15 Top Picks from 51 Great Summer Vacation Ideas

How's your summer going? We're still busy planning some vacation time. If you're in the same boat we are, here’s our pick of the 15 very best summer vacation ideas from the amazing #bestsummer directory issued by FamilyTravelForum.com.  

We love that they’ve done the homework, and we can load our cart with some of the best ideas for our family. In the hopes of providing you with hope for a (somewhat) normal summer vacation, please read on!

ALASKA TOURING  

Meet sled dog puppies on your Holland America land excursions in Alaska. Photo c. HAL 

This year for the second year in a row, there will be no big ships in Alaska as Transport Canada has banned almost all cruise activities in Canadian waters until next February. Families who don’t want to wait until 2022 have the opportunity to see Alaska a different way—and spend more time on land in and around Denali National Park as well as elsewhere. The largest players in the region -- Holland America Line and Princess Cruises -- have committed to operating their Alaska-based lodges this year. Adventure Smith Explorations also offers small-ship and other Alaska adventures, including yachts potentially available just for your group. The  summer of 2019, TakingtheKids.com spent a few magical days kayaking, canoeing and just taking in the views and wildlife  at  the small  (just 18 cabins and 40 guests) at  Kenai Fjords  Glacier Lodge within the national park and accessible only by boat from Seward. And really good news: Denali National Park will allow road trippers to venture farther on their own. Check out one of the state’s newest campground sites, K’esugi Ken RV & Tent Campground, where you can pitch your tent in the shadow of North America’s largest peak. To find more campgrounds and plan your trip, visit TravelAlaska.com.

BLACK HISTORY & CULTURE FOR ALL  

Take the kids to the museums and historic sites around the country that are putting the civil rights struggle in context for 21st century youth. The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC may still be closed but you certainly can visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Open destinations worth the journey include the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the first built by a major U.S. city to interpret the life and work of African Americans, Plan a weekend around the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

CAMPING AT JELLYSTONE PARKS 

Yogi Bear and his pals will soon be your pals when you stay and play at one of the Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts in the US. Photo c. Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts 

So, what if you haven’t been camping since Scouts? Record numbers of families are camping, often for the first time, and Yogi-Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts make it easy. With more than 75 Jellystone Park locations across the US and Canada, you’ll find a campground nearby packed with amazing attractions such as pools, water slides and splash grounds like the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort that Family Travel Forum visited. Hike, fish, explore and take advantage of family activities such as jumping pillows, mini golf and foam parties. Beloved characters Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Cindy Bear and Ranger Smith from Jellystone make an appearance, too. Accommodations ranging from premium cabins and treehouses to deluxe RV sites and traditional tent campsites suit every family. Book now at www.jellystonepark.com, as prime summer dates are already selling out. Plan ahead for popular theme weekends such as Christmas in July, Chocolate Lovers Weekend and Halloween Spooktacular Weekends. Remember you can borrow or rent, rather than buy, any gear you might need.

CITY LIGHTS IN THE BRIGHTEST CITY  

New York is waking up and welcoming visitors once again, encouraging you to help rebuild the city’s $60 billion tourism industry. One of the summer’s cultural highlights is the outdoors show at the New York Botanical Garden, KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature, showing through Oct. 31, 2021. Immerse yourselves in sculpture and art installations from the famous Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, who lived in New York from 1958-1973. Kusama’s lifelong obsession with nature, thanks to a childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery, will find full expression at the NYBG. New monumental sculptures highlight the show; Dancing Pumpkin and I Want to Fly to the Universe make their worldwide debut. Watch for the first-ever obliteration greenhouse, Flower Obsession. Infinity Mirrored Room - Illusion Inside the Heart, a signature Kusama experience in which visitors interact with mirrored walls and the sense of infinite depth, is set to open August 3. NYBG is in the Bronx and is easily accessible by subway or the Metro-North Railway. NYBG is open daily; purchase timed entry tickets online at NYBG as early as possible. At 250 acres, NYBG is quite large so we recommend going early in the day to allow time to see it all and dine at one of the garden’s restaurants.

CRUISING EVERYWHERE

Princess Cruise Line guests use a wearable Medallion Pass as their ID when embarking on their ship at port. Photo c. Princess Cruise Line 

While cruise lines are working to figure out how and when they can start cruising from US ports this summer, they also are getting creative with alternatives. Luxury Seabourn Cruise Line, known for unique all-inclusive cruises on smaller ships, will be cruising in Greece and from Caribbean ports this summer. Holland America is finding great interest in their Alaska land tours this summer while offering value-added amenities on 2022 cruises, including half-off drinks, WiFi, excursions and dining. Additionally, they are scheduling weeklong Greece and Mediterranean cruises between August and November aboard the Eurodam. And Princess Cruises, for those planning ahead, is touting deals that include drinks, gratuities and with your Medallion wearable, flexible new Dine My Way schedules. MedallionNet is super charged WiFi internet connectivity that leverages a new constellation of satellites, if you can’t leave work behind. Plan ahead as most cruise lines will require passengers to be fully vaccinated before boarding.

DISNEY NEWS

Disneyland and California Adventure Park have reopened to Californian residents and hope to open to all later this summer. As at Walt Disney World, there is limited capacity, fewer shows and no character meet and greets, though additional parades and pop ups have been added. At the Orlando theme parks, guests like the virtual lines for rides and ordering food via a Disney Experience App so that it is ready when you arrive. There are also new attractions -- like Micky and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disney’s Hollywood Studies, the first time the world’s two most famous mice have been featured in an attraction. The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Show runs until July 5, followed by the Food and Wine Festival July 15-Nov. 20 while EPCOT undergoes a multi-year transformation. Disney Cruise Line has announced new itineraries and its much-anticipated new ship Disney Wish that will begin cruises to the Bahamas next summer complete with the first AquaMouse water attraction, a revamped Oceaneer’s Club, new restaurants, including a Frozen dinner theater and more adults-only options, including a Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge with otherworldly concoctions. 

EUROPE RIVER AND CANAL CRUISES

Gift the family a barge trip on a French canal with Croisieurope. 

River and canal barge cruising continue to grow in popularity, letting more guests experience more European destinations aboard the comfort of a floating hotel. For families, the formula seems right: All included amenities, visiting many ports without the need to pack and unpack each day, and variety of tours for all interests mean a worry-free vacation for parents. Customize a barge trip for your group of up to 22 for the ultimate in social distancing. CroisiEurope welcomes families on board all cruises: Children under 2 travel free, under 10 at a reduced rate year-round. Cabins for singles, doubles, triples and quadruples mean every size family can be accommodated. Kids under 16 travel free in Spain, Portugal and Italy – and at 30% off fares in Croatia and Montenegro on summer departures. Vaccinated families should consider the special offers on their current departure schedule. Activities for families are built into the itinerary, so it’s the relaxing way to experience Europe. Here’s a review of a recent CroisiEurope Duoro River cruise in Portugal.

KANSAS, GEM OF I-70

With road trips all the rage this summer, many families are likely to drive part of their route along I-70, a central component of the US Interstate System founded by President Eisenhower’s Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. What many families don’t realize is just how much fun the stops along I-70 in Kansas can be. It’s more than 500 miles of 18-wheelers and corn fields. Kansas boasts classic small towns with huge artworks; talk about the summer of Van Gogh – have you seen Goodland, Kansas’ 80-foot-tall “Three Sunflowers in a Vase?” Other places worth a stop along I-70 include cinemas, arts festivals, military forts and local history museums to ease the road trip boredom for passengers of every age and interest. Read more about Kansas’s roadside attractions to plan just where your family will stay the night.

MEXICO AND CARIBBEAN RESORTS

The Seabourn Odyssey is moored offshore in the Caribbean. Photo c. Seabourn 

Summer traditionally has been considered family season in Mexico and the Caribbean; wild sales and kids stay free packages at all-inclusives are the norm. However, each destination has different entry requirements and even vaccinated travelers may be required to show a negative COVID test result for entry. Order Let’s Get Checked home COVID-19 testing kits by mail, now approved for minors (aged 2 and over) for at-home Covid-19 testing, using this 30% off COVID testing link. Note that travelers from most international destinations will have to present a valid negative COVID-19 test to enter the US. We also recommend family travel insurance to anyone booking resorts during the June to November hurricane season. Jamaica offers options from staffed villas to all-inclusive resorts like Beaches, known for their commitment to children on the Autism Spectrum, to Half Moon Bay with the chance to swim with horses, and Golden Eye, where Ian Fleming famously wrote the Bond books and where you can take your pick staying in a beach “hut” or two-bedroom villa. Families interested in a cruise to more off the beaten path islands should plan ahead to November, when the luxury Seabourn line resumes award-winning 7- to 21-day cruises to the Caribbean, with 10% off for early bookers.  

ORLANDO

Yup. The world’s theme park capital is open and welcoming families with new attractions as well as enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols. For those planning ahead, Walt Disney World will celebrate the resort’s 50th anniversary starting Oct. 1 and continuing for 18 months. (Follow #DisneyWorld50 on social media platforms.) Of course, a visit will be different this year, requiring masks and advance reservations. The kids won’t be able to hug their favorite characters. We’re Orlando fans because in addition to the theme parks, there’s so much else to do: great outlet mall shopping, several small art museums, lots of fun dining experiences and plenty new outside the parks too. Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival is the first socially distanced music festival in the U.S., offering everything from music performances to comedy shows to big-name concerts, through May. The Museum of Illusions Orlando offers 50 interactive, immersive and mentally deceptive exhibits based on math, science, and psychology. Dezerland Park, an all-new indoor attraction on International Drive, boasts a trampoline park and the longest indoor dual go-karting tracks in Florida. There are also plenty of options for free things to do outdoors, from farmers markets to Sunday morning yoga in the 43-acre Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Play outside at the 20-plus mile West Orange Trail (rent bikes from West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades Co., which offers delivery to area hotels) and the Nemours Family Zone at the US Tennis Association National Campus. (Play for free but you must pre-register!)

RIVER RAFTING AND AQUATIC ADVENTURES

Keep cool -- no need to carry on with your paddling when you're on an escorted river trip with OARS. Photo c. OARS 

The legendary outfitter OARS has been sharing the world’s great rivers with guests since 1969, contributing more than $5 million in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives since the company’s inception. After an abbreviated and challenging 2020 season, OARS is looking forward to fun, low-stress whitewater conditions for many of the family-friendly rafting trips they offer in the West. They're forecasting lower, but reliable water levels this summer for popular river trips like Utah’s Green River through Gates of Lodore and Desolation Canyon, which can count on water releases from upstream reservoirs. Five-day family trips (minimum age 7) for Green River Rafting through Desolation Canyon promise more than 50 Class II and III rapids. OARS experts say that in California, a mild winter and statewide snowpack that’s at 59% the normal average isn’t expected to heavily impact rafting on dam-controlled rivers like the American River and the Tuolumne River. The 3-day Lower Klamath Trip departing Happy Camp, California is ideal for young adventurers ages 4+. From June to mid-August, families are guaranteed warm and gentle Class II rapids, easy rafting, fishing and fully supported camping along the Klamath River. Due to the region’s rich Gold Rush history, discovering gold may be a highlight of the trip. For 2021, expect many of the same COVID-19 protocols that were put in place last summer to minimize the risk of transmission on the river. For more information on OARS’ eco-friendly adventures, visit www.oars.com or call 800/346-6277.

SKI COUNTRY SUMMERS

An off season ski resort condo should be a bargain whether you choose Steamboat Springs in Colorado for its weekly rodeos and free concerts or Lake Tahoe for yoga paddleboarding. In Park City, Utah, spend summer careening down an alpine coaster or facing the Olympic bobsled track. Hike and mountain bike through Montana’s Big Sky or Oregon’s Mt. Hood regions, among many other almost-four-season resorts. The good news is that lodging is a lot cheaper in summer at snow resorts  and more on-mountain activities are returning this summer, like the Lost Forest at the top of Snowmass’ Elk Gondola. You don’t need a pricey lift ticket to hike or bike – but they are great value for scenic sightseeing with less fit family members. It likely won’t be as hard to get into the top restaurants either. Here’s an account of celebrating a pre pandemic July 4th weekend in Vail.

SPLURGE BY PLANNING AHEAD WITH ATLAS

Watch Juvenile Southern Seals fight for dominance with a show of strength on your Antarctica expedition. Photo by Michel Verdure for Atlas Ocean Voyages. 

For many American families, this summer will be about staying local and saving up for a really big bucket list vacation. With nearly 15 months to think about what could be the most amazing destination ever, Antarctica is topping many wish lists. While several expedition companies are touting their special sailings, none compares with the luxurious new offering from Atlas Ocean Voyages. Families set sail for Antarctica aboard World Navigator, Atlas’ Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified ship, after a private flight from Orlando to Ushuaia, Argentina. Fewer than 200 fellow explorers join naturalists and experts dedicated to helping you and kids ages 10+ get the most out of your refined adventure. You can even make or renew wedding vows at ‘the end of the world’ on the Valentine’s Day 2022 departure. Atlas’ wedding package is complimentary for guests when registered in advance plus, the bride enjoys a 50% stateroom savings when the wedding party books five or more rooms. As with all Atlas luxe-adventure expeditions, guests travel in the brand’s signature All Inclusive All The Way style, which, on Antarctica expeditions, includes all meals, beverages, activities, shore excursions and more. Their flexible travel policy also provides travelers a 100% refund of deposited funds up to 91 days prior to sailing. Plan now because you can change your reservation as often as you want, and even switch to a different Atlas itinerary, up to 15 days before your voyages’ sail date.

UTAH HIGH WITH MOAB ADVENTURES

The Moab Adventure Center will help you achieve new heights when adventuring in Arches, Canyonlands or the great outdoors around Moab, Utah. Photo c. Moab Adventure Center 

Moab Adventure Center focuses on day tours and adventures, whether you want to river raft, take an off-road Hummer safari, hike with a guide in Arches National Park, horseback ride, have a unique mountain biking adventure or raft in Cataract Canyon. They’re family welcoming too, with Hummer safari tours available to ages 3+ and laidback rafting trips for ages 5+ and 50 lbs. Enjoy each of their adventures knowing safety protocols have been put in place to maintain a safe and fun environment. Moab is a very popular, eastern Utah mountain town that can get crowded, making Moab Adventure Center the easiest way to reserve any outdoor experience without worry or stress—and get out of your comfort zone trying something new!

WILMINGTON AND DELAWARE’S BIDEN COUNTRY

Start your tour of Biden Country in Newark at The Biden Welcome Center, a visitor’s center packed with maps and brochures about the state the 46th president has called home for years. Renamed for the entire Biden family and their service to Delaware prior to the election, it reminds us that even the Wilmington railroad station is named after the First Commuter who was nicknamed “Amtrak Joe.” Did you know that both the Bidens and reggae legend Bob Marley lived in Wilmington’s Eastlake neighborhood? From the estates of the du Pont family which have become fantastic museums of American arts and crafts to the casual, homey eateries that the President and his family still frequent, the first state is full of surprises every family will enjoy. And no, the St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Greenville was not named after the president.

Note that this summer, vaccinated Americans traveling within the US won’t need COVID-19 testing or post-travel self-quarantine as long as they continue to wear masks indoors, avoid crowds, social distance and wash hands frequently. Additionally, vaccinated travelers will likely be safely allowed to travel in many European countries. Travelers going to destinations that require a negative COVID-19 PCR test should take advantage of our partnership with Let’s Get Checked to get home COVID-19 testing kits by mail, now approved for minors (aged 2 and over.) Use our 30% discount COVID testing link and get results back in 72 hours or less.

Let us know where you’re off to!

K-Pop & K-Culture Star in Korea's Busan One Asia Festival

Among the many fall festivals this season is the world’s largest "K-culture" celebration taking place October 1-23 in Busan, Korea. Known for its long and welcoming Haeundae beach, Busan is a modern city that still has a traditional Korean feel at heart.

Traditional Korean Market in Haeundae, one of Busan's popular tourist sites.

Officially known as the 2016 Busan One Asia Festival, there will be programs, live shows, concerts and a conference focused on K-pop (music), K-food, K-beauty and a variety of popular Korean media content, all in one location. Here's a look at what visitors can expect in a video by the BOF.

The three-week event centers around Hallyu content, a term referring to the very fast and widespread popularity of Korean popular culture, what we would call viral. BOF kicks off with a big K-Pop concert and fan events, as well as a Taste Busan food festival featuring cooking classes by star Asian chefs.

The Korean Wave Star & Beauty Collection runs through October 9, and visitors can virtually meet Korean pop culture stars through holograms, VR or 3D and learn about their beauty secrets. Artists will be on hand to do makeup demonstrations, show off new cosmetics, and present a K-beauty marketplace.


The One Asia Cultural Conference, One Asia Platform and the Running Man Hands on Experience Program take place in the following weeks.

Main stage at the recent Busan Rock Festival, photos courtesy Busan Tourism Office.

On October 23, the last day of the festival, the One Asia Dream Concert will take place as the event’s grand finale.

K-fans can expect to catch Psy (megastar of "Gangnam Style" fame), CNBLUE, B1A4, Apink, Girls’ Day, B.A.P, AOA, BTS, SE7EN, Hwang Chi Yeul, INFINITE, U-Kiss, TWICE, SHINee, GFrined, Gummy and T-ara.


Check out the official BOF website and Facebook page for more details on the schedule and star appearances.

10 Mountain Resorts for Summer Savings

“I came for the winter and stayed for the summer.” I hear it all the time when I visit North America’s top ski resorts. Mountain townies swear by the cool temperatures, clean air and natural beauty of an environment that changes from the stark white of long winters to the lush greenery of all too brief summers. 

Since travelers find lodging and activity rates at 30% to 50% off the peak winter season at these resorts, summer is a great time to try out the mountain lifestyle yourself.  Here are my 10 picks in alphabetical order, and why I chose them from the 51 summer vacation ideas we put together.

 

Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival, c. Jason Dewey, AspenChamber.org

ASPEN, COLORADO

Aspen, founded in 1880 on the site of a huge silver lode, is the pinnacle of chic mountain resorts, the place where you can join the 1% and play in the fresh air, hike, fish, mountain bike and enjoy the arts. Since 1949, the summertime Aspen Music Festival has brought in more than 300 classical music events (many orchestras are comprised of top students, and there are workshop classes for kids as well.) There are lots of galleries in this pretty Western town, and arts workshops at the celebrated Anderson Ranch for all ages and skill levels – everything from bookmaking to ceramics to furniture making. There’s music at outdoor cafes, lectures and open air concerts; even the produce displayed at the weekly farmer’s market is an aesthetic treasure. Take advantage of the free RFTA transportation between Aspen and Snowmass (6 miles away and itself a famous family ski resort) – especially if you have kids in tow – because there’s another 90 miles of hiking and biking trails, fly-fishing, Class V white-water rafting and kayaking, free Thursday night concerts and special weekend performances. Note that early bookers can score a bargain at the 50 local lodges, where half off winter prices start at $129 per night; rates at Snowmass and outside Aspen village are even more reasonable.

Downtown Breckenridge, photo c. Bob Winsett

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO

Like Aspen, Breckenridge is an authentic Old West town – founded by gold prospectors in 1859 -- that just happens to have world-class slopes looming above Main Street. Given the young population, success of the Vail Resorts-owned mountain, casual boutiques, and farm to fork eateries, summer in Breck is a non-stop party. The town is comprised of low rise condos, fun dining like Giampietro’s where calzones compete with a video game arcade, ice cream shops, craft breweries like Broken Compass, and health food markets. There’s local hiking, fly fishing (Breckenridge Outfitters beat out 524 other shops to become the Orvis Shop of the Year); cooking classes at Colorado Mountain College, and an on-mountain Summer Fun Park with zip lines, a coaster, and Segway tours. The Breckenridge Ski Resort kids summer camp for ages 5-13 runs June 10 - August 19, 2016; Meta Yoga teaches yoga asanas on standup paddleboards all summer long. The Breck Rec Center, where visiting families pay only $38 for four day passes, has a climbing wall, great pool and waterslide, ball courts, classes and much more. New and casual define the entertainment scene:  the Light + Sound + Water multimedia festival and Bike Week take place in June; the Street Arts Festival is over July 4^th weekend, there’s the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in August, and Labor Day brings Rubber Duck Races, more arts, and the Sidewalk Sale Days where summer athletes shed their well-used gear. Best yet, free electric buses loop around town, making cars a luxury rather than a necessity. From July 4- October 1, the large Beaver Run Resort on Peak 9 lets you save 25% off when you stay 3 or 4 nights; some restrictions apply.  Checkout the many deals on Adventure Pass activity booklets and  BreckConnection.com is packed with local insight from the passionate townies.

Omni Mt. Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

BRETTON WOODS, NEW HAMPSHIRE

The rugged trails of the Presidential Range -- especially Mt. Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast – have lured hikers since the 1800s. Tucked into the dense forest is Bretton Woods, a ski area and mountain resort that has welcomed presidents and dignitaries since its 1902 opening. Today, the Omni Mount Washington Resort maintains that classy mountain experience, with fine service and formal dining awaiting those who hike, fish, mountain bike on the BMX trails, join a guided Polaris Ranger Mountain Tour, golf on the original Donald Ross course, or play on the landscaped grounds. Alternatively, shop in local antique stores, indulge in the new Spa, or partake of afternoon tea and watch brown bears cross the lawn. Saturday afternoons, drop by the hotel’s Prohibition “Tea” Party and learn more about the history of the 19^th Amendment; read up on the 1944 Bretton Woods conference and learn how the World Bank was founded. At night there’s live cabaret after supper. Lincoln, New Hampshire, a half hour’s drive in the Western White Mountains, is the place for souvenirs, zip lines, water parks, mini golf and homemade ice cream; pick up a free Basecamp Card for discounts at local attractions. To save on lodging, book the Omni Bretton Arms Inn where a two-night stay earns 15% off the best available rates plus free breakfast. There are also many BnBs and small motels. 

Outdoor dining in view of the Tetons, from Deck @Piste Restaurant, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

For more than 50 years, a red gondola flying over the Tetons has symbolized the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and some of the best skiing in the world. In summer, the same aerial tram takes mountain bikes, paragliders, rock climbers and hikers up to Rendevous Mountain for unforgettable 360-degree views of the 50 mile-long Jackson Hole valley, Teton Mountain range, Snake River and Grand Teton National Park. Several lifts serve the slopes for hiking, on-mountain dining and sightseeing in Teton Village, the resort base about 12 miles from Jackson. Sunday afternoons, there’s free music near the playground and pop-jet fountain.  Active visitors will want a Grand Adventure Park Pass ($79) to access the aerial tram, ropes course, bike park, bungee, climbing wall, and the Drop Tower’s 30 and 60-foot high platforms (reached by multiple auto-belay and freefall drop options). July 28-30, enroll in Eric Orto’s Mountain Running Academy and train for the Rendevous Hill Climb in August. This is one of the few mountain towns where summer is busier than winter and prices rise. Make a day trip to Yellowstone, and check out the galleries, saloons, Elk Refuge and log cabin lodges around sleepy Jackson for value, and discover that authentic Wild West feel the area is known for.

Swimming in Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, photo: C. Roost

LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK

Although Lake Placid is best known for hosting the Winter Olympics at Whiteface Mountain (1932 and 1980), summer is the best time to visit. The bustling commercial Main Street circles Mirror Lake in a village surrounded by waterways and the old growth evergreens of stunning Adirondack Park, established by New York State in 1892 and greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined. Get out of town to explore hundreds of hiking trails, ranging from the mild Cobble Hill to the challenging hikes across the 46 High Peaks. Beyond the Cascade Lakes lie the granite walls that draw rock climbers. Dozens of lakes (Lake Placid is actually just north) including Tupper (site of the Tinman Triathlon each June, followed by the Lake Placid Ironman) and Saranac (site of many luxurious Adirondack style estates) are used for canoeing, SUP and whitewater rafting. Golf is popular everywhere, as is fly-fishing on the West Branch of the Ausable River. The whole region is thick with small farm towns, local museums, antique shops selling plaid blankets and plush bears, coffee bars and outdoors outfitters, making Cycle Adirondacks, a weeklong, fully supported bike tour (August 20-27), a great way to see everything. Prefer to relax on a hotel porch in your Adirondack chair? Check out the seasonal specials and pick between free nights or activity packages.

Yoga and Standup Paddleboarding for the ultimate Lake Tahoe workout; photo Chris Bartowski, Tahoe North.

LAKE TAHOE, SQUAW VALLEY

The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe Is nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains on the California / Nevada border. Most of the action is along the north shore, North Lake Tahoe, at 12 mountain resorts, more than 20 beaches and 126 miles of singletrack biking trails, many above 8, 700 feet. The largest resort, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, also called Olympic Valley since hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, is easily accessed from the Reno, Nevada Airport or Sacramento. In fact, the mountain resort famous for its powder skiing and freestyle snowboarding, skate skiing and kiting, has contributed an athlete to every Winter Olympics since 1964. Repeat visitors head to the many small lakefront communities to enjoy weekend athletic events, races and festivals such as Memorial Days “Made in Tahoe” festival celebrating local artisans, to “Tough Mudder” for bikers, the weeklong “Alpenglow Mountain” exhibit of the latest in outdoor gear, and Wanderlust, combining Zen yoga, wellness and music. Other events celebrate boats, beer and dogs; there’s scheduled SUP classes and yoga on paddleboards, swimming in the crystalline green waters, serene places to kayak, boat rentals, fly-fishing, and an Ironman triathlon. In addition to the supervised Squaw Kids club for ages 5-13, families can partake of yoga in Squaw Village each Wednesday and blues concerts on Tuesday, among the many free Tahoe events. First-timers should take advantage of the facilities and bargain accommodations found in the base villages of North Lake Tahoe’s 12 mountain resorts. The pedestrian-only, purpose built Village in Squaw Valley, for example, offers condo studios starting from $160 per night up to three bedroom suites and posh hotels, like the Resort at Squaw Creek or the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at nearby Northstar California. mountain resort. That’s the launchpad for nightly Tahoe Star Tours, a guided viewing of five planets seen with Celestron telescopes using astro imaging technology – a unique opportunity in an environment free of light pollution.

Ride a Bobsled in summer at Utah Olympic Park; courtesy Park City Chamber

PARK CITY, UTAH 

Park City is home to the newly combined Canyons and Park City Mountain Resorts, now the largest skiable acreage in the U.S. Summer, however, kicks off June 18 on Main Street in this historic Western town, when every restaurant sets it tables outdoors so that 1,500 can celebrate the season’s bounty with locally sourced, gourmet cuisine at the Savor the Summit festival. In addition to 400 miles of trails maintained for hiking and mountain biking, visitors come to fly over a curved mountain track at 60 mph on the Utah Olympic Park’s signature feature, the Comet Bobsled ride – trained pilot included. Park City lodging ranges from the Sundance crowd’s glamor hotels to bargain condos in town that rent for 40% less than in ski season. Don’t miss the weekly Park Silly Sunday Market where live bands and costumed street buskers entertain chefs, food vendors, craftsmen and tourists. The St. Regis Big Stars Bright Nights concert series featuring Emmylou Harris and Jewel this summer, takes place outdoors at Deer Valley’s amphitheater, where picnics are welcome.

Ziplining at Stowe, Vermont. Photo: Greg Petrics, c. Spruce Peak Realty

STOWE, VERMONT

Stowe is a Vermont favorite for its hip, picturesque town and topnotch ski resort blanketing Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield (the highest in the Green Mountains). Hike spectacular views off the unpaved Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road, as others have done for the past 150 years. With successful ski, snowboard and leaf peeping seasons, the Stowe Mountain Resort has invested $80 million dollars in summer. Welcome to the Adventure Center and Stowe Rocks climbing gym which add a ZipTour (served by the Skyride Gondola) and a very fun TreeTop Adventure Course (divided into six ability levels) to the activities available at the kids camp, open daily except Sunday for ages 3 to 12. Around town there’s the posh Stoweflake Spa, and small crafts places, markets, pubs and local eateries. Within a 20-minue drive on picture-perfect New England lanes is little Waterbury, home to antiques shops, the Vermont Annex cheddar cheese and maple products store, and small BnBs. Head over to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory for 20-minute tours and tastings that are well worth the stop, and pay your respects at the Flavor Graveyard where unsuccessful flavors have been laid to rest. Bikers use the lifts at nearby Sugarbush; hikers of all abilities enjoy the scenic 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path where there’s room for biking and in-line skating. The region has golf at an altitude of 1,800 feet and minigolf, tennis, an Alpine slide and more to keep everyone busy.

Le Fete de la Musique, Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Photo courtesy Tremblant.ca

TREMBLANT, QUEBEC

May is start of summer at Tremblant, the stylish resort at the foot of Mont-Tremblant voted #1 Ski Resort in Eastern North America by Ski magazine readers for 18 years in a row. Low rise townhouses with 1,900 units, chic bistros and patisseries, outfitters, an indoor pool complex and casino circle Place Saint-Bernard, the heart of this French Canadian pedestrian village built to serve the ski resort. Outdoor barbecues, live music, and friendly bilingual counselors toting campers to the lake for swim class are typical summer scenes; when it rains, visitors head to Mission Liberte, an escape game with three themed rooms. Tremblant draws weekend crowds to its Gourmand food and wine celebration, Ironman race, Wanderlust concerts and International Blues Festival. From July 22-31, Rythmes Tremblant brings in live rock, country, disco and Latino music. Because it’s located just 90 minutes from Montreal, you’ll save on Tremblant hotels booked weekdays and, if you buy before June 21, take 30% off lodgings, plus unlimited free access to the scenic gondola, at participating establishments. Canada prices have fallen 30% against the American dollar so Tremblant is currently a great value. Another bonus: resort guests will be able to observe the Perseid meteor shower August 12-13 from the village gondola.

Stopping for ice cream at Whistler. Photo c. Mike Crane, Tourism Whistler

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Canada’s Olympic mountain provides the trails, slopes and gear for hiking, mountain biking, zip lining, canoeing, fishing, and golf on one of four championship courses (pick between greens designed by Robert Cupp, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer). What visitors love about Whistler is the cobblestoned car-free, base village packed with comfortable condos and luxury hotels, hip bars and elegant shops. Not sure where to dine, join a Whistler Tasting Tour for stops at four popular eateries. Spa Scandinave combines traditional sweat lodges with frozen plunge pools to kickstart your circulation, likely not needed after your float plane trip, bungee jump, jet boat ride, tree trek or side by side ATV jaunt. Families love the safety of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for bear-spotting, plus sweeping views of the resort’s lakes and sand beaches. Count on live music nightly, a weekly Farmers Market, and huge events that range from Tough Mudder (June) to Ironman Canada (July) and Cranxworx (August) for freestyle mountain bikers. Take kids to the arts workshops and multimedia performances during Children’s Festival, July 8 – 10. Through October, visitors who stay four nights can save 40% on their condo or hotel (more if they commit to some activities and buy in advance) so, with the 30% discount Americans already enjoy thanks to the strong dollar, this place is an adventurers’ bargain.

Pig Out in Kansas City and Then What?

Having just returned from five days in Kansas City, Missouri -- two of them spent on a tour of Barbecue Joints hosted by the tourist office team from Visit KC -- I now officially qualify as a travel foodie.

Of course, we all like to eat well. My family eats out one or two nights a week in New York City, arguably one of the country's capitals of delicious dining. My husband took me to two fantasy restaurants for my birthday -- a three-star Michelin one and a James Beard-award winning one. (Both lovely, with mythical menus.)

Burnt Ends on a roll, beef ribs and pork ribs with pickles, all from Arhtur Bryant's BBQ, Kansas City

I love that on the road, we have so many opportunities to try new foods. Yet, the huge Midwest portions of Burnt Ends and Babyback Ribs served on my trial by greasy paw expedition seemed overwhelming at times... even when washed down with the cough-syrup pink Strawberry Soda that is so popular in these parts.

Burnt Heaven Sandwich, Charbar: Beef burnt ends with smoked sausage, cabbage slaw, fried jalapenos, chiptole mayo.

So what makes me think I would ever join an all-you-can-eat contest? Nothing, except that I was totally fascinated by this infographic sent to me by the Canvas Factory PR team. In it, they review the major eating contests in all 50 states, allowing you to roam their interactive map to see where and what you'll do to Pig Out next!

The interactive map helps you figure out where to travel next for your "trial by fork." 

They challenge us all, "Think you’ve got what it takes to plough through an 8 lbs grilled cheese sandwich? Or could you demolish a beef burger with all the trimmings, totaling a whopping 15 lbs in weight?"

If the answer is yes, and you want a richly visual and tasty version of where these yummy food challenges occur, including photos of the food challenges as they are served, then take a look at rest of this fun roundup version on Canvas Factory!

Azul Family All-Inclusives Launch Fall Sale

Family Swim Up Suites at Azul Sensatori

At our recent visit to Azul Sensatori in Riviera Maya, we overheard, “The Azul brand is a perfect balance between family and luxury,” and we couldn’t agree more. Designed for adults seeking a luxurious, full service vacation with gourmet cuisine and top of the line amenities, these hotels owned by the Karisma chain also cater lovingly to children.

And because they are all-inclusive, parents and grandparents who don’t like to say “no” never have to.

The Good News from Azul Resorts

 

Family getting "slimed" at a Nickelodeon activity session by the pool.

Azul Hotels recently partnered with Nickelodeon to bring the kids’ network’s fun characters to the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Not childish but friendly, not cloying but educational – this is a partnership designed for families rather than just kids, and it works.

Most fun, the Nickelodeon Experience by Azul includes interactions with Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the resorts. Scheduled activities for kids and parents to enjoy together include a “sliming” by the waterslides (if you don’t know what that is, don’t ask), an evening glamour event for character autograph-seekers, character breakfasts and more.

Get your autograph with any of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, no matter what your age!

You’ll find these resorts already have a state-of-the-art Azulitos Playhouse for ages 4-12 with highly trained counselors who introduce games, crafts, movies and learning activities. Ages 6 months and up have planned activities and their own pint-sized fitness center. There’s private babysitting for US$15-$25/HR for up to two children, with a night-time surcharge, depending on the resort. With so many fine restaurants on property, you'll definitely want to go out for a night of 'we' time.

New moms will enjoy meeting others in the free Mom’s Morning jogging and yoga session for moms and babies. Don’t worry about overpacking: a Pack & Play, baby-sized robes, strollers, cribs, bottle warmers and sterilizers, baby monitors, refrigerators and bath toys can be borrowed from the resort. A menu of Gerber baby foods is also available in each of the restaurants.

The Fall Deal for 2015

State of the art kids club at Azul Fives Resort

We’ve just learned that Azul Hotels are now offering 30% off rates with a three night minimum stay at the Azul Sensatori (rates from $157/N per adult), Azul Beach (rates from $185/N per adult) and Azul Fives (rates from $170/N per adult) resorts.  

You can take up to 45% off at Generations by Karisma, their multi-generational property, if booked by September 30 and travel is complete by December 22, 2015. Visit this page or call them at 866-527-4762 with questions.

Karisma is one of the few brands to guarantee connecting rooms once you’ve booked. In other family perks, children under 3 stay free and ages 3-12 pay 50% of the rate when sharing rooms with parents, although there are seasonal kids stay free deals. Free WiFi is available throughout.

Dora is a great role model for active young women, always ready to explore!

And as part of the Nickelodeon Experience launch, Family Travel Forum has a discount booking code for 5% off the best rate at all these hotels; use the code: NickExpFTF now for all travel before December 22, 2015.

Learn more about Azul Hotels and watch our video to really understand why we like this brand so much.