Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

What’s included on a Royal Caribbean cruise

August 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Going on an all-inclusive cruise can be a great way to keep to a budget during a family vacation…as long as you know what’s included in your cruise fare and what will cost you extra. Unless you’re a frequent cruiser or a Crown and Anchor member with perks, you’ll want to know what’s included on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Included on a Royal Caribbean cruise:

Beverages:

filtered tap water
milk
tea
coffee (regular and decaf)
lemonade
iced tea
flavored waters
juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed)
Hot chocolate (via instant packets)

You can get the tap water at any bar or dining area, or fill your own water bottle at Windjammer (buffet area). If you go with the latter, you’ll need to fill a glass, then empty the glass into your water bottle. This is a health precaution.

You can also order beverages on the room service menu for free, though if you order coffee and juice to your room, for instance, note that you’ll be expected to tip. If you want Starbucks coffee or any speciality coffees in the bars, they will cost you extra.

Tip: the free coffee in the dining room is pretty high quality. If you drink a lot of water as we do, you can either refill your bottle with tap water, or use a water bottle with an added filter, such as a LifeStraw Go.

If you want cocktails (or mocktails), bottled water, wine, beer, specialty coffee and tea, or freshly squeezed juices, you’ll need to pay a la carte for these items or purchase a beverage plan (more on that below).

Dining:

Cruise guests can opt for either a set dining time or flexible My Time dining, and either will be held at the main dining rooms of your cruise ship. On our Liberty of the Seas ship, you could also eat at the Windjammer buffet (open extended hours), Jade Cafe, Cafe Promenade, Sorrentos, Sprinkles, and the poolside grille that’s open during day time hours. You can also eat at Johnny Rockets for a $4.95 cover charge per dine-in or take-out order.

Tip: I was told that Johnny Rockets offers made-to-order omelettes in the morning without a cover charge. I did not experience this personally.

Chops Grill and Portofino cost extra in the form of a cover charge of about $25 per person, and the Cupcake Cupboard and Ben & Jerry’s costs extra, as does Starbucks. (The free coffee at the Cafe Promenade is Seattle’s Best.)

Families can upgrade their dining experience to include the upscale restaurants with a specialty dining package, that I think is a good value, though not necessary.

Activities on board:

You’ve got your standard entertainment options (comedians, musicals, and singers) included in your cruise cost, as well as items such as climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and water play areas (availability depends on ship). The equipment in the fitness center is also included, as is the basketball court. What will cost you extra:

special exercise classes
spa services
gambling (obviously)
some specialty activities, such as classes (though some are free)

Should you get a drink package?

At around $45 per person, per day for the ONLY drink package that includes alcohol, buying all the adults packages can add up fast. Is it worth it? Do the math to see if it’s a value to you: we found that cocktails were around $10-12 each, and wine was about $8-10, so you broke even after about four drinks per day. That’s about two more than I usually have, so for me, it wasn’t worth it.

Note: The package is only $45 if you order it online before your cruise; later it jumps up another 20%.

There’s a lesser package that includes soda, bottled water, juice, and specialty coffees and teas, but again, I found that I wouldn’t use it enough: I don’t drink soda and could get the coffee, juice, and water I needed for free. Lastly, there’s a bottled water only package, that I would only consider if you must have bottled water instead of filtered.

Can you share a drink package?

No, but…well, yes. It’s against the rules, but certainly I have seen reports of people doing it. You could have one person order cocktails, wine, or beer (or bottled water for that matter) for more than one person at bars. At dinner, you’d be out of luck.

Can you bring drinks or food onboard?

No, with the exception of two bottles of wine per stateroom, in your carry on, at embarkation. Again, I have certainly seen people break this rule, but personally don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Do you have tips for new cruisers? What’s included on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

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Cruise planning: Cruise line comparison chart and more

August 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

A cruise is a great way to enjoy multiple destinations while only unpacking once. Cruisers combine the convenience of an all-inclusive resort with the adventure of ports of call and international experiences. However, planning a cruise involves a special set of considerations that planning your average trip does not. How will you get to your departure port? Should you book excursions ahead of time? What does your ship include in the fare? Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect cruise, using our cruise line comparison chart and more!

Cruise line comparison: what Type of Cruiser do You Want to be?

Source: Fix.com Blog

The first decision to make in the cruise planning process is to pick the type of cruise that’s best for you. If budget is a primary factor, a large, budget cruise ship will work nicely. Most sail for 5–7 days to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, and Alaska. Large cruise ships mean bigger crowds but they offer more onboard amenities, like multiple restaurants, pools, rock-climbing walls, and bigger gyms and spas. They’re almost always family friendly and have many dining options. If budget is not a concern but onboard amenities are still important, opt for a mid-sized luxury ship, which will be more personalized with great service and (usually) true all-inclusiveness, with drinks and exercise classes included in your fare.

If unique ports of call and an active itinerary are more important to you than onboard amenities, consider a small cruise ship. These ships, which hold fewer than 200 passengers in most cases, are highly personalized, and they can stop at smaller ports off the beaten path. Many small cruise ships include daily opportunities to snorkel, kayak, hike, and photograph wildlife, but they will cost more than traditional cruises.

Once you’ve decided on the type of cruising that works for you, it’s time to pick a cruise line. Compare lines by looking at their destination ports (where do you want to leave from?), the itineraries they offer (this is where you’ll choose between tropical cruises, Alaskan cruises, and European cruises, for instance), and their levels of inclusiveness.

Note that while virtually all cruise lines include room and board in their fares, some are truly all-inclusive, including alcohol, all excursions, and activities. Most charge extra for drinks, some onboard activities, and all excursions. Almost all lines prohibit bringing your own liquor or beer onboard, though most allow up to two bottles of wine. Ships store wine and liquor purchased at ports until disembarkation. Cruise lines that do not include alcohol in their cruise fares offer alcohol packages; do the math to determine whether such a package makes sense for you.

Planning Your Cruise Transportation and Getting Settled

Once you’ve settled on a cruise, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get to your embarkation port. One thing all cruises have in common is that they will leave without you. Therefore, plan to arrive the day before your departure if you’re flying to your port and plan to arrive several hours before boarding time if driving. You can even plan to drive the day before and stay the night at a port-side hotel (many will allow you to park your car there instead of at the port for less money).

If you’re flying to your port, look for a pre-cruise hotel that offers a shuttle service to your cruise or that is within an easy Uber fare. Check in online before you arrive to the port for ease of boarding; almost all cruise lines offer this service. Be sure to bring the paperwork that your cruise line requires, including your passport. Most cruise lines allow you to start the embarkation process by 11:30 am on the day of departure, which gives passengers time to eat a leisurely lunch while waiting for their staterooms to be ready.

Tip: Pack a day bag with swimsuits and essentials so you don’t have to wait for your bag to be delivered before enjoying the pool. Consider booking a massage or other spa service for your embarkation day to get you into “cruise mode.” These services are usually discounted on the first day.

Making the Most of Cruise Excursions

While onboard amenities are fun, you probably aren’t going on a cruise just to stay on the ship at every port. To avoid long lines at guest services during your cruise, book your excursions online before departure if you’re booking them through the cruise line. If you’re booking excursions independently, plan to book them for mid-morning on your days in port since many large cruise ships give priority disembarkation to passengers booked on cruise-specific excursions. Booking independently has its perks, however – you’ll usually save some money, you’ll help the local economy by paying tour operators directly, and you’ll avoid crowds of cruise passengers. To find safe, reputable excursions on your own, contact the local tourism board before your trip and make arrangements with verified businesses ahead of time. However, it’s important to remember the first rule of cruising: your cruise WILL leave without you if you’re not back on time. If your ship has limited time at a port (under 6–8 hours), it’s usually safest to book official cruise line excursions that guarantee your prompt return to the ship.

Planning to Disembark

At the end of your cruise, you’ll likely have an early-morning disembarkation. The process is known to go slowly since all passengers need to go through customs, but you can make it go faster by hanging onto your carry-on luggage (instead of putting it out the night before). Have your paperwork ready, and schedule a late-afternoon or evening flight home to be on the safe side.

Source: Fix.com Blog

Top kid-friendly campgrounds in New York state

July 29, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re thinking about taking a camping trip with the kids, New York might not be the first destination that comes to mind. While it’s true the Empire State is known for big lights and its big city; there are a surprising number of campgrounds in New York that can be perfect for you and the kids. Read on about campgrounds in New York State that offer fun, excitement, and adventure while catering to kids of all ages.

Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Upstate New York

Campgrounds in New York state abound! The Upstate region of New York State offers a slew of breathtaking views and a ton of delights for kids. Here are a few camping destinations that satisfy every need, including amenities for children.

Woods at Bear Creek: If rustic isn’t your family’s style, then this campsite can offer you all the essentials you need for a more upscale kid-friendly camping adventure. This destination might be a great way to ease the kids into ‘roughing it’ because they can enjoy a glamping trip that affords creature comforts while still enjoying the great outdoors. Woods at Bear Creek cabins are fully furnished, equipped with towels, linens, and satellite TV. They also have great enticements such as games, two swimming pools, and fire pits for you and the kids to toast marshmallows.

Adirondacks Jellystone Park: A kid-friendly camping spot and beloved for its association with Yogi Bear and his sidekick Boo Boo, Jellystone Park in the Adirondacks is a welcoming destination for the whole family. This is a must-visit destination because it offers a myriad of accommodations. From deluxe yurts, treehouses, RV Rentals, or old-school sites for tents, Jellystone can provide you the carefree, kid-centric vacation you’re craving.

Family Fun Campsites Near NYC

Relish the best of both worlds by sharing the glories of city life with your child while also enjoying the great outdoors. Here are a few incredible campgrounds close to New York City that accommodate nature-loving kids’ needs yet are still close enough to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Newburgh KOA Holiday Campsite: This KOA location is just over an hour’s drive from NYC and boasts ample opportunities for the kids. The grounds abound with nature trails that any child would relish while catching butterflies or spotting deer. It accommodates RVs and tents as well as kid-friendly cabin rentals. It also provides many perks for you and the fam, including fishing, mini-golf, swimming, biking, and more.

Parks in NYC: If you’re looking to take the whole family for a city adventure but still want to commune with nature, think about exploring the New York City park system. Savor the metropolis under the stars with special camping events featured each year in the Big Apple. The city offers family-friendly camping functions in the parks, such as fireside sing-alongs and s’more fests. Children are welcome, so expect to enjoy the pleasures of NY camping while never having to leave the big city.

Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Western NY

Western New York is a wonderland for campers and kids who love to romp in the woods any time of year. Whether you’re looking for camping RV style, glamping, or going rogue, this region of New York has plenty of opportunities for you and the kids to make grand camping memories together.

Triple R Camping Resort: While it definitely has resort status and caters to kids, the Triple R also has many retro camping opportunities available for the whole family. At this hot spot in Franklinville, NY, you have many options ranging from rustic to deluxe. They provide fully furnished cabins as well as permit hardcore camping tent-style. Additionally, they make things easy, so all you have to do is break out the just add water pancake mix, spark up the campfire, and enjoy breakfast with the whole troupe in the glow of a smashing sunrise.

Hidden Valley Camping Area: With an in-ground pool, kid-friendly camping store, playground, and live music, this is an ideal spot for your New York camping trip excursion. Hidden Valley in Jamestown provides many amenities that fit the unique needs of parents traveling with children, including fun events and tons of activities. It’s also closely located the Chautauqua Institution, which hosts a load of recreational venues such as nature appreciation lectures, craft-making, interfaith programs, and other delightful opportunities that will keep you and the kids engaged in heaps of fun.

Top kid-friendly campgrounds in New York state.

If you’re searching for the perfect travel destination that welcomes kids and has a wealth of enjoyable potential, then look no further than New York. From city-camping to sprawling glamp-style camping in Upstate NY or rustic tenting and RV rentals, you and your kids have incredible options when you visit this area for ultimate campground awesomeness.

Uncruise review of Costa Rica and Panama: Why small ship cruising is great for families

July 27, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Every so often, we are lucky enough to experience a trip that sets our bar higher for family travel excellence. Before we embarked on our Uncruise adventure through Costa Rica and Panama, the bar was already pretty darn high…we had experienced small ship sailing previously with Alaskan Dream Cruises and frankly, didn’t think it could be topped. While there were a few differences, Uncruise met our very high expectations, earning it a place in the top five of our list of best travel experiences. Here’s why:

Uncruise review: Why you need to book a small ship cruise

First, let’s talk about what ‘Uncruise’ actually means. It’s a travel company, of course, and after experiencing their product, I understand the reason for their somewhat unique name. Uncruise is unlike large ship cruises in every way. Like other small ship cruise companies, they are all about getting you off the ship, exploring the destinations en route. They are not a floating resort (though the ships are very cool…more on that later). On a large ship cruise, such as a Disney cruise, the ship is the destination. On Uncruise, the ship is the vessel that delivers you to the action. On our Uncruise ship, I felt satisfied that I had actually seen and experienced the countries we were cruising to. On a large ship, I never feel that way…I am simply floating past with brief stops.

Riding the skiff from our ship to an isolated island.

On a small ship cruise such as Uncruise, you will be active every day. My Apple Watch informed me that I walked and hiked an average of six miles a day on our Uncruise; it was a rare day when I didn’t garner at least 15,000 steps. Why am I sharing my fitness tracker stats? Because they prove how much exploration and activity we engaged in during our week in Costa Rica and Panama. Every single day, with one exception when surf conditions didn’t allow for a beach landing, we kayaked, hiked, paddle boarded, or snorkeled. Because we were in a small ship, we quite literally had islands to ourselves, and were almost always the only ship anchored at the eco lodges, reserves, and national parks we visited.

The Safari Voyager, our home for seven nights.

Note: the itinerary we sailed on with Uncruise will now be called Unveiled Wonders. There are additional itineraries that sail only Panama and only Costa Rica, if that’s preferred, but I recommend seeing both countries.

What you can expect from your Uncruise itinerary:

During our Central America itinerary, our days took on a predictable cadence, which was nice, because the destination and activities were always changing. On our Panama and Costa Rica itinerary, we experienced the following stops (which I’m told are similar to upcoming itineraries):

A transfer through the Panama Canal
Gulf of Panama islands
Granito de Oro and Coiba National Park, Panama
Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Osa Conservation Area, CR
Manuel Antonio National Park, CR
Curu National Wildlife Refuge, CR

As you can see from the names of our destinations, our trip was primarily focused on outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing. We did experience some cultural moments of discovery, namely in the canal when we learned about its construction and in Coiba, where we saw one of General Noriega’s homes (now a historical site) and one of his penal colonies (now a deserted island), but overall, ours was not a cultural itinerary.

Kayaks brought from our ship to the beach by crew members for one of our ‘beach parties’.

At each day’s stop, we had multiple options in which to experience it: hikes and skiff rides were offered, as well as water activities where possible. Our family’s favorite offerings included hiking in the morning, followed by snorkeling or swimming in the afternoon. Uncruise ‘beach parties’ were offered whenever we anchored next to a sandy beach, which was often. At every stop, our on-board expedition guides led small groups within these activities, and guided us on our excursions.

A sample day with Uncruise in Central America:

As noted above, the routine of our days took on a predictable cadence, which was nice. While the timing changed insignificantly here and there to accommodate our route, every day on our Uncruise looked something like this:

Yoga on the sun deck at 6:15 am (ha, only made it to that once)
Breakfast around 7:30 am (with a continental breakfast set out earlier for those who were up)
Morning excursions rolling out from about 8:30-9:30 (depending on what group you’re in and which leader you’re going with)
Morning excursions over and back on the ship by 12 pm for lunch
Lunch for everyone around 12:30 or 1 pm
Afternoon excursions rolling out around 2 pm (sometimes, there’s a transfer to a new location first)
Afternoon excursions back to the ship around 4:30, giving everyone time to shower and freshen up
Evening cocktail hour and appetizers at 5:30 (this is when the expedition leaders give a spiel on the following day’s itinerary and guests sign up for the next day’s excursion options)
Dinner around 6:30 pm
Evening presentation by expedition leaders around 8 pm (for those with kids going to bed, the evening talk is piped into the onboard sound system in your cabins)
Pass out asleep around 10 pm…you’ll be tired!

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Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids

July 21, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the United States’ premier family destinations, a jewel in the national park crown. In the summertime, the weather is beautiful, the scenery spectacular, and the opportunity to interact with nature unparalleled. Here are some things to know to help you make the most out of visiting with your kids.

Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids:

West side vs. east side:

Experts say the west side of the park (accessed via Grand Lake) is less crowded than the east side (accessed via Estes Park). However, our visit was based in Estes, so this post focuses on the east side of the park.

Be prepared:

It storms somewhere in the mountains every afternoon, and even in the valleys, the weather is very cool in the mornings and evenings. Dress in layers. Wear long pants. Hiking boots really do make a difference on the uneven terrain. Use sunscreen and bug spray, and consider investing in rain ponchos.

Trail Ridge Road:

This 48-mile drive from Estes Park to Grand Lake is an all-day adventure that climbs several thousand feet through the tree line and into the arctic tundra. Along the route you’ll find countless amazing overlooks and a handful of hiking trails, as well as the Alpine Visitors Center. Trail Ridge Road can be a great experience, but be aware that altitude sickness is a real thing. Take it slow so everyone has time to adjust, and drink lots of water.

Don’t miss out on ranger-led hikes and programs:

You can learn about stars, wildlife, ecology, and more. Schedules are available in the visitors centers. The junior ranger program is a great way to get the kids invested in the park system. Start early in your visit to give your kids plenty of time to complete the activities.

There’s a reason why the popular hikes are popular:

Many of the hiking trails in RMNP are long, and many of the shorter ones are very steep. So if your family is too young for long or steep hikes, you will be part of the throngs visiting a relatively small number of trails. Based on our experiences, I have two suggestions:

First, get up early—really early. Many of the family-friendly hikes start at Bear Lake, which is a significant drive from Estes, and the parking lot fills early. Have everything prepped the night before; go to bed early and get up at 4:30 or 5 to beat the crowds. Afternoon naps are our friends.

Second, don’t view rain as an automatic death knell to hiking. Afternoon rainstorms often pass quickly. We arrived at the Cub Lake trailhead at the start of a pop-up storm. We waited out the worst of it in the van but then donned rain ponchos and headed out. Twenty minutes later, the sun was out. Two days later we started for Alberta Falls in an intermittent drizzle, and we had the trail almost to ourselves. With ballcaps beneath rain ponchos, we didn’t really get wet at all. You might think you’re sacrificing scenery, but there is a different beauty in hiking amid the clouds. It was well worth the effort. (Caveat: lightning is a different story. As with lightning anywhere, you want to be cautious.)

Hiking with young children:

It is possible to take a stroller on some of the trails at RMNP, but in most cases your best bet is backpack carriers. No need to buy one; they’re available for rent in downtown Estes Park.

If your kids are beyond a backpack, you’ll need to plan carefully. Prep your kids in advance for longer, more strenuous hikes—not just physically, but mentally. My sister managed to get her 4-year-old daughter to Emerald Lake, a 3.6-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 605 feet, by having her pretend she was Wonder Woman.

Park amenities:

Expect to be out of cell service most of the time you’re in the park.
Stay on top of the bathroom situation. Staying well hydrated is part of an enjoyable visit at high altitudes, so you also have to stay on top the need for bathrooms. There are facilities at many trail heads, but not all.
The visitors’ centers have clean restrooms and information desks, as well as a range of services including ranger-led programs, gift shops, and educational displays.
The national park service runs shuttle buses in the Bear Lake Road Corridor late May through early October. The buses are free, but park entrance fee is required for the Hiker Shuttle, which boards outside the park. Using the buses helps traffic flow and allows you to enjoy the scenery.

It takes longer than you think it will:

Traffic through Estes Park gets backed up. The lines at the entrance stations get backed up. Construction in the park causes traffic backup. And hiking at altitude is slower and more strenuous than you might expect. Pack snacks or lunch and plenty of water, and take lots of breaks.

Fees:

Entry fees for Rocky Mountain National Park are very modest at $20 per vehicle for one day or $30 for 7 days. Fees can also be paid per person. You can purchase passes ahead of time online.

Rocky Mountain National Park is located just under two hours west of Denver, Co. Parking and services provided by the national park service are free, although a limited number of adventure outfitters are permitted to operate within the national park.

Our family was offered a media pass to RMNP by Visit Estes Park. My enthusiasm for this amazing place, however, long predates this visit.

River cruise vacation: What to expect on a Vantage Travel river cruise

July 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

You only unpack once. You never have to plan, drive, or navigate in a foreign country. You wake up in a new city each day. All your meals are inclusive.

If this sounds like a dream, you haven’t tried a European river cruise! Whether you embark on a river cruise as a couples’ getaway (highly recommended!) or with older kids or teens, we have a full review of what you can expect on a VantageTravel.com river cruise vacation.

Vantage Travel river cruise vacation: what to expect onboard and off!

I recently experienced Vantage Travel’s Heart of Germany trip, which was eight days of luxury travel on the River Splendor. This ship sleeps 176 passengers, and felt cozy but not crowded during my sailing with approximately 110 passengers on board. We flew into Frankfurt, Germany and flew out of Munich, Germany, exploring seven ports through Bavaria along the journey.

The River Splendor navigated three rivers during our trip: the Rhine, Main, and Danube, and each day, we either docked directly in each town, able to walk off the ship and into a storybook village, or within a 1-1.5 hour bus ride from our day’s destination. Obviously, I preferred the former, but during approximately half the trip, the latter proved necessary.

We embarked in Mainz, Germany, and quickly settled into a comfortable routine: each evening before dinner, our capable cruise director, Renata Lovrovic, would brief us on the following day’s planned itinerary, which we could opt into or out of. (Should you wish to explore the port of call on your own, ship departure times were clearly announced.) Cocktail hour would follow in the lounge, with the evening capped by a four-course dinner. While the menu is upscale American with only a few local specialties, basic dishes and a healthy option are always available, such as grilled chicken or salmon. Breakfast is also a buffet, and an early riser’s breakfast allows even greater flexibility. By the time we retired to our stateroom each evening, a full written itinerary for the following day awaited us on our pillows.

Deluxe stateroom, photo courtesy of Erika Balbier

Throughout the cruise, we also had full access to a concierge, a massage therapist, and a 24-hour reception desk. Our bottom deck stateroom was decidedly cozy, but we had all the space we needed with impressive storage solutions for our luggage and clothes. (Staterooms sleep two, so families would need to upgrade to a suite or book two or more rooms.) The bathroom was downright roomy, and while I had worried that our two small windows wouldn’t let in enough light, we found the space to never feel gloomy. Nor did we ever feel seasick on the gentle Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.

Our journey took us from Mainz to Regensburg. Each convergence of the rivers brought new ports and vistas, new foods to try, and new local city experts to guide us. Cultural activities on-board, such as German language lessons, cooking classes, and lectures were on offer almost daily, though we often ran out of time to enjoy them all.

Dining each evening is open seating, so we met new friends on-board who brightened our evening social life, often lingering over wine or aperitifs after our plates were cleared. Housekeeping is twice daily plus a turndown service, and each server in the dining room and lounge was courteous and well-trained.

What Vantage offers families who want to combine luxury with relaxation:

While the typical clientele of a Vantage river cruise skews older, families and grandparents with older kids and teens will find plenty to keep busy and engaged. Excursions off the ship occur every single day, and as stated above, parents and grandparents can opt-out with their kids at will, but trust me, you’ll want to stick around to learn with the group on most occasions.

Teens tend to congregate in the Captain’s Club, the window-filled space at the stern where meals are served buffet style (and alfresco in nice weather). Vantage crew members put out games and electronics in this space when kids are on-board, and the complimentary espresso machine serves up hot chocolate and coffee drinks at any time of day.

Free WiFi is offered the ship throughout the cruise, and while I brought a hot spot to ensure connectivity for work, I never needed it onboard the River Splendor. Connection was swift and reliable, so teens can stay connected via text, email and WhatsApp with family at home, friends, and new friends they meet on the cruise.

The library adjacent to the lounge houses cards, board games and books, making for a nice retreat, and the sundeck at the top level is perfect for active teens who want to make use of the small track in nice weather (though there’s also a small exercise room onboard). Complimentary bike use is available in most ports (and the bikes sail along with you on the deck of the River Splendor).

While river cruising is known to be relaxing (think lazy afternoons spotting castles while enjoying high tea and navigating locks while enjoying a glass of wine), VantageTravel.com focuses on the cultural connection just as ardently. Every single day brought a different walking tour, cathedral or castle visit, and opportunity for local dining and shopping.

What’s included in the river cruise vacation cost:

Nearly everything! Here’s what’s included:

Almost all excursions, all city guides and regional experts.
All bus transfers, including to and from the airport.
Almost every meal (only a couple meals in towns are not included)
House wine and beer (free-flowing) at every dinner.
Cocktail demonstration nightly.
WiFi onboard.
Bike and e-bike lending program.
24-hour access to coffee, espresso, and tea.
Museum entry and tour entry for all planned excursions.

What you’ll pay a la carte for:

Top-shelf wine and liquor at dinner, plus apres-dinner drinks.
Cocktails, wine and beer during cocktail hour in the lounge.
Add-on excursions (we never felt it necessary).

Tip: Bottled water is available for purchase at the bar in the lounge, but pitchers of drinking water is also available in the Captain’s Club and in the exercise room daily.

We loved that Vantage can book your airfare for you, and we highly advise going with this perk. It comes included with a pick-up right in the terminal, which is very welcome after a long journey, and Vantage did a great job finding us the best flight itineraries possible.

Before and during your trip, you also have access to a personal portal that allows you to view your itinerary, upgrade your cabin or tours, and check on details of your flights. We found Vantage to be highly organized and very responsive in the customer service department.

Our only wishes to add to the list for our river cruise vacation: we’d love to have had easier access to complimentary water onboard, would have liked more local cuisine at dinner, and would have welcomed smaller walking tour group sizes. Otherwise, we were happy cruise passengers for a blissful eight days!

Check out the stops we made during our Heart of Germany tour, in order to plan your own Bavarian vacation.

Disclosure: We experienced a Vantage Travel river cruise vacation as guests of Vantage, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Guide to family cruising in Croatia with kids

July 14, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Sailing holidays are perfect for families, where you can set your pace and plan your own schedule, especially if you have children on board as well. Moreover, you stay together like a well-knit group in your floating home as you sail off the stunning Croàtian coastline. Check out this handy guide for a multi-activity family cruise in Croatia.

A guide to family cruising in Croatia with the kids!

Best time to sail

The best time to go sailing in Croatia is between April and September. The periods of calm prevail in July and August, which makes it ideal for those sailing with children as the waters are smooth. The weather is perfect for swimming, water sports or simply relaxing on the deck with the family.

Age restrictions

Sailing companies in Croatia usually have a lower age limit of four years for sailing trips with children. There are some flotillas you can book that have no restrictions at all, though in some cases you have to carry life jackets for your children who are under four years. To operate the dinghy the minimum age is 16 years, and no one below 16 is to be left without supervision at all times.

Choice of vessel

There are four different types of vessels you can opt for, but you will need to match one with your requirements.

Sailboats: They are slow, so charter one if you have a lot of stops to make and plenty of time to spare.
Catamarans: If you are looking for plenty of space and stability then catamarans are the best choice for large groups and especially those with children.
Motor Yacht: A skippered motor yacht is a good choice if you are short on time and wish to explore as much of Croatia as possible.
Gulets: With huge open decks and short sailing hours limited to 3-4 a day, this is another exciting option if you are sailing with children.

Onboard amenities

Your sailing vessel should have a nice salon with TV
The chef should be flexible enough in meal preparation for children
Believe it or not but most children would rather have pizza or pasta than shrimp.
Crew should be kid friendly and willing to keep an eye on the kids should you decide to wander into town for a glass of wine.

Packing advice

It is hard to imagine that you will need anything more than a swimsuit as you will be spending most of the cruise time over water. However, there are umpteen places onshore for which you will have to be prepared. So remember to pack these essentials on your family sailing holiday across the Adriatic:

Swimwear
A jacket
Games for children
An inflatable
Sunscreen and moisturizer.
Travel towel
Waterproof camera
A small daypack
Rash vest
Medication
Insect repellent

Safety

Cruise ships in Croatia are known for their safety and adhering to the rigid maritime laws of the country. So you have nothing to worry about on a family cruise apart from sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the views and the experience with the ones you love the most.

Top Arizona parks to explore with your kids

July 13, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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Top Arizona parks to explore with your kids:

Arizona’s Grand Canyon is a sight to behold for many tourists and road trip enthusiasts. If you are planning on going on a road trip with your family, make sure that you have made the necessary preparations for your kids, including a Diono car seat and snacks to keep them safe and entertained while on the road. When you reach Arizona, you can expect more places to visit aside from the Grand Canyon. Here are some Arizona parks that your kids will enjoy exploring:

Native Cultures

There are over 250,000 Native Americans that live at the 13th-century state’s borders, which plays a big role in preserving their ancient culture. The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument protects the Hohokam people’s 13th-century ruins.

Your kids will also enjoy the Montezuma Castle National Monument, which protects the 800-year old cliff dwellings. Near the Flagstaff town is the Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments. One of the country’s best Native American Museum is the Phoenix’s Heard Museum, where it features 10 galleries that showcase Native American art and artifacts. The museum offers hands-on activities like creating a bandolier bag and Yaqui-inspired paper flowers.

Relive the Old West

Arizona used to be a wild place when the Americans first settled there. Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp were famous characters who called Tombstone their home in the 1880s, where they participated in the historical gunfight that happened at the OK Corral. Visitors today will be glad to visit the Tombstone and witness a mine tour, historic cemeteries, and buildings, and Wild West shows that showcases the original OK Corral.

The Sonoran Desert

One of the popular tourist destinations in Arizona is the Saguaro National Park. The park also provides every family visitor the opportunity to learn about the desert and its important ecosystem.

If you want to visit this park with your family, you can go during early spring or late winter, where the temperatures are milder and wildflowers are blooming. The Saguaro cacti will have its short-lived blooms in June. Your kids will also appreciate exploring the desert when you are in Phoenix. Try visiting the Pinnacle Peak or the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for nature tripping with your family.

Kid-Friendly Museums

If you want your kids to know more about the Sonoran Desert, then you should take them to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, loathed near the Saguaro National Park. It is part zoo, part natural history museum, and part botanical garden. The museum integrates its animal enclosures into the surrounding desert landscape.

There is also a trail that you and your family can stroll along and witness a peeking coyote behind a Saguaro cactus, see a Ferruginous Hawk flying above, and watch a javelina saunter while in an area surrounded by 140 varieties of cacti and other plants from the desert.

They also have the Cat Canyon, the hummingbird aviary, and a cave that lets visitors experience what it’s like underground. Your kids will also enjoy the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, and let them listen to other musical instruments from different parts of the world.

Another place for your kids to enjoy is the Arizona Science Center, also in Phoenix, which features 350 interactive exhibits. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is also a good destination for your kids and lets them experience indoor play during the summer season.

Board a Train

Everybody knows that kids are fascinated with trains, and Arizona is filled with many railroad-themed activities for their visitors. You can take your kids to Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and take rides at the Paradise and Pacific Railroad. Go and explore with your family the expansive display of the indoor model train.

Visit Arizona now with your children and let them learn and experience the wonderful history of their people. It would be a great experience for you and your family in exploring the different attractions that Arizona can offer.

Jamestown Settlement and Colonial National Historical Park

July 8, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

While visiting Colonial Williamsburg with kids, definitely budget half a day to visit Jamestown. Learning about this first viable settlement of Virginia rounds out the historical understanding of the area (the residents of Jamestown later migrated 10 miles to settle Williamsburg).

Jamestown is divided into two sections: the Historic Jamestowne Colonial National Historical Park is the National Park property, and features the archeological dig site of the actual Jamestown fort. The Jamestown Settlement is run separately, and features recreations of the colonists’ fort, a Powhatan village, and replicas of the three ships used by the Jamestown colonists. It also houses one of the most impressive museums in the area. Which to do? Both!

Start with the Jamestown Settlement:

We recommend starting here, watching the 30 minute film, and touring through the massive indoor museum first. Yes, even in the heat. Why? The museum gives families an excellent overview of the time period (both in the colonies and in England and Africa), and really helps kids know what they’re about to see outside. The museum follows the journey of the Jamestown colonists, and then continues chronologically all the way through the 1690’s, when Jamestown gave way to Williamsburg as a the main settlement.

Then head outside: here you’ll find the fort, Powhatan village, and ships, all with interpreters in period costume ready to answer questions and demonstrate 17th century skills. This living history tableau rivals those in Williamsburg, with scheduled programs and impromptu conversations. We especially loved the canon firing demonstration and learning about the various levels of period dress.

In total, budget at least three hours for the Settlement. Picnic food is permitted in the picnic area out front (just show your museum map to regain entry) and there’s also a cafe on-site.

Admission:
Tickets are $16 for adults and $7.50 for kids 6-12. Separate admission is required at the national park site. It’s also possible to buy Historical Triangle tickets at Williamsburg that allows entry into both Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement.

Then head to Historic Jamestowne to see the dig sites:

This section of Jamestown is located approximately one mile away (clearly marked) and is a national park site. This is where Jamestown actually stood, discovered by archeological dig only 20 years ago. There’s a good museum here too, but if you’ve toured the Settlement museum, you may wish to skip this to head out along the boardwalk to the fort site. Here, kids can talk to working archeologists who are currently excavating the site, and see original brickwork and artifacts emerging. The site is right on the James River, and very interesting. We are only stayed one hour, but are very glad we included it in our day.

Admission: Adults are $14 and kids are free (15 and under). Pass holders are $5.

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Twenty minutes from I-64.

Directions:

Both sites are approximately 10 minutes from Williamsburg. Follow signs along the Colonial Parkway from the Williamsburg Visitor’s Center.

Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids

July 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of scrambling and bouldering to their heart’s content directly from trails and campgrounds. Here’s how to do Joshua Tree National Park with kids!

Joshua Tree is definitely worthy of a day trip from Palm Springs, but we highly recommend making two days of it (either driving in or camping). Hiking in the park is not strenuous (almost all hikes are 3 miles or less), and for the non-hikers, there’s plenty of wildflower and cacti viewing, birding, and rock climber-watching (yes, I just made that a word). Here’s what not to miss with a few days in the park:

Split Rock nature trail:

Located a few miles past the North Entrance to the park, Split Rock is often overlooked by visitors, making it almost empty during our peak season visit. (If you’re unsure where to go, ask a ranger at the Oasis Visitor Center, which should be your first stop, anyway. Split Rock is a two mile loop that takes you through yucca, Joshua Trees, and most importantly, amid towering boulders. We stopped often to let the kids climb, but whether you want to keep it a traditional hike it up to you, of course. Hikers often spot mountain goats here, though our wildlife spotting was limited to lizards, ravens, and rock climbers.

Hidden Valley:

Hidden Valley is a mecca for rock climbers (and it’s fun to watch them here), but is also a great place for kids to scramble and explore. There’s a 1 mile nature trail loop that shows the natural bowl where cattle wrestlers brought stolen cattle to hide them, but kids will be more interested in jumping from rock to rock. This area gets crowded, but there’s room to spread out and most visitors don’t go further than the first quarter mile (in our experience).

49 Palms Oasis:

When you’re ready for a trail that doesn’t involve scrambling and bouldering, try the strenuous 49 Palm Oasis loop. It takes hikers up and down canyon ridges to a very welcome palm tree oasis deep in the canyon. The actual oasis area is off-limits due to restoration, but it’s fun to count the palms (we counted 46, so there probably are 49 in actuality), sit in the shade, and check out the green vegetation around the spring. Hike this one in the morning, as there’s little shade.

Where to stay:

Joshua Tree has no fewer than nine campgrounds, as well as motel-style lodging in the towns of 29 Palms and Joshua Tree. We highly recommend camping in Joshua Tree to get the full experience of this spectacular park. There are few things to note about the campgrounds: of all nine, only Black Rock and Cottonwood offer running water and flush toilets. The remainder offer no services except pit toilets. The only reservable campgrounds are Blackrock and Indian Cove.

We stayed two nights in Indian Cove Campground, and loved the experience. Every campsite is adjacent to Joshua Tree’s famous boulders, and the entire campground is located in a beautiful rock canyon. We stayed in site 90 which is located at the very end of the campground, and considered it as ideal as it gets for a car camping experience. We had no immediate neighbors, and had wilderness surrounding us. We had room for two tents—one quite large—which is not the case with every site.

Tip: If you have a large tent or want to set up two tents, call the ranger station and ask about the particular site you reserved. Pack accordingly! For family groups wanting two adjacent sites, we recommend 63-64 or 99-100. And if you really want some isolation from other campers, consider reserving two sites even for a small group. They’re only $15/night!

When to go:

Due to its higher elevation, Joshua Tree is bearable further into the warm weather months than other desert parks (such as Death Valley), but you’ll still want to visit between March and May for the best weather. At the time of our March visit, temperatures reached the 80s in the day, and the 40s at night.

Tip: for more information about Joshua Tree, check out this guide from Live Once Live Wild.

Directions:

Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles, 175 miles northeast of San Diego, and 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas. You can approach it from Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway).