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 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 06:46:36 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=8668&goto=newpost Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:56:19 GMT Maxico is good place for travel.We made a trip their last year and we made alot fun while our trip....For making our trip very easy *bambaexperience* has a grt role. They provide us whole info abt maxico as well as provide good bus support.thanks Maxico is good place for travel.We made a trip their last year and we made alot fun while our trip....For making our trip very easy bambaexperience has a grt role. They provide us whole info abt maxico as well as provide good bus support.thanks ]]> archi12 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8668 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8667&goto=newpost Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:01:26 GMT My friend Shiela has just transferred to Australia. Every year, her husband makes sure to have time to travel for vacation with the family. Since they are new to the place, Sheila initiates to take car hire Melbourne (http://www.crownrentals.com.au/) for whole period of their vacation. Her family... My friend Shiela has just transferred to Australia. Every year, her husband makes sure to have time to travel for vacation with the family. Since they are new to the place, Sheila initiates to take car hire Melbourne for whole period of their vacation. Her family is taking a tour in Melbourne to explore the historical places in Melbourne, Australia. ]]> Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific magnusiax http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8667 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8666&goto=newpost Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:45:30 GMT My girlfriend -- traveling with husband and without kids -- just wrote me "Miraculously, we were able to get free tickets to Rome by flying through London. So we are very excited to go to Rome abd then a week in Tuscany--may 17 til 30!!!"

She is asking, "Do you have a favorite hotel in Rome? Or a favorite hotel near Siena. I've been to the area around San Gimingano so this time we 'd like to be near Pienza and Montalchino. Any day trips from Rome or towns not to be missed in this part of Tuscany/Umbria?" Any suggestions would be appreciated. For these two, I'd say style and some class and a great location are musts.

grazie! ]]> Europe todobigo http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8666 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8665&goto=newpost Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:03:02 GMT What are some cool (safe) things to do while we are there? What are some cool (safe) things to do while we are there? ]]> wude72 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8665 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8664&goto=newpost Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:36:49 GMT My family stayed at the Grand Oasis Cancun in Cancun, Mexico for one week in the month of December 2009. I would recommend people considering this hotel to choose somewhere else. Our decision to stay at this hotel was by reading reviews online. Most reviews were very positive. In addition, this... My family stayed at the Grand Oasis Cancun in Cancun, Mexico for one week in the month of December 2009.
I would recommend people considering this hotel to choose somewhere else.
Our decision to stay at this hotel was by reading reviews online. Most reviews were very positive. In addition, this hotel received a 4 star rating.
The positive things at the hotel were the following;
beautiful beaches, beautiful lobby, great food, abundant watered down alcoholic drinks and beautiful pools.
The negatives however, greatly outweighed the positives.
Negative experiences: for the entire week our shower head did not work. Despite calling the front desk immediately, it was not fixed the entire week. Our toilet got plugged. Our room had ants and our children's room had cockroaches. The lamp on our nightstand did not work. The room smelled like a damp, moldy swimsuit the entire week, despite being cleaned by the hotel staff daily. It was obvious, all the money spent on that hotel went to everything BUT the rooms. Both of our rooms had multiple problems.
One of the biggest issues was when you would call the front desk, the phone would ring for 20-30 times, someone would answer in Spanish - speaking very little English and would not understand what you were trying to say.
The rooms were also not safe. During our stay a maintenance man entered our room (without knocking first) and walked right in!
In addition, we had brought alcohol in our room and 3/4 of our bottle was drank by the cleaning staff! There is a small poster in each room stating: not responsible for anything stolen in the room unless put in the safe provided. Well, this was certainly the case after our alcohol was drank.
To get a key for this safe it costs: $24 US Dollars.
For those persons wanting to visit Cancun, I would recommend the following: stay in an American Hotel. There is the Hilton, Marriott and Westin among others. Do not think that Mexican standards are the same as American ones.
4 star can be vastly up to interpretation ]]> chithanh119 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8664 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8661&goto=newpost Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:43:45 GMT Hello all! I have saved for quite some time for this long-term plan on Backpacken Australie (http://www.activityinternational.nl/werken-reizen/australie/australie.asp). I was thinking on having a daily budget of AUS$70- AUS$80 a day. Does this thing could sound possible? I could live on cheap... Hello all! I have saved for quite some time for this long-term plan on Backpacken Australie. I was thinking on having a daily budget of AUS$70- AUS$80 a day. Does this thing could sound possible? I could live on cheap hotels as long as it is comfortable and clean. Do I have to save more? Any info please? ]]> Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific khatrineluz http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8661 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8660&goto=newpost Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:45:18 GMT Hi All, Travel Horizon India offers a special package to tours and safari in Wildlife,Bengal Tigers Tours,Indian Wildlife Trip. For more info. about wildlife tours please contact us: Contact Person : Maneet Tikku Mobile : 9810518665 Hi All,

Travel Horizon India offers a special package to tours and safari in Wildlife,Bengal Tigers Tours,Indian Wildlife Trip.


For more info. about wildlife tours please contact us:

Contact Person : Maneet Tikku
Mobile : 9810518665 ]]> tripadvisor http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8660 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8659&goto=newpost Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:55:36 GMT Hello! What makes backpacking central America (http://www.bambaexperience.com/) really enticing? Anybody here who had experienced backpacking in several destinations? Have you tried the cool staff in Central America? Many thanks. Hello! What makes backpacking central America really enticing? Anybody here who had experienced backpacking in several destinations? Have you tried the cool staff in Central America? Many thanks. ]]> khatrineluz http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8659 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8658&goto=newpost Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:51:11 GMT We live in Hawaii and for our next vacation I am trying to find something to do that is halfway nearby. I was thinking about staying at one of those resorts that has the huts on the water in the South Pacific. Any recommendations? Also, what airlines fly there? Any other suggestions would be... We live in Hawaii and for our next vacation I am trying to find something to do that is halfway nearby. I was thinking about staying at one of those resorts that has the huts on the water in the South Pacific. Any recommendations? Also, what airlines fly there?
Any other suggestions would be good. We do not have to do that, but we are looking for something either on the west coast or around here. We have already done the Disney and Mexico things. ]]> Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific waikoloa http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8658 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8656&goto=newpost Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:34:12 GMT you can enjoy a variety of activities in Austin, some are listed below... Austin is the capital city of the American State of Texas and is the fourth largest city in the state. It is situated on the banks of the Colorado River and over a period of time has emerged as a major commercial and... you can enjoy a variety of activities in Austin, some are listed below...

Austin is the capital city of the American State of Texas and is the fourth largest city in the state. It is situated on the banks of the Colorado River and over a period of time has emerged as a major commercial and technological center which is home to many hi tech companies. This city holds the honor of being the greenest city in America and since it is very safe, it is also considered as one of the best places to live in the country.

Some of the things that a visitor can do in Austin are listed as follows:

The Zilker Park is a must for tourists as it represents the epitome of natural beauty and in addition offers a large number of activities. While at the park, the visitors can avail the picnic facilities, the canoe rentals, the riverboat rides, ride in the miniature train, attend the open air musical shows and play on the soccer fields and the sand volleyball courts.

The Zilker Botanical Garden located within the premises of the Zilker Park is spread over 22 acres and is an entity in itself. As one enters the garden, one would find many smaller gardens each of which is a theme for a particular specie of the plant kingdom and thus there are gardens named as Cactus and Succulent, Rose, Azalea, Herb and Fragrance, Butterfly and Taniguchi Gardens, which consist of typical Japanese landscapes dotted with waterfalls, wooden bridges and lily ponds.

The Austin Duck Adventures is a package tour in which one can visit most of the important landmarks of the city in a one-of-a-kind amphibious military landing vehicle which can accommodate 45 passengers along with a tour guide on a single trip. The tourist spots which are visited are the State Capitol, the LBJ Library and Museum, the Governor's Mansion and a number of lakes in the city.

The Deep Eddy Pool is the favorite haunt of swimmers and water lovers because it consists of a large natural pool which draws it s supply from an artesian well. The fresh water pool features a deep end for the lap swimmers and a shallow end for the children and the waders and those with disabilities are recommended to call up in advance and request for handicap access.

The Austin Ghost Tours offer the visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the sordid past of the city featuring serial killers, law breakers and murderers. The tours cover the haunted locations and the spooky areas which are believed to be serving as the residences of the past citizens of the city who have no intentions of leaving even after having departed from this world.

The Wild Basin Wilderness Reserve is a 220-acre wildness preserve which was founded by seven women who used this venue to conduct science classes and practical experiments. This park permits only pedestrians who can embark on a trail which extends over two and a half miles and along the way one can sight a number of rare birds like the black capped vierus and the golden cheek warbler.
things to do in austin, fun things to do in austin texas, free things to do in austin, things to do with kids in austin, best things to do in austin, cool things to do in austin, top things to do in austin tx, romantic things to do in austin

The Austin Steam Trains is a vintage passenger train whose interior decor is reminiscent of the 1920s' and 1950s' and which takes visitors on a day trip excursion. Sometimes, there are special excursions as well like mystery train for adults, storybook specials for children and trips to the local events and festivals.

The Lone Star Riverboat is a paddle riverboat which is a reflection of the mode of transportation used in the Southern states during the olden days and it takes tourists for a cruise on the Colorado River giving them an opportunity to see the city as it appears from a distance.

The Anne Keslo Salon and Spa is a must for people who wish to undergo hair, skin, nail and body treatments in a relaxing environment and a soothing decor which characterize a modern setting.

Source:
thingstodoinaustin ]]> Lancer786 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8656 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8651&goto=newpost Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:29:07 GMT Hope everyone's aware that in London, the smallest Pop Up Hotel in the world is opening next week. From March 15 - March 22nd, a one bedroom suite on wheels will be traveling around the city, parking overnight at many famous tourist sites.

Visitors who drop in can enter a contest sponsored by the tourist office, Visit London.com and win a night in this "suite."

You can see a video about it, and how they renovated the inside of a classic airstream, at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/travelbigo

Makes you want to travel without excess baggage for sure. ]]> Europe todobigo http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8651 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8648&goto=newpost Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:39:01 GMT Rabat (Arabic الرباط, transliterated ar-Rabāṭ or ar-Ribāṭ, literally "Fortified Place"), population 627 000 hab. (2005 estimate), is the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. It is also the capital of the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer region.

The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, Rabat's bedroom community. Together the two cities with Temara account for a population of 1.8 million. Silting problems have diminished the city's role as a port; however, Rabat and Salé still maintain relatively important textile, food processing and construction industries; some are from sweatshop labor by major multinational corporations (see Salé).

In addition, tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat the second most important city in the country after the larger and more economically significant Casablanca. ]]> tripstomorocco http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8648 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8647&goto=newpost Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:38:15 GMT Casablanca (in Arabic: الدار البيضاء ad-Dār al-Bayḍāʼ as well as کازابلانکا Kāzāblānkā; Spanish for white (blanca) house (casa) ; nicknamed by locals: Caza; ancient and original name in Amazigh: Anfa /Anfa picture.jpg) is a city in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Greater Casablanca region.

With a population of over 3,299,428 [1], Casablanca is Morocco's largest city as well as its chief port. It's also the biggest city in the Maghreb. Casablanca is considered the economic capital of Morocco because it is the heart of Moroccan business; the political capital is Rabat.

Casablanca hosts headquarters and main industrial facilities for the leading Moroccan and international companies based in Morocco. Industrial statistics show Casablanca retains its historical position as the main industrial zone of the country. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world,[2] and the largest port of North Africa.[3] It is also the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. ]]> tripstomorocco http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8647 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8646&goto=newpost Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:37:15 GMT Fes or Fez (Arabic: فاس‎ [Fās], French: Fès) is the third largest city in Morocco —after Casablanca and Rabat— with a population of just over one million. It is the capital of the Fès-Boulemane region.
Fes, a former capital, is one of the country's four "imperial cities," the others being Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. It comprises three distinct parts, Fes el Bali (the old, walled city), Fes-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah) and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes).
Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medina, the larger of the two medinas of Fes, is believed to be the world's largest contiguous car-free urban area. The University of Al-Karaouine, founded in 859 C.E., is the oldest continuously functioning university in the world. ]]> tripstomorocco http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8646 http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8645&goto=newpost Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:34:55 GMT Marrakech or Marrakesh (Amazigh: Murakush, Arabic مراكش Murrākush), known as the "Red City", is an important and former imperial city in Morocco. The city of Marrakech is the capital of the mid-southwestern economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. ]]> tripstomorocco http://www.familytravelforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8645