I stayed at one of our longtime Ciao Bambino Approved properties last summer, Internazionale Domus, and was reminded why this apart-hotel is such an exceptional option for families visiting Rome.

Internazionale Domus is located on the Piazza di Spagna

Coveted Location

Located on – literally – one of the most coveted and picturesque squares in Rome, the Piazza di Spagna, Internazionale Domus guests need only to walk out their door to be immersed in their adventure.  Many of Rome’s major attractions are walking distance from here, not to mention that wandering the streets in this neighborhood is a joyous activity in and of itself.

Some of the best shopping in Rome is right here, as is an array of excellent restaurants and cafes so all-family meals require few logistics.

El Greco Apartment

Apartments and Suites Available

The apartments and suites in Internazionale Domus sleep from two to ten people. Some units are equipped with kitchenette facilities.

In a city where space of any kind is offered at a premium, Internazionale Domus is truly a wonderful option for all ages. The kitchenette facilities make simple meals and snacks viable, and the location is convenient enough that families can get back for a nap and not have those logistics ruin the day. Tweens and teens will love the epic loitering scene in the piazza.

Décor is traditional.  Internazionale Domus is not a “be seen” place or for style mavens. It is, however, extremely well-maintained, comfortable, and spotless.

Main corridor linking suites and apartments

Parents Need to Know

Internazionale Domus is not a usual hotel with a lobby, concierge, and doorman. There are no meals offered here, although they do provide discounts at Babington’s Tea Room next door and delivery service from some local restaurants is possible.

There’s a front desk with daily hours, but it is not staffed round the clock.  That said, everyone that works at this family-owned property is very friendly and can book reservations, tours, airport transfers — whatever you need with notice.

The building is old with steep stairs, but here is a small elevator available to transport luggage upstairs.

As wonderful as the location is for some travelers, it requires consideration. The fact is that the Piazza di Spagna is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and it’s filled with people day and night.  Rooms have double-paned windows and are quiet, but this doesn’t change the fact that this is a location that is always busy and bustling. If a quiet Roman neighborhood is what you have in mind, look elsewhere.

Internazionale Domus has a sister property in the same building, Relais Pierret, with suites and apartments that sleep one to four people. Basic amenities and services are identical to those at Internazionale Domus.

How to Book

Remember that we have a booking service for any property listed on Ciao Bambino. The price to you is the same as if you did all the work. The plus for families is we help ensure you get the best set-up to meet your needs.

Either use our Internazionale Domus Check Availability Form, or email jt@ciaobambino.com. JT is our dedicated client services manager and is amazing!

Photos provided by Internazionale Domus

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino family-friendly review of Internazionale Domus

72 hours in Rome with kids

The creepiest place in Rome

Kid-friendly walking tour guide in Rome

Understanding Rome’s neighborhoods, where to stay in Rome

Rome iPhone apps

Edge of Sahara Desert sand dunes at Merzouga, Morocco

Ever since I watched (and re-watched) the movie English Patient, I’ve dreamed of seeing the Sahara Desert sand dunes in North Africa.

When I planned our family trip to Morocco in October, I was determined to include sand dunes in our itinerary. A task that proved challenging and ultimately, impacted every stop we made on our trip. I quickly realized that no matter how you organize sightseeing stops in Morocco, a trip to the dunes involves 10+ hours of driving through remote parts of the country.

Moreover, the logistical challenge isn’t just about getting there, it’s also about what you do once you arrive. Staying in a hotel outside the dunes is possible, but will not immerse you in the experience.  Staying in a tent in the dunes is the way to dig into this destination.

Together these trip requirements mean that a tour operator to handle the driving, touring, and camp selection is a must. Safety and security are top of mind. Moreover, you need a way to make an inherently tiring trip, fun for all.

I had an extensive search for an operator who would and could find a way to make this long journey kid-friendly. I had a few operators try and talk me out of going, while others quite simply couldn’t provide enough details or customization. Kensington Tours, however, didn’t shy away from the challenge.

Little boy paradise

Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes

As I scoured the web for information, Erg Chebbi came up again and again as the hot spot for sand dune excursions.

Admittedly, I was in a dangerous trip planning place as I had a very specific vision (huge, reddish dunes that go on forever) for what I wanted to see which meant that anything “less” than that would leave me disappointed.

As a consequence, I ended up selecting Erg Chebbi as our dunes venue as it was the “safe” bet for meeting my vision. The trade-off is this area has more tourists than more remote desert spots like Erg Chegaga. In the end I weighed priorities and determined being solo in the desert wasn’t important to us.

That said, in the end, the number of groups we ran into were very small.  I go back to point one here. It takes time and effort to get to the Sahara Desert in Morocco and only determined travelers will keep it on their itinerary. There’s no “just passing through” these dunes.

First camel ride

Sunset Camel Trek

Getting to the dunes involves a hour of on and off-road driving through a barren stretch of desert. Experienced “desert drivers” and well-equipped cars courtesy of Kensington Tours ensured this trip was stress free. We arrived at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes just in time to hop on camels for a sunset ride.

Hello sand shadows

Was it worth it?

Absolutely.

Every expectation was exceeded. Everything about these dunes is surreal and vivid — the color, the shadows, the sky. There’s nothing about this place that is familiar or usual — the very essence of experiential travel in my book.

Not as comfortable as it looks

Xaluca La Belle Etoile

La Belle Etoile private tented camp

As soon as the sun went down, we headed back to our accommodations for the night, a private tented camp run by the Xaluca group called La Belle Etoile.

Given the middle-of-nowhere inhospitable setting, these tented camps are decadent with beds, running water including an in-room toilet and shower, and electricity. The highlight is the campfire in the middle of the tents under the brightest stars I’ve ever seen, with enough pillows and carpets to keep you comfortable for hours.

Berber entertainment

A night at La Belle Etoile includes live Berber music and dancing, and a typical Moroccan feast. Electricity is turned off at 10p but lanterns and battery-charged night lights are available.

Dunes at sunrise

We woke up at 5:30a to watch the sun rise up over the dunes. A must-do desert activity as the morning light rising over the sand is magic.

Our local driver was born and raised in the desert

At the end of this journey you are left with nothing short of utter amazement that these hardy people have found ways to live in the midst of miles and miles of sand.

For more Photo Friday posts go to Delicious Baby.

Xaluca La Belle Etoile hosted us as part of our media tour with Kensington Tours. They did not ask us to express any particular point of view.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino Desert Adventure with Kensington Tours

Morocco with kids trip planning tips

Family-friendly sustainable tourism in the High Atlas Mountains

Kid-friendly tour of the Marrakech Medina

Family-friendly review of Four Seasons Marrakech

Recently named the number one resort in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler readers, The Resort at Pelican Hill is a unique destination.  It’s located on the Newport Coast, between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach in Orange County, California on a gorgeous strip of hilly coastline.

While not directly on the beach, the resort sits on a hillside that offers spectacular views of the ocean and Catalina Island.

Coliseum swimming pool is 3 foot deep throughout

Resort at Pelican Hill Review

Pelican Hill is an experience not a hotel stay.  You don’t come here because you need a place to stay; you come because you want the Pelican Hill service and ambiance.   Guests that stay here know that their every need will be taken care of by exceptional staff.

There are 204 bungalow rooms and 128 two, three and four bedroom villas spread out over an expansive 500 acres including a 400-acre golf course that winds around the resort grounds.  There is no “hotel” in the usual sense.  The reception and check-in area has a restaurant, cafe and shops, but the bungalows and villas are located in other areas of the property.

The expansive grounds mean that it can be a long walk from your bungalow or villa to the pool or restaurant so there are shuttles everywhere.  Golf carts and black Cadillac Escalades transport guests around the property.

If you prefer to walk, request a room or villa close to the walking path although be prepared, there is something mesmerizing about a golf cart ride for kids – ours begged us for these shuttles even when we could easily walk.

Indoor/outdoor living at the Villas at Pelican Hill

The Villas

The villas are vacation rentals with incredible amenities and services, and they are well-suited for families.  The villas are located in a gated area and have their own clubhouse complete with a full-sized pool and lounge area.

My family of four stayed in a three-bedroom villa — at 2,500 sq ft it is huge.  The living areas and patio with ocean and golf course views are very spacious and have plenty of room for small children to move around.

The villas set-up is more akin to a residential neighborhood than a resort; had we stayed longer I have no doubt that my kids would have been playing outside with the “neighbor kids”.  We saw children riding bikes and scooters all around the villa streets.

The standout feature of staying in a villa is the service that comes with it.  All villa guests have access to personal butlers and staff 24/7.  Yes, it’s decadent.  We weren’t there long enough to need them, but they will grocery shop, make reservations and shuttle you anywhere in the nearby area.  There is no request too small or too large.

Dining

There are multiple dining options here.  The top restaurant is the Italian Andrea and this looked lovely for a special occasion or an adult-only dinner.

For families, the Coliseum Pool and Grill is a great fit.  Get a seat outside with a view of the gorgeous round pool that sparkles with 1.1 million mosaic tiles. If the kids are restless, it’s easy to get up and walk around.

If you want to feel like you’ve gone somewhere without actually leaving the resort, take a shuttle to the Pelican Grill which is located at the golf club.  This has nice views from the outdoor patio.  And for a treat, the Caffé in the main reception area has gelato and they’re happy to let you to let you taste test before you choose.

Family frolic at Crystal Cove

Things to do at Pelican Cove

Camp Pelican

My kids raved about Camp Pelican.  And why wouldn’t they?  Being the only kids there on a weekday meant that they got to explore the resort – I had given approval for swimming and on-property walks.  This is a beautiful kids club with well thought-out indoor and shaded outdoor spaces.  I liked that the kids could easily move outside and play ping pong or do crafts on the picnic tables.

The counselor was well trained and I was comfortable with her taking the kids around the resort.  Depending on the number of kids, they may go on walking excursions or to the kids pool which is adjacent to the kids’ club.

There is also an off-site teen adventure program that can include kayaking and beach excursions or shopping in Laguna Beach.

Spa

The spa is what you would expect from Pelican Hill – beautiful and spacious with outstanding service.  There was always an attendant nearby asking the guests waiting for treatments if they needed anything.  While I’m not a big shopper, the spa gift shop is worth a sticky beak.  They have unique gifts including horoscope tea of the month and specially blended bath products.

Golf

The golf course was here before the resort was built in 2008 and Pelican Hill is known as a golfing destination.  Golfers here are treated to gorgeous ocean views.  There are 36 holes of golf and many options for adult and kids’ clinics.

Crystal Cove

A 5-minute shuttle ride takes you down to Crystal Cove beach, located on a beautiful stretch of undeveloped coastline.  There are tidepools and biking and walking paths.  Pelican Hill guests have complimentary beach butler service when available.

There are two dining options for families including the historic Ruby’s Shake Shack for burgers and the more upscale Beachcomber which is located on the beach.  This place is busy so reserve far ahead for a table during sunset.

Kristi received two nights complimentary accommodations from The Resort at Pelican Hill.  She was not asked to express any particular opinion. Photos courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill and Kristi Marcelle.

Relevant Links:

Read the Ciao Bambino Approved review of Resort at Pelican Hill and check availability

Families are traveling. This isn’t news, particularly to anyone that has vacationed over the past few years — kids are everywhere!

The difference now is where people want to take their children. We took a quick bucket list poll on our Facebook page and even this brief snapshot is telling; target family travel destinations for 2012 include Ireland, Umbria (Italy), Costa Rica, Dubai, South Africa, Istanbul (Turkey), and Canada. Parents want to experience the world with their children; gone are the days when kids need to be “old enough” to travel abroad.

I attended the International Luxury Travel Market Show in December and it’s clear that the world’s top hotels and service providers have families on their mind and are busy creating custom programs and amenities to attract them. A fantastic industry development!

Case and point is the 2012 focal point — FAMILY — for Preferred Hotels Group, a premier marketing association of independent hotels.

One driver for this effort is that Preferred projects a boom in multigenerational travel. Preferred recently conducted a study of the US leisure market and found that 40% of US leisure travelers — 20.8 million people — had taken a multigenerational trip in the past 12 months. See their full press release for other interesting facts and findings.

We know large hotel chains are catering to kids as Fairmont, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood all have robust family programs.  What’s interesting about the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ development is that clearly independent hotels are jumping on the bandwagon.

I sat down with Lindsey Ueberroth, the President of Preferred Hotel Group, at ILTM and got the scoop on their plans.

Families need rates and packages just for them, as well as kid-focused amenities and entertainment. These two elements are getting attention throughout the Preferred portfolio.

The beauty of this is that Preferred hotels include 4 and 5-star properties all over the world. Affiliation with the Preferred brand means hotels have passed their annual quality assurance inspection, i.e. anything in their portfolio will live up to their rigorous brand standards.

Now, if a hotel in their portfolio offers credible infrastructure for families, it receives the Preferred Family Certified seal of approval.  This approval includes age appropriate ratings, a sign that Preferred understands families with different aged children have vastly different needs.

Hotels that receive the Preferred Family Certified seal of approval have a dedicated page outlining all the corresponding family-focused amenities and services.

Examples of Preferred Family Certified hotels:

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

This iconic spa hotel in Central California offers kids’ camps for ages 3-12 and a Teen Club for ages 13-17. Lindsey just stayed here with her own extended family and raved about their in-room amenities and creative treats for kids. See their Preferred Family Certification page for full details.

Montage Deer Valley

The Montage Laguna Beach (Ciao Bambino Approved) is one of my favorite luxury family hotels with a truly exceptional kids’ club; I was not surprised to learn that the Montage Deer Valley won the Best Family Program award in 2011 from Virtuoso.

The Montage Deer Valley has a bowling alley, game room, and the full Paintbox kids’ club. See their Preferred Family Certification page for full details.

I was honest with Lindsey in our meeting and said I never would have thought of using the Preferred website as a resource for family vacation planning in the past. Hello new, reliable resource for parents!

Photos courtesy of Preferred Hotel Group

Relevant Links:

Luxury family travel trends

Top family-friendly hotel chains (US edition)

Finding the best Europe family hotels

Finding family-friendly boutique hotels

How to choose the right ranch vacation

Things to consider before booking mega-resorts

Evaluating all-inclusive beach resorts

Finding family-friendly ski resorts

This is the second post in a series of sponsored articles from Tauck Bridges, the family-focused brand of Tauck, an award-winning global tour operator.

As a parent and a travel professional, I am always interested in getting the best family vacation value for my travel dollars. Cost is important, but a unique and memorable experience that brings the whole family together can be priceless. That’s why many families put their trust in Tauck Bridges, a family travel company that delivers extraordinary experiences at an extraordinary value.

Tauck Bridges is part of the Tauck brand of travel companies, a third-generation, family-owned business that’s been around since 1925. Tauck specializes in enriching, inclusive vacations, where virtually every travel expense – over 100 different cost components – is included on every trip in one up-front price, with no hidden fees or surprise add-on expenses.

That is an unusual marketing move in today’s economy where additional fees are often hidden and unexpectedly added to the final cost – and one that ensures priceless peace of mind for families traveling with Tauck.

Bell Family on a Tauck Bridges Grand Canyon Trip

Tauck Bridges is All About Families

Tauck Bridges is dedicated to family travel and offers 15 different vacations in North America, Europe, Latin America and Tanzania, designed explicitly for families looking to explore the world together in a meaningful, enriching way. Tauck Bridges trips are like no other tours you will find.

They craft itineraries that immerse family travelers in different cultures and in nature, sparking a passion for discovery and inspiring a sense of wonder in the world in which we live through exclusive experiences and insider access that only Tauck Bridges can deliver.

Access Incredible Experiences

While it is difficult to put a price on the intangible experiences you’ll have on a Tauck Bridges trip – in Italy, families will enjoy a guided excursion in the secret underground tunnels of St. Callistus in Rome with local experts, a pizza-making dinner with a chef and a lecture by an art historian in Florence, a mask-making demonstration with skilled artists in Venice, a special evening at a farm near Sorrento where you see how cheese is made, make your own Italian pizza and learn how to dance the Tarantella, sightseeing by a private convertible car in Capri – we can tell you that a Tauck Bridges family vacation costs about 40% less than it would cost if you were to do the same things while traveling on your own.

And, many of the exciting components on Tauck Bridges trips, like the after-hours, private visit to the Vatican Museums without crowds, are exclusive to Tauck and would be impossible to orchestrate on your own.

A quick pose at the Colosseum

Hassle Free Vacation

Furthermore, all Tauck Bridges trips include the dedicated services of a Tauck Director who manages all the day-to-day travel details of your family vacation. According to many families who have traveled with Tauck Bridges, the Tauck Directors are one of the best parts of their vacations.

Wonderful storytellers with interesting backgrounds as teachers, artists, actors, naturalists, historians, photographers and more, they are great fun to travel with – the kids love them and they love the kids – and they are experts at making every day of the vacation run smoothly and hassle free.

They’ll check families in and out of hotels, make sure all the luggage is brought from place to place, seamlessly orchestrate dining arrangements and sightseeing excursions, and handle all the necessary reservations, tipping, admission fees and transportation logistics with remarkable ease. They engage family travelers with their knowledge of the world’s most exciting places, share insider stories of the places they visit and entertain with cultural treats and spur-of-the-moment adventures and experiences that family travelers couldn’t have on their own.

No Research Required. Trips Include High Quality, Ideally Located Hotels at Discounted Rates

Tauck Bridges includes all accommodations in premier, ideally located hotels in every destination, many of which, including The Westin Excelsior, Rome, The St. Regis Florence and The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, are acclaimed among the best in Europe.

Because of their long-standing relationships with these hotels, Tauck Bridges is able to secure special rates at these hotels, which they pass along to their guests.

Must-See Sights and Activities Included in Family Itineraries

Guided sightseeing, on-tour transportation (boats, trains, cars, motor coaches, and more), admission fees and local experts are included in every destination, along with pre-reserved tickets and insider access to must-see sights like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum.

You won’t leave disappointed that you were not able to see what you wanted to because something is sold out – unless there are some totally unforeseen circumstances or emergency closures, Tauck Bridges makes sure you experience everything that’s featured in their itinerary.

What are Lagniappes?

There are many other items included for families on Tauck Bridges trips – including all gratuities – but some of them turn up as delightful surprises that the company calls “lagniappes.” It could be a refreshing gelato after a day of sightseeing, an impromptu picnic or a ‘chance’ meeting with a local resident who welcomes your family into their home; you’ll have to travel with Tauck Bridges to find out what their secret treats are!

What it all adds up to is an unforgettable family vacation that is enriched by laughter, energy, good times, great friendships and shared memories that truly last lifetimes. A vacation filled with frustrations, disappointments and unsatisfying experiences or one that is a lot of work to plan and execute is not a good value, no matter how inexpensive the price!

When you travel with Tauck Bridges, the true value is in knowing that you and your family will share the adventure of a lifetime together. You just can’t put a price on that!

If you are looking for a memorable gift that’s perfect for your entire family – think holidays, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, family reunions and more – check out the family vacations that Tauck Bridges offers at www.tauckbridges.com, read the testimonials from the families who have traveled with us and look at the real-life photos and videos of these amazing trips at http://tauck.us/video/Bridges. The smiles you’ll see speak volumes about the fun you can have with each other in some of the most exciting places in the world!

If you have any questions, please fee free to email me at sbell@tauck.com and I will be happy to help!

Sharon Bell, Brand Manager Tauck Bridges and mom of Griffin (16), Camryn (12) and Kayla (12). Photos courtesy of Sharon Bell

Relevant Links:

Introducing Tauck Bridges

I’m like most parents in the sense that it’s rare I get good stretches of quality one-on-one time with my girls. Could I do a better job of making it happen? Absolutely, but it seems as though something always gets in the way.

When I was invited to take my teen on the Chevrolet Volt Sunshine Road Trip, I cleared the calendar, no excuses.

Smallest US Post Office, Ochopee, FL

Chevrolet Volt Sunshine Road Trip

We spent four days in a car together. I know what you’re thinking, but I promise you I’m not crazy. From the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, through the Everglades to the southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West, at the end of our journey we were closer to Cuba than Miami.

At 13, I haven’t thought of my daughter as a “kid” for a long time. But teens get tired too and watching her lulled to sleep in a moving car reminded me of a few of those “time to sleep” drives when she was a baby.

Day 1

We were both tired the first day of our road trip. A flight across the country takes it out of you no matter how old you are. The Chevy folks anticipated that and booked our first night in Naples, a 40 minute or so drive from the airport.  The short drive left us with time to play and stretch our legs.

Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden

I didn’t think my daughter would go for anything other than time by the pool or on the beach, so I was happy when she said she wanted to go to Naples Botanical Garden.

The Garden has 170 acres of lush landscaping, gurgling water features and quiet wildlife viewing areas, but it also goes out of its way to interest and entertain the gardeners of tomorrow. Pack a swim suit, or at least a towel because the kids will most likely get wet playing in The Children’s Garden fountains.

There’s a tree house, fire tower, a screened butterfly habitat and numerous other charming gardens. The sun should dry your kids by the time you make it to the Rolling Hill. My daughter went up and down until she was dizzy. I was wiping pieces of grass off her back when she saw the water cans and working water pumps in the hidden garden.

She wandered around watering plants potted in everything from shoes to basketball hoops. We had fun in the more adult areas of the gardens too, spending a few hours wandering before she let me know she had had enough.

Rest Break

After dinner my daughter and I collapsed into bed and got a much needed good night’s sleep while our electric car charged in the hotel garage below. Day 1 of driving comfortably complete, all miles logged without the use of any gas. I’m not a techie, but pretty cool concept when you give it some thought.

Underwater playground at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Day 2

The alarm went off at 7am, but my teenage daughter didn’t struggle much getting out of bed. Instead of getting up to go to school, she was headed to an underwater playground in the Florida Keys with some interesting scenery waiting along the way.

The drive out of Naples toward the Everglades is fairly uneventful. My daughter spent most of the time playing with the many gizmos and gadgets on the Chevrolet Volt.

I introduced her to more 80’s music thanks to the SiriusXM radio and we watched the illuminated battery icon on the dashboard, curious if we would feel a difference when the car switched over from electric power to gas. We didn’t.

The Everglades

It takes about 40 minutes or so to leave civilization and enter the Big Cypress National Preserve. I figured we’d blow through the Everglades as fast as possible. The thought of the big swamp just didn’t do much for us. Surprise, surprise, we wound up be thoroughly impressed.

Along with the expected alligators, herons and other critters, there were unexpected hidden gems like the smallest Post Office in the United States in Ochopee. The door slides open sideways, exposing the counter. You in essence do business in the parking lot, because there isn’t room to step in.

It was almost lunch, and our stomachs told us to take Highway 29 to Everglades City. I’m glad we were hungry. Home to a stone crab fleet, there’s plenty to see along the water.

Keep heading on the main road and you’ll wind up on Chokoloskee Island (try and say that three times fast), home to the Havana Café. Ask owner Carlos what he recommends and you can’t go wrong. I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich and my daughter who doesn’t like fish, inhaled my mahi-mahi tacos.

We had a couple of good hours before the Keys were in sight. My daughter got some homework out of the way, mastered the SiriusXM radio and OnStar before stretching out and taking a nap. A family of four would fit pretty comfortably in the Volt, so with just my daughter and I there was nothing stopping us from spreading out.

Snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

I enjoyed the quiet and admittedly sometimes above the posted speed limit ride to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If your kids are young take a glass bottom boat tour. My teen’s a strong swimmer so I didn’t hesitate to take a her on a snorkeling tour. Dozens of barracudas and a moon jelly the size of a large dinner plate were the highlights of the first undersea park in the United States.

Historic Cheeca Lodge

Family-Friendly Cheeca Lodge & Spa

When we finally rolled into Cheeca Lodge & Spa it was dark. We were wet and tired, though not cold because I will admit to turning on the Volt’s heated seats. Yes, the heated seats were much appreciated even in the Florida Keys. From the moment we pulled in, the staff was attentive to our every need.

Our bags arrived to our room in record time and the bellboy went above and beyond taking time to hang my daughter’s sweatshirt in the closet. (He found it rolled up in the backseat of the Volt, by the way).

When the maid arrived for turndown service she had chocolate for my daughter and saw to it that my favorite tea was promptly delivered to the room.

Dinner at the kid-friendly hotel restaurant was a delicious hit. As tasty as our meals were, the highlight for my daughter might have been the sugar seahorses the waitress brought with the hot tea and dessert.

Dolphin swim at Theater of the Sea

Day 3

With the Chevy Volt fully charged and ready to go, I was excited to head to Key West, but had a list of things to do in Islamorada.

After some playtime at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, my daughter and I got up close and personal with a pair of dolphins named Stormy and Duffy at Theater of the Sea, then set out to determine if tarpon could actually be cute. They were fun to feed off the dock at Robbie’s Marina, but cute is not the word that comes to mind. It was the pelicans who might qualify as cute.

We had about 80 miles to cover to get to Key West. Plenty of time for more algebra homework, but along this stretch there’s also more opportunities to stop whether it’s at an intriguing roadside beach or The Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

We knew we couldn’t make it all the way to Key West on a single charge, and focused on feeling when the Volt made the switch from electric to gas. Again, we missed the moment, but in theory I guess that’s how it’s supposed to be.

Sunset from Key West’s Mallory Square

We Have Arrived

Key West has a charm all its own. I would go back to Key West with my entire family. It’s a seaside cottage style town that plays the role of party destination resort when the sun drops down. Take a stroll and hunt for one of the islands seemingly thousands of roosters that roam the seaside roost.

We met many of them on our way to the Hemingway Home and Museum. But once you enter Hemingway’s gates, 44 six-toed cats make you forget all about the roosters.

The last night of our Chevrolet Road Trip, we watched the sunset from Mallory Square. I’m glad I cleared the calendar. I got a tech education while cruising the Florida Keys in the Chevy Volt with an electrifying teenager.

Chevrolet covered Dana and her daughter’s expenses during the Volt Sunshine Road Trip, but as always Dana’s thoughts and opinions are her own.

Photo credit: Dana Rebmann

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Florida family hotels

Animals in Florida from Gulf Coast to Key West

Disney World with tweens

Walt Disney World vacation tips, enjoying the park without rides

Walk Disney World tips for all ages

Southwest Florida activities for Kids

If you are mulling over a 2012 trip to Italy and are looking for ways to engage your kids in the experience, I highly recommend the Art al Sole day camp for international children (the program is in English).

Developed for ages 6-12 (Apprentices) and ages 13-17 (Masters), Art al Sole introduces children to a variety of art principles and practices within an array of glorious historical settings in the Italian countryside.

Director of Art al Sole with Devon

We participated in the Art in the Countryside program in Umbria with our 8-year-old son Devon last summer and adored the experience.

The set up is ideal for parents who want to get some downtime as classes run through the afternoon so there is time to enjoy short area excursions sans offspring. Meanwhile, kids from everywhere gather for exciting daily adventures. Our program included sheep herding and glass blowing. Each day the children learn about a new medium and communicate what they are experiencing in Italy through art.

Hands-on sightseeing in Italy

Art al Sole is run by the longtime Ciao Bambino friend Shannon Venable who received her Masters Degree in Medieval and Renaissance History. The beauty is that Shannon has young kids of her who join the program and subsequently help Shannon refine the activities to make them as fun as possible for kids of all ages.

Each session is a week long during the summer and is held in Lake Maggiore, Umbria, and Tuscany. We joined the program for a week but there were several families who were signed up for 2-3 consecutive weeks as the curriculum is different in each location.

Art al Sole Umbria venue, Fontanelle at Colle San Paolo

The Umbria week is held at the Ciao Bambino Approved Colle San Paolo outside of Perugia. This family-owned historic estate is centrally located for day trips into Northern Umbria and Southern Tuscany.

One of our favorite aspects of the program was the end of the day when families gather by the pool for afternoon lounging and swimming. There’s an instant sense of community between all of the participating families — by the end of the week, we were sharing meals and trading phone numbers.

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Sometimes I wonder how my family fits it all in.  Life with a teen and tween is busier than I ever imagined which makes me appreciate our time together traveling even more.

It’s time to explore new places and relax, instead of finishing homework and racing off to swim practice.  We’ve been incredibly fortunate to visit some fabulous places this year. And along with great destinations came equally impressive family-friendly hotels and resorts.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Narrowing down the best of the bunch wasn’t easy, but if you can find the time, I’ve got five you should fit into your family’s 2012 travel schedule.  You won’t be disappointed!

And, by the way, I’m listing them in order of my family’s stay, not in order of preference.

Incredible jungle lodge setting in Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero

Complete with a 24 hour chocolate milk bar, Laguna Lodge was our home away from home during our family vacation in the Jungle of Costa Rica. Tortuguero, Costa Rica, population 1200, is in the middle of nowhere.  It has a small airport, but most visitors opt for the two hour boat ride.

Laguna Lodge offers clean, comfortable, rustic rooms in an incredible jungle setting. My girls don’t especially enjoy sleeping together when we travel, so the fact our room had three beds, a queen and two twins, meant a better night’s sleep for all!

If the crocodiles, sloths, birds and monkeys don’t keep you busy, Laguna Lodge will. Kids of all ages can run on the soccer field or volleyball court, or head straight to the family pool. Adults looking for peace and quiet can stake out a spot at the adult only pool.

Family horseback riding on the beach in Costa Rica

JW Marriott, Guanacaste

Our stay in Guanacaste was perfect end to a 10 day Costa Rica adventure. Designed to be the actual “vacation” part of the trip, it was just what the family needed.  The JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is an immense property where you can do just about anything.

My recommendations; take the family horseback riding on the beach, zipling or hunt for a turtle nest in the tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary. The kids swam miles in the resort’s infinity pool.  It’s the largest in Central America.

With them so well entertained, I took a two-hour walk on the beach … and after leaving the resort boundaries never saw another soul. It was just me and all the shells I could carry. Pure bliss!

Sand castle building school at the Hyatt Huntington Beach

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

You can’t not have fun at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. It’s impossible. If the scenic stretch of the Pacific Ocean just out the back door wasn’t enough, Slyders water playground will make your kids think you’re a star for finding the perfect vacation spot.

The water playground has three mellow but fun water slides, an enormous 25-person hot tub, a wading pool for little ones, and a large family pool. The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach poolside café has great kid-friendly options, if you can get the kids out of the water.

Surf lessons, Dig It! sand castle building school and kite flying lessons will easily fill the rest of your day.  When the sun goes down, try keeping everyone awake for s’mores and a dive-in movie.

Family-friendly Stanley Park in Vancouver

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Every now and then I get to sneak away without the kids.  On a trip to Vancouver with a college friend I fell in love with the Fairmont Pacific Rim.  Less than a couple years old, it’s a newcomer making its mark on the Vancouver hotel scene.

Designed with five star standards and amenities, it’s sophisticated and comfortable at the same time. With stunning harbor and mountain views from just about every angle, the location can’t be beat.

In the heart of the Vancouver, a quick walk will take you to popular Vancouver attractions like Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium and the Gastown area. The fact that I didn’t have the family with me is my excuse to go back sooner as opposed to later.

Bee keeping Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch

Want to do something unique with your kids? How about a visit to a 500 acre playground?  Carmel Valley Ranch loves kids and kids at heart. Their “playlist” of activities includes suiting up and learning the ins and outs of bee keeping, distilling lavender, and hiking with the deer and wild turkeys who are lucky enough to call Carmel Valley Ranch home.

The River Ranch Complex has a small playground, Junior Olympic Pool, an oversized hot tub, soaking fountains, bocce ball, basketball and tennis courts. Whew!

Whatever you do, don’t leave without swinging on one of the resort’s iconic tree swings. When’s the last time you were on a swing? Too long I bet.

So many choices to little time. Get out the family calendar and make reservations. Don’t let homework, school fundraisers and track meets steal all your weekends.

Photos courtesy of Dana Rebmann

It never occurred to Jody Halsted and her husband not to travel with their children.  Frequent travelers since the age of 3 months both girls are seasoned travelers with stamps in their passports and airline miles to their names.   Jody shares her family’s travel adventures at Family Rambling and Ireland with Kids.

Omni Mandalay in Los Colinas Kid’s Fantasy Suite

It’s a shame Omni Hotels aren’t in every city in the US as the staff are always courteous, the rooms are consistently lovely and the level of kid-friendliness has my girls anticipating every visit.

During a recent trip to the Dallas area we were privileged to stay in the Kid’s Fantasy Suite at the Omni Mandalay at Los Colinas.  This 2 room suite on the 23^rd floor can be described only as incredible.

Omni Mandalay in Las Colinas

While there is no kids’ club at this hotel you’ll find a few fun things on property and nearby to keep the kids busy.  A play area in the rear courtyard is a fun addition for young guests while the walking trail around Lake Louise, just behind the hotel, is terrific for a morning jog or an evening stroll.  Your kids can also “check out” an activity case from the front desk.

Omni milk and cookies delivery

Fantasy Kid’s Suite

It’s unlikely, however, that you children will need the extra activities if you check into the Kid’s Suite.

The suite itself consists of two large rooms connected by an inner door.  The kids room is huge and features its own bathroom, with special green frog towels, a large desk with reams of paper for artistic works, a comfy couch and chair perfectly placed for cozy chats or watching movies on the flat screen TV.  But the most popular feature of this room, for my girls,  was the pair of twin beds covered with stuffed animals waiting to be cuddled.

Each evening brings a delivery of milk and cookies, perfect for ending the day on a sweet note.

King Suite

Just through the connecting door is the parent’s oasis, the King Suite.  With a plush sitting room, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake, work desk and comfy king bed, it’s easy to forget the kids are just next door.

The bathroom is large and gleaming with a spacious vanity, bathtub and walk in shower.

While adults don’t get milk and cookies in the evening, they can receive complimentary beverages in the morning, as well as free wifi, by simply joining the Omni Select Guest program.

The Omni Mandalay in  Las Colinas is centrally located to both Dallas and Fort Worth making it easy to enjoy an afternoon at the Fort Worth Stockyards — a must see when you’re in the area!

Photo Credit Jody Halstead of Family Rambling. Jody received discounted accommodations at Omni Mandalay. Her opinions are her own and she was not asked to express any particular point of view.

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You could easily pass the Surf & Sand Resort as you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach and think it was just another nicely renovated hotel.  And when you step inside you might think it’s a hip hotel, perfect for that girls’ night out or romantic weekend. And it is.

So what about the kids?

When you step inside with kids you receive the same great service as everyone else and knowledgeable concierges who know exactly what families need.  The Surf & Sand Resort exudes what Laguna Beach is all about — understated and classy, yet a place where flip flops are always welcome. It’s a casual hotel that takes vacation seriously.

Beachfront in Southern California

Location, Location, Location

Surf & Sand Resort is literally on the beach, any closer and you could dive off your balcony into the ocean. It’s a 15-minute walk (a little longer if you take the beach) past restaurants and shops into downtown Laguna Beach, where you’ll find more shops, restaurants, and galleries. There’s also Main Beach, the downtown hub and a great family hangout with a playground and tidepools.

When you need a break from the beach, one of the best playgrounds in the area, Bluebird Canyon Park, is a five minute stroll from the hotel. The rocket tower will have the kids scrambling to get in. During summer, the free city trolley stops in front of the hotel and can take you to South Laguna, downtown or to the Festival of the Arts.

The location couldn’t be any better if you want to explore Laguna Beach.

Oceanfront rooms hang over the sand

Rooms Impossibly Close to the Ocean

All but three rooms have ocean views. The oceanfront rooms are so close to the water’s edge that the sea air permeates the room and you almost feel like you’re on a boat but minus the rocking waves.  The view from the balcony is of the jagged Laguna Beach coastline and you’ll commonly see shore birds and dolphins. If you’re lucky and visiting at the right time you may see a whale.

Top-Notch Service

The staff goes out of their way to make your stay memorable and they anticipate what you need before you ask for it.  We experienced this level of service throughout the hotel from the turn down service to the restaurant to the valets.

We ate in Splashes restaurant, an upscale venue where locals go for special occasions.  It has one of the best views in Laguna. We ate indoors and it felt a bit quiet with kids; however, if the weather had been warmer, we would have eaten outside with the gorgeous view of the ocean. During summer you’ll find more families here.

While this may be an upscale restaurant, no one blinked an eye when three teenage girls scampered through the dining room on their way back from the pool.  This casual vibe is found in all areas of the hotel.

En suite camping

Highlights for Kids

My 8-year old screamed “there’s a heater under the bed!” when we walked into the room.  Much to his chagrin I told him it was just lighting under the bed and that he would not be sleeping in a heated bed.

He was especially amused by the earplugs provided for guests who find the crashing waves too loud for sleeping, as well as the little note in the room letting guests know that if the feathered friends leave a special present on your balcony, you can call the front desk to let them know. We were on seagull watch all day.

However, the biggest hit by far, was the tent that was set up between the beds.  It had Cars and Barbie sleeping bags inside it and a little bag of s’mores for each child.  This provided endless amusement and for parents, there’s a hole in the back so you can see what’s going on inside even when the front is closed.

My 6-year old thought it was “kind of cool that they setted up that tent” and she slept in it that night. The sleeping bags were perfect to curl up on the balcony lounge chairs.  My daughter liked the tent so much she had another guest at the pool convinced that he should ask for it next time he brought his family.

The most obvious highlight for kids is the beach.  It’s just so easy to go down for awhile yet have your room and the restaurant right there if you need anything. I’d also recommend a beach walk to downtown Laguna Beach. You’ll have an adventure scampering over rocks and climbing up the beach access stairs when the tide is too high and then back down again —  it’s a fun way to get to dinner!

Kids’ kayaking expedition with La Vida Laguna

Close to Wildlife

While there is no kids club here, during summer months there are kids’ activities at the pool and the concierge can arrange anything and everything.  We tried a 2-hour kayaking expedition with La Vida Laguna through the Laguna Beach kelp beds and around seal rock. Our guide, John, gave us kayaking instructions before going out that we mostly forgot once in the water but it did make the kids more comfortable.

We saw a lot of wild life including sea lions frolicking and barking near us, ocean birds and garibaldi, the state fish. On other days you may see dolphins and different varieties of fish.  John was knowledgeable about the area and taught us how to “shoot” the kelp bulbs at each other — which takes some practice.

My 8-year old thought this was fun and told his friends all about it at school.  This is a great way to see the local wildlife and get some exercise in the process.

If You Go: We loved the hotel picnic lunches packed in sand buckets.  The food is outstanding and it is a fun way to eat lunch.  The chocolate chip cookies are to-die-for (you can find them in the café too).

A big thank you to the OCeanfront for setting up this experience.  Be sure and head to their website for information on Orange County’s 42 miles of beautiful coastline.

Photo Credit: Kristi Marcelle

Kristi and her family received a one-night complimentary stay at Surf & Sand Resort. She was not asked to express any particular opinion about her stay.

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