Curtain Bluff (
the Conde Nast Traveler Reader Choice Awards) attracts many of same family
guests year after year, delighted by the solicitude, facilities and pervasive
family-friendly vibe. Plus, their inclusive package is a bargain on the luxury
end. (curtainbluff.com)
Keystone (Keystone,
distinguished Vail Resort chain, Keystone is a family ski mecca on the value
end, with activities like a glow stick parade down the mountain, and disco
tubing—not to mention the world’s largest snow fort! The chain has just introduced
a cool mobile app (EpicMix) to enhance the on-mountain experience. (keystoneresort.com)
Hershey (
and all-around sweet spot pulls out the stops around the holidays, transforming
into a holiday village with rides, Santa and his nine live reindeer,
entertainment, games and shops—and two breathtaking light shows. (christmasinhershey.com)
Woodloch (
full range of winter fun—including a special family package offered in conjunction
with nearby Big Bear Mountain—makes Woodloch one of the “Best Snow Resorts” for
families in the country, an honor bestowed last year by Parents magazine! (Woodloch.com)
From Carol Cain of NYCity Mama:
Whiteface Lodge (Lake Placid, New York). Built
in the spirit of legendary
resorts of yore, Whiteface, which just opened in June 2005, is no mere “lodge”
but a gorgeous, rustic, amenity-rich oasis. A five-and-a-half hour drive from
the city, Whiteface is a favorite among snow-loving families who can’t get
enough of
Mountain, one of the best ski mountains in the state. Other
amenities and activities include a 56-seat movie theater, well-stocked game room,
a two-lane bowling alley, and an on-site ice rink. The Natural Museum of The Adirondacks is also worth a visit.
From Meryl Pearlstein of Travel and Food Notes:
Riviera Maya
(Mexico).
With direct flights from New York to Cancun, Riviera Maya has beautiful
beaches, massive resorts, and a dose of Mayan history within driving distance. Chichen Itza
and Tulum will bring out the spiritual as you contemplate Mayan
civilization and the wonders of pyramid architecture. Stay at Grand Velas,
a brilliant all-inclusive resort close to Playa del
Carmen, with eight restaurants, an amazing spa with treatments for
the entire family, non-stop supervised kids’ activities, eco-education and
one-on-one butlers. (grandvelas.com)
In
The Name of Peace And Fun For Everyone
In the Family, Here Are A Few Tips
By
Kimberly Wilson Wetty
*
Where age-appropriate, every family member should get a vote on the type of
vacation and on one activity they each really want to do.
*Even though you’re on vacation, try to roughly adhere to naptime and bedtime schedules.
*Include a few activities, especially sight-seeing, during which all ages
can be on the same page.
*Do
your research and take advantage of age-based services, ranging from prepared diaper
bags and chaperoned meals to organized tween and teen activities.
*Finally,
embrace the idea that you can plan a vacation with a kid-friendly vibe that doesn’t
just cater exclusively to children. Nowadays, hotels, resorts and cruise lines
are all offering fun for couples and their offspring alike. Really!
is a
of Valerie Wilson Travel, one of the largest
family-managed travel consulting firms in the country. She’ll be a regular
contributor to
coverage.
