The holidays are fast approaching and many of us have to travel a long way to get a taste of that turkey. If your family is preparing to journey to the ends of the Earth, in search of green bean casserole and gravy slathered mashed potatoes, you may want to check out myscenicdrives.com, a website dedicated to being a one-stop shop for all your US travel needs.
My Scenic Drives is a great resource when you’re planning a road trip. Whether you have a long way to go or just want a leisurely jaunt, this site will help you find the most scenic route and will also help you plan your stops along the way. You can plot out your food breaks, find service centers, choose the best hiking trail, and discover some great attractions. It’s like asking a trusted friend’s advice.
But, myscenicdrives knows that your road trip might not start in the car, so they have recently added applications to help organize and book flights, car rentals, and hotel accommodations.
They make it easy to download maps, text links to your phone and plug coordinates into your GPS. It’s modern travel planning all in one comprehensive place.
Let’s face it, family travel, while wonderful and rewarding, can also be stressful. Take some of the frazzle out of the planning with a visit to my scenic drives. – Jen R, Staff Writer.
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Inflatable Booster Seat Takes Exhibition by Storm
Would you ever consider using an inflatable booster seat as your child’s restraint system in the car? The idea of plopping your child on top of a balloon and going for a drive sounds questionable. When I first learned of the BubbleBum booster seat, I was sceptical. But as I learned more, I began to see its merits and, I think, it has won me over.
The BubbleBum booster seat was designed as a cost-effective, lightweight safety device that deflates and folds flat for easy transport in backpacks, purses or luggage. Created for children between 3- and 11-years and 15-36 kg, this highly portable device is ideal when families have to do a lot of vehicle hopping, i.e. holidays, rental cars, taxis, bus travel, school trips and car pooling.
The BubbleBum is approved by the United Nations under ECE Regulation R44/04 and is for use with a three-point adult harness.
This extremely nifty gadget is the brain-child of Irish entrepreneur, Grainne Kelly. Grainne is a busy mom with two little ones and is also a travel agent. She developed the BubbleBum in response to her own frustration with conventional booster seats.
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“I created the BubbleBum as there was no solution on the market to allow parents to have the correct child restraint available for their child in every situation. Every child is important and deserves to be safe on every journey,” Grainne said, adding, “Modern families do a lot of travelling in cars, coaches, taxis and bulky, heavy booster seats just aren’t practical to carry around even for one child, never mind if you have two or three.”Isn’t that the truth? I can certainly think of occasions when such a practical booster seat would have been handy. I’m not the only one who likes the idea. Grainne and her BubbleBum are currently receiving acclaim and international attention at the Kind & Jugend exhibition in Cologne, Germany. Kind and Jugend is one of the most important trade fairs in the world, for baby and toddler products.
“BubbleBum has been designed to be small, light, practical and so easy to use that it’s perfect even for quick taxi journeys,” Grainne said. “Plus it looks good, so kids don’t mind carrying it around in their rucksacks or schoolbags.”As long as it doesn’t pop, I’m all for it. – Jen R, Staff Writer Related Articles:
- Featured Review: The minui HandySitt
- Britax Revamps Car Seat Line Up To Include 360 Degree Protection and Head Safety Technology
- Abiie BabyDeck Strollers Make Diaper Changes on the Go a Breeze!
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Adventures By Disney Invites You to Explore Egypt
Imagine hot African days melting into cool desert nights, the aroma of jasmine wafting through the air, and camel tracks across the sand. Imagine losing yourself in a labyrinth of medieval alleyways, crowded with people and stalls selling silver, rugs and exotic spices. Imagine sailing down the Nile river, being dwarfed by the columns and statues of pharaonic temples and seeing the wonders of the ancient world with your own eyes.
Now imagine sharing that experience with your children. What a special memory for the entire family.
Well, imagine no longer. Adventures By Disney has added a 9-night Egypt vacation to their line-up.
Trip highlights include:
Fun activities are planned to entertain the kids while parents explore some venues on their own including, a Junior Adventurers art detective activity at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. After a day of excitement and discovery, families can relax together to snack on popcorn and watch some of their favourite Disney classics.
Adventures By Disney allows families to explore and enjoy without having to entangle themselves in the logistical nightmares that can accompany travels, with children, in an unfamiliar country. They have gained access to venues most travellers would not see and have taken steps to ensure the safety of your family.
According to the Adventures By Disney website, “The Egyptian government has taken steps to provide additional safety and security measures throughout the country, including an armed police presence.”
If you’re like me, you’ve travelled to Egypt 100 times…in your dreams. Now you can take the journey for real. Knock it off your ‘bucket list’.
If Egypt doesn’t happen to be on your family’s ‘bucket list,’ Adventures By Disney offers a variety of intriguing opportunities to visit destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. Download their E-Brochure and let the day-dreaming begin. – Jen R., Staff Writer
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Trip highlights include:
- A camel ride past the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
- Three nights in Cairo including visits to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the Khan Khalili marketplace
- A three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- A felucca sailing excursion on the Nile
- An Egyptian cooking class
- Tours of ancient temples of the Nile including the Temple of Luxor
- A tour of the city of Luxor, in a horse-drawn carriage
- A visit to the Valley of the Kings, including a tour of the tomb of Tutankhamen
- Snorkelling in the Red Sea
- Two-nights at the Red Sea resort Sharm el Sheikh
Fun activities are planned to entertain the kids while parents explore some venues on their own including, a Junior Adventurers art detective activity at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. After a day of excitement and discovery, families can relax together to snack on popcorn and watch some of their favourite Disney classics.
Adventures By Disney allows families to explore and enjoy without having to entangle themselves in the logistical nightmares that can accompany travels, with children, in an unfamiliar country. They have gained access to venues most travellers would not see and have taken steps to ensure the safety of your family.
According to the Adventures By Disney website, “The Egyptian government has taken steps to provide additional safety and security measures throughout the country, including an armed police presence.”
If you’re like me, you’ve travelled to Egypt 100 times…in your dreams. Now you can take the journey for real. Knock it off your ‘bucket list’.
If Egypt doesn’t happen to be on your family’s ‘bucket list,’ Adventures By Disney offers a variety of intriguing opportunities to visit destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. Download their E-Brochure and let the day-dreaming begin. – Jen R., Staff Writer
[ad] Featured Review: Joovy Kooper
The Joovy Kooper is a nice little stroller with some fun features. I recently tested this sturdy umbrella stroller out and my son really enjoyed the ride. I found it easy to use and loved all of the great details, like parent cup holders and a great canopy. The Kooper retails for $179.00, a great price for such a solid stroller with a great set of features and attention to detail.
Assembly
Assembly is quick and easy, pop on the wheels and canopy. That’s it. The manual is detailed, easy to read and contains everything you need to know.
Features
The Kooper is compact, weighing in at just under 18 pounds, folds easily with one hand, has linked rear brakes and a sturdy aluminum frame. The canopy is very generous, has a pop out sun visor and allows for quite a bit of headroom to go with its 50 pound weight limit, great for an umbrella stroller. Storage is also great with a well sized basket, zippered pockets and 2 cup holders in the canopy. My favorite feature, 2 mesh pockets inside the seat, great for drinks, snacks or toys. The Kooper also offers 4 wheel suspension and lockable front wheels. A rain cover and travel bag are available as options.
In Use
I tested the Kooper with my 23 month old son. He’s only around 25 pounds, but tall. He fit well in the seat with plenty of room to spare. The harness adjusted well for him, even though he’s skinny and floats in many harnesses. The reflective accents on the harness and stroller are a nice touch. He loved the 2 in-seat pockets. We kept them loaded up with toys and snacks and he loved that he had easy access whenever he was in the stroller. The 2 padded handles are comfortable and at a nice height. It was comfortable for both my husband and myself to push the Kooper. Having the suspension is nice too as it helps even out the bumpy sidewalks. Occasionally, it did feel a bit sluggish on the tighter turns, but overall it felt quite smooth and did maneuver well on crowded sidewalks. The seat is rated for 6 months and up and my son found it very comfortable. The 2 position recline is very easy up and down and great for older children who might still fall asleep in the stroller, but still has enough of a recline for older infants who are more likely to need to sleep in the stroller. It’s not meant for a newborn, but it’s more than sufficient for naps. Because it’s an “infinite” recline you can position it anywhere between all the way up or down and find the perfect spot for your child.
Storage is terrific on the Kooper. We could fit plenty in the basket and it was easy to access, plus the pockets and drink holders in the canopy were really convenient. The drink holders do have velcro on the tops, so they could easily double as key or cell phone pockets or for small items that need quick access, like a pacifier. The stroller is very easy to fold and is fairly compact when folded, easy to store in the car or closet at home. Also this would be a great travel stroller, especially for an older child with the high weight limit. The Kooper feels quite substantial for an umbrella stroller, very solid and sturdy. The colors are great too. Offered in red, black, a nice bright yellow (Lemontree) and my two favorites, a really gorgeous & stylish brown (Brownie) and green (Appletree). -Kiersten, Staff Writer
Likes:
- Colors- I love the Brownie & Appletree
- 2 mesh pockets in seat, especially, but great storage options overall
- High weight limit of 50 pounds
- Linked brake
- Comfy handles and sturdy frame
- Included rain cover would be nice
- Occasionally, the steering felt a bit sluggish, but it did offer a smooth ride.
- Folded: H 13” W13.5” D 45”
*Thank you to Joovy for sending us this stroller to review* Should Planes Have a "Families-Only" Section?
Travel website, Skyscanner, recently posted the results of a poll in which almost 60 percent of the 2000 respondents agreed that they would like to see families relegated to a specific area on flights. Nearly 20 percent said they would like to see the creation of child-free flights.
The poll was conducted in the wake of a settlement made by Australian airline, Quantas, to a 67-year-old passenger. The passenger had sued the airline after a 3-year-old screamed, on her flight, causing her excruciating pain.
Predictably, the demographic that has come out in favour of families-only sections is made up of people who do not have young children themselves and, “want to sit as far away as possible.” A previous poll conducted by Skyscanner found that young children are the “most annoying” factor on flights.
But, I would propose that young children are not the most stressful or ‘annoying’ factor of flying. I am no stranger to air travel; long haul, short haul, with kids, without kids, I’ve done it. It usually isn’t the baby on the flight that’s stressing me out…it’s the big drunk guy.
You know the guy. He’s the one sitting next to you drinking rye and ginger until he pukes and falls asleep on the way to Australia. Or the guy flying to Cancun, with his buddies, who puts his feet up on the armrest across the aisle while eating a giant sandwich (elbows out) and then leans over you so he can look out your husband’s window.
If they’re going to start a ‘families-only section’ than they should cordon off a ‘jackass’ section too. – Jen R., Staff Writer
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Road Trip With the Kids? Here are Some Tips to Get You Through
Tomorrow, my family and I will embark on a road trip; a journey that will take us 16 hours north of our home outside Toronto, Ontario. I’m sure it goes without saying, but 16 hours is a long time for a three-year-old to sit in the car.
We’re crazy you say? Well, maybe. But, we’re not strangers to road trips. My husband and I once drove from Toronto to Juarez, Mexico and back. But, that was in our pre-kiddie days. Since having our son, we’ve taken trips here and there, but this is going to be a doozey.
In preparation for this, most doozey of road trips, I conducted an informal survey of parents who are experienced at soldiering through hours of driving with car imprisoned kids. The following collection of tips is what I came away with.
First on everyone’s list was the ubiquitous DVD player. It probably comes as no surprise that the in-car entertainment system is indispensible to most families, on long journeys. I know, I know, most of us try to limit the amount of time our kids spend watching TV, but I’ll admit; when I was a kid, I would have given my right arm to have a TV in the car. These days, a supply of, parent approved, DVDs is a great tool to help kids get through long car trips.
The parents I questioned try to be realistic in their expectations and tend to limit the amount of driving done in a day. Many start out early in the hope that the kids will sleep in the car, a tactic that doesn’t always work. They make frequent stops for potty breaks and leg stretching and sometimes a little sight-seeing.
I was told to pack snacks and a cooler full of beverages. This will result in more potty breaks, but we’ve already decided we like those, so it’s ok. Idealists pack a selection of healthy snacks, but one mom I questioned, admitted that she packs a combination of healthy snacks and junk. Why not throw in a few treats? It’s a vacation after all.
Novelty will always kick boredom in the rear-end, and some parents attested to buying new books, toys or DVDs for long trips. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just a little something to surprise the kids with at a critical moment of restlessness. One mom even suggested wrapping the items and giving them as road trip gifts. It’s a little bit more work, but a fun idea.
DVDs and snacks and new books and toys will only keep boredom at bay for so long, however. Eventually, we’ll have to come up with something else. Enter the road trip games. Older kids can play away on hand-held game units, if that’s their style. But the parents of younger kids all suggested some variation of ‘I spy’. There’s the traditional game of, “I spy with my eye, something that is…red.” Then there’s a version where different sights are allotted points based on the likelihood of being spotted, e.g., 7 points for a flag, 5 points for a cow, 2 points for an RV. The person who accumulates the most points wins.
Kim Kippenhuck had the best I Spy of them all. Kim and her husband just pulled an epic road trip, with their young daughters, from Ontario to Newfoundland and back. Kim explained her I Spy rules like this, “everyone was assigned something – a trailer, a motor home, a boat or a tractor trailer. When someone got to ten of their items they won a quarter. Then at road stops, we let them buy something with their winnings. On the flip side to that, they owed us a quarter for ever time they asked ‘are we there yet?”
I ask you, how genius is that? She says she didn’t hear a single ‘are we there yet?’ after the first day.
Armed with all this great advice, I shall sally forth into the wilds of the north. If the van manages the trip, and if I don’t get eaten by a bear and if I retain my sanity (which is a BIG if) I’ll be back in a week. Wish me luck. – Jen R, Staff Explorer!
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Camping With Kids: Choose KOA for a Fun Family Getaway
They say, “It’s not camping. It’s Kamping,” and I’m inclined to agree. I’ve heard people refer to camping as “roughing it,” but you only have to stay with KOA once and you’ll start to see this past time in a whole new way.
KOA (Kampgrounds of America) is one of the biggest and most well respected chains of vacation parks in North America. If you’re on the hunt for a vacation that is affordable and fun for the whole family, you need look no further.
KOA holds its franchises up to a standard of service that is a cut above. Their consistent delivery on high expectation has won KOA the trust of discerning campers of all types. No matter where the road takes you, a stay with KOA will be an enjoyable stop.
So what makes them so special? Well, they’re experts. The people at KOA probably know more about your vacation needs than you do. Whether you’re setting up a tent or touring the country in a ‘motor mansion’, they’ll show you a good time.
KOA offers good quality, level sites with water and electricity. The campsites have Wi-Fi and often have cable TV hook-ups. Sites range in size and layout to cater to specific types of camping, i.e. tents, pop-up trailers, fifth-wheels, etc. But, you don’t need to have a tent or an RV. You can turn up at a KOA and rent one of their Airstreams or an adorably rustic Kamping Kabin or Kamping Lodge.
The restrooms and showers are always kept clean and well maintained. If you have a problem with anything, there is usually a staff member within earshot to come and make things right.
If you don’t have your own cooking facilities, you can take advantage of the Kamp Kitchen, which many KOAs supply for the use of their guests.
The KOA store is a well stocked resource for last minute food items and camping essentials. They stock everything you’re likely to need and make it easy to dash in and grab hotdog buns, a souvenir picture frame, and the washer you’ve misplaced, but desperately need, in order to fit your marine hose to the water hook-up. Compare that to a campground, I stayed in recently, where the store didn’t even have milk.
My family has enjoyed every experience we’ve had with KOA. That’s because family fun is what KOA does best. Their range of amenities and services ensures that every family member has a great time on holiday. You’ll often find the park outfitted with a playground for toddlers, a playground for big kids, and a playground for the family dog. There is always a pool and, in cooler climates, it’s often heated. Not to mention the games room, the bike and boat rentals, the community fire pits, the big screen TV in the pavilion, and the fishing pond. Specific amenities vary by location, but every KOA has something unique to offer.
KOAs are great holiday parks, but they really shine in their ability to cultivate a sense of community with and among their guests. On our most recent visit with KOA, the staff planned a series of events that kept everybody entertained.
In that single weekend the staff planned and executed a host of fun activities for their Christmas in July celebration, which included decorations throughout the park, breakfast with Santa (which included gifts for the kids), a contest for the best decorated campsite, a carol singing hayride, an ice-cream social, crafts, bingo, a pancake breakfast, and my son’s personal favourite, a flashlight candy hunt. Before we knew it, the weekend was over and we didn’t know where the time had gone.
KOA parks are located across North America, near popular sightseeing destinations and major cities, but you don’t have to play the tourist, if you don’t feel like it. In fact, you don’t have to leave the campground at all; you’ll still have a great time. KOA creates such a relaxed, and friendly atmosphere in their parks, you’ll be at ease from the moment you check in. By the end of your stay, you probably won’t see camping as roughing it anymore. – Jen R, Staff Writer
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KOA offers good quality, level sites with water and electricity. The campsites have Wi-Fi and often have cable TV hook-ups. Sites range in size and layout to cater to specific types of camping, i.e. tents, pop-up trailers, fifth-wheels, etc. But, you don’t need to have a tent or an RV. You can turn up at a KOA and rent one of their Airstreams or an adorably rustic Kamping Kabin or Kamping Lodge.
The restrooms and showers are always kept clean and well maintained. If you have a problem with anything, there is usually a staff member within earshot to come and make things right.
If you don’t have your own cooking facilities, you can take advantage of the Kamp Kitchen, which many KOAs supply for the use of their guests.
The KOA store is a well stocked resource for last minute food items and camping essentials. They stock everything you’re likely to need and make it easy to dash in and grab hotdog buns, a souvenir picture frame, and the washer you’ve misplaced, but desperately need, in order to fit your marine hose to the water hook-up. Compare that to a campground, I stayed in recently, where the store didn’t even have milk.
My family has enjoyed every experience we’ve had with KOA. That’s because family fun is what KOA does best. Their range of amenities and services ensures that every family member has a great time on holiday. You’ll often find the park outfitted with a playground for toddlers, a playground for big kids, and a playground for the family dog. There is always a pool and, in cooler climates, it’s often heated. Not to mention the games room, the bike and boat rentals, the community fire pits, the big screen TV in the pavilion, and the fishing pond. Specific amenities vary by location, but every KOA has something unique to offer.
KOAs are great holiday parks, but they really shine in their ability to cultivate a sense of community with and among their guests. On our most recent visit with KOA, the staff planned a series of events that kept everybody entertained.
In that single weekend the staff planned and executed a host of fun activities for their Christmas in July celebration, which included decorations throughout the park, breakfast with Santa (which included gifts for the kids), a contest for the best decorated campsite, a carol singing hayride, an ice-cream social, crafts, bingo, a pancake breakfast, and my son’s personal favourite, a flashlight candy hunt. Before we knew it, the weekend was over and we didn’t know where the time had gone.
KOA parks are located across North America, near popular sightseeing destinations and major cities, but you don’t have to play the tourist, if you don’t feel like it. In fact, you don’t have to leave the campground at all; you’ll still have a great time. KOA creates such a relaxed, and friendly atmosphere in their parks, you’ll be at ease from the moment you check in. By the end of your stay, you probably won’t see camping as roughing it anymore. – Jen R, Staff Writer
[ad] Don’t Let Lyme Disease Spoil the Summer
Hiking, biking, fishing, camping, its summertime and summer was made for outdoor fun. But, outdoor adventure has a nasty foe. That foes name is Lyme disease. Superhero parents need to educate themselves on their nemesis so they can fight back and avert disaster.
Lyme disease, if left untreated, can have nasty consequences like arthritis, numbness, and paralysis. If it is caught early, however, the disease is easily treated with antibiotics.
In 70% to 80% of Lyme cases, the first symptom is a bull’s eye rash. It literally looks like a red bull’s eye on the skin. Other early signs are flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue. These symptoms may present anywhere from three days to one month after a bite from an infected tick.
Lyme disease is transmitted by black-legged ticks (aka deer ticks). Ticks are a parasitic insect that attaches to other animals, i.e. birds, deer, humans. They gorge themselves on the blood of their host and, in the process, get a piggy-back ride to a new location. As a result of this piggy-backing, Lyme disease can now be found across North America, though the highest concentrations continue to be along the East and West Coasts and the Great Lakes region.
The best defense is to avoid being bitten in the first place, and no, that doesnt mean imprisoning the kids indoors all summer. You need to know your enemy.
Ticks like to hang out in long grass and are most likely to attach themselves, to you and your family, when you are in or near grassy areas. Dress yourself and your children in long sleeves and pants when gallivanting in high-risk locations. Tuck pant legs into socks to create a tick barrier. Stay in the middle of trails and pathways and avoid brushing up against the long grass along the perimeters. I know its nearly impossible to keep young children from venturing off the trail but try.
Government websites recommend the use of bug repellents containing DEET. Many parents are not fans of this method, but it is an added line of defense when roaming in very high-risk environments. Use your discretion.
Its a good idea to wear light coloured clothing. Black-legged ticks are very small (about the size of a freckle) and dark. Its much easier to spot them against light colours. Speaking of spotting them, check yourself and your children for ticks frequently. An infected tick is much more likely to transmit Lyme if it has been feasting on its host for 24 hours or more. Catch a tick bite early and its more likely to be an inconvenience than a cause for alarm.
If you happen to find a tick that has defeated your multi-layered defenses, use tweezers, as close to the skin as possible and remove it. Place the tick in a container and bring it with you to visit the doctor. The doctor will want to see the bite, will want to know when and where (geographically) the bite occurred and may send the tick away for testing.
Lyme disease has the potential to put a lid on your familys summer fun, but now that youre educated on early detection and tick avoidance, you and your family can relax and enjoy the great outdoors. – Jen R, Staff Writer
photo photo
Lyme disease is transmitted by black-legged ticks (aka deer ticks). Ticks are a parasitic insect that attaches to other animals, i.e. birds, deer, humans. They gorge themselves on the blood of their host and, in the process, get a piggy-back ride to a new location. As a result of this piggy-backing, Lyme disease can now be found across North America, though the highest concentrations continue to be along the East and West Coasts and the Great Lakes region.
The best defense is to avoid being bitten in the first place, and no, that doesnt mean imprisoning the kids indoors all summer. You need to know your enemy.
Ticks like to hang out in long grass and are most likely to attach themselves, to you and your family, when you are in or near grassy areas. Dress yourself and your children in long sleeves and pants when gallivanting in high-risk locations. Tuck pant legs into socks to create a tick barrier. Stay in the middle of trails and pathways and avoid brushing up against the long grass along the perimeters. I know its nearly impossible to keep young children from venturing off the trail but try.
Government websites recommend the use of bug repellents containing DEET. Many parents are not fans of this method, but it is an added line of defense when roaming in very high-risk environments. Use your discretion.
Its a good idea to wear light coloured clothing. Black-legged ticks are very small (about the size of a freckle) and dark. Its much easier to spot them against light colours. Speaking of spotting them, check yourself and your children for ticks frequently. An infected tick is much more likely to transmit Lyme if it has been feasting on its host for 24 hours or more. Catch a tick bite early and its more likely to be an inconvenience than a cause for alarm.
If you happen to find a tick that has defeated your multi-layered defenses, use tweezers, as close to the skin as possible and remove it. Place the tick in a container and bring it with you to visit the doctor. The doctor will want to see the bite, will want to know when and where (geographically) the bite occurred and may send the tick away for testing.
Lyme disease has the potential to put a lid on your familys summer fun, but now that youre educated on early detection and tick avoidance, you and your family can relax and enjoy the great outdoors. – Jen R, Staff Writer
photo photo LEED Hotels are a Great Choice for Environmentally Conscious Parents
The environment is near the top of everyone’s list of concerns these days. We all want to leave our children with a safe and beautiful world. Teaching by example, many parents choose to ‘go green’ whenever there is an opportunity.
Travel presents a problem for environmentally conscious parents. From the massive quantity of jet fuel used by the aviation industry, to the greenhouse gases belched from the exhaust pipes of road-tripping vehicles, to the copious amount of waste produced by frequent fast food meals on-the-go, travel is a highly consumptive activity.
Fortunately, hotel accommodations can be surprisingly green, if you know where to look. There are, currently, a number of LEED certified hotels across the United States and in various locations around the world. Many more are in the planning and building phases.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a green building certification system that evaluates commercial properties. LEED certified properties are built or extensively renovated with great attention paid to the reduction of environmental impact, both during the building phase and once the property is in full operation. LEED evaluates buildings on a range of criteria and gives them a score which determines the certification rating of the site. The areas that are evaluated are:
If the building meets LEED requirements, it will be given a rating of; certified, silver, gold, or platinum depending on its cumulative score. The evaluation is rigorous and is conducted by a third party, to assure that the results are unbiased.
It makes good economic sense for hotels to participate in the program. The upfront building costs tend to be higher, but they will eventually be recuperated through lower utility bills. LEED certification also draws a loyal customer base that is hungry for environmentally conscious alternatives.
In choosing a hotel with LEED certification, parents get the peace of mind that they are making a responsible choice for both the environment and the health of their children. The natural materials used throughout these buildings off-gas little or no noxious fumes, resulting in cleaner air and easy breathing for children and adults alike.
Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina is currently the highest rated LEED hotel in the United States. This beautifully designed, luxury hotel scored 55 out of a possible 69 points on the LEED evaluation, earning it Platinum status.
Compared to a similar sized hotel of conventional design, Proximity uses 39% less energy, 34% less water and produced 87% less waste during construction.
The developers of the hotel, Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels, took great pains to make the most responsible choices at every turn. They went so far as to hire Chip Holton as their artist-in-residence. During the building process, Chip worked in a studio adjacent to the site, producing a total of 500 original works of art which now hang throughout the hotel. Because Chip’s studio was so near to the hotel, there was no need to package and ship the paintings. This reduced the environmental impact of the artwork immensely.
It is fortunate that Greensboro has such an impressive hotel, because the city has a lot to offer its visitors. The area has a rich history that is proudly exhibited throughout the community. There are fantastic shopping and dining options, winery tours and world class golf. Children will have a ball at any of Greensboro’s interactive venues including; Emerald Pointe Water Park, the Greensboro Children’s Museum, the Natural Science Center of Greensboro & Animal Discovery Zoological Park, and ArtQuest hands-on art gallery.
Whether you decide to make the trip to Proximity Hotel, or one of the many other LEED certified hotels and attractions across the United States, it is worthwhile to consider the environmental impact of your family’s vacation and take what steps you can to minimize it. – Jen R, Staff Writer
A list of the current LEED Certified Hotels can be found here.
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LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a green building certification system that evaluates commercial properties. LEED certified properties are built or extensively renovated with great attention paid to the reduction of environmental impact, both during the building phase and once the property is in full operation. LEED evaluates buildings on a range of criteria and gives them a score which determines the certification rating of the site. The areas that are evaluated are:
- Sustainable Sites,
- Water Efficiency,
- Energy and Atmosphere,
- Materials and Resources,
- Indoor Environmental Quality,
- Innovation and Design
If the building meets LEED requirements, it will be given a rating of; certified, silver, gold, or platinum depending on its cumulative score. The evaluation is rigorous and is conducted by a third party, to assure that the results are unbiased.
It makes good economic sense for hotels to participate in the program. The upfront building costs tend to be higher, but they will eventually be recuperated through lower utility bills. LEED certification also draws a loyal customer base that is hungry for environmentally conscious alternatives.
In choosing a hotel with LEED certification, parents get the peace of mind that they are making a responsible choice for both the environment and the health of their children. The natural materials used throughout these buildings off-gas little or no noxious fumes, resulting in cleaner air and easy breathing for children and adults alike.
Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina is currently the highest rated LEED hotel in the United States. This beautifully designed, luxury hotel scored 55 out of a possible 69 points on the LEED evaluation, earning it Platinum status.
Compared to a similar sized hotel of conventional design, Proximity uses 39% less energy, 34% less water and produced 87% less waste during construction.
The developers of the hotel, Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels, took great pains to make the most responsible choices at every turn. They went so far as to hire Chip Holton as their artist-in-residence. During the building process, Chip worked in a studio adjacent to the site, producing a total of 500 original works of art which now hang throughout the hotel. Because Chip’s studio was so near to the hotel, there was no need to package and ship the paintings. This reduced the environmental impact of the artwork immensely.
It is fortunate that Greensboro has such an impressive hotel, because the city has a lot to offer its visitors. The area has a rich history that is proudly exhibited throughout the community. There are fantastic shopping and dining options, winery tours and world class golf. Children will have a ball at any of Greensboro’s interactive venues including; Emerald Pointe Water Park, the Greensboro Children’s Museum, the Natural Science Center of Greensboro & Animal Discovery Zoological Park, and ArtQuest hands-on art gallery.
Whether you decide to make the trip to Proximity Hotel, or one of the many other LEED certified hotels and attractions across the United States, it is worthwhile to consider the environmental impact of your family’s vacation and take what steps you can to minimize it. – Jen R, Staff Writer
A list of the current LEED Certified Hotels can be found here.[ad]
Featured Review: Atlantis Resort Paradise Island Bahamas
Atlantis is a beautiful sprawling resort set on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Comprised of 5 hotel towers and a townhome complex, this amazing vacation spot caters to vacationers of all ages.
My husband, two sons and I recently had the pleasure of spending a week at this luxury resort.
We chose Atlantis because it had something for every member of our family. Watersports for my husband, lots of swimming activities for my boys and a beautiful beach for mommy. While there are many hotels in Nassau that offers some of these same amenities, we chose Atlantis because there was so much in one place.
When you are traveling with 2 kids, the more there is in a small radius, the better.
Of the 5 buildings we chose the Royal Towers because they are centrally located to all pools and most restaurants. Because we had a double stroller with us this was a good choice. This is a newer section of the resort and most areas are accessible by stroller. When navigating through the Coral and Beach Resort section we found ourselves getting stuck in areas that were only accessible by stairs.
Accommodations: Our ocean view room had 2 Queen beds and a small balcony. It was fairly spacious and decorated in Caribbean decor. The bathroom, however, was in need of a make-over. The forest green granite on the counter was faded from years of use and the extra small bath tub was etched from a bathmat.
My husband liked the one serve coffee machine and that our room was equipped with a nice 32″(aprox.) flat screen TV. I liked that it was far enough off the ground that my boys couldn’t get to it. Having the option to check our account from our TV was a nice convenience. You can also order pay-per-view movies or in room Internet from the same helpful menu.
I highly recommend the oceanview room. From our window we could see clear across the resort. Many of the pools, ponds and waterfalls were visible from our perch, something we would sit and marvel at every night.
Kids: Atlantis was made for kids. While kids are welcome in all of the pools, there are 4 that cater to them. We spent most of our time at the Splashers pool. This Mayan-themed water play structure features three tube slides, a side-by-side slide, cargo nets and rope bridges for climbing, water cannons, fountains and water wheels for endless soaking. As an added bonus a 320-gallon bucket dumps a massive amount of water on anyone within a 25 foot vicinity.
We loved that the adjacent pool was heated, which made getting both kids into the water a dream. Parents who can’t pack everything will like that Atlantis provides complimentary life jackets for those of all ages.
For beach going families, Atlantis has a beautiful white sand beach that stretches from one end of the resort to the other. Our boys had a blast playing in the sand, and floating in the calm waters at the Cove beach. It was also nice that lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach towels and a life guard were provided to make our morning both safe and comfortable.
For parents who want to spend some time alone, Atlantis offers an adventure club(AKA). Located in the Royal tower, this high tech space caters to kids of all ages. Starting at 9am, kids 3- 5(potty trained) and 6-12 can participate in scheduled sessions. The smaller kids are offered programs like Pirate Treasure and behind the scenes dolphin tours, while the older kids get the chance to cook, craft and put on stage shows. Because we had such good luck with our son in the kids club onboard our recent cruise we decided to pay the fee and see what the Adventure was all about. The staff at AKA is very friendly. For your child’s security they take your picture and make you sign the child in and out. Your little one is also given a security bracelet that will go off if they leave the area.
While very few amenities at Atlantis are free, the resort does offer a good value when you do have to pay for something. Both sessions (9a-12p, 1p-5p) of the 3-5 kids club were $45/child. Cooking classes for 6-12 were $65 as was the evening session for all ages 6pm-10:30. Even though we though these prices were a but steep, parents were lined up at the door the night we went to pre-register. Some with 2 and 3 kids.
Dying to see what all of the hype was all about, I dropped by the next day at 5pm for the parent tour and was impressed with their facilities. Atlantis has thought of everything when creating this space. For younger kids there is a story room complete with a talking tree, a princess room, a shopping store that is stocked with more play food than you have ever seen and LEGO room for your little builder. For older kids there is a high tech craft room, games room, computer lab and an beautiful kitchen. There are also TVs in the bathroom mirrors to remind kids to wash their hands.
During a trip from one side of the resort to the other, we discovered the Predator Lagoon Tunnel. Located below the Lagoon Bar & Grill, outside the Coral Towers, the Predator Lagoon is a somewhat hidden gem that features predominately deeper reef fish like Sharks, barracudas, rays, sawfish and giant groupers. Our boys loved walking through the 100-foot clear underwater tunnel submerged in the lagoon to get a look at these amazing fish from all sides.
We also had the opportunity to swim with the dolphins($140/person). My son was super excited about this. After getting suited up in wetsuits and watching a 20 minute informational video we were escorted to the water where we met our new friend Toni. During our 20 minutes or so with Toni we got to feed her, kiss her and pose for pictures. Both of the instructors were excellent about teaching us about the breed and their facility. Our dolphin was actually rescued from the Louisiana Aquarium after Hurricane Katrina.
Food: While meals at Atlantis are pricey, many of the prices are on point with some of those we have seen at other resorts. But for families, eating here can add up quickly. Before you arrive you will be offered a meal plan(breakfast & dinner) if you book your vacation through Atlantis directly. If you are traveling with children under 6 the meal plan is free if the parents choose to take it. I highly recommend this for families who have kids between 4-6 as the resort charges half an adult rate for kids 4 and older at their buffet restaurants.
We liked that Atlantis had restaurants for families in all price ranges, but were disappointed when many of them weren’t open because it was low season. Nothing is more frustrating than walking from one end of the resort to the other just to find out that the restaurant is not open. Notable favorites were Marketplace Buffet, Murray’s Deli, Carmines, Bimini Road and Johnny Rockets.
Atlantis is definitely a destination that we will return to in the coming years and while it was great for us and the kids, it would also be perfect as a 2-3 day mommy and daddy getaway as well!
Accommodations: Our ocean view room had 2 Queen beds and a small balcony. It was fairly spacious and decorated in Caribbean decor. The bathroom, however, was in need of a make-over. The forest green granite on the counter was faded from years of use and the extra small bath tub was etched from a bathmat.
My husband liked the one serve coffee machine and that our room was equipped with a nice 32″(aprox.) flat screen TV. I liked that it was far enough off the ground that my boys couldn’t get to it. Having the option to check our account from our TV was a nice convenience. You can also order pay-per-view movies or in room Internet from the same helpful menu.
I highly recommend the oceanview room. From our window we could see clear across the resort. Many of the pools, ponds and waterfalls were visible from our perch, something we would sit and marvel at every night.
Kids: Atlantis was made for kids. While kids are welcome in all of the pools, there are 4 that cater to them. We spent most of our time at the Splashers pool. This Mayan-themed water play structure features three tube slides, a side-by-side slide, cargo nets and rope bridges for climbing, water cannons, fountains and water wheels for endless soaking. As an added bonus a 320-gallon bucket dumps a massive amount of water on anyone within a 25 foot vicinity.
We loved that the adjacent pool was heated, which made getting both kids into the water a dream. Parents who can’t pack everything will like that Atlantis provides complimentary life jackets for those of all ages.
For beach going families, Atlantis has a beautiful white sand beach that stretches from one end of the resort to the other. Our boys had a blast playing in the sand, and floating in the calm waters at the Cove beach. It was also nice that lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach towels and a life guard were provided to make our morning both safe and comfortable.
For parents who want to spend some time alone, Atlantis offers an adventure club(AKA). Located in the Royal tower, this high tech space caters to kids of all ages. Starting at 9am, kids 3- 5(potty trained) and 6-12 can participate in scheduled sessions. The smaller kids are offered programs like Pirate Treasure and behind the scenes dolphin tours, while the older kids get the chance to cook, craft and put on stage shows. Because we had such good luck with our son in the kids club onboard our recent cruise we decided to pay the fee and see what the Adventure was all about. The staff at AKA is very friendly. For your child’s security they take your picture and make you sign the child in and out. Your little one is also given a security bracelet that will go off if they leave the area.
While very few amenities at Atlantis are free, the resort does offer a good value when you do have to pay for something. Both sessions (9a-12p, 1p-5p) of the 3-5 kids club were $45/child. Cooking classes for 6-12 were $65 as was the evening session for all ages 6pm-10:30. Even though we though these prices were a but steep, parents were lined up at the door the night we went to pre-register. Some with 2 and 3 kids.
Dying to see what all of the hype was all about, I dropped by the next day at 5pm for the parent tour and was impressed with their facilities. Atlantis has thought of everything when creating this space. For younger kids there is a story room complete with a talking tree, a princess room, a shopping store that is stocked with more play food than you have ever seen and LEGO room for your little builder. For older kids there is a high tech craft room, games room, computer lab and an beautiful kitchen. There are also TVs in the bathroom mirrors to remind kids to wash their hands.
During a trip from one side of the resort to the other, we discovered the Predator Lagoon Tunnel. Located below the Lagoon Bar & Grill, outside the Coral Towers, the Predator Lagoon is a somewhat hidden gem that features predominately deeper reef fish like Sharks, barracudas, rays, sawfish and giant groupers. Our boys loved walking through the 100-foot clear underwater tunnel submerged in the lagoon to get a look at these amazing fish from all sides.
We also had the opportunity to swim with the dolphins($140/person). My son was super excited about this. After getting suited up in wetsuits and watching a 20 minute informational video we were escorted to the water where we met our new friend Toni. During our 20 minutes or so with Toni we got to feed her, kiss her and pose for pictures. Both of the instructors were excellent about teaching us about the breed and their facility. Our dolphin was actually rescued from the Louisiana Aquarium after Hurricane Katrina.
Food: While meals at Atlantis are pricey, many of the prices are on point with some of those we have seen at other resorts. But for families, eating here can add up quickly. Before you arrive you will be offered a meal plan(breakfast & dinner) if you book your vacation through Atlantis directly. If you are traveling with children under 6 the meal plan is free if the parents choose to take it. I highly recommend this for families who have kids between 4-6 as the resort charges half an adult rate for kids 4 and older at their buffet restaurants.
We liked that Atlantis had restaurants for families in all price ranges, but were disappointed when many of them weren’t open because it was low season. Nothing is more frustrating than walking from one end of the resort to the other just to find out that the restaurant is not open. Notable favorites were Marketplace Buffet, Murray’s Deli, Carmines, Bimini Road and Johnny Rockets.
Atlantis is definitely a destination that we will return to in the coming years and while it was great for us and the kids, it would also be perfect as a 2-3 day mommy and daddy getaway as well!