as a quick service restaurant for the Disney Dining Plans, but once you place your order you go and sit down and the food is brought out to you. As you may know Wolfgang Puck was probably one of the first celebrity chefs. Pizzas, sandwiches, salads and main dishes like salmon and some of the best mac & cheese according to our family's expert. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it is maybe one of the best values for using a quick service meal credit on the dining plan.

2. Flame Tree Barbeque(Animal Kingdom Park), This is our go to quick service at Animal Kingdom, BBQ chicken, pulled pork sandwiches and ribs are the highlights here. It has been closed for refurbishment and should be opening back up shortly. Once again this is a great use for your QS dining credits. The seating is outside and you do have to watch the birds who like to come looking for handouts. If you have a younger child who may get freaked out by birds, maybe you should reconsider this.

3. Beaches & Cream(Disney's Beach Club Resort) This is set up like an old soda shop and has what I think are the best burgers at WDW and of course don't forget the ice cream. Have you heard of the Kitchen Sink Sundae? Well this is where you come to get it, and yes bring a crowd to help you eat it. Of course they have regular sized sundaes and cones also. How to get to this gem on the QS dining plan list, head out the International Gateway entrance of Epcot, which takes you to Crescent Lake. This is where you find Disney's Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn Resorts and also Disney's Swan and Dolphin.

4. Todd English's Bluezoo(Disney's Dolphin Resort) This is one of my favorite places for an adult meal, send the younger kids to one of the Disney Resort's Kids Clubs or if they are older like mine, they will be more than happy with a pizza and some downtime away from the parents just as much as you need to take a break from them on vacation. Great food from one of America's top chef's and yes you are in the land of Mickey! Unfortunately this restaurant is not on the dining plan, but is a great choice for someone who loves food.

5. California Grill(Disney's Contemporary Resort), A classic situated on top of the Contemporary, so besides a wonderful dinner(like Bluezoo, the menu changes frequently because it is based on food that is in season), depending on when you eat you have a front row seat for Wishes fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. There is actually a outdoor platform to watch and the music is piped in. This restaurant also features an interesting sushi menu and some California wines that are near impossible to find out side of California. This is a Signature Restaurant in the Disney Dining Plans, so it requires two Table Service credits. Is it worth doubling up, oh yeah!
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These are just a few of my favorite restaurants, honed from 13 trips to Walt Disney World, I could go on! So keep an eye out for my next list to round out my top 10.