Friday Fifty State Focus
Big Family Vacation to New Jersey
If you have a big family and are looking for your next vacation destination, consider New Jersey. No matter what your family loves to do, you’ll find something for all of your children here.
The first stop on your trip should definitely be Wildwoods, located in Cape May County. This area has won an impressive number of awards from a variety of different organizations. Time.com included it in its list of 50 authentic American experiences. AOL.com included it in a list of the ten most fun and affordable American beaches. TripAdvisor voted Wildwoods the fourth best water park in America. And Bloomberg listed Wildwoods as the 12th most fun and affordable city in the United States.
At Wildwoods, you can enjoy sand, surf, and sun at prices that will match your family’s budget. There are five miles of beautiful beaches, and they’re all free. Or for a change of pace, you can also walk the Wildwoods boardwalk, which has over two miles’ worth of shops, restaurants, and carnival-style games. On the boardwalk, you’ll find intense roller coasters, rides for young children, and everything in between.
If you happen to visit Fairfield, your kids will love Jumpnasium. Jumpnasium’s 13,000 square foot arena contains bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses, trampolines, and more. Some of the more intense and physically demanding attractions have height requirements. For example, the Slippery Rock Slide requires that children be 42” or taller. Some other rides require that children be at least 34” tall. But there are also a number of rides which have no height requirement at all. And Jumpnasium is affordable, too: during its Open Jump sessions, children cost $10.95, and adults are free.
And of course no family trip to New Jersey is complete without a visit to Six Flags. Located in Jackson, Great Adventure is the largest Six Flags park in the country. If you have thrill-seeking teens, they’ll love intense rides like Bizarro and Superman: Ultimate Flight. Your younger children will enjoy kid-themed rides like Bugaboo, Air Safari, and Bugs Bunny Barnstomper.
As if that weren’t enough, right next door is Six Flags Wild Safari, the biggest drive-through safari outside of Africa. Wild Safari’s 350 acres house over 1,000 animals, including lions, kangaroos, elephants, giraffes, and more.
Finally, you can cool down at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, also in Jackson. Stop by and enjoy their million-gallon wave pool, or try one of the park’s many water slides. Or if you’d rather, simply lay back and float along the “Taak It Eez Ee Creek.”
For more ideas for your big family trip to New Jersey, head over to VisitNJ.org.
February 10, 2012
Visiting Gatlinburg With Your Family
Visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers a mix of breathtaking mountainous scenery; a national park chock full of nature trails, waterfalls and wildlife; and even outlet shopping and attractions geared specifically for the youngest travelers in your crowd. When traveling with a larger group, there are far more interests to consider, so choosing a destination like Gatlinburg offers plenty of choices in entertainment and activities to fit anyone in your family.
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular attraction in Gatlinburg. Resident black bears, deer, views of rolling pastures and colorful sunsets provide an easy way for the nature lovers in your group to get their fix. Take a hike through the mountains, rent bicycles and have a picnic in the woods, or cool off in a swimming hole at the bottom of a natural waterfall—all mere minutes from lodging.
Gatlinburg Cabins
Staying in a Gatlinburg vacation rental allows you to stay close while enjoying the seclusion of a backwoods property with the comforts of home. Many Gatlinburg cabins offer multiple bedrooms, pull-out beds and cots to sleep seven, eight and even 10+ travelers. You’ll enjoy the comfort of an on-site kitchen so that you can enjoy a home-cooked breakfast or dinner around the fire. Many also offer amenities such as hot tubs, enclosed porches and Internet access if you prefer to be “connected” during your stay in nature’s backyard, ensuring that everyone in your group continues to feel at home.
Outdoor Sports
If your children meet the age requirements, consider a day of adventure on a whitewater rafting tour. To raft on the Class III or Class IV river rapids in Gatlinburg, you must be a minimum of eight years old or weigh at least 70 lbs. There are also several golf courses within and surrounding Gatlinburg that offer unique landscapes, as they are often built on the side of a hill overlooking the town below.
Consider taking a group tour on horseback, riding a zip line in the forest or even camping under the stars if the weather is agreeable. In winter months, your snow bunnies can enjoy a day on the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, the states’ only ski resort that also offers an indoor ice skating rink.
Tourist Attractions
Feel the need to visit a good, old-fashioned tourist attraction? Consider heading over to Ripley’s for a tour of the aquarium, fun zone and mirror maze before playing a round of miniature golf with the younger kids in your crowd. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is also located in Gatlinburg, where you can marvel at the odd and wonderful from around the world.
Several museums, craft fairs and local go-kart and bumper car parks surrounding two, different, outlet malls in town are sure to keep your little travelers busy while mom takes a tour of the local eight-mile loop of artisan shops, studios and galleries. The Sky Lift and Aerial Tramway also offer an exciting way to transport the kiddos from one side of the park to another.
About the Author
Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004, and currently manages content including travel ideas (http://www.homeaway.com/info/travelers/travel-ideas ) for HomeAway Inc. She also manages a household of three dogs, a cat, two chickens, and a brand new baby with her husband. She’s written for USA Today’s travel site, GirlsGetaway.com , Cheapo Air, Travels.com, Trails.com, eFilmCritic.com, The Budget Fashionista, Travellogged.com, and many more sites.
February 9, 2012
What’s Happening Wednesday
Facebook Giveaways
Do you like SixSuitcaseTravel on Facebook? You should!
We’ve just added a giveaway tab on our Facebook page. Hop on over to check it out! And check back often to see what’s new!
Join our big family travel community – join us on Facebook. See you there!
February 8, 2012
Tuesday Travel Tip
Two-Night Stay for Up to 10 in a One-, Two-, or Three-Bedroom Lakefront Condo. Combine Up to Six Nights.
From Stillwaters Lakefront Resort’s website:
Still Waters Condominium Resort is your “complete destination resort”. A cut above other Branson resorts, Still Waters has put it all together. Combining more accommodation choices, new Table Rock lakefront condos along with all the activities of Table Rock Lake just minutes from Silver Dollar City on Indian Point Road…. Making Still Waters your perfect vacation destination. Enjoy FREE kayaks, FREE paddle boats, FREE Innertubes, FREE kids fishing. Three outdoor pools and a free 50ft waterslide. Kiddie pools, hot tubs, five boat docks, a full service Marina, free in-room and on property WiFi, basketball & volleyball courts, a large covered pavilion for your group & more.
What You Get
Two-night stay for 4 in one-bedroom lakefront condo
- $129, valid Sunday–Thursday
- $169, valid on Friday and Saturday
Two-night stay for 8 in two-bedroom lakefront condo
- $149, valid Sunday–Thursday
- $199, valid on Friday and Saturday
Two-night stay for 10 in three-bedroom lakefront condo
- $229, valid Sunday–Thursday
- $269, valid on Friday and Saturday
Amenities
- Complimentary bikes
- Onsite pizza parlor
- Hiking trails
- Sand volleyball, horseshoes, and basketball
- Game room
- Playground
- Three seasonal outdoor pools
- Seasonal Island Oasis with waterfall, waterslides, and three hot tubs
- Seasonal complimentary paddleboats, kayaks, and fishing poles
- Seasonal boat and jet-ski rentals
Purchase by 2/14/2012, complete travel by 5/17/12.
February 7, 2012
I Wanna Go! Monday
Beaches Sandy Bay, Jamaica
Planning a big family vacation can be stressful. Coordinating all the activities, places to eat, and transportation can be a chore. Wouldn’t it be nice to get to your destination and then truly relax?
That’s what I thought when I came across Beaches Sandy Bay. This all inclusive resort in Jamaica is a great way for big families to relax and renew. Located on Negril’s famed Seven Mile Beach with 1000 feet of white sand beach, Beaches will please adults and kids alike.
Parents needn’t worry that the children will be bored, there’s plenty for them to do. The Kid’s Kamp offers many activities for the kiddos to do. The kids can also hang out at the two swimming pools, video game room, or check out the unlimited play Xbox 360 Game Garage. Nighttime activities include shows and live music, beach parties, Karaoke, theme nights, and BBQs
Parents will enjoy the all inclusive plan which includes all meals, anytime snacks, dining, brand drinks, airport transfers, childcare, all taxes and gratuities. Talk about a no-brainer. No stressing over where and what to do next…it’s all here!
However if you want to explore the area a bit, the hotel’s tour desk can help you arrange offsite excursions. Plus the resort also has a full exchange privileges at Beaches Negril, it’s like 2 vacations in one!
Rooms for big families have a queen + 2 singles + sofa sleeper and kitchenette.
Amenities include:
- All meals, unlimited snacks
- Unlimited premium drinks
- Supervised activities for kids
- Fine dining
- Scuba diving
- Watersports
- Land sports
- Golf in Jamaica
- Luxurious rooms and suites
- Taxes, tips and gratuities
- Airport transfers
- Xbox 360 ® Game Garage
- The Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street ®
Doesn’t that all sound fantastic? I know I Wanna Go!
February 6, 2012
Friday Fifty State Focus
Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean that big families can’t have fun there. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, you’ll find something that your whole family will enjoy.
Mohegan's Bluff on Block Island
There’s certainly plenty to do in Rhode Island in the summer. One popular destination is Block Island, a beautiful island which measures only three miles by seven miles and yet has seventeen miles of public beach. You and your family can enjoy water sports, hiking, biking, shopping, and much more.
Visitors can reach the island by private boat, by plane, or by ferry. Many people come to the island for day visits, but if you feel like staying for longer, there are plenty of hotels, inns and house rentals available.
Families who visit Providence between May and October can enjoy WaterFire, a unique work of art which lights a number of large bonfires just above the level of the water. Mature children will appreciate the eery beauty of the fires. Children who just like fire will enjoy it too.
If you visit in the winter, there’s still plenty to do in Rhode Island. Less than half an hour from Providence, Yawgoo Valley Ski Area and Sports Park gives families the chance to ski, tube, and just generally play in the snow. If you and your family are total beginners, there’s no need to worry. Ski lessons are available for children as young as 2 1/2 and as old as mom and dad.
Yawgoo can be a lot of fun in the summer too. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy water slides, a pool, and a wading area, meaning that there’s something for both young and old children to enjoy.
Another fun destination regardless of the time of year is Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. This 40-acre park is one of the oldest zoos in America, and it is home to over 160 different species of animals. Your children will be able to see kangaroos, emus, elephants, wildebeests, camels, snow leopards, red pandas, wolves, bats, anteaters, and much more.
If you feel adventurous, you and your family can even sleep overnight at the zoo. Children seven and older and their parents can take part in Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Family Overnights program, which gives children the chance to learn about nocturnal animals up close and personal. Your children are sure to learn and to make memories that will last for years.
Want to plan a trip to “The Ocean State”? For more vacation ideas, check out VisitRI.com. To find hotels that fit your big family in Rhode Island, check out SixSuitcaseTravel.com
February 3, 2012
Thursday Travel Thoughts
Jacksonville is one of northeast Florida’s most overlooked treasures
For animal lovers, nothing beats the Range of the Jaguar at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Explore inside a recreated South American village, and come eye-to-eye with native wildlife, or watch the rainforest through a two-story picture window while you eat at the Palm Plaza restaurant. If you prefer a quieter walk, there’s the historic downtown riverfront that winds past the city’s skyscrapers and riverboats. Taking a nighttime ride to the Friendship Park Fountain in one of the city’s famous water taxis is a perfect way to escape the crowd. It’s as illuminated as the skyscrapers, and is widely regarded as one of the most romantic locations in the city. The Landing is convenient to the entertainment district as well as many of Jacksonville’s 5-star restaurants.
Venturing outside of the city, you can’t miss the area’s famous beaches. Try exploring the Kathryn Abby Hanna Park with your big family. More than just beaches, it boasts dozens of activities, and is one of northeast Florida’s premiere surf spots. If you’re looking for a truly unique beachfront, head over to Mickler’s Landing one of the deepest beaches in the area, and one of the only locations where kids can scout for shark teeth. Its pink sand is strikingly different from other beaches, and contributes to its reputation for spectacular sunsets.
No matter where you go, Jacksonville will engage your family with its amazing sights, and will surely become your favorite destination.
February 2, 2012
What’s Happening Wednesday
Big Families can travel to Venice
Now you can easily find a hotel for your big family in Venice. You and the kiddos can start exploring the 117 small islands that make up Venice. You too, can traverse the 400 bridges or glide through the 150 canals by gondola or water bus. Head over to SixSuitcaseTravel to find your big family accommodations for a fantastic trip to Venice.
February 1, 2012
Tuesday Travel Tip
Are you planning a multi-city trip to Europe for your big family? Save some money by booking your flight to the cheaper city. Europe has a great rail system between cities at reasonable prices. Check out Rail Europe for more.
January 31, 2012
I Wanna Go! – But I’ll never be able to afford it
Aulani Disney Resort has priced out big families
Last year Disney opened it’s first resort in Hawaii. Located 20 miles west of Honolulu, the Aulani Disney Resort boasts:
- 359 Hotel Rooms, including 16 Suites
- 460 Disney Vacation Club Villas, including 21 Grand Villas
- 4 Restaurants and 2 Lounges
- Laniwai Spa and Fitness Center
- Aunty’s Beach House Kids’ Club -Designed for ages 3 to 12, a kids club where kids can explore Hawaiian culture, art and music through complimentary activities and Premium Experiences.
- Painted Sky Teen Spa – 1,500-square-foot retreat for Guests ages 13 to 17 has its own private entrance and features such amenities as a lounge,yogurt and elixir bar, computer stations, daily teen-only events, evening programs for teens, D.I.Y. mixology bar for perfumes, body polishes and face masks,and teen-specific massages, facials, manicures and pedicures—including spa services designed for young men.
- Waikolohe Valley Pools, Waterslides, 8,200-square-foot water-play area and More
- Beach frontage with activities and equipment rentals
With spectacular views and scenery, gorgeous beaches and a wonderful spa; this property screams Come! Relax and Renew!
Ah, but not for big families. You see if you are a family of 4 you can get a room for as low as $399. But if you have 3 kids, a room for 5 shoots up to $1420/nt for a king + queen and single pullman bed. Have 4 kids and a room with one king, one queen and a sofa sleeper at 1910 sq ft will cost you $2750/nt.
Yes you read that right. Two thousand, seven hundred, fifty dollars a night. No, it is not all inclusive. You will still have to pay for over priced meals.
I’ve read over the amenities of the room several times and nowhere does it say that they come in to bathe the kids and put them to bed! Which is something I would expect for a price like that.
So what went wrong here? Do families of 6 really need 1900+ square feet of room? What were they thinking when they planned this resort?
I guess big families could just settle for two $400 rooms, but it all still makes me want to say WTH?
Did I miss something? Tell me.
January 30, 2012
Previous page
