Beach Resorts - Pitstops for Kids

New England weekend getaways ideal for fall

September 7, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Love Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, but want to escape the summer crowds and peak season pricing? Enjoy the best New England weekend getaways in autumn! The peaceful calm and untouched beauty that linger in the off-season reveal a region that is ideal for family reunions and weekend getaways.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel:

Cape Cod’s quintessential family beach retreat on Buzzard’s Bay, Sea Crest Beach Hotel is home to the most family-friendly accommodations on the Cape: a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight guests and provides plenty of indoor and outdoor space for entertaining. It features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a spacious living room, open kitchenette, washer and dryer, expansive deck, and a private backyard ideal for family games and entertaining. Surrounded by privacy hedges, the yard is designed for outdoor entertaining. Guests can enjoy an open-air breakfast on the deck’s dining set, take a sunset stroll down Old Silver Beach and roast marshmallows in the backyard fire pit under the stars. Fall rates for Sea Crest’s cottage start at $649 per night.

Harbor View Hotel:

Martha’s Vineyard’s most storied landmark located in the heart of Edgartown, Harbor View Hotel has five spacious Captain’s Cottages containing 18 luxury suites with up to three bedrooms. Named for Edgartown sea captains, the cottages are fitted with interiors that evoke classic Vineyard style and breezy seaside ambience, gas fireplaces, pull-out sofas to accommodate extra guests, wet bars, washer/dryers and the latest in entertainment technology. Kitchenettes are equipped with small refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, coffee machines and kitchenware. The cottages, along with the hotel’s expansive indoor and outdoor venue spaces, make Harbor View Hotel the prime location to host weddings, anniversary parties or large business meetings. Fall rates for the Captain’s Cottage suites start at $679 per night.

Harbourview Nantucket:

Harbourview, the region’s premiere oceanfront hotel, is comprised of 11 fully furnished cottages that take the stress out of planning multi-generational family trips and group getaways. Located just steps from the harbor, the waterfront enclave is home to a private beach and expansive lawn for a stunning seaside ceremony and tented reception. Cottage accommodations range from one to four bedrooms and boast full kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, washer/dryers, exterior balconies and beautifully appointed interiors designed in Nantucket’s tradition of simple elegance. While serenely private, the hotel’s close proximity to downtown provides guests hassle-free access to fantastic restaurants and nightlife. Fall rates start at $550 per night.

Beachside vacation living on Nantucket, MA

Kelley House:

Martha’s Vineyard’s iconic establishment and one of the oldest hotels in America, Kelley House offers comfortable and welcoming accommodations spread amongst four classic houses and cottages that are equipped with all of the necessities. The hotel’s intimate atmosphere keeps large groups in close quarters while also providing guests with ample privacy to unwind after draining days together. And, its prime location in Edgartown provides guests with easy access to the beach, the Food and Wine Festival in October, holiday season chowder festivals, art fairs and the best shopping values. Fall rates start at $135.

Which hotel and New England autumn getaway location is best for your family?

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Whaleshead Beach Resort

May 3, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Summer isn’t the only time to visit the Oregon Coast. In fact, our favorite time of year for a coastal getaway is late fall, when the beaches are empty, the rental prices drop, and the weather remains near-perfect.

If you’re lucky enough to getaway this November to the Southern Oregon Coast, Pit Stops for Kids recommends Whaleshead Beach Resort, nestled along a hillside just outside of Brookings. A casual resort which embraces kids, Whaleshead is comprised of dozens of rental units dotting the coastline directly across Hwy 101 from the beach. You can rent them weekly or nightly, and no matter the size or needs of your group, there will be the perfect accommodations for you, from multi-bathroom, multi-bedroom cottages to cozy two-person cabins. We have found the reservation staff to be very helpful, especially when booking a single cabin for two families to share: we’ve needed everything from adjoining rooms to single stories to cribs, and it’s all been accommodated.

At Whaleshead, you have your pick between Ocean View and Creek View, and you really can’t go wrong with either. Ocean View affords the most breathtaking views of the, well, ocean, obviously, but if you’re bringing kids who will want to ride their bikes, opt for Creek View, as Ocean View cabins are situated on a steep slope. (Creek View cabins are also within walking distance of the beach trail, making it possible to skip driving back and forth for sand castle building and kite flying…beloved past-times on Oregon beaches). No matter what cabin you choose, you’ll have a full kitchen at your disposal, a living area, and in almost all cases, a TV with DVD player and hot tub (and sometimes game systems).

After enjoying your cabin and the resort, walk through the 700 foot tunnel from Whaleshead to the beach, or drive over. Not only is Whaleshead Beach beautiful, but it’s more protected than other nearby beaches, making it possible to set out a picnic or spread out a blanket in the cherished Oregon Coast sunshine.

Extra Tip: There’s also a camping area: if you’re traveling with an RV, their camping/hook-up sites are the nicest I’ve seen, with full built-in wooden decks and lush greenery.

Date Last Visited: September 2013

Distance from the Interstate: Directly off Hwy 101 (about 15 miles from the Oregon/California border).

Room Rates: At the time of our visit, cabins ranged from approximately $110 per night to $195 per night, depending on size and season. Beware of extra fees for additional people to your reservation. We found that base price was misleading on the website, since we were traveling with several kids, who cost extra in some cabins.

Dining Options: Whaleshead does have a restaurant on-site, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find your typical burgers and sandwiches here, as well as good seafood at dinner. Brookings offers more (just five miles south) in the way of fast food, seafood, and the like.

Directions: From Brookings, follow Hwy 101 to Whaleshead Road (on right). Full address: 19921 Whaleshead Rd, Brookings, OR.

Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico with kids

April 21, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s a reason I keep writing about vacationing in Puerto Rico with kids: this destination is affordable and convenient to reach from many points in the US and Canada. Within just a few hours, families can be on tropical beaches and exploring a different culture, without even needing a passport (for US citizens).

If you’re planning a Puerto Rico vacation, we have another great resort pick for you: Bahia Beach Resort, located on the northeast coast along two miles of pristine beach. Bahia Beach lodging ranges from home rentals to the luxury of the St. Regis, with activities to keep your schedule packed your entire stay (though definitely reserve some time to explore further afield as well…see below).

Our top activity picks at Bahia Beach:

Bahia Beach activities range from relaxing to adventurous. Right on property, families can access golf, tennis, and miles of beach, as well as swimming pools and a kids’ club.

Hit the beach (and the pools): The two miles of white sandy beaches at Bahia can be accessed all year long, but for the poolside fans, there’s also a beach club with pool (and access to the sand), cabanas, a bar, and full poolside food services. When in Puerto Rico with kids, I recommend at least one or two full days dedicated to water and waves…find chairs or a cabana and camp out here from breakfast until dinner!

Go jump in a lake: Or rather, kayak on one! Yes, there’s a lake at Bahia Beach. At the Boathouse, get a kayak or canoe to explore 70 acres of canals and lakes on the resort’s grounds. Also accessible is the Espiritu Santo River, with mangroves and a wide variety of bird species. Families can also fish, paddle board, sail, or windsurf on the lake.

Take a day trip: Day trips to other points on Puerto Rico can be arranged at Bahia Beach, in some cases even eliminating the need to rent a car. Families can visit Old San Juan, which is located nearby and explore El Yunque, the sub-tropical rainforest at the eastern end of Puerto Rico. If you visit, start at the El Portal Visitors Center to get an introduction to the rainforest with exhibits and a film. From there, check out the Cloud Forest on the La Roca Trail, or discover waterfalls while hiking (I suggest a private tour to see the best sites).

Iguana Kids Club: Set the kids up at the Iguana Kids’ Club at Bahia Beach, and have a little adult time on the sand, in the pools, or dining out. Kids’ clubs vary greatly from property to property, so we always recommend visiting in person with your child before making definitive plans. What I like about Iguana Kids’ Club: it’s located primarily outdoors, under a pavilion, which just makes sense to me in a destination such as Puerto Rico. Ages 4-12 are accepted, and staff takes kids outside of the club regularly, whether on nature walks, for bird or turtle feeding, or for scavenger hunts. When kids’ clubs never take kids out of doors, I run from them fast! Of course, there will be some indoor moments, during which the club is equipped with fun inside gear such as board games, a Wii station, movies, a reading area, kitchenette, and arts and crafts materials.

Have you been to Puerto Rico? What are your go-to activities?

All Inclusive Resort Barcelo In Los Cabos

March 8, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Los Cabos is situated at the Southern end of the Baja California Sur, Mexico, which covers an area of 3,750.93 km2. It encompasses of Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the Resort corridor in between the two. Los Cabos is famous for its beautiful climate and geography with sport fishing, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and golf, which makes it one of the prime destinations for honeymoon or family vacations. Read on for the best places in Los Cabos:

Arch of Cabo San Lucas

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a three stories tall distinctive rock formation which erupting out of the ocean likes an arch. It is located at the Southern tip of Cabo San Lucas which is locally famous as El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. This place is a tourist attractions and one of the important places to visit in Cabo San Lucas. To reach here you can hire a boat taxi from Cao San Lucas Marina, where in the journey, you can enjoy the view of the arch along the way. Tourists can also witness sea lions here, as this place is a popular gathering area for sea lions.

Playa del Amour

Playa del Amour which is also famous by the name of Lover’s Beach, is an amazing beach situated several meters inland on Marieta Islands. The archaeology of Marieta Island is come into existence because of volcanic activities. This beautiful hidden beach is a unique natural wonder, which tourists must visit. It’s a great place for sunbath, snorkeling, swimming and picnic. The government of Mexico has declared this place as a Natural park, so it’s totally an uninhabited place. To visit this place you have to hire authorized boat service providers.

Playa Solmar

A beautiful wide stretch of white sand beach which faces Pacific Ocean, which starts from the rocks at Land’s End to the base of Pedregal to the west. One of very less crowded beaches in Mexico, which is a destination place for sunset lovers, whale watching and long walks except for swimming, the currents are very strong and dangerous, not suitable for swimming. In Playa Solmar you will also find some of the finest all-inclusive resorts alongside the beach.

Playa el Médano

Medano beach or Playa el Medano is the popular and the safest beach for swimming in Cabo San Lucas. It starts from east side of the harbor and extends all the way to Villa del Palmar. As its one of the closest beach to the town, this place is the prime location and the crowded one among all the destinations. This beach offers activities like jet skiing, kayaking, waterskiing, banana boating, parasailing, volleyball, you can also enjoy the beach parties or buy some local handicrafts from Chicklets, blankets, silver jewelry, sombreros and try some temporary tattoos or hair braiding.

Cabo Wabo Cantina

This is one of the best places for tourists who are looking for good live rock music. Cabo Wabo Cantina which is located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which is part of a night club chain with same name founded by rock musician Sammy Hagar. The night club is not only famous for live rock music from top celebrities and music artists from all around the world but also serves outstanding seafood to Mexican food, Cerveza to Tequila, from bar to rooftop, there are plenty of reasons for tourists to visit Cantina in Cabo.. They also have their own tequila brand with the name “Cabo Wabo”.

San Jose Del Cabo

San Jose Del Cabo which is situated 32 kms from Cabo San Lucas, is a historic town full of beautiful architectures which have a very calm and charming atmosphere in comparison of her wild sister “Cabo San Lucas”. This place is best for tourists who want witness the Mexican culture more closely. This place is famous for its historic restaurants with beautiful courtyards, shops offering beautiful handicrafts and jewelry and varieties of art galleries. Other places in San Jose Del Cabo are “Estero San José”, a beautiful palm lined wild life sanctuary and estuary , which is home of many bird species, Reserva de la Biosféra Sierra de la Laguna, god for hiking and Iglesia San José, a landmark in the city with beautiful naval architecture.

Apart from above destinations, this place is also famous for its world class all-inclusive resorts and hotels, which make your stay Los Cabos definitely a memorable one. These resorts offer best rooms featured with all facilities and all-inclusive programs which takes care of tourist every single need. “Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos” is one of the finest all-inclusive Barcelo resort in Los Cabos. A premium 5-star resort in Los Cabos located near the spectacular waters of Caribbean Sea. The hotel 350 luxurious rooms and suites spread across 3 buildings: Luna, Estrella and Torre Sol. All the rooms feature a private balcony with scenic view of the Caribbean Sea fully equipped with all kind of features to make your stay pleasant and memorable one. The hotel also offers 5 restaurants and 3 bars (pool bar, lobby bar and sky bar) with variety of culinary options featuring international, Mexican and Italian food. Other facilities like swimming pools, spa, fitness centers, racquet ball court, lounge, kid’s club, shopping centers etc. Here are some of the other top resorts and hotels in Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa, Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa, Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa and Melia Cabo Beach & Golf Resort.

Spot the differences! your all inclusive resorts vacations are waiting.

Photo credit.

Puerto Rico: An exotic vacation, without the exotic hassles

January 20, 2016 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following post is written by guest reviewer Sue Rodman of Field Trips with Sue.

In many ways, a Puerto Rico vacation is the ideal family friendly destination. While it’s undoubtedly in paradise, it’s not hard to get to Puerto Rico from the east coast of the US. In short, Puerto Rico is a family-friendly exotic destination made easy.

The sun drenched white sand beaches of the Caribbean have always been a huge draw for families wishing to get away to an exotic location. At the El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, you get the alluring vibe of the Caribbean, without having to secure a passport, exchange money or purchase an international phone plan. Since Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, it’s easy to travel between the territory and mainland, and many airports have direct flights to San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico.

The El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village offers a shuttle service from Luis Munoz Marin International airport in San Juan. It’s about a 30 – 45 minute ride to the family friendly resort, which is located at the eastern tip of the island on a 300-foot bluff.

El Conquistador Resort vs. Las Casitas Village

The El Conquistador & Las Casitas Village is a 500-acre, Waldorf Astoria AAA Four Diamond resort. The El Conquistador has individual guest rooms and suites, while Las Casitas Village offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom villas. The villas are individually owned, but can be rented through the Hilton website. Guests at Las Casitas Village enjoy all the amenities of the neighboring hotel. On our trip we stayed in the guest rooms overlooking the marina, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. On a clear day, I could see all the way to St. Thomas!

Free Things to Do at El Conquistador Resort

When I think of a Waldorf Astoria hotel, I think luxury, and expensive. The El Conquistador is definitely luxury, and you can certainly spend a good bit of money if you want, but there are also lots of activities included in your stay that could amuse your family for a day or more. My favorite free activities are ScoutAbout and Palomino Island. ScoutAbout is a scavenger hunt around the property. Find the items and collect colored bands. It’s a wonderful way the see all of the resort, and although the program is made for the kids, there are lots of adults that do it too.

Palomino Island is reason alone to stay at the El Conquistador. The free ferry from the resort to the island is a soothing ten-minute boat trip that offers stellar views of the resort. The first thing I noticed when we got off the boat at the island was the butterflies. At first I thought they were birds there were so many.

Once on the island, splash in the water, hike to the top of the mountain for a bird’s eye view, or commune with the iguanas and butterflies. You’ll even find a few ScoutAbout bands here, as well as a host of fee-based water sports like jet skis, horseback riding and even mini golf, because what beach doesn’t have mini-golf. They do have snorkeling at Palomino Island, but I’d recommend taking a boat from the marina. I went snorkeling from the island and saw some fish, but mostly grass. I met a woman at dinner that went off the boat in deeper water and saw ‘all the fish in Finding Nemo.’

Where to Eat at the El Conquistador Resort

The El Conquistador has 23 restaurants, bars and lounges on site. There is everything from Chops steakhouse to Starbucks Coffee, as well as local restaurants like Las Brisas and the Stingray Café. When I saw Chops and Starbucks I was a little disappointed that we wouldn’t get to sample regional food, which is so much a part of travel, but was excited to see that many of the restaurants offer at least a nod to traditional Puerto Rican food. We sampled Piragua, which is a Puerto Rican snow cone, Mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with seasoned plantains, and sipped Acai, a super food similar to a smoothie. It was topped with granola and quite delicious.

Don’t Miss Activities at the El Conquistador Resort

Anyone with kids will want to spend at least one day at the 2.4 acre Coqui Water Park within the resort. The park has a lazy river, infinity pool, zero entry area with a slide for little ones, and of course bigger slides, including the El Gigante Dormindo (The Sleeping Giant) with a 40-foot drop that reminds me of a similar slide at Typhoon Lagoon at Disney World. I opted not to try that slide because I don’t like going airborne several stories above the pool. I would much rather leave the kids with dad and slip away for a spa treatment at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. The hot tub and soothing steam room are a little more my speed.

One of the most unique activities at El Conquistador is Foot Golf. My husband is a golfer, but I’m not. However, I can appreciate the beauty of the Arthur Hills golf course at El Conquistador and would love an opportunity walk the course and see the views. In Foot Golf, you use a soccer ball and your feet to drive and sink a putt. It’s a great way to get kids and non-golfers to experience the course.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Sue was hosted by El Conquistador Resort, as a guest on behalf of Pit Stops for Kids. All opinion is her own.

Puerto Rico hotel review: Condado Plaza Hilton

January 15, 2016 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following post is written by guest reviewer Sue Rodman of Field Trips with Sue.

The sound of crashing waves lulls you to sleep at night, and eases you into the morning. The view is like a cruise ship, nothing but water and white caps as far as the horizon. Welcome to the Condado Plaza Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the only hotel to overlook both the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil Condado Lagoon.

Puerto Rico Hotel Review: The Condado Plaza Hilton

The Condado Plaza has two towers with 571 guest rooms. The hotel was built in 1963, and the interior was recently renovated. The sleek mid-century design by Leo Daly, made me think it was the type of place you’d find Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin back in the day. Indeed many of the A-list crowd in Puerto Rico visit the hotel’s signature restaurant Pikayo, an award winning eatery by top Puerto Rican Chef Wilo Benet.

Our group stayed in the tower overlooking the ocean. Another tower has family friendly suites and overlooks the Condado Lagoon. Parents have room options, which include a door that will separate them from the kids, always a nice feature when little ones go to bed before the adults. Balconies on this side of the hotel offer skyline views of San Juan, which is beautiful in the evenings.

Exploring San Juan

The Condado Plaza Hilton is located about 15 minutes from Luis Munoz Marin International airport, and a few miles from Old San Juan, a must stop on your trip to Puerto Rico. Old San Juan reminds me of an ocean side New Orleans with colorful buildings, iron balconies and cobblestone streets. The National Park Service maintains two forts in Old San Juan, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and Castillo de San Cristóbal. My family loves visiting old forts and getting the Junior Ranger books. The weathered stone structures with the crystal blue green ocean in the background are also beautiful picture spots.

Activities at the Condado Plaza Hilton

After a day exploring Old San Juan, the Condado Plaza 24-hour pool area is the perfect place to relax. The lush green grass of the lawn, with blue lounge chairs is perfect for resting in the ocean breezes. The main pool complex has a salt-water pool, as well as a larger pool with swim up bar and water slide and baby pool for the kids. Off the pool area is a beach with swimming protected from the larger ocean by a series of rocks. We went snorkeling off the beach. The hotel provided all the equipment, as well as an armband booklet of the types of fish we might see. Our trip was in December, when water is perfect for surfing, but it was a bit rough for snorkeling. Instead, take out a kayak or stand up paddleboard from the water sports desk located by the Condado Lagoon. Our group went kayaking and came upon three manatees that played with us as we paddled toward the other side where music festival was setting up.

ScoutAbout at the Condado

One of my favorite activities at the Condado was the ScoutAbout scavenger hunt. Kids pick up a map at the front desk and search the grounds for kiosks where they find information about the hotel or area and collect a colored armband. Collect all the bands and hand them in to the front desk for a special one with the hotel’s name. Although this is supposed to be a kid’s activity, it’s fun for teens and adults too because you learn about the area. I discovered the story behind the dog like rock out in front of the beach. It is said to be from a dog that waited faithfully so long for it’s owner that it became petrified in the spot.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Sue visited Condado Plaza Hilton as a guest of the resort, on behalf of Pit Stops for Kids. All opinions remain her own.

Fun holiday events at favorite hotels this season

December 2, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Will you be celebrating the holidays on vacation this year? If so, we have a round-up of holiday events at hotels, with deals and and happenings at some of our favorite resorts and family vacation hot spots. Read on to learn where to book your holiday getaway, whether you’re headed to sand or snow:

Tropical and beach holiday events:

Head to South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida for a tropical holiday paradise. The Captiva Holiday Village runs from Nov. 27 – Dec. 21, 2015 on this popular southwest Florida barrier island. Families traveling to Captiva Island during Captiva Holiday Village weekends enjoy a Mullet Band parade, lighted boat parade, South Seas holiday strolls, a Junkanoo Parade, a carol sing at the Chapel by the Sea, sunset arias, a holiday golf cart parade and much more. Check website for schedule.

In Boca Raton, Florida, the Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort will host its third annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Rock the Block, an over-the-top, quarter mile long block party offering live music, indulgent cuisine and festive activities for all ages.

While this event is designed to be family friendly, adults will not miss out on a full-fledged party: everyone will enjoy an extravagant buffet dinner complete with an abundant raw bar, sushi bar, premium carving stations and indulgent kids options. Free-flowing Champagne will complement a deluxe open-bar. The night will begin with the Spazmatics, and the resort’s Grand Lawn, located on one end of the Block Party, will be transformed into a carnival complete with a 300 ft long zip line, a Wipeout-style obstacle course, spider tower, balloon artists and carnival games. Don’t miss the private fireworks at midnight! Learn more.

In Dana Point, California, Monarch Beach Resort is offering the “Winter Sandy-land” package that includes a “snowman” sand building kit, nightly milk and cookie turndown, and more at this coastal hotel. Need more incentive? The St. Regis has year-round swimming via private beach and an outdoor fire pit surrounded by couches for families to cozy up in the evenings. Rates start at an incredible $245/night for a stay at this iconic property. It’s good through December 30, 2015.

At Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts in North Florida, families can book Breakfast with Santa, complete with a buffet, children’s craft table, candy bar, and photo opps. Families also enjoy gingerbread house decorating parties and Santa’s Workshop, where kids can create an arts & crafts holiday gift. The activity list doesn’t end there: sign up for hayrides with Santa, Christmas caroling, holiday movie nights, baking class, or story time with Mrs. Claus. Those staying for New Year can ‘enjoy’ the resorts’ 15th annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge, or the ‘Noon’ Year’s Eve for the younger set.

Mountain holiday events:

Santa is coming to town…or rather, to Keystone Resort, Colorado, beginning Saturday, Nov. 28 through Christmas Eve. From photo opportunities and story time to parades and ice skating, the holiday spirit is alive and well at Keystone. Events include the Keystone Chocolate Village, celebrating its 20th year, featuring a working chocolate gondola, cascading chocolate waterfall, four-foot tall chocolate Christmas tree, and many other winter scenes.

Additional family activities at the resort include Kidtopia events like a Giant Snowball Launch and Bigfoot Adventure Walk. All season long through Kidtopia, kids can play on a huge snow fort and participate in free activities that are scheduled by the day and week. Here’s the whole 2015-2016 Kidtopia winter schedule. And remember, kids ski free at Keystone, even during the holidays.

At the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, located at Northstar Resort, special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled in The Living Room, the hotel’s spacious front lobby, followed by story time with Mrs. Claus in the evenings. Kids are also invited to participate in Ritz Kids crafts with Mrs. Claus. For the adults, the Art of Mixology, on December 6, offers an entertaining, educational experience featuring freshly cut herbs, use of classic ingredients such as bitters, and infused liquors to create three unique cocktails paired with appetizers.

Santa’s Gingerbread Workshop is designed for parents to enjoy with the kids, alongside a Ritz-Carlton pastry chef…oh, and holiday beverages are included. If you’d rather not make edible crafts, try the Atelier Holiday Workshops, offered by a local Truckee business, where families can learn to make hand-crafted wrapping paper. If you’re planning a stay over the actual Christmas holiday, book at table at Manzanita, either for the lunch buffet from December 21-January 3, or for the holiday dinner December 24th and 25th.

At Mt. Hood Meadows, visit Santa on December 20th…on skis! Families can also join Santa for a holiday breakfast buffet at the Mt. Hood Meadow’s Vertical North Pole restaurant, located at the top level of the North Lodge. Santa will be on the slopes from 10-10:30 am. Nearby in Hood River, the Columbia Gorge Hotel hosts a Lights & Santa Visit. This historic national landmark looks even more beautiful during the holiday season, when the hotel and riverside grounds are festooned with lights. Enjoy a Holiday High Tea on December 19, 2-4 PM, and An Evening with St. Nick on December 20, 6-6:30 PM.

At Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, families can take advantage of a long list of holiday events and happenings for kids, including sleigh rides, elf tuck-ins, visits with Santa, and tons of excitement at Fort Funnigan, the resort’s gathering place for children. Funnigan’s Very Crafty Christmas takes place on December 19, 2015, during which kids become elves in Santa’s workshop, making gifts for Mom and Dad.

The day after Christmas, kids can return to Fort Funnigan for the Holiday Pajama Rama from 6-9 pm. This pajama party includes pillow fights, sessions at the fort’s Bear Factory, and yummy dessert. Holiday let-down will be a thing of the past!

At The Omni Grove Park Inn outside Asheville, North Carolina, gingerbread reigns! This hotel will continue the tradition of their annual gingerbread house contest, first begun in 1992. Hundreds of intricate holiday designs will be on display, along with 80-themed Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights. Families can book the Gingerbread Holiday package from Nov. 15 to Dec. 29, 2015, which includes deluxe accommodations, their Art of Breakfast Buffet in the Blue Ridge restaurant, one gingerbread cookie per registered guest, and overnight valet or garage parking .

Educational travel: hotel programs that teach while vacationing

September 11, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Will you be pulling your kids out of school this year for travel? You can admit it here…we do it too! While we believe that travel aids a child’s education, we also value the lessons they’re learning in school. Therefore, when we do take kids out of class, we try to find museums to visit or hotel programs for kids that offer classes, lessons, or special programming. Below, our favorite hotel brands for families, and what they’re offering kids this autumn:

Appalachian Mountain Club lodges, Vermont:

For families planning a fall foliage getaway or a winter trip into the outdoors, AMC’s Highland Center offers eco and educational programming for kids as young as three. Located in the White Mountains on the Appalachian Trail, their L.L. Bean room comes stocked with family-friendly equipment and their staff offers nature walks and hikes geared toward families. Plus, the Highland Center won’t break the bank: rooms are affordable and meals are communal.

Select Ritz Carlton hotels:

Select Ritz Carlton hotels offer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. We reviewed their Laguna Niguel snorkeling excursion last summer, and are pleased to see the program offered in several locations, including Maui. Kids begin their Ambassadors of the Environment program in a classroom–don’t worry, it’s fun–where they see a slideshow about the marine animals they will encounter and learn about the unique environment local to the hotel. Guides then take kids (and parents too, if they sign up) off-site to snorkel, take a beach walk, or explore local flora and fauna in another capacity. Water bottles and snacks are included, as well as a photo CD of the experience.

Dar Les Cigognes, Morocco:

This boutique hotel converted from a wealthy merchant’s home offers private cooking classes which can be booked by visiting families. Amanda Mouttaki of Maroc Mama tried out a cooking class with her child, and loved how the class was completely customizable (great for food allergies). Traditions in Moroccan food were explained, and of course, the final product was happily consumed.

Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland:

Travel writer Jen Miner of the Vacation Gals experienced authentic, wild falconry with her kids during a family visit to this well-known hotel. The British School of Falconry was established at Gleneagles, which means the kids were taught this ancient sport by actual professionals in the field. Gleneagles also offers a wide array of additional sports and outdoor activities for families, including archery. Note: not up for an international trip? Falconry is also taught to families staying at the Woodstock Inn, Vermont.

Masseria Torre Coccaro, Italy:

This working farm-turned hotel in Puglia, Italy allows kids to cook with the resort chef before eating their creations, including pasta and pizza. Families learn about the olive groves in this part of the country, and the mills that produce food. Learn more on Global Mouse Travels about their stay and culinary adventures at Masseria Torre Coccaro.

Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados:

At all-inclusive Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados, kids can take dialect lessons –children on the island speak with Bajan accents–and learn a few words of island slang. Pastry classes are also offered, where kids use local ingredients such as noni flour and cactus, and families can play beach cricket with hotel staff…an island favorite. Best of all for animal lovers and budding marine biologists, kids staying at Turtle Beach can learn from Turtle Pioneers, experts on the dozens of turtles that nest here each year.

Preferred Hotels (international):

We love the Preferred Hotels brand so much, I contribute to their Preferred Family website, dedicated to family travel. It’s easy to see at a glance which Preferred hotels are kid-friendly on the Preferred Family site (criteria for the distinction includes kids’ clubs, kid-friendly dining, and kids’ programming). The best Preferred properties will offer an array of classes for kids from golf clinics to scuba lessons. Send the kids to the tennis courts or to the nature trail with Preferred the next time you book Preferred!

Mountain View Grand Resort, New Hampshire:

This luxury mountain property is all about bringing kids to the outdoors, and the outdoors in. According to Luxe Recess, the Mountaineering Club is where kids gather for screen-free activities ranging from frog races to cardboard box races in the pool. Best of all, this programming is free during the day time hours. Mountain View also hosts a ‘meet the farmer activity’, during which guests can collect eggs and interact with sheep, llamas, cattle, and alpacas.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji:

Lucky enough to be headed to Fiji? Last year, we told you about Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort‘s Learn and Play programming, outdoor and hotel programming designed for families and school-aged kids. Kids 6-12 even help out in the hotel kitchen, assisting the resort chef to create a meal start to finish. This year, the resort has added their Connect with Kids program, a unique and culturally educational travel experience for children and their parents staying at the resort. This new program allows families to head off-site to visit a local primary school to meet children of similar age groups in their classroom and participate in that day’s curriculum.

Atmosphere Resorts and Spa, Philippines:

With an in-house biologist and a marine sanctuary right at its doorstep, this property in Dumaguete is a natural choice for families looking to educate themselves during vacation. The resort offers kids’ classes in marine biology and art, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Read more on Globetotting.com.

The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin:

This five-star resort is known for golf, but they start ’em young. In addition to more mainstream children’s programming, parents can sign kids up for private golf session that include video and swing analysis software. The crew at Road Trips for Families tried it out, noting that families can group siblings together in one lesson, a nice cost-savings.

Want to find educational pit stops in addition to educational opportunities at hotels and resorts? Check out Trekaroo’s Road School series!

Photo credit: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji and Amy Whitley

Where to stay on Kauai North Shore: HomeAway vacation rental pick

April 15, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We recently spent 10 days exploring as many off-the-beaten-path locations on Kauai we could. Our home base: this North Shore Kauai vacation rental. Located in the resort community of Princeville just a few blocks from the ocean, the home was perfect for our extended, multigenerational family of 11. If you’re wondering where to stay on Kauai North Shore with your family, read on!

When we booked this home through HomeAway, we were given maps and detailed information about where the house is located. We worried the neighborhood would feel to ‘suburban’, or, as one of my kids put it, ‘like it could be anywhere’. I understood what he meant: would our vacation rental and its neighborhood look just like our street at home?

The short answer: no, it did not. With plenty of grass for the kids to play on, beautifully landscaped around lush gardens, our vacation home felt like a tropical bungalow tucked into the jungle. I could meditate in the garden, even while the boys played football around the side of the house. We could sit out on our spacious lanai and watch the sun go down over the breathtaking mountains. And we could even see a waterfall from our upstairs bedroom window. ‘A regular suburban neighborhood’, it was not.

The house’s greatest asset aside from the lovely grounds is the spacious kitchen and pretty lanai with ample outdoor living space. Families can find a BBQ in the back, and just as important after days of swimming, a spacious laundry room off the garage. Several boogie boards, a surf board, some snorkeling gear, and other beach equipment (including a cooler) save families money on rentals.

A large master bedroom is located upstairs, with three more bedrooms downstairs (one of which has bunk beds). The house has three bathrooms, but only one shower and one bath. This was a problem for us, no doubt about it: one shower for 11 people needing to rinse off after a beach day? It got ugly! However, we knew this would be the case from the get-go: HomeAway clearly describes all layouts and house configurations, and several reviews brought it to our attention as well. Vacation rental tip: always read the reviews from past guests!

We had wifi, parking for two cars (or more), and ample space and amenities for enjoying big family meals. We had movie nights and Mai Tai nights (virgin for the kids, of course), and game nights. We didn’t have a pool, and frankly, we didn’t miss it. With so much swimming in the ocean every day, we were ready for some fun out of the water by evening.

Nearby amenities and activities:

If you opt for a Princeville North Shore rental, you’ll be within walking distance of at least one beach (at the base of the St. Regis), Queen Emma’s Baths, and Hideaway Beach. You’re also close to golf. You have the Princeville shopping complex just outside the Princeville planned community (about 5-10 minutes away). There you’ll find a thorough (yet expensive) grocery store, the best shave ice on Kauai, Kauai Shave Ice (best, in our opinion, due to the natural, non-GMO flavors used), several restaurants, and the North Shore General Store, which is both a convenience store and a great take-out location, with pizzas, plate lunches, and sandwiches.

Just about 10 minutes away is the town of Hanalei, which is adorable, right on the shores of Hanalai Bay, and offers everything you need in terms of activity rentals, restaurants, and surf. The start of the Na Poli Coast is just a bit further, and you’re 45 minutes from Lihoe and only 30 from Smith’s Luau and other West Shore gems. We found Princeville to be a great home base, and we certainly didn’t mind doing some driving…there’s so much to see on Kauai!

Pros of a Kauai vacation home rental:

Space and price are the top reasons we love renting vacation homes from HomeAway. Our rental came out to under $300 per night, for a family of 11. No where on Kauai could we find three hotel rooms for the same combined price. We always save additional money by buying and cooking our own meals. If this sounds good, here are other indicators a vacation rental home is for you: 1. you want space for the kids to play, 2. you want to be able to do your laundry easily, 3. you want to be able to separate kids and parents so Mom and Dad don’t need to go to bed at 8 pm.

Cons of a Kauai vacation home rental:

Renting a house for your Hawaii vacation may not be for you if guest services and hotel pampering are a big part of your vacation experience. This is true everywhere, not just on the Hawaiian islands. When you rent a home, some of the nitty gritty details you may not want to think about on vacation fall to you: do we have enough toilet paper? Should we run to the market for trash bags? Where do we take the recycling? Is the fridge leaking? If you’d much rather not think about such things (and are willing to pay more for that privilege), opt for a hotel or resort stay instead.

Want a preview of some of the nearby activities on Kauai? Check out our video:

Other reasons you may not want a rental home:

if you don’t want to drive often in your car to reach amenities such as tennis courts, golf courses, and beaches
if you don’t wish to stay in a neighborhood or town (preferring a resort atmosphere)
if you don’t want to shop for food and cook your own meals

Have you rented a vacation home on Kauai? Where?

Warm weather vacations to book now

February 6, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to get away from cold winter weather, but a ‘lie on the beach’ vacation isn’t quite your style? The following warm weather vacations at family-friendly resorts offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving for kids and teens. Stay active, be warm!

Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Key West, Florida:

Tucked away on Key West’s southern edge along the largest private beach on the island, Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort provides a family-friendly dive location with ease of access to a North American living barrier reef. Offering both a non-certified divers resort course and a full PADI certification course, the resort tailors to aspiring divers who do not yet possess scuba diving certification. Through the resort’s non-certified divers course, participants begin with a pool work lesson in the morning followed by a two-tank reef dive in the surrounding reefs with a certified dive instructor in the tranquil Gulf of Mexico waters. For an exhilarating escape for every family member, Casa Marina provides a large array of awe-inspiring activities in the stunning natural beauty of Key West.

Azul Beach Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico:

Families can’t go wrong with Azul Beach Hotel, which is an all-inclusive, luxury boutique hotel just 20 minutes from Cancun. The largest reef outside of Australia sits just feet from the beach at Azul, an easy water taxi ride away. Young kids will love snorkeling here, but everyone will find plenty else to do, including swimming at pools that span right to your suite, kids’ club activities, and beach games with Azul staff. Read more about Cancun-area activities.

El Conquistador, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Fajardo, Puerto Rico):

Dramatically set atop a 300-foot cliff on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico with its own private tropical oasis set off the mainland, El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort provides a waterside haven for families. And did we mention the private island? A luxury catamaran sweeps families off to Palomino, the resort’s 100-acre private island where snorkeling among rainbows of coral, or a scuba discovery program waits. After an hour scuba skills orientation practice, families who have never tried diving before can experience the thrill of breathing underwater in the clear waters of the Palomino reef among small reef fishes.

The Condado Plaza Hilton (San Juan, Puerto Rico):

Home to the stunning Condado Lagoon Reef, the lagoon-side setting of The Condado Plaza Hilton in Puerto Rico makes it the perfect plunge point for families to snorkel azure blue waters through a guided snorkeling reef tour. Led by a member of the Condado Lagoon Reef Restoration Project, the tour allows families to explore the nearby eco-friendly reef featuring more than 300 varieties of fish via the resort’s beach. As the only hotel to boast uninterrupted views of both the Condado Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, The Condado Plaza Hilton provides countless opportunities for family fun including Puerto Rico’s only saltwater pool among three other oasis-style pools throughout the resort grounds.

Tip: Remember, families don’t need passports to visit Puerto Rico!