http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums Bulletin boards about family travel, baby and toddler trip ideas, multi-generational vacation ideas, tourist safety, teen tours and parenting tips from frequent travelers in the FamilyTravelForum.com and TravelBIGO.com communities. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:46:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/images/crystalclean/misc/rss.jpg http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8478&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:24:35 GMT Hi! I’m new to Family Travel Forum and wanted to share some info about the Big Apple Circus with you all. I messaged the admin through the “contract us” page but he/she never got back to me, I hope it’s ok that I’m posting this, let me know! I’m working with the Big Apple Circus to get the word... Hi! I’m new to Family Travel Forum and wanted to share some info about the Big Apple Circus with you all. I messaged the admin through the “contract us” page but he/she never got back to me, I hope it’s ok that I’m posting this, let me know!

I’m working with the Big Apple Circus to get the word out about their newest show – Bello is Back! The Big Top just opened up last week at Lincoln Center in NYC, and will be there until January 18 when they hit the road to visit other east coast cities. Besides putting on a really awesome, fun-filled show… what’s really cool about the Big Apple Circus is that they’re a not-for-profit organization, committed to bringing joy and laughter to the communities around them.

If you wanna know more about the Big Apple Circus, check them out on Facebook (search: big apple circus) and Twitter (@bigapple_circus).

I’d love to hear some of your favorite circus memories! When was the first time you went to the circus? The first time you took your kids? Favorite act?

If you’re thinking about going to see the Big Apple Circus this year let me know! :) ]]> sonaapop http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8478 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8477&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:01:12 GMT We have a new dog that we will be leaving for the first time when we travel for the holidays. Some of my friends who have dogs tell me that the dog will be happier if I hire a housesitter so the dog can stay at our house. Other friends say we should get the dog used to a kennel. Any thoughts? We have a new dog that we will be leaving for the first time when we travel for the holidays. Some of my friends who have dogs tell me that the dog will be happier if I hire a housesitter so the dog can stay at our house. Other friends say we should get the dog used to a kennel.

Any thoughts? ]]> With Pets taylor http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8477 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8476&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:39:43 GMT Here's the last part of our 2008 Guatemala trip

http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2...-tikal-flores/ ]]> travellingdad http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8476 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8475&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:35:45 GMT Here's the next part of our 2007 Portugal trip

http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2...ra-de-estrela/ ]]> Europe travellingdad http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8475 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8474&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:04:16 GMT I am planning to take my family for a weekend getaway in late December or early January. My kids are 3 yrs and 1 yr old. The grandparents will also be coming with us. We're considering this resort as it seems to have nice amenities and fit for family vacation.

We have some questions that hopefully people can provide input based on their experience:

- Is the ground level room at higher nightly rate worth it compared to the standard room?

- What particular benefit do you get by staying at the Hill Country Suite?

- What particular activities can a 3 year old participate in this resort? Since we're going in late December/early January, is it still possible to do these activities? Will the water be too cold to enjoy?

- Which restaurant is worth dining for?

- How good are they in accommodating early check-in/late checkout?

These are some questions that we can think at the moment. Other comments and suggestions are welcome. ]]> TwoTwo http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8474 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8473&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:04:02 GMT Since I did not find any thread mentioning about The Maldives - I would take this chance make Maldives a little more "heard" ;).
Well, Maldives is cluster of 1,192 beautiful little islands, with glowing white beaches and glittering clear sea!

The best way to experience the holiday trip to Maldives is staying at a resort island where you could get a chance to get ever more close to the tropical beauty! You have many activities such as diving, scuba, surfing, snorkling,windsurf .. basically almost all water-sports!
As well as Maldives is also famous for it's honeymoon destinations! Giving you a 100% memory of a lifetime! At resorts you are accommodate is Water bungalows, (where rooms are at the sea surface) or Beach villas! where your room is just adjacent to beaches. There are many more that are found too! these are just the major ones!

You may also choose to liveabroad by going on a safari adventure trip! This is a way that you could go to the local islands, do island hopping adventure, go for big fishing etc..!

It sure is a great fun. You may choose to get more information at : http://www.thiswaytomaldives.com
If you may have any question please ask on the thread! :)
i l be glad to help you! ]]> maldivesholiday http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8473 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8472&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:03:18 GMT One of the most beautiful places you can go for a holiday is the amazing city of Florence, Italy. Situated on the river Arno, Florence is considered as one of the most celebrated city and it has a myriad of tourist attractions. The city is often dubbed as “Athens of Italy” and is regarded as a... One of the most beautiful places you can go for a holiday is the amazing city of Florence, Italy. Situated on the river Arno, Florence is considered as one of the most celebrated city and it has a myriad of tourist attractions. The city is often dubbed as “Athens of Italy” and is regarded as a great destination for lovers of art. This Italian city is full of mesmeric hills, lakes, rivers, mountains and a spectacular skyline. You will have an interesting time exploring the city. You can drive towards various museums, galleries, monasteries and palaces with car hire Florence. It is because of this reason that Florence was declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. The city boasts some of the finest museums in the world. Museums and art galleries like Galleria dell’ Accademia, Galleria degli Uffizi, History of Science Museum, Bargello, Casa Buonarroti and Archaeological Mueseum.

In Florence, every building is a masterpiece, which demands your attention around every corner. Florence is also called the cradle of the Renaissance. The paintings of Boticelli, the palaces of Michelozzo and the sculptures of Michelangelo are all flourished here. Florecne has interesting squares, elegant buildings, quaint streets and unique shops that will inspire you with their beauty. The most admired and visited square in Florence is Duomo Cathedral, the catte drale de Santa Maria del Fiore. Here you can climb up 463 steps to the top of the bell tower. From here you can see the amazing panoramic view of the city. One of the oldest buildings in Florence is the Batistery of John the Baptist belonging to 11th century. Its exterior are made of green and white marbles while its interior contain mosaics and marble pavement of the zodiac.

In Florence, the most crucial collection of Renaissance art can be found in the Galleria degli Uffizi. The place contains thousands of paintings from medieval to modern times and it also has some great antiques, illuminations, tapestries and sculptures. Paintings and sculptures from the 13th to 16th century can be found in Florence’s Galleria dell Academia. These are really nice place to drive with car hire Florence, especially for the art lovers.

Florence also have fantastic places for shopping like Beltrami, Bottega Artigiana del Libro, Casadei Dolce and Gabbana, Antino Esposito Antiquario, Gallori-Turchi and Genny, Farmacentica de Santa Maria Novella. When in Florence it is recommended to visit its different recreational park as well like Giardino dei Semplici (Simple Gardens), San Lorenzo Gardens - Piazza di San Lorenzo, Parco Naturale Della Maremma – Albres, Villa Garzoni – Collodi, Villa Medicea La Petraia and Villa Medicea di Castello - north-western suburbs of Florence etc. You should definitely come for yourself and find the places that will make Florence unforgettable. ]]> Europe Miles88 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8472 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8471&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:48:31 GMT While in Guatemala last year, we detoured for a beach break to Roatan, Honduras. A great beach place for the whole family ! http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/guatemala-2008-detour-to-roatan-honduras/ While in Guatemala last year, we detoured for a beach break to Roatan, Honduras. A great beach place for the whole family !

http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2...atan-honduras/ ]]> travellingdad http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8471 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8470&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:20:57 GMT For all practical purposes it means that from now on we'll have to pay for a seat in the bulkhead or exit rows. These seats used to be free and we (at least I did) all loved them. I'm just wondering what's coming up next. AC doesn't feed the passengers in flights shorter than 6-7 hours (correct me if I'm wrong), we are still paying the fuel surcharge even though prices went down a while ago and now the seats. It seems AC is trying to take off on our backs! ]]> blandineforberg http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8470 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8469&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:51:02 GMT Hi All,

Im just informing you all of a wonderful luxury chalet owned by Simon & Joy Applebee of Chalet Orbelus, a luxury fully catered ski chalet in the heart of Bansko, Bulgaria.

The Chalet in Bansko offers fully catered or non catered board with its own Jacuzzi and sauna, 5 double bedrooms perfect for your ski and snow board holidays.

Bansko is at the foot of the Pirin mountains, and is the most modern ski resort in eastern europe, not only offering something different than the western ski resorts, but also the cheapest resort in Europe for world class slopes.

For more information visit applebee-chalets co dot uk

or phone 00359 (0) 889 263 852
email: enquiries [at] applebee-chalets co dot uk ]]> Europe bulgarianinfo http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8469 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8468&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:18:17 GMT Specially decorated in a rickshaw livery, the "NWFB Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus" offers you a convenient hop-on, hop-off service. Like riding on a rickshaw in the old days, you can explore Hong Kong with a 540-degree panoramic view, this time in an air-conditioned double decker, and enjoy a spectacular sight of all the attractions along the way.

Your Touring Choice:
- One Day HK$50 Hop On Hop Off - to experience the fun of riding on Open-top Sightseeing bus
- Two routes cover 16 declared monuments and 10 Grade-1 historic buildings
- Passengers can enjoy the scene along the routes and take our bus service to travel between the hotspots
- Commentary video available on-board

Routes:
H1 (Heritage Tour) - A tour around the main attractions in Central and Western District to experience the “old” Hong Kong culture and colonial lifestyle.
H2 (Metropolis Tour) - Takes you to the hotspots and attractions of Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Central District to enjoy the urban wonder of Hong Kong.

Phone: (+852) 2136 8888 ]]> Lear http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8468 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8467&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:44:18 GMT I came across an interesting article in the New York Times's Frugal Traveler section featuring WonderRotunda.com, an interactive virtual vacation for the wee ones. (Maybe this may have even been more suitable for the Teens section?)
Has anyone ever used this? I found it unusual for "visitors" to have to pay for a "park pass," but it looks like a great learning module and a fun way to get kids interested in traveling at a young age. (I only took the free tour.) Is it worth it? ]]> LeeDunlap http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8467 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8466&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:36:41 GMT This is a link to our trip to Portugal in July 2007. Although for once we travelled without our kids, we tried to do a trip they would have loved. Portugal is wonderful !! http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/portugal-summer-2007-day-1-lisbon/ This is a link to our trip to Portugal in July 2007. Although for once we travelled without our kids, we tried to do a trip they would have loved. Portugal is wonderful !!

http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2...-day-1-lisbon/ ]]> Europe travellingdad http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8466 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8465&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:09:00 GMT Please help my sister and I decide what is best to travel with. My bank told me that some places charge to cash a travelers check and that not too many places accept them. Has anyone used them and had problems? Or is plastic the way to go? Please help my sister and I decide what is best to travel with. My bank told me that some places charge to cash a travelers check and that not too many places accept them.
Has anyone used them and had problems? Or is plastic the way to go? ]]> Safety and Security rickyvishva http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8465 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8463&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:07:21 GMT Grenada is one place in the Carribean that counts as a must-go place to travel to. In terms of language, English is the main form of communication, although you will still hear and find traces of French and African languages. Grenada is a 3-island state : Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique.... Grenada is one place in the Carribean that counts as a must-go place to travel to. In terms of language, English is the main form of communication, although you will still hear and find traces of French and African languages. Grenada is a 3-island state : Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. Grenada is the largest of the three; it has a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km) and it spans a total of 133 square miles

In the historical and cultural aspects, there's Independence Day since Grenada gain its own official national identity from Britain on the February 7, 1974. To my understanding, Grenada is well known for its carnival someitme in July or August. The carnival is called Spice Mas , and is one of the trademark celebrations not to be missed.

As for Grenada cusine, meals in most mid-level restaurants cost $10(USD) to $25(USD). Because these prices do not include drinks or tips, so be sure factor in these costs in your budget for such little extra expenses. Tipping is about 10% or more, so take that into account to follow the unspoken rules of the tipping culture.

Since Grenada has many beautiful beach stretches, it is no surprse that couples have arranged for romantic and natural beach weddings, and it is no surprise that many restaurants offer outdoor seating for diners where everyone can enjoy their meal while watching a beautiful island sunset.

National food specialities include food like
• Seafood, such as crabs and lambi (conchs).
• Callaloo Soup (made from a leafy vegetable similar to spinach)
• Crab and Callaloo: Crab backs cooked with callaloo and served hot.
• Oildown -- a national dish which is a stew made with salted meat, breadfruit, onion, celery, carrot, daheen (a root vegetable grown and dumplings all slowly steamed in coconut milk until the liquid is absorbed.
• Pescaíto frito: Fried fish.

Hope to hear from others about their own travel experiences --- food, lodging, so that we may all learn more about Grenada! please feel free to share and add on to the list of cuisine, places to go to, and even nighlight :)


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shawn
buy travel guides or become a writer and sell your own ]]> shawn_sg http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8463