family travel Archives - Page 17 of 25

Migis Lodge in Maine

October 13, 2013 by Samantha 6 Comments

Migis Lodge is a great place to visit, and a wonderful place for families. In a quiet spot in central Maine, on the beautiful and serene Sebago lake, you and your family can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, sailing, or pretty much any other outdoor activity you can think up. Want to get away from it all, while still having all the comforts of home? Check out what Migis Lodge has to offer.

There are a variety of cabins available, depending on how many in your party. The cabin we stayed in had a pull out couch in the oversized living room as well as a large (very large) back bedroom with two beds. The living room was complete with all that one could desire in a comfy, woodsy cabin, including a working fireplace and kitchenette. With 35 cabins to choose from, all nestled in the heart of a lovely and aromatic pine forest, you and your family will have both seclusion and a sense of community here at Migis. (Think “Dirty Dancing”, but in real life. And without Patrick Swayze, LOL.)

Once you have dropped the kids off for evening activities and dinner, you can dress up and have some adult time. Cocktail hour starts your evening of relaxation off with a menu of wines and delicious cocktails. It is the perfect start to the evening. I highly suggest the specialty cocktails, one made from prosecco and fresh fruit was a fresh, light drink that went well with the accompanying assortment of cheeses and fruit available. After you have moved into the beautiful dining room that boasts huge windows that open up to a view of the trees and lake, you can begin to decide on what to choose for dinner.
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SafariHub – a New Way To Travel to East Africa

September 29, 2013 by Samantha 5 Comments

Have you heard of Safarihub, an exciting new London-based online travel agency that specialises in the East African region? My guess is that you have not- but if you love to travel, it’s one you should know about.

This exciting new company will offer clients an unusual range of activities including tailor made family safaris, breathtaking honeymoons, diving, mountain climbing, and beach getaways which can be perfectly tailored for couples, and solo travelers. To hear more about (and whet your appetite) to visit Tanzania, home to three of the seven natural wonders of the world and the largest natural game park, read on.

Meet Dilip Navapurkar, owner of SafariHub. Let’s talk travel! Can you tell me a bit about why you decided to start this touring company?

Dilip Navapurkar- Being born and brought up in Tanzania I came to value and appreciate the touristic features this country had to offer and had always wanted to be involved in the Safari industry. It was discouraging to see neighboring countries receiving a lot more tourists and publicity although they had less than a fifth of what Tanzania had. By studying in the UK and having have lived here for many years, I was able to look at Tanzania from the perspective of a tourist and by having the knowledge of both, I was able to establish an online system that would assist in bringing Tanzania to the forefront of the Safari industry. Having have met my fellow business partners with similar enthusiasm, we decided to make this a reality, and we are hoping that Safarihub will be one of the leading safari operators in Tanzania by 2015.

Samantha- How is this company different from other safari operators?

DN- Safarihub currently has the largest online database of safaris, hotels and lodges in Tanzania. What makes Safarihub unique is it’s main feature as a one stop shop for all enthusiasts wishing to visit Tanzania. We have included all of the popular activities under one roof from booking a safari and scuba diving excursion in Zanzibar to hot air ballooning over the Serengeti. We have agreements with the leading ground handlers in the country with the best safari vehicles and our prices are still the most competitive on the market.

S- That sounds like an easy booking experience. You are working with other directors- how did you come to work together?

DN- This was by sheer coincidence. During a conversation regarding a separate business deal, I mentioned the touristic marvels Tanzania had to offer and how poorly the country has been marketed. They spotted an opportunity in the Safari business. After a 10 day trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, they were hooked on the idea and the vast potential for tourists- upon return to London a business partnership was established.
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Filed Under: lifestyle Tagged With: African travel, family travel, family vacation, safari vacation, safari vacation with kids, SafariHub - a New Way To Travel to East Africa, travel in Tanzania, travel with kids to africa

Native American Dancers at Niagara Falls

September 27, 2013 by Samantha 2 Comments

These beautiful dancers preformed songs, played instruments, and sang songs native to their tribes as we sat enraptured. The Nations we had the joy to watch explored their love and connection with nature via music and movement. I have posted several videos on Vine and Instagram, I hope you follow along to see the performances for yourself, they are a rare treat.

Travel Adventures – Share Your Photos

September 17, 2013 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Have you guys seen the new United Sharing Adventure yet? I contributed to it, my photos represent the State of New Jersey. From the Land of Make Believe (geared for kids under twelve) to the teenage stomping grounds at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier & Boardwalk in Ocean City, to adult-sized entertainments at Jersey Shore’s dazzling casinos, award-winning restaurants and theaters – New Jersey has something fun for everyone.

Even visiting their historic sites is fun, with scenic ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or guided tours up Lucy the Elephant, a six-story structure standing since 1881 with spectacular views of Atlantic City’s skyline. Once a Hoboken neighborhood secret, when Carlo’s Bakery was dubbed “the Cake Boss” on a popular cooking show, visitors started lining up to score their delicious Grab & Go meals featuring Italian cannoli and lobster tails topped off with luscious gourmet cupcakes. The homemade ice creams at Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery in Bloomfield draws locals but Sopranos’ fans come for the onion rings.
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Filed Under: technology, travel Tagged With: family travel, HostelBookers.com, NJ, NJ photos, share photos, travel, Travel Adventures - Share Your Photos, Travel in NJ, trips to NJ, United Sharing Adventure, vacation in NJ

Where to Stay in Cape Cod/Provincetown

September 4, 2013 by Samantha 9 Comments

Thinking about running away? I suggest you do it. Why not, you only live once. If you are looking for a fun getaway with charm, good food, and something a little out of the ordinary- why not visit Massachusetts? There is so much to do there, and this time of year is perfect for a trip. Great weather, less crowds, and everything is still open.

We recently took a trip up North, and stayed at the very family friendly Harbor Hotel Provincetown, just a short walk from the center of town, famous food and attractions, and right across the street from the beach. This hotel has a restaurant right on site (a real one, not a dive that you get stuck eating at because it’s there) as well as a poolside cabana offering good eats, drinks, and desserts poolside. Don’t feel like leaving the pool? Don’t. It’s a real getaway, you make what you want of it. Explore, don’t explore, be a hotel-body and lounge about by the pool all day- it’s your trip. Do what you want! They even have a fire pit, which as you can see my family very much enjoyed.

Family Fun in Frankfurt, Germany

August 13, 2013 by Samantha 6 Comments

Frankfurt Zoo

Frankfurt Zoo is located in the middle of the Main area, and there you can visit with more than 4,500 animals in over 450 species. You and your children can also venture into a goat “petting zoo” area, where you kids can actually enter the pen and play with these gentle creatures who are very used to small children. (Note- please watch your kids carefully so that they are not poking the animals in some rough manner.) Open every day of the year from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (summer) or to 5:00 pm (winter), the ticket booth and animal house both close a half hour prior to closing.

These animals are housed by social species specific groups, as they would in the wild, with habitats painstakingly created to make them as close to their natural, wild homes as possible, and to keep the animals comfortable. There are several animal houses, where you can meander through and find related species. My son loved the Grzimek House (the largest nocturnal animal house in Europe and darkened to keep the animals happy) and the rare finds there such as the Aye-Aye’s, Coendus, Kiwis, and bushbabies.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, frankfurt germany, Frankfurt river cruise, Frankfurt zoo, More Family Fun in Frankfurt Germany, primus river cruise, river cruise in Germany, travel

Ballenberg, a Unique Attraction in the Swiss Mountains

August 5, 2013 by Samantha 6 Comments

When you think of Switzerland, one of the first things you may think of is mountains. The views from them (and of them) are lovely, and your time spent amongst them will be firmly planted in your mind for the rest of your days. Photos do not do justice the lovely scenery and warm people you will encounter when traveling through Switzerland.

One of my favorite spots that I visited on a recent trip to Switzerland was Ballenburg, an open air museum in Brienz. There you can walk through the past, through history, as you tour the various buildings and gardens that represent over 100 years of Swiss history from all over the country.

You will find over one hundred buildings, ranging from century old to more recent, from all over Switzerland, as well as “250 farmyard animals, traditional, old-time gardens and fields, demonstrations of local crafts and many special events create a vivid impression of rural life in days gone by.” (says Ballenburg.ch) Your children will delight in exploring, as well as taking part in crafting, creating, and interacting with farm animals. There is also a house devoted to historical wooden toys- some of which some of us may remember playing with. No iPads here, but your 5 year old can play with a top or stilts for what may be their first time- watch their eyes light up at these simple treasures, and you will both be lost in time shortly.

Not only is it beautiful to just walk around Ballenburg, but the homes themselves are lovely and beautifully (and painstakingly) restored and preserved. Open since 1978 and after 10 years of hard work to open the doors and secure land, money, and security, the museum opened with only 16 buildings. Adding many more since, based on the preservation and education of Swiss heritage, science, and history for all generations, most of Switzerland is represented here.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: a Unique Attraction in the Swiss Mountains, Ballenberg, Ballenburg, Ballenburg open air museum, family travel, swiss mounitan travel, Switzerland museums, travel, travel in switzerland, unique swiss attrations

American Tourister – Great Travel Gear

August 4, 2013 by Samantha 4 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my post. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

The proper luggage can make or break a vacation. Not only do you want your belongings to come along with you to your destination, but you want them to get their safely and well organized. Check out these two pieces of wheeled luggage with two very different looks and styles. One built lightweight and tough, the other brightly colored from handle to wheels.

First up we will look at iLite Supreme Wheeled Boarding Bag. The iLite series of baggage is stylish, light weight, and tough. The handle is even padded on the and stylized to not only look like part of the pattern of the bag but are also futuristic and comfortable. The bag itself is easy to move around quickly. The wheels allow you to push, pull and turn in any direction. The interior of the bag has pockets, straps and zipper compartments. All of which make packing a breeze while keeping your belongings where you put them. An interesting characteristic is its big outer pocket which could fit a laptop. It is indeed big enough to fit a laptop and a few other gadgets and cables. In practice the compartments if quite big and in order to keep your laptop safe I would suggest jamming in a few pairs of socks to act as padding.– Update- this bag fell apart after 7 months, seams burst, and it did not hold up well long term.
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