Ten Family Travel Tips

Many of our agents are also parents. We have traveled extensively with our families by car and plane. There are many tips that we have used to make the most of these trips. One recommendation is when flying, you can purchase EarPlanes to reduce air popping. They are available in adult and children sizes. Not all stores carry the smaller ones so you may have to check with your local pharmacy. I have several activity books including travel bingo that helps distract the kids during long road trips.

Here are some additional tips when planning a vacation with kids:

Ten Family Travel Tips

By Julia, today at 8:02 am

Family travel is daunting. The kids and I both have meltdowns trying to get out the door with everything we need before any type of vacation, but every time it gets easier.

Travel stress

Last August I  locked us out of our place  as we eagerly waited outside for the cab. I was hysterical and thought someone stole our luggage. It all worked out, but seemed impossible in the moment. Organization and planning on the front end (easier said than done!) help you keep your cool to avoid antics like mine...
And, these simple tips help. Please share your own tricks in the comments.

How to Survive Family Travel:

1. Create a must-pack list with items such as phone chargers and save it for future reference to help avoid forgetting necessities. Pack related items in zip lock bags.
2. Always have puke bags handy weather you travel with kids by car, boat or plane!
3. Pack changes of clothes to be handy during transit in case anyone gets sick or has a diaper blow-out, which also requires extra diapers and wipes.
4. Always have extra snacks handy.
5. Bring plenty of liquid (if you travel by air, be aware of airport security rules so your liquid doesn't get pitched) so everyone stays hydrated.
6. If you travel with small children by plane, feed them anything from milk to lollipops during ascent and descent so their ears don't pop.
7. Protect against the sun with sun glasses, hats, and long sleeves and pants when possible.
8. Distract kids so they don't fight or fuss with books, stickers, puzzles and apps/videos on phones or other devices.
9. Time travel with kid nap times bring extra peace.
10.  Identify a reward to motivate your family such as a swim in the pool after a long drive (that was my parents' trick) or ice cream after a long challenge.

Even though family vacations are supposed to be fun, they may also turn stressful and chaotic.  It's helpful to develop strategies to minimize stress. If your little ones are screaming, turn up the music to distract them (and you!). I nostalgically remember my Dad pulling over our mini van with four kids, my Mom and Grandma, multiple times as we traveled 500 miles a day on road trips.  He would scare us to behave with his stern voice, "I'm 34 years old! I shouldn't have to put up with this!" Now that I'm that age, I may try the same thing...although my voice isn't as stern as my Dad's.  Maybe I'll stick to snapping photos and turning up the tunes!

As much as an exotic beach vacation sounds wonderful, there are some great places within the US to visit. The resorts and hotels at these parks can sell out one year in advance. You will need to make reservations early if considering a vacation at a national park.

10 great places for family vacations in national parks

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse at Acadia National Park in Maine offers camping with salty sea breezes.  NPS.gov

(Photo: NPS.gov)

National parks not only preserve nature, they also nurture families, says Jonathan Dorn, editorial director of Backpacker magazine and Nationalparktrips.com, a planning site. "These are places where families can unplug from their normal chaos and reconnect. They can have meaningful experiences in natural surroundings that are among the most beautiful in the world." He shares some favorite places for family camping with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Yellowstone National Park
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
The nation's first national park captivates families, Dorn says. "This is the ultimate wildlife experience. You often see bison, wolves, bear, bald eagles, moose, deer and elk from the road." The geothermal activity is astonishing, too. "Old Faithful is the most well-known, but there are dozens of other geysers." The park has 12 campgrounds and more than 2,000 campsites. 307-344-7381; nps.gov/yell

Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado
Dorn still remembers his first view of the Rockies from his parents' car. "The world absolutely changes when you see those 14,000-foot peaks." The park offers horseback riding, great fishing in the Big Thompson River, and the chance to see elk wandering by your tent. Rangers lead regular stargazing walks. The park has four campgrounds (with 425 campsites), two of which require reservations. 970-586-1206; nps.gov/romo

Redwoods National Park
California
The remote Northern California location lets visitors experience big trees without big crowds, Dorn says. "It's an experience when you see your first 250-foot redwood, and it's as big around as a school bus. Your sense of nature's scale has to be adjusted. I want to sit down and look up and kind of bliss out." There's also beachcombing and herds of Roosevelt elk. 707-465-7335; nps.gov/redw

Olympic National Park
Washington
Dorn says one of the best experiences in the entire park system is hiking or backpacking on Olympic's western edge. A Pacific coast trail passes by towering rock sea stacks and tidal pools brimming with life. Further inland, there's camping in the lush rain forest. "You'll find ferns so big, three or four people can crawl in and sleep." 360-565-3130; nps.gov/olym

Acadia National Park
Maine
Come to this popular Atlantic park for classic New England coastal scenery. "It has campgrounds where you smell the salt breeze blowing off the ocean," Dorn says. A hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain offers 360-degree views of islands with lighthouses and, sometimes, glimpses of whales. 207-288-3338; nps.gov/acad

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio
Visitors discover an outdoors experience just a few miles from Cleveland and Akron. "It's a huge swath of protected nature in a place where most people would not expect it," Dorn says. There's hiking, birding, fishing and geocaching. While camping is limited, the park has some nice walk-in sites. 330-657-2752; nps.gov/cuva

Capitol Reef National Park
Utah
Far less visited than Utah's other national parks, Capitol Reef offers fabulous red rock scenery, plus its high elevation means moderate temperatures for summer visitors. "There are quite a number of hikes where you don't get full sun exposure," Dorn says. He recommends Muley Twist, "one of the best slot canyon hikes in North America." 435-425-3791; nps.gov/care

Shenandoah National Park
Virginia
Just a few hours from the patriotic sites of Washington, D.C., families can experience nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dorn says. Two historic byways bisect the park, the Appalachian Trail and Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road with 75 overlooks. Overnight options include several campgrounds, lodges and cabins. 540-999-3500; nps.gov/shen

Dinosaur National Monument
Utah and Colorado
Make no bones about it, this little-visited park is dino central, Dorn says. "It's all about kids who love fossils." The highlight: a partially excavated quarry. "You have one skeleton packed on top of the other. When I walked in with my daughters, I thought it was fake, because the concentration is mind-boggling." The park's backcountry offers rafting through scenic canyons. Camping is basic but allows easy access to the quarry. 435-781-7700; nps.gov/dino

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee, North Carolina
The most-visited national park offers easy access to wilderness and solitude if you head to more remote campgrounds, such as Cosby, Balsam Mountain or Deep Creek. Dorn has seen black bears and, on a hazy summer night, an unforgettable firefly display in the Cades Cove area. Hiking opportunities abound. "I don't think any visit to the Smokies is complete if you don't spend a few hours walking on the Appalachian Trail." 865-436-1200; nps.gov/grsm

Five exotic places you can go without a U.S. passport

Keep in mind you may need a passport if connecting in an airport that requires one.

 

Five exotic places you can go without a U.S. passport

Dara Continenza, SmarterTravel.com 7:56 a.m. EDT June 20, 2013

(Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc Getty Images)

Longing for a long-distance getaway but don't have a passport? No problem! We've found five faraway places overseas where, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you won't need to bring a passport.
Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico (officially an unincorporated territory of the United States) has long been a favorite of travelers from the contiguous 48. Inexpensive airfare from Spirit, Southwest, and JetBlue makes Puerto Rico an economical option for East Coasters. And its Isla de Vieques, a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2013 winner for best island in the Caribbean, offers visitors a bioluminescent bay to kayak and unspoiled beaches to explore. In a 2012 referendum on the territory's political status, a record 61% of Puerto Rico's voters were in favor of eventual statehood, so we may one day welcome the island as the 51st. Even so, right now, you can explore its wonders without a U.S. passport.
United States Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands lie mere minutes away from Puerto Rico by plane. Made up of three main islands—St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John—plus a scattering of smaller isles, the U.S.V.I. see some 2.6 million visitors each year. In fact, tourism and rum (things we think go very well together) make up the majority of the islands' economy. Each island has its own unique appeal. St. John, with its national parkland and legendary diving, will charm true escapists. St. Thomas is a shopper's dream, with countless boutiques and jewelers, as well as two bustling cruise terminals. And Dutch-flavored and diverse St. Croix is a favorite of luxury-seeking honeymooners. Find accommodations of every stripe, from St. Thomas' smart Ritz-Carlton to the luxe and immersive Caneel Bay resort on St. John.
Note: Travelers will need to have a passport to visit the neighboring British Virgin Islands.
PASSPORT 101: How to apply, renew or replace
MORE: Is it worth it to pay extra for passport, visa services?
Northern Mariana Islands
These Micronesian islands have been governed by many in their long history: first by Spanish colonists in the 16th century, then Japanese forces during WWII, and finally, the United States since the Battle of Saipan in 1944. Nowadays, the islands rely heavily on tourism from their northern neighbors Japan and Korea as well as the United States. History buffs will find much to see in Saipan, the largest island of the Marianas, which is home to several war memorials and museums. Adrenaline junkies can dive the Grotto, a limestone cavern whose 70-foot-deep waters are home to sea turtles and reef sharks, or take a boat to the nearby lagoon surrounding Managaha Island. While the Mariana Islands are relatively remote, several major hotel operators, including Hyatt, run four- and five-star properties on Saipan.
Guam
Much like the Northern Marianas, Guam to the south was colonized by the Spanish, changed hands during WWII, and is now a tourist destination for Japanese and U.S. nationals. (Its second-largest source of income is the U.S. military, whose Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force bases make up about one-third of Guam's total land area.) Military aside, there is much to do on this vivid island: Tumon's beaches are known for great snorkeling, and Guam's teeming seas are famous among divers for visibilities up to 150 feet. Two Lovers Point, a cliff-side lookout, offers some pristine panoramas from 400 feet above the Philippine Sea (plus a dramatic legend of star-crossed lovers). And while flights to Guam don't come cheap, accommodations do; resorts in Tumon and nearby Tamuning average around $200 per night.
American Samoa
Rounding out this list is the unincorporated territory of American Samoa, a collection of five volcanic islands and two atolls between Fiji and the Cook Islands. A truly off-the-beaten-path destination, there are only a handful of hotels on Tutuila and the neighboring islands, scant tourism infrastructure, and, beyond the fast-food restaurants, few commercial distractions to remind you of home. Find coral-filled waters, craggy coastlines sculpted of lava, and untouched beaches whose only other sunbathers are the seabirds. And unlike highly trafficked Polynesian destinations, the native Samoan culture is still undeniably authentic here. In the village of Alega, drop into Tisa's Barefoot Bar for a drink, a meal (the chef will grill your fresh-caught lobster for you), or a night's rest in the fale (a traditional Samoan hut). American tourists can fly into Pago Pago via Hawaiian Airlines.
SmarterTravel.com features expert travel advice and unbiased coverage of travel deals.

Tour Ops See Rising Demand for Exotic Destinations

Tour Ops See Rising Demand for Exotic Destinations

by Robin Amster

June 20, 2013

This is Part One of a series on exotic travel.

For tour operators large and small, demand for exotic destinations is on the upswing, fueled by growing client sophistication and vastly improved air accessibility and tourism infrastructure.

The Internet is also playing a part. Many consumers are tapping the vast amount of online information on unfamiliar and remote destinations – and then turning to tour operator programs and travel agents.

Both specialty firms and larger tour companies report rising demand.

“Exotic travel is one of our fastest-growing business lines,” said Jeremy Palmer, vice president/general manager, land division and new ventures, for Tauck Tours. “If you’ve done North America and Europe, it’s the natural next step.

“Americans are getting more comfortable going [to these destinations],” Palmer said. "Airfares and capacity are plentiful and the destinations are bucket list items.”

Drive for authenticity
Another factor: consumer hunger for genuine experiences.

“There’s a lot of drive for authenticity,” said General Tours World Traveler president Bob Drumm, who reported an increase in demand for exotic destinations.

Business is also up at Journeys International, a specialist in small group adventure travel and ecotourism, according to senior director and co-founder Will Weber.

Weber said the exotic travel trend has firmly taken hold because, “people are living longer, are healthier and are taking better care of themselves. We have clients who are long retired and travel is a logical thing for them. They’ve been to so many places they now want something different.”

Air accessibility, hotel quality and price are also less of an issue today, according to Weber.

“[The cost of] getting there hasn’t gone up so much relative to the cost of living, so it’s not as intimidating now as it was 10 or 15 years ago,” he said.

Seizing the opportunity
One larger tour firm that is jumping on the interest in travel to exotic destinations is Globus. The company views the trend as an opportunity to expand, according to Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus Family of Brands, made up of Globus, Monograms, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways.

While the company’s clients, many of them baby boomers, may not take a tour to destinations in North America or Europe, they are seeking tours for less familiar destinations such as South America, Born said.

“There’s a hesitation that they may not quite get all they can on their own,” he said. “That opens up a whole new opportunity for a company like us. As these destinations continue to grow in popularity, a bigger portion of travel there will be by tour operators instead of FITs.”

Showing expertise
The growth of interest in travel to remote destinations is a welcome trend for tour operators and travel agents alike — providing both with a wider market and more options to sell.

It also gives travel companies a compelling opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in the face of online booking.

“All of us in the travel industry are doing things differently because we know people can go online, do the research and book hotels,” said Jackie Garrity, product innovation manager for Toronto-based G Adventures, which offers small group adventures, safaris and expeditions.

“But when you talk about remote places, it’s still difficult for people to do that on their own,” she said.

Next time: Larger tour operators are moving into an area once dominated by smaller specialty companies, giving agents and their clients more choice, and more decisions.

Best Beach Bars in the Caribbean

Best beach bars in the Caribbean
Published on June 8, 2013
By Alina Garcia Stunning coastlines, gorgeous beach-going natives, and a purely carefree lifestyle are all well-known characteristics of the island life. Sunbathing aside, the Caribbean also has one of the most active and vibrant nightlifes. It’s true what they say: everything gets hotter when the sun goes down. Here are the some of the best beach bars you’ll find in the Caribbean: Infiniti Bar, Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos IslandsYou won’t find a better ocean view from a beach bar than here - guaranteed. With its sleek and contemporary design, the Infiniti Bar boasts the longest bar in the Caribbean. This marble countertop table is more than 90 feet long and majestically stretches across the beach. The name symbolizes the bar’s appearance that make it seem like it eternally stretches out to the ocean into uncharted waters. Rick’s Café, Negril, Jamaica Located hillside overlooking Jamaica’s beautiful shoreline is Rick’s Cafe. Locals know this bar as the best place to watch the sunset in the Caribbean and also for it’s famous cliff diving. While enjoying the bar’s signature drink, Rick’s Famous Planter’s Punch, guests are able to watch the local diving troupe jump off the treacherous cliffs into the ocean. While the bar owners strongly encourage guests not to take the leap, it’s amazing how a few mojitos in your system can increase your level of bravery. Make sure you don’t forget your camera before heading here! Basil Bar, Mustique, St Vincent and the Grenadines If you’re looking for a place to drink and dance the night away, Basil Bar is the perfect place for you to wander. Celebrities ranging from Mick Jagger to the British royal family to Kate Moss have paid a visit to this enticing beach bar over the years. Located right on the beach, Basil Bar is the perfect place to order the bar’s famous Hurricane David cocktail, dig your feet into the sand, and drink until “the last man falls”. da Conch Shack and RumBar, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos IslandsThis unpretentious beach shack is located right on Blue Hill Beach, a hot spot for both tourists and locals. Unlike many other swanky beach bars in the Caribbean, da Conch is about as casual as it gets with its rustic island shack and picnic tables. It’s been named “One of the World’s Sexiest Beach Bars” by The Travel Channel among other awards and recognitions. Relating to its name, da Conch’s specialty dish is anything relating to conch such as conch fritters, conch salad, conch chowder, and anything else you could think of. It’s a true beach bar by every definition of the word Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin IslandsJust until recently, the only way you could get to this secluded beach bar was to swim or take a boat, but lucky for those who prefer to stay dry, they added a road not too long ago. The Soggy Dollar created one of the Caribbean’s most famous cocktails, the Painkiller, which consists of a delectable mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, juices, and nutmeg. This humble beach shack is decorated with eccentric sandcastle murals that complement the island feel. There’s no better place to experience a mix of friendly company and aesthetically-pleasing ocean views that will lead you to forget what time or day it is, or maybe that’s just the effects of the Painkiller...

Travel Guard Offers Travel Tips for Hurricane Season

We rarely sell a trip without travel insurance. Life is unpredictable and your vacation is worth the same protection as any of your investments. We have seen many issues due to medical and weather which are main coverages for insurance policies. Read on to get more details about purchasing travel insurance.

Travel Guard Offers Travel Tips for Hurricane Season

June 5, 2013 By: Newswire Travel Agent
Forecasters are predicting another active hurricane season in the Atlantic, calling for 16 named storms, including nine hurricanes, five of which are predicted to be a Category 3 or higher.
According to the National Weather Service, the 2013 hurricane season will begin on June 1st, and Travel Guard is offering several tips for planning travel during this time of year.
Superstorm Sandy was a reminder that it’s not just the Caribbean and Southeastern U.S. that can feel the effects of a hurricane. Although a major weather event may only affect one geographic area, flight cancellations and airport closures can have ripple effects that disrupt flight schedules and travel plans for thousands of travelers across the country, as well as U.S.-based flights to and arrivals from international destinations.
If unforeseen severe weather disrupts your plans, a travel insurance solution with trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage may cover your losses. If a trip is cancelled for a covered reason, travel insurance may refund the prepaid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs up to the limit of coverage.
Purchase in advance: To avoid a last-minute scramble, travelers should purchase insurance at the same time they book their travel plans. Once a hurricane is named, it’s probably too late for your travel insurance’s trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage to cover losses due to the storm.
Monitor the status of airports, accommodations and driving routes: Before taking off, travelers should research the destination they plan to visit, check the websites and social media sites of hotels or air carriers to monitor real-time updates and call to ask questions directly to a company representative, if needed. Travelers should also sign up to receive flight status alerts on their mobile devices to stay aware of delays and cancellations.
If a storm directly affects travel arrangements or accommodations, insured travelers may benefit from trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage. For example, if an airport is closed due to high winds; or if mandatory evacuations are enforced at an insured traveler’s hotel or resort; or if roads are impassable due to high water and alternate modes of transportation are not possible, these coverages may provide protection. Similarly, if a resort, hotel or vacation home is damaged and cannot be used, or if comparable accommodations cannot be provided, non-refundable costs could be covered.
Prepare for delays: If the airport from which flights are scheduled to depart is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, travel insurance may cover the expenses incurred because of the delay. Additionally, reasonable accommodations and travel expenses may be covered until travel becomes possible. 
Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30, 2013. To keep track of the latest hurricane-related news, visit the National Weather Services’ National Hurricane Center. 
For more information, visit www.travelguard.com.

New Orleans - Fun Destination for Families and Cruisers

New Orleans is best known for Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street however there is so much more. This is a great destination for families since it is rich in French culture. The music and food are main draws but the list of attractions is immense. Many people visit New Orleans before taking many of the cruises that now sail from its port. This includes Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL and American Queen. You can purchase Park and Cruise packages to extend your trip. Plan to add a few extras days before sailing to really experience this fascinating town.

For the kids, there are many activities. One that is attracting attention is the Audubon Aquarium.

Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasHave you ever wanted to touch a penguin? You can at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. The new Backstage Penguin Pass allows visitors to get up close with the endangered African penguin. The new program offers an opportunity for an intimate, hands-on experience in the Audubon’s newly designed private penguin encounter.
Penguins aren’t the only birds that are front and center at the aquarium — visitors can also head to the new Parakeet Pointe, an 800-square-foot outdoor environment offering a memorable, interactive experience for aquarium guests who stroll through the exhibit space among hundreds of brightly colored parakeets. For an even closer experience, guests may purchase seed sticks and feed the birds as they walk through the free-flight exhibit.
Other exhibits of the under-the-sea variety at the aquarium include the Amazon rainforest, a Caribbean reef, a coral garden and the Gulf of Mexico Exhibit, the aquarium’s largest tank with 400,000 gallons of water.
Dr. Poling says: “Make sure you see the Mississippi River exhibit for local flavor, including massive paddlefish and sturgeon and a white alligator.”
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
www.auduboninstitute.org