Family
Vacations: It's the Little Things That Count (Family Features)
In a recent survey commissioned by the Orlando/Orange County
Convention & Visitors Bureau, kids were asked about their
favorite part of family vacations. Here's what they said:
-
going to new places (27%)
-
spending more time with parents (18%)
-
staying in a hotel (14%)
-
playing in a swimming pool (11%)
-
not going to school (11%)
Moms
surveyed said that they want to take the kids on a nice
vacation to:
- provide
new experiences(79%)
- relax
and have fun (66%)
- get
away from the stress of work, school and home (63%)
- spend
one-on-one time with them (44%)
 Grand
sights or theme parks are only part of the vacation experience.
As this survey shows, what happens around the main events
is often the stuff of the best family memories.
For
a trip that gives kids and parents happy memories, get
everyone in on the planning and keep these tips in mind.
Getting
there. Consider renting a car to get you to your destination.
It saves wear and tear on your car and you can rent vehicles
with DVD players for games and movies, and on-board GPS
to help navigate.
If
you decide to fly, book early to get seats together, and
pay attention to connection times. Missing a connection
or having luggage not make the transition can make it
a vacation everyone would like to forget. Eating out.
Fast food three times a day might be cheap, but there
are affordable alternatives to keep the whole gang happy.
Smart Travel July
08 Source: Carlson Hotels Worldwide
- Stay at a hotel that has a free breakfast buffet.
There's something for everyone and it doesn't cost extra.
- Many family chain restaurants have a "Kids Eat
Free" night for children under 12 accompanied by
an adult. A great way to get a good meal for less.
- Picnic at a local park. Grab some picnic food at a
nearby grocery store, spread out a blanket and enjoy
a leisurely lunch. The kids can also run around and
play while the adults relax.
Finding
a hotel. The hotel should be close to where you'll be
exploring, and should have family-friendly amenities. Look
for things like:
- Swimming pools: free fun for everyone.
- Suites: a little extra room to spread out makes staying
together more fun.
- Exercise facilities: mom and dad can give each other
a break by taking turns working out.
With
the rising cost of gasoline adding to trip expenses, it's
important to find the best values possible, including
your hotel choice. Look for hotels that offer additional
family-friendly perks. A popular program from Country
Inns & Suites by Carlson is the Read It & Return
Lending Library. Guests of all ages can borrow a book
and return it on their next visit. Books are a great way
to unwind at the end of the day and on the ride home.
They
are also offering families a special Travel Values coupon
book from May through September. The coupon book provides
valuable family travel offers from a number of companies
including: Dollar Rent A Car, Thrifty Car Rental, Sylvan
Learning, Scholastic, Creative Memories, AudibleKids.com
and Papa John's.
A
family trip can go from good to great when you consider
all the trip details, not just the main attractions.
For
more about Read It & Return or the Travel Values coupon
book visit www.countryinns.com.
With
more than 990 locations in 71 countries and five hotel
brands, including Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Country
Inns & Suites By Carlson, Carlson Hotels Worldwide
is a leading authority in leisure and business travel.
Courtesy
of Family Features
|
| WOOTEN
WOODS OPENS ON APRIL 5 |
The
Latest Creation of Songwriter, Author, and Multi GRAMMY®
Award Winning Bassist Victor Wooten
"When
I first got here, I was like, 'Wow! There goes Victor Wooten,'
but now, I look at everybody that way."
What
would cause a teenage boy to speak those words? On Sunday
April 5, 2009, you can find out for yourself by visiting
Wooten Woods.
Victor
Wooten and his wife have recently purchased nearly 150 acres
on the beautiful Duck River near Nashville, TN. This will
be the new home for the Bass/Nature Camp-a camp they've
been running since the year 2000.
For
the last year, past students and friends have given back
to the Wootens and have given forward to future students
by donating time, labor, and love to erect the infrastructure
of the new camp. By joining the Wootens and their group
of instructors over a few weekends, these past students
have helped construct buildings, trails, gardens, and much
more-all for the purpose of furthering Wooten's dream of
sharing music and nature with people of all ages from around
the world.
Over
the years, people have come from as far away as Turkey and
Australia, Israel and Singapore, England and Brazil to learn
from Victor Wooten, whom some call a bass guru.
On Sunday,
April 5, you can join in on the fun, music, nature, and
more (you may even get to pound in a nail or two.) The time
is 1pm - 6pm and the cost is FREE!
Victor
Wooten currently maintains an ambitious dual solo/sideman
pace, regularly recording and touring with the Flecktones
(who have released a dozen albums), Mike Stern and Chick
Corea's Elektric Band. With each new solo CD (six so far),
Wooten has expanded his musical focus and knack for genre-uniting
via his songwriting, producing and multi-instrumental skills
- all while maintaining a stellar level of bass playing.
This has never been more evident than on Palmystery, his
2008 release on Heads Up International, a division of Concord
Music Group.
For
additional information on Wooten Woods and directions, please
visit: www.victorwooten.com or: www.wootenwoodsretreat.com
The
Dome
A 1018 sq. ft. dome structure (36' around x 20' high) is
used as a large class/activity room, but is ready and adaptable
for many different uses (yoga, exercise, meetings, performances,
etc.).
RIVER
AT Wooten Woods Retreat
A playground with swing set, seesaw, and merry-go-round
sits alongside the River Cabin and the River Shack.
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