Big White Ski Resort is recognized  internationally as a family oriented holiday destination. In the middle of the village are being held the Big White events and activities. If you need something, there is the Activities Desk where you will find members of the Guest Services Team and ask for them.

If you have some questions on your family holiday, the first place you want to go is the Activities Desk. There you have all the information you need, all the daily and weekly events that happen there. There are usually at least three events happening daily which are designed for the whole family.

This resort is also called the Champagne Powder because every year over seven hundred and fifty centimeters falls naturally here during a season that last from mid November until mid April, and that’s why what we describe our mountain experience we say it’s the snow and why the mountain itself is called like that, the Big White.
Located West of the Canadian Rockies in central British Columbia, Big White features over one hundred eighteen runs and dozens of local secrets.

This mountain is open and uncrowded with some of the fastest and most modern lifts in Canada. All the Big White accommodations are ski-in and ski-out. In fact, Big White village is the the Canada’s largest ski-in and ski-out resort for skiing holidays. You can stay in a hotel right in the village or rent a luxurious cabana. Dine in great European restaurants or sample Canadian cuisine, spend you days off as you like and treat yourself to a luxurious European spa treatment.

It’s not surprising. Big White Mountain Resort has been named the North America’s number one family resort.

Zermatt is famed as a mountaineering and ski resort of the Swiss Alps. It is located in the heart of the Alps, at the foot of Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain peak (4478 m), namely in the Valais region (southern Switzerland), situated at 1620 m altitude.

Zermatt resort town is visited by a large number of tourists all season, on summer days, hiking enthusiasts make their appearance and in the cold season, skiers come to this magnificent place.

To prevent air pollution which could obscure the town’s view of the Matterhorn, the entire town is a combustion-engine car-free zone, so the cars must be left in the neighboring town, Täsch (5 km away). From the nearby town of Täsch, most visitors reach Zermatt by cog railway train.

As soon as you get into Zermatt, you will see everywhere flags with emblem of the city, the beautiful old houses of Zermatt, flower pots on balconies of hotels and chalets and souvenir shops.

Being a top luxury resort, Zermatt attracts both skiers and mountain climbing enthusiasts, but the real mountaineers can be seen on trails along glaciers.

Zermatt is a starting point for routes around the Matterhorn that lead to: Sunnega Paradise (2.288 m), Riffelberg (2.582m), Schwarzsee Paradise (3.103 m). Also, the highest accessible area, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883 m), can be reached by cable car and the view over the Swiss Alps leave any viewer speechless.

New book chronicles their adventure in a single engine airplane.

Flying the Edge of America is a non-fiction book for pilots, travelers, and adventurers written by David Millett and Julia Buss.

In the summer of 2008 they flew their small, single engine, airplane around the edges of the contiguous United States of America. Along the way they encountered small towns, National Parks, and National Monuments. On the most dangerous and exciting adventure of their lives Buss and Millett flew into unanticipated ghastly weather, thunderstorms, and brushed with hurricanes. The San Francisco Book Review says: “Flying the Edge of America authors Millett and Buss help readers feel what it’s like inside the cabin of a small plane flying through difficult weather over dangerous terrain.”

They discover a land much more complex than they had imagined, far larger than they could believe, and more beautiful than they dreamed possible. This new book is the story of their flight around the edge of America, and the journey that brought them to a deeper understanding and love of their adopted country. The Pacific Book Review says: “Together they unfold a duet of trust, friendship and invite you into a love story while masking it as an adventure chronicle.”

Reviewers acclaim:

Marta Yamamoto from the Oakland Tribune says: “Through script and photographs, the authors hope readers see America through the lens of two new Americans.”

The Midwest Book Review says: “With plenty of full color photos of their journey, Flying the Edge of America is an adventure story that may inspire imitators as it is one like none else.”

AOPA recommends it: “For pilots who love reading about a good flying adventure…”

About the authors:

Julia Buss is a nurse. She came to America from England in 1991. She is currently writing a health book for nurses called Your Care Plan.

David Millett has 20 years experience piloting light aircraft, holds an instrument rating, and flies for the Angel Flight West organization. He keeps a journal of his and Julia’s travels at (www.davidmillett.net) and is a destination writer for the (Examiner.com).

Available worldwide in:

Paperback, Kindle, iPad, and eBook versions from: Amazon and Barnes & Noble and many other outlets.

Volcanic Ash Doesn’t Deter Tourists: 60 Percent Taking European Trips in the Coming Year, Up 10 Percent from Last Year 33 Percent Wooed by More Favorable Exchange Rates

TripAdvisor, the world’s most popular and largest travel community, today announced the results of its annual European travel survey of more than 1,200 U.S. respondents. Trans-Atlantic trips look to be more popular in 2010, with 60 percent planning to visit Europe in the coming 12 months, up from 50 percent who did so last year. The majority of travelers appear undeterred by the recent volcanic ash cloud, with just six percent reconsidering their European trips as a result. Thirty-three percent say more favorable exchange rates have increased their interest in traveling to Europe this year.

Travel Spike to Europe this Fall
– Fall is the peak season for European travel, with 54 percent planning a leisure trip in September or October.
– 38 percent of those planning trips to Europe will travel in May or June.
– TripAdvisor Flights data shows that the most searched for destinations in Europe are London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Madrid.
– The most up-and-coming travel destinations in Europe are Istanbul, Zurich, Seville, Athens and Copenhagen, based on increases in search activity on TripAdvisor.

Americans Bolder Overseas

Travelers embrace the sights and sounds of Europe with open arms, according to the survey.

– 59 percent are more adventurous than they would be at home.
– 91 percent are experimental in their choices of local cuisine.
– 76 percent make an effort to speak the local language.
– 58 percent alter their dress, to appear less American.

Making the Grade: Europe vs. U.S.

The survey reveals travelers’ perceptions of amenities and services in Europe, compared to the U.S.:

– Cuisine: 58 percent believe the food is better in Europe, while 35 percent consider it to be equally good. Winner: Europe
– Public transportation: 90 percent maintain that Europe boasts superior public transportation. Winner: Europe
– Customer service: While 30 percent believe service is worse in Europe, 51 percent say it’s the same. Winner: U.S.
– Attractions: 57 percent think the sites are better in Europe, while 41 percent consider them equal. Winner: Europe
– Hotels: 36 percent consider accommodations to be of a lower standard in Europe, while 50 percent believe it’s a draw. Winner: U.S.

TripAdvisor also recently announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards, including the best of Europe, based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travelers on TripAdvisor.com. The winners were determined by a combination of travelers’ destination comments, favorite places, and overall destination popularity on TripAdvisor.

Top 10 Destinations in Europe for 2010: TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards

1. Monte-Carlo, Monaco
www.tripadvisor.com/Monte-Carlo-Monaco

2. Heidelberg, Germany
www.tripadvisor.com/Heidelberg-Germany

3. Salzburg, Austria
www.tripadvisor.com/Salzburg-Austria

4. Florence, Italy
www.tripadvisor.com/Florence-Italy

5. Lucerne, Switzerland
www.tripadvisor.com/Lucerne-Switzerland

6. Venice, Italy
www.tripadvisor.com/Venice-Italy

7. Siena, Italy
www.tripadvisor.com/Siena-Italy

8. Rome, Italy
www.tripadvisor.com/Rome-Italy

9. Hamburg, Germany
www.tripadvisor.com/Hamburg-Germany

10. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
www.tripadvisor.com/Amsterdam-Netherlands

Other European Winners in TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards:

Best Destination in Europe for Food & Wine — Florence, Italy
Best Destination in Europe for Beach & Sun — Oludeniz, Turkey
Best Destination in Europe for Culture & Sightseeing — Florence, Italy
Best Destination in Europe for Family — Marne-la-Vallee, France
Best Destination in Europe for Nightlife — London, United Kingdom

Best Destination in Europe for Outdoor & Adventure — Interlaken, Switzerland

Best Destination in Europe for Relaxation & Spa — Bath, United Kingdom
Best Destination in Europe for Romance — Oia, Greece
Best Destination in Europe, chosen by Europeans — Berlin, Germany

“Despite the volcanic ash cloud continuing to present travel challenges in Europe, the popularity of trans-Atlantic trips shows no signs of waning,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “Europe’s unique attractions, world-class cuisine and rich history ensure that it remains an unparalleled destination for many American travelers.”

Discounts available on hotel stays, theme park tickets, car rentals and more

Planning ahead can help you save big on your summer vacation, AAA says. Although spur-of-the-moment trips are exciting, a little research and advance planning can result in big savings. AAA recommends travelers take advantage of cheaper prices by booking early and researching any available discounts such as those available to AAA members on hotels, car rentals and attraction tickets.

Although last minute discounts can be found, typically the best bargains and availability are accessible to those who book in advance. AAA.com features a variety of discount packages every day. If you are planning a complex summer vacation consider visiting a travel agent. A qualified travel agent, such as your AAA travel agent, works directly with travel providers and will be better equipped to negotiate discounts for you and advise you on other savings or benefits that may be available.

“Household budgets will continue to weigh heavily on summer travel decisions as many Americans continue to be concerned about the economy,” said Gail Acebes, director, AAA Partnership Programs. “We are pleased to offer members many discounts on travel products and services that will ease the financial burden of a memorable vacation.”

AAA membership provides extensive discounts to make a summer getaway more affordable. The following is a partial list of travel discounts available to AAA members:

Lodging Discounts

AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Preferred hotels include Best Western, Hampton, including The Hilton Family, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Marriott brands including Renaissance, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, including Sheraton and Westin.

Lodgings vary greatly by cost and amenities. Travelers can use the AAA Diamond Ratings to identify properties that meet their needs and budget. The AAA TourBook® listings, also available on AAA.com, include more than 31,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated® lodgings.

AAA members who visit AAA.com to book a room are more likely to find a better rate there than on other leading websites, according to a recent survey. A direct comparison of hotel rates offered on competing sites showed that AAA.com offered the lowest rate available 66 percent of the time.

Car rental discounts

As the exclusive car rental partner of AAA, Hertz offers members a wide variety of money-saving discounts and exclusive offers. AAA member benefits include the guaranteed best rate available at time of reservation by booking channel; reduced rate for NeverLost®GPS, Hertz’s customized on-board navigational system, a discount on Hertz prepaid rates, a discount on the Fuel Purchase Option, no charge for additional qualified AAA drivers, free use of a child safety seat and more.

Attraction Tickets

AAA offers discounts at some of the most popular attractions for a summer getaway including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Sesame Place and many other great places. Visit a AAA office at home or at your destination for additional AAA area discounts.

Discounts are also available to members to help prepare for travel. If you are heading out of town and can’t take your pet, check out great savings from Fetch! Pet Care. Need sunscreen, sunglasses or other summer gear? Check out AAA’s shopping discounts at partners such as Target.com, Kmart.com, Sunglass Hut and more. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

Finding discounts on the road has never been easier. Apple iPhone users can easily find their way to AAA member savings this summer by downloading a free application, AAA Discounts. The GPS-based “app” displays more than 110,000 retail locations of AAA Show Your Card & Save® partners near user locations.

Last year, members saved more than $2 billion by taking advantage of AAA discounts including those available through the Show Your Card & Save® program. AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program is the largest member discount program in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America and popular online retailers.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

Physical and Spiritual Wellness Practices Featured During Four-day Wellness Weekends

An all-new health and wellness series — The Fall Wellness Series — will take place September through December 2010 at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui. Both physical and spiritual wellness practices and modalities will be featured weekly during four-day wellness weekends.

The four-day wellness weekends include one-on-one casual sessions and appointments with a choice of inspiring masters in Qigong, Reiki, Pilates, Energy Healing, Meditation, Sound & Vibrational Healing, Fitness, and Green Lifestyle with opportunities to learn about the healing powers of aloha, tarot reading, life coaching and much more.

Continually enhancing the guest experience in every facet of the operation, Four Seasons Resort Maui’s added wellness events compliment an already noteworthy spa menu. Often named “America’s #1 Spa” by leading national publications, The Spa has led the industry in forward trending quality offerings.

“No longer a new concept, wellness is a lifestyle choice. Many of our guests are already practicing preventive healthcare through yoga, body work, alternative medicine, organic food and skincare options,” said Pat Makozak, senior spa director at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui. “Our wellness series will introduce guests to something new in the realm of wellness that they may not have experienced before, and our goal is that people will use this information when they return home to further their health and wellbeing. Both health-conscious guests and curious novices are welcome.”

Four Seasons Resort Maui fall room rates start at $495 per night, plus tax, for mountainside accommodations through December 16, 2010. For additional information on The Fall Wellness Series, please call The Spa at (808) 874-8000.

Named “#1 Destination Spa in America” by Zagat Survey, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is nestled between mountain and sea on 15 spectacular oceanfront acres in the intimate 380-room Four Seasons Resort Maui. The Spa encompasses 21,000 square feet including a welcoming reception area, 13 indoor treatment rooms and suites, three outdoor, oceanfront massage hale, 1,000-square-foot Fitness Center, lounge, library, relaxation area, separate men’s and women’s locker, steam rooms with eucalyptus inhalation, cold rinse rain shower and shower facilities. The Spa combines traditional native Hawaiian healing techniques and modalities with the rivalled sunny Wailea locale to create a Hawaiian sense of place and experience while sampling modern services including exclusive Kate Somerville facials and pilates classes designed by Mari Winsor. For information visit www.fourseasons.com/maui.

To watch video footage of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIDc77HBxII

From Judy Garland Rooms To Pink Houses: Expect A Warm Welcome

TripAdvisor(R) announced its Top 10 gay and lesbian-friendly hotels in Europe, based on TripAdvisor editors and travellers. Following news last week of a Berkshire B&B turning away a gay couple, you can be sure of a warm welcome at any of these hotels.

1. Colson House, Brighton, England

Colson House is a uniquely themed boutique hotel dedicated to the large screen – all hotel rooms are named after movie icons. Located in the heart of Brighton’s vibrant gay scene, the owners, Mark and Eamon, go the extra mile to make your stay memorable. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “I stayed here with my partner and had a lovely time. We stayed in the Judy Garland room, which was tastefully decorated and not OTT at all.”

2. Hotel Sejour Beaubourg, Paris, France

The Hôtel Séjour Beaubourg is located in the very centre of Paris, only a few steps from the Centre Georges Pompidou and within walking distance of the Louvre and Notre Dame. The Séjour Beaubourg offers comfortable rooms featuring bright and modern design and free Wi-Fi. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “For gay travellers on a budget, it’s a gem. You’re right on the Marais, and there are lots of gay bars all around you.”

3. Hotel Axel, Barcelona

Hotel Axel focuses on the gay community but is welcoming to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. This design hotel is close to the exclusive boutiques on Passeig de Gràcia and boasts a swimming pool, gym and sauna. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “I spent a week with my husband and it was great, fantastic environment for gay or straight couples and for singles. Perfect location and very close to the centre of the city.”

4.Hotel Ca’ Dogaressa, Venice, Italy

In a picturesque corner in the heart of Venice, Hotel Ca’ Dogaressa overlooks Canale di Cannaregio. Its traditional Venetian rooms boast period furniture, rich fabrics and precious marbles. As one TripAdvisor traveller comments, “We are a gay couple and would definitely come back to this hotel. We have felt absolutely at ease here and had a wonderful time.”

5. Clarion Hotel Prague Old Town, Prague

This modern property is the only four-star hotel in Prague that has membership of the IGLTA (International Gay, Lesbian, Transgender Association).The hotel is located in the city centre, close to the river Vltava and within easy walking distance of the tourist sites of the Old Town. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Staff were very nice and helpful. Hot welcome drink in -15degreesC was most welcome! Delicious homemade sweets were served for breakfast.”

6. Ty Rosa, Cardiff, Wales

Ty Rosa, Welsh for ‘pink house’, offers a warm welcome to all, whatever your sexual orientation. A 15-minute walk from Cardiff city centre, this charming, gay-run, boutique guest house with free Wi-Fi offers stylish rooms and an excellent breakfast. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Excellent B&B – Paul and Stuart could not be more friendly, with lots of local knowledge of the gay scene. First class housekeeping – spotless room and bathroom.”

7. Hotel Deutsche Eiche, Munich, Germany

The Deutsche Eiche (German Oak) is one of Munich’s oldest meeting places for gay and lesbian visitors with a reputation for attracting creative and arty types. Less than 700 feet from the Viktualienmarkt, the hotel welcomes everyone. The trendy Glockenbach district, the Marienplatz and the banks of the Isar River are just a few steps away. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “A great gay/lesbian hotel. Good food, great location, nice and spacious rooms, cheap, very friendly staff and an extraordinary gay sauna.”

8. The Golden Bear, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Golden Bear claims to have been the first gay hotel in Amsterdam, founded shortly after the Second World War. The hotel is located in two historic buildings dating back to 1737 and is situated in the very centre of the city close to all the main attractions. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “I would really recommend this place to anyone looking to spend some quality time in old Amsterdam, whether gay or straight.”

9. Los Almendros, Playa des Ingles, Gran Canaria

Los Almendros is a complex of private bungalows designed exclusively for gay and lesbian travellers. The hotel is located in the most gay-friendly part of the island, in the middle of Playa del Inglés and just a few minutes walk from the Jumbo shopping centre where you can find wonderful restaurants and gay bars. As one TripAdvisor travellers comments, “Would highly recommend – I haven’t found anywhere better as a gay traveller in Gran Canaria.”

10. Hotel Sachsenhof, Berlin, Germany

Hotel Sachsenhof is one of Berlin’s oldest buildings dating back to emperor times. Else Lasker Schüler wrote her famous poems here and the building was the setting for Erich Kästner’s story “Emil und die Detektive”. Famous sights such as the Ku Damm are easy to reach within a few minutes. As one recent TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Friendly and extremely helpful staff. Leather and fetish wear no problem and as two gay guys travelling, we felt very at ease and the location is excellent.”

“Whether you’re a couple looking for an enjoyable and hassle-free holiday or a single traveller searching for like-minded fun, real TripAdvisor travellers have done the hard work for you by experiencing, and then recommending, the best gay and lesbian-friendly hotels to suit your needs and budget,” said Emma O’Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor.

Click Your Way to an Affordable, Unique Vacation

Gone are the days of writing off for destination brochures, shopping travel agents and buying coupon books. Ask anyone in their 20s or early 30s when they last walked into a AAA office or called their travel agent. Most likely, all you will hear is a deafening silence.

And it’s not just the young travelers who are giving up traditional planning methods for more high-tech avenues. According to the 2009 Travel Monitor from Yankelovich, 66 percent of Americans are using the Internet to plan their vacations, versus just 35 percent in 2000.

“Vacation planning these days is so much easier because of the Internet,” says Jenny Realo, executive vice president of CareOne Services Inc. “And the number of online services and resources continues to grow every year.”

We’ve all heard about the gnome and other travel services that advertise their wares over national airwaves, but what about some of those unsung portals with lower advertising budgets? Realo navigates the Web and offers these digital tools that save you money, while still allowing you to have a great vacation.

Getting the Best Prices

Planning in advance is important to any trip. Knowing where to get the price is part of it. Start by checking out kayak.com to compare rates on all the major travel reservation Web sites. If you find a few Web sites that often give best rates on your favorite destinations, sign up for their e-mail alerts so you can be sent the best deals as they become available.

Home Sweet Home… Almost

We generally sleep better in our own beds, so why not get the comfort of home on your next trip? Consider renting a vacation home rather than spending hundreds a night on a hotel room. Check out Web sites, such as vrbo.com and homeaway.com for great vacation destinations that feel almost like home. These homes come fully equipped with a full-range kitchen, complete washer and dryer units, and other amenities you oftentimes won’t find in a hotel. Save more and go with a group of friends or another family.

Or go the bed and breakfast route with sites like bbbonline.org and BedandBreakfast.com. You’ll likely get a very affordable rate and benefit from insight offered by the owners on where to go and what to do. Not to mention, your cost includes breakfast.

Shop the Truly Authentic

If you really want to get someone special a great gift, avoid souvenir shops in the tourist area. Those gifts are generally marked up because they know they will get the traffic to purchase their goods. Do research in advance on Web sites like virtualtourist.com where you can get tips from others who have visited certain destinations and provided feedback on what’s worth your time and why.

Apply Yourself

Being connected with your mobile phone is an ever-growing trend, so why not incorporate it into your vacation planning? While it may be hard to plan every detail on your trip, there are several mobile applications that can make your trip planning less stressful. Decide on the destination and travel details; then leave the rest up to your mobile phone. Mobile applications, such as WHERE, Gowalla and Yelp, provide real reviews by consumers for various points of interest. They can also provide specific recommendations at certain restaurants and what you can expect to spend.

If you want to plan in advance, these sites also have an online component you can check out. While you’re surfing the net to plan your trip, also check out urbanspoon.com for restaurants that locals frequent.

Give Back with Voluntourism

Want to get the most out of your vacation this year? Try out voluntourism or a volunteer vacation. The Travel Industry Association finds that more than one quarter of Americans are interested in spending their time off helping others. It’s also a great way to save money, especially if you want to travel abroad. Many organizations that arrange volunteer vacations provide special all inclusive packages for a set amount of time. Check out earthwatch.org, unitedplanet.org and globalvolunteers.org for opportunities ranging from one week up to as many as 52 weeks! If you have a special strength, you may find there are other clubs out there that could use you. Take, for example, worldvets.org, an organization that travels all over the world to focus on animal health.

If you want to stay local, check out the local Habitat for Humanity to see if there are opportunities for you to travel to a nearby state. You can also check out the Sierra Club online, the oldest and largest grassroots environment organization in the United States.

Another plus for voluntourism – most of your expenses are tax deductible! If you want to take advantage of this tax break, check out the organization’s U.S. tax status before signing up.

“Good money management includes setting short and long term goals. A vacation should be a short term goal you save towards and a time that is stress free,” says Realo. “Consider your trip a reward for sticking to your budget and staying within your means.”

For more ways to save money year round, visit www.careonecredit.com.

92 Percent of U.S. Travelers Taking Family Trips in the Coming Year, Up 4 Percent from Last Year Today’s Generation of Children More Worldly Travelers than Their Parents

TripAdvisor announced the results of its annual family travel survey. Ninety-two percent of travelers with children plan to take at least one family vacation this year, up from 88 percent who did so last year, according to more than 1,100 U.S. travelers surveyed. 2010 may also see a trend for traveling further abroad, with 33 percent planning to take both domestic and international family trips, up five percent from last year.

Generation Jet-Set

The youth of today are better-traveled than ever, according to TripAdvisor’s survey.

• 75 percent of travelers’ children (those under the age of 18) have visited more than six U.S. states – only 37 percent of these children’s parents had traveled as extensively by the same age.

• 73 percent of travelers’ young children have experienced international travel, compared to 44 percent of their parents by the same age.

• Travel is very important to a child’s education, according to 52 percent of travelers with children, while 35 percent believe it is somewhat important.

Family Finances

• 28 percent of travelers with children expect to spend more on family trips in the coming 12 months than they did in the past 12 months, while 47 percent expect to spend roughly the same amount.

• 30 percent anticipate spending $1,000 – $3,000.

• 22 percent predict they will spend $3,000 – $5,000.

• 19 percent foresee spending $5,000 – $8,000.

• 10 percent of families expect to spend more than $10,000.

Popular Pursuits

• The most enjoyable aspect of family vacations is spending quality time together, according to 48 percent of parents.

• The five most popular activities that families plan to indulge in together this year are:

1. Relaxing at the beach – 69 percent
2. Visiting a historic site – 62 percent
3. Visiting a museum – 50 percent
4. Visiting a national park – 46 percent
5. Visiting an amusement / theme park – 41 percent

Travel Tribulations

• When it comes to traveling with children, airplanes are the most stressful mode of transport, according to 44 percent of parents.

• 16 percent maintain that car journeys are the most difficult to endure.

• 11 percent have tackled the challenges by giving their child an antihistamine before a journey, in order to help them sleep.

• 31 percent of parents don’t find traveling with children nerve-racking at all.

Plane Stressful

• 56 percent of travelers maintain that in the event of a tantrum before take-off, the parents should be given an amount of time to settle their child, after which the family should be removed.

• 6 percent believe the family should leave the plane immediately, while 38 percent believe they should be allowed to fly as planned.

In-Journey Entertainment

When it comes to avoiding the dreaded cries of, “Are we there yet?,” technology beats more traditional pastimes hands-down.

• 45 percent of parents turn to a TV or DVD player to entertain their offspring.

• 23 percent encourage their children to read books.

• 10 percent rely on the appeal of new toys.

• Classic travel games hold a place in travelers’ hearts, too. ‘The License Plate Game’ is the top choice for 32 percent, followed by ‘I Spy’, the preferred game for 19 percent, and memory games, favored by 11 percent.

Child-Free Vacation Zones

Many travelers would happily pay a premium to enjoy some child-free space on vacation.

• 33 percent would shell out for a seat in a child-free section of an airplane.

• 32 percent would foot the bill for a table in an adults-only section of a restaurant.

• 26 percent would pay up for a lounger in a ‘no kids’ section of a pool.

• 21 percent would fork out for a room in a tyke-free section of a hotel.

• 21 percent would splurge on a spot on a child-free section of beach.

• 9 percent would pay up for a visit to a child-free museum.

Family-Friendly Brands

According to travelers with children, the most family-friendly hotel brand is Embassy Suites.

The Family-Travel Survival Guide: Expert Tips from TripAdvisor.com

Lesley Carlin, Travel and Etiquette Expert for TripAdvisor.com, shares tried-and-tested tips on traveling with children:

1. When planning your travel schedule, use common sense. If your baby usually fusses for two hours after dinner, don’t fly then. If you expect your kids will have trouble sleeping on a flight, find an empty gate before boarding and have them run laps.

2. Stop at a grocery store on the way from the airport to your hotel, in order to avoid packing a week’s worth of diapers, wipes and more. Just bring what you’ll need on the plane.

3. A hotel suite with a kitchenette might cost more than a regular room, but preparing most of your meals there instead of eating out could save
money in the long run. A vacation rental can also be a great deal.

4. While taking public transportation might be less convenient than renting a car, it can save you a lot of money – not to mention the hassle of dealing with car-seats.

5. If you can, build in an extra “recovery” day before you have to return to work or school. At the very least, try not to fly home late at night if everyone needs to be up early the next day. It might mean no beach time on your last day, but it’s worth it.

Resort’s New State-of-the-Art Kids Club Offers Cutting Edge Technology and Personalized Experience Frankie Jonas and Life-Sized LEGO(R) SCUBA Diver Celebrate Grand Opening of Atlantis Kids Adventures

This year, parents will be able to personalize their children’s vacation adventures more than ever before.

That’s because a new-state-of-the-art kid’s club and the world’s first-ever LEGO® summer camp will be opening in Atlantis, on Paradise Island on the Bahamas, one of the top family resorts in the world, as ranked by Parents, Conde Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure.

Opened by Frankie Jonas (younger brother of the Jonas Brothers) and a life-sized figure of a SCUBA diver from the LEGO® Atlantis line of toys called L.A.N.S.E. (Lego Atlantis Navigational SCUBA Explorer), Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) is an 8,000-square-foot club that takes the idea of personalization to the kids’ level, allowing them to choose their own adventure.

AKA uses cutting-edge technology to inspire kid’s imagination, offering everything from interactive touch-screen walls, tables and floors, and eight rooms that include Arts & Crafts room, The EVERY video game ever invented room; Wizardology reading room, a Culinary Kitchen and a performance area that features a green screen, a full-sized stage and dressing room, complete with costumes, and a LEGO Construction Zone, among other experiences.

This summer, Atlantis and AKA will also feature the world’s first-ever LEGO Atlantis Fantasy Camp, where children will have a chance to work side-by-side with a LEGO Master Builder (only 40 world-wide!) in group building events and hands-on, minds-on building challenges. The program is designed to maximize family time within the 171-acre resort while their children get the chance to participate in activities that encourage teamwork, personal creativity and fine motor skills within a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Source: www.atlantis.com