Of Disneyland’s three hotels, I know many Disney-lovers prefer the more upscale Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with its woodsy detailing and grand lobby. Those on a budget might enjoy the beach-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (or one of Disney’s Good Neighbor hotels). I, however, like the traditional Disney elements of the Disneyland Hotel best. Located at one end of Downtown Disney with a nearby Monorail stop, this hotel feels very much at the center of all things Disney. With its recent remodel, the Disneyland Hotel is better than ever.

Disneyland Hotel D-Ticket Pool

Pools 
Last summer I named the Disneyland Hotel’s Monorail Slide Pool one of the 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotel Pools in the USA for its whimsical Monorail-themed waterslides. There are two large slides on which sliders zip through enclosed Monorail tunnels and then spin about before splashing below. There are two mini slides for young children too. This pool is open 11 am – 5 pm daily.

Last weekend, the hotel’s D-Ticket Pool area finished its remodel and opened to the public. While not as fantastical as the Monorail Slide Pool, this traditional pool area is still super fun. One large pool has a loopy shape while a smaller rectangular pool sits beneath a flower-ensconced footbridge. Plenty of complimentary cushy lounge chairs are available. Shaded cabanas with flat-screen TV, Internet access, and refrigerator can be rented at an additional charge.

Both D-Ticket Pools are 4-feet-deep all of the way across. This means there’s no diving and you must keep a close eye on young children whose feet cannot touch the bottom. Children’s life vests as well as disposable swim diapers are available at no charge. The D-Ticket Pools are open 6 am – 10 pm daily.

My family visited on a chilly November day and we were pleased to find the pool heated to a swimmable temperature. If visiting during colder winter months, note that the smaller pool is slightly warmer. Still, I spent most of my time in the toasty whirlpool spa. A second spa decorated with Minnie Mouse ears and bow is available near the Monorail Slide Pool.

Disneyland Hotel “magical” headboard

Standard Rooms
The Disneyland Hotel keeps the magical feeling of Disney alive without hitting you over the head with cartoon-y decor. Standard rooms are decorated with subtle Disney elements like Mickey Mouse-shaped faucets, white-on-white Mickey-patterned duvet covers, and royal blue fireworks-inspired coverlets.

At the turn of a switch, a fireworks display cut into the headboard comes to light above a carved castle design while the tinkling sound of Sleeping Beauty’s theme song, “Once Upon a Dream” plays. My children delighted in pressing this button again…and again…and again.

I appreciated the little touches, like a magnified makeup mirror in the bathroom and mini bend-able reading lights beside each bed.

Beware of hidden costs at this resort. When my  husband called down to ask for a corkscrew and wine glasses, he was told it would cost $15 to have the items delivered to our room. (We opted to stay thirsty.)

The hidden passageway in the Signature Adventure Suite

Suites
I am a big fan of booking a suite whenever possible. Having a separate room for the kiddos allows for some post-bedtime privacy and enables better sleep all around. At a more expensive hotel, like the Disneyland Hotel, I would probably opt for a standard room and save my money for the parks. Besides, after a big day riding Teacups and roller-coasters, families are pretty worn out and ready to sleep, no matter how many people are in the room.

If you have a large family, will be visiting with grandparents, or have money to spare, by all means opt for one of the Disneyland Hotel’s one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites. These can sleep up to six people.

Better yet, go all-out and book one of five Signature Suites. Choose from these themes: Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Fairy Tale, Big Thunder, or Adventureland. I got a chance to tour all of these (besides the Fairy Tale Suite, which was booked up) and each would make a wonderful splurge for a big anniversary, birthday, wedding proposal or other celebration. The Adventureland Suite was the favorite amongst my blogger friends (with whom I toured the rooms) for its lush fabrics, safari prints, settee with curtains, and secret passageway behind a faux bookshelf.

Restaurants
There are five restaurants to choose from at the Disneyland Hotel. Goofy’s Kitchen is the place to go for a character meal and all-you-can-eat buffet. Goofy “spills” a bunch of plastic dishes and then encourages children to make music from the mess. Disney characters visit each table for lots of photo opportunities. As with all character meals, only the title character (Goofy) is guaranteed to make an appearance but expect to see the likes of Pluto, the White Rabbit (from Alice in Wonderland), Winnie-the-Pooh, or others here.

For a quick breakfast of coffee, rolls, yogurt, and such head to The Coffee House. There is no indoor seating but you can enjoy your meal at an outdoor table on the patio. (My family opted to camp out on a couch in the lobby during our frosty visit.)

Steakhouse 55 is the fancier sit-down restaurant option at the Disneyland Hotel. This restaurant is open for breakfast if you’re not up for a full character experience but you want something more substantial than what The Coffee House offers. I’d recommend this as a date night restaurant.

The poolside Tangaroa Terrace offers casual island fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus grab-n-go items. I’d love to try the French toast with bacon and banana-caramel sauce some morning, wouldn’t you?!

Trader Sam’s–Enchanted Tiki Room is an old-school tiki bar with appetizers such as Asian chicken wings and Ahi poke, plus tropical drinkies like Krakatoa Punch made with light and dark rums, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, organic agave nectar, and fresh lime juice. Hold onto your hula skirt because you never know when a tropical storm is going to hit…complete with thunder, lightning, and “raining” walls.

What is your favorite aspect of the Disneyland Hotel? Tell us in the comments below!

You might also like:

• Disney Dream’s Christening Ceremony – Dreams Do Come True

• Disney’s Goal: Hawaii’s Greatest Hotel Pool

• Holidays at Disneyland

• Which Disneyland Character Meal is Best for Your Family?

A Note from The Travel Mama: Thank you to Disney for inviting my family to stay at the Disneyland Hotel as part of a media event!

To honor U.S. military members and civil first responders, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is offering their second year of Salute to Service specials. Resort room rates have been slashed to $99 per night for stays beginning Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2011 through January 18, 2012. Although I am neither a member of the military nor a first responder, I have had the pleasure of staying at this upscale family resort, and let me tell you, $99 is a smokin’ deal! In fact, this special rate is the lowest offered by the resort all year, representing 70 to 75% off the standard room rates of $329 to $409.

With the choice of two TPC PGA-Tour golf courses, golfers will love the Salute to Service package with unlimited golf at just $179 per night for one person. That’s a great discount for golf-loving military and first responders since the walk-up rate for a round of golf is $175.

If the spa is more your thing, head on over to the gorgeous Lantana Spa for a heavenly treatment or two.

While mom and dad are busy with these grown-up distractions kids aged 4+ will have a ball with arts and crafts, toys galore, and outdoor fun at the Range Riders kids’ camp.

If you ask me, the best part of JW Marriott San Antonio is the River Bluff Water Experience, which features pools, two huge waterslides, a 1,200-foot lazy river lined with Cypress trees, and a zero-entry tot pool with fountains and mini slides.

Active duty and retired members of the military or their dependents and civil first responders (fire, police, paramedics) should request the Salute to Service rate (rate code: SIU) when making reservations at www.jwsanantonio.com. A military or service I.D. is required at check-in. Enjoy, my military and first responder friends. You deserve it!

Read my full review of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

You might also like:

• Cancun Should Be on Your Bucket List

• Family Fun in Texas Hill Country

• 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotel Pools in the USA

• Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio

A Note from The Travel Mama: I received a complimentary stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio a couple of years ago. I received no compensation or benefits related to this post. I just love this hotel and think this is a wonderful deal for military and first responders.

Photos from the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa website.

When staying in a hotel with kids, there are some simple things you can do to make your family vacation as fun and stress-free as possible. That starts, of course, with finding the right hotel for your family. Once you check in, set up your room for vacation success.

Above is an en-suite kitchen at the Residence Inn by Marriott Beverly Hills, one of over 135,000 hotels listed on Hotels.com (Photo from Hotels.com)

What to look for in a family-friendly hotel:

Try to book a suite whenever possible to have more space to spread out and to allow for better sleep for all members of the family. A well-rested family is a happy family.

Look for a hotel with included breakfast. This saves precious vacation money and time, and it’s a tasty way to start your day.

An en-suite kitchen or at least an in-room refrigerator is another hotel bonus. If breakfast isn’t included, you can stock up on yogurts and juice for a morning meal. It’s also handy for keeping snacks and sodas cool for an afternoon treat. A fridge can be a lifesaver for parents traveling with a baby for keeping formula or breast milk chilled.

A fabulous pool makes a hotel stay all that more special, especially for children. Fountains and waterslides for the kids and swim-up bar for mom and dad? Yes, please!

With profiles of over 135,000 hotels in more than 60 countries, Hotels.com makes finding a hotel easy. Choose your location and travel dates, then play around with a bunch of options to find the best hotel for your family. You can specify amenities (like free breakfast, a pool, or a gym) as well as type of hotel (family-friendly: check!). Then narrow down your search by price, star ratings, and guest ratings. You can even view photos and read past guests’ reviews before making your decision.

Discover family-friendly hotels and resorts from around the world, like the Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida (Photo from Hotels.com)

Tips for setting up your hotel room for vacation success:

After my family arrives at a hotel, my husband and I unpack and set up the room right away. Before I had kids I was a drop-my-bags-and-go kind of a gal. Nowadays, I know that an organized room makes for a more enjoyable vacation.

Set up the room into four areas: dressing, playing, dining, and diapering (if you still have a non-potty-trained tyke).

Rather than digging through suitcases every day, set up a dressing area. Put all clothing into drawers or hang items in the closet for easy retrieval and to keep outfits looking fresh. Keep dirty clothes off the floor by tucking them into a plastic bag for washing later.

For a playing space, put all toys and children’s books in one area. Your kids will know where to find them, and more importantly, where to return them when playtime is over. Toys strewn all about can cause accidental falls and create a chaotic environment to return to after a long day of site-seeing.

If you don’t have a kitchen, create a dining space, preferably on a table near a sink. Stack up all bottles, sippy cups, and snacks here.

For families in the diapering phase, choose a spot to take care of this task. Lay down a hotel towel and place a changing pad over that. Place a stack of diapers and a box of wipes within arm’s reach.

Now it’s your turn! What are your tips for staying in hotels with kids?

Go to the Hotels.com Facebook page and share your tips there!

You might also like:

• Keeping Up with Laundry While Traveling With Kids

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time

• 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotel Pools in the USA

• Tips for Family Ski Trips from a Former Scaredy Cat Skier 

A Note from The Travel Mama: I received compensation to write this post. The content and tips are my own. I would never recommend something I don’t actually like. In fact, I’ve been recommending Hotels.com on Travel Mamas for years without any payment.

Hilton Garden Inn wants to make your vacation wishes come true! Daydreaming of sipping margaritas with amigos in Mexico? Or might you fancy some fish n’ chips in jolly old England? Maybe you’d like to learn to surf in California, dude? Hilton Garden Inn is giving away a two-night stay to one lucky Travel Mamas reader at ANY of their 500 hotel locations in the world! 

Lobby at the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

Hilton Garden Inn is a favorite choice for families looking for above-and-beyond customer service and kid-friendly accommodations at an affordable price. I was recently invited to spend a weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach in Southern California. My husband and I left the kids at home with grandma and grandpa, and let me tell you, Hilton Garden Inn is a fabulous option for a romantic getaway as well!

Just a sampling of a Hilton Garden Inn breakfast spread

No matter which Hilton Garden Inn you choose, start your day off with their scrumptious breakfast of goodies like pastries, oatmeal, fresh fruits, yogurt, and made-to-order omelettes — all at a reasonable price in a family-friendly environment.

The beach at Hilton Garden Inn’s Carlsbad location

If you choose the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach as your destination of choice, your children will be welcomed with a gift like a stuffed toy dolphin or seal during a summer visit. After settling in, walk across the street to spend a day at the beach or relax poolside back at the hotel. After a tough day of sunning yourself, splashing in the pool, and relaxing in the hot tub you deserve a little treat. Luckily Hilton Garden Inn staff comes by every hour or so to offer up frozen Otter Pops to cool down hotel guests of all ages.

Complimentary poolside refreshments

Walk a few blocks into downtown Carlsbad to grab a bite to eat for lunch. If you’re too tired from all of that swimming, there’s a complimentary Hilton Garden Inn shuttle that will take you anywhere within a five-mile radius to see sites like the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields abloom in the spring or to LEGOLAND California year-round.

Carlsbad Flower Fields

Each hotel has a fitness center. If you prefer working out in the privacy of your own room, just request a Stay Fit Kit free from the front desk, which comes complete with Pilates band, yoga mat, ab ball, and weights. There are even free on-demand exercise videos available on in-room TVs.

Hilton Garden Inn fitness center

The on-site Carlsbad Beach Bistro is open nightly until 11 pm with soups, salads, sandwiches, and specials. Afterward, you can enjoy summer Movies on the Lawn, shown every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings on an inflatable screen. Watch family-oriented films like Disney’s Up! The hotel provides free blankets for your comfort plus popcorn and cookies as snacks.

Enter to win!
If you could stay at any Hilton Garden Inn in the world, where would you go? Visit the Hilton Garden Inn Website and choose which destination appeals to you most. Leave a comment below stating which Hilton Garden Inn you’d choose and why. You can enter ONCE PER DAY. Choose a different location every time or make the same choice over and over; it’s up to you! THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Find out who won now!

This contest ends on Sunday, October 30 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time. A winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email. If the prize is not claimed within two days, another winner will be selected. Approximate prize value is $400.

Want to be notified of other giveaways and happenings on TravelMamas.com? Sign up for the Travel Mamas e-newsletter now! Mailings are typically sent out once per month.

For hotel updates, giveaways and specials, “like” Hilton Garden Inn on Facebook.

Want another chance to win a fabulous prize? Enter to win a $75 Baby Equipment Rental from Go Baby Go! Receive a free rental of a full-size crib, double jogger, high chair and more for your next trip to San Diego County. (Especially handy if you’re Hilton Garden Inn Vacation Wish is to visit the Carlsbad or other San Diego location!)

You might also like:

• Carlsbad Flower Fields with Kids

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• Guide to Carlsbad, California for Families

• Weekend Getaway in Freeport, Maine

A note from The Travel Mama: The Hilton Garden Inn sponsored my weekend getaway to Carlsbad and this giveaway.

Disney’s FamilyFun Magazine is offering a free trip for four to the new Aulani Resort in Hawaii! I have been dreaming of a vacation at Aulani since before construction even began on this luxury hotel, when I first heard that Disney would be creating a resort in Hawaii. Aulani is scheduled to open August 29, 2011. The resort is being built on 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina on Oahu, alongside a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach. Read on to find out how to win!

Photo from the Aulani Facebook page

Disney + Hawaii = Happy Travel Mama!
Who wouldn’t want to combine Hawaii’s warm ocean waves, island hospitality, and breathtaking tropical landscape with Disney’s kid-friendly activities, outstanding customer service, and attention to detail? Disney and Hawaii are two of my favorite things in the whole world; in fact, I’ve added Aulani to my bucket list.

Aunty’s Beach House photo from the Aulani website

Aulani Family-Friendly Amenities
Here’s why you’re going to want to add Aulani to your bucket list too! Upon completion, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom villas in two towers, each featuring angled rooms with views of the ocean, mountains, and the resort’s lush grounds. Family-friendly resort amenities will include two restaurants, a kids’ club (Aunty’s Beach House), and a spectacularly themed pool area complete with swimming pool, wading pool, waterslides, hot tubs, and a snorkel lagoon. There’s also an 18,000-square-foot spa for Travel Mamas like me who crave a little pampering on vacation!

Aulani Spa photo from the Aulani Facebook page

Hawaiian Traditions at Aulani
Disney is being careful to respect Hawaii’s traditions in the creation of this property. “We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep storytelling – and its roots are in this land right here,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. When Aulani opens in August, it will offer one-of-a-kind family excursions to explore Oahu during the day plus Hawaiian storytelling around the fire pit in the evening. Guests can also search for statues of Menehune, the legendary island little people, hidden throughout the resort.

Hidden menehune photo from the Aulani Facebook page

Enter to Win!
Enter the Aulani Hawaiian Getaway Sweepstakes on the FamilyFun site. The prize includes airfare, car rental, $500 spending money, and accommodations at Aulani. You have to register on their site to enter, but it doesn’t take much time and is so worth the chance of winning this incredible prize. Enter by June 30, 2011.

Learn more about this resort on the Aulani website or Aulani Facebook page.

Why would you like to win a trip to Aulani? Share your thoughts in the comments below! (To satisfy my curiousity, NOT to win!) 

You might also like:

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time

• 10 Best Beach Hotels for Kids

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

• Win a Trip to Orange County, California!

I have expounded on the bountiful kid-friendly benefits of Disney’s new ship, Dream. But the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet offers plenty of fun for adults too. Many people think a Disney cruise is just for kids. Not true! In fact, not counting casino space (Disney does not offer gambling at sea), Disney offers more adult-only space than many cruise lines.

Disney Dream Fireworks

Relax at Quiet Cove Pool
Quiet Cove Pool is an adult-only space that provides a splendid retreat from the boisterous family-friendly fun at Mickey’s Pool, Donald’s Pool, and the Nemo’s Reef splash area. Check the kiddos into their respective camps and pull up a lounge chair for some serious mama-time filled with magazine reading, pina colada sipping, and relaxing in the hot tub. Or, burn off those extra calories from the breakfast buffet by swimming a few laps.

Senses Spa & Salon Treatment Room

Escape to Senses Spa & Salon
Dream’s spa offers massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and more. Looking for romance? Check out the Senses Spa Villas for services catering to couples, which are offered in private Mediterranean-inspired Villas. Each Villa has a private verandah off the suite with a whirlpool and comfy double loungers. Salon services include manicures, pedicures, hairstyling and blowouts, plus teeth whitening, and a barber shop for traditional men’s grooming services. Next time I’m on board, I’d love to indulge in a Senses Spa & Salon Fire & Ice Pedicure, which the Disney Cruise Line website describes as, “sublime as your feet and lower legs are soothed with our cooling gels and then warmed with a heated stone massage.” Sign me up!

Entrance to Palo

Savor Fine Dining at Palo or Remy
Similar to the original ships, Magic and Wonder, this latest addition to the Disney fleet offers upscale Northern Italian dining at Palo for guests aged 18+ at an additional charge of $20 per person for brunch or dinner. Dream takes it one step fancier with a new adult-only dining option featuring fine French cuisine at Remy for $75 per person. While I didn’t get a chance to sample the cuisine at Remy, I can tell you from firsthand experience how delectable the cuisine is at Palo from my brunch and dinner experiences during my Disney Mediterranean Cruise.

Remy is named for the adorable rat-turned-chef in the Disney film, Ratatouille, and features such dishes as smoked bison with fennel salad and blood oranges and lobster with vanilla bisque and lobster roe foam. For dessert, how about a white chocolate and Meyer lemon purse with blackberry-violet sherbet or vanilla poached pear with cassis mousse and hazelnut meringue?

Unwind at the Cove Cafe
Looking for a latte and a little me-time? Head to the Cove Cafe to grab a scone and a cappuccino away from the joyous screams of children. This adult-only spot is a great place to dive into your latest novel without interruption or to check your emails on your laptop (Wi-Fi available at an extra charge).

Pink Champagne Bar

Enjoy Night Life Disney-Style
The District is a grown-up paradise on Dream filled with watering holes and dance clubs aplenty. You can watch the game at 687, get your groove on at Evolution, or sip cocktails with faux city views at Skyline. 

My favorite after hours spot aboard Dream was Pink. Men might be intimidated by this aptly named champagne bar, but for girly girls like me – it is heaven! Champagne-colored walls, comfy pink arm chairs, and flute-shaped chandeliers made me feel like a genie in a bottle of bubbly. Order a glass of sparkling wine or a cocktail fit for a princess, like the Royal Bellini made with peach puree and champagne.

For an oceanview, head to the top deck and grab a drink at Currents, an outdoor bar that overlooks the adult-only Quiet Cove Pool. On our last night, a bunch of fellow journalists and our travel mates gathered here to gab and have a drink (or two!). Disney is the only cruise line that presents an at sea fireworks show, which we could see perfectly from our perch above the pool. It was a truly magical way to end our cruise.

The AquaDuck

Take a Spin on the AquaDuck
Children 42 inches and taller delight in taking a whirl down the first water coaster at sea, the AquaDuck. But, believe me, this waterslide isn’t just for kids! I was amped up to ride this contraption ever since I first learned about it during a press preview meeting I attended at Walt Disney World a year prior. I even added it to my bucket list!

The AquaDuck was off-limits for most of our two-day media cruise while television and radio personalities got first dibs on rides aboard inner-tubes fitted with television cameras that recorded their waterslide journeys. After those final night drinks and fireworks, my husband convinced me to leave the kids in their respective camps just a wee bit longer while we took the Duck for a spin. We convinced Hip Travel Mama (not to be confused with me, the regular ol’ Travel Mama) and her hip husband to join our late night revelry. The four of us felt like little kids again boarding our tandem two-person floats, giggling and screaming our way down and around the ship on the slide. This was one of my most memorable and joy-filled experiences on Dream; I highly recommend a late night spin on the AquaDuck, especially with friends!

What activity would you most like to experience on board Disney Dream? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

You might also like:

• Disney Mediterranean Cruise Round-Up

• Disney’s New Ship Is a Dream for Babies, Toddlers & Children

• Romance at Disneyland

• The Travel Mama’s Guide to Orlando & Kissimmee with Kids

A Note from The Travel Mama: Disney Cruise Line hosted my family’s two-night media cruise aboard Dream. Trust me, I was singing DCL’s praises long before I became a travel writer!

Be sure to spring the time on your clocks one hour forward this weekend and then book a vacation at one of these family-friendly tropical resorts for big-time travel savings! But don’t be late…you must make your travel reservations ON Daylight Savings Day – this Sunday, March 13, 2011.

My daughter splashing in the zero-entry fountain pool at San Juan Marriott Resort

San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (Puerto Rico)
I got a chance to experience this resort first-hand last year during a tropical mommy-daughter getaway. My family flips for a fabulous hotel pool, and we certainly found one (or three!) here. The winding waterslide is a favorite of resort guests young and old. Plus poolside smoothies, kite-flying at the nearby windswept El Morro fortress, wandering through San Juan’s quaint cobblestone Old Town, exploring the hotel’s sandy stretch of beach, and eating lots of tasty family-friendly Puerto Rican cuisine make for a great getaway.

Offer: A package savings of 30% that includes: accommodations in room category of choice, breakfast for two at La Vista each day (inclusive of tax and gratuity), one dinner for two at Ristorante Tuscany (inclusive of tax and gratuity), and free hour of “Happy Hour” at La Isla Beach Bar. 
Rates from: $340 per night/per room.
Valid for Travel: April 1 – September 30.
Reservations: Visit www.marriottsanjuan.com and use promo code ZJ8 in the Corporate/Promotional box, or call 1-800-228-9290 and ask for promotional code ZJ8.

Fun on the beach at the St. Kitts Marriott Kids Club

St. Kitts Marriott Resort (St. Kitts)
St. Kitts Marriott offers enough fun and activities to keep families busy from sunrise to sunset. It features three pools with shallow areas for little ones as well as a Towel Hut with copious amounts of games and snorkeling gear for big kids. The resort has eight restaurants – including a pool-side grill and a pizza shack, plus the kid-favorite gelato stand inside Cafe Calypso. If your children are like mine, their favorite part of a trip here may be spending time at the Kids Club, for ages five to twelve, while mom and dad tee off at the resort’s championship golf course, play a game of chance at the Caribbean’s largest Vegas-style casino, or at the Emerald Mist Spa (which is where you’d find me!).

Offer: Book St. Kitts Marriott’s 40% Off Sale on Daylight Savings Day, March 13, 2011, and receive 40% off room rates, plus a free room upgrade.
Rates from: $98 USD per night.
Valid for Travel: Through December 21, 2011. Blackout dates apply. Deposit is required.
Reservations: Visit www.stkittsmarriott.com and input promo code BAR (offer must be booked online).

Sandpearl Resort’s pool and beach

Sandpearl Resort (Clearwater, Florida)
Sandpearl is a luxurious resort situated along a 700-foot expanse of pristine Gulf Coast pearlescent white sand beaches, surrounded by sparkling water. The resort blends eco-conscious luxury with unparalleled four-diamond services and amenities, featuring a lagoon-style beachfront pool, unique lifestyle enrichment programs and fine and casual dining. Sandpearl has various experiential offerings for all ages to enjoy, including Club Ridley, an exclusive children’s activity program designed specifically for guests ages five to eleven. I know my family would adore the nightly Beach Campfire Cookouts, where guests gather around a campfire underneath the  night sky to make culinary concoctions over a fire such as s’mores or a campfire pie while singing songs and sharing stories.

Offer: Enjoy 40% off room rates at Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida when you book on Daylight Savings Day, March 13, 2011.
Rates: $149 USD per night (bay view rooms only). Two-night minimum stay.
Valid for Travel: April 24 – May 26.  Based on availability.
Reservations: Call 1-877-726-3111 or visit www.sandpearl.com and input promo: DAYLIGHT.

You might also like:

• A Mommy-Daughter Vacation in Puerto Rico

• Family-Friendly Food in San Juan, Puerto Rico

• 5 Favorite Islands – Not Your Typical List!

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

A Note from the Travel Mama: My daughter and I were hosted by the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino last year. I did not receive any compensation or goodies related to this post – I just wanted to share these great deals with traveling families!

I had never stayed at an Embassy Suites before. They sounded delightful…a separate bedroom for the kids, free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening happy hours…what was there NOT to like? Now that I’ve stayed at this family-friendly hotel chain, I am a believer! Read on to find out how to win a weekend getaway to any of 18 Southern California Embassy Suites.

Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach

Suites, Baby!
Let’s start with the most important part. For the same price as a single room in a fancy (or maybe not even not so fancy) hotel, at Embassy Suites you get a suite: a real suite with a bedroom that has a solid door separating it from the family room/kitchen area. Two-bedroom suites are also available.

I know it’s ironic, but I don’t sleep well away from home, particularly when the whole family is piled into one room. I just can’t get myself to turn down for the night at my kids’ bedtime (7:30 pm).

A separate bedroom allows you to stay up later to watch TV, read, have a nightcap, or (ahem!) whatever.

Embassy Suites Anaheim South

Breakfast – The Most Important Meal of the Day
I am a big fan of eating breakfast in-room to save money and time…unless I can head downstairs in my jammies for a hot, tasty, cooked-to-order breakfast - for free. Choose from omelets, pancakes, hashbrowns, bacon, and sausage plus dried cereals of all sorts, oatmeal, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, and beverages galore.

Embassy Suites San Diego Bay-Downtown

Pools, Pools, Pools
You know what I love? A good hotel pool, that’s what! Most Embassy Suites, including all 18 of the Southern California Embassy Suites in this giveaway, have pools.

The indoor swimming pool at the Embassy Suites Irvine where we stayed provided a lot of fun for my family and reminded me of the echoing sounds of laughter and splashing water during my childhood vacations in the Midwest.

Embassy Suites Irvine

Happy Hour for a Happy Family
After a long day of travel adventures, it’s so nice to slow down with a (free!) glass of wine, beer, soda, or juice (or two!). A complimentary snack is also available to satisfy those pre-dinner munchies. 

The Embassy Suites Irvine offered chips with nacho cheese sauce and salsa, plus cheese and crackers when we visited. What’s more, we were able to dine at the onsite restaurant in the lovely indoor atrium area and continue to enjoy free happy hour beverages during our meal.

Embassy Suites Los Angeles Downey

Kids Eat Free
Now through December 31, 2011, when AAA members book reservations at any of the 18 participating Southern California hotels “Kids Eat Free.” When making reservations, request rate plan code AA3 or speak to your AAA Counselor today.

This promo includes one kid meal/entrée with each paying adult entrée. Limit of two complimentary kid menu entrees per suite. This offer is valid for lunch and dinner in participating hotel restaurants only and is not valid with other offers, take-out or room service.

Enter to Win
One lucky Travel Mamas reader will win a two-night stay at any Embassy Suites Southern California. With 18 locations from San Diego to Ventura County, your California dreams can come true whether you want a beach vacation, amusement park adventure, or desert getaway.

Check out the list of 18 Embassy Suites Southern California and post a comment below about which hotel you’d pick if you won this giveaway. Please note that Embassy Suites Palmdale is no longer with the group, however, Embassy Suites Ontario is part of the giveeaway and will open in February.

Enter once per day! Choose a different hotel each time or stick with the same one…it’s up to you!

This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Sunday, January 23, 2011. The winner will be chosen at random using RANDOM.org and will be notified by email. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours of notification, the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be selected. Good luck! THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Check back later this week to find out who won!

Want to be notified of other giveaways and happenings on TravelMamas.com? Sign up for the Travel Mamas e-newsletter now! Mailings are sent out approximately twice per month.

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A Note from The Travel Mama: The Embassy Suites Southern California provided my family with a complimentary night at the hotel of our choice for purposes of this post. They will provide the contest winner with the prize.

Located on one of the most spectacular spots of real estate in the world, everything at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona seems to have been created to allow the scenic landscape take center stage.

Sedona’s famed Enchantment Resort

An Enchanting Welcome
The minute we arrived at Enchantment, someone was there with a warm welcome to walk us to check-in. There was no ornate, grand entrance to the hotel’s lobby. Instead, natural elements like stonework, vibrant green vines, colorful flowers, and cyprus trees led to an unobtrusive stucco building. The children were greeted with a gift bag filled with a stuffed toy coyote and a coloring or puzzle book. You can warm up by the fire in over-sized leather chairs in the lounge here before dinner or duck into the game room to watch television or play board games with the kids.

Entrance to the Enchantment Resort lobby

Boynton Canyon Hiking Trails
One of my favorite memories from this trip was hiking the Vista Trail with just my little girl, Karissa. We paused to stare at tiny wildflowers, note the strange purplish hue of the prickly pear cactus fruits, and guess where our room was from where we stood on the trail. Karissa kept asking if we could take Sedona home with us. When I asked her what she meant, she said, “I want to keep it and put it in our back yard because it’s soooo pretty here!”

There are several hiking trails accessible from Enchantment. Two of Sedona’s most beloved trails are located just behind Mii amo Spa. Head to the left for Boynton Canyon Trail, which is 2.4 miles each way. Go to the right to hike Vista Trail up to Kachina Woman rock formation, which stands guard over one of Sedona’s famous energy vortexes. This hike should take about 20 minutes up and 15 minutes down, unless you are hiking with a five-year-old, then it takes longer!  Both were too rigorous for my two-and-a-half-year-old to hike for any distance.

My daughter beaming with pride at the top of Vista Trail below Kachina Woman rock formation

Camp Coyote
Our daughter begged to go back to Camp Coyote after her half-day adventure here. This kids’ camp is for children ages four to 12. Choose from half-day or full-day camps plus summer evening camps. The camp is renowned for incorporating its natural surroundings and the Native American heritage of the area into its activities. Campers might take guided nature walks where they learn about  Boynton Canyon’s plants, insects, mule and white-tailed deer, jackrabbits, and other inhabitants. Or they might do sand painting, weave dream catchers or design arrowhead necklaces. Standard kids’ camp fun is available too in the form of trucks, toys, and craft projects.

Camp Coyote

Mii amo Spa
This spa is located on the same property as Enchantment Resort and is open to Enchantment guests but is also a destination spa with guest rooms of its own. From sunrise stretches to medicine walks, aqua aerobics, and cooking demonstrations…activities and lectures abound at Mii amo. I didn’t get a chance to try any of these out, but I was able to indulge in a massage at this world-renowned spa. The facilities are nearly as stunning as the setting. After my treatment I took a dip in the indoor pool with its soothing fountains. Then I relaxed in the outdoor hot tub while staring at the breathtaking view of Boynton Canyon, overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude to experience such beauty.

Indoor and outdoor pools with a spectacular view at Mii amo Spa

Dining Options
Two of the onsite restaurants feature expansive windows to allow diners to gape at the gorgeous red rocks in which the resort is nestled. One of the most upscale dining options in all of Sedona is located here, Yavapai Restaurant, which offers 180-degree views of Boynton Canyon.

We had dinner one night at Tii Gavo, the more casual dining option at Enchantment. With its candlelight and swanky bar-like atmosphere, this would make a lovely date night option. However, eating here with our noisy young children was like leading a marching band blaring through a church as my husband and I (unsuccessfully) attempted to keep our offspring from annoying the other diners. The mushroom empanadas appetizer was the star of the meal with its earthy mushrooms, flaky crust, and tasty tomatillo sauce.

Mushroom Empanada at Tii Gavo

A third restaurant is available at neighboring Mii amo Spa. Since the spa is for guests 16 and older, don’t plan to bring little kiddies here to eat. Before my spa treatment I enjoyed a quiet solo lunch at Mii amo Cafe of miso soup and a salmon Caesar salad. Everything was fresh, light, and delicious -the picture-perfect spa cuisine.

Each morning, a charming bucket of orange juice and a USA Today is delivered to resort guests. We brought a few breakfast items with us and supplemented them with coffee made in-room and a couple of room service items, which saved on time and money. Try the homemade granola – it’s heavenly!

Morning delivery of orange juice and the paper

Accommodations
Guest rooms are designed for comfort at Enchantment. If you are traveling with children and can afford a glorious upgrade, I suggest booking a casita. Our one-bedroom casita was decked out with a patio and outdoor barbecue plus my kids’ favorite, a gas-powered fireplace around which we warmed our tootsies after chilly fall hikes.

The eat-in kitchen featured a stove, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, pots, pans, dishes, eating utensils, and even a toaster. The spacious family room was so large and comfy; it felt more like a home than a hotel. The Murphy bed was more restful than a sofa pull-out and took up no space when stowed away. The bedroom had two queen-sized beds and a second television plus its own bathroom.

My kids warming up by our in-room fireplace

So, Is It Worth the Splurge?
Although there are more affordable accommodation options in Sedona, I think Enchantment Resort is worth a splurge. My husband announced during our stay, “I never want to leave here.” I asked him why and he said, “Because it’s beautiful and there’s a fireplace and even the soap smells good. Seriously, there are no worries here.” (The soap, by the way, was made with olive oil and it did smell really, really good!)

This is the most upscale resort in Sedona. Could you stay somewhere for less money? Yes. But you come to Sedona to stand in awe of something bigger than yourself, to breathe in fresh air, listen to the sounds of gravel crunching beneath your feet, climb to the top of something majestic, and forget about your inbox, laundry, and to-do list for awhile. Staying at Enchantment submerses you in all that beauty and relaxation. Isn’t that the point?

What resort do you think is worth the splurge? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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A Note from The Travel Mama: The Enchantment Resort provided my family with complimentary accommodations, our dinner at Tii Gavo, and my spa treatment. I always provide my honest opinion, no matter who’s footing the bill.

Santa Monica is the epitomy of a Southern California beach town with its surfable waves, walkable downtown, laidback atmosphere, and seaside amusements. Santa Monica makes for a family-friendly weekend getaway, with just enough to see and do in a couple of days without being overwhelmed by the need to squeeze it all in.

My kids show off their carnival game prizes (won by Daddy) on the Santa Monica Pier

Carnival Rides & Games
When I asked readers where my family should go for a weekend getaway, 55% of voters chose Santa Monica. This Southern California beach town is probably best-known for the Santa Monica Pier and its amusement park, Pacific Park, which offers 11 rides including a roller coaster, a handful of fast food options, and carnival games galore. There is something so summery, retro, and joyous about taking a spin on a Ferris wheel on a pier perched over the ocean! There is no entrance fee to the park. You can purchase individual ride tickets or serious ride lovers can purchase an all-day wristband for unlimited fun.

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Shop
After taking in a few rides, head over to the Soda Jerks Fountain Service for hand-dipped ice cream sundaes. This ice cream parlor, also located on the pier, has limited counter seating inside (next to the indoor carousel) plus outdoor tables at which to gobble up your goodies. Choose from old school favorites like an egg cream or go for Curious George’s Jungle Shake (a blend of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, mixed nuts, and banana). Or, you can create your own sundae from 16 flavors of ice creams, sherbets, and sorbets plus nine toppings. The salted nuts on top were the bee’s knees!

“The Ocean Park” create-your-own, kid-size sundae from Soda Jerks Fountain Service

Seaside Aquarium
Santa Monica Pier offers a variety of sit-down restaurants, a handful of shops, and an aquarium. The Santa Monica Aquarium may be the smallest aquarium I have ever visited but it is a non-profit and admission fees are minimal. My five-year-old enjoyed creating a paper shark puppet while her toddler younger brother gazed at the tanks of fish and got a chance to pet a sea star.

Sea stars at the Santa Monica Aquarium

Stroll, Shop & Watch
Once you tire of the pier, walk over to the Third Street Promenade, a 30-block pedestrian-friendly shopping area. There is no shortage of retail stores or dining options here! Adding to the fun are street performers singing, dancing, doing acrobatics, and playing musical instruments of all kinds. This free (or tip-only) entertainment enabled me to snag a couple of new shirts and a darling sweater from H&M while the hubs minded the kids!

Whimsical dinosaur fountain along the Third Street Promenade 

An Affordable Place to Stay
We stayed just outside Santa Monica at the Los Angeles Marina del Rey Courtyard by Marriott. Our room was a little cramped for a family of four, but the service was friendly, the hotel was clean, and the outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees was a pleasant diversion for big sister Karissa while toddler Leo took his afternoon nap.

View of the pool at Marina del Rey Courtyard from our hotel room balcony 

I appreciated the subtle little extras this hotel provided, including individually packaged earplugs (for those of us married to a snorer) and self-service poolside ice water. I was a bit surprised when my bill for the buffet breakfast arrived. I thought breakfast was included at Courtyard hotels. (Alas, I must’ve been thinking of Comfort Inn.) Although a free breakfast would have certainly been preferred, we enjoyed a pleasant spread of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, juices, coffee, make-your-own waffles, and an omelet station.

Spirit of Aloha in SoCal
One of the most memorable aspects of our trip for me was meeting former Travel Mamas Guest Blogger Debi Huang. She is the author of Go Explore Nature, a blog that suggest unique ways and fun places to explore the outdoors with kids. On our first night in town, she and her husband, their two boys, and my brood got together at Duke’s Malibu for some scrumptious fresh fish, live ukulele music with hula dancing entertainment, and a gorgeous view of the ocean.

Tableside entertainment at Duke’s Malibu

The best part for me was gabbing about the wild and wacky world of blogging with Debi while our husbands wrangled the children! A wonderful bonus to blogging is all of the incredible people I have met from around the country and around the world who share my love of writing and travel. What a wonderful way to connect with locals wherever I go!

Karissa, me, and Debi Huang of Go Explore Nature

While it was too chilly for a beach outing during our Labor Day vacation to Santa Monica, we did zip around on amusement park rides, play carnival games, eat some tasty food, and meet up with some awesome Santa Monica residents. What more could we ask for?

What’s your favorite attraction, restaurant, or hotel in Santa Monica? Leave a comment below!

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A note from the Travel Mama: The Santa Monica tourism board welcomed my family with a beach bag of logo items and two free Pacific Park wristbands. We paid for much of our two-night hotel bill with a $250 Marriott gift card, which I earned for hosting an unrelated post on Travel Mamas. These benefits did not affect my opinion of anything mentioned in this story. I will always let you know if I receive any any products or services related to a blog post.

As a mom, avid traveler, and owner of a specialized travel company, India is bridged between my personal and professional lives. I promote India, write about India, and have a passion for India. As the wife of an Indian man and a mom to a toddler, traveling to the country has become more than visiting the Taj Mahal and relaxing on palm-fringed beaches. It is now focused on family, home visits, and exposing our son to half of his heritage. My roles and observations are split between tourist and resident, as I navigate hotels, transportation, and a 20-month-old in a country of over 1.2 billion people.

My family at a wedding in India

When we first visited India with our son, Alexander, he was six months old. The entire trip was certainly a learning experience. (Example: We believe in the method of self-soothing. Indians? Not so much.)

We recently returned from another family vacation, and I found myself more flexible with the schedule and routine – or lack thereof. I often reminded myself, “It is only two weeks. He can miss naps or eat more sweets from Dadi and Dada.” I also did more research before our departure. Which hotels offer larger rooms or walk-in closets to accommodate a portable crib? Which airline would allow us to check an extra bag for no charge, even on an infant fare?

Here are seven tips for making your Indian experience family-friendly:

My son in the bassinet on Air France

Find the right flights.
Invest time to find the flight options and airline amenities best for your family. From U.S. cities, many airlines offer nonstop or one-stop itineraries to larger Indian airports, limiting your layovers and travel time. We selected Air France and Lufthansa for our visits, both for schedule and the ability to check an extra bag plus portable crib for no charge.

Ditch the stroller.
Indian streets can be very crowded with limited sidewalks, so strollers are not recommended. Instead parents of little ones should pack a baby carrier. We learned this the hard way, after bringing our stroller all the way to Delhi only to have it folded in the corner for two weeks.  Our second time around, we used our child carrier, which was also an excellent resource for transporting our son between terminals at airports.

Alexander in Maidens Hotel pool in Delhi

Pick a big room.
Many Indian hotels are converted forts, palaces, and/or private homes, which means larger rooms for spreading out. We love Maidens Hotel in Delhi. Although Oborei is considered a luxury hotel chain, this particular property is more budget-friendly. The rooms are very spacious, and Alexander loved the swimming pool and peacocks that roam on the lawn. 

Pack an inflatable booster seat.
With the exception of hotels, it is difficult to find high chairs in Indian restaurants. If traveling with a baby or toddler and you prefer to not have a lap child during meals, pack an inflatable booster seat. We also used it at friends’ houses when Alexander wanted to color or play at the table.

Bring the car seat.
Car seats are not a common commodity, so expect questions and pictures from curious locals. Our son thoroughly enjoyed the attention, and made many friends along the way!

Alexander sleeping in the car seat after his traditional head shaving

Skip the bus.
Though buses provide a cheap mode of transport, most are overcrowded and do not offer air-conditioning. Instead, consider hiring a private car and driver, either for a day or proposed itinerary. Not only is it an affordable option, but also it offers more comfort and convenience. It was also nice for us to keep Alexander’s car seat in the vehicle for a multi-day trip, as it saved the time of buckling and adjusting every morning.

With Dadi and Dada in Delhi

Embrace the culture.
Finally, immerse in the culture and integrate with the locals. Indians are some of the friendliest people in the world and enjoy interacting with foreigners.  Children are considered an integral part of the culture and they are welcomed and included in almost any function or event. So if you are walking down the street and randomly get invited to a wedding, go for it and enjoy the experience!

Allison Sodha is the owner of Sodha Travel, a company that specializes in travel to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. She has been featured in Little India, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and various travel blogs. Allison resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and son, but considers India her second home. Read her blog at blog.sodhatravel.com.

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Whether splashing in the waves, searching for fishies while snorkeling, or sipping a tropical drink from a lounge chair, nothing says “family vacation” more than a day at the beach! I asked some of the best family travel bloggers to tell us about their all-time favorite family-friendly beach hotels. From where to take a dip with babies and toddlers to the best beach hotel for active families, there’s sure to be something on this list that will appeal to you. As a beach-loving mama, I couldn’t resist including a favorite of mine too!

Last summer I posted a story about the 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools. There must be a lot of water lovers out there because this is consistently one of the most popular posts on Travel Mamas. Grab your sunscreen and sand toys - this year we’re headed to the beach!

Hilton Waikoloa Village on The Big Island, Hawaii
(Photo courtesy of Sharlene Earnshaw)

Most Superb Slice of Tropical Paradise by Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo
With its lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches, three unique pools, relaxing spa, two championship golf courses, and dolphin program, it’s hard to beat the family friendly fun at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. Where else can you snorkel with sea turtles, slide down a 175-foot waterslide, take a luxurious coconut milk bath, and chow down Polynesian style at a luau without ever leaving the resort? Kids will love the crafts, games, and water activities they can participate in at the resort’s Camp Menehune, while parents experience some child-free time participating in one of Waikoloa Village’s many activities or simply savoring some peace and quiet at the adults-only pool. With so much to do at this tropical island resort, your family may never want to board that airplane home!


Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado, California
(Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado)

Grande Dame of Beach Hotels by Colleen Lanin, a.k.a. The Travel Mama
Lucky for me, the Hotel Del Coronado on the Coronado peninsula across from downtown San Diego is a mere half-hour drive from my home. A tourist attraction in its own right, many people stop by “The Del” (as it is known to locals) just for the day to eat its famed brunch, enjoy its immaculate stretch of beach, peruse its fancy-schmancy shops, or snack on fresh crab legs and sip martinis in its swanky seaside bar. Adding to its old-school charm and glamorous vibe, many movies have been filmed here, most notably Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe. This is a favorite place to bring out-of-towners; its stunning beach and turreted architecture always elicit oohs and ahhs. After years of daydreaming of spending the night at this grande dame of beach hotels, my husband, then baby daughter, and I checked in for a long weekend. It lived up to all of my inflated expectations…and then some! During the summer, the resort offers family-friendly activities like S’mores Night on the beach and Flick N’ Float movie night, where kids can watch a film from an inner tube. For the holidays visitors and guests alike can take a spin on its oceanside outdoor ice skating rink!


Holiday Inn on the Beach Destin, Florida
(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Close)

Most Affordable Beach Hotel for Busy Kids by Jennifer Close, Two Kids and a Map
Holiday Inn on the Beach Destin, Florida is perfect for parents on a budget who are looking for activities to keep their kids busy. The hotel’s KidSuites come complete with bunk beds, a separate area for mom and dad, and video games. The Buccaneer Program for kids runs through the summer and includes carnivals, treasure hunts, Parent’s Night Out and much more. There is a DVD rental box for watching movies in your room but there is plenty to keep the kids busy in the clubhouse area. Besides sitting on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there are two pools (one of which is inside for those rainy afternoons). The hotel is also very close to many family friendly activities like Big Kahuna’s Waterpark, miniature golf, and tasty restaurants.


Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Corinne McDermott)

Best Beach Resort for Babies & Toddlers by Corinne McDermott, Have Baby Will Travel
Sapphire-blue Pacific water meets the golden sand of Playa Quieta to create a wonderful setting for a fabulous resort that welcomes every member of your family. Club Med Ixtapa Pacific offers spacious, renovated rooms, lush gardens and grounds, two great pools, plus all the usual Club Med activities. There’s the Mini Club for kids four and up, the Petit Club for guests aged two to four, and the Baby Club, for babies as young as four months. You’ll also find baby-welcoming amenities like cribs, high chairs, baby baths, baby food and snacks, as well as several stations for preparing baby’s food and bottles.


Viva Cala Mesquida Resort on Mallorca, Spain
(Photo courtesy of Andrea Fellman)

Best Quiet Island Beach Retreat by Andrea Fellman, Have Kids Still Travel
Mallorca is just off the coast of Spain and is apart of the Baleric Islands. It is the hottest European vacation destination and for good reason, it has over 200 beaches! Unlike the neighboring party island of Ibiza, Mallorca is a great family destination. Viva Cala Mesquida Resort is a perfect choice for a private family getaway. The hotel even has a mascot, Bufo the Galactic Super Hero! Bufo entertains the kids nightly at the Bufo Disco. Plus, the Bufo Mini Club offers childcare daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The resort has two sandy playgrounds complete with all of the buckets, shovels, and toys your kids will need. The kiddie pool has a few different slides and is shallow enough to splash around with young ones. The beach is only a short walk down a paved path and it is set in a very private and secluded bay.


Forte dei Marmi, Italy
(Photo courtesy of Amie O’Shaunessy)

Beachy Destination Most Worthy of the Journey by Amie O’Shaunessy, Ciao Bambino
Most people think of Cinque Terre or Positano when they dream about the coast in Italy. Both are incredible and must be experienced. For families with young children, however, these destinations can be tough with rugged terrain and limited open space for running around. Not so in Forte dei Marmi. A plethora of beach clubs offering chairs, umbrellas, and fresh meals plus calm waters and a flat sandy beach make this venue a joy for a family beach holiday, Italian style. We recommend the California Park Hotel in Forte dei Marmi on Ciao Bambino. This hotel is just blocks from the beach with friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere for all.


Azul Beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Kara Williams)

Top Pick for Pampering by Kara Williams, The Vacation Gals
I have at least a half-dozen favorite family-friendly beach hotels, but one that really stands out among my frequent tropical vacations in Mexico is the all-inclusive 98-room Azul Beach. Kids are greeted with smoothies (parents get champagne!). The resort partners with Fisher-Price, so you can borrow toys for use during your stay. Also on complimentary loan for little ones: a baby monitor, stroller, bathtub, bottle warmer and more. For older children (ages four to 12), every day brings fun activities at the Azulitos Kids’ Club. My family loved lolling on one of the comfortable beach beds just steps from the ocean, especially because we enjoyed the services of our very own beach butler! He brought us cold drinks and offered snacks, and when we left our bed to frolic in the mellow waves, he’d fluff the pillows, tidy it up, and leave our kids towel animals! If Azul Beach is booked when you’re looking to travel consider the sister property, Azul Sensatori, just down the beach. This is a newer and bigger property, with 438 spacious rooms, including guaranteed family connecting suites. Both Azul properties are near Puerto Morelos, on the Riviera Maya, a short 20-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.


The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida
(Photo courtesy of The Breakers)

Awesome Active Family’s Resort by Amie O’Shaunessy, Ciao Bambino
I get restless on the beach so it’s always important for us to find beach hotels that have plenty of alternate activities. The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida fits this requirement in every way. Golf, tennis, a world-class spa, boating, croquet, shopping, excellent restaurants…check! They also offer top-notch children’s amenities including a kids’ club for ages three to twelve and an enormous game room. There’s no getting bored at this hotel, even in bad weather. Top it off, the service is exceptional and there is nothing that staff won’t do to ensure every age is happy and relaxed while on vacation. Read our complete family-friendly hotel review about The Breakers for more information and offers.


Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kauai, Hawaii
(Photo courtesy of Glennia Campbell)

Beach Resort Most Deserving of Multiple Visits by Glennia Campbell, The Silent I
My favorite beach hotel in the world is the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kalapaki Bay in Kauai, Hawaii. My family likes to try a new place for every vacation, but Kauai Marriott is one of the few places we go back to repeatedly. The hotel is situated on a strip of golden sand overlooking peaceful Kalapaki Bay. The beach is usually far less crowded than Poipu on Kauai’s South Shore. If you don’t want to get sand in your suit, there is a narrow strip of grass shaded by palm trees where you can pull up a deck chair and read while the kids frolic in the gentle waves. The last time we visited, our nine-year-old took a surfing lesson right in front of the hotel while we sat and watched from the patio at Duke’s Canoe Club, tropical drinks in hand. The hotel also boasts the largest single-level pool in the state. We love the Kauai Marriott so much, we bought a half timeshare so we can go back “home” every other year.


Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in New Port Beach, California
(Photo from www.CrystalCoveBeachCottages.com)

Coziest Seaside Cottages by Debbie Dubrow, Delicious Baby
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Newport Beach, California are the perfect place to recuperate after a few days at Disneyland. These restored historic cottages, located in a secluded cove, aren’t fancy, but you and the kids will be outdoors enjoying the sunshine, the sand, and the tide pools all day anyway. Each cottage has a microwave and refrigerator, so while you won’t be doing any heavy cooking, you can certainly pour yourself a cold glass of wine after the kids are in bed. Reservations can be made up to seven months in advance and the cottages fill up quickly.

Did your favorite make the list? Leave comment below about which beach hotel you like most and why!

Learn more about these fabulous family travel bloggers:

Glennia Campbell (Beach Resort Most Deserving of Multiple Visits) writes and publishes the family travel blog, The Silent I, chronicling her family’s adventures around the world. The three of them have traveled to 25 countries, kid in tow, including Greenland, Libya, and the Galapagos. She is co-founder of MOMocrats, a political collaborative blog for progressive moms, and is a contributor to the Korean-American parenting blog, Kimchi Mamas.

Jennifer Close (Most Affordable Beach Hotel for Busy Kids) loves to explore and take new adventures with her family. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, Two Kids and a Map, and writes about exploring Pensacola at Pensacola with Kids.

Debbie Dubrow (Coziest Seaside Cottages) blogs about traveling with her three kids (ages five, three and one) at DeliciousBaby.com. Check out her kid friendly city guides for ideas about things to do with kids in cities around the world. Follow her on Twitter at @deliciousbaby.

Sharlene Earnshaw (Most Superb Slice of Tropical Paradise) is the Blog Editor in Chief for Trekaroo, and mother to two travel addicted toddlers. If you can’t find them enjoying the day at one of California’s spectacular beaches, then they are probably off discovering something new on one of their many travel adventures. Follow her on Twitter at @doubleadventure.

Andrea Fellman (Best Quiet Island Beach Retreat) is a mom who hasn’t lost her style to Motherhood. She is the creator of Savvy Sassy Moms an online destination and information source for everything fun and fashionable for moms, babies and kids.  She also writes about her passion for traveling with kids over at Have Kids Still Travel. 

Colleen Lanin (Grande Dame of Beach Hotels) Hey! That’s me! I’m the creator/editor of TravelMamas.com, a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in Babytalk Magazine (sister publication of Parenting), San Diego Family Magazine, and 101 Things To Do San Diego. Want to know more about me? Check out About Travel Mamas. It would be sweet if you would follow me on Twitter too at @TravelMamas.

Corinne McDermott (Best Beach Resort for Babies & Toddlers) is the mother of two and the founder of Have Baby Will Travel: Your Online Guide for Travel with Babies and Small Children. She’s appeared on Canada’s top-rated talk and morning shows delivering tips on travel with tots, and her writing’s been featured in such magazines as Canadian Family and Oh Baby magazines. Corinne contributes a monthly column to parent resource sites across North America as a Family Travel Expert. Connect with Corinne online at Have Baby Will Travel or on Twitter at @hvbabywilltrvl.

Amie O’Shaughnessy (Awesome Active Family’s Beach Resort & Beachy Destination Most Worthy of the Journey) is a mom with perpetual wanderlust and the editor of Ciao Bambino, a worldwide family travel resource providing the insight and information parents need to plan everything from weekend getaways to multi-week vacations with kids. Ciao Bambino makes it easy for families to uncover the best of where to go, where to stay, and what to do once they get there.

Kara Williams (Top Pick for Pampering) is a freelance writer who co-owns TheVacationGals.com, where she and her buddies cover all things related to family travel, girlfriend getaways and romantic escapes. She makes her home in the Colorado Rockies with her husband and two school-age children. Follow her on Twitter at @karasw.

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For weeks before our San Juan getaway my five-year-old daughter, Karissa, asked daily, “How many sleeps until our vacation?” She danced around the house singing, “Puerto Rico…Puerto Rico!” She bragged to neighbors and waitresses about her impending trip with just mommy…no little brother, no daddy. This would be a special time for the two of us to talk, frolic on the beach, play games, and do other mommy-daughter stuff.

Mommy and daughter at El Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Despite the lengthy travel time (12 hours door-to-door each way from my home in San Diego), when I was invited by the San Juan Marriott to spend a few days at their resort with three other fabulous family travel bloggers and their children, I jumped at the chance! We were joined by Debbie Dubrow of Delicious Baby, Amber Johnson of Crazy Bloggin Canuck, Corinne McDermott of Have Baby Will Travel, and their kiddos.

Water Fun
If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you might know that I’m a sucker for great hotel pools (and not just because of my kids)! A zero-entry pool with shallow water and gorgeous waterfall fountains was a fantastic splashing spot for babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages. We spent most of our time in the main pool with its tropical flower mosaic-tiled floor.

San Juan Marriott’s Zero-Entry Fountain Pool

On our first day at the resort we tossed a beach ball back and forth and ignored the burgeoning droplets that had begun to fall from the sky. The closed waterslide taunted Karissa, who begged me to let her slide down it just once pleeeease despite its sign announcing “closed” (apparently due to rainy weather). We warmed up in the hot tub, although the sign posted clearly prohibits children under age 12 from entry.(Shhh…don’t tell!) Too soon, heavier rains forced us out of the water.

Sipping a strawberry smoothie at the swim-up bar

Thankfully, a couple days later a sunny morning allowed for some all-out poolside fun! We swam with our friends before pausing for fruit smoothies at the swim-up bar.

Finally, it was time for what every child-sized hotel guest had been waiting for…the waterslide opened! Children and grown-ups alike took turns zooming down the winding slide. I have visited a lot of resorts with fabulous pools and never have I experienced such joyous frenzy surrounding the waterslide! The lifeguard at the top egged us all on to “scream on the way down.” (My daughter took this directive quite seriously!) Truly, this was my favorite part of our trip. When you’re zipping down a waterslide, there’s no time to think about bills, or work, or to-dos…it’s just pure fun, fun, fun!

The waterslide at the San Juan Marriott

As we drove past other hotels in the area, it seemed the San Juan Marriott had snagged the best beachfront location of the bunch. Its expansive stretch of sandy beach lined with lounge chairs and blue and white striped umbrellas was a wonderful place to laze away the day.

Rainy Day Activities
What is there to do in San Juan when it’s raining? Not a whole lot, frankly. San Juan is where to go for a sunny getaway and typically rain is rare, especially during the summer. Thankfully, the kids didn’t seem to mind the rain a bit. Really, children just want to spend time with YOU, it doesn’t matter what the weather is.

One day we were scheduled to visit the Rio Camuy Cave Park, which apparently houses a raging underground river. While this sounded intriguing our visit had to be canceled due to the rains. Instead, we went to Museo Historico de la Biblio, which reminded me a bit of the attractions in Las Vegas for children. There were animatronic dinosaurs and wooly mammoths that roared if you feed them a couple of quarters, miniature golf, an indoor ice skating rink, kiddie carnival rides (the children’s favorite), an aquarium (the moms’ favorite), and a pizza place for lunch. I wouldn’t bother making a trip here if the weather is nice, but it certainly was an entertaining rainy day diversion for the kids.

Karissa and her new crush, Everest, on the indoor carousel at the Museo Historico de la Biblio

When all else fails, go out for ice cream! Another rainy afternoon Karissa and I walked to Haagen Dazs with Debbie (Delicious Baby) and her two sons, Elan (14 months) and Everest (five). My daughter and Everest were quite smitten with each other, so they would have been happy wherever we went. My berries and cream cone, however, kept me happily distracted for awhile.

Old San Juan
Downtown, known as Old San Juan, was a charming, hilly area filled with pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. There were horses clopping through town pulling families and couples in carriages, which looked like a delightful way to take in the sights. We didn’t have much time to explore but I did some serious speed shopping and purchased a Christmas ornament for the family, a pink quartz necklace for me, a small bottle of rum for daddy, and some adorable hair ribbons for Karissa.

El Morro
Puerto Rico’s best known fortress, El Morro, began construction by Spain in 1539. Before heading to El Morro, pick up a kite in town. After exploring the fort’s ramparts and taking in the sweeping views from its rooftop, take advantage of the windswept grassy landscape and soar your kite through the windy skies. Be sure to hold on tight to the string; poor Everest lost his kite to the wind gods and was quite inconsolable afterwards. Luckily a piragua (snow cone) was distraction enough to lift his spirits. 

The kids slurping up their piraguas at El Morro

The Mommy-Daughter Experience
It was awesome to have some undistracted one-on-one time with my little girl for a few days. On the airplane, we played a travel version of Hi-Ho Cherry-O and Zingo To Go, created Color Wonder Glitter princess pictures, read books, and watched videos. We splashed together in the swimming pools and rode down the waterslide together. Over meals, we discussed the merits of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse versus Caillou.

That’s my girl!

No matter my travel partner, toward the end of most trips, I’m ready for a break from nonstop closeness. This was even (especially?) true when traveling with an adorable, sweet, loving, whining, fidgety, demanding five-year-old. After awhile, we ran out of cartoons, classmates, and candies to discuss. We sat in silence across each other at lunch in the airport during our layover on our way home. We’d had our fill of time, love, and attention.

In time, though, I won’t remember those last draining 12 hours of travel. I will remember my daughter’s raucous laughter as I swung her through the pool’s water, her squeals of joy as she zipped down the waterslide, and the friendships we forged with the other traveling moms and their kids.

Want to read more about San Juan? Look for my upcoming story on Kid-Friendly Food in Puerto Rico.

Have you gone on a mother-daughter vacation? How’d it go? Please leave a comment below!

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A note from the Travel Mama: My daughter’s and my flight, accommodations, and many other expenses for this trip were paid for by the San Juan Marriott. I always provide my honest opinions, regardless of who’s footing the bill. ThinkFun also provided us with a free Zingo To Go game.

You know those rare vacation moments when you look around and think, “I don’t ever want this experience to end!” My one-day adventure through the Sicilian countryside was filled with those. 

There are many who look down upon all tours for being inauthentic…too touristy…maybe even cheesy. I like travel in nearly all forms: cruise, train, road trip, independent, relaxing, adventurous, romantic, girlfriend getaway, kid-centric, and beyond. And, I like a good tour from time to time, especially one that gives a glimpse into a location’s essence that you might not be able to find on your own.

A slice of Sicilian heaven 

Sicily was the second port on our Disney Mediterranean Cruise. As our bus rambled through the gorgeous Sicilian landscape, our proud tour guide gave a brief lecture on her country’s history and culture. My daughter, Karissa (then age two), draped her body across mine and dozed during our one-hour trek, allowing me to savor a rare moment of snuggly relaxation. The guide on our “A Day on the Farm” excursion told us in a lilting Italian accent that Sicily’s central location in the Mediterranean Sea has made it a target throughout the ages by conquering forces from Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to Arabs, Normans, and more. She said the island’s residents to this day consider themselves Sicilian, not Italian.

My daughter snuggled up in her beach towel on my lap

Upon arrival at Villa Dafne, an agritourism farm/hotel in Alia, the children were given lumps of dough to roll into little balls. Afterwards, we were served delicious pieces of airy focaccia topped with tomatoes and olives (not formed by the kids). Then we were given bowls of fresh ricotta to sample. The warm, lumpy cheese was a bit too reminiscent of something else entirely unappetizing of the same temperature and consistency, so after one bite I discreetly dumped the rest in a trash can. Adults helped themselves to some red Sicilian vino while kids sipped bottled water.

Foccaccia topped with tomatoes and olives

Then we donned requisite blue swimming caps and jumped in the pool, where we splashed alongside resort guests of various nationalities. As my husband tossed my giggling daughter about in the water, I was overwhelmed by the bittersweet perfection of that moment. The aqua blue of the pool, surrounded by the golden hills…I wanted to stop the clock and forever be enveloped by Sicily’s beauty, the sun shining down on our happy little family, the sounds of children at play ringing through the air. I knew it would be over all too soon.

My daughter and I taking a dip in a pool in the Sicilian countryside

Before long it was time to depart that watery spot of heaven. Thankfully the transition was an easy one because it involved eating a multi-course organic farm-style Sicilian lunch. After one more small glass of wine, I switched to Coca-Cola but my husband, Phil, drank my portion and then some. We were treated to several appetizers involving things like eggplant, tomatoes, and olives. Then we dined on homemade pasta shaped into little shells and served with chicken in a fresh, earthy broth. It was a dish that I will probably never stop craving. It pains me to know that I will never taste anything like it again, unless, of course I return to that little farmhouse hotel. (I might have to, if only for that pasta dish!) Then lamb was served, which we declined due to full bellies (and my personal aversion to eating baby animals of any sort).

A fountain at Villa Dafne

Finally, it was time for a dessert of cannoli. Ever since, I have been on a quest for an authentic cannolo. I have found a few good cannoli, but none even in the same realm as what we tasted that day. Our tour guide had prepared us for the wonders of this sweet treat. She told us that to get a taste of true cannoli, one must come to Sicily. She warned us that the Italian version of Sicily’s national dessert should be avoided at all costs. She said, “You are more likely to get authentic cannoli in America than in Italy because Sicilians who have moved to New York City and beyond carry on the true recipes and methods of making the dessert, unlike the excuse for cannoli that can be found in Rome.”

Prickly Pear Cactus Crop in the Sicilian Countryside

Some cannoli shells are flimsy and soggy while others are overly dense and greasy, having been over-cooked to stay crunchy while holding the creamy center for hours on end. According to our guide, the dessert should be stuffed with Ricotta cheese just prior to eating. Most cannoli cream I have encountered, even if delicious, had a slightly grainy texture. The genuine cannoli we were served consisted of an impossibly crisp, light shell that crackled when bitten. The filling was a cloud of sweet velvety goodness.

My daughter dutifully mooed at these Sicilian cows

Sufficiently plumped, bronzed, and relaxed – we and our cruise mates re-boarded the bus. After a quick stop to spy on cows and watch brave fellow cruisers milk goats, my good fortune continued. The bus was equipped with a television screen on which old-school Mickey Mouse cartoons played to the delight of tired children and their parents. While Phil slept off his numerous glasses of lunchtime wine (I can hear him now, “But it’s table wine – it’s not that strong!), I happily stared out the window at a patchwork of verdant and sun-bleached rolling hills speckled with vineyards of twisted grape vines and crops of prickly pear cactus bearing a few gems of their burgundy-colored fruit.

Not all vacation days are blissful. Most aren’t, in fact. But some are. And this one was.

Sadly, the current Disney European Cruises do not stop at Sicily. This stop has been replaced by Valletta, Malta. Of course, I wouldn’t mind exploring this nation, which is spread across seven islands and is home to ruins that predate the Egyptian pyramids and England’s Stonehenge. Ahhh…a girl can dream…

How do you feel about Sicily or about group travel tours? Please share your thoughts below!

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Here’s what I have been telling anyone who will listen ever since I set sail with Mickey Mouse and friends in 2007: A Disney Cruise is THE ideal vacation for families. Whether you have a baby, kid, or teen…everyone’s needs (and wants!) are met on a Disney Cruise. Plus, the children are so entertained and catered to, parents are free to do something so rare on a vacation with kids…relax!

Our ship, Disney’s Magic

During my cruise through the Mediterranean, I was accompanied by my husband and then two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. My son was stowing away in my belly too, as we discovered while onboard the ship! Some of my favorite memories as a family of three took place during this vacation.

Here are just some of the reasons I am such a big fan of cruising Disney-style…

Incomparable Service
The service we received aboard Disney’s Magic was beyond belief. Our waitress cheerfully brought us extra dessert when we couldn’t decide on just one and even stopped by to cut up our daughter’s pizza while inquiring about our day. Our room steward made sure our cabins were kept in tip top shape, always greeted us by name, and transformed regular bath towels into bunny rabbits and stingrays each night. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure we had an unforgettable experience!

It was a treat to return from dinner every night to find a different towel creature, like this elephant, waiting for us

Delightful Dining
During our 10-night cruise, most days we chose to eat room service breakfast on our stateroom’s balcony, taking in the view of various picturesque port towns as we nibbled on fresh fruit, yogurt and baked goodies. On our last day at sea, we attended a character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch doing Elvis impersonations and dancing the hula in one of the ship’s restaurants.

Our lunches, for the most part, were eaten onshore. During at sea days, we grabbed quick, easy meals from the ship’s eateries, like Pluto’s Dog House (which serves hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and the like), Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, or Goofy’s Galley (with healthy options like wraps and fresh salads).  

Each evening, we were seated with the same family (a wonderful foursome from Eden Prairie, Minnesota) and we kept the same wait staff for every dinner. However, we rotated through three restaurants: Lumiere’s (with a French ambiance), Animator’s Palate (with walls that start out black and white but which come alive with Disney characters in colorful lights), and Parrot Cay (with a Caribbean theme). The menus on our cruise were themed to the Mediterranean, serving Spanish, Italian, and French meals plus some standard American options and kid favorites. Even the meals onboard a Disney ship are magical - just as our little one would start to get too squirmy, Beauty and the Beast would come waltzing through the dining room!

Dressed up for formal night at Animator’s Palate

Carrying the tradition over from Disney’s Caribbean cruises, one night’s theme was Pirate Night, during which diners sported free pirate-y bandanas or dressed up in more elaborate garb brought from home or purchased on the ship.

The crème de la crème was Palo, an adult-only fine-dining restaurant that requires reservations. We partook of the scrumptious brunch and a to-die-for dinner but didn’t have time enough to book a high tea this time around.

Awesome Kids’ Clubs
A Disney Cruise is paradise, especially for children! Instead of offering a casino like most cruise lines, Disney puts that space to use for its various clubs for kids of all ages. Parents can indulge in a spa treatment, relax by the adult-only pool, or dine at Palo sans kids without guilt, knowing their offspring are having the time of their lives at the onboard kids’ clubs. 

Our tablemates even had a hard time convincing their six-year-old and nine-year-old sons to join us for dinner each night because they wanted to stay at Oceaneer kids’ clubs (for ages three to 12 years) and play, play, play! There is also a teen club on each Disney ship, where kids aged 13 to 17 enjoy dance parties, board and video games, and Karaoke.

Most cruise lines’ childcare programs do not accept children until age two or three, but babies as young as three months are welcomed in the Disney Cruise Line nurseries. We worried when we dropped off our daughter at Flounder’s Reef Nursery the first time and she began to wail. But then we stopped by five minutes later to take a peek at her though a giant one-way window and saw her happily playing with the counselors and a rainbow of toys. This put our minds at ease, allowing us to enjoy our date night free from worry.

On our last night my husband, Phil, told Karissa she was all done with Flounders, which set her off crying and carrying on once more…this time because she wanted one last chance to return to the nursery!

Entertainment
The live shows aboard a Disney Cruise are Broadway caliber and feature favorite characters from movies like Toy Story and Cinderella. Even our wiggly toddler stayed entertained through most of the performances.

Karissa was in awe of Minnie Mouse in her gorgeous gown following the Golden Mickeys live stage show

There’s even a movie theatre aboard the ships in which new-release Disney movies are shown on screen. For example, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 was in theatres on land and at sea during our sailing.

There are bars and nightclubs onboard the ship too but we were never up late enough to explore those much. Instead, Phil and I enjoyed a glass of wine or two on our stateroom’s balcony after our daughter was tucked in for the night. I have heard the party scene aboard a Disney ship is much more subdued than other lines though. So, if you’re looking to party-hardy – a Disney Cruise is probably not up your galley!

Family-Friendly Staterooms
Not only are Disney’s staterooms larger than most cruise lines, but also they offer some special amenities that cater to families’ needs. First of all, they offer not one but TWO sinks to make getting ready for the day easier.

Disney is the only line I know of that offers a privacy curtain that can be pulled shut to separate the adult sleeping area (with a queen bed) from the kid sleeping area (which is usually outfitted with a single bed or bunk beds, depending upon which room type you book). This is absolutely fabulous for parents traveling with young children whose bedtimes are much earlier than their own. Rather than turning in before sunset, Phil and I were able to quietly watch television, read in bed, and snuggle up a bit!

Karissa tucked into her single bed in our stateroom with a stuffed Mickey Mouse

Disney’s new ship, Dream, will offer virtual portholes for interior cabins that will display a live view of the scenery, plus animated Nemo characters swimming past every now and then!

Water Fun
Most cruise lines do not allow non-potty-trained children in their pools for sanitary reasons. However, Disney offers a fountain pool with a special filtration system that allows babies and toddlers to have a splashing good time aboard their ships! There are also family pools, an adult-only pool, and even a small staff-only pool!

The new Dream ship will offer a sweet looking waterslide called the AquaDuck that will send riders out over the ocean in a see-through tube slide! Plus, the Dream’s Nemo’s Reef splash area for kids looks like buckets of fun!

Karissa and I splashing in the toddler pool
(See how dedicated I am to you, my fellow Travel Mamas? I’m even willing to post a photo of myself in a swimsuit!)

Shore Activities
During our cruise through the Mediterranean we explored the ruins of Pompeii, perused museums and shops, ate long lunches of pasta and vino, and lazed on sandy beaches. Some days we chose Disney-organized shore excursions while on other days we opted to explore on our own. Even on days filled with lots of grown-up activities, our daughter was content, especially when she was greeted with a big hug from characters like Donald Duck or Minnie Mouse the minute we returned to the ship.

Kids got a chance to roll out foccaccia dough as part of our Sicilian “Day on the Farm” Disney shore excursion
Here’s a little Mickey-shaped dough creation one of the guides made

With Disney, kids aren’t just tolerated on shore excursions, they are catered to! This year, for example, the Highlights of Rome for Families excursion includes a 45-minute puppet show for kids supervised by Disney youth counselors at Villa Borghese while parents have a bit of time to themselves to shop or sightsee. Of course, there are excursions that cater to an older crowd too, like a Cooking Lesson in Tuscany for those aged 21+ in La Spezia, Italy or the Screamin’ Eagle jet boat ride just for teens on the Caribbean cruise to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Disney Does Europe
Disney Cruise Line is sailing through Europe for the second time this summer. The itinerary for the Mediterranean cruise has changed somewhat since we took that cruise, making me drool even more over this year’s schedule! For the first time there will also be cruises through Northern Europe and Scandinavia. (Drool again!)

Join me throughout this summer as I reminisce about my Disney Mediterranean Cruise onshore experiences and dream about this year’s European Disney Cruise itineraries!

Are you dreaming of a Disney Cruise too? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with other Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies in the comments below!

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A note from the Travel Mama: My family paid for this cruise and I did not receive any compensation or goodies from Disney related to this story. I will always let you know if I receive any money or products related to a blog post.

I was asked to share a few of my happiest travel memories to coincide with Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit, a campaign that showcases the moments of simple happiness that people treasure most. Share one of your happiest travel memories in the comments below for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Southwest Airlines, provided by Lay’s potato chips!

Happiness is Family
When we travel with family, the focus isn’t on work, school, and never-ending to-do lists. Family vacations allow us to spend quality time with people we love, live more fully in the present moment, take notice of our surroundings, and enjoy life. This must be why my daughter often cries at the end of a vacation, “But I don’t wanna go home!”

And, it must be why so many of my happiest childhood memories took place while on a family vacation…swimming in indoor hotel pools with the gleeful calls of “Marco! Polo!” echoing against the walls…playing 20 questions in the backseat of our spitfire orange station wagon…or knowing I was safe on Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride because my dad told me my green Mickey Mouse ears would protect me. I am pictured above at age four (sporting my magical green mouse ears) with my brother and Pluto at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Happiness is Getting Away from it All
One of the happiest moments of any trip for me is after I arrive at my destination and I realize, “Hey, I’m on vacation!” Here I am pictured with my son, Leo, with my hometown San Diego in the background on a Carnival Cruise to Mexico. A sweet thing about a cruise is, the minute you step onboard, your vacation starts!

Happiness is Being Together
Since my two siblings and I live in three different states and we each have families of our own, it is a very rare occasion when we, our children, and our parents are all able to meet in one place. We made a point to get together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a few days of family fun in the sun before my brother, a naval officer, was deployed to Iraq for six months.

While it was thrilling to swim with dolphins in The Bahamas and to climb a waterfall in Jamaica, most of my happiest travel memories take place when doing simple things with people I love. By far my favorite memory of this trip was simply splashing around in one of the hotel’s pools with the whole family.

In total, there were fourteen family members who went on this multi-generation vacation. From left to right, pictured above are my niece Siobhan, husband Phil, nephew Trevor, and sister Karen hamming it up at the pool at Solmar Resort.

Happiness is Relaxation
It is a happy moment indeed when children successfully take a nap while on vacation! This is especially true when such a nap takes place poolside at a beautiful resort, allowing for a mid-day snooze or dip in the pool for the Travel Mama and Travel Daddy! Here’s a photo of my daughter, Karissa, asleep in her stroller at the Kauai Marriott Resort in Kauai, Hawaii.

Happiness is Dreaming
I spent a lot of time visualizing taking my baby to Disneyland to distract myself from contractions during a very, very, very long labor with my firstborn. I couldn’t think of a happier place to be. It is, after all, The Happiest Place on Earth!

So, for my daughter’s first birthday rather than throwing her a birthday party, we took a three-day trip to Disneyland. Did the trip live up to my expectations? I think this picture of Karissa clapping with joy on her inaugural Disney ride aboard Dumbo’s back says it all!

Happiness is Simple
The message of the Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit is that the happiest moments in our lives are truly the simple ones. From the online exhibit, select photos will be chosen to be featured on millions of Lay’s potato chip bags. You can submit photos that showcase simple, happy moments to Lays.com. Submitting photos on the Lay’s site does not affect your chance of winning the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com but it sure would be fun to see your photo on a bag of Lay’s potato chips! 

Happiest Travel Memories Contest Sponsored by Lay’s Potato Chips
I shared just a few of my happiest travel memories with you. Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below describing one of your happiest travel memories for a chance to win a $200 Southwest Airlines gift card. Lay’s potato chips will provide the prize to the winner.

This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. To find out who won and to read my favorite entries, read Thanks for Sharing the Memories.

You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.

• REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about your happiest travel memory. Please be specific! General comments like, “I love to travel” or “I have many happy travel memories” will be disqualified.

• BONUS ENTRY: Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and paste the following phrase into Twitter:

Share a happy travel memory on @TravelMamas to WIN $200 for AIRLINE TIX from Lay’s potato chips http://bit.ly/arRHw7  #giveaway

• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment like the one below, filling in the blanks, on the Travel Mamas Fan Page wall. Be sure to come back here and repeat the phrase in a separate comment on this blog post!

If I win the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com I will go to ___________ because _______________.

• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!

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• Why We Travel with Children

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of TravelMamas.com, one lucky family will win a vacation package to San Antonio, Texas at the world’s largest JW Marriott Resort! Because the point of a vacation is to relax and have fun, the two-night package at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa includes special goodies to pamper every member of the family. Approximate retail prize value is $1,000. Read on to learn how to enter!

Earlier this month my family spent a few days at this beautiful resort. All vacations hold a special place in my heart for the moments of togetherness and wonder that can only be felt through travel. However, some destinations stamp a bigger imprint on my heart. It is the memories garnered on these trips that lull me to sleep on restless nights. The world is big with many new places to explore so I seldom like to return somewhere I have already been. However, I am already dreaming of a return trip to San Antonio, and to this JW Marriott in particular.

Lantana Spa
Let’s start with something all moms deserve…a little relaxation at the spa! After a dip in the whirlpool, I received a Saving Face facial. This included a gentle enzyme peel and healing mask as well as an upper body massage and nourishing hand treatment. If you can’t decide between a facial and a massage, this is a good choice because it felt like both rolled into one heavenly treatment.

Next, I had a Restorative Organic Massage with a scalp massage, hot towel massage and foot treatment. While this allowed me to slip into that lovely state of spa-induced half-awake, half-comatose Zen; it felt more like a body treatment than a massage to me. With eight other massages to choose from, next time I think I’d opt for the Citrus and Sunflower Organic Massage, which combines essential oils with a traditional full body massage.

Rather than hurrying back right away, I took advantage of this rare bit of me-time by showering and readying at the spa. They had everything I might need right there from lotions, soaps, and mouthwash to disposable razors. I was a happy bowl of pudding by the time I left to rejoin my family!

The Lantana Spa suggests you arrive at least a half hour early to check-in and take advantage of the spa’s hot tub, sauna, and steam room. I suggest you go even earlier; how often do you get to relax and have some time to yourself, free of a kid pulling at your pants leg or complaining that their brother got the bigger half of the cookie?

TPC PGA-Tour Golf Course
I have only golfed once in my life but my husband, Phil, was thrilled to have a chance to golf at a TPC PGA-Tour golf course. He was given the choice of two courses, one of which was regarded as easier and therefore more appropriate for the non-professional. Phil is a pretty decent golfer so he chose the more difficult course. 

A view of one of the resort’s two TPC PGA-Tour golf courses from the adult infinity pool

Here’s what Travel Daddy Phil had to say, “Hold on to your golf pants…when they say the course is tough, they mean it! Greg Norman designed the course and it was definitely intended to challenge. The practice areas and course were in perfect condition and it was just gorgeous. I was supposed to play with a couple other guys but the impending rain kept them off the tee. Although I played by myself, I had a great time, and, I didn’t have to tell anyone what my score was!”

Range Riders Kids Camp
If you will be staying here during a busy time, like spring break or summer, be sure to sign up for Range Riders before you leave home so you can snag a spot in this delightful camp for kids.

Upon check-in at the hotel my daughter, Karissa, received a treasure map that led us to Range Riders. Following the map’s path was a wonderful way to get her excited for her adventure away from mom and dad!

An enthusiastic Karissa following her treasure map to Range Riders

During warm weather, kids are asked to bring a bathing suit and sunscreen for a splashing good time with the counselors and other campers at the kiddy pool. No need to worry about safety either since kid-sized life vests help keep children safe poolside.

I stopped by a couple of hours into Karissa’s Ranger Riders experience and she begged me to let her stay longer (which I happily obliged). She had a busy day, filled with lunch, crafts, and make-believe play. She had a lot to show for her efforts too. A photo of Karissa standing by the Range Riders’ life-size plastic bull was placed into a frame that she painted herself and decorated with stick-on jewels and puffy letters to spell-out her name. She also drew a stick-figure portrait of her family with special markers on a souvenir Range Riders t-shirt.

Due to my daughter’s age (we celebrated her fifth birthday at the resort), this was Karissa’s first experience at a hotel kids’ camp. Many resort kids’ camps start at the age of five, but this program allowed kids aged four and older who are potty-trained.

The Range Riders Kids Camp

When I asked Karissa if she liked Range Riders, she said, “I loved it!” What did she think was the best part? “My teachers, Miss Perry and Miss Courtney!” I can’t think of a better endorsement than that.

River Bluff Water Experience
The best part of our stay at JW Marriott San Antonio was the time we spent together at the resort’s River Bluff Water Experience.

We could’ve spent all day just splashing in the little kids’ zero-entry pool, with its fountains, three small slides, but there were too many other watery diversions to enjoy!

The kids’ pool and splash area with the Water Tower in the background

My husband and I took turns climbing the Water Tower to zoom down the Acequia Tube Slides with our daughter in a double inner tube. There are two exhilarating options – one slide that is mostly open-air and one mostly-enclosed tube slide. Karissa didn’t want to brave the latter, so I went it alone (for research purposes, of course!).

Not only was the River Bluff Water Experience a whole lot of fun, but also it was beautiful. The 1,200-foot lazy river was lined with Cypress trees and walls made from natural rock. I almost felt as if I were floating down a real river through the Texas Hill Country!

For some mischievous fun, kids can spin and pump various mechanical doo-dads to spray other guests afloat on the river. This may have been my two-year-old son Leo’s favorite part! He giggled and stomped his feet as he watched in awe when his actions from above made the water shoot out below.

Leo spinning a pump to spray water onto the lazy river

Restaurants and More
For dining, there were six restaurants plus room service to choose from. The fanciest was 18 Oaks, where I dined on a sublime steak. The most unique eatery was the High Velocity Sports Bar with its winding wall of television screens. For a quick breakfast or snack option, there was also a Starbucks onsite.

The winding wall of television screens for the ultimate in sports viewing at High Velocity

A favorite memory from this trip was listening to live country music echoing through the resort’s two-story lobby as my kids joyously danced about. The lobby contains a bar on the lower level with billiards plus checkers and chess tables inviting guests to linger in this expansive lounge.

A Truly Special Place
While San Antonio offered plenty to do outside the resort, the JW Marriott San Antonio was the kind of place you don’t want to leave. Maybe it was because it was a new resort, but the staff exuded a warmth and excitement that is rarely found. You could easily spend a whole week just enjoying the resort’s amenities and never get bored.

So what are you waiting for? Enter to win a family getaway at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country!

Travel Mamas Anniversary Vacation Package Giveaway
The winning family will receive:

- Two Nights Accommodations in a Deluxe Room at JW Marriott San Antonio

- Breakfast for a Family of Four Daily

- One 50-Minute Spa Treatment at the Resort’s Lantana Spa

- One Round of Golf at One of Two Onsite TPC PGA-Tour Golf Courses

- Four Hours at the JW Marriott’s Range Riders Kids Club

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY EMAIL. IF THE WINNER DOES NOT CLAIM THE PRIZE WITHIN ONE WEEK, ANOTHER WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING! This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, April 3, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. JW Marriott will provide the prize to the winner. The value of the package is $1,000. The prize is valid for one year and must be redeemed by March 31, 2011. The prize information must be presented when making reservations. There is no cash value. There are no substitutions in the prize package items. The prize is not transferable.

Here’s how to enter:
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.

REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about which feature of JW Marriott San Antonio you would most like to experience and why. Please be specific! General comments will be disqualified.

BONUS ENTRY: Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and past the following phrase into Twitter:

I want to win a luxury vacation at Marriott’s NEW @JWSanAntonio to celebrate @TravelMamas 1st anniversary! http://bit.ly/9rYlN8

BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment on the Travel Mamas Fan Page wall stating why you deserve to win a getaway to JW Marriott San Antonio. Be sure to come back here and repeat your comment below!

BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!

A note from the Travel Mama: In preparation for this incredible giveaway, my family and I were hosted by the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for a three-night stay.

You might also like:

• Family Fun in Texas Hill Country

• How Did I Become The Travel Mama?

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

• Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio

Tomorrow my family is headed to the Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida. Mama’s happy when the kids are happy, so I know I’ll be happy here!

To prepare for our trip, I have been showing my almost five-year-old daughter, Karissa, around the Nick Hotel website. I’ve promised a trip to the Kid’s Spa to get her finger nails painted any color she wants. I’m sure the whole family will love the free live entertainment and shows like family improv and Karaoke. Karissa is beyond excited about a character breakfast with favorites like Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants.

My daughter is most jazzed up about the gigantic water park filled with fountains and slides. It’s supposed to be a bit cloudy during our stay, but since the water is heated and she and her nearly two-year-old brother, Leo, adore anything to do with water, I’m sure we’ll be spending a lot of time poolside!

I first learned about this hotel when one of the travel industry experts I interviewed for my story on the 10 Best Family-Friendly Pools in the World, Theresa Jorgensen of SixSuitcaseTravel, recommended the Nickelodeon Suites Resort for its seven slides and flumes, and easy access zero-entry. A 400-gallon tank spills water on splashers throughout the day but the highlight is the daily sliming each afternoon.

Sound fun? You can go too! Check out this sweet deal just for Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies like you!

Exclusive offer for Travel Mamas readers: $99 rate at Nickelodeon Suites Resort

Limited time only! Book by February 19, 2010 – OFFER EXTENDED – Book by February 28, 2010!

Start planning your next great getaway with Travel Mamas and Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida. From water parks to getting slimed, you’ll enjoy it all at Nick Hotel. Meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and experience interactive Nickelodeon entertainment. Pack your bags because for a limited time your family vacation starts at just $99 a night on select nights through May 2010. 

• $99 per night in a 2-bedroom KidSuite on select dates

Average cost without discount is $189. That’s a savings of nearly 50%!

Call 1-877-642-5111 and ask for Travel Mamas. Or book online.

Valid for new reservations only. Offer based on limited availability through May 31, 2010. Must book by February 28, 2010. Rates and conditions subject to change. Restrictions apply. Black-out dates: 2/12 – 2/18, 3/12 – 3/18, 3/25 – 4/8, 4/16 – 4/27, weekends in May, 5/28 – 5/31. Cannot be combined with any other special offers or promotional rates. The resort fee of $25 USD, plus tax, per night will be charged, which includes scheduled bus transportation to the four Disney Theme Parks, Universal Studios, Wet N Wild and SeaWorld, poolside entertainment, water park features, business center, high-speed internet, parking and unlimited local phone calls. This fee is not included in the room rate and will be charged regardless of service usage.

A note from The Travel Mama: The Nickelodeon Suites Resort has invited my family and me to stay at their resort for three nights free-of-charge. It looks like so much fun, we decided to book an extra night at a discounted rate.

You can also enter to win a two-night stay at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort! To find out more and enter see:

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore (Part 1)

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time (Part 2)

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