Ocean Edge Resort, Cape Cod

This is a must-visit not just because it’s one of the largest resorts in the region and has its own 700-foot beach. There are other great things to look forward to like beach bonfires and other group activities for rollickin’ family fun.

Wildflower Inn, Lyndonville

This Vermont inn is a paradise for the kids, from its innovative but child-friendly décor and family-oriented amenities. Its playroom overflows with books and toys and where kids can eat sumptuous teddy bear pancakes while parents can enjoy the breathtaking mountain views of the region.

Eagle Mountain House, Jackson

This New Hampshire grand hotel may sound old-fashioned and stuffy to your children’s ears but rest assured that all it would take is one look for them to change their minds. In Eagle Mountain House, adult entertainment and activities for kids are offered side by side. Not one member of the family will ever get bored in this place!

Point Sebago Family Resort, Casco

This famous Maine resort, at 775 acres, is huge enough not just to entertain your family but your entire clan’s reunion if you so wish. Younger guests can troop to summer camp to enjoy their family vacation with their peers while the not-so-younger ones can have fun with the resort’s night club, tennis courts, marina, and 18-hole golf course. If that’s not enough, there are also lip synching and bonfires, hayrides, rainy day Bingo games, sailing lessons, and table tennis tournaments.

Six Flags Theme Park, Agawam

If it’s an amusement park you’re looking for then drive through Agawam in Massachussets to visit Six Flags Theme Park, the largest one in the region. Its wide variety of rides and trills will not leave visitors wanting or choice. Even better, 2007 saw the opening of Wiggles World, a highly enjoyable attraction designed for preschoolers.

Main Lobster Boat Adventure, Rockland

If you’re in Maine and you’ve got rowdy kids with you, the Captain Jack Lobster Boat Adventure will give you the perfect excuse to let them loose without having to worry about their safety. Parents and children are entertained as they’re introduced to what the daily life of a lobsterman is composed of alongside brief informative lessons about the region’s most famous crustacean.

Llama Hiking in Central Massachusetts

If watching lobsters isn’t your kids’ cup of tea then maybe walking with llamas is? If so, that’s exactly what a New England farm has to offer. And don’t worry, your kids will be safe. Llamas are gentle creatures and all walks will be supervised by professionals.

Tomb Boston, Fenway

If you want to end your New England family vacation at a high note, drive to Boston and look for 5W!TS’s newest and first ever interactive attraction, the Tomb Boston. Even older kids will be delighted as they visit a traveling museum exhibit, check out a reality TV show, explore a Hollywood movie set, and go through a haunted house. Beware of levitating mummies!

Tags: New, England, Travel,, Jeff, Mills,, Coastal, Vacations,, Coastal, Vacations, Club,, New, England

First, not all Thanksgivings have to be at home. Because Thanksgiving may well be one of the coldest holidays of the year, you might want to spend it in either a warm location, such as the beach; or even in a really cold one that heralds the winter to come, such as the ski slopes. In any case, pick a place where you can do something together instead of just engorging on food and not thinking. In fact, pick a place where you and your significant other can talk to each other and be intimate. The key to this vacation is not to be conventional, but to be close to another person and to show how much you care.

Second, there isn’t anything wrong with Thanksgiving at home either. You can still have a great celebration by inviting your significant other over – or, if you already live together or are married to each other, to really schedule some together time for both of you to relax and just have fun. This Thanksgiving, why not celebrate by working together? Assign each other tasks, such as marinating the turkey and watching while it bakes, cooking the mashed potatoes, slicing the vegetables, or making sure that the corn muffins don’t go up in flames. Do something together so that your Thanksgiving meal will be all the more fulfilling to eat.

Third, have more than food on your mind. You might want to schedule something to do together after you eat, such as watching a romantic movie on the couch together, or simply drinking some wine together and enjoying each other’s company. The key is to plan it out so that you don’t look at each other at the end of the meal and look for answers or ideas. Other good plans that you might like could include watching old movies together, playing a game of Scrabble or chess, drinking some wine out on the porch, or simply having a hot shower or soak in the bath together. Now isn’t that just romantic?

Fourth, deck the house out in something romantic, too. You may want to light some candles, have some flowers on your table, lower the blinds, and lock the doors. If you want to add a touch of romance, you might want the conventional red rose petals strewn all over the floor. It’s your call: you know your significant other better, so you don’t have to try to be romantic, but do something that your significant other will like.

Fifth, and last, don’t forget to clean up, but do it together. Thanksgiving is not just about pigging out – and it’s going to be about cleaning up the mess. If you do end up with a mess, assign jobs on who has to wash the dishes, who has to take out the trash, and who has to mop the floor. This way, you can still do things together and get household jobs done – and you can end up having a lot of fun together with a memorable Thanksgiving!

Tags: Coastal, vacations, Club,, Jeff, Mills,, Romantic, Getaway,, Thanksgiving.

Winter driving is treacherous; so many travelers do not vacation during the cold and dreary months.  These trends of staying at home during the winter are being broken by train tours of the National Parks of the Rockies.  The train tour of the Rockies is offered by Amtrak and begins in Chicago, Illinois.  Two trains, the Amtrak’s California Zephyr and the Montana Empire Builder will take you through some of the most majestic scenery of the Rocky Mountain area.  Packed full of activities and excursions the train trip will take you through Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, the lower half of Glacier National Park, and many mountain towns of historical significance.

The fare includes rail fare round-trip from and to Chicago.  The fare also includes lodging for 10 days as you travel across the great West.  Any excursions or sightseeing adventures that you wish to go on will also be paid for through the one-time fare.  This all-inclusive train tour will include all your mails and all transportation to and from your activities.  The two trains have on board a hands-on staff professional tour director who will serve your every whim in your adventure across the mountains.  Of all the all-inclusive vacations out there seeing the Rocky Mountains by rail is one of the most adventurous and rewarding of them all.

Highlights of the tour include a rail ride from Denver up the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains to the Continental divide.  You will be immersed in total darkness as you travel the six mile long Moffat Tunnel.  On the other set of the divide you will see the headwaters of the Colorado River at they rage down Glenwood Canyon.  The end of the this day will land you in Salt Lake City where you will spend the night at a hotel directly across from the Mormon Tabernacle.  Here you will have time to visit shops, museums, and other attractions that Salt Lake City offers.

As you leave Salt Lake you’ll head northeast towards the Teton in Yellowstone National Parks.  There you will have an excursion into the back country using a horse-drawn sleigh which will allow you to view Elk, Buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.  You will see many areas of the parks that many visitors do not see including all the geysers, hot springs, and the natural wonders of nature.  You’ll be accommodated at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge in Yellowstone Park.  This will be the starting point from which you can pick from many adventures.

Leaving Yellowstone, you will cross the Montana Mountains to the lower part of Glacier National Park.  You will be served lunch in a sightseeing car where you will be able to see snowcapped peaks and large glaciers moving slowly down the mountain.  As you leave Glacier National Park, you will cross Montana’s prairies and will be able to view the Great Plains as they really are.  Eleven days from your departure in Chicago, you will have arrived back in Chicago.  The trip is longer than most tours, so adequate clothing and personal effects need to be planned for during the journey.  Remember that this is a winter tour, so bring plenty of warm clothes and any other winter equipment you might deem necessary for outside activities. Even though you are traveling in a warm passenger car, the excursions and the activities are usually outside.  After taking this wonderful tour you’ll realize that winter is also a vacation time of the year and not reserved for spring, summer, or fall.

Tags: Amtrak, Train, Railroad, National, Park, Rockies, Rocky, Mountain, Jeff, Mills, Coastal, Vacations

The Appalachian Mountains have bee a vacation destination for decades. The majestic beauty of the lower part of the Appalachians, the Great Smoky Mountains, has been viewed by millions of visitors.  The roads around the mountains offer spectacular views, but to visit the back country via rail is an experience of a lifetime. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers five tours that will spark interest in any traveler. Each tour is unique and is planed with a specific route that will detail scenery and wildlife in a way that many visitors by car have not seen. The fares for these tours range between $36 and $44.  Children under two ride for free. The tours last from one half to four and a half hours depending on the duration you wish to be on the train. Each tour route is individualized, showcasing spectacular scenery and emphasizing the best of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a 34 mile round trip between the city of Dillsboro and Bryson City, North Carolina.  The train will roll along the banks of this river for the duration of four hours.  Along the way the passengers will ride in the dark as the train rolls through the 836 foot Cowee tunnel. The train will arrive in Bryson City and will have a one half hour layover.  Here the passengers can depart the train and visit the many shops, restaurants, and museums the city has to offer. The train follows the same route back to Hillsboro, but going the opposite direction gives the visitors a chance to see the scenery in a new light.

Another popular tour is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. Completely different than the river trip, this train tour goes for four and a half hours from Bryson City to Nantahala River Gorge.  On the way to the gorge you will cross Fontana Lake. The train will rush a long 100 foot-high trestle bridge that will thrill both old and young alike. The train travels along the river and through the gorge where the passenger can view the steep rock rolls and craggy landscape. There is a one hour lay over at the Nantahala River where passengers can disembark and tour the local shops and museums.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers themed tours as well. The Polar Express is a popular Christmas run where the passengers drink hot cider and chocolate while singing Christmas carols. The train’s staff is decorated in holiday attire and a good time is had by all. Another themed tour is the Dinner Murder Mystery Excursion. The passengers will have their meal on the train and try to figure out a whodunit mystery with actors and the other passengers. The most elegant outing for the railroad is the Gourmet Dinner Train. You are asked to wear dressy casual and deviance from that attire will you sitting at the station. It is an adult only run and alcohol will be available. The gourmet four course meal costs around $75.00 per person and gratuity is not added in.

Tags: Great, Smokey, Mountain, Railroad, Train, Adult

This is why it is indispensable to take into consideration some of the factors such as the necessary documents and abiding by the regulations so as to obtain a hassle-free border-crossing travel. For those who may wish to take a trip to Canada, here are some guidelines that should always be taken into account.

Proof of Citizenship or Identification

At the present, you’ll be required to have a driver’s license or any government issued photo ID and an official proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. You’ll need these in case you don’t have a passport. However, they will be obliging everyone crossing the borders to present a valid Canadian passport starting on July 1, 2009. But for the meantime, the previous alternatives will suffice.

Children who are 15 years old or younger and are not traveling with both parents should present a signed letter of consent from the non-traveling parent plus a copy of documents showing legal custody. The letter should state that the child is permitted by the other parent to go out of the country and must include the contact information of the non-traveling parent. You may also want to bring a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate.

Be Patient and Polite

When you reach the border, expect a bunch of questions and interrogations from the border guards as you hand over the necessary documents. Give specific and clear answers in an audible but polite manner. Border guards are extremely professional and are just doing their job so cooperate and do not inquire as to why something should be asked or done.

Prohibited Items

Canada is not in favor of bringing endangered species or items made from endangered species as you cross over the border. Moreover, everyone coming into and out Canada is obliged to delay any fruits, vegetables, meats, or any agricultural and animal products they transport into the country. This should be firmly executed to protect the country’s agriculture, livestock, and the Canadian people from foreign diseases and pests.

There are actually specific items that are not permitted to enter Canada. You may want to research first on what specific products are not allowed. There are very definite rules as well as requirements to follow. For example, you are not allowed to transport a banana across the border except if it has a label on it or is still wrapped in its original packaging.

Likewise, carrying items such as tobacco and alcohol has a specific limit. Canada, as well as USA, is very strict with regards to rules about smuggling these products. As long as you bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes and 2 liters of alcohol, you would not need to pay any additional duties. Basically, the rule allows you to carry these items only for personal consumption and never for resale.

Restrictions on Guns and Firearms

Canada’s laws on firearms are considerably different from those in the United States. So make sure that you know the applicable laws if you are thinking of bringing your firearm into the country. Surprisingly, Canada allows adults over the age of 18 to bring firearms into the country given that they present the appropriate permits and documents. The firearms that are allowed but still subjected to strict regulations on safe transportation and storage are those guns associated to sports and hunting.

Indeed, planning and having a great vacation in Canada is not that daunting and difficult. As long as you know how to abide by their rules and regulations, there would not be any hassle at all.
 

Tags: traveling, abroad,, take, a, trip, to, Canada,, prohibited, items,, Coastal, vacations, club,, Jeff, Mills,, Canada,, crossing, the, border

Many think of all-inclusive vacations as a break from the kids.  Resort vacations may seem too expensive to share with your children.  However, with the discounts available, these types of vacations can be enjoyed with the kids along as easily as without them.  Look on the internet for resorts that offer discounts for kids.  Some resorts give children a discount identification card when they arrive at the resort.  These cards are good for free or discounted admissions to attractions and free food when with a paying adult.  These discount cards are often available for kids of ages through twelve years old.  Read the descriptions of all-inclusive vacation packages to see if kids are free.  Often they stay, eat, and play free.  Sometimes there is free child care.  There might even be nannies for one-on-one attention as a part of the overall price.  These amenities can come with surprisingly inexpensive vacation plans.  Some of these packages include physical and learning activities for the small children.  Teens and preteens can enjoy special nature and tourism activities.  Besides all this, these vacations give the adults free time to spend as they choose.  If you plan an all-inclusive vacation, go to a travel website and do your research.  Make sure you take note of whether the price quoted is for the whole group, or per person of that size group.  Often, the rate quoted will be per adult, but that will include accommodations for two kids.  Be aware of what is included in the price given and what is not included.  Usually, there are services and fees that are not included.  Of course, telephone charges are for you to pay extra.  Room service may or may not come with the deal.  You might have to pay a hotel charge of around thirty dollars a day.  There are airport fees and governmental travel fees.  There is even a September 11^th security fee of 10 dollars.  Look for resorts that bill themselves as “family-friendly” resorts.  These resorts will go out of their way to give families discounts.  They are also good at providing activities for children and teens.  Some resorts cater to single parents.  They offer them the child care or nanny service with their packages, of course.  They also don’t penalize them for traveling alone.  This is important because some resorts’ prices are based on two adults traveling with the kids.  If you would like help deciphering all the options available on the internet, a travel agent might be for you.  Actually, travel agents can come up with very good deals on resort vacations from time to time.  A good travel agent can make your life easier.  Ask your travel agent as many questions as you need to.  It is probably best to do a little research on the internet beforehand even if you are going to use an agent.  This will make you a more informed consumer.  Then, ask your travel agent about resorts and all-inclusive vacations that cater to your family’s individual needs.  There is a variety of vacations.  A knowledgeable agent should be able to point you in the right direction.  Resort and all-inclusive vacations can make for peaceful holidays away from work and school.  There are several choices within this category that offer discounts or even free travel to kids.  Whether you book your trip yourself or have a travel agent do it for you, it’s best to do your research first.   

Tags: Discount, All-Inclusive, Resort, Vacations, Kids, Jeff, Mills, Coastal, Vacations, Budget, Travel

A nice place to have a long-awaited adventure is a place most people would call “The Gap”. This place is a fine combination of the natural outdoors and the comfortable indoors. In short, the Gap is an amazing sporting paradise. There are different sports you can choose from, ones that would usually have the sun’s heat and others that are required to be done indoors.

A golf haven

The Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort is found in Maryland. It is believed to be one of the most popular golf courses in the U.S. And not only that, this resort also provides their customers with a diversified roster of outdoor activities that you can choose from. You can choose from ones that are strenuous, and ones that require less strength and energy, you decide.

Things you can do outdoors.

You can try hiking here, you will be able to experience nature’s wonders firsthand. With fishing, you get to practice your angling skills as you use your resourcefulness and deftness in trying to bring home some dinner. Also, if you are in this adventure travel with your father, this is a perfect method for some father and son bonding.

If you are a family person, and have brought your family with you in this adventurous trip to the Rocky Gap Lodge, you can try kayaking. With this sport, your strength and knowledge regarding boating is enhanced, as you use both your muscles and your mind to steer your kayak in the right direction and not over a rock.

There is also an aviary where unique and endangered feathered friends are housed. You will be given a chance to feed the birds with the proper feed. You must also never forget that these birds are mostly endangered, so you need to be careful in handling these feathered creatures. Aside from respecting their scarce existence, you will also be jailed if you are caught harassing endangered creatures.

There are also indoor activities you can indulge yourself in.

If you do not like bathing in nature’s waters, the Rocky Gap State Park has indoor swimming pools for your convenience. Here, you don’t have to worry about the little water creatures you might encounter. There are, of course, none of those in the indoor pools.

If you want to get into better shape than you already are, there are fitness gyms that you can utilize. Start exercising those muscles in their clean fitness gyms, which, by the way, have complete work out equipment. There are also trainers who will guide you to your exercise goal in a jiffy.

Another sport that could be played indoors is tennis. There are indoor tennis courts in the Gap, where you can practise your skills, and get leaner at the same time. Tennis requires a lot of strategic thinking, and also enough fitness to outmuscle your opponent. Thus, playing tennis is a fine way to get fit. Even if the Rocky Gap Lodge is a natural attraction, these city contraptions are still available, just to make sure that everyone, from different standings, are satisfied.

Tags: Nature, Adventure, Gap, Hiking, Tennis, Golf, Resort, Jeff, Mills, Coastal, Vacations

Also located in the metro is Grand Palace which is considered to be the main tourist attraction and for you to miss this place is a big NO NO. It is said to be the home of Thai kings for 150 years till around the turn of the twentieth century and was built in 1782. All important ceremonies and festivities of the country are performed here.

Things to take into account when visiting the palace:

There’s a strict dress code when entering the place and you’re not allowed to visit unless you abide with this rule. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Keow is considered to be the nation’s most sacred site, thus, men are required to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves; no tank tops, while women should also be modestly dressed, no bare skin clothes.

If you are wearing flip-flops or sandals, it is a must that you wear socks.  However, if you forgot to remember all these dress codes need not worry since there is a booth near the entrance that can provide you clothes to cover you up.

2. Phuket island an incredible place with its wonderful and attractive bays, sandy beaches, waterfalls, astonishing landscapes and sceneries. It has become a remarkable tourist destination. Phuket is considered to be one of the biggest islands in the country which lies off the southwest of the coast.

There are many interesting and famous attractions on the island which includes Crocodile Farm, Sirinat National Park, Sea Aquarium, Thai Village, Butterfly Garden, Wat Chalong and other Phuket temples. At night, you may want to take a stroll down Patong’s Bangla Road; where you can shop and sip a beer. If you are planning to go here you must equipped yourself with a sense of humor and an open mind in order for you to enjoy the night. The island is also famous for its beaches which would include Patong Beach, Bang Tao, PanSea, Kamala Beach and many more.

3. Next on the list is Ayyuthaya, the so called ancient city.

It was the capital of the country for many centuries between 1350 and 1767. A lot of tourists are dazzled by its splendor and is considered to be a historical place. Most of the temples and religious sculptures were destroyed during the Burmese invasion but remains of monuments are still standing and some restored.  It is located 90 kilometers from Bangkok and can be reached on an extended day trip.

How about an ultimate tropical get-away in the famous islands of Koh Phi Phi, which is a 45-minute journey from Phuket? Its breathtaking white sandy beaches and stunning rock formations are simply amazing. The island couldn’t be more exciting, with scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking being the most popular activities. There’s a wide selection of accommodation on the island, with lavish hotel resorts, beach huts to luxurious villas. You can’t help but love this place.

5. Last, but not the least, the Tiger temple, located in the Kanchanaburi province in Western part of Thailand.

This is not only home to monks but it also became a sanctuary for tigers over 7 years now. The amazing thing with this temple is that you can get up close and personal with the ferocious tigers, isn’t that remarkable? The Tiger temple has become very famous and people from different parts of the globe come to witness the harmonious relationship between the monks and tigers.

There are still a lot of beautiful places to discover in the country besides the above mentioned and so many things that this spectacular nation can offer. So pack your things now and ready to be swept away by the beauty of Thailand.

Tags: Thailand,, romantic, escape,, sandy, beaches,, Thailand, vacation,, Five-Star, Hotel,, vacation,, Jeff, Mills,, Coastal, Vacations

There is so much that this mystical country can offer, with its white sandy beaches, historical wats, to its lavishing hotels. This is definitely the place to be.

Where to go?

Bangkok has become a favorite destination for most couple who yearn to have a wonderful experience, whether young or old, married or not.

There are numerous hotels to choose from, one of which is the Oriental Bangkok. It is a Five-star hotel that first opened way back 125 years ago. The hotel offers luxurious and one of a kind service to its customers and has been acknowledge as one of the finest in the world. There is a spectacular overlooking view of the Chao Praya River and just few minutes away, you will find the magnificent historical temples, palaces and the like. The hotel has everything to offer, with several fine dining to choose from, a sports center, deluxe pools and spa. What more can you ask for?!

How about checking inn to Shangri-La Bangkok? It is also a five-star luxury hotel comprising of 799 rooms all of which are made to convey the richness of Thai culture. It is located in the central Silom district of the metro and has a luxuriant garden, relaxing spa, and still an over view of the river.

Stroll along the Beach

Wouldn’t it be nice to walk hand in hand with your partner along the beach? Or why not take him for a nice boat ride? Share memorable moments with him while captivating the beauty of the seaside.

Thailand is absolutely a tourist spot when it comes to beaches, a good example would be of course Phi Phi Island. It has a total of six small islands which is located south of Phuket. You cannot help but love it, with its breathtaking seaside landscapes and white sand.

Patong is the most popular in the Island, the oldest and the most developed tourist site. It offers a wide range of accommodation and you and your partner will never get bored since they have a number of activities. Go snorkeling, exploring the deep waters and even go sailing.

There are also several restaurant options that serve delightful cuisines; surely making your stay unforgettable.

Enjoy Unearthing History

Romance can also be educational, in the sense that, while sharing time with him visiting monuments, both of you will also learn some simple facts about these historical monuments.

The country is also popular with the richness of its history. Visit temples, palaces that have marked the history of Thailand. A very nice example would be Grand Palace, where most of the country’s ceremonies and festivities take place, also considered to be one of the major attractions in Bangkok. Moreover, visit Wat Phra Keow or also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This wat is said to be the nation’s most sacred site and a lot of rules must be followed while entering this holy place.

It would be extremely fun discovering and learning about the nation with your love one. It is entertaining and in the same time exciting.

Make your relationship last forever by creating romantic memories together; only in Thailand!

Tags: Thailand,, romantic, escape,, sandy, beaches,, Thailand, vacation,, Five-Star, Hotel,, vacation,, Jeff, Mills,, Coastal, Vacations