Heavy snowfall doesn’t always elicit cheers from the masses, but substantial late winter precipitation, combined with above average snowpack in the mountains of the North West United States, has signalled good news for outdoor enthusiasts.
Thanks to the deluge of water brought on by the spring melt, tour operators on Idaho’s Salmon River are reporting fantastic conditions at the Middle Fork, a popular location for rafting and fly-fishing.
Idaho River Journeys is one such outfitter. Operator Bob Volpert says, “Our clients come from all over the country and they’ve gotten pretty savvy about water conditions. We’re bouncing back from the recession and good water conditions will certainly help further our recovery.”
The Salmon’s Middle Fork is a world renowned hot spot for white water and fly-fishing. The river goes through phases as the season progresses and these changing conditions attract rafters with different levels of experience. The highest water culminates in June. This peak flow translates into some rough rapids, ideal for experienced rafters. Once the peak has subsided, the Middle Fork evolves into an ideal destination for adventurous families looking for a taste of white water, while also cashing in on the area’s scenic hiking and fly-fishing potential.
Guided tours have a typical duration of 5 -6 days or 75-100 miles. Outfitters like Idaho River Journeys schedule trips every week starting in June and extending through September.
Visitors attracted by the promise of world class rafting, may be pleasantly surprised by the variety of additional highlights some tours incorporate including wine-tastings, individual fly-fishing instruction, and guided hikes.
If your family has been toying with the idea of a white water adventure, this may be the year to take the plunge. The river is waiting to carry you, dipping and twisting through the mountain landscape. With this season’s ideal conditions, the whole family can be assured of a vibrant encounter with the great outdoors. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Star Wars Weekends are back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! So pack up your little Jedis, plug the coordinates into the navi-computer and make the jump to light speed; they’ll only be around from May 18th to June 10th.
Star Wars Weekends take place every year, and pay tribute to the Star Wars Saga, as well as the animated TV series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Activities and special events are planned for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend: May 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, 27 carrying on through June 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10.
This year, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue returns with new destinations and missions. Journey from Tatooine to Coruscant. With so many characters, settings and adventure possibilities, this is a ride worth taking over and over again.
Padawan 12 years and under will learn to wield their lightsabers with the precision of Obi-wan Kenobi himself, when they participate in the Jedi Training Academy. Once they pass the Padawan Mind Challenge, they’ll be ready to do battle with Darth Vader, no matter what he throws their way.
Arrive bright and early and pick up your FASTPASS, before the park opens. This will not only save you time in line for rides, it will ensure you a spot in the lineup for autographs with a Star Wars celebrity. FASTPASSES are in short supply. Each visitor must be present to receive their FASTPASS. Only one autograph will be granted, per guest. Once the FASTPASSES are gone, stand-by tickets may be issued, but these do not guarantee an autograph.
Each day comes to a close with a flurry of music, comedy and dancing at the Hyperspace Hoopla. Partiers will find themselves surrounded by Ewoks, Wookiees, stormtroopers and a myriad of other recognisable characters. Be ready with the camera – you’ll want some pictures of the mayhem.
Star Wars Weekend is the closest most of us will ever come to living the rebel adventure. Use the Force to plan your trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Summer camp spawns images of rustic cabins tucked into the wilderness… campfires, swimming lessons and homesickness…crystal clear lakes flanked by rugged shores, black flies and that time the canoe tipped.
Well forget everything you thought you knew about camp, because this year, the whole family is headed to Summer Camp at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas.
Atlantis has rolled out a roster of summer camps designed to turn dreams into reality.
Marine Adventure Camp for ages 10 to 14($495) allows junior aquarists to encounter marine wildlife and participate in their care and feeding. Campers will snorkel, gain behind the scenes insight into marine care and learn about coral reefs.
Future superstars, aged 14 to 28, can prepare for American Idol at Audition Star camp($795). Camper/performers will work under the guidance of industry insiders, stylists and former American Idol finalists, to hone their singing, presentation and appearance. Participants will leave prepared to dazzle the judges and become the next chart topper.
Girls, aged 12-17, who dream of someday wearing the Miss Teen USA crown, will benefit from the insight and training they gain at the fourth Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp($1295). The structure of the camp is designed to groom potential beauty queens to compete in and win the most prestigious pageants going. The program is endorsed by the Miss Universe Organisation.
LEGO Master Builder Academy Fantasy Camp($495) is a unique opportunity for kids aged 6 to 12. With the help of a LEGO Master Builder, kids will flex their engineering muscles learning techniques like sideways building, interlocking and hidden lock building. They’ll be learning the tricks of the trade from one of the very best.
Other unique camp experiences include, Scrapbooking Camp($495), which is open to anyone 13 and older, Cheerleading Camp($495), hosted by the United States Cheerleading Association for 6- to 18-year-olds, and Cartoon Network Studios Fantasy Camp($495), where kids aged 6 to 14 will get an introduction to the world of animation.
Head to the Atlantis website for pricing and dates.
Atlantis has turned summer camp on its head. Kids build potentially life altering skills, while the rest of the family experiences all that Atlantis has to offer. And the luxury resort has a lot to offer: beaches, golf, Dolphin Cay, Aquaventure, casino, shopping and more.
At the end of a busy day, the family is reunited to enjoy a good night’s sleep under the same roof – no need to write letters to Mom and Dad when they’re right there with you. That’s a summer camp experience everyone will feel comfortable with. – Jen R. Staff Writer
I’ve been on my fair share of road trips. They are a part of every summer for our family. The best advice I can offer a newbie, is to go to sleep and when you wake up three days later, you’ll be in Texas – only joking. In truth, many times a vacation is more about the journey than the destination.
Road trippin’ combines the freedom of the open road with the confines of a vehicle. It juxtaposes the convenience of travelling by your own timetable with the challenges of covering great distances in a limited amount of time. Road trips are intense. Your family may not literally be in a nutshell, but a Volkswagen Westfalia isn’t much better.
My REAL advice is to keep your itinerary reasonable. Think about everything you’d like to do and see, over the course of your trip. Now scale it back to what you can actually accomplish, in the time you have available, and then scale it back to less than you think you can manage. The harsh reality is you won’t be able to do everything on your wish list. The trip will suffer delays, there will be unexpected detours, and traffic jams that nobody saw coming.
Some of the amusing circumstances that have slowed my road trip progress include, but are not limited to:
Nasty weather
Accidents
Construction
The Mystery Spot
Customs
Goats
Speeding ticket
Forest fire
Landslide
Emus
Train derailment
But, if you’re like me, you’re not listening to my advice. You’re going to have to get in over your head and learn about itinerary limitations the hard way.
But if you are listening, take it from my experience:
Before we were parents, my husband and I took a road trip around Europe. We started in Britain and, after an overnight boat ride, we went through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and back to the Netherlands. It sounds awesome doesn’t it?
We had one week to accomplish all of that. It was a blur. I vaguely remember being in an IKEA somewhere in Germany…there was a Leaning Tower and an Eiffel tower and a couple of parking garages…ya, I don’t remember much. We’re going to have to do some of those countries over again.
Road trips let us experience the dizzying highs and the crushing lows of family togetherness. Occasional arguments and grouchiness are par for the course. Your 11-year-old may abuse your ears with the tweets and squeaks of a souvenir tin whistle, all the way from Nova Scotia to Ontario. Mom and Dad may stop speaking to each other, for a while, after a misunderstanding about an off-ramp. But, you’ll look back and laugh…ah hahahaha.
While, on the down side, you won’t be able to escape your family, on the up side, your family won’t be able to escape you. If you manage to survive all that togetherness, you’ll know each other better and have a fresh collection of shared experiences.
Part of pacing your trip is understanding your family’s limitations.
How long can the kids sit before they go crazy?
How long can Mom and Dad drive safely before switching or taking a break?
Plan games and activities to participate in together, (eye spy), but also allow for individual activities, (books, ipods). Even within the confines of a vehicle, everyone is entitled to some alone time.
Once you have a reasonable plan and schedule in place, you’ll be happy to discover the many advantages a road trip has to offer.
One of them is cost. While the price of gas is all over the headlines right now, it is still less expensive to pile the family into the car, than purchase airline or even train tickets for the group.
Setting your own itinerary helps control costs in other ways too. Having the ability to drive off the main tourist track can allow you to find quality food and accommodation at a discount. If you bring a camp stove along, you can tailgate some of your meals. If you bring the rest of your camping equipment, you can save the cost of a hotel and keep your budget lean and mean.
Roaming the highways of the world has afforded us some unforgettable experiences. We’ve encountered elephant seals while driving the Pacific Coast Highway. We’ve gone off course to climb the highest peak in Australia. And there are so many unusual landmarks to spot: Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, the Ace of Clubs House in Texarkana, or the flying saucer in Moonbeam, Ontario, just to name a few.
Road trips offer a lot of variety. Driving around, you get to see the best and the worst. The richest neighbourhoods and the hoods you might be glad to leave. You have the opportunity to glimpse into people’s lives in a way that wouldn’t be possible if you were traveling by any other means.
You may go from the middle of a major metropolis to the dead centre of nowhere in the span of a day’s drive.
Motoring around Northern Ontario a couple of summers ago, we persevered along a desolate stretch of Highway 11 where, for three hours, there was absolutely nothing. Not a house, not a restaurant, not a gas station. We couldn’t receive any radio stations. Logging trucks were the only other vehicles we saw – and there weren’t many of them. You know that song “I’d sure hate to break down here. Nothin’ up ahead or in the rear view mirror.” That’s where we were! It was eerie and strange but also, kind of hardcore.
A road trip may be the adventure your family needs. You’ll have the chance to really see and experience everything along your route. Give yourself lots of time to stop here or there, take advantage of the photo ops, and see the country through your children’s eyes. Bring some snacks, play some games and have a great family vacation this summer. May the road rise up to meet you. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Well known for their practical, lightweight travel gear, Maclaren is set to introduce another stroller that will undoubtedly be popular with traveling parents.
The Globetrotter, the newest addition to the Maclaren line up, weighs just 10.6lbs and will carry your child until they are 55lbs. It is appropriate from ages 6 months and up, has a 5-point safety harness, generous canopy, features lockable, front swivel wheels and foot-operated linked parking brakes. Very similar in design to the company’s popular Volo, the Globetrotter also has one feature that traveling parents consider a must – the seat reclines.
We’ve all been there. Out for the day seeing the sightings and your toddler decides to nap. While my first son could sleep anywhere, my second one was more particular and needed an incline. This is where the Globetrotter is great. It doesn’t fold flat, but there is a slight recline to make an afternoon nap a little more comfortable.
When it is released the Globetrotter stroller will be available in five colors – black, crown blue, scarlet, festival fuscia and prince blue.
In November Maclaren announced they would be moving to one global safety standard, which ensures that all of their buggies will meet or exceed the highest safety standards mandated anywhere in the world. This includes a permanent universal 5-point safety harness, a tether strap, foot operated linked brakes, and a protective head and foot barrier on all from birth models.
We love their collection for travel because they are so compact, easy to push and comfortable for our little travelers. Now with the Global Safety Standards parents around the globe will like that the stroller they purchased in Australia has the same great safety features as the ones in North America or the UK.
Whether you are travelling as a family or for a couples weekend, its important to have a good tote that will hold all of the gear you will need when leaving the hotel for the day. My go-to back for the last 5 years has been my reisenthel XL shopper. I picked it up in Aruba during a cruise and have used it on every trip we have taken until this year when I replaced it with reisenthel’s travel e1 expandable bag.
Similar to my XL shopper, the travel e1 is a generously sized tote that is made of reisenthel’s sturdy canvas. What makes it better for my family is that it has a zipper that allows it to expand to almost double it’s size when you need it to hold lots of supplies. It also has a zipped closure to prevent your valuables from falling out or being seen by passers-by.
While away in the Caribbean recently this bag was a lifesaver because it was able to store everything we needed for a day out including 4 beach towels, sand toys, my camera and a snack bag. There is also a side pocket for smaller items and a hidden pocket, which is located on the bottom of the bag to hold room keys or id.
On the way down I loaded it up with the boy’s blankets, a bag of activities for each one, 2 iPads, a Macbook and two snack bags.
The shoulder strap is adjustable to allow it to hang perfectly off the back of the stroller whether the bag is empty or fully loaded.
In addition we have used it a couple times as an overnight bag because it holds enough clothes for the whole family if we are just going away for one night.
This bag comes in 4 fabrics; red, black, silver and fleur black so there is something for everyone. I like the red because it stands out so I can spot it right away. Priced at $55 the travel e1 bag is a great durable choice for travelers looking for a bag that will carry everything and last more than one getaway!
Disney•Pixar is set to debut their fantasy adventure film Brave on June 22, 2012, but beginning in mid-May, Merida, the film’s feisty teen will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience.
The Disney Parks Blog reports that,
At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Also joining the Merida are three mischievous bear cubs, whom fan will learn more about when “Brave” debuts in theaters.
At Disneyland in California, Merida and the three playful bears will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story.
Creative Director Reed Jones says,
“These new play and greet experiences at both parks will immerse our guests in ‘Brave,’ giving them the opportunity to be a part of Merida’s Scottish clan. And we’re all excited to have the bear cubs join Merida with their silly antics, creating a whole new way to bring our beloved Disney Characters to life.”
“Regardless of where they find Merida,” said Reed, “Guests are really going to fall in love with her and the bears.”
At this time of year, Washington DC and Tokyo, Japan bear one striking resemblance. It’s cherry blossom time and both cities have erupted with clouds of lacy pink and white blooms.
To mark the occasion each year, Washington DC hosts the greatest springtime festival in the whole of the United States, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s festival is on now and extends through April 27th, which by no coincidence is Arbor Day. The festival is five weeks of family events, most of them free.
This year’s festival is special because it commemorates the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry trees by Japan to the American people. Nearly 100 of those gifted trees are still alive and can be seen at the Tidal Basin. They are cared for by the National Park Service.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival has a great lineup planned to celebrate their centennial and plenty of new innovations. The Petal Pass has been introduce this year, by Capital One Bank as a way to offer special discounts and bargains during the festival. The Petal Pass can be acquired, free of charge, at any of the 240 Capital One Bank branches in the area. The Cherry Picks Restaurant Program involves close to 100 local restaurants, all offering cherry-, blossom- and spring-inspired menu additions, during the festival. A number of area hotels have special packages available throughout the festival as well.
The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival takes place at dusk on April 7th and features a display by the city of Nagaoka, Japan, (known for their own 2-day fireworks festival).
This is the first year the national Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will be nationally televised. It takes place on April 14th and is co-hosted by Katie Couric, Alison Starling and Leon Harris. Alex Trebek will act as a special correspondent. The parade proceeds down Constitution Avenue and, much like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, features performances, floats and giant helium balloons. It is free to stand along the route. Seats in the grandstand are $20 a piece. Following the parade; stick around to enjoy the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival. Admission is $5.
Come to the Canon Performance Stage at Sylvan Theater on the Washington Monument each day from March 31-April 5 to take in over 100 free shows. From April 19–22, enjoy Jazz at the Jefferson.
In conjunction with the festival, visitors interested in exploring Japanese culture have a host of rare opportunities. There are currently three exhibitions of masterworks dating from Japan’s Edo-period. Colourful Realm: Japanese Bird-and-Flower Paintings by Itō Jakuchū is open at the National Gallery of Art. Masters of Mercy: Buddha’s Amazing Disciples and Hokusai: 36 Views of Mount Fuji are both on display at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
Additionally, National Geographic Museum is exploring the influence of Samurai’s on Japanese history and culture through their exhibition of Samurai: The Warrior Transformed. For music enthusiasts, The Kennedy Center presents Overtures: S&R Foundation Artist Concert Series, featuring award-winning Japanese artists.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival offers all this and so much more. There is still plenty of time to experience the sights, sounds, aromas and tastes of the festival. It truly offers something for everyone. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Adventures by Disney has released some details of their expanded offerings for 2013. Whether you like your adventures star studded or far flung, there is something new in the works for you.
On a jaunt to Hollywood, inject a little Mickey, with the first single-day tour offered by Adventures by Disney, the new “Lights, Camera, Magic,” tour of Los Angeles. Gain special behind the scenes access to the Walt Disney Studios and The Walt Disney Company headquarters. Then, hit the streets – some very famous streets, like Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip. All the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, old and new, is yours to discover during this one day adventure.
If you prefer your travel with a dash of the exotic, you may be enticed by the fragrances and flavours of Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia make up the itinerary of this experience.
Once ravaged by wars and violent government regime, this part of the world is only now finding its place on the tourist map. Draped for years in mystery, this region is a secret that is begging to be unlocked.
Adventures by Disney has made Southeast Asia accessible, not only to experienced travellers, but to families. Through this tour you’ll have the opportunity to experience the cities of Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
One of the great advantages to travel with Adventures by Disney, is the way they gear the experience differently for the age groups that are participating. For example, at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, adults will have the opportunity to appreciate the unrivaled architecture of the ancient temple, while children learn about its history through a tuk tuk treasure hunt.
Other activities on the roster include a hands-on experience at an organic rice farm in Laos and a cooking class in Vietnam that takes the whole family through their dinner’s journey, from market, to preparation, to table, all with the guidance of a local chef.
Families will also be enthralled by excursions like horseback riding through rural villages in Cambodia, and a visit to a school in Laos. What an unforgettable experience for the kids – and Mom and Dad too!
Two knowledgeable guides will lead families through the tour and take care of all the details. It’s beautiful accommodation, like the luxury you’ll enjoy at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and private transportation all the way.
“We are thrilled to invite families to experience new corners of the world with Adventures by Disney, as we expand our portfolio of more than 20 destinations to include Southeast Asia,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “This exotic new itinerary holds true to Disney’s dedication to storytelling, exceptional customer service and incredible value. With our award-winning itineraries, families are treated to a worry-free experience, perfect for vacationers taking their first international excursion or even the seasoned traveler.”
More details and dates for the expanded 2013 lineup will be posted on the Adventures by Disney website in late spring. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Cuba’s Holguin province has been known for its beauty since Columbus discovered America – literally.
In November 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the northeast coast of Cuba and found himself in an idyllic paradise. Attempting to describe his discovery, he declared it to be, “the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen.”
Perhaps a touch of hyperbole, but he wasn’t far off. Between the mountains and the ocean you’ll find a vacationers dream, complete with wide sand beaches, sky scraping palms and lace petaled orchids. The cars are classic, the horses and goats graze freely along the road side and teams of oxen still work the land. It is a place like no other.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Holguin province, while vacationing with my husband at the Sol Rio De Luna y Mares – a lovely resort in a stunning setting.
Once two resorts, the Luna and the Mares have come together to provide guests with a wealth of amenities and an enviable expanse of beach front.
The brown sugar coastline and shimmering blue waves are a sight for winter-weary eyes. It’s like the world suddenly goes from grey-scale to Technicolor. Cuba boasts a reputation for some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and Playa Esmeralda is one of the crown jewels.
The span of beach at Sol Rio De Luna y Mares is bookended by an eco preserve on one side and the five-star Paradisus Rio de Oro on the other. You can expect uninterrupted relaxation, plenty of space, lots of loungers, an absence of beach vendors and zero hassle. The resort provides a range of equipment, for water sports, so when you just can’t sit another minute, you can flaunt your kayaking skills or take up windsurfing or snorkelling.
Now, before we get into the specifics of the resort, it’s important to put things into a Cuban context. Cuba is the sort of place where nobody locks their door, because nobody’s lock works. Resources are limited which means your room may have dated decor, and something is likely to be broken. Government policy, international relations and economic limitations all play a role.
But don’t let that scare you off. Cuba is a study in ingenuity, practical problem solving and environmental sustainability. Cuba has a fantastic education system, which means the man at the omelette station may speak six languages and the bartender may be a qualified surgeon. There could be problems, but the brilliance of the solution will often surprise you. It is a fascinating place to visit, and worth tolerating the odd inconvenience.
When we checked into the resort, we were given a room in the Mares building. The Mares rooms have not been renovated yet, while the rooms on the Luna side have been updated. Our room was in need of a spruce up, but overall it was fine. The decor was tired and a little shabby, but the room was clean. Our balcony door didn’t lock and it was difficult to get the entry door to close securely. The bed was two twins pushed together and there was (in my opinion) a creepy mural overhead. We could have muddled through, but I wasn’t thrilled with the room so we agreed to stick it out for the night and ask for a change in the morning.
The next morning, our request for a switcheroo was accommodated without so much as a raised eyebrow. We were moved to a room on the recently renovated Luna side, in the highly sought after 7000 block. This block is popular because it is quiet, close to the beach and offers fresh and cheerful decor. FYI, for some reason the Luna side also gets more TV channels than the Mares.
Our new room was on the third floor. It had a cathedral ceiling with exposed woodwork and an ocean view that was to die for. An ocean view room can be reserved ahead of time, for a premium, but as it turns out, you could get lucky and score one for free.
Throughout the resort, all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a coffee maker, fridge, hair dryer, an umbrella, and a safe to secure valuables.
The hotel supplies soap, shower gel and shampoo/conditioner, but they are quite harsh. It is a good idea to bring your own products, especially if sensitive skin is a concern.
The grounds of the Luna y Mares are beautifully designed and immaculately maintained. The variety of fauna throughout the grounds boggles my Canadian mind. It actually pains me to think of the plants we could grow if our climate was more hospitable.
The flowers, trees and shrubs start out in a small nursery, tucked off to one side of the property. They are transplanted into their permanent positions by the army of gardeners who work ceaselessly to maintain the exceptional grounds.
The resort is quite big, but not huge. There are no shuttles to carry you between areas, but we didn’t find that we missed them. It was pretty easy to get around. The pathways and buildings were fairly accessible, for individuals with mobility issues. Parents with strollers seemed to navigate the property without difficulty. There were a few areas that could be problematic for wheel chairs, though I never witnessed anyone having any difficulties.
There is an elevator to the upper floors of the Mares building. The buildings on the Luna side are accessible on the first floor but upper floors are restricted by stairs. Even the walkways are terraced by steps, on the second and third floors.
The food in Cuba has a reputation for being bland and mundane, that said, the food at the Sol Rio De Luna y Mares was quite good.
The Colon buffet puts on a good breakfast spread. The food was always hot. Don’t bother with the bread, in the morning, as it tends to be stale. The buffet offers a good variety, and will suit a range of pallets. Eggs and omelettes are made to order. The Colon is praised for its selection of cheeses, fruits and upscale fare such as smoked salmon.
The best cappuccino on the resort is at the snack bar by the Luna pool. It also became my favourite spot for lunch. The food is made fresh, to order. I loved the pizza, topped just how I like it – absolutely delicious. They also serve an assortment of sandwiches and delicacies like chicken cordon bleu. This snack bar is open 24/7, so if you’re foraging for late-night fries, you’ll end up there. We spent quite a bit of time there. It is very relaxed and the staff is friendly – far more laid back than the frenetic lobby bar.
There are several delicious options for dinner. Stick with the Colon buffet for easy casual dining, or try one of the four à la cartes specialising in – French, Italian, Cuban and beach front Romantic fare.
The buffet offers plenty of variety and fantastic desserts during the dinner service. The specialties change each night so there is always something new to try.
You are guaranteed two à la carte reservations each week. I recommend using them to secure seating at the high demand restaurants – the French in particular and also the Italian. We found that by dressing appropriately and arriving shortly after the first seating began, at 6:30pm, we could be accommodated at the Cuban and the Romantic restaurants, without reservations.
The French restaurant is raved about by everyone who tries it, and is in very high demand. The service there is a cut above and the atmosphere captures the elegance of a dinner in France. They extend little touches and details to create a gracious fine-dining experience. I thought the food was good, though in my opinion, the other à la cartes were equally delicious. Each of the restaurants executes a unique and flavourful dining experience.
For me, the best part of our stay at the Sol Rio De Luna y Mares was the location. As I’ve already mentioned, the beachfront is amazing and that’s what it’s all about for a lot of holidaymakers – give them a frilly cocktail and a lounge chair and they are set for the week. But I’m that annoying person who gets bored, after a while, and starts bugging everybody to “go do something.” I love to explore and would feel absolutely trapped if I was stuck in the confines of the resort for a whole week. I liked the Luna y Mares because we had access to cheap and cheerful excursions to occupy a couple of hours each day. The animation staff offers guided jaunts around the area, each morning.
The resort is right beside Las Guanas ecological and archaeological park. An easy walk next door and you’re in the jungle, experiencing the flora and fauna of the area and gaining an understanding of pre-colonial life.
The Luna y Mares is only five kilometres from Guardalavaca. We rented bicycles from the resort one afternoon and peddled through the gorgeous countryside to the market in town. My bike sucked a bit…OK quite a bit, but my husband’s was fine and once I’d peddled off the cycling cobwebs it ended up being a really nice afternoon. If you’re not feelin’ the rickety bike rental, you can always hop on the double-decker bus and see the town in comfort.
The gentleness of the countryside, around this resort, is both calming and restorative. It’s a beautiful area to walk through. We spent hours, one afternoon, adventuring through the woods, finding secret coral beaches and unexpected bars with cheap rum and cola.
That in itself, the simple freedom to go for a walk off the resort, is quite an endorsement for Cuba as a whole. There are many beautiful places to visit in the Caribbean, but some vacation hotspots leave travellers feeling wary to leave their resort, particularly if they are travelling with children. In Cuba, however, most visitors feel quite comfortable exploring the towns and rural areas outside the gates of their resort.
It is that sense of safety and security, combined with the friendliness of the people, the beauty of the country and the time-capsual’esque nature of daily life that brought me back to Cuba this year and will undoubtedly draw me back again. And if we were to visit the Holguin region again, I would love to make Sol Rio De Luna y Mares my home away from home. –Jen R, Staff Writer
Idaho River Journeys is one such outfitter. Operator Bob Volpert says, “Our clients come from all over the country and they’ve gotten pretty savvy about water conditions. We’re bouncing back from the recession and good water conditions will certainly help further our recovery.”
The Salmon’s Middle Fork is a world renowned hot spot for white water and fly-fishing. The river goes through phases as the season progresses and these changing conditions attract rafters with different levels of experience. The highest water culminates in June. This peak flow translates into some rough rapids, ideal for experienced rafters. Once the peak has subsided, the Middle Fork evolves into an ideal destination for adventurous families looking for a taste of white water, while also cashing in on the area’s scenic hiking and fly-fishing potential.
Guided tours have a typical duration of 5 -6 days or 75-100 miles. Outfitters like Idaho River Journeys schedule trips every week starting in June and extending through September.
Visitors attracted by the promise of world class rafting, may be pleasantly surprised by the variety of additional highlights some tours incorporate including wine-tastings, individual fly-fishing instruction, and guided hikes.
If your family has been toying with the idea of a white water adventure, this may be the year to take the plunge. The river is waiting to carry you, dipping and twisting through the mountain landscape. With this season’s ideal conditions, the whole family can be assured of a vibrant encounter with the great outdoors. – Jen R, Staff Writer 
Star Wars Weekends take place every year, and pay tribute to the Star Wars Saga, as well as the animated TV series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Activities and special events are planned for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend: May 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, 27 carrying on through June 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10.
This year, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue returns with new destinations and missions. Journey from Tatooine to Coruscant. With so many characters, settings and adventure possibilities, this is a ride worth taking over and over again.
Padawan 12 years and under will learn to wield their lightsabers with the precision of Obi-wan Kenobi himself, when they participate in the Jedi Training Academy. Once they pass the Padawan Mind Challenge, they’ll be ready to do battle with Darth Vader, no matter what he throws their way.
Arrive bright and early and pick up your FASTPASS, before the park opens. This will not only save you time in line for rides, it will ensure you a spot in the lineup for autographs with a Star Wars celebrity. FASTPASSES are in short supply. Each visitor must be present to receive their FASTPASS. Only one autograph will be granted, per guest. Once the FASTPASSES are gone, stand-by tickets may be issued, but these do not guarantee an autograph.
Each day comes to a close with a flurry of music, comedy and dancing at the Hyperspace Hoopla. Partiers will find themselves surrounded by Ewoks, Wookiees, stormtroopers and a myriad of other recognisable characters. Be ready with the camera – you’ll want some pictures of the mayhem.
Star Wars Weekend is the closest most of us will ever come to living the rebel adventure. Use the Force to plan your trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Future superstars, aged 14 to 28, can prepare for American Idol at Audition Star camp($795). Camper/performers will work under the guidance of industry insiders, stylists and former American Idol finalists, to hone their singing, presentation and appearance. Participants will leave prepared to dazzle the judges and become the next chart topper.
Girls, aged 12-17, who dream of someday wearing the Miss Teen USA crown, will benefit from the insight and training they gain at the fourth Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp($1295). The structure of the camp is designed to groom potential beauty queens to compete in and win the most prestigious pageants going. The program is endorsed by the Miss Universe Organisation.
LEGO Master Builder Academy Fantasy Camp($495) is a unique opportunity for kids aged 6 to 12. With the help of a LEGO Master Builder, kids will flex their engineering muscles learning techniques like sideways building, interlocking and hidden lock building. They’ll be learning the tricks of the trade from one of the very best.
Other unique camp experiences include, Scrapbooking Camp($495), which is open to anyone 13 and older, Cheerleading Camp($495), hosted by the United States Cheerleading Association for 6- to 18-year-olds, and Cartoon Network Studios Fantasy Camp($495), where kids aged 6 to 14 will get an introduction to the world of animation.
Head to the Atlantis website for pricing and dates.
Atlantis has turned summer camp on its head. Kids build potentially life altering skills, while the rest of the family experiences all that Atlantis has to offer. And the luxury resort has a lot to offer: beaches, golf, Dolphin Cay, Aquaventure, casino, shopping and more.
At the end of a busy day, the family is reunited to enjoy a good night’s sleep under the same roof – no need to write letters to Mom and Dad when they’re right there with you. That’s a summer camp experience everyone will feel comfortable with. – Jen R. Staff Writer 
I’ve been on my fair share of road trips. They are a part of every summer for our family. The best advice I can offer a newbie, is to go to sleep and when you wake up three days later, you’ll be in Texas – only joking. In truth, many times a vacation is more about the journey than the destination.
Road trippin’ combines the freedom of the open road with the confines of a vehicle. It juxtaposes the convenience of travelling by your own timetable with the challenges of covering great distances in a limited amount of time. Road trips are intense. Your family may not literally be in a nutshell, but a Volkswagen Westfalia isn’t much better.
My REAL advice is to keep your itinerary reasonable. Think about everything you’d like to do and see, over the course of your trip. Now scale it back to what you can actually accomplish, in the time you have available, and then scale it back to less than you think you can manage. The harsh reality is you won’t be able to do everything on your wish list. The trip will suffer delays, there will be unexpected detours, and traffic jams that nobody saw coming.
Some of the amusing circumstances that have slowed my road trip progress include, but are not limited to:
Road trips let us experience the dizzying highs and the crushing lows of family togetherness. Occasional arguments and grouchiness are par for the course. Your 11-year-old may abuse your ears with the tweets and squeaks of a souvenir tin whistle, all the way from Nova Scotia to Ontario. Mom and Dad may stop speaking to each other, for a while, after a misunderstanding about an off-ramp. But, you’ll look back and laugh…ah hahahaha.
While, on the down side, you won’t be able to escape your family, on the up side, your family won’t be able to escape you. If you manage to survive all that togetherness, you’ll know each other better and have a fresh collection of shared experiences.
Part of pacing your trip is understanding your family’s limitations.
How long can the kids sit before they go crazy?
How long can Mom and Dad drive safely before switching or taking a break?
Plan games and activities to participate in together, (eye spy), but also allow for individual activities, (books, ipods). Even within the confines of a vehicle, everyone is entitled to some alone time.
Once you have a reasonable plan and schedule in place, you’ll be happy to discover the many advantages a road trip has to offer.
One of them is cost. While the price of gas is all over the headlines right now, it is still less expensive to pile the family into the car, than purchase airline or even train tickets for the group.
Setting your own itinerary helps control costs in other ways too. Having the ability to drive off the main tourist track can allow you to find quality food and accommodation at a discount. If you bring a camp stove along, you can tailgate some of your meals. If you bring the rest of your camping equipment, you can save the cost of a hotel and keep your budget lean and mean.
Roaming the highways of the world has afforded us some unforgettable experiences. We’ve encountered elephant seals while driving the Pacific Coast Highway. We’ve gone off course to climb the highest peak in Australia. And there are so many unusual landmarks to spot: Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, the Ace of Clubs House in Texarkana, or the flying saucer in Moonbeam, Ontario, just to name a few.
Road trips offer a lot of variety. Driving around, you get to see the best and the worst. The richest neighbourhoods and the hoods you might be glad to leave. You have the opportunity to glimpse into people’s lives in a way that wouldn’t be possible if you were traveling by any other means.
You may go from the middle of a major metropolis to the dead centre of nowhere in the span of a day’s drive.
Motoring around Northern Ontario a couple of summers ago, we persevered along a desolate stretch of Highway 11 where, for three hours, there was absolutely nothing. Not a house, not a restaurant, not a gas station. We couldn’t receive any radio stations. Logging trucks were the only other vehicles we saw – and there weren’t many of them. You know that song “I’d sure hate to break down here. Nothin’ up ahead or in the rear view mirror.” That’s where we were! It was eerie and strange but also, kind of hardcore.
A road trip may be the adventure your family needs. You’ll have the chance to really see and experience everything along your route. Give yourself lots of time to stop here or there, take advantage of the photo ops, and see the country through your children’s eyes. Bring some snacks, play some games and have a great family vacation this summer. May the road rise up to meet you. – Jen R, Staff Writer 
Similar to my XL shopper, the travel e1 is a generously sized tote that is made of reisenthel’s sturdy canvas. What makes it better for my family is that it has a zipper that allows it to expand to almost double it’s size when you need it to hold lots of supplies. It also has a zipped closure to prevent your valuables from falling out or being seen by passers-by.
While away in the Caribbean recently this bag was a lifesaver because it was able to store everything we needed for a day out including 4 beach towels, sand toys, my camera and a snack bag. There is also a side pocket for smaller items and a hidden pocket, which is located on the bottom of the bag to hold room keys or id.
On the way down I loaded it up with the boy’s blankets, a bag of activities for each one, 2 iPads, a Macbook and two snack bags.
The shoulder strap is adjustable to allow it to hang perfectly off the back of the stroller whether the bag is empty or fully loaded.
In addition we have used it a couple times as an overnight bag because it holds enough clothes for the whole family if we are just going away for one night.
This bag comes in 4 fabrics; red, black, silver and fleur black so there is something for everyone. I like the red because it stands out so I can spot it right away. Priced at $55 the travel e1 bag is a great durable choice for travelers looking for a bag that will carry everything and last more than one getaway!
At Disneyland in California, Merida and the three playful bears will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story.
Creative Director Reed Jones says,
To mark the occasion each year, Washington DC hosts the greatest springtime festival in the whole of the United States, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s festival is on now and extends through April 27th, which by no coincidence is Arbor Day. The festival is five weeks of family events, most of them free.
This year’s festival is special because it commemorates the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry trees by Japan to the American people. Nearly 100 of those gifted trees are still alive and can be seen at the Tidal Basin. They are cared for by the National Park Service.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival has a great lineup planned to celebrate their centennial and plenty of new innovations. The Petal Pass has been introduce this year, by Capital One Bank as a way to offer special discounts and bargains during the festival. The Petal Pass can be acquired, free of charge, at any of the 240 Capital One Bank branches in the area. The Cherry Picks Restaurant Program involves close to 100 local restaurants, all offering cherry-, blossom- and spring-inspired menu additions, during the festival. A number of area hotels have special packages available throughout the festival as well.
The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival takes place at dusk on April 7th and features a display by the city of Nagaoka, Japan, (known for their own 2-day fireworks festival).
This is the first year the national Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will be nationally televised. It takes place on April 14th and is co-hosted by Katie Couric, Alison Starling and Leon Harris. Alex Trebek will act as a special correspondent. The parade proceeds down Constitution Avenue and, much like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, features performances, floats and giant helium balloons. It is free to stand along the route. Seats in the grandstand are $20 a piece. Following the parade; stick around to enjoy the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival. Admission is $5.
Come to the Canon Performance Stage at Sylvan Theater on the Washington Monument each day from March 31-April 5 to take in over 100 free shows. From April 19–22, enjoy Jazz at the Jefferson.
In conjunction with the festival, visitors interested in exploring Japanese culture have a host of rare opportunities. There are currently three exhibitions of masterworks dating from Japan’s Edo-period. Colourful Realm: Japanese Bird-and-Flower Paintings by Itō Jakuchū is open at the National Gallery of Art. Masters of Mercy: Buddha’s Amazing Disciples and Hokusai: 36 Views of Mount Fuji are both on display at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
Additionally, National Geographic Museum is exploring the influence of Samurai’s on Japanese history and culture through their exhibition of Samurai: The Warrior Transformed. For music enthusiasts, The Kennedy Center presents Overtures: S&R Foundation Artist Concert Series, featuring award-winning Japanese artists.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival offers all this and so much more. There is still plenty of time to experience the sights, sounds, aromas and tastes of the festival. It truly offers something for everyone. – Jen R, Staff Writer 
Once ravaged by wars and violent government regime, this part of the world is only now finding its place on the tourist map. Draped for years in mystery, this region is a secret that is begging to be unlocked.
Adventures by Disney has made Southeast Asia accessible, not only to experienced travellers, but to families. Through this tour you’ll have the opportunity to experience the cities of Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
One of the great advantages to travel with Adventures by Disney, is the way they gear the experience differently for the age groups that are participating. For example, at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, adults will have the opportunity to appreciate the unrivaled architecture of the ancient temple, while children learn about its history through a tuk tuk treasure hunt.
Other activities on the roster include a hands-on experience at an organic rice farm in Laos and a cooking class in Vietnam that takes the whole family through their dinner’s journey, from market, to preparation, to table, all with the guidance of a local chef.
Families will also be enthralled by excursions like horseback riding through rural villages in Cambodia, and a visit to a school in Laos. What an unforgettable experience for the kids – and Mom and Dad too!
Two knowledgeable guides will lead families through the tour and take care of all the details. It’s beautiful accommodation, like the luxury you’ll enjoy at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and private transportation all the way.
Perhaps a touch of hyperbole, but he wasn’t far off. Between the mountains and the ocean you’ll find a vacationers dream, complete with wide sand beaches, sky scraping palms and lace petaled orchids. The cars are classic, the horses and goats graze freely along the road side and teams of oxen still work the land. It is a place like no other.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Holguin province, while vacationing with my husband at the Sol Rio De Luna y Mares – a lovely resort in a stunning setting.
Once two resorts, the Luna and the Mares have come together to provide guests with a wealth of amenities and an enviable expanse of beach front.
The brown sugar coastline and shimmering blue waves are a sight for winter-weary eyes. It’s like the world suddenly goes from grey-scale to Technicolor. Cuba boasts a reputation for some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and Playa Esmeralda is one of the crown jewels.
The span of beach at Sol Rio De Luna y Mares is bookended by an eco preserve on one side and the five-star Paradisus Rio de Oro on the other. You can expect uninterrupted relaxation, plenty of space, lots of loungers, an absence of beach vendors and zero hassle. The resort provides a range of equipment, for water sports, so when you just can’t sit another minute, you can flaunt your kayaking skills or take up windsurfing or snorkelling.
Now, before we get into the specifics of the resort, it’s important to put things into a Cuban context. Cuba is the sort of place where nobody locks their door, because nobody’s lock works. Resources are limited which means your room may have dated decor, and something is likely to be broken. Government policy, international relations and economic limitations all play a role.
But don’t let that scare you off. Cuba is a study in ingenuity, practical problem solving and environmental sustainability. Cuba has a fantastic education system, which means the man at the omelette station may speak six languages and the bartender may be a qualified surgeon. There could be problems, but the brilliance of the solution will often surprise you. It is a fascinating place to visit, and worth tolerating the odd inconvenience.
When we checked into the resort, we were given a room in the Mares building. The Mares rooms have not been renovated yet, while the rooms on the Luna side have been updated. Our room was in need of a spruce up, but overall it was fine. The decor was tired and a little shabby, but the room was clean. Our balcony door didn’t lock and it was difficult to get the entry door to close securely. The bed was two twins pushed together and there was (in my opinion) a creepy mural overhead. We could have muddled through, but I wasn’t thrilled with the room so we agreed to stick it out for the night and ask for a change in the morning.
The next morning, our request for a switcheroo was accommodated without so much as a raised eyebrow. We were moved to a room on the recently renovated Luna side, in the highly sought after 7000 block. This block is popular because it is quiet, close to the beach and offers fresh and cheerful decor. FYI, for some reason the Luna side also gets more TV channels than the Mares.
Our new room was on the third floor. It had a cathedral ceiling with exposed woodwork and an ocean view that was to die for. An ocean view room can be reserved ahead of time, for a premium, but as it turns out, you could get lucky and score one for free.
Throughout the resort, all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a coffee maker, fridge, hair dryer, an umbrella, and a safe to secure valuables.
The hotel supplies soap, shower gel and shampoo/conditioner, but they are quite harsh. It is a good idea to bring your own products, especially if sensitive skin is a concern.
The grounds of the Luna y Mares are beautifully designed and immaculately maintained. The variety of fauna throughout the grounds boggles my Canadian mind. It actually pains me to think of the plants we could grow if our climate was more hospitable.
The flowers, trees and shrubs start out in a small nursery, tucked off to one side of the property. They are transplanted into their permanent positions by the army of gardeners who work ceaselessly to maintain the exceptional grounds.
The resort is quite big, but not huge. There are no shuttles to carry you between areas, but we didn’t find that we missed them. It was pretty easy to get around. The pathways and buildings were fairly accessible, for individuals with mobility issues. Parents with strollers seemed to navigate the property without difficulty. There were a few areas that could be problematic for wheel chairs, though I never witnessed anyone having any difficulties.
There is an elevator to the upper floors of the Mares building. The buildings on the Luna side are accessible on the first floor but upper floors are restricted by stairs. Even the walkways are terraced by steps, on the second and third floors.
The food in Cuba has a reputation for being bland and mundane, that said, the food at the Sol Rio De Luna y Mares was quite good.
The Colon buffet puts on a good breakfast spread. The food was always hot. Don’t bother with the bread, in the morning, as it tends to be stale. The buffet offers a good variety, and will suit a range of pallets. Eggs and omelettes are made to order. The Colon is praised for its selection of cheeses, fruits and upscale fare such as smoked salmon.
The best cappuccino on the resort is at the snack bar by the Luna pool. It also became my favourite spot for lunch. The food is made fresh, to order. I loved the pizza, topped just how I like it – absolutely delicious. They also serve an assortment of sandwiches and delicacies like chicken cordon bleu. This snack bar is open 24/7, so if you’re foraging for late-night fries, you’ll end up there. We spent quite a bit of time there. It is very relaxed and the staff is friendly – far more laid back than the frenetic lobby bar.
There are several delicious options for dinner. Stick with the Colon buffet for easy casual dining, or try one of the four à la cartes specialising in – French, Italian, Cuban and beach front Romantic fare.
The buffet offers plenty of variety and fantastic desserts during the dinner service. The specialties change each night so there is always something new to try.
You are guaranteed two à la carte reservations each week. I recommend using them to secure seating at the high demand restaurants – the French in particular and also the Italian. We found that by dressing appropriately and arriving shortly after the first seating began, at 6:30pm, we could be accommodated at the Cuban and the Romantic restaurants, without reservations.
The French restaurant is raved about by everyone who tries it, and is in very high demand. The service there is a cut above and the atmosphere captures the elegance of a dinner in France. They extend little touches and details to create a gracious fine-dining experience. I thought the food was good, though in my opinion, the other à la cartes were equally delicious. Each of the restaurants executes a unique and flavourful dining experience.
For me, the best part of our stay at the Sol Rio De Luna y Mares was the location. As I’ve already mentioned, the beachfront is amazing and that’s what it’s all about for a lot of holidaymakers – give them a frilly cocktail and a lounge chair and they are set for the week. But I’m that annoying person who gets bored, after a while, and starts bugging everybody to “go do something.” I love to explore and would feel absolutely trapped if I was stuck in the confines of the resort for a whole week. I liked the Luna y Mares because we had access to cheap and cheerful excursions to occupy a couple of hours each day. The animation staff offers guided jaunts around the area, each morning.
The resort is right beside Las Guanas ecological and archaeological park. An easy walk next door and you’re in the jungle, experiencing the flora and fauna of the area and gaining an understanding of pre-colonial life.
The Luna y Mares is only five kilometres from Guardalavaca. We rented bicycles from the resort one afternoon and peddled through the gorgeous countryside to the market in town. My bike sucked a bit…OK quite a bit, but my husband’s was fine and once I’d peddled off the cycling cobwebs it ended up being a really nice afternoon. If you’re not feelin’ the rickety bike rental, you can always hop on the double-decker bus and see the town in comfort.
The gentleness of the countryside, around this resort, is both calming and restorative. It’s a beautiful area to walk through. We spent hours, one afternoon, adventuring through the woods, finding secret coral beaches and unexpected bars with cheap rum and cola.
That in itself, the simple freedom to go for a walk off the resort, is quite an endorsement for Cuba as a whole. There are many beautiful places to visit in the Caribbean, but some vacation hotspots leave travellers feeling wary to leave their resort, particularly if they are travelling with children. In Cuba, however, most visitors feel quite comfortable exploring the towns and rural areas outside the gates of their resort.
It is that sense of safety and security, combined with the friendliness of the people, the beauty of the country and the time-capsual’esque nature of daily life that brought me back to Cuba this year and will undoubtedly draw me back again. And if we were to visit the Holguin region again, I would love to make Sol Rio De Luna y Mares my home away from home. –Jen R, Staff Writer
