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Destinations

Traveling with Family This Summer? Here Are The Top Destinations

Traveling with family is a great way to get away, reconnect, and relax. But where should you go? With so many options, we’ve created a list of our top family-friendly destinations.

Family vacation fun always comes around during the summertime. Deciding where to go and what to do is just as fun. You could just all pile up in the car and head out on a road trip like years ago.

But, who really does that any more? With travel being so easily accessible to so many potential destinations your options are nearly unlimited.

To help you narrow down your list – hopefully – we’ve put together a list of the top family destinations for travel this summer. And, perhaps we’ve also thrown in a thing or two about the best way to get there. (And no, it is not by car).

Check out our favorites destinations to hit when traveling with family.

 

1. Orlando, Florida

What is the first thing you think of when you hear Orlando? If you have kids – or even if you don’t – it is likely that you first think of Disney. Or, maybe Harry Potter in Universal Studios. Then again, you could just be excited due to the close proximity to the beach.

Whatever your reason, if you are looking for some major fun when traveling with family, then Orlando may be your ticket.

You name it: you are going to find everything in Orlando:

  • Amusement parks
  • Water parks
  • Carnivals
  • Tourist attractions galore
  • Shopping
  • Dining
  • Dinner shows
  • The beach

The best part is that there is something for people of all ages here. And, that is a major bonus for any family vacation.

 

2. Big Sky, Montana 

Does your family prefer to take the road less traveled? Or, perhaps you are starting a new tradition. Whatever your reason, give Big Sky a try.

It is like a sleepaway summer camp for the entire family. With all the unlimited outdoor fun, such as hiking, canoeing, fly fishing, ATV riding, horseback riding, and so much more.

It is so close to Yellowstone National Park, too. If you want to unplug (or try to) and give your family the experience of nature this summer, then you won’t want to miss this state. It doesn’t matter where you go in Montana, you are likely to experience a summer vacation like you never have before.

 

3. Costa Rica

Ready to get lost in the rainforest, fly high above volcanoes, and take surf lessons? If your family is made up of adventurers, then you will surely not want to miss a trip to Costa Rica.

There are so many things to do in this Central American country. From exploring the wilderness and rainforests on guided hikes or climbing up to zip line down, you will be sure to expose the explorer of everyone in the family.

This great family destination boasts beautiful scenery such as:

  • Sea turtle excursions
  • Night hikes
  • Waterfalls

Of course, there are many wonderful places to dine on the local cuisine you’ll fall in love with – as well as many shopping areas, too.

Costa Rica is a tropical destination that is rich in the many experiences it has to offer. After all, where can you have a tropical beach paradise, volcanoes, rainforests, and a great meal?

 

4. Riviera Maya, Mexico

When traveling with family, tropical escapes are always wonderful places to be. And, visiting Riviera Maya gives you all the benefits of a tropical paradise – and then some.

  • You can go swimming and snorkeling
  • You can enjoy swimming with manatees and dolphins
  • You can even climb the ancient Mayan ruins

If you want to be subjected to some real beauty, you will want to take a day trip on the ferry over to Isla Mujeres. Not only can you spend time exploring the island, but you can find some inner peace by visiting Punta Sur.

Or, if you just want to soak up the sun and blue skies after a long, cold winter – you can simply sit on the sand and listen to the waves. Your family can unwind while enjoying all that Riviera Maya has to offer.

 

5. Washington, D.C.

No matter what end of the spectrum you fall on when it comes to politics, visiting the capital is something everyone should do at one point in their lives. So, why not visit D.C. when traveling with family?

It even turns into a learning experience for the kids – keeping their mind going and their education going over the summer.

While visiting D.C., you will want to plan ahead to see all the monuments, memorials, and governmental buildings – including the:

But that is not all. You can check out the National Air and Space Museum, plan a visit to the brand new International Spy Museum, take in a Nationals baseball game, go shopping at the National Mall, and so much more.

 

How to Get There

You have a choice of travel when it comes to many family-friendly summer vacation destinations. But, there is only one that can get your family from one point to another in a smooth, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere – a private jet.

Now, before you push the thought aside that it is out of your reach, think again. Private jets are more affordable now than ever. And, when booking air travel for the entire family, you may find that a charter is a much simpler option.

 

Benefits of Flying Private (with Family)

When you decide to charter a private jet for your family vacation, you are choosing to keep your family together from the moment your vacation starts. If you were wondering if that is the only benefit, know that it is not. There are many others to enjoy, such as:

  • The ability to stay together as a family – and not be separated while in flight.
  • Take advantage of the in-flight connectivity and watch movies or stream shows with your loved ones.
  • Play games, talk and spend time together – privately.

The ease and freedom of travel without having to deal with the extra wait time, security lines, canceled or delayed flights, layovers, and more.

Remember, all the time you waste waiting for your flight is the time that you could be spending with your family enjoying the vacation.

Traveling with family is now easier than ever!

Categories
Travel Tips

How To Make Business Travel A Getaway

The life of a business traveler can be exhausting. Days and weeks away from home, family, and friends combined with the tiring realities of travel can leave you feeling drained. One idea to make this lifestyle easier is to combine work and pleasure. It can be a simple matter to extend that business trip to allow for sightseeing and vacation time.

There are a few simple things to keep in mind when adding a few extra days of holiday onto a business trip. Although not every city might seem ripe for personal exploration, you may be surprised to find that nearly every town has something to see, whether it be a small, local museum, a gorgeous covered bridge, or a unique gastronomic treat. Next time you have a work trip coming up, perhaps it’s time to consider extending your trip to add on some fun.

Check with Your Employer

The first point should be obvious make sure extending your business trip works out for your employer and vacation time. If short on time, many employers will even make exceptions to allow for a day or two unpaid.  It is important to keep in mind any tax issues that could arise. The IRS has plenty of rules and regulations, of course, for what qualifies as a business expense, so caution is the word of the day.

The Best in Business Class

One perk for many business class travelers is the ability to fly business class. When extending that business trip for a day or two of holiday, one consideration is the flight to or from your destination with your travel companion. For that very special occasion, maybe the entire family can fly business class, or even splurge on something as special as a private charter jet!

Stay at Your Business Hotel or Change Locations?

Business hotels have a lot going for them. They are generally well-located, offer many amenities, and come with the name of a big chain hotel. In some cities, such as New Orleans, such a hotel may work out perfectly for extending your trip. The New Orleans convention center and the hotels surrounding it happen to be located within walking distance to the French Quarter, street musicians, and gourmet food the city is known for, and many offer views of the mighty Mississippi. However, in case your business trip is to a city such as Cedar Rapids, moving into a quaint bed and breakfast or independent hotel could make your stay a bit more memorable.

What to Do?

Luckily for the business traveler looking to add on a few days of holiday, many work trips happen in cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, Portland or Denver. There is no challenge in finding museums, parks, shopping, and dining options. Things may require a bit more research, however, if work brings you to a less cosmopolitan location. The major cities of the United States are undeniably fascinating, but the true charm and heart of the country lies in the small towns.

The South

Search out the best fried chicken or local gumbo, wander former plantations, and walk through civil war history, all with that famous southern hospitality.

The Northeast

Clam chowder, antiques, and the best fall foliage in the country, along with short travel distances make it is easy to visit several states in one day.

The Midwest

Traditional main streets, covered bridges, country fairs, rolling farmland, and a “down home” feel.

The Rockies and Southwest

Mountain scenery, former gold mines, New Mexico chilies, and dramatic landscape combine to take your breath away.

The Pacific

World class wine villages, dramatic coastlines, mountain lakes, and fantastic seafood.

Throughout the country, each month brings a variety of festivals, street fairs, and traditional local events that will be unlike anything you may find elsewhere. Search out local community boards, ask the locals, and check in with the local café or bar staff, who always seem to be in the know.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Perhaps the most essential tool in creating a magical vacation holiday attached to your business trip is to be willing to step outside your comfort zone. In a town which seemingly has nothing going on? Head to the local bar for open mic night or karaoke. Not your style? That doesn’t mean it can’t create a memory to last a lifetime. During harvest time in a small town, join the locals for wine stomping or participate in the pumpkin festival, complete with hayrides, cotton candy, and adorable kids running wild in jean overalls.  Each region of the country has their very own food specialties. A little nervous about deep fried pickles or geoduck? You will never know until you try it!

Make the Most of Your Time

Although you don’t want a couple of extra days for holiday to be overloaded, with just a day or two added on to a business trip it only makes sense to go in with a plan. Do some research, know your options, and have a general idea for trip. Combine entertainment and dinner with a trip to a dinner theater. In areas with no public transportation, perhaps figure in a car rental to get out into the countryside for a picnic. Often times, local tour companies can provide wonderful trips for local sightseeing to places you may have a hard time discovering on your own.

….Or Don’t

Perhaps what you really need is a holiday “in”. Perhaps you find yourself booked into a hotel featuring a pool, satellite TV, room service, and spa services. Sometimes, what the harried business traveler really needs is simply a day or two to decompress. Take this time to sleep in, to eat breakfast in bed, and partake in a massage or facial. Most of all, time to simply relax and enjoy some down time.

Regardless of where your work may take you, by extending for a day or two not only will you be able to take advantage of some time off, but you may also discover a tiny piece of magic where you least expected it.

Categories
Destinations

Top 10 Family Destinations for 2015

Journeys International has compiled their list of the top ten adventure destinations for families to visit in the coming year. If you and your family are looking for an exciting and fun-filled trip, these countries will provide unique experiences that you are all sure to enjoy.

• Costa Rica
• Peru
• Panama
• China
• Japan
• Thailand
• Tanzania
• South Africa
• Galapagos (Ecuador)
• Indonesia

Click here to read the full article for Luxury Travel Magazine.

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