Inspiring Ideas for Your Next Family Vacation

Over the past 18 years or so, we’ve tried to take family vacations on a regular basis. It was easiest when the kids were really little, and we didn’t have to deal with school schedules, practices, lessons, and friends. It was also easiest when the economy wasn’t in the dumper. Occasionally, we would even take grandparents with us to help out – built-in babysitters who are more than willing to spend extra time with the grandkids, and give us a much-needed break.

Vacation memories are priceless. Lately, when we’re all together, we talk about which vacation was most memorable for each of us (and it’s always different for each person), or what we remember most. I’m proud to say that all of our vacations have been wonderful. Even the time we were in Disneyland during a hurricane. Vacation memories are the glue that help families “bond.” And, it’s the ultimate test of one’s research and organizational skills.

So as you’re thinking about planning a family vacation this year, here are some ideas that have worked well for us. Do your research, and organize well. Thus, keep in mind, that properties change over time. What was wonderful a few years ago, may not be in good shape anymore, especially given the economic strain on vacation properties the past couple of years. My favorite travel site for researching and for solid reviews is tripadvisor.com

So here’s a list of some of our Top Six past favorites, which I offer not as recommendations, but as inspiration in planning your next family vacation:

1. Nemacolin Woodlands

Located in Pennsylvania in the Laurel Highlands. They have lovely two-bedroom town homes, with a full kitchen, living room, deck. Our favorite town homes are the ones overlooking the golf course. Our sons LOVE this resort. It’s like a cruise ship on land. The activities are endless. Some of our favorites include: fly fishing, Hummer Off Road Academy, horseback riding, zip lining, sitting by the pool, high tea, hiking. The spa is one of the best spas I’ve been to, and the moms always manage to squeeze in a massage. If you love nature combined with elegance, check it out.

2. Maumee Bay Resort

This an Ohio state park property located near Toledo on the shores of Lake Erie. We usually visit in February when we’re all suffering from cabin fever. We’ve never visited in the summer because the cabins book up, and minimum rental is seven days. We rent one of the cabins on the golf course, which come equipped with a fireplace. We usually bring a big pot of chili for the first night, and plenty of board games and juicy novels. If the weather cooperates, take a walk through the nature center and try to spot a bald eagle. Good if you need a quick getaway in Ohio in a spacious cabin.

3. Fairmont Kea Lani

This resort has some funky architecture for a Hawaiian destination, but its location and open spaces make it a great resort. It’s right next to the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea, but we fell in love with the sprawling green lawns, where you can find a chaise, some shade, and privacy. The other resorts’ outdoor spaces just seemed cramped. The rooms, likewise were large and nicely furnished, and the balconies were all oceanfront and big enough for the four of us to have breakfast in the morning, and cocktails during sunset in the evenings.

4. Disney Cruise

A few years ago we went on a short four-day cruise on the Disney Wonder. We went with our friends and their two kids (our Godchildren). It was truly “magical” in the Disney sense of the word. The outside cabin was just enough room for the four of us with two twins that pushed together at night to make one big bed for the parents, and basically a bunk bed for the kids. Our favorite part of the cruise was the afternoon we spent on their private island. It was a combination of Gilligan’s Island, Lost, Survivor, and Fantasy Island! Even though our sons wouldn’t be caught dead on a Disney cruise now, I think they can’t wait to go back some day with their own kids.

5. Lago Mar Resort & Club

One year, we decided to drive to Florida over winter break. Our favorite part of the trip was watching the thermometer on our mini van go up, up, up with each passing mile that we drove south. We stayed at this resort in Fort Lauderdale because we wanted to be further south to ensure heat and sun in December. We had a blast at this resort. The suite included a separate bedroom with king bed, a full kitchen, and a sofa that opened up to two twins, one each for the boys. They did a great job of keeping us all busy on the property, but we also enjoyed a day trip to Miami Beach, the water taxi in the Intercoasal Waterway. The resort went all out in decorating for the holidays, too.

6. The Phoenician

Our favorite vacation spot in the U.S., by far, is the Phoenix area, in particular Scottsdale. I have traveled to this area on business two to three times a year for the past ten years. I’ve watched Scottsdale grow, grow, and grow some more. But, I still love it, and so does my family. There are many fine resorts for all budgets, but The Phoenician is equivalent to staying at The Bellagio in Vegas. It’s opulent, elegant, expensive. Needless to say, it took me years to accumulate the points to stay at this Starwood property! Our favorite part of staying here was spending time by the pool, soaking up the Arizona sun, ordering smoothies pool-side, and then walking around the property, trying to spot wildlife.

A few more tips to keep in mind as you think about a family get-away:

• If you find a resort that sounds appealing, check to see if they have “villas,” condos or houses on the property, in addition to regular hotel rooms. These are often timeshares that the resort will rent out if they’re not being used by the owners.
• Check out the timeshares themselves. I learned long ago that you can rent any timeshare direct from the property managers, usually for at least seven days. For example, check out the RCI site’s catalog of properties, and contact the property directly.
• Rent direct from the timeshare owners at vrbo.com.
• Several of the hotel chains also offer their own timeshares which can be rented, including Starwood , Marriott, and Hilton.

Happy Travels!  And, let me know what some of your favorites are.  I’m getting the itch to plan a vacation.