Top Family Vacations: Where Should You Go?

When it is time for family fun vacations, it can be hard to decide where to go. If you want to narrow it down, consider that two of the top family vacations people choose are the mountains or theme parks. For those of us in the Southeast, that often means a choice between an Orlando vacation and the Great Smoky Mountains, both of which have some pretty terrific features.

Orlando

Calypso Cay Resort

Orlando is right in the middle of Florida, within easy driving distance of both coasts. This makes it a wonderful spot to vacation, because it gives visitors the option of leaving Orlando to experience some of the other interesting places in Florida. Places near Orlando include St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, Tampa, home to Busch Gardens, Cape Canaveral and the Canaveral National Seashore, and much more.

On the other hand, once you are in Orlando, you may never want to leave! Whether you want to spend time in the thriving downtown area, perhaps riding the swan boats on Lake Eola, take a boat tour through Winter Park’s chain of lakes, or just stick to the Kissimmee area and all the theme parks, you will surely never be bored. Theme parks in Orlando include:

  • Walt Disney World, including The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Animal Kingdom
  • SeaWorld
  • Wet and Wild
  • Gatorland
  • Universal  Orlando Resort including Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

The Great Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountains

 

Of all the National Parks in America, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited. This is because its natural beauty is breathtaking, its flora and fauna are diverse, and the Appalachian culture it helps to preserve is fascinating. Very near to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it offers visitors such activities as:

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking trails
  • Auto trails
  • The opportunity for shop for treasures, in the nation’s largest arts and crafts community

No matter what your vacation preference, you can find help planning your trip from Best Vacations Ever. With expert advice and know-how on the best ways to spend your travel time, they can help you to plan the vacation of your dreams. Check them out online, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter, to learn more.


 

Best U.S. Vacation Spots – Smoky Mountains

If you’re trying to plan a family getaway but you’re stuck in a rut, try booking with an online travel portal, like Best Vacations Ever. Here, you’ll discover how easy and affordable it is to create an amazing adventure in the great Smoky Mountains, year-round.

The Smoky Mountains are America’s most visited national park and are world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Appalachian  mountain culture.

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Must-Pack Items for a Family Fun Vacation

Family fun vacations are as varied as the families who enjoy them. Your family may be a beachy bunch, or they may prefer the natural splendor of the mountains, or the rugged beauty of the desert. One thing that every vacation has in common, though, is that packing the right items is very important. Here are some must-pack items, no matter where you are headed:

  • A good camera. Do not miss a moment of the fun! Make sure you have a record that will be enjoyed for years to come.
  • Effective sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, but protecting your family from UV rays is crucial. Do your research ahead of time, and bring the correct sunblock.
  • Sunglasses and hats. Another important way to block harmful sun exposure is by using glasses and hats. Whether you are in the car, on the trail, at the pool, on the beach, or at a baseball game, remember to protect your skin and eyes.
  • Extra swimsuits. Chances are, no matter where you are headed, you will be spending some time in the water. Few things are more uncomfortable than squishing back into a cold, wet swimsuit, so make sure to bring an extra suit for each member of the family.
  • Good reads. Whether old or young, everyone in your group should have some quality books to devour during downtime.
  • Maps and travel guides. You cannot arrive if you do not know where you are going! Be sure to research your location ahead of time, and bring along some helpful guides.
  • Hand sanitizer. This is the parents’ best friend. Whether you prefer wipes or gel, make sure you have some tucked in a few places, so that you never end up with a germ situation that you cannot handle.
  • An extra bag. Most people find that the contents of the suitcase seem to expand during vacation. Make sure you have an extra bag, so that you can get it all home.
  • Needed medicines. In addition to any prescriptions, make sure you have pain and allergy medication.  Vacations can be unpredictable, and you never know when someone is going to fall, get stung, or have some other minor crisis.
  • Comfortable clothes.  It is imperative to have clothes in which to go out to dinner, or meet someone important. However, the clothes for traveling should be as soft and cozy as pajamas. In fact, for small children, pjs are the perfect travel wear!
  • Entertainment. For some families, this may mean a portable DVD player. For others, travel-sized board games. Whatever it means to your family, smart parents know that even top family vacations can sometimes be sullied by children whining about boredom. Plan ahead, and you will have a ready answer.

Vacation is the perfect time to bond with your family and take a break from your everyday surroundings. No matter where you choose to travel, it is important for people to have time to relax and recharge their batteries. Be sure to plan your packing lists carefully, so that you have less to worry about while you are away.

Family Resort Vacations: Everything in One Place

Some of the top family vacations these days are enjoyed at all-inclusive resorts. When it comes to family fun vacations, this option is often overlooked. For those who have not considered it, here are some reasons a family resort vacation may be right for you:

  • Everything in one place. Often, planning the daily itinerary for a family vacation can be very taxing. Where should you rent kayaks or bicycles? Where is the best beach? Where can you ride horseback? Resorts have a wide variety of activities, right at the resort. No need to run around town hunting down fun things to do—those fun things are right on the resort grounds.
  • Typically more cost-effective. Another benefit of resorts is that you know what you will pay for the vacation, ahead of time. Compared to what it costs to book activities and pay for meals on a typical vacation, all-inclusive resorts are a definite bargain.
  • Something for everyone. No matter the ages of your party, resorts offer fun for all. Because they are meant as a place to stay, not just to visit, you can find fun activities for kids, spa services for mom, maybe golfing for dad, and food to suit every diet. Because resorts plan fun activities and excursions for the little ones, parents can have their own kind of fun, knowing their kids are safe and busying playing.
  • A safe place. Particularly when traveling outside of the country, travelers may have concerns about their families’ safety. Even in the United States, a tourist may not be familiar enough with the city to know which areas are safe. Resorts offer security, and an opportunity to relax, knowing you and your family are safe.

Family resort vacations are a great way to reconnect with your loved ones. Taking your family to a resort allows you to enjoy the benefit of quality family time, without the hassle of planning your own activities. Why not give a resort a try? You can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing you and your family are in good hands.

Travel Tips: Packing for Your Family

When vacationing with your family, it is helpful to know some travel trips for packing before you begin. It is easy to pack too much or too little, and you do not want to show up at your vacation spot without some vital piece of gear or article of clothing.  Fortunately, there are some tried and true methods for assuring that your family fun vacations are not interrupted by trips to the store for forgotten gear, and your road trips are not bogged down with vacation clutter.

  • Make a list. In a quiet moment, take some time to think through what each family member will need. Then make a list for each person to use during packing. When the packing is complete, be sure to pack the lists, as well. That way, when you pack up to leave your vacation spot, you will be sure not to leave anything behind.
  • Pack a “permanent” toiletries bag. Keeping a bag packed with travel sized shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and so on can save time when you vacation. When it is time to pack your suitcase, you will not have to decide what toiletries to bring- just grab your toiletries bag and go!
  • Use plastic bags. Plastic zipper bags can be a benefit while packing, both in protecting clothes from anything that might leak, and in organization. For children, it can be helpful to pack gallon zipper bags with one outfit per bag: top, bottoms, underwear and socks. That makes it easy for children (or adults who may not be the adults who normally dress them) to grab an outfit in the morning without making a mess of the suitcase.
  • Remember the important things. When traveling with small children, never forget to bring a comfort item. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a little one wailing for a forgotten teddy or blanket.
  • Err on the side of packing light. Chances are there is a store where you are going. Do not pack as if you are headed for a deserted island, only to end up lugging heavy baggage that contains items you could have picked up once you arrived.
  • Pack your itinerary. Especially if you are traveling by air, pack a copy of your itinerary, complete with your address and contact number, in every person’s suitcase. That way, if your luggage is misdirected, it will be more likely to reach you.

Traveling with your family can be a great experience, and is a great way to bond with your loved ones. Using some simple travel tips for packing can be very helpful in making sure the trip goes off without a hitch, and everyone has a good time. For more help planning family fun vacations, visit BestVacationsEver.com, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.  Have a great trip!

Sun Safety Tips for Family Fun Vacations

Few activities can beat summer fun in the Florida sun.  However, overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can be dangerous to your health.  Too much UVA and UVB ray exposure leads to painfully pealing sunburns in the short-term along with wrinkles, age spots, and even possibly cancer in the long-term.  Here are some easy sun safety tips to implement during family fun vacations in Florida.

Wear Sunscreen

While you may be tempted to forego the sunscreen and come home with tropically dark skin, the long-term effects simply aren’t worth it.  Protect yourself and every member of your family with a healthy coating of 30 SPF or higher sun screen.  Every hour or two, reapply you and your children’s sunscreen, especially when swimming is involved.

Take an Umbrella to the Beach

Not only will you feel cooler in the shade of the umbrella, but you will also be protected from the harsh rays of the sun.  Spread out a beach towel and a good book, and watch the kids have fun playing their games on the beach—while wearing sunscreen, of course.

Rest in the Shade

When you are enjoying other activities aside from the beach, be sure to take breaks in the shade to cool off and prevent sun damage to your skin.  You should still be wearing sunscreen, but breaks in the shade will help you cool off as well as keeping you out of the sun.

Wear Sunglasses, a Hat, and Lip Balm

Your eyes can be damaged by the sun’s rays, so wearing sunglasses that offer 99%-100% UV ray protection is a great way to keep your eyesight protected despite long hours outside.  A hat will protect your scalp and much of the sensitive skin on your face from becoming overexposed to the sun.  Sunburned lips are no fun, so carry lip balm in your pocket that has at least 15 SPF.

Be sure you utilize all these tips for yourself and your children, since young skin requires extra protection from the sun.  After all, a blistering sunburn or two before the age of 18 has a dramatic impact on the child’s chances of developing skin cancer later in life.  These simple tips will ensure you and your family’s safety as you spend time at one of the best timeshares in Florida this year as a family.

 

Sources: http://www.weather.com/activities/health/skin/sunsafety/tips.html

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/sun-safety-tips

Inexpensive Family Vacations – Tips for Saving Money during Your Vacation

Everybody needs to get away, but the financial stress of vacationing can sometimes ruin the relaxation you were hoping for.  Here are some tips to have fun family vacations on a budget so you don’t regret your time away when you get back.

Limit Eating Out

It’s easy to justify eating out for every meal when you’re on vacation, but the bills will add up quickly and your nutrition may suffer.  Choose how many times you’ll eat out, such as once a day, and hit the local super market for the other meals.  Buy fresh fruit and veggies to keep yourself energized with quality calories and save money at the same time.  This tip for inexpensive family vacations is easiest to accomplish if you have a kitchen in your hotel room.

Don’t Go Overboard with Souvenirs

Decide how worthwhile certain trinkets are and whether they will really be put to good use when you get home.  Many knick-knacks will catch your eye on vacation, but you must limit the gifts you buy for friends and family at home as well souvenirs for yourself if you want to save money on vacation.

Fly Midweek

Tuesday through Thursday are the cheapest days to fly.  You can save a bundle on travel expenses by planning your flights well in advance for the middle of the week.

Buy Vacation Packages

There’s no reason to ever pay full price for your flights and hotel room if you plan ahead.  There are travel packages for all kinds of destinations that allow you to save hundreds on your plane tickets, accommodations, and even with restaurants that are affiliated with the hotel or airline.

Travel Light

Many airlines charge you a fee to check your bags.  You could end up paying hundreds of dollars to check your family’s luggage.  To save in this area, ask everyone in your family to pack as light as possible.  Remember, most hotels supply basic toiletries so you don’t have to bring these along.

Take a Trip during the Off-Season

By traveling in the spring or fall instead of the summer months, you can save big time on all kinds of vacation expenses.  If your children are homeschooled, or you’re willing to take them out of school for a few days, you can enjoy inexpensive family vacations during the off-season.

All of these tips will help you save money on your next family trip.  Traveling doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you know what it takes to accomplish fun family vacations on a budget.

Timeshares in Florida – Spotlight on Calypso Cay

Calypso Cay Resort

Timeshares in Florida are a popular choice for travelers seeking a more affordable retreat than buying a permanent, exclusive vacation home.  For example, you should always tour the site you want to purchase your timeshare in before you make your final decision.  One of the best vacation spots in the US to purchase a timeshare in is Calypso Cay Resort.  Here are some of the location’s highlights that make it one of the best places to take a vacation:

Entertaining Attractions

Calypso Cay is near many adrenaline-pumping attractions and well-known amusement parks for the whole family to enjoy.  These include the ever-popular Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort and SeaWorld.  For more roller coasters than you can imagine, visit Busch Gardens.  Then, be sure to take the whole family to the Kennedy Space Center and Daytona International Speedway.

Great Family Activities

While the attractions mentioned above receive the most attention, there are other family activities to check out during your stay at Calypso Cay Resort.  A few examples include the Green Meadow Petting Farm, Mindy O Waterpark, Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course, The Disney Wilderness Preserve, and Horse World Riding Stables.

Golf

Since many vacationers choose their timeshare locations based on the number of golf courses there are to choose from, this pursuit gets its own category.  There are several courses available near Calypso Cay Resort.  Many are miniature golf courses for the whole family to enjoy, but courses like Falcon’s Fire, The Legends and Kissimmee Oaks are for the pleasure of golfers with experience.

Great Eating

All kinds of dining styles and price ranges are available near Calypso Cay Resort.  For the whole family, try a pizzeria, café or family restaurant.  As a couple, check out a local steakhouse, grill, or other fine dining option.  For you and the guys, explore the sport lounges, bar and fire grills, and British pubs.

Pools at Calypso Cay Resort

No matter what you have in mind to get out of your timeshare in Florida, and no matter who you are traveling with, you can enjoy excellent accommodations and great activities throughout every day of your vacation.  With so many things to do, you will benefit from a timeshare so you can return again and again to one of the best vacations spots in the US.

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