Healthcare Service Makes Vacations with Dialysis Patients Easier

Have you thought about planning a family vacation with a loved one who's tied to a kidney dialysis machine, then dismissed it as being too hard? 

Dialysis is a life-sustaining process that cleans waste products from the blood, removes extra fluids, and controls the body’s chemistry when a person’s kidneys fail. Dialysis patients typically require treatment on an ongoing basis unless they receive a kidney transplant.

We know that family members who are on kidney dialysis need life-sustaining therapy typically three days a week, so it seems impossible to travel far from their therapy center. However, a new patient referral service from Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) makes it easy and safe to arrange for dialysis at a clinic near your destination. 

Dialysis patient Bill Young and his wife, Ann, recently used the Patient Travel Service before heading to Dallas, Puerto Rico and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

“The Patient Travel Service has been a big help for Ann and me as we plan our trips to visit family and friends by taking the worry out of getting my treatment,” Young said. “We encourage dialysis patients to use the service so they can continue traveling and not let a thing like dialysis stop them from enjoying the pleasures that travel offers.”

FMCNA, with more than 2,700 clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, provides kidney dialysis treatments to approximately 210,000 patients worldwide. Their clinics already operate in traditional family resort vacation areas such as Cape Cod, the Jersey shore, the Carolinas, New England and the Smokey Mountains, and in popular cities such as New Orleans, Las Vegas, or Orlando.  The company has noticed an emerging trend in which more patients are taking road trips that are closer to home due to the rising costs of fuel and airfares.

FMCNA encourages all dialysis patients, whether they are FMCNA patients or not, to enjoy travel and take vacations across the U.S. and abroad by utilizing its free Patient Travel Service. According to their Senior Manager, the company sets up everything -- at no charge except for the treatment itself -- so patients can focus on living life to the fullest without having to worry about where and how to get dialysis.

Patients, their clinical staff or social workers can arrange dialysis by calling the Patient Travel Service at 1-866-434-2597, Option 2) or visiting www.ultracare-dialysis.com to get help finding a convenient facility at their travel destination.

Family members and the patients themselves also can get answers to general questions about traveling as a dialysis patient. Spanish-speaking phone representatives are available. There is no charge for this service. For the best results, patients are encouraged to make their travel plans well in advance of their trip.

FMCNA says patients use the travel service primarily for vacations and family visits, but “snowbirds” also arrange treatment when they head to warmer climates for extended visits during winter. Family Travel Forum has more information on travel with family members with special needs.

For more information about the company’s more than 1,800 U.S. dialysis facilities, visit their website (in English and Spanish). Here is a video that shows you more about Kidney Dialysis facilities.

Makes Road Trips Saner on Twitter 4pm July 26: #KidsInTheCar

Interested in road trip tips, fun destinations, snack ideas, and the latest technology to smooth your journey? Use Twitter to talk with travelers on our upcoming #KidsInTheCar Twitter Party, July 26th at 4pm ET.

We're joining experts from Productopia @ConsumerSearch and co-host @MotherProof for a #KidsInTheCar Twitter party.

Kyle McCarthy from @familytravel4um (that's us on Twitter!) and tech columnist Kaleel Sakakeeny (from @newmediatravel) will share fresh ideas on how to make road trips fun.  And easy.  And saner.

Use the #KidsInTheCar hashtag to follow along and participate at 4pm ET, July 26, 2011.

During the live tweetchat, we will discuss the latest in car safety, gas-saving strategies, the best family vacation spots around the USA and Canada, new apps for your smartphones, trends in snacking, and whatever else is on your mind.

To make it a real party, we have giveaways throughout the hour of The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the Best Family Destinations written with FamilyTravelForum.com, as well as The Complete Idiot's Guide to Word Search Puzzles vol 3 .

You'll know where to go and how to keep the kids busy en route!

How Does Twitter Work?

To participate, just log on to Twitter Tuesday afternoon at 4pm ET, and search #KidsInTheCar so you can follow the questions and answers.

You don't have to be a Twitter user to "listen" but you do need to have an account if you want to participate. If you don't have a Twitter account, it's easy and free to sign up.

Please include #KidsInTheCar in all your posts so that everyone will see them and can respond.

If you missed our past live Tweetchats, you can read transcripts of the Spring Break Vacation Planning Chat Transcript and Spring Break: What Can Go Wrong When Kids Go Alone talks. It's fun and easy to participate and everyone involved learns a lot from each other.

Please rsvp below or on FTF's Facebook.com/FamilyTravelForum page so we know to expect you, and you can get extra chances to win these books!

Groupon Joins the Travel Marketplace - Whooppee!

Lebua Hotel's Three-Bedroom Suite, Bangkok Thailand

July 13th marked the launch of Groupon Getaways, a partnership between the enormously successful coupon site Groupon and the enormously successful online travel seller, Expedia.  Promising "high quality, curated deals" the two will work together to get as much distressed vacation inventory out the door as possible.

What's new for travelers is that those who buy the discount coupons (in effect, pre-paying for their vacation at a steeply discounted rate) will be able to 'redeem' them at a future date of their own choosing.  Could be a great solution for that family vacation that seems to get priced out of range every time a school break opens up a travel window.

We've said before that Groupon, by offering coupons on attractions, restaurants and shops in 43 countries around the world, can be a boon to travelers.  The trick is to sign up for an email in your destination city before you travel, to take advantage of the savings that locals enjoy. 

How Groupon Getaways Works

According to their spokesperson, Groupon Getaways with Expedia handpicks desirable destinations and the most interesting things to do, offering them at around 50% off retail rates found at other online travel sites. The site will offer a mix of opportunities, from 4- and 5-star properties and activities at premiere locations to nearby weekend packages showcasing hidden gems in a subscriber’s backyard.

The offers available at launch really ran the gamut of interests, and included some whoppers:

•     Las Vegas: $144 One-Night Weekend Stay at The Palms Casino Resort with Direct Access Pass, Gaming Credit and Breakfast Buffet for Two ($299 Value)

•     Dallas: $139 One-Night Stay in Premier King Room at The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa with Lavish Breakfast for Two and 25% Discount at Spa (up to $269 Value)

•     Bangkok: $2,086 Five-Night Stay for Six Guests in Three Bedroom Hangover Suite at The Tower Club at Lebua with Daily 60-Minute Aromatherapy Massage for Each Guest ($11,875 Value)

Of course, with teens it da' house, the Hangover II suite in Bangkok (pictured above) presented the clear winner for our family. 

Once a customer purchases a voucher, there’s no pressure to book immediately as families can redeem anytime within the expiration period. This allows trip planners to make a down payment toward a memorable vacation, building the trip around that deal when the time is right.

Could be a Win-Win Spend-Spend for Everyone

“Through this partnership, we’re aiming to give the world’s travelers a way to capitalize on travel dreams that might otherwise go unrealized,” said Scott Durchslag, President, Expedia Worldwide. “Sign up, and our Getaway deals will arrive in your in box. When you see one you like, buy it, then take the trip on your timeline.”

Adds Aaron Cooper, Senior VP of New Business, Groupon. "We’ll introduce subscribers to interesting places at prices they won’t expect.”  Check out Groupon.com/getaways for more information.

You betcha!

Callaway Gardens - Old School Southern Getaway

Southern families have long cherished Callaway Gardens, a getaway that's “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” according to its mission statement. This unusual 4,600-acre botanical garden and family resort is owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, and includes a garden, hotel, preserve and residential community on 13,000 acres in Pine Mountain, Georgia. 

 As you can see from this Callaway Gardens family vacation review, guests of all ages can enjoy an active getaway filled with unique and multi-generational recreational activities.  Highlights for your youngest include a butterfly conservatory, discovery center, inland beach, nature trails and special events throughout the year. With 763 guest rooms, several restaurants, a full-service spa, shops, golf, tennis, fishing and more it feels like a big resort. And with five residential communities with homes, lakefront properties and cottages on the golf course that can be rented, it can feel like a home away from home.

What's the Deal for Summer 2011?

Each summer, Callaway welcomes thousands of families, many of them repeat visitors who are looking for new things to do. For the summer of 2011, guests who book a room can purchase an "Ultimate Summer Fun Pass at Callaway Gardens" for only $48 per person, per night. Some restrictions apply but the pass, valid from 9am the day of issue until 4pm the next day (giving you an extra day of play on checkout), allows guests to enjoy all of Callaway Gardens’ recreational offerings.

New activities such as TreeTop Adventure zipline (normally $30 per person), Aqua Island, Blaster Boats and Light Striker Laser Tag as well as favorites including golf (normally $64 per round on Lake View), tennis, boating, kayaking, canoeing, bicycling and more are included this summer -- a savings of more than $150 per person. Old favorites like bicycle rentals, Johnboat rentals, kayaks, canoes and even tennis court time are included, too.

In addition, staying overnight at Callaway Gardens provides families with wonderful experiences in  nature: the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center – a four and one-half acre conservatory filled with more than 1,000 tropical butterflies, a daily free-flight raptor show, the beauty of the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, and free and unlimited access to the Callaway Fitness Center at the Mountain Creek Inn. And, guests should be sure to take in the amazing feats of the Florida State University Flying High Circus.

More Information on Callaway Gardens

Notes Edward Callaway, chairman and CEO of the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, “We know families are looking for a place with wholesome activities and entertainment that they can enjoy together. We hope this great value helps families do just that.”

Guests can take advantage of the Callaway Gardens Ultimate Summer Fun Pass from now through September 5, 2011. Rates in the Mountain Creek Inn start at $99 per night, with cottages and villas at higher rates. For more information, visit www.callawaygardens.com.

The Sound of Music in Zurich

Fun, cool, breezy -- this is the way we remember the times we've had in the mountains of Switzerland when the intense heat of summer descends back home. It truly is one of our Europe's most family-friendly countries.

When looking at the most popular Switzerland family destinations reviewed on Family Travel Forum and other travel sites, we typically see a focus on the great mountain resorts, both for summer and winter holidays.

But if you’re a fan of music and art, there is no better place to visit than one of Switzerland's cultural capitals. Situated in the country's western hills, Zurich is nestled amongst the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich. The beautiful setting gives families an opportunity to explore the great outdoors as well as the city's fine museums and performance halls.

Each summer, the city comes alive with the Live at Sunset concert series. This year, from July 13 - 24, 2011, the series will be hosted at the Dolder Sports ice rink. Families who visit during July will enjoy the star-studded line-up that features Paul Simon, John Mellencamp, the 1980’s icon TOTO, Chicago, Joe Cocker, Tom Jones and many other artists.  The music kicks off at 8:30pm every evening during those dates.

After the concert, when the stars come out, you can relax at the historic Dolder Grand resort on a hilltop above the city. A true luxury getaway, spoil the kids with unparalleled service as well as stunning views of the city and mountains.

Of course, it's a beautiful  hotel but the amenities are remarkable too.  Book some in-room childcare, and adults can head downstairs to the only 2-star Michelin restaurant in Zurich. Reserve a sitter or take your older teens along -- probably before that world-class meal -- to the hotel's world-class spa.

As host of the Live at Sunset festival, the Dolder Grand is offering a special package for July stays including:

- 1 night stay including Garden Restaurant breakfast
- 3-course pre-concert dinner in the Garden Restaurant (beverages excluded)
- Premium seat concert tickets
- Late checkout until 4:00pm (for those music lovers who go overboard)
- Use of the Dolder Grand Spa

Does this sound like your idea of a family paradise?  Prices start at CHF 1,040.00 (approx. $1,146) double occupancy in a Double Superior Room, with children's rates on request.For more information, you can visit the Dolder Grand resort site.

For other options on where to stay in Zurich during the Live at Sunset Festival, please visit the Zurich Tourism Office site or contact their staff for assistance at  +41 (0) 44 215 40 00.

What To Do in St. Louis With the Kids

The St. Louis Arch

St. Louis is full of family-friendly things to see and do. Here’s a hand-picked list of the extra special activities for families looking for some new and different ways to have fun at St. Louis attractions in 2011.

What's New in Thrills Both Manmade & from the Animal Kingdom

Six Flags St. Louis may be turning 40 this year, but they still know how to entertain their inner child. They’re turning up the screams and excitement with the addition of SkyScreamer, a tower ride that’s guaranteed to take your breath away. The ride, which holds 32 guests at a time, features two open air swings that climb to the top of the SkyScreamer tower while spinning around and around. Those brave enough to ride the new thrill ride will end up more than 230-feet into the air as they are swung around in a 98-foot circle at speeds more than 40 miles per hour.

"Stingrays at the Caribbean Cove" at the St. Louis Zoo

If you head on down to the Saint Louis Zoo, there might be a few stingrays asking for you. That’s because "Stingrays at Caribbean Cove" returns to town through September 25. Visitors can watch, touch and even feed these fascinating ocean creatures as they glide through their tropical saltwater habitat. The 17,000-gallon pool includes cownose and southern stingrays as well as some newcomers for 2011: sharks. Brownbanded bamboo and bonnethead sharks join the stingrays in this don't-miss event.

Educational  & Fun St. Louis Family Events 

The "Alice's Wonderland" exhibit at the Magic House

Visitors to The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum can experience a whole new brand of wonder. “Alice's Wonderland” is an interactive exhibit based on Lewis Carroll's classic book “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.” The exhibit helps pique kids’ curiosity about subjects like math and science as they work through more than 2,500 square feet of hands-on experiences and meet characters from the book, and re-live some of Alice's extraordinary adventures. Kids take a trip down the rabbit hole and “fall” into a world filled with wonder and curiosities that includes exploring shadows in the Pool of Tears, experiencing optical illusions in the Hall of Doors, and learning about animation at a Caucus Race. They’ll serve up fractions at a Mad Tea Party, manipulate time with a Crazy Clock, discover the art of camouflage in the Mushroom Forest and can play a game of Crazy Croquet with the Queen of Hearts. The exhibit remains on display through November 6.

The Missouri History Museum welcomes a special traveling exhibit “America I AM: The African American Imprint,” from May 29 – September 18. Designed to help illustrate the tremendous contributions African Americans have made throughout our country’s history, the exhibit features more than 200 artifacts from celebrated artists and athletes such as: sports memorabilia from Michael Jordan, Arthur Ashe and Muhammad Ali; artifacts from legendary entertainers such as Etta James, Michael Jackson and Prince; the typewriter author Alex Haley used to write "Roots;" personal items belonging to Malcolm X; and the door key from the Birmingham jail cell that held Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “America I AM: The African American Imprint” also includes a variety of documents, multimedia, photographs and music.

Children enjoying the City Museum in St. Louis

A night at the museum takes on a whole new meaning when it’s a night at City Museum. The ultimate warehouse of wackiness is holding two sleepovers this summer – SLUMBERCITY Girl Scout Overnight (July 10) and the SLUMBERCITY Family Overnight (August 7). Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts groups can attend the family night event, but the Girl Scouts night is only for the Cookie Chicks and their leaders or chaperones only. Both Sunday nighttime adventures begin at 6 p.m. and last until 8 a.m. the next day. In between, there’s dinner, breakfast, all night access to the museum (yes, they let kids stay up all night if they want) and a souvenir patch proving you earned your museum stripes. Make a night of it – Bring Your Own sleeping bags, bedrolls, air mattresses, snacks, beverages, teddy bears, pillows, PJs and anything else you need to help you make it through the night. Reservations are required.

Why Everyone Come to St. Louis

The Free Family Junior Ranger Program at the Gateway Arch takes place every Saturday through August 3, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Kids ages 4-12 can take part in the program, which includes stories, games and activities about explorers, pioneers, cowboys and native people throughout American history. All activities are directed by the National Park Service staff and each participant receives a Junior Ranger Badge upon completion.

Busch Stadium 

Take a tour of the Redbirds’ roost and get a behind the scenes look at the St. Louis Cardinals’ home turf. Busch Stadium tours are offered daily year-round (except on days where there’s an afternoon home game, special events and certain holidays) and includes visits to such unique locales as the Redbird Club, Cardinals Club, KMOX radio broadcast booth, the home team’s dugout and other unique areas throughout the ballpark.

St. Louis Trip Planning Information

Missouri offers lots of top value attractions throughout the state, and for a major US city, St. Louis is one of the best value destination in the country.  So grab that skinny wallet and take off!

For up-to-date information about St. Louis, your family can tour the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission site or call the staff at 800/916-0040.

For more information and additional St. Louis family fun ideas -- especially with tiny travelers -- visit My Family Travels review of St. Louis Fun with Toddlers.