Following is a typical itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive Panama City

Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel where your Panama family vacation begins.

Days 2 and 3 – Chiriqui Highlands

Cloud forests, volcanic peaks and coffee plantations create the remarkable landscape of the Chiriqui Highlands.  Along with beauty, there is plenty of fun to be had here too.  Enjoy these family tours:

* White water rafting trip down the Esti River.  It is beginner-friendly and a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the tropical surroundings, including cormorant kingfisher birds, otters, tropical trees and orchids.

* Take the Zipline Canopy Tour where you will wind your way through a course in La Amistad International Park.  The excitement of gliding from platform to platform high in the rainforest canopy is indescribable.

Days 4 and 5 – Bocas Del Toro Archipelago

Bocas is a scattering of seven islands off the northwest coast of Panama and there is a unique funky and relaxed ambience throughout the region.  Your family excursion to Bastimentos Island to snorkel and explore the wildlife rich rainforest will make for an unforgettable day.

Also included are:

* Go hiking in the Bastimentos National Marine Park where you will find white-faced titi monkeys, sloths and red poison dart frogs (that aren’t poisonous at all).  Bring your sneakers and get those cameras ready!  It’s a beautiful hike.

* You’ll stop at coral reefs and mangrove isles for some snorkeling.  There is a large variety and an abundance of fish here – keep an eye out for sea horses, barracuda, and clown fish.

* Most children traveling with us share letters with a local child of similar age before leaving on their adventure.  While on the family trip we organize a pen-pal meeting with a scheduled activity like soccer or hacky sack.  It’s amazing how such interaction can be a real eye-opener for everyone involved.

Days 6 to 8 – Panama Canal

There is something very moving, for children and adults, about seeing the Panama Canal for the first time.  The enormity of this engineering marvel boggles the mind.  The vast jungle that had to be divided, the massive locks, and then there’s the forty ships that pass through the canal every day.  Your family will see it all on this Panama adventure.

Also included are:

* Miraflores Locks is a mile long and is part of a lock system that takes ships from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and return.  After watching a ship go through the locks, be sure to go to the museum.

* See how the Embera Tribe lives.  Explore their native dances and traditional artwork during your time in the village.  These friendly indigenous people will also go over how and why they moved to their current village on the Chagras River.

* Voyage across Gutan Lake in the Panama Canal, passing gigantic cargo and passenger ships.  Children are never disappointed with how immense some of these vessels really are.  Many dwarf everything in sight!  And of course you’ll see plenty of wildlife too – iguanas, crocodiles and peacocks just to name a few.

Day 9 – Depart Panama City for Home

This is sure to be a memorable, educational, and fun trip for the entire family.  Take plenty of pictures for the family scrapbook.

Further, winter is a great time to visit these parks because you will have more time to explore and the park rangers will undoubtedly be more accessible during this time.  In the wintertime, you may see different species of animals as well.

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are two additional parks you may enjoy during the winter months.  But no matter what time of year you visit any National Park, you are sure to experience a trip of a lifetime.

From Yosemite to the Grand Canyon, the splendor of the landscape is something to behold.  Moreover, there are a variety of activities designed for the entire family including camping, hiking, and river rafting, to name a few.

But more importantly, it gives the children a chance to appreciate the environment and the beauty within it.  From the giant Sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park, to the Old Faithful, there is something for everyone.

At Mt. Rainer National Park, for example, you’ll find Pothole Lake and Granite Lake.  Or you may choose Grand Teton National Park where you can enjoy biking, kayaking, and canoeing.  If you love exploring caves, you might enjoy a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park, which is the longest known cave system in the world.

As we strive to improve our environment and keep those pristine areas secure for our children and their children, now is a great time to explore the many parks available in the U.S.  Each park is succinctly different than the other, but they all have this in common:  they are fun to visit, and they offer adventure and excitement for the entire family.

The pros at the ski shop will choose the skis based upon your height.  It is important that to let them know whether or not this is your first time skiing or not so that they can give you the appropriate skis based on your level of experience.

-  What you wear when skiing is essential.  While there is expensive ski-wear available, the best recommendation is to wear clothing that is comfortable, keeps you warm, and is made of durable and breathable fabric.  Experts suggest a fleece jacket and/or vest would be appropriate as well.  In addition, you will need UV sunglasses, appropriate gloves (preferably ski gloves), sun screen, and lip balm.

-  So that you can carry cash and/or credit cards and ID, there is a neck wallet you can purchase for approximately $13.00.  A neck wallet is ideal for storing your small personal items while on the slopes.  It has zippered pouches and is perfect for storing keys, credit cards, money, and lip balm.  A clear window pocket allows you to display a season pass to the slopes or your license.  It measures a small 4 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ and comes in black nylon with an adjustable neck strap.

- The Lift Ticket Holder is a unique item for skiers.  Priced at $6.00, you can attach your lift ticket to your belt, your pants or an interior pocket loop and simply pull it out when you need to show it.  This prevents your lift ticket from flopping around on your jacket.  When you need to show your lift ticket, pull it out and show it.  Then simply let it go and it will retract back into storage.  This is particularly great for ski areas that have automated lift ticket checkers at the chairlifts.

For first-time skiers, safety is a major concern.  Most ski resorts offer ski lessons for beginners.  This is highly recommended and a good way to understand the mechanics of skiing, what to avoid, and how to fully enjoy and appreciate the sport.  In addition, learning how to utilize the T-Bars that push you up the slope is recommended as well.

The Green Mountain Inn is a highly recommended choice for a great weekend getaway,.  Built in 1883, this resort is in the center of Stowe Village and has a free shuttle service to and from Stowe Mountain, which is only five miles from the Inn.

The Inn has 104 rooms and suites.  Among the many amenities included at the Green Mountain Inn are:  television, telephone, hair dryer, housekeeping, wireless internet access, cable/satellite TV, air conditioning, climate control, voice mail, extra towels/bedding, designer and complimentary toiletries, and iron/ironing board.

There are two dining rooms:  the Main Street Dining Room, which is a country breakfast buffet only, and the Whip Bar & Grill, an American cuisine offering lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Stowe Village features the East Coast’s largest cross-country ski touring village and the 5.7-mile Stowe Recreation Path, a paved trail for rollerblading, biking, and jogging.  Other local recreational activities include dogsled tours, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh and carriage rides.

Stowe Mountain has 13 lifts and over 100 trails.  Considered to be the best of all ski resorts in the east, Stowe provides quality skiing and riding for all levels of family abilities.

“The area’s lift system includes a gondola to shuttle guests between Mount Mansfield and its “sister” mountain, Spruce Peak.  This inter-mountain transfer lift provides transportation to and from the slopes at the bases of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak - formally linking the two.  The Poma ten-person standing gondola spans Vermont’s Route 108.  The length of the ride between the two mountains is approximately 1,500 ft., with a minimum travel time of 1.5 minutes.  The lift is capable of moving 3,400 people per hour to and from Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.”

If you would like to spend a few days at a spectacular resort where the air is crisp and the skiing is superb, check out the Stowe, Vermont ski packages as an affordable and fun-filled weekend getaway this winter.

Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, the Black Chasm Caverns offer visitors a kaleidoscope of color and formations that has made this a must-see on anyone’s list of places to visit.

Children especially will enjoy taking part in gemstone mining, which is offered at Black Chasm.  The process is as follows:  First, you purchase a bag of pre-packaged gemstones.  Second, you go through the dirt in the water that runs through the flumes, and third, you compare your results to the gemstone display which tells you what type of gemstone you have found.  According to the operators, “everyone has the opportunity to find real gemstones.”

In addition to the Cavern, there’s a Visitor’s Center that houses props from movies such as the Matrix Trilogy.

The tour itself last approximately 50 minutes, and the it involves walking through a series of platforms, walkways, and stairs that afford you the best view of the cave.  Some of the finest formations are said to be found in Black Chasm, and after your walking tour you are taken to the Landmark Room where you will find a collection of amazing crystals taken from the cave itself.

In addition, there are numerous amenities available for your family such as picnic tables and gift shops.  Both fun and educational, tours to the Caverns are available during September through May.

If you live in California and cannot afford an expensive vacation, this is a perfect weekend getaway for the entire family.  And if you plan on vacationing in California this winter, this is a perfect day trip for the entire family, especially the children.

You should check with your travel agent if you need more information on the Black Chasm Caverns.

Let’s take a look at their summer itinerary.  It’s really quite comprehensive and one that you and your children will absolutely love!

Included in the rates are: six nights lodging and meals, your own horse for a week, all trail rides and instruction.  Also included are: rock climbing and belaying lessons, frisby golf, tomahawk throwing, hiking, fishing, archery, kid’s scavenger hunts, campouts, children’s riding program, horse shoes, animals galore, hammocks, Jacuzzi, and evening campfires and entertainment.

Here is a typical itinerary for one week’s stay based on a Sunday arrival:

Day One: Guests arrive and settle in rooms; Tour ranch and meet horses and staff; Barn Orientation Class including: Ground Manners, Catching, Haltering, Leading and Tieing; hospitality and appetizers on front porch, supper and ranch orientation,   introduction to Cowboy Poetry, and sunset hike.
Day Two: Breakfast, barn orientation - “Horse Instincts and Communication,” Arena demo and practice (Walk, Whoa, Turn), First ride for skills practice and/or arena time.  Lunch at picnic tables, horseshoe tournament, ride horses into National Forest, to Bubba’s Hill or Lady Moon or Hunter’s Camp or Aspen Canyon, appetizers on front porch, supper, and sunset hike.
Day Three: Breakfast, horse grooming & tack lesson, ride to Bubba’s Hill or Lady Moon or Hunter’s Camp or Aspen Canyon, Lunch on the trail, 1:30 Rock Climbing Class at Stoney Point Hill, 5:00 Kids cookout and scavenger hunt as well as field games and stories at the fire & sleep-out at tipi.   Adult candlelight dinner offered in the evening.
Day Four:  Breakfast, horse grooming and tack, Mt. Margaret all day ride,  lunch at Mt. Margaret trail head, ride, hike, play,  appetizers and dinner, evening campfire with s’mores and cowboy singers Lars & Amy Larson.
Day Five:  Breakfast, all-day rafters leave for the river early, half-day Rafters play on ranch, pack lunches.  Return for fishing, horse shoe tourney, archery, or hiking.  Some rafters stay in town to explore shop and/or enjoy dinner in “Old Town” Ft. Collins after their white water adventure. After dinner, evening is free.
Day Six:  Breakfast, free morning, lunch and choice of activities, evening dinner, and campfire with Cowboy Poetry.
Day Seven: Breakfast, arena games, boxed lunch or buffet available, say goodbye!

Note that the children’s programs are designed for kids five years and older.  There is also babysitting available.  Children who cannot ride alone will team up with an experienced rider and stay within the confines of the ranch.  These wranglers are certified by the American Association of Horsemanship Safety.

If you want to truly have a wonderful, exciting, and fun-filled family vacation that is distinctive, unique, and offers lots of adventure for your kids – check out the Sundance Ranch and book early.

Elaine Ktistes shares information she has gathered that will make our travel time one that is enjoyable and less stressful.  Ever wonder why you must book a trip in advance or a season before?  This handbook explains the reasons why and the benefits we get for doing so.  Much detail is spent on how to handle the airport security so as not to start your vacation or trip on a sour note.

The author share tips on:

• Selecting the perfect destination
• Cell phone use on airplanes
• Going through security check points
• Sources for hotel discounts
• Frequent flyer information
• Electronic Tickets
• Non-refundable issues

If you have ever travelled with your family, this handbook is a must have.  The issues of preplanning and packing appropriate are addressed and handy checklists are also provided.  She explains how we must sit together as a family and discuss travel plans and have everyone understand the rules in advance to avoid any confusion or delays on the date of travel.  The tips she shares are priceless and this handbook can save you the needless stress, a must have for every traveler.

]]> http://whatkindoftravel.com/2008/11/discount-travel-wisdom-you-need-this-book/feed/ http://whatkindoftravel.com/2008/11/touring-america%e2%80%99s-national-parks/ http://whatkindoftravel.com/2008/11/touring-america%e2%80%99s-national-parks/#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:42:46 +0000 Ron Kerr http://whatkindoftravel.com/?p=60 Did you know that you can tour America’s National Parks from the comfort of your own home? Have you wondered what the caverns of Carlsbad look like or the mystery behind the Great Smoky Mountains? The tour that you have always envisioned can be accomplished with this DVD, which will take you on a tour of 20 of the country’s most popular parks.

The parks featured in the power packed DVD include the wonders of Yellowstone, the splendors of Yosemite, and the impressive Grand Canyon. The wondrous parks span the United States from the steamy West Coast to the mountainous East Coast. You will see the Olympic, Grand Teton and Glacier parks on the West Coast and the glorious, beautiful Florida Everglades and historic Shenandoah on the East Coast. Explore the enticing caverns of Carlsbad, the cliffs, canyons and the wonders of Mesa Verde. Not to mention viewing the mist-enshrouded Great Smoky Mountains and so much more.

This DVD will have you packing your bags, loading your family in your vehicle and on your way to a wonderful travelling experience. After viewing this DVD you will wonder why you haven’t experienced the beautiful and richness of the National Parks that are in own back yard. If you cannot possible make the trip to see these wonders first hand, be sure to sit back and enjoy the grandeurs displayed in this DVD. In a mere 60 minutes you will view the captivating views our National Parks have to offer.

]]> http://whatkindoftravel.com/2008/11/touring-america%e2%80%99s-national-parks/feed/ http://whatkindoftravel.com/2008/11/bali-indonesia/ http://whatkindoftravel.com/2008/11/bali-indonesia/#comments Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:52:09 +0000 Ron Kerr http://whatkindoftravel.com/?p=58 Bali is one of the many islands of Indonesia, just to the north-west of Australia between Jakarta and East Timor.

The island of Bali is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world and is practically ringed with white sand beaches and clear water. It has an active volcano at its center, rice fields abound everywhere and Hindu temples, complete with offerings to the Gods, are scattered throughout the island.

The island is famous for its batik cloth and paintings. Balinese culture includes the colorful and unique dance troupes as well as its famous wood carvings.

This truly is a beautiful and serene place where the local people love to show off their cultural heritage. They welcome visitors from all around the world and offer many kinds of exciting experiences along with the usual snorkeling, diving programs, horse-riding and boat trips to other islands.

Bali is one of the most exotic locations you could ever wish to visit, and it’s proximity to Australia makes a vacation to both a logical choice. The city of Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia is a relatively short plane trip from Bali.

Art galleries, theaters offering the latest and best stage shows, nightclubs, casinos, London has everything including the ‘London Eye’ – a huge wheel housing bullet shaped carriages for twenty or so people to view the London skyline both by day and night. These are even rented out for cocktail parties and weddings!

London also boasts one of the best local transport systems in the world and it is very easy to ‘pop-up’ all over London in a relatively short time by using the underground railway. It’s a great way to avoid the traffic jams also!

But England is more than just London. Take a trip out to Oxford or Cambridge, the towns housing perhaps some of the most famous colleges in the world. It’s like stepping back in time with the ancient buildings still in use after hundreds of years.

Many Britons now offer a ‘home-stay’ type of holiday where you can stay with a family or perhaps the holiday swaps where you go to a families home whilst they come to yours.

There are agencies set up to monitor these and it is becoming increasingly popular.