Family of Five Travel

If you have been blessed with more than two children and have found it a struggle to find accomodations for your family while traveling you aren’t alone.  Many families of five are faced with the dilemma and are forced to book two rooms. This is not only a more expensive option, but it is does not work for parents of younger children.

We are so excited to report that Apple Vacations has now comup with affordable vacation options e in a variety of family -friendly resorts that will accomodate five in a room.  Here are just a few of the packages offered by Apple:

• Grand Palladium Colonial and Kantenah Resort in Riviera Maya Mexico–Adults $1369.99; Kids$859.99 for 7 nights
• Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa–Adults $1049.99: Kids $799.99 for 7 nights.
• Melia Cozumel — Adults $899.99; Kids $499.99 for 7 nights.

There are many more additional options.    Contact us today to begin planning for your family’s next getaway.

 

Are We There Yet?

 

 If you are planning a family road trip anytime soon, you will definitely want to check out this site.  MomsMinivan.com has a ton of really fun and unique ideas for entertaining your children while on the road.   

Here are just a few:

•  Printable Car Bingo Sheets
• Scavenger Hunts for Road Trips
• Liscense Plate Game
• Printable Battleship Game

We all know that the dvd players, iPods and handheld video game systems do a really good job of keeping the kids occupied in the car for a lengthy amount of time,  but even these devices will begin to lose their luster after many miles on the road.  Also, sometimes it is nice to take a break from the electronics and interact with one another.  That is where the real vacation memories are made!  Check out MomsMinivan.com today and I promise you won’t hear those four dreaded words- “Are we there yet?”  (Well, at least not as much.) 

 

Pack Light Or It Will Cost You

Photo Source: Linden A. Mueller

If you are notorious for overpacking for your vacation, you may want to have a change of thought.  Many airlines are beginning to charge a fee for the second checked bag.  I guess it now pays to pack light.  Here are details:

Delta Airlines

Due to rising fuel costs and business decisions reflecting today’s
competitive landscape, Delta will begin charging $25 for a second
checked bag for passengers traveling on or after May 1st. This fee
applies to all domestic Delta flights.

Those travelers who are members of Delta’s frequent-flier program
who log at least 25,000 qualifying miles of travel per year, as well
as first and business class passengers, will still be allowed to
check up to three bags at no additional charge on Delta and Delta
Connection-operated flights only.

Extended terms of this policy is not currently available on the
Delta site. As more details about this change becomes available, we
will post it here.

US Airways

Beginning May 5, 2008, US Airways will begin assessing a $25 fee for
a passenger’s second checked bag each way. Travelers who purchased
tickets on or before February 26, 2008 are exempt from this policy
change.

Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25
service fee each way. Oversized bags or those weighing more than 50
lbs. now start at $50 per bag each way and increase depending on
weight and the number of bags. This policy applies to all flights
within the U.S., to and from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean
and Europe.

The checked bag fee does not apply to:
All Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and
Chairman’s Preferred)
Confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at time of check-in
Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members
Active military personnel in uniform with ID
Unaccompanied minors
Passengers checking personal assistive devices
For more information, please visit US Airways baggage policies.

United Airlines

United’s new checked bag policy applies to tickets purchased on or
after February 4, 2008, for travel beginning on May 5, 2008.

Customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets may
check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee each
way. Oversized bags or those weighing more than 50 lbs. now cost
$100 per bag each way. Items that require special handling also have
new prices.

For customers who have at least Premier status in Mileage Plus or
Silver status with Star Alliance, there are no changes to the number
of bags they can check for free.

This new checked bag policy also applies to travel beginning within
the U.S. and to/from Canada, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.

For international flights (except Canada), checking a second bag
will continue to be free and the cost to check more bags or bags
that are overweight or need special handling varies by destination.
For more information, please visit united.com/baggage.

Northwest

Northwest Airlines is also implementing the second bag for $25.00. The fee
is waived for passengers who Are Elite Service Members.

Source: Expedia

Crazy Victoria Falls Daredevils

Ahhh, Victoria Falls….This is definitely a place I’d  love to visit someday.  The falls are located in southern Africa between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe.   According to Wikipedia, “the falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world, as well as being among the most unusual in form, and having arguably the most diverse and easily seen wildlife of any major waterfall site.”

While all that sounds wonderful, there is one thing I do not want to do if I ever visit Victoria Falls and that is swim in Devil’s Pool at the top of the falls.  Check this out:

Hit The Trail

With the decline of the US dollar and strict passport regulations, many families are choosing to stay in the United States for their family vacation this year.   With the projected boost of visitors, the experts at Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) has recently unveiled its Top 10 List of favorite National Park trails in the West.  Here is the list:

10. Grand Canyon NP -South Kaibab Trail: Avoid the more crowded Bright Angel Trail; hike the South Kaibab Trail, the only trail in the park that so dramatically holds true to a ridgeline descent thus offering the best views.

9. Yosemite NP – Pohono Trail (Taft Point): This trail leads to the top of Sentinel Dome for a scramble up to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls.

8. Yellowstone NP – Bunsen Peak Trail: A gradual 1,300-foot climb up Bunsen Peak provides a panoramic view of the Blacktail Plateau, Swan Lake Flats, Gallatin Mountain Range, and the Yellowstone River Valley.

7. Bryce Canyon NP – Fairyland Loop Trail: This great, less-crowded trail takes you through spectacular hoodoos and scenery along the rim and into the canyon. It’s a challenging 8-mile route with many elevation changes.

 6. Zion NP – Kolob Canyon – Taylor Creek Trail: Kolob Canyon, in the isolated northwestern section of Zion, offers a pleasant 5-mile RT hike up an enchanting “finger” canyon that ends at the dramatic Double Arch Alcove.

5. Yellowstone NP – Wapiti Lake Trail to South Rim Trail: This trail follows Lily Pad and Clear Lake Trails to the spectacular South Rim Trail traversing a remote thermal area before emerging onto the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and a breathtaking view of 308-foot Lower Falls.

4. Grand Teton NP – Death Canyon: Death Canyon is a magnificent vertical-walled canyon with some of the oldest rock in the Teton Range. Hike to the patrol cabin for a wonderful 7.5 mile RT streamside jaunt.

3. Crater Lake NP – Mount Scott Trail: According to Trails.com, “If Crater Lake is the scenic highlight of Oregon; the Mount Scott Trail is the ultimate hike in Crater Lake National Park.”

2. North Cascades NP – Easy Pass Trail: ALA thinks that the Easy Pass area is one of the most superb places in the North Cascades, dominated by extensive meadows with rare larch trees, crowned by glacial peaks.

1. Kenai Fjords NP – Harding Ice Field Trail: ALA’s favorite hike! Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breathtaking view of an endless expanse of glaciers and ice.

Source: http://www.austinlehman.com

Adventures By Disney Offers Spring Deals

Are you looking for the adventure of a lifetime? 

Adventures by Disney announced its spring booking deal, which offers guests a savings of up to $650 per adult and $600 per child when booking select adventures now through May 31. The offer is available on the following programs, subject to availability: Grande Espana (Madrid, Seville, Barcelona – nine days/eight nights); Taste of Tuscany (Rome, Tuscany – seven days/six nights); Path to Pura Vida (Costa Rica; San Jose, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Quepos – seven days/six nights); Spirit of America (Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Washington D.C. – eight days/seven nights); Imperial Cities (Vienna, Prague, Salzburg – eight days/seven nights); Backstage Magic (Hollywood, Disneyland Resort – six days/five nights).

 Click here to learn more.

Happy Birthday…Disney Style!

 

What better place to celebrate your birthday than Walt Disney World!! Obviously not everyone is able to get this opportunity, so I have a birthday tip that you can use at home to make you next birthday magical.

Schedule a call from Disney’s Enchanted Calls from a favorite character. For just a few bucks your child can receive a special birthday greeting from one of the princesses, Mickey, Pooh or Tigger.

Thinking of spending the big day in Disney World itself?

Here are a few tips to make your birthday at WDW more magical:

Before you go:

-When making your reservations, make sure to tell everyone that you talk to (travel agent, reservationist, etc..) that there will be family member celebrating his/her birthday. There is a possibility that they will acknowledge it at the resort or restaurant that you will be visiting. You can also remind them when checking in at the resort or restaurant.-Make a special tee-shirt or hat that says “It’s My Birthday” You can even add on the age of the child (or adult if they don’t mind–lol!!) Cast members usually go out of their way to make the birthday boy or girl feel special. Characters will also give special attention to those celebrating a birthday.

-Make a reservation for Chef Mickey’s. It is a great place to celebrate a birthday in WDW. It is a character meal with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. If you let them know you are celebrating a birthday, they will usually bring around cupcake and the characters to sing “Happy Birthday” to your child.

-Let your child plan their entire birthday itinerary from which park you will go to and where you will eat. They will have fun making the plans.

-For an additional cost, book a birthday Illuminations cruise.

-Purchase some Disney themed gifts at the Disney Store or www.disneyshopping.com to be given out during the trip. Sometimes you can run into some really good sales and it will save you money from purchasing expensive souvenirs during your trip.

Once you arrive:-

-Make sure to stop by Guest Relations at any of the four theme parks and tell them it’s your birthday.  You will receive a special “Today’s My Birthday” pin to wear!

-Dial the operator at your resort and ask for Goofy’s special birthday message.

-For older children, visit the countries in Epcot’s World Showcase. Let them know it is a birthday and they will write “Happy Birthday” in different languages in the passport.

-If you would like a cake with your child’s name on it, call the restaurant you will be eating at on the special day and you may order one at an additional charge. Most restaurants will do a complimentary cupcake, though.

-Let the parade attendants know that it is your child’s birthday. You never know–they may be included in the parade!!

Contact me to begin planning your next birthday celebration at Walt Disney World

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