Travel Secret: Family

2010
44 Inspirational Travel Secrets

From the Top Travel Bloggers on the Internet Today
www.tripbase.com
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Foreword
Congratulations on downloading your Best Kept Travel Secrets eBook. You're now part of a unique collaborative charity project, the first of its kind to take place on the Internet! The Best Kept Travel Secrets project was initiated with just one blog post back in November 2009. Since then, over 200 of the most talented travel bloggers and writers across the globe have contributed more than 500 inspirational travel secrets. These phenomenal travel gems have now been compiled into a series of travel eBooks. Awe-inspiring places, insider info and expert tips... you'll find 44 amazing travel secrets within this eBook. The best part about this is that you've helped contribute to a great cause.
About Tripbase
Founded in May 2007, Tripbase pioneered the Internet's first "destination discovery engine". Tripbase saves you from the time-consuming and frustrating online travel search by matching you up with your ideal vacation destination. Tripbase was named Top Travel Website for Destination Ideas by Travel and Leisure magazine in November 2008. www.tripbase.com
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Best Kept Travel Secrets 2010 Tripbase.com
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Main Index
Main Index
General
5 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 29
Morocco
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
Spain
Costa Rica
United States
Japan
Contributing Authors
If all else fails, and you are having a bad time, take out some lipstick and a mirror
Main Index
General
Put on Some Lipstick
I love this advice from Hints and Things in the UK: If all else fails, and you are having a bad time, take out some lipstick and a mirror. Put on some lippy and give yourself a pep talk in the mirror - "I'm the best Mum in the world for my kids. I am doing really well and am able to cope with this." Stay calm and smile at your children.
Photo by: mark sebastian
Sherri, Postcards and Coasters
Best and Cheapest Way to See Europe

Most Americans miss this secret, but it's not a secret to most Europeans or travelers from Australia, New Zealand or even Korea and China that we have met. Yet, we almost never see Americans so this bears repeating. There is not a city or sight in Europe that doesn't have a campsite nearby and almost all have cottages to rent as well as places for RV's and tents. They are often spectacular resorts perfect for families at very low prices. Here you can see DaVinci working on his laptop at our campsite in Bordeaux between the water park and pool that was surrounded by the world's best vineyards and a very short bike ride away from St. Emilion. Dubrovnik, Barcelona, Venice, Florence & Tuscany are just a few of our many favorites. Sometimes the price is as low as $11 a night for total luxury!
Jeanne, Soul Travelers
Photo by: Jeanne
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The best way to deal with bedtime is to make things as normal as possible
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General
Keep Familiar Bedtime Rituals
Let's face it, there are a lot of unfamiliar new sights and sounds in a campsite at night, which can make bedtime a challenge when camping with kids. The best way to deal with bedtime is to make things as normal as possible. If you usually read a book to your kids before bedtime, this is still something that you can easily do when camping. Likewise, if your children have special pillows or blankets that they are used to, there is no reason that these familiar objects can't be a part of their camping experience. One area that might deviate heavily from the norm, when camping, is snacks and this can have a big impact on getting the kids to settle in for the night. Campfire s'mores are a big tradition in our family, but we have learned that we need to limit these sugary snacks, and have them early enough in the evening to not impact bedtime.
Photo by: Roy
Roy, Camping Blogger
Kids Love to Carry Their Own Bags

I don't know about your kids, but mine were looking forward to toting their own carry-on luggage even before our trip. I made a point to show them their luggage. I let them walk around the house a couple times to get used to it, but after that I put it away (you don't want them to get tired of this new excitement before the trip). I also let them pick out their own outfits. So if you plan any family trip, I strongly suggest considering having a carry-on for each kid (probably will work best if your kid is already in school). It will give them the sense of responsibility and make them feel like a grown up. Plus who doesn't want to save $20 per bag on check-in luggage? .
Photo by: Amy
Amy, The Q Family Adventures
Distribute your baby's things amongst all of your luggage
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General
Distribute Baby's Things
Distribute your baby's things amongst all of your luggage -- especially if you're headed somewhere that it may be difficult to get the things you need. It would be a real drag if the bag the airline lost was the one full of baby's necessities. Spread out and then at least you'll have enough to tide you over so you're not having to find a store straight away. This is a good tip for all travel parties, as my dear friend learned the hard way after spending a week in her husband's clothes and a borrowed swimsuit when her "misplaced" bag never turned up.
Photo by: pfly
Corinne, Have Baby Will Travel
Choose a Family Campground

There is nothing more fun for kids than...other kids! We go camping primarily in state and county parks, which are popular destinations for families on a budget who are looking to get away for the weekend. Once we set up our campsite, a quick stroll or bike ride through the campground always reveals other families with similarly aged kids, which is usually all it takes for new friendships to blossom. This is particularly true of holidays, when many families plan camping trips in order to take advantage of a three-day weekend. Packing a few extra drinks and snacks can keep the playtime going, just be sure to check with the other parents first. Whether the kids are playing at our campsite or their friend's site, we Photo by: Roy exchange information with the parents and keep an eye on our kids to ensure that they're not breaking any of our camping rules: 1. Stay out of other campsites. 2. No loud playing. 3. Stay within eyesight of adult supervision .
When you travel with kids you MUST prepare some busy travel bags for them
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General
Kids Don't Need Many Toys to Entertain Themselves
When you travel with kids you MUST prepare some busy travel bags for them. But you don't have to go overboard. A few toys that they love and a couple of new toys will suffice. Sometimes it's better to use whatever is available from your surroundings to distract them from boredom. During our recent air travel, I was able to entertain Mr. Z for almost an hour with the safety document. He loved studying the whole thing. He sat there quietly and listened very carefully to the flight attendant during take-off. He then continued to study all the exits and informed me that I had to put the mask on myself first before putting it on him. .
Photo by: Amy
Before Your Trip, Get Baby Used to Room Temperature Bottles

Before your trip, get baby used to room temperature bottles and food. On top of everything else that you're juggling, heating the baby's bottle at the time it needs to be heated is a hassle you can live without. In preparation for your journey and while you're en route, pre-measure your formula mixture so you can just add bottled water you purchase after clearing security. Check the sodium level on the brand you purchase (most are absolutely fine). You only need to be concerned if it's more than than 20mg of sodium per litre. .
Photo by: Lunchbox Photography
Suspend Some of the Rules

Suspend some of the rules. Eat dessert for dinner (we did this very successfully in New York). Let your kids go on rides or buy cheap souvenirs. Try to say "yes" more than you say "no." Don't let a little rain spoil your fun and take a few risks, even if it does mean missing the occasional nap.
Photo by: Mara
Mara, The Mother of All Trips
You can now go through security without dumping a full bottle or sippy cup when you declare it at the security checkpoint
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General
Don't Dump Liquids Out of Baby Bottles at Security
You can now go through security without dumping a full bottle or sippy cup when you declare it at the security checkpoint.
Photo by: Beth Nazario
Get a Gate Pass

A friend or family member (non-ticketed person) can help you get through security when traveling alone with children. Airlines usually limit the number of gate passes they will issue to one adult per child traveling. The ticketing agent will require proper identification, the passenger's name and flight information. A gate pass holder will be required to show proper identification and their gate pass to enter and go through the security line. *It's always a good idea to check with TSA & your airline before flying since these days procedures change daily.
Photo by: tienvijftien
Encourage Children to Participate in Campsite Activities

Our early family camping experiences were probably indicative of how many parents handle the camping experience. We would park the car, and the kids would run off and play while we found a spot for the tent, set up the tent and arranged the rest of the campsite. We quickly learned the benefits of involving the kids in all of these activities, though, which has proven to be an enriching experience for all of us. Involving kids in traditional adult activities, like building a fire or setting up the tent, is a rewarding experience that teaches responsibility and valuable outdoor skills. Kids are happy to participate if we just give them the chance, and it helps them feel much more involved with the family camping experience. .
Photo by: Roy
It's not only a cheap and very affordable souvenir, but it also gave the kids a chance to see the whole process of making their own souvenir
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General
The Best Souvenir is the One They Make Themselves
Last week, I was talking about one of the best souvenirs we bought home from our San Diego Trip. It's not only a cheap and very affordable souvenir, but it also gave the kids a chance to see the whole process of making their own souvenir. They picked the style they wanted. They pushed the coins in. They turned the wheel (a little bit of a work-out was required here). And voila, they had their own penny to put in their collection.
Photo by: Amy
Dress Baby in Layers

Dress your baby in layers with built-in feet if possible. I learned this the hard way during our last trip when we were all bundled up with hoodies and cardigans -- baby included. When clearing security, everyone has to remove their jackets and shoes - baby included - and it's already "fun" keeping track of your own stuff, never mind fiddling with tiny sweaters and footwear! Use pullover-type sweaters for babies and young 'uns, and a footie sleeper or jumpsuit to keep tiny toes warm without extra bother.
Photo by: Emery Co Photo
Check Out a Local Zoo, Aquarium, Museum or Botanical Garden

If you've got the time -- or if weather makes being outside less than desirable (like Las Vegas in the summer) -- consider heading to a local nature attraction like a zoo, aquarium, natural history museum or botanical garden. When we're in Vegas, we always check out the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand. It's cool to see plants and animals you won't find at home (like a Komodo dragon). .
Photo by: Debi
Debi, Go Explore Nature
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If you kids can't stay awake past 7 p.m. at home, don't expect them to be good dinner companions at 9 p.m. just because you're on vacation
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General
Know Thy Children
Knowing what your children are passionate about - and what they really don't like - will help you make good decisions. And if your kids can't stay awake past 7 p.m. at home, don't expect them to be good dinner companions at 9 p.m. just because you're on vacation.
Photo by: rolands.lakis
Mara, The Mother of All Trips
Take a Walk
It costs nothing, takes very little time and is a great way to get a sense of the area. We take walks on most nights at home and doing so while on vacation allows us to play the comparison game. What things do we see and hear that are different from our usual neighborhood walks? What feels, looks and sounds the same? If you and your kids are especially adventurous (or have the time), head for the local trails and take a hike.
Photo by: Debi
Play in a Park
The park offers everything a nature lover could want -- grass, trees, wide open spaces -- and sometimes much more. During our recent Thanksgiving stay in Northern California, we struck gold when meeting some friends and their kids at Central Park (Lake Elizabeth) in Fremont. The place was amazing complete with a lake, plenty of grassy area to run around on, covered picnic areas, restrooms and numerous play areas. We were sad our visit was so short, but will add this gem of a park to the list of things to do next time we're in town.
Photo by: Lincolnian (Brian)
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We boarded our boat ... the Margaylea ... and enjoyed four days of gentle drifting, fishing, watching the river banks glide by
Photo by: judepics
Main Index
Australia
Houseboating on the Murray
We boarded our boat ... the Margaylea ... and enjoyed four days of gentle drifting, fishing, watching the river banks glide by. Put it this way: it was a real holiday for everyone principally because the kids did not require entertaining and everyone has to see the Murray, from the river, once.
Photo by: Don
Don, Kidaddle
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12
Nova Scotia is breathtaking, un-crowded, friendly, and well suited for family travel
Photo by: laszlo-photo
Main Index
Canada
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is breathtaking, un-crowded, friendly, and well suited for family travel. Consider putting it on your travel destination wish list!
Photo by: by [puamelia]
Lorraine , Keeps Me Smiling
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13
I kept running my hands and feet through the shells and it was as if I was having an exfoliation treatment at a spa
Photo by: Wha'ppen
Main Index
Costa Rica
Playa Conchal
We rented a house for three weeks in Playa, Flamingo on the Guanacaste side of Costa Rica. This coastline is known for its unique string of beaches, each with their own personality. So naturally we set out to visit them all, even the most difficult one to get to: Playa Conchal. Playa Conchal is truly a "hidden beach." It took me three tries to finally fiqure out just how to get there. If you are not staying at the fancy Paradisus Playa Conchal, then the only public entrance is by driving your car down onto another beach and then 4-wheel driving it up a rocky path and praying no one is trying to come down at the same time. I was with the kids by myself on this adventure while my husband stayed back to get some work done. Needless to say, I was a little nervous, but determined to find this beach! I was a Mom on a Mission! Photo by: Andrea Playa Conchal is made up of millions of crushed shells! I thought for sure there would be sand and just a lot of shells, but nope, no sand - all shells! I kept running my hands and feet through the shells and it was as if I was having an exfoliation treatment at a spa. I am still a little mistified by this secret piece of paradise. It was also some of the bluest water I have ever seen. I was so glad that I didn't give up and forged ahead to find this hidden gem. In all my travels, Playa Conchal is my favorite beach so far! .
Andrea, Have Kids Still Travel
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14
Yokohama, the seaside city south of Tokyo is perfect for families
Photo by: thinboyfatter
Main Index
Japan
Tokyo for Families
I love the buzzy energy of Tokyo, and it's a perfect destination with pre-teens and teens, but a bit too mind-blowing for little ones. The crowds that older children find exciting are simply overwhelming when you're two feet tall. That's why I like Yokohama, the seaside city south of Tokyo. Make no mistake; it is Japan, so it's crowded, but somehow the location near the sea makes it feel more open. There's a big mall/hotel highrise called Landmark Tower (with a Pokemon Store - yay!) and it's surrounded by an amusement park and wide pedestrian seawall.
Photo by: pohan
A New York Times article about exploring Tokyo through its ramen shops mentioned the terrific Ramen Museum in Yokohama, where you can get lots of different kinds of ramen to eat and walk through a sort of living history museum. Super for families! .
Sheila, Why Go Family Travel
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15
We were so impressed with the deep Sahara experience that we think this should be on everyone's bucket list
Photo by: Inaam Hamdoune
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Morocco
Sahara Camel Trek
If you want a stunning and authentic experience in the Sahara, then Les Nomades are the people to pick. I did a LOT of research on this before going, including talking to experts, who had lived in and knew the area well, and that more than paid off in our experience. If you are a twenty-something single, you might think getting food poisoning or bed bugs is part of the fun (we read about such things happening there with lesser outfits), but when you travel as a family with a young child, you want your exotic travel to be safe, educational, authentic, unique and without problems. You couldn't be in better hands than with Alessandra, who was simply extraordinary. She, her Berber husband and their family made this experience one of the highlights of our open-ended world tour and I can't recommend them high enough. Photo by: Jeanne We were so impressed with the deep Sahara experience that we think this should be on everyone's bucket list. .
Jeanne, Soul Travelers
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16
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a "must do" if you're travelling with the kids between Taupo and Rotorua
Photo by: PhillipC
Main Index
New Zealand
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, Rotorua
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a "must do" if you're travelling with the kids between Taupo and Rotorua (10 minutes off the main road and well-marked by signs). Using the natural geothermal water (no chemicals added), the complex sports a splash pool, a sit 'n' soak pool, a garden pool and two private pools. We landed there at 6pm with the kids, having been tipped off that the pools stay open until 9pm and the Ponga Tree Cafe in the complex serves fantastic kid's meals. So picture it: cold, raining ... drizzling in that bone chilling wintry way. In we went and the kids hardly paused long enough to take off their clothes before they were in the toasty warm water. We soaked ourselves and our aching bones for an hour, before repairing to the cafe for nachos, pies, soup (laksa!) ... perfect! When we got back to our Photo by: mcaretaker fabulous farm stay, the kids were asleep before their heads touched the pillows. We went there three nights in a row! (By the way: adjoining the pools complex is a small 20-site campground with shower, laundry and kitchen facilities.) .
Don, Kidaddle
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17
Unlike the neighboring party island of Ibiza, Mallorca is a great family destination
Photo by: Reinante El Pintor de Fuego
Main Index
Spain
Mallorca, Baleric Islands
Mallorca, just off the coast of Spain, is part of the Baleric Islands. It is the hippest 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. In fact a lot of the hotels and resorts cater to families by offering playgrounds, club activities and children's entertainment. We stayed at Viva Cala Mesquida in Playa Mesquida, home to the very popular Galactic Super Hero Bufo! Oh yes, they have a mascot of sorts and he entertains the children nightly at the Mini Disco! They also have Bufo Kids Club , a drop-off child care service during the day. We had a room with a view (most of the apartments are located beachside). It was a very short and easy walk down to the sand. We rented a car from the hotel so we could drive into Photo by: Andrea the beachside town do do some tourist shopping and found another huge playground swarming with kids! We also drove to the capital city of Mallorca, Palma. The city of Palma is very easy to push a stroller around. We literally walked around the entire city. It is the most charming city with cobblestone streets, cute cafes and some very historic buildings. The most famous building, La Seu (the cathedral) is one of Europe's tallest Gothic structures. .
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18
Sedona is the earth's natural playground for kids!
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United States
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is the earth's natural playground for kids! And you can quote me on that. We lived in Scottsdale, Arizona for a year so we took many day trips to Sedona, and the drive from the Phoenix area takes just a little over an hour. The kids loved to walk, run, jump and stretch over the rocks. It's really a nice little workout for them -- not to mention the fresh air and the beautiful scenery! They thought "hiking" was so exciting and they took exploring very seriously. I highly reccommend the Pink Jeep Tours. They're worth the price and you see some incredible views! They allow children 18 months and up. However, on the more rugged tours you should not take a child under the age of four. We went on the most rugged, heart pounding tour with a two year-old and a four year-old. It wasn't the wisest decision we ever made. The Photo by: Andrea two year-old was pretty scared at some points and the bumpy ride was pretty hard for him to handle. They were locked securely in car seats, but his head was getting knocked around too much. So pick the more scenic tours if you have younger kids and save the true outback tours until they're older. And hold on tight cause it's a bumpy ride! .
Monterey Peninsula, California

Two hours south of San Francisco, Monterey does not often get selected as a destination by tourists. I would say most Californians, however, have visited here more than once. Those with families will find plenty to do: there is a world-renown aquarium, beautiful beaches, a children's museum, and excellent play areas. There are activities that take advantage of the calm bay, such as kayaking, diving and whale-watching. The beauty of the shoreline attracts a large artist community, especially to nearby Carmel, where galleries are practically along every other street. (Carmel is also the most pet-friendly town I have ever known, with most shops and restaurants welcoming pets into their businesses) Another attraction of the Monterey area is that it is best enjoyed in the shoulder seasons, spring and fall. At those Photo by: Lora times the summer fogs lift and the weather is perfect for outdoor enjoyment. .
Lora, Tripping With Kids
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Gray whales are thought to use Dana Point in Orange County as a landmark during their great winter migration from the Bering Sea down to Baja
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United States
Whale Watching, Orange County
Did you know that gray whales are thought to use Dana Point in Orange County as a landmark during their great winter migration from the Bering Sea down to Baja? Hop on board a whale- watching cruise in Dana Point Harbor and see one of these mighty beasts for yourself. Don't be surprised if you see dolphins and sea lions along the way. If you would rather do the paddling yourself, rent a kayak and explore Newport Bay. This ecological reserve is a bird watcher's paradise and the perfect place for first timers to learn how to paddle.
Photo by: marlin harms
Sharlene, Double the Adventure
Family-Friendly Hiking, Orange County

Fantastic family-friendly hiking trails: Whether you take a hike in a coastal canyon, a stroll around Newport's Back Bay or explore Saddleback Mountain in search of Holy Jim Falls, you are destined to find a piece of Orange County that few tourists ever see. Orange County is still wild. You just have to know where to look.
Photo by: Sharlene
Beautiful Beaches, Orange County

Beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored: enjoy Orange County as it has been for generations at Crystal Cove State Beach, explore some fantastic tide pools at Little Corona Beach during low tide or have the ultimate Southern California beach day at Huntington. Either way, make it down to the water. Orange County beaches are nothing short of spectacular.
Photo by: Sharlene
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These two cities (about 25 minutes from each other) are homes to our two favorite NWFL state parks: Florida State Caverns and Falling Waters State Park
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United States
Marianna and Chipley, Florida
People from this area will laugh when they read this. Why do you have Chipley and Marianna on this list? What is there?! Many people don't realize that these are two real gems. These cities (about 25 minutes from each other) are homes to our two favorite NWFL state parks: Florida State Caverns and Falling Waters State Park. Grab your tent and air mattress and take the kids camping. They'll love wandering through the nature trails and cooking dinner under the stars. Spend time in Marianna exploring the small caverns and then head to Falling Waters to camp and to see Florida's tallest waterfall (usually just a trickle!) and some of the coolest sinkholes around. My kids were fascinated with the fact that the ground just disappeared! Make sure you grab the Florida Passport and get it stamped while
Jennifer, Two Kids and a Map
Photo by: Jennifer
you're there. .
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21
The easiest way to see the manatees is to take a guided snorkel tour
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United States
Swim with Manatees at Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River is a two-hour drive from Orlando or the Tampa Bay Area. It is comprised of a network of more than 30 springs that begins at the northwest end of Kings Bay and travels west for about 6 miles where it enters the Gulf of Mexico.Going to the Florida's Nature Coast isn't about roller coasters and water slides. It is an area of natural beauty offering numerous outdoor activities for families. You can scuba dive, kayak, go nature watching and see what Citrus County is most known for -- its large population of manatees. In the winter months, when the Gulf of Mexico cools, manatees come up the Photo by: SpecialKolin Crystal River to keep warm in the spring fed waters that maintains a constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius all year round. The easiest way to see the manatees is to take a guided snorkel tour. They can set you up with all the equipment you need as well as having the benefit of their knowledge on where to best find manatees and the federal and state laws regulating how people can interact with them. One of Crystal River's treasures is the Three Sisters Springs. It reminds me of the movie "Blue Lagoon." It's so beautiful with crystal clear waters. If you are lucky, you might see a manatee or two. But you have to get there early in the morning for your best chance to see them. When you are ready for lunch, head over for the best Cuban sandwich in Florida at "Cravings on the Water." I have had quite a few Cuban sandwiches from Key West to Little Havana and up to Northern Florida and haven't had one that is as good as theirs. The kids may not like the tangy sauce, but mom and dad have to have some! There is a kid's menu. .
Kari Marie, Active Kids Club
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Nestled below the street level between the paths from Main Street U.S.A. to Tomorrow land and Fantasyland, the Plaza Rose Garden offers a quiet respite from the busy Magic Kingdom Park
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United States
Plaza Rose Garden in Disney's Magic Kingdom
Believe it or not, there is peace to be found at the base of Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World. Nestled below the street level in between the paths from Main Street U.S.A. to Tomorrow land and Fantasyland, the Plaza Rose Garden offers a quiet respite from the busy Magic Kingdom Park. It's not surprising that this is a favorite place for popping the question at Walt Disney World. The waterfall at the entrance to Tomorrow land drowns out the noise of the crowds above you, and you can gaze at the prize-winning roses and take a needed break.
Photo by: Eccentric Scholar
Bonus tip: The Plaza Rose Garden is also an excellent place to watch the "Wishes" fireworks show each night at the Magic Kingdom.
Leigh, Theme Park Mom
Lobby of the Hyatt Regency, Orlando International Airport

So in thinking about the travel secrets I could share, I decided to go with what I really know. And that's Orlando and Walt Disney World - the vacationland teeming with noisy tourists and screaming children. Yes, I love it. But I am willing to admit that it's noisy, and mama needs a few minutes of peace every now and again. So, without further adieu, here's my secret place to steal a quiet moment in Orlando: the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Orlando's airport is, let's face it, more kid-filled than many other airports in the country because of its proximity to the Most Magical Place on Earth. And that means Photo by: maxim303 more noise. And crying. And lost balloons. So when you find yourself with some time to kill before you need to head to your gate, head to this hotel lobby on the fourth floor. There are plenty of quiet corners with comfortable seating, wi-fi and a bar where you can get a cup of coffee or a drink. Bonus tip: the hotel lobby bathrooms are also cleaner, quieter and less-crowded than those inside the airport itself. .
Leigh, Theme Park Mom
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Located on the water, Atlas draws a lot of the after-work happy hour and sushi-eating crowd
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United States
Atlas Oyster Bar, Pensacola
Located on the water, Atlas draws a lot of the after-work happy hour and sushi-eating crowd. My husband and I will often go to Atlas (or its sister restaurant, The Fish House) for a date night. One evening, we headed to Atlas after a photo shoot nearby with four kids. I was craving their lettuce wraps and we just wanted a place to show the kids how amazing the sunset can be! You can sit outside so that the kids can chat and play with each other. There is lots to look at while you wait for your food: the cars driving across three-mile bridge, the boats pulling in and unloading, the sun setting, and the different birds flying around. The kid's menu offers the chicken nugget staple as well as some fish and shrimp options.
Jennifer, Pensacola with Kids
Photo by: Jennifer
Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, Pensacola

Before we had kids, we would head to Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse for a date night. Now it has become a place for a fun family meal. We sit at the hibachi table and the kids love the show. The chefs that prepare our meal have always gotten the kids involved in a fun way. The restaurant has so much going on that it is a little noisy so your kids can enjoy themselves without you worrying about who they are bothering. Tokyo is one place where I don't have to worry about paying for a meal and my kids NOT eating it. They will devour the rice and chicken before my husband and I have even gotten our meal plated! We haven't been in a while, but last time I drove by the restaurant I saw a sign that said kids eat free with an adult meal. Call ahead of time to make sure!
Photo by: stevendepolo
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Learn about the flora and fauna of Hawaii with hands-on, engaging exhibits
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United States
Jerry's Cajun Caf, Pensacola
Previously, I had only had take out or lunch at Jerry's Cajun Cafe both without my kids! We had some friends in town who had previously lived in Pensacola and their number one meal request was dinner at Jerry's Cajun Cafe. I was a little concerned because in the past the only children I had seen in the restaurant were sleeping in an infant carrier...and we were going in with five children ranging in ages from infant to seven. Yikes! We even packed lots of hearty snacks because we were worried that we wouldn't be able to find anything suitable on the menu. Surprisingly, Jerry's Cajun Cafe offers an extensive kid's menu featuring chicken nuggets, hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers and seafood. Items that are not spicy are labeled clearly! This is one place where my children have been welcomed with open Photo by: lucianvenutian arms. The waiters and waitresses spoke directly to my children asking if they wanted more to drink or crayons to color with. In season you can purchase a Gambino's King Cake to celebrate Mardi Gras! . .
St. George Island, Florida

St. George Island is a 22 mile barrier island with beaches as white and pristine as you imagine the Gulf Coast of Florida to be. Ride into Apalachicola for some of the most amazing seafood, namely oysters, that you have ever had. Even though it gets chilly in the fall and winter, St. George Island is a fantastic place to take the kids year-round. Let them run up and down the beach and hike through the miles of wetlands and forests that surround the area.
Photo by: arturodonate
Jennifer, Two Kids and a Map
Hawaii Nature Center, Maui

I'm a sucker for a good education center, so of course I loved the Hawaii Nature Center. On the way up to Iao Valley State Park, most people will drive past this place. They shouldn't. Kids (and parents) can get a bit more out of their Hawaiian vacation than boogie boards and shave ice. At this center, they learn about the flora and fauna of Hawaii with hands-on, engaging exhibits.
Photo by: Carolina
Carolina, Kids Go West
25
I wish I could spend more Sunday afternoons walking in fields of lavender and through bamboo tunnels before sitting down to relax and sip my lavender tea while gazing out over the Pacific Ocean
Main Index
United States
Upcountry with Kids, Maui
I put off a visit to the up-country region of Maui because I wasn't sure if my son would like it. I had read about the pineapple wineries and the rolling countryside, but it didn't sound like kiddie paradise. I loved being proven wrong. We spent a very relaxing Sunday afternoon at the Alii Kula Lavender Farm and the Kula Botanical Garden. Both places had plenty of activities to keep kids busy, including scavenger hunts, poi fish to feed, and brownies to eat. I wish I could spend more Sunday afternoons walking in fields of lavender and through bamboo tunnels before sitting down to relax and sip my lavender tea while gazing out over the Pacific Ocean. .
Photo by: Carolina
Kahekili Beach Park, Maui

This became one of our favorite beaches in Maui, by default. We gave up trying to find free parking at the more popular Kaanapali Beach nearby, so we drove on to Kahekili Beach Park instead. We loved that this beach was quieter, but still had the conveniences of a bathroom, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and a parking lot. When you're traveling with young kids, these are all a godsend. The snorkeling is also good and it makes the best location for a sunset dinner. And by sunset dinner, I mean a picnic of take-out food from Maui Tacos.
Photo by: Carolina
Ocean City, New Jersey

It's called "America's Greatest Family Resort," and it lives up to that name without affectation or pretense. A small barrier island in South Jersey, it's a place where the ice cream truck rings its bell at every beach entrance, families sit at the table long after dinner is done, and generations of people have made memories that harken back to a simpler time - when clam shells were perfectly fine for digging in the sand, your skin smelled like the sea and every morning brought the promise of good, clean fun.
Photo by: Christine
Christine, Miss Expatria
26
Another of my favorite gems is the Black Hills of South Dakota
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United States
Black Hills of South Dakota
Closer to home here in the United States, another of my favorite gems is the Black Hills of South Dakota. What a great vacation when you have young kids. While it's kind of a Disneyland touristy kind of place, the cabins at the Newton Fork Ranch are not! The real thing in a beautiful setting, they were the perfect place to rest our feet each night. There are six cabins ringing a beautiful meadow, full of whitetail deer and open space to run. Our children played tag with kids from other cabins while we sat on the porch enjoying a glass of wine. The Mickelson Trail runs through the property and was a great hike for the whole family to enjoy more of the beautiful scenery. The cabins are open year-round, and though we visited in the summer, I can just imagine curling up with a book in front of the fireplace.
Dee, Travel and Travails
Photo by: Dee
27
The Birthplace of the Blues offers many ways for even young children to learn more about this country's musical history and offerings
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United States
Memphis, Tennessee
Get some coupons/discounts from the city's CVB (Convention and Visitor's Bureau) because remember, a CVB's whole job is to ensure a happy visit. Memphis is big enough to have a variety of things to do, but not so sprawling that it wears everyone out. Amenities and lodging are reasonably priced, and so is good food. Summer is hot and muggy, but there's always the Memphis in May festival. We're big music fans in my family, and the Birthplace of the Blues offers many ways for even young children to learn more about this country's musical history and offerings. For starters, the popular Beale Photo by: Exothermic Street historic district is actually pretty open to kids (I call it a civilized Bourbon Street) and when we visited, the guys at the door at several venues let the whole family in to listen to live music as long as it was fairly early in the evening. There's also the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio (where Elvis and many others were launched) and the Center for Southern Folklore. Before we arrived I showed my preteen an Elvis documentary (to try to explain the hype) then took her through his home at Graceland. Believe it or not, she's now an Elvis fan and the envy of her friends because she's been to Graceland. Boring and weird Mom wins again! Take the kids to see the formerly segregated Lorraine Motel (an important US civil rights landmark) where Dr. King was killed -- it's now part of the acclaimed National Civil Rights Museum. Other kid-friendly places include Mississippi River attractions, like the Mud Island River Park (including the Mississippi River Museum and a scaled down version of the river that begs for barefoot splashing) plus the Memphis Zoo, a children's museum and in season, Redbirds minor league baseball at the downtown AutoZone Park. We stayed at the Hampton Inn at Peabody Place, which was perfectly located downtown and was also attached to a small mall that occupied certain wiggly toddlers when needed. .
Sheila, Why Go Family Travel
28
Front Cover
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Contributing Authors
This Travel Secrets eBook is the result of a unique collaborative project, the first of its kind to take place on the Internet. It would not have been possible without the amazing community spirit and unrivalled travel knowledge of the talented writers and bloggers listed below. Take a virtual world tour around their inspiring travel blogs. What are your Best Kept Travel Secrets? Join our team of travel writers and become a Travel Secrets Author.
Kari Marie Sharlene Corinne Lorraine Carolina Jennifer Jeanne Amy Dee Jennifer Active Kids Club Double the Adventure Have Baby Will Travel Keeps Me Smiling Kids Go West Pensacola with Kids Soul Travelers The Q Family Adventures Travel and Travails Two Kids and a Map Roy Debi Andrea Don Christine Sherri Mara Leigh Lora Sheila Camping Blogger Go Explore Nature Have Kids Still Travel Kidaddle Miss Expatria Postcards and Coasters The Mother of All Trips Theme Park Mom Tripping With Kids Why Go Family Travel
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Best and Cheapest Way to See Europe

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Dress Baby in Layers

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