Snowshoe Tours new family adventures

Enjoy a guided snowshoe tour and explore the sleeping bear wilderness

Glen Arbor, MI – Winter is an excellent time to explore the pristine wilderness of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 70,000 acre unit of the National Park Service features several marked trails along with large sections of undeveloped woodlands, dunes and rolling hills.

Surrounded by the Lakeshore, The Homestead offers guests access to miles of scenic trails and an even larger number of off-trail wilderness areas. Within a short drive, guests will find additional trail systems that wind their way through unspoiled natural areas to scenic vistas and historic farms.

The Homestead is pleased to continue a truly unique wilderness experience. Each Saturday at 1pm (additional schedule during the holidays) an experiences guide and naturalist will lead a snowshoe hike into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that is both educational and recreational. Along the way, guests will learn about the geology, ecology and history of the area. Wildlife, including whitetail deer, red fox and bald eagles are often seen during the outings.

Dependent upon factors such as weather and snow depth, the setting of the hikes may vary. Hiking trails that lead to scenic vistas, such as Pyramid Point Trail, or one of the many historic farms and homestead inside the park are among the possible desitnations.

For more information about rates and programs at The Homestead, visit us at www.thehomesteadresort.com or call us at 231.334.5000.

The Homestead is a waterfront resort community that is located inside of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a unit of the National Park Service. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guests outdoor pools, spa pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants and meeting centers in all seasons of the year.

Contact: Jamie Jewell-VanDuzen 231.334.5524 or email jvanduzen@thehomesteadresort.com

Fair go on cheap airfare advertisements

AIRLINES are to be banned from advertising cheap fares and then slugging consumers with additional fees and charges buried in the fine print.

The Federal Government yesterday moved to prohibit component pricing that leads to consumers buying a product without knowing the full price.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Bowen says it is “fundamental” that the total price be provided “at least as prominently” as any component price.

Mr Bowen says legislation introduced into Parliament yesterday will make it clear businesses must “state the total price as a single figure”.

“This government believes the total the consumer will pay must be prominently stated, not just lost somewhere in the footnote … or buried in the fine print,” he told parliament.

Fair go on cheap airfare advertisements | NEWS.com.au.

Luxury Family Resort, now open

Families that only strive for pure luxury have one more feather to choose from now. Read more

Hyatt to encourage family travel

At a time when airlines are charging for checked luggage and carry-on restrictions are tightening, Hyatt’s partnership with Babies Travel Lite enables parents to avoid airline baggage fees and airport line hassles freeing them up to care for their families.

Planning and packing for family vacations just got easier. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts today announced an exclusive partnership with Babies Travel Lite, an online retail resource offering more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items for delivery directly to Hyatt properties. At a time when airlines are charging for checked luggage and carry-on restrictions are tightening, Hyatt’s partnership with Babies Travel Lite enables parents to avoid airline baggage fees and airport line hassles freeing them up to care for their families.

Beginning today, guests at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts may prepare for their trip to a Hyatt destination by shopping for baby supplies via the Babies Travel Lite link at hyattfamilytravel.com. Parents customize their orders by selecting the brands they use at home in quantities that make sense for the length of their trip. Upon check-in to the hotel, the supplies ordered from Babies Travel Lite are waiting, allowing families to settle into their vacation with ease. In addition, Babies Travel Lite offers a “Ship It Home” service that allows families to ship home their unused baby products and anything else they do not want to re-pack allowing them to avoid the airline baggage fees when they return home.

“Traveling with small children is a unique challenge; and shopping for their supplies during a vacation can be even trickier,” said Amy Curtis-McIntyre, senior vice president, brand communication, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and mother of two boys. “Through Hyatt’s partnership with Babies Travel Lite, parents have the option of pre-departure online shopping, which will

alleviate the burden of packing, carrying extra luggage and incurring additional airline fees.”

Babies Travel Lite offers more than 1,000 products, including diapers, formula, food, bath and sun products, toys, travel accessories and a full line of organic products. A Hyatt guest can order baby supplies two ways: through hyattfamilytravel.com under the Babies Travel Lite link or by connecting directly to the site through the Hyatt E-Concierge confirmation a parent receives after making a room reservation. The convenience fee is reduced for Hyatt guests directed to the Babies Travel Lite Hyatt site via hyattfamilytravel.com or Hyatt E-Concierge. As an added convenience, Babies Travel Lite works directly with the customer’s Hyatt hotel to ensure the precious package is ready and waiting for the family’s arrival.

Hyatt to encourage family travel.

Watch the eggs fly on board!

The galvanizing power of in-flight food is undeniable, a lesson United Airlines learned again last week. Customers of the nation’s second-largest airline suffered silently as the carrier began charging for checked bags, raised fares, slashed frequent-flier benefits, and eliminated a slew of other practical amenities. But when United announced last month that it would stop serving free food in coach on some transatlantic flights, passengers pushed back and complained loudly and in large numbers. As a result, for the foreseeable future, the airline will continue to serve its lamentable in-flight coach fare as part of its basic international airfare.

In-Flight Food – Business Travel Column – Joe Brancatelli – Seat 2B – Portfolio.com.

Fun Things to Do in Washington DC with Your Kids

There are many great places to go on vacation with your kids and Washington, DC is one of them. From history to wildlife options, there are so many wonderful choices with regard to various activities and fun things to do. The following will list some of the popular choices for parents traveling with kids to Washington, DC.

Historic Washington DC with kids on family vacations

Washington, DC is arguably the best place to view a wide array of historical buildings and locations in the country. As the nation’s capitol, this great city has so much to offer in the way of historical sights and kids will love visiting the various locations where they will be entertained as well as educated. Some of the must see locations include the White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court building, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, to name just a few.

Art and History Museums

When visiting the DC area, the kids will also love the wealth of art and history museums. Parents will love the fact that many of these locations are free to the public. Kids will enjoy so many of these spots but especially the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, US Postal Museum and the International Spy Museum.

Washington DC Zoos and Wildlife destinations for family vacations with kids

For those children who love to visit the zoo and other wildlife-related locations, there are quite a few to choose from within the Washington, DC area. The National Zoo is one of the favorites and like many of the art and history museums in the area, there is no admission charge to go to the zoo which makes it a fun and free way to spend the day. For those who wish to venture outside of the Washington, DC city limits, the Petting Zoo in Reston, Virginia is a fun stop as well.

Read the rest of the article on Fun Things to Do in Washington DC with Your Kids on Family Vacation – Family Travel & Vacations Blog.

Ski Resorts Colorado, Vail

Vail, could this be one of best ski resorts in Colorado

While Vail is legendary for its sheer size and diversity of terrain, it is also one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the United States, making it an ideal for family skiing. Many families visiting Vail will usually start their day at the Gold Peak base area on the east-side of Vail Mountain. This family oriented base area is known for its “slow-skiing zone” wide beginner trails and the “magic-carpet” for the youngest first time skiers with their own rope tow (ski school is offered beginning at age 3). There is also day-care available for children beginning at 6 months of age. Ski school packages include lift pass and rental equipment (provided by Vail Sports at Gold Peak) including mandatory helmets. Full day class lessons include lunch and the Children’s Ski School instructors have the “patience of Jobe” and truly enjoy working with kids of all ages. For families not partaking in ski school, consider rental equipment delivered and fitted at your vacation residence and avoid the confusion and chaos at the ski rental shop.

Kidsport will outfit children in their

own equipment and outfits. For parents of toddlers, carriages are available as well as child-carriers for all ages for rent or purchase. Even better, contact “Baby’s Away” who will deliver and set-up all your baby’s needs so you may travel light. For adults, consider having your baggage shipped.

Skiing and boarding while the main family attraction at Vail ends when the lifts close. Après-ski, families will find many activities to keep them occupied until bedtime. Adventure Ridge, on Vail Mountain reached by gondola (free after 4PM) is literally a family fun-center. There are family oriented dining options and attractions including mini-snowmobiles, snow biking, tubing and other kid-friendly and parent approved fun for all ages. The outdoor fire-pit is always the parent’s hang out while the kids are having fun.

Down in Vail, the town’s restaurants offer a diverse selection from fast food to gourmet dining. Even the finest dining establishments have child-menu’s knowing today’s children are to be seen and heard. After dinner, ice-skating is always an option either indoors at Dobson ice arena or outdoors in Lionshead. Be sure to stop at Marble Slab for some ice cream or some gourmet treats at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Be sure to bring Fido some chocolate-covered biscuits, yes, edible and safe for dogs. Of course, the children’s story hour at the Vail Public Library is popular with local parents and visitors.

Children love horses and there is no better way to tour Vail than via a horse-drawn carriage through town. With heavy blankets supplied, you will be warm and toasty even on the coldest winter nights. Children will delight in the “Christmas Lights” displayed throughout the winter season set against the backdrop of falling snow. With its pedestrian-oriented design, free shuttle system and ban on cars, children can cross the street (heated to prevent ice) worry-free.

Lodging options in Vail range from mid-priced hotel rooms to condominiums to the ultimate option, the mountainside home. Many families opt for home rental which for a large family or two families traveling together can be quite cost-effective. Peak Properties Vail is the premier home rental management company in the Vail Valley servicing Vail and Beaver Creek. Homes and condominiums have the luxury of providing kitchens and additional space. Many homes have game rooms for children. A few Peak Property homes including 421 Beaver Dam Circle and 798 Forest Road have children’s bunk rooms, video/game rooms and “nanny quarters” for the ultimate family vacation. Condominiums are an excellent choice for smaller families. Manor Vail, at the Gold Peak base area is a family favorite, outdoor heated pool, game room and breakfast daily. Condos range from studio to 3+ bedrooms.

Hotels including The Sonnenalp, The Lodge, The Marriott and others provide hotel rooms and condominiums with full hotel services. Upon request, rooms can be connected for families.

Vail is known for its multi-generational families who visit annually. Sharp-shooters of Vail will take family portraits on Vail Mountain and many families consider this an annual “rite of passage” proudly displaying their growing families over the generations.

While skiing and snowboarding is the activity of choice in Vail during the winter months, there are many activities available for families with children listed below.

Other Activities to keep the family interested on their Family ski holiday

Adventure Zones on Vail Mountain
Learning the basics of skiing and riding has just become more fun for kids! Children will get the opportunity to ski and ride on specially designed children’s terrain, full of exciting bumps, jumps, twists and tunnels in Chaos Canyon. Explore The enchanted forests and secret “hide-a-ways!

Ice Skating Options in Vail
There are both indoor and outdoor ice rinks in Vail. Dobson Arena is located in Lionshead and has public skating sessions and skate rentals. Outdoors, you can skate at Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Gondola or at the Vail Golf Course’s rink in East Vail. Neighboring Beaver Creek has a year-round outdoor rink in the main plaza area.

Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain
Experience twilight entertainment at 10,000 feet with Vail’s day and night activity center atop Vail Mountain. You’ll ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the top of Adventure Ridge and choose from five dining options, enjoy great views and a host of great activities for kids. The gondola ride is complimentary after 2:00 p.m. Activities include tubing, ski biking, thrill sledding, ice skating, indoor laser tag, snowmobile tours (with a new snowmobile track designed specifically for young children), and snowshoe tours. Call (970) 476-9090 for additional information.

Dogsledding Near Vail
Dogsled tours are available in the morning and the afternoon in the Cordillera area west of Vail (about 25 minutes via I-70). There are two people per sled. The tour lasts approximately two hours and is about seven miles long. Transportation is included.

Nite Owls
A chaperoned evening of fun at Vail’s Adventure Ridge! Kids ages 7-14 can enjoy two Adventure Ridge activities (including laser tag, tubing, ice skating and more!) and dinner atop Vail Mountain. Tuesdays. $60 per child. Advance registration required. Call the Activities Desk for more information. (970) 476-9090.

Sleigh Ride Dinners
What better way to travel to dinner than on a sleigh. Dress warmly because the sleighs run even when it’s snowing! Offered at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Timber Hearth Grille in Cordillera, 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott & The Seasons on The Green at the Vail Golf Course. Game Creek Club on Vail Mountain is accessible via snowcat from the Eagle’s Nest area.

Snowmobile
Ride specially kid sized snowmobile on Adventure Ridge atop Vail Mountain. Let Adventure Ridge Guided Tours take you across the largest ski mountain in North America.
For reservations, call (970) 476-9090.

Bookings: Contact you local travel agent, or search for ski holiday experts like Crystal ski Holidays, Espirt Ski Holidays, Mark Warner Ski, Thompson skiing holidays and virgin skiing holidays.

Part 2, Secure a cheap air ticket

With downward pressure being placed on the family holiday budget we can all learn how to secure cheap air flights and still take the family away on a cheap holiday. Read more

Sierra Resort is a big hit for families

The Family that plays together stays together. Northstar® Resort and Sierra^TM Resort understand that parents want to spend time with their children when they go on a family ski vacation. Below are some of the innovative programs the resorts have created to help. This is why this resort could well be one of the best family ski resorts for family skiing holidays.

FAMILY PRIVATE LESSONS AT SIERRA RESORT

Want the whole family to improve? Book a private lesson for your clan. A specialized instructor will work with each member of the family as the day progresses – perhaps helping mom and dad carve perfect turns on the groomers while brother and sister enjoy the gladed runs or the terrain parks. Maybe it’s helping mom and dad take their first run through the terrain parks while brother and sister get a technique refresher to make them more confident in all types of snow conditions.

Instructors can work with skiers and snowboarders in the same lesson and can even accommodate different ability levels in the same lesson. Families can meet up at the base of the chair lift to head back up the mountain together, sharing laughs on the way up.

Family private lessons are available for one hour, two hours, three hours, or six hours for groups of two to five people. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 530.659.7453 x270.

For families with very young children, Teach Your Kid is a program at Sierra Resort that instructs parents on effective ways to teach their kids how to ski or snowboard. The two-hour private lessons are available daily at 2:00 p.m. and are designed for parents with children three and under. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 530.659.7453 x270.

PREFERRED PARKING PASS AT SIERRA RESORT

Because the workout should happen on the mountain and not in the parking lot, Sierra Resort reserves a portion of the parking lot for Preferred Parking, streamlining arrivals and departures for families. Early arrival on weekends and holidays is recommended to ensure a prime spot. Preferred Parking season passes are available for $149. Normally $15 per day, guests will break even after just ten visits. Families who drive a hybrid vehicle to Sierra Resort can park in Preferred Parking for free!

PARENT PREDICAMENT TICKET AT SIERRA RESORT AND NORTHSTAR RESORT

For the same price as an adult all-day lift ticket, guests can purchase the Parent Predicament ticket and take turns on the slopes. As one parent takes a few runs, the other stays with the child until it is time to switch. Two parents, one lift ticket. Talk about a solution!

LICENSED DAYCARE AT SIERRA RESORT AND NORTHSTAR RESORT

Wild Mountain at Sierra Resort offers daycare for children ages 18 months through 5 years. Minors’ Camp at Northstar Resort offers daycare for children ages 2 to 6 years. Both facilities are state licensed. Half day and full day childcare programs are available and will keep your kids entertained with indoor activities, snow play, arts and crafts, snacks and lunch (full day programs only). Don’t worry about your children being potty trained. They don’t need to be.

KID DROP-OFF AT SIERRA RESORT AND NORTHSTAR RESORT

Parents putting their children in ski school can drop-off and pick-up their kids at one convenient location at both Sierra Resort and in the Village at Northstar^TM. Wild Mountain at Sierra Resort and the Children’s Center at Northstar Resort make it simple for families to get their day started without searching for the ever elusive on-mountain meeting place. At the end of the day, parents know exactly where their child will be waiting for them and can be assured that their child will be responsibly looked after until they arrive.

MOMMY, DADDY & ME AT NORTHSTAR RESORT

Just like you want to be there when your child takes his/her first steps, you want to be there when your child makes his/her first turns on the snow. “Mommy, Daddy & Me” at Northstar Resort, suitable for parents with children ages 3-4-years-old, pairs parents with one of Northstar Resort’s instructors to learn tips on how to teach their child how to ski. The 45-minute lesson is free and is available Sunday through Friday excluding holiday periods at 1:30 p.m.

ICE SKATING AND S’MORES AT NORTHSTAR RESORT

The skating rink in the Village at Northstar is a perfect place to top off a day of winter outdoor fun. Open and free to the public, the skating rink is surrounded by comfy couches and Cabana Bars where parents can enjoy a hot toddy or mulled cider in between laps around the rink. Skate rentals are just $5. For the ultimate winter dessert, families can purchase a gourmet s’mores kit and roast marshmallows over the fire pits in the central plaza. The kits come with everything – chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows and roasting sticks.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort: Keepίn It Real

Known for its wind-protected slopes, incredible tree skiing, family programs and parks and pipes that are among the best in the nation, Sierra Resort is a bastion of the authentic California ski experience. Easy to get to and always laid-back, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders to escape from everyday life and enjoy the simple pleasure of winter in the mountains.

Travel Fiji with Toddlers

As a singleton, I could never understand the attraction of Fiji. By all reports, the food was lousy, the service appalling and there were screaming children everywhere. Now, as a tired old mother of two, Fiji is my favourite family holiday destination, despite the repeated coup attempts and sporadic deportation of newspaper editors.

Bula!

The reason is clear from the moment you step off the plane. A blanket of heat envelops you, relaxing both body and mind. The Fijians give new meaning to the term ‘warm welcome’ – the kids tickled, rumbled and hugged to within an inch of their lives. By the time we reach our destination, the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, they’re Bula-ing (hello) and Vinaka-ing (thank you) their heads off.

Travel Fiji Kids | Toddlers | Essential Baby Parenting Australia.

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