http://www.smartertravel.com/all/?content_type=column&column_type=taking_the_kids&source=rss_kids Eileen Ogintz: Taking the Kids Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:04:07 -0500 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:04:07 -0500 With many factors to consider this holiday season, such as airline fees, the flu, and crowds, it may seem impossible to actually enjoy your trip. Keep all in good spirits by following these tips. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/holiday-tips-for-safe-and-fun-family-travel.html?id=3846610&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 When life hands you lemons, plan a family cruise trip! A cruise may be the perfect alternative for celebrating a family occasion if other vacation plans are foiled. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/celebrate-your-next-family-milestone-on-cruise.html?id=3810162&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 With live sharks, bats, butterflies, and 1.7 million native plants, Cal Academy is a museum your kids won't want to leave. Discover what else the greenest museum in the country has to offer. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/california-academy-of-sciences-is-far-from-boring.html?id=3777795&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 For hiking, nature, and a whole lot of adventure, spend your next family vacation exploring Yosemite. The national park offers year-round fun for the whole family. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/discover-the-natural-beauty-and-excitement-of-yosemite.html?id=3738987&source=rss_kids kids Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:29:30 -0400 Complaints about chores, no more! A trip to Colonial Williamsburg offers a fun way to learn history by engaging kids while opening their eyes to the realities of life in the 18th century. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/experience-life-in-the-18th-century-at-colonial-williamsburg.html?id=3710442&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Whether you're looking for haunted houses or pumpkin patches, Eileen Ogintz offers a plethora of suggestions for fall and Halloween fun around the country. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/halloween-themed-adventures-for-all-ages.html?id=3685319&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Skip the usual family ski trip and head to Austria. Ski on glaciers and experience a new culture. The region's low prices (significantly cheaper than Aspen or Vail) make planning this trip easy. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/an-austrian-ski-vacation-offers-culture-adventure-and-value.html?id=3667151&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Think Bora Bora is reserved for romatic getaways? Think again! With kid-friendly resorts and activities, the island is the ideal location to explore on your next family vacation. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/bora-bora-exotic-charms-entice-parents-and-kids-alike.html?id=3642799&source=rss_kids kids Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:46:57 -0400 Who needs an African safari when local zoos and aquariums have so much to offer? Eileen Ogintz highlights some of the special deals and programs being promoted this fall. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/zoos-aquariums-good-bet-in-cooler-weather.html?id=3613748&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400 The kids may have gone back to school, but with all the great travel deals out there, fall is the perfect time to travel. Eileen Ogintz reviews a few of the family specials available. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/take-advantage-of-fall-deals-for-families.html?id=3590976&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Heading to college is usually not an inexpensive option, but Eileen Ogintz has tips for saving—and for letting go. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/pack-your-bags-for-college.html?id=3563542&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400 There may be fewer tourists in Alaska lately, as the industry has suffered this year, but there is still a lot of wildlife to see. Now may be the perfect time to visit the 49th state. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/get-close-to-wildlife-in-alaska.html?id=3535296&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Despite the economy, spa programs aimed at teenagers and girls are flourishing. Eileen Ogintz explores some of places that provide opportunities for moms and daughters to bond. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/moms-and-daughters-bond-with-spa-time.html?id=3515186&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Mexico tourism has been hit hard, and many destinations are offering deals. Families can escape to hotspots for less, and discover unknown attractions along the way. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/take-advantage-of-the-unexpected-in-mexico.html?id=3488936&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Elderhostel enables grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together, as well as take in the sights of the Big Apple. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/extended-families-connect-on-new-york-vacation.html?id=3465039&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Tourism is down by double digits as Alaska celebrates the 50th anniversary of becoming a state. That means good deals and lots of availability. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/nature-wildlife-and-more-on-an-alaskan-sea-adventure.html?id=3438663&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Judging by the crowds on a recent sunny day at Disneyland and California Adventure Park in Anaheim, a lot of families have decided to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/taking-trip-down-memory-lane-at-disneyland.html?id=3416997&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Sailing trips are a great value: They can be significantly cheaper than hotels, especially when splitting costs with another family and cooking your own meals. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/sailing-around-the-tahitian-islands.html?id=3396072&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400 AAA says well over 80 percent of summer vacations will be road trips this year, with families traveling more than 600 miles round-trip. New gadgets and games make a road trip fun. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/planning-successful-family-road-trip.html?id=3371498&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400 All five boroughs have something to offer visiting families. Even better, many attractions can be toured on the cheap. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/visiting-the-lesser-known-new-york-city.html?id=3341170&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Maybe it's the economy. Maybe it's the need to reconnect. At beach houses and on sailboats, in city condos and mountain cabins, families and friends are joining forces on vacation. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/group-travel-vacation-rentals-leads-to-cheap-trips.html?id=3323707&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400 What could be better than your kids getting to test their latest tricks at a huge skate park, while also sharing an island vacation with the family? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/skate-with-the-pros-on-grand-cayman.html?id=3302052&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400 There are a growing number of efforts to get families outdoors: Programs from REI, Grandparents.com, and even the federal government, encourage affordable adventures. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/save-money-make-memories-with-summer-camping-trip.html?id=3277867&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Resort and spa credits, kids eat free, hotel discounts, and more. For overall value, you won't find a greater deal than a Caribbean vacation this summer. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/find-great-deals-at-caribbean-resorts-this-summer.html?id=3253874&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400 A visit to Kansas City offers the opportunity to explore some subjects your kids might not know that much about. And it's affordable, with hotels starting around $100 per night. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/barbecue-and-bargains-in-kansas-city.html?id=3230408&source=rss_kids kids Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400