Vacations are not always really vacations.  Traveling can take a lot out of you.  Throw in a kid or two and it’s like running a marathon.  Pacing is the key to success, especially when you’re on the type of trip I like to call an adventure.  Walking the family along the Great Wall of China or listening to your kids plot how to play tag with sheep in Northern Ireland,  fall into the adventure category.  In bed late, moving and shaking early,  and often exhausted enough to sleep for at least part of the plane flight home are just a few of the signs of a good adventure.

Kids’ room at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida

But vacations, true vacations are about doing nothing really.  Relaxing on a beach, reading a book by the pool,  pampering yourself in a spa and most importantly, having access to a great kids’ club so you can actually do everything I just mentioned.

The first time I went on vacation to a resort with a kids’ club, it took me a few days to even consider using it for my daughter.  The whole idea almost made me feel guilty.  About half way through the vacation I finally checked her in for a couple of hours.  I spent more time spying on her than reading on the beach.  When I finally decided to give it up and just pick her up, she didn’t want to come with me.  Lesson learned.  I relaxed, actually finished a book and she had a blast.

The good news is that countless resorts now offer options for traveling families.  But all kids’ clubs are not created equal.  Amie’s Secrets to a Guilt-Free Kids’ Club is a great place to start when planning a vacation and finding a kids’ club to meet your family’s needs.

After doing just a little research on-line, I was dazed and amazed by the incredible kids’ clubs I found.  It’s great to be a kid on vacation these days.

Ambassadors of the Environment | The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon | Half Moon, A Rock Resort, Jamaica

Jamaica, Mon! Kids age 3 to 12 are the center of attention at the Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon.  Named after Jamaica’s fabled children’s character Anancy the Spider, the kids centre has something for everyone.  There’s a model “Caribbean village”, a wading pool, sand box, and lots of shaded outdoor play areas. The Hype Zone is just for teens.  With organized entertainment, a game room and nightly entertainment, it’s a good place for teens to meet other teens on vacation.  No matter how old your kids, I doubt they’ll say no to Half Moon’s Dolphin Lagoon.  Kids (and parents) can swim with dolphins or even become a Trainer for a Day.  When your done, reapply the sunscreen and head over to the Equestrian Centre where kids (and yes, parents too)  can enjoy the Beach Ride.  The horseback beach ride includes an ocean swim with the horses.

Nature’s Wonders | The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

It’s all about the environment at the Nature’s Wonders center.  Guests ages 5 and older will be hooked from the moment they see the 11 aquariums teeming with fish, crabs and alligators.  Along with an assortment of daily nature-themed programs, there is a kid-friendly lab filled with microscopes, slides and Petri dishes.  I love it when kids are having so much fun, they don’t realize they’re learning.  Teens will love the vue, or visual user experience.  Think flat screens, incredible sound systems and all of the incredible electronic toys you can imagine.  The oldest kid in my family, my husband, would never want to leave.

Kids For All Seasons | Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

If the incredible setting weren’t enough, the Four Seasons goes out of it way to help its younger guests discover the wonders of Costa Rica with it’s Kids For All Seasons club.  Kids age 4-12 explore the lush landscape,  hunting for local reptiles, plants and birds.  Beach lovers can hit the sand in search of hermit crabs.  The Tuanis Teen Center, complete with a teen-oriented Concierge, offers outdoor adventures like zip-lining through the treetops, white-water rafting and volcano hikes.  Teens can also sign-up for scuba, cooking or Spanish lessons.

Camp Grande | Grand Wailea, Maui

Hawaiian culture plays a huge role in day to day activities at Camp Grande.  Kids 5 to 12 can learn the Hula and orchid lei making and play traditional island games.  They get a taste of authentic Hawaii while having a blast.  Facilities include a whale-shaped wading pool, foosball and ping pong tables and a movie theater.  Maui’s Grand Wailea also sports nine pools with slides, rapids, and a Tarzan-style rope swing.

Tide Pool Kids Club |Terranea

Inspired by the incredible setting that surrounds it, Terranea intertwines science and creativity with outdoor-focused activities for kids including coastal strolls while playing nature bingo, sack races and glow-in-the-dark bocce ball.  There are day and evening camp activities to choose from.

Camp Coyote | Enchantment Resort, Sedona

Camp Coyote let’s Sedona’s culture and environment set the stage for a kids’ club that educates and entertains.  Each day has a theme:  kids who get to go to Tipi Mondays won’t want to miss Canyon Creations Wednesdays.  Highlights for kids age 4 to 12 include sculpting pottery, star gazing, designing arrowhead necklaces and Southwestern-inspired cooking classes.

Baby, Petit & Mini Club Med | Club Med Ixtapa

Club Med is known around the world for their kids’ clubs.  Why?  They’ve got it down to a hassle-free science.  Activities vary by age, but at Club Med Ixtapa, the flying trapeze is always a popular choice.  Baby Club Med tends to little ones 4 months to under 2.  Petit Club Med is where it’s at for kids until they turn 4.  Mini Club Med entertains kids 4 to 11 and during certain times Juniors’ Club Med gives teens a place to be teens.  Since it’s all-inclusive there no worrying whether the kids have money, and no end of vacation sticker shock.

Coconut Crew Camp | The Breakers, Palm Beach

Florida is a family vacation favorite, but it doesn’t always have to be about Mickey.  Kids ages 3 to 12 can go on turtle walks, eco tours and have fun at bonfires on the beach.  The Breakers Coconut Camp also includes many sporting activities like snorkeling, tennis and golf.  An added perk: The Breakers offers complimentary childproofing for families with infants or children up to three.  Electrical outlets are covered, table corners protected and plastic bags removed from garbage pails.

When you find a good kids’ club, don’t be surprised if you hardly ever see your kids during vacation.  You’ll have plenty to talk about on the plane flight home, and maybe even be inspired to start planning the next vacation.

Relevant Links:

Swimming safety at hotel kids’ clubs

How to find the best hotel kids’ clubs

Ciao Bambino recommended hotels with kids’ clubs

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Photo by Hawaii Vacation Blog

I've never met a traveler who doesn't love Hawaii. Yes, it can be touristy but like all destinations that are popular — it is that way for a reason. Each Hawaiian island has it's own brand of beauty and appeal. This magic is captured perfectly in these wonderful Hawaii photos from bloggers around the country.

So near yet so far. Winter on the north shore of Oahu brings big waves to Hawaii.

Photo by Kristi Marcelle of Ciao Bambino

This photo was taken at Shipwreck Beach on Lanai. We were the only ones on this beach and that's the reason why so many visitors fall in love with Hawaii. Even in high summer tourist season you can have a little piece of paradise all to yourself.

Photo by Paradise Baby Co.

Waimea Falls Park. This is a wonderful paved walk for a family to do on the North Shore. Set on over 1500 acres the park is home to a variety native plants and animals. The short 1.5 mile walk wines thru the lush valley and ends at a beautiful waterfall. Be sure and bring suits, swimming in the falls is a wonderful treat. Lifeguards are on duty and offer boggie boards and flotation devices to use. This is a North Shore must!

Photo by The Ohana Mama

This gorgeous awe-inspiring Buddha welcomes visitors to the Jodo Mission, which is located in Lahaina Town on the island of Maui. The Jodo Mission sits at the edge of "Baby Beach," a perfect spot, with gentle rolling waves, where your children can make sand castles and splash in the calm waters (it's also a great spot to get some frame-able vacation photos).

Photo by Leslie Lang

The Big Island, of course, has active volcanoes, and this is how close you can sometimes get to where lava tumbles into the sea. It's primeval, awe-inspiring and almost otherworldly to witness the force of Pele, goddess of fire, and to see how the island was created (and is, in fact, still being created today).

Photo by Kellie Hatcher

I live on the West Side of Maui and find inspiration everywhere around me. I like to capture real life moments ... like this one.

Photo by Kris Bordessa

The Saturday morning Hilo Farmers Market on the Big Island of Hawai‘i bustles with visitors and locals alike, all in search of island fresh produce. Alongside fruits like pineapple, papaya, and mango you'll find an assortment of fresh flowers. Here, heart-shaped anthuriums in pink, red, and white take center stage.

Photo by Nancy Solomon

We loved whale watching in Hawaii. You could feel the whales breathing we were so close. It was truly unforgettable.

Photo by Paradise Baby Co.

The North Shore bike path is a 4 mile path that runs from just past Sunset Beach all the way to Waimea Bay. This is a great way to see all the best surf breaks and find hidden beaches. If you are staying on the North Shore you can rent bikes for kids and also adult bikes with child carriers from Paradise Baby Co.

Photo by Aloha Kona Kids

Pine Trees is on the westside of the Big Island near the Keahole Airport. 4 wheel drive is required to get to the bay. It is a local surf spot and great for camping and surfing with the family.

Photo by Aloha Kona Kids

Pu'uhonua 'O Honaunau or the city of refuge is located in south Kona. It is a sacred and historic park that preserves both the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian people. This is an educational and enjoyable for all ages.

Photo by Nancy Solomon

Big john from our Luau did fire tricks that had all the kids dangerously amused.

For more Photo Friday posts, head over to Delicious Baby.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Hawaii family hotels

Kona Village Resort review

Big Island of Hawai’i with kids

Oahu with kids

Kauai with kids

Maui with kids

Fun photos and special activities on Maui with kids

Dolphin encounters and surf spots in Hawaii with kids

This is a guest post by Sonja Key, the travel blogger behind To Europe With Kids.  She is mom to a daughter and son, and her family of four loves exploring Europe together. Sonja enjoys planning and researching their trips, and is enthusiastic about sharing tips, finds, and little-known destinations in Europe that appeal to families. You can follow Sonja on Twitter on @ToEuropewithKid.

I haven’t explored Germany for years and never with kids.  This list of things to do is fantastic. I know an 8-year-old that would love summer sledding. On our list. Thank you Sonja!

The archetypical things you picture when you think of Germany — lederhosen, castles, the Alps, beer, Maypoles, and folk festivals — are all found in the beautiful fairytale region of southern Bavaria, the largest and oldest federal-state in Germany.  Historical buildings and stunning landscapes, friendly rural and city folk, make this a great family travel destination.

Let’s start with food, since many of us are challenged with adorable, but picky, little eaters.  Bavarian culture practically revolves around eating and drinking, and their food is hearty, mild tasting, and appealing.  Giant, soft, warm pretzels are sold in most delis and bakeries.  Food stalls in every city offer bratwurst on a roll, and if a bratwurst is too foreign for your little one ask for a “wienerwurst” instead.  It’s a fair substitute for a hot dog, and healthier than the ones we eat at home.  And if all else fails, there’s always Nutella spread on toast.

In our travels to Bavaria, we have found a number of towns with particularly kid-friendly activities and sites, all of them with enough gorgeous scenery to please the grown-ups as well.

Kid-Friendly Activities in Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle

Castles in Bavaria

King Ludwig of Bavaria built three magnificent castles during his brief life, and all three are spectacular to visit.  Although Neuschwanstein Castle is the most famous and most visited, depending on the ages of your children you might choose to visit Linderhof or Herrenchiemsee instead.  They are smaller, the guided tours are not as lengthy, and they both have expansive gardens with water fountains, and so might be more attractive to a family with toddlers or pre-schoolers.

Linderhof Castle, near the charming town of Oberammergau, is a small, ornate palace with sprawling grounds, set in a forest.  Tours of the interior are available in English.  The palace gardens are decorated with cascading marble steps, fountains, Moorish pavilions, water basins, gazebos, sculptures, and a temple.  But the most surprising feature in the garden is the completely artificial and underground Venus Grotto that King Ludwig built, where he liked to be rowed around the underground lake in his golden swan-boat.  Visitors may enter the cavern and kids are always fascinated by this crazy king’s secret lair.

Herrenchiemsee Castle’s biggest attraction for children is that it’s located on an island in the middle of a lake, so getting there is half the fun.  The castle is large and impressive, but Ludwig only managed to finish twenty rooms inside, which are available to tour.  Like Linderhof, the palace grounds are exquisite.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Ludwig’s gem, is a must-see for most visitors to Bavaria, but with very young children it can be challenging.  There are long lines to buy tickets, to board transportation to the castle, and to begin the tour.  The tour is about 45 minutes long.  It’s a grand palace, with unobstructed views and Kodak moments galore, but worth considering whether the little ones will endure.

Summer sledding in Garmisch

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The tourist resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is remembered for being the site of past Winter Olympic Games, so if your family likes to ski, Garmisch is the place.  It is a delightful Bavarian village with painted chalets, surrounded by mountains.  A super fun summer activity for the whole family is a ride on the Rodelbahn, a fast, winding, wheeled sled ride down the mountain on a paved bobsled course.  It’s reasonably priced and a good time for everyone.

From Garmisch-Partenkirchen you can also take a cog wheel train or cable car to the top of the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.  The trip is worth it for the stunning views of Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.  A fabulous thing to do in Garmisch is to hike the Partnachklamm, a gorge carved deep between steep limestone walls by a raging river, but it is unsafe for children under 13 or 14.  A more suitable hike with similar scenery is in nearby Mittenwald.

Spirit Gorge

Mittenwald

Mittenwald, on the Austrian border, is often noted as one of the most charming villages in Germany.  Picturesque, mostly traffic free, and historical, the town is beautifully decorated with elaborately frescoed paintings on the exteriors of churches, buildings and homes.  A special adventure in Mittenwald, especially if your children are too young to hike the Partnachklamm, is the Geisterklamm, or Spirit Gorge.

The trails through this dramatic gorge are designed for children and guarded with chain-link fence, even across bridges.  The ancient cliffs, the swirling water and cascading waterfalls are spectacular.  Depending on the ages and endurance of your children, you can choose the shorter walk which begins in Mittenwald, or the longer walk, accessible from Leutasch, Austria.

Scenic little villages are everywhere in the southern, mountainous region of Bavaria in Germany.  Don’t miss Grainau, a town awarded the “Kinderland” title for its availability of child-care and special menus for children in its “Kinderland” restaurants.  Oberammergau, known for its once-a-decade production of the Passion Plays, is home to dozens of woodcarver shops.  Your travels through Germany are not complete without a visit to unforgettable Bavaria.

Photos courtesy of To Europe with Kids

The timing of school spring break holidays are all over the map this year.  That’s a good thing when it comes to travel planning as it means it may not be as difficult to book a trip now for an April vacation.

Need inspiration?

My list of favorite 2011 spring break ideas for families from the Ciao Bambino portfolio:

Thumbs up for Southern Italy

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Well, of course, I’m going to include Italy, but the question is where in Italy? While I love the poppies in the countryside this time of year, my 2011 spring break top pick is the Amalfi Coast.

We visited Amalfi in April several years ago and adored the experience.  The weather can be a mixed bag with sunshine and rain, but you will be much more mobile in your exploration without the crowds and heat of summer.  That in and of itself makes this otherwise challenging terrain with young kids easier to enjoy.  Note, however, April is too early for swimming (other than heated pools).

Nonetheless, there is still much to see and do. See Chris Lytle’s list of Amalfi Coast attractions for ideas.  We have a growing list of family-friendly hotels we recommend in this area.  One idea is to spend a few days in Positano and 1-2 nights in Ravello — very different experiences. Positano is on the water while Ravello is high above the coastline with stunning views and gardens.

Placencia, Belize

If you have tweens or teens, Belize is a fantastic family adventure destination.  Combine beach relaxation time with sightseeing in the jungle for an itinerary with a bit of everything.

We visited Placencia a few years ago and enjoyed the long sandy beach, calm water, and colorful architecture.  We stayed at Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn and loved it, although this stay was without kids.  Turtle Inn is not on Ciao Bambino as it felt more romantic than family-oriented to me, but I’ve since heard reports that families like staying there and now I see kid-friendly language and photos on their website.  Always a good sign.  If you go, the beachfront rooms are worth the splurge!

Otherwise, check out Roberts Grove for a more value-oriented option. We have some terrific jungle-based hotels too in our Belize family hotel portfolio.

Cuixmala Resort

Costalegre, Mexico

Yolanda Edwards, the former Travel Editor for the much-missed Cookie Magazine, provided me with the feedback for our Cuixmala review.  I’ve been dreaming about visiting this hotel ever since that conversation!

Unfortunately for me, Mexico is just too far from Switzerland for spring break, however, for everyone living in the US, Costalegre is just 2.5 hours south of Puerto Vallarta.

The beauty of this hotel is that it offers a combination of eco-adventure and beach time in one setting. The exclusive, remote location means guests are world’s away from the negative events happening in other parts of Mexico.

London, England

The Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton will take place on April 29^th.  If you don’t have a hotel booking in place now, I fear finding a room would be an impossible task for the period in and around that date

However, if your spring break falls in early April, Royal fans will get a kick out of the pre-wedding frenzy.  Anna Tobin (our London-based writer) will be posting her list of recommended activities shortly. In the meantime, if you want to find accommodations, check out our list of kid-friendly hotels in London; our recommendations include traditional hotels and serviced apartments in the best locations for getting around town easily.

Cherry blossoms in Tidal Basin. Photo by sneakerdog on Flickr

Washington, DC

I have yet to see the cherry blossoms in full swing in Washington DC, but they are on my must, must-see list (you know you are in trouble when your must-see list needs a subset).  The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 26 – April 10, so if your vacation is on the early side, 2011 may be the perfect time to do something really special in our nation’s capital.

Nancy Solomon wrote the review for the Lorien Hotel and Spa and raves about this property every time she returns for a visit. Conveniently located in historic Alexandria, the hotel offers special pampering for adults and kids.  This is one of those exceptional city hotels that is not just a “place to sleep,” but a true escape.

Want more great ideas? Visit Best Family Travel Advice for an additional round-up of 10 top family destinations for spring break.

One of our readers on Best Family Travel Advice asked a question about where to eat with kids in Paris.  One of my suggestions for kid-friendly dining is to stop by La Grand Epicerie de Paris. Talk about a wide selection of fixings for a picnic, the array of wonderful foods is staggering … and fun to peruse.

Gourmet picnic anyone?

The selection of speciality items like spices is vast.

Plus, where else in the world can you buy 29E water? (!)

Or bubble gum flavored lemonade?

It is not, however, a good place to be hungry and indecisive.

Happy Photo Friday!  For more posts, visit our friends at Delicious Baby.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Paris family hotels

Tips for visiting Paris with babies and toddlers

Off-the-beaten-path things to do in Paris with kids

Favorite online resources for Paris with children

Savoring the simple pleasures of Paris with children

Things to do in Paris on Uptake.com

No kids. No husbands

I know it sounds crazy, but I had a terrific girls getaway on the Disney Dream.

When I received the invitation for the Disney Dream christening cruise, I immediately had visions of the adult beach at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. White sand, colored umbrellas and fruity drinks (not the lunch box kind).  The perfect opportunity to check out the adult amenities I missed on my family’s Disney cruise last summer to the Bahamas.

I invited two friends: one had never cruised before and was nervous about the large ship, while the other’s husband was warning her not to stand too close to the railing. However, both were excited to have a few days away from spouses and kids to relax, be pampered and have fun.

We were a bit worried about being surrounded by loads of kids when the premise was to spend time away from them, but the reality is that it’s easy to avoid the kids and families and escape to the adult-only amenities. And for the most part, the kids are happy and smiling on the ship — they are on vacation and completely excited and entertained.

By the end of the 3-day cruise, we unanimously concluded that as 40-something moms, if we wanted to go on a cruise for a another getaway weekend, we’d choose a Disney family cruise over a younger, partying-type of cruise.  Here’s why:

Castaway Cay for adults

Castaway Cay

Hands down this was the highlight of our cruise.  The adult beach, Serenity Bay, on Castaway Cay is a perfect little strip of tranquility.  You cannot hear or see the family beach from here.  The vibe is pure relaxation beginning with a popular morning yoga class on the beach.  After that, the biggest dilemma is which beach chair or hammock to choose.  The water is crystal clear and we saw tropical fish, star fish and sting rays in shallow water. If you’re a swimmer or snorkeler, the sand bar farther out is a stunning resting spot.

The BBQ lunch here offers different food options not available at the family BBQ including steak and grilled fish, and a bar with every kind of drink.  If you can’t spend your full Castaway Cay day here, stop in at the bar for a drink and the view although be warned, you may not want to leave!

Dining Options

Dinner is the one area where there is no escape from kids and noise, especially if you are at the early seating.  Kids are understandably tired and the dining experience can be loud — not unpleasant — but not necessarily relaxing either.  There are several ways to get around this; take advantage of the full service breakfast and lunch which is offered at a different restaurant each day and has fewer families, eat at the later dinner seating or treat yourself, plan ahead and reserve a dinner at adults-only Palo or Remy.

Palo – For an additional $20 per person, you get great Northern Italian food and service and an ocean view.  If you aren’t able to get a dinner reservation or don’t want to skip family dinner, try it for brunch when the view is spectacular.

Remy – This is the most upscale dining experience offered on the ship.  For an additional $75 per person you will enjoy a 3-hour plus French dinner with 7-8 courses. Wine pairing is extra.  Look for the very subtle, hidden “Remys” in the fabric of the banquet tables.  Some of the iron work also has images of Remy (I couldn’t see them until it was pointed out to me), and according to Kevin Cummings, Sr. Development Manager Principal for Walt Disney Imagineering, the iron work “was done by an artist in Austria with five guys in his garage” — not what you’d expect, but a fun detail to know.  The private dining room here feels like a Parisian brasserie straight out of “Ratatouille”.

Gym and Spa

The gym practically invites you to work out.  It’s bright, has great ocean views and feels very clean.  Working off the previous night’s dessert(s) was not hard here.  It’s rare that a gym can feel tranquil but this one manages to do just that.  We didn’t join the group classes, but spinning, yoga and pilates are offered.

The Senses Spa is truly gorgeous.  The décor of blues and greens and browns is soothing.  Two of us tried facials and while the overall experience was good, it was the one area of the cruise that didn’t meet the high Disney standards we had experienced with the rest of the amenities and services on the ship. The treatment and therapist were fine, but the ambience of the spa rooms was fair.  No robes were offered at check-in. The treatment room — while beautiful with a view — was cold with no blankets, and the room was strangely absent of music.  We also wish the steam and sauna would be included with the spa treatments (it’s an additional charge). At $169 for a facial, expectations are high.

Skyline bar

Nightlife

When I talk about nightlife I mean the bars, lounges and night club, although we enjoyed the Broadway quality shows at night just as much as the kids.  There are adult bars and lounges scattered throughout the ship but we spent our nights in the main area for adult entertainment at night — The District.

The District is a collection of bars, lounges and a nightclub including one lounge for families.   According to Tom Wolber, COO of the Disney Cruise Line, “The District gives parents an opportunity to go out and is designed in a circular flow so that you can easily wander from one venue to the next.”   We followed his advice.

The venues are varied and include:

D-Lounge – A family-friendly lounge with scheduled activities throughout the day and night.

687 – A pub/sports bar with large portholes views of the ocean.

Pink – A champagne/cocktail bar with décor that feels light and airy –an ode to its champagne theme.

Skyline – A cozy, library-like intimate setting with LCD panels on the wall that rotate different city skylines.

Evolution – A night club and the place to be for dancing.

We loved the convenience of going from dinner to Skyline for a drink to Evolution for dancing without ever having to return to our staterooms to “dress-up” for a night out.  Dancing started around 9:30 PM and it’s important to note that there are no Disney characters roaming in the bars or nightclub – no dancing Goofys or Disney-themed décor – you really feel like you are out for a night on the town.  The 5-minute walk back to the stateroom after a big “night out” is a perfect way to end the evening.

Photos courtesy of Kristi Marcelle and Disney Cruise Line.

Kristi received complimentary airfare and cruise accommodations from Disney Cruise Line.  Ciao Bambino was not asked to express any particular opinion.

What other bloggers are saying about the Disney Dream:

AllEars.Net – Everything you need to know about the Dream

Wife & Mom University – Riding the Waves of the Disney Dream

Everything Mom – Photo Tour of the Disney Dream

Inside The Magic – Adults Cruising the Disney Dream

Mamanista – Castaway Cay

Relevant Links:

10 Surprises on the Disney Dream

Disney Dream inaugural cruise ship pictures

Getting ready for the Disney Dream cruise ship

Preparing for Disney Dream Cruise

Disney Cruise Line vacation review

Tips for an optimal Disney Cruise

Visiting Euro Disney with kids

It seems as though a good section of the United States is buried under a heavy blanket of snow these days.  My family and friends on Long Beach Island, NJ do a great job of keeping me up to date on the winter wonderland I once called home, sending plenty of pictures.  They’re great to look at, but I’m so glad I’m not there.  Blame it on old age, but if you ask me, snow stinks unless it means a snow day off from school or you’re doing something fun in it like taking ski lessons with the kids.

There’s a reason I live in Northern California now, and I was reminded of it last weekend, loud and clear.  There aren’t many other places in the United States that you can spend a Saturday in February on the beach.  It was just too nice to stay home and work in the yard.  The whole family wanted to go somewhere.  Fifteen minutes on the computer, and a decision was made.  Another 15 minutes to pack a picnic lunch and we were out the door.  Dog included.

The destination of choice, Bodega Bay.

The drive itself is fun for adults and kids.  After leaving Highway 101, you make your way through the charming but quirky town of Sebastopol.  Your drive gives you a mini tour of sorts.  Through busy downtown, past the Luther Burbank Farm and by orchard after orchard of Gravenstein apple trees.  When you hit Freestone, hang a right on the Bohemian Highway, Wild Flour Bread is almost immediately on the left.  It will be busy.  Expect a line, but know it’s worth the wait.  In the middle of fields, barns and cows, Wild Flour Bread is a growling stomach’s dream.  I think they had a dozen kinds of bread on this sunny, Saturday morning, making our decision even harder.  And there was no way my girls (or I) were leaving without scones.  After grabbing a double chocolate hazelnut scone and a cranberry, orange white chocolate scone, we were back on track to the beach.

Before you can finish your huge scone, you’ll be in the town of Bodega.  Don’t blink or you might miss the tiny town and St. Teresa’s, the church Alfred Hitchcock made famous in his 1963 movie “The Birds.”  Tourists may invade on sunny days, but Bodega truly is a tiny town.  Signs for fundraisers and polenta dinners are a common roadside sight.  Reassure the kids the beach is just minutes away.

Signs for Bodega Bay’s bevy of beaches will start popping along the road.  You really can’t go wrong, so don’t stress over which beach to choose.  Our dog, Jetty, made the trip with us, so I was sure to pick a beach dogs were allowed on, but other than that, I didn’t give it a whole lot of thought.  Bodega Bay’s beaches all have what we were looking for: sun, sand and hours of fun.

My girls were starving, so once the blanket was down, they attacked the picnic, eating in record time.  Before my husband and I even sat down, they were off.  First it was all about running and splashing with our greyhound, Jetty.  For awhile the Frisbee was flying, then everyone was on their knees in the sand.  The engineering feat of the day:  damming a small stream that flows into the ocean.  My girls found every suitable piece of driftwood for miles, to carry out the construction endeavor.  Success was achieved when a beach walker asked if she could take a picture of their creation.

About 4 o’clock, I rounded the family up and we headed off the beach.  But it was at least half an hour before we were back in the car.  First we stopped to climb in some fabulous trees, then my youngest took off running for a stretch of wildflowers, aka blooming weeds.  When she hit the patch of petals I rushed to grab the camera.

Finally it was back into the car, but it wasn’t time to head home yet.  A quick stop for gas and nice, clean bathrooms.  There’s only one station in town, so you can’t miss 76 station.  It’s also hard to miss Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy, just across the road.  The pink and white striped building shouts for the adventurous type to enter.  A rainbow of taffy lines the counter.  There’s also a collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts and assorted seaside souvenirs.  All my girls were interested in was the taffy.  A pound later, it was time to go, but not before tasting the flavor of the week: huckleberry.  To my surprise, wow, a thumbs up from all of us.

There was one more place I wanted to go, and we had just enough time before the sun called it a day.  On Route 1, about a mile and a half north of Bodega Bay there is a Children’s Bell Tower.  It’s dedicated to Nicholas Green, a seven year-old boy from Bodega Bay, who was killed while vacationing in Italy with his family.  (His parents donated his organs, and changed the lives of seven Italians waiting for transplants.  Organ donations in Italy have reportedly quadrupled since Nicholas was killed.)  The memorial is tucked away behind an old community center.  There’s no sign.  You’ll drive right by, unless you make an effort to find it.

From the 18 foot tower hangs 140 bells; almost all of them sent by Italians.  The centerpiece bell is thirty inches high.  It was made by the Marinelli foundry in Italy, which has a long history of making bells for the papacy for a thousand years.  Pope John Paul II went to the foundry to bless it.  Nicholas’ name and the names of the seven donor recipients are listed on the bell.  The tower is fairly simple, but leaves its mark.  Visitors leave smiling, not sad.

As I walked back toward the car, my 10-year-old, who had found yet another perfect tree to climb, came running, and grabbed my hand when she caught up to me.  The perfect ending to a perfect day.

You don’t have to live in Northern California to take advantage of Bodega’s bliss.  Plan a trip to wine country, just don’t forget the beauty of the beach.  We have some of the best family-friendly hotels in the wine country on Ciao Bambino.  Macarthur Place is the closest to the beach, and just a short walk from downtown Sonoma.  You can’t go wrong.

Photos courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Relevant Links:

California Coast with kids

Kid-friendly activities in Napa Valley

Tips for visiting San Francisco tourist attractions with kids

Favorite San Francisco weekend getaway

Activities in Bodega Bay on Uptake.com

Table for three

I know, kid-friendly + romantic getaway is an oxymoron.  If you have unlimited access to childcare you need not worry about combining the two.  If not, you’ll want to read on.

We just got back from a romantic and kid-friendly Valentine’s Day weekend in Northern Italy at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano and L’Albereta near Lake Iseo. We don’t have family here to help with overnight childcare so all-family excursions are a must.

How do you create a kid-friendly-yet-romantic getaway?

Destination

What makes a getaway romantic? For me, three things need to be in place: relaxation, a sense of escape, and a mood of appreciation.

The destination helps — a lot.  Italy by nature is the ultimate romantic venue for many couples — the unhurried lifestyle and absolute appreciation of simple things paired with the visual treats (urban and natural) helps put everyone in a joyous, amorous state.

Fortunately, there are fabulous getaway spots in every corner of the globe.  You don’t have to go to Italy to find venues that inspire togetherness.

Hotel

The next important factor is the hotel.  We specialize in finding and reviewing luxury hotels on Ciao Bambino so I’m biased, but everyone enjoys extraordinary hotel experiences.

Does a hotel have to be high end to be romantic?  Absolutely not. But a hotel that is special in one way or another is the key to creating the right mood. If kids are in tow, it’s essential to have enough services that you get to escape from the daily grind.  There’s nothing romantic about schlepping, cooking, and cleaning.

We stayed at Villa D’Este on Lake Como for our anniversary in October.  We didn’t get a babysitter but still had a romantic, amazing weekend. How?  Every one of us felt utterly pampered and relaxed. That was enough for us as it represented a dramatic departure from every day life.

Cooking lesson at Four Seasons Milano

Activities

A special dinner of some sort usually accompanies a romantic getaway.  Babysitting is an obvious solution to getting alone time for a night.  If that is not in the cards for one reason or another, have dinner together, but make it unique.

I presented this dilemma to the Four Seasons Milan and they noodled on how to create a special dinner for, ahem, the three of us.  Their answer?  Our son would spend an hour with the pastry chef in the kitchen learning to make heart-shaped cookies (and other romantic shapes like cars) for our dessert; their work would be consumed in their “Chocolate Room” (so named because this room is wall-to-wall chocolate and I’m not kidding).

Our 8-year-old son absolutely lit up when he entered that kitchen. He knew he was doing something special, we got some alone time, and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening.

The Four Seasons is the best hotel chain for extraordinary and highly personalized kids amenities — but I’ve found that many hotels are willing to be creative about engaging kids, you just have to ask.

Kids’ clubs allow mom and dad to hit the spa — guilt free

Spa Visits

Spas are generally not kid-friendly and this is a very good thing. Parents need and want our adult-only spaces.

If you want a spa visit to be lengthy and guilt-free, find a hotel with a kids’ club. Hotels outside the US offer them for infants and very young kids. It’s harder to find them for very young kids in the US — use our Hotel Quick Search box at the top of each page for an easy list.

Nonetheless, a quality kids club ensures your kids will have fun while you do, plus standard programs are more cost-effective than paying an hourly babysitter.

Our Valentine’s weekend hotel, L’Albereta, features a sumptuous, state-of-the-art spa offering every treatment imaginable (stay tuned for a dedicated post this topic). What a place!  This is not a family hotel — one look at the L’Albereta website will tell you that — yet it is 100% kid-friendly.   Adults are pampered while kids have their own things to do.

Romantic weekend accomplished! We left Italy relaxed and rejuvenated, and guess what, we’re better partners and parents in this enlightened state.   Happy Valentine’s Day!

Photos courtesy by Amie O’Shaughnessy. Complimentary accommodations provided by Four Seasons Milano and L’Albereta. They asked us to present no particular opinion about our stay.

I’ll be doing some follow up stories on the Four Seasons new family travel blog, Have Family Will Travel. Stay tuned!

Relevant Links:

Italy family travel

Tips for finding and booking luxury, kid-friendly hotels

Valentine’s Day Posts from the Travel Blog Mob:

10 tips for creative romance during family travel by Wandering Educators

My love affair with Italy by Traveling with MJ

Romantic getaway vacation in Napa Valley by The Vacation Gals

Creative Romance: Bathe in Chocolate by Spot Cool Stuff

Romantic travel ideas on a budget by BootsnAll

We keep reading about the snow and horrible weather conditions on the East Coast of the US and it seems like another planet. It hasn’t snowed in Switzerland for weeks.  Sun, sun, and more sun — not to brag but lucky us! (Hopefully, these won’t be famous last words before horrible winter conditions set in …).

Last weekend in Mürren, Switzerland we woke up to this sunrise over the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.  A glorious moment for all. Happy Photo Friday!

For more Photo Friday fun, visit Delicious Baby.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Switzerland family hotels

Where kids can ski free in Europe (Switzerland & France)

Where kids can ski free in Europe (Austria, Italy, and Germany)

Family ski holidays in Zermatt

It’s been a while since we’ve covered family travel gear on the blog so it’s time for an update.  Who better to ask for her take on the latest and greatest travel products for kids than Nadia Carriere, the Publisher of Child Mode, one of the leading online guides for news and current information on children’s products, fashions, trends, celebrity child styles and family travel destinations.

Traveling with children doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, on a recent cruise trip, my family and I experienced the most organized, well-planned excursion we’ve ever taken. How? We only packed the necessities and brought along a few pieces of travel gear that helped keep the kids occupied, happy and comfortable.

Two years ago, I was completely clueless when it came to travel gear for kids. After the birth of my second child (and after several family trips) I’ve experienced quite a bit through personal trial and error and received valuable feedback from other traveling families and as the editor of Child Mode, keeping on top of the latest trends with baby gear, children’s products and family travel industry is something we take pride in.

Over the last couple of weeks I put together a list of the hottest, newest and most popular pieces of travel gear for kids and babies. Depending on the age of your child, length of your trip or whether you are flying by air or land, I can guarantee you will find many of these pieces incredibly useful and stress reducing!

Trunkis

Trunkis are a tried and true favorite among many families I know. The beauty of this case is that you can pull your little one along behind you (a lifesaver for those you don’t wish to bring 2 strollers and have a child in the in-between stroller stage).

Late last year, Trunki introduced a new accessory to compliment their fun luggage – the Trunki Saddle Bag. Available in color coordinating shades that match your luggage, these bags provide a comfy, padded seat that turns into an over the shoulder bag. Thanks to the zippered pockets and interior compartments, your child has a shoulder pack that provides lots of room for their precious treasures, snacks or knick-knacks. Price: $19.99

CARES

Winner of the iParenting Media Award, CARES – Child Aviation Restraint System and Harness is designed to keep little ones who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds, safe and secure in their seats. CARES is the only product of its kind to ever receive certification by the Federal Aviation Administration. Weighing only 1 pound, the CARES system fits into a 6″ carry sack and keeps your child as safe and secure as any car seat on the market. Price: $84.00

BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light has been a tried and true favorite in our home for the last 2 years. Weighing a mere 11 lbs, this crib (with the mattress) folds up and slips inside a carry case. We’ve brought this crib along when taking a trip to Grandma’s house and on our car trips. When our daughter was under a year old, the Travel Crib Light was a safer alternative to putting her on the bed, where she could have fallen off. The crib has doubled up as a playpen which we still use daily. Price: $219.95

GoGo Kidz Travelmate

If you prefer to have your child sit in a car seat, the gogo Kidz Travelmate makes lugging that big, heavy piece of child gear a little easier! You simply attach the car seat to the device and off you go, rolling the car seat around the airport with ease. The updated version has implemented a new ratcheting, quick-release strap to make unloading easier then ever. Price: $84.99

ERGO Baby Carrier

The ERGO Baby Carrier is the best soft structured carrier, I have ever tested and as a babywearing mom, I’ve tested my share of carriers! Disney World would have been a disaster had I not brought my ERGO. During the evening fireworks at Cinderella’s castle and even in the late afternoon, my 2 year old daughter took a nap on my back, while her sister rode in the stroller. Love this carrier! Price: $105.00

Maclaren’s Volo

If you are looking for the ultimate lightweight travel stroller, Maclaren’s Volo is your best bet. Weighing in at a mere 4.0 kg or 8.8 lbs, this is one of the lightest strollers on the market and holds a impressive 55 lbs. The only issue – there is no recline. This wasn’t a big deal for us as my children are 2 and 4, so the recline wasn’t necessary for our touring trips. Price: $129.99 from Amazon.com.

Belkin Audio Splitter

Although not technically ‘Travel Gear’ the Belkin Audio Splitter is a life-saver when traveling with more than one child. During flights, I make a habit of inserting one of the kids’ favorite DVDs into my MacBook Pro and packing a couple of sets of headphones into our carry-on. This splitter allows both of my children to listen to the movie without fighting over the ear-phones. There is also a splitter that can be used with an iPad, (another excellent choice for kids) Price: $19.99

Talus-TrashStand Floor Litter Bag

Last but certainly not least, my all-time favorite picks when traveling by car is the Talus-TrashStand Floor Litter Bag. As you know, when driving with children, your vehicle quickly turns into a restaurant, play room, bedroom and rest room within a matter of minutes. Trash builds up crazy fast which is why this bag is the ultimate way to keep messes under control. Holding up to 2 gallons of trash, not only does the TrashStand keep your garbage under control, it also has pockets on the side to organize travel games, snacks, wipes and other travel necessities. Price: $18.50

Relevant Links:

Entertaining kids on planes

Travel car seats, rent or carry?

Tales2Go, a family travel must-have

Travel packing tips, carry-on bags

Travel packing tips, packing light