families - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T14:32:59Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/familiesPhu Quoc Paradise Island, a great choice for your family vacation Vietnamhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/phu-quoc-paradise-island-a-great-choice-for-your-family-vacation2019-08-26T08:08:26.000Z2019-08-26T08:08:26.000ZVietnampathfinderhttps://tripatini.com/members/Vietnampathfinder<div><p><strong>Phu Quoc “Pearl Island”</strong> not only appeals tourists by white sand beaches, deep green coconut trees, magnificent mountains convolution coincides with gentle inhabitants class hospitality but also by its special flavor of Phu Quoc fish sauce and unique Sim wine. Here are the top 10 things to do and see on Phu Quoc island we recommended for you.<br /><br /><a href="https://vietnampathfinder.com/upload/fckeditor/Phu%20Quoc%20island_VPT_640Bai%20sao%20beach_phu%20quoc%20island.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://vietnampathfinder.com/upload/fckeditor/Phu%20Quoc%20island_VPT_640Bai%20sao%20beach_phu%20quoc%20island.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" alt="Phu%20Quoc%20island_VPT_640Bai%20sao%20beach_phu%20quoc%20island.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p>Long Beach</p><p>Located in Duong Dong town, Long beach stretches on the length of 20km with beautiful seashores, a chain of restaurants and resorts for tourists to behold the dawn and sunset from their rooms. It is rated by CNN to be one of the best 20 beaches in Asia. Spend a trip lying on the white sand of Long Beach will be absolutely worth your while on Phu Quoc tours.</p><p><a href="https://vietnampathfinder.com/upload/fckeditor/gam%20ghi%20island%20on%20phu%20quoc_vietnam.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://vietnampathfinder.com/upload/fckeditor/gam%20ghi%20island%20on%20phu%20quoc_vietnam.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" alt="gam%20ghi%20island%20on%20phu%20quoc_vietnam.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p>Gam Ghi Island, a must to visit for your <a href="https://www.vietnampathfinder.com/tours/154/Vietnam-Family-Package.html" target="_blank">family vacation Vietnam</a></p><p>This idyllic island belonging to An Thoi archipelago impresses tourists by its lovely beaches and surrounding coral reefs. With the calm and clear water, you only want to soak in the beaches of Gam Ghi Island all day long. In addition, snorkeling to see the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life is also an interesting activity that should be noted in your Phu Quoc tour itinerary.</p></div>Family Travel Marketing Strategies Fail Familieshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/family-travel-marketing-strategies-fail-families2012-09-25T17:30:00.000Z2012-09-25T17:30:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008735662,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008735662,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="468" alt="9008735662?profile=original" /></a></p><p>In a previous post, <a href="http://newmediatravel.com/why-is-hotel-web-content-so-boring/" target="_blank">New Media Travel</a> asked “Why Is Hotel Content So Boring?”<br /> The point was that hotels, airlines, and often the entire travel industry, are inclined to present images of the perfect family: a leggy blonde mother, two gorgeous light-haired kids and a handsome, fit dad playing in the blue water.<br /> <br /> Or, lest they offend anyone, their glossies and web images are full of empty hotel pools, empty dining rooms and empty lobbies.<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Hotels report that showing a racially mixed family or a same-sex family or whatever might offend potential visitors to a hotel or destination. In fact, one hotel exec said that even showing families might offend childless couples, and deter them from becoming guests of the property.<br /> <br /> But the USA is nothing if not a fascinating blend of mixed marriages, races, families, and sexual preferences. In truth, says HotelNewsNow, in 2010, traditional families made up only 20% of “married family” households.<br /> <br /> <em>The Brady Bunch</em> has given way to <em>The Modern Family</em>.<br /> <br /> The report from <a href="http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/8940/Marketing-to-the-modern-family" target="_blank">HotelNewsNow</a>, also says mixed-race families, same-sex parents, single parent and other non-traditional households “are among the fastest growing family segments.”<br /> <br /> But regardless of their growth and financial clout, these new families feel alienated and discriminated against and ignored, especially by the travel industry.<br /> <br /> <a href="%28http%3A//www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/data-points-modern-families-142950" target="_blank">AdWeek</a> has a very interestting infographic that breaks down the preferences and makeup of these non-traditional families.<br /> <br /> <strong>Highlights</strong>:<br /> <br /> • Seventy-six 76% of these new families opt to buy brands and travel services from companies that support causes the families believe in<br /> • But a huge 71% report that advertising they see does not show families like theirs<br /> • <strong>And 46% are “turned off” by advertising that “depicts the ideal family.”</strong><br /> <br /> John Fareed of <a href="http://www.johnfareed.com" target="_blank">Fareed Hospitality and Consulting</a> goes so far as to ask whether the travel industry in general and hotels in particular are aware of the dramatic change in the family segment.<br /> He argues, as did NewMediaTravel, that the travel industry, in its images, brochures, language and especially its videos must create a true emotional representation of what the hotel or destination is like.<br /> <br /> Most importantly, the travel industry has to find the courage to present the American Family as it is: a complex mosaic of non-traditional connections, and not as the idealized pictures in their brochures.<br /> <br /> Why it’s taking travel so long to adapt to the new demographic reality is puzzling. Perhaps the report will be a wake up call.</p></div>Tying the Knot With Kids - The New Kind of Weddinghttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tying-the-knot-with-kids-the-new-kind-of-wedding2012-09-07T15:15:49.000Z2012-09-07T15:15:49.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008725282,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008725282,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008725282?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Since 9/11 it’s pretty clear that the trend toward the bonding, memory-building kinds of family travel experience is still strong.<br /> <br />And the Caribbean, with its mix of the sensual and the accessible, is still a perfect place for those tying the knot, again, but who are committed to sharing the event with their children and extended family.<br /> <br /> The <a href="http://www.marrycaribbean.com" target="_blank">Caribbean Wedding Association</a> has been seeing a new kind of love and marriage lately. Apparently people who are finding love later in life, who’ve done the big formal wedding, now want something different.<br /> <br />When they remarry, they want their children included so they can all begin their new lives together, as a family. It’s not just about the man and woman anymore.</p><p><br /> Given the statistics, it makes sense.<br /> According to the <a href="http://www.saafamilies.org" target="_blank">Stepfamily Association of America</a> there are now as many stepfamilies as “intact” families.<br /> The association says a whopping 65+ percent of remarriages are now bring children into the new relationship.<br /> “Really, Familymoons, as we call them, are quite adorable,” says a Weddingwcoordinator at <a href="http://www.bracreef.com" target="_blank">Brac Reef Beach Resort</a> on Cayman Brac.<br /><br /> “It’s fun to see the kids taking part in the ceremony. With one of our couples, there were thirty family members, and his daughter and her daughter, both teens, were bridesmaids. The ages ranged from one year to mid-seventies, and everyone loved being together.”<br /> <br /> Experts say these kinds of family marriages ease the transition into the new life, because parents don’t want to leave their kids behind when they tie the knot.<br /> <br />And the children certainly don’t want to be left behind while their new parents take off on a honeymoon without them.<br /> <br /> But Familymoons are not for everyone. Be prepared for a loss of intimacy between bride and groom, and repressed family issues seem somehow to come up on these pressure-cooker days.<br /> <br /> <strong>If you’re going en familie, here are some tips:</strong><br /> <br /> •Everyone in the family needs to be involved in planning, such as such as deciding who will make the toast or what specific attractions to visit.<br /> <br />•Choose a neutral destination, not one where either parent has spent a family vacation or, obviously, a previous honeymoon.<br /> <br />•A sense of humor is a must. Expect the unexpected. This is uncharted territory. If things don’t go according to plans, roll with them.<br /> <br />•Be aware that single parents traveling with minors outside the United States must bring proof from the other parent that they have the permission to travel with the child.<br /> <br />•Kids will often become homesick, missing their biological parent or pet, even. Be sure they can phone home or email friends.<br /> <br />•And chose a destination that has significant experience in family travel.<br /> <br /> Family travel sites like <a href="http://www.familytravelforum.com" target="_blank">Family Travel Forum</a> and <a href="http://www.travelingmom.com" target="_blank">Traveling Mom</a> are good resources. And good luck!<br /> <br /></p></div>How One Family Learned to Give Up Electronics and Love Aruba (With Video)https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-one-family-learned-to-give-up-electronics-and-love-aruba-w2012-03-15T14:23:10.000Z2012-03-15T14:23:10.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008693474,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008693474,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008693474?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>How One Family Learned to Give Up Electronics and Love Aruba w/Video</strong><br /> <br /> Kim Orlando loves to travel. She should, she's the CEO of <a href="http://www.travelingmom.com" target="_blank">travelingmom.com</a> and she especially loves to travel with her family.<br /> <br /> When the idea of a family trip to <a href="http://www.aruba.com" target="_blank">Aruba</a> came up, Orlando knew she wanted to go and, better still, take her family. But, she also knew that she wanted them to experience the island's beauty, and detach from their electronics: phones, computers and tablets.<br /> <br /> Challenging? You bet. Orlando's brood consists of three kids ages 11-15, and of course her husband, Rome.<br /> <br /> Naturally, no one wanted to part with their electronic lifelines.<br /> <br /> To sweeten the deal, she offered each kid twenty bucks. "I thought that was the best way to ease the pain," Orlando said. "I'd give them each twenty dollars and they could spend it on texting, or pick up some great stuff in Aruba to bring back, and build a memory with."<br /> <br /> How did they react?<br /> <br /> Not surprisingly, not happily. Said Sophia, 13, “ It was one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make. Shopping or texting my friends? Too hard!”<br /> <br /> Dario, 11, has a girlfriend, so for him, giving up his phone and texting was decidedly not something he was happy with. But mom was able to make it work.<br /> <br /> “So, the kids were finally able to detach during our hike, windsurfing and at dinner but otherwise there was a lot of negotiating attempts,” she laughed. “My daughter shopped. But then she got smacked with a $100 texting billl a month later!”<br /> <br /> But freed from their devices, the family gradually succumbed to Aruba's charms.<br /> <br /> One of the high points was a breakfast al fresco, arranged by <a href="http://www.depalmtours.com/" target="_blank">DePalm Tours</a> , and a family hike through the <a href="http://www.arubanationalpark.org/" target="_blank">Arikok National Forest</a>.<br /> <br /> Of course they explored Aruba's famous caves, the homes of former pirates, some say, but with intact Arawak Indian hieroglyphics from the 14000's.<br /> <br /> The golf courses of Aruba were a compensation of sorts, because Orlando's family are golf addicts.<br /> <br /> But at the end of the day, when all the Aruba action was over, would the Orlando recommend that other families go cold turkey and leave their electronic devices off and out of reach?<br /> <br /> “If you can get away with leaving the electronics at home, do it!,” Orland says.<br /> <br /> Since that’s unlikely for most traveling families, she strongly recommends a family pow wow and coming up with some sort of “electronics plan.”<br /> <br /> She also recommends checking with phone service providers to see if they can put limits on texting. We suggest asking service providers for special offers and roaming charges.<br /> <br /> At the end of the vacation, does Kim Orlando think it was worth the effort?<br /> “Absolutely!” she says.<br /> “This electronics challenge has become part of our family vacation story. We laugh and groan about it long after the trip is over.”<br /> <br /> But that’s how memories are built. Right?</p><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvwRzGshdEQ" target="_blank">Watch the 1-minute Aruba Video PostCard</a><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MvwRzGshdEQ?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p></div>Loving Travel Almost as Much as Familyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/loving-travel-almost-as-much-as-family2012-01-28T17:12:54.000Z2012-01-28T17:12:54.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296560290,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296560290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9296560290?profile=original" /></a></p><p>It's a bit startling to learn that our passion for travel is second only to our passion for our families.</p><p>I learned this from travel trade sites which often have more interesting things to say than consumer travel publications or sites.</p><p>The content on <a href="http://www.travelweekly.com" target="_blank">Travel Weekly</a> and, say, <a href="http://www.hotelmarketing.com" target="_blank">Hotelmarketing.com</a> is more readable , more useful than many travel consumer sites and publications that stretch for hyperbole when describing blue Caribbean waters or some village in Spain.</p><p>So when Hotelmarketing ran its list of top stories for 2011, they were interesting because they were gritty choices: Why hotels shouldn’t sell a $200 room for fifty bucks, or Dysfunctional hotel websites.</p><p>But when <a href="http://www.mmgyglobal.com/" target="_blank">Ypartners</a> a key analyst of travel trends, posted their snapshot of traveling Americans, I learned about American's love affair with travel. </p><p>The survey of 2,500 adults looked at the travel habits, preferences and intentions of American leisure travelers and found that we Americans have a deep commitment to travel.</p><p><em>In fact, Ypartners reported that Americans treasure their leisure and vacation time - citing travel as their number two passion behind family.</em></p><p>It’s also true that incentive programs find travel to be more “incentivizing” than money because, as one CEO said, money goes to pay the bills.</p><p>Travel builds memories and thus loyalty to the company handing out the incentive reward. According to Y’s <a href="http://www.hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/survey_reveals_key_leisure_travel_trends/" target="_blank">Portrait of American Travelers</a> our key travel traits are: </p><p>• We are smarter consumers. More than three-quarters of U.S. consumers (77 percent) say they have become smarter shoppers thanks to today's economic situation </p><p>• Among leisure travelers who have used the Internet to obtain travel information or to make a reservation, more than eight in ten say the most desirable features in a travel-service supplier website are the ability to check the lowest fares/rates (84 percent) and the lowest price/rate guarantee (82 percent) </p><p>• Experience-based travel involving family and friends rules: the leading types of leisure trips remain visiting friends and relatives (50 percent) and family vacations (42 percent) </p><p>• The Caribbean (34 percent), Europe (33 percent) and Mexico (26 percent) remain the top international destinations visited by American travelers during the past two years<br /> <br /> • Social media are gaining credibility as a trusted information source. Three out of five leisure travelers (61 percent) visited TripAdvisor prior to booking a hotel reservation, while one in five (18 percent) visited YouTube in the past 12 months.</p><p>Surprisingly, perhaps, two in ten active leisure travelers (18 percent) utilized the services of a traditional travel agent in the past 12 months, and younger travelers are slightly more likely to book through a travel agent than their older counterparts; </p><p>The full summary is on <a href="http://www.hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/survey_reveals_key_leisure_travel_trends/" target="_blank">Hotelmarketing.com</a> but one conclusion really stands out: While value is extremely important to the traveler, it’s not the same thing as “low cost” or cheaper.</p></div>Best Costa Rica all-inclusive resort vacationshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/best-costa-rica-all-inclusive-resort-vacations2013-10-18T03:52:55.000Z2013-10-18T03:52:55.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>All-inclusive resorts make vacation planning easy</strong>. Everything you need – place to stay, meals, activities, entertainment – is included in one price. You don’t have to worry about the details, hidden extras or going over budget. Going to <strong>an all-inclusive resort is truly a no-worry vacation</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>All-inclusive resorts in <a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20(Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a></strong> have been around for years, but the concept is booming. <strong>Major international hotel chains</strong> are now in the country, and almost all of Costa Rica’s all-inclusive resorts are located at <strong>popular beach destinations</strong>. Whether you are looking for <strong>family-friendly</strong> or <strong>adults-only</strong>, Costa Rica offers many all-inclusive resort vacation choices.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica:</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Gulf of Papagayo" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.7,-85.8&spn=1.0,1.0&q=10.7,-85.8%20(Gulf%20of%20Papagayo)&t=h" target="_blank">Papagayo Gulf</a></strong>, in Costa Rica’s northern <strong>Pacific <a class="zem_slink" title="Guanacaste Province" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.4333333333,-85.4&spn=1.0,1.0&q=10.4333333333,-85.4%20(Guanacaste%20Province)&t=h" target="_blank">Guanacaste</a> region</strong>, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Dazzling blue ocean, sun-kissed beaches, gently rolling coastal mountains creating secluded coves, bays and islands – all add up to tropical paradise. The setting is home to no less than four all-inclusive resorts.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/papagayo-gulf/hilton-papagayo.html" target="_blank"><strong>Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Occidental Grand Papagayo Costa Rica" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/papagayo-gulf/occidental-grand-papagayo.html" target="_blank"><strong>Occidental Grand Papagayo Costa Rica</strong></a> (18+ years adults only)</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Occidental Allegro Papagayo Costa Rica" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/papagayo-gulf/occidental-allegro.html" target="_blank"><strong>Occidental Allegro Papagayo Costa Rica</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Hotel RIU Guanacaste, Costa Rica" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/entry/all-inclusive-riu-guanacaste-costa-rica-deal.html" target="_blank"><strong>Hotel RIU Guanacaste</strong></a> and <strong>Hotel RIU Palace Guanacaste</strong> at the Papagayo Gulf</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hilton-Papagayo-Resort-Costa-Rica.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hilton-Papagayo-Resort-Costa-Rica-300x214.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="All-inclusive-Hilton-Papagayo-Resort-Costa-Rica-300x214.jpg?width=300" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The beautiful <strong>Playa Conchal</strong> (Shell Beach) in <strong>Guanacaste, Costa Rica</strong>, gets its name and its fame from its dazzling grainy white-sand beach composed of millions of crushed shells. With clear turquoise waters, it makes an impressive setting for swimming or snorkeling.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, Costa Rica" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/conchal/the-westin-golf-resort.html" target="_blank"><strong>The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hotel-Westin-Conchal-at-Playa-Conchal-Costa-Rica.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hotel-Westin-Conchal-at-Playa-Conchal-Costa-Rica-300x201.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="All-inclusive-Hotel-Westin-Conchal-at-Playa-Conchal-Costa-Rica-300x201.jpg?width=300" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Playa Langosta</strong>, in Costa Rica’s north Pacific Guanacaste region, is a gorgeous vacation destination next to the popular surf town of <strong>Tamarindo</strong>. Nearby is the <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Las Baulas National Marine Park" href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/lasbaulasnationalmarinepark.html" target="_blank">Las Baulas National Marine Park</a></strong>, where you can see giant Leatherback sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during nesting season. The Barceló Langosta Beach Resort was named by <a class="zem_slink" title="Travel + Leisure" href="http://www.travelandleisure.com" target="_blank">Travel & Leisure Magazine</a> as one of the <a title="Travel and Leisure Best Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts 2013" href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-affordable-all-inclusive-resorts/4%20http://" target="_blank">Best Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts of 2013</a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Barceló Langosta Beach Resort, Guanacaste, Costa Rica" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/tamarindo/barcelo-playa-langosta.html" target="_blank"><strong>Barceló Langosta Beach Resort, Guanacaste</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hotel-Barcelo-Playa-Langosta-pool-Costa-Rica.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hotel-Barcelo-Playa-Langosta-pool-Costa-Rica-300x192.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="All-inclusive-Hotel-Barcelo-Playa-Langosta-pool-Costa-Rica-300x192.jpg?width=300" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On the <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Nicoya Peninsula" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.0,-85.4166667&spn=1.0,1.0&q=10.0,-85.4166667%20(Nicoya%20Peninsula)&t=h" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula</a></strong> of Costa Rica, the calm Nicoya Gulf waters of <strong>Tambor Beach</strong> are a popular destination for beach and water sports lovers.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Barceló Tambor Beach Hotel, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/tambor/tambor-beach.html" target="_blank"><strong>Barceló Tambor Beach Hotel, Nicoya Peninsula</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hotel-Barcelo-Playa-Tambor-Costa-Rica.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Hotel-Barcelo-Playa-Tambor-Costa-Rica-300x199.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="All-inclusive-Hotel-Barcelo-Playa-Tambor-Costa-Rica-300x199.jpg?width=300" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The port town of <strong>Puntarenas</strong> is one of the most centrally-located beach areas to Costa Rica’s <strong>capital city of San Jose</strong>. The dark volcanic sand beach on the wide Pacific Nicoya Gulf is a fun and relaxing beach destination.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, Puntarenas, Costa Rica" href="http://www.costaricaspecialdeals.com/puntarenas/doubletree-resort-by-hilton.html" target="_blank"><strong>DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Central Pacific-Costa Rica</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Double-Tree-Resort-by-Hilton-Puntarenas.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/All-inclusive-Double-Tree-Resort-by-Hilton-Puntarenas-300x200.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="All-inclusive-Double-Tree-Resort-by-Hilton-Puntarenas-300x200.jpg?width=300" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Reserve your <strong>Costa Rica all-inclusive resort vacation</strong> with <a title="Costa Rica Special Deals travel agency" href="http://costaricaspecialdeals.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Costa Rica Special Deals</strong></a>, a professional online travel service. Costa Rica Special Deals will help you with where to go, reservations, transportation, and tips on what to do.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Article by <a title="Follow writer Shannon Farley on Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104506194721250694108/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a></strong></p></div>Filial Piety - Being Away from My Familyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/filial-piety-being-away-from-my-family2012-11-21T13:51:58.000Z2012-11-21T13:51:58.000ZNithin Chttps://tripatini.com/members/NithinC<div><p>I saw this at the Asian Civilization Museum in Singapore:<br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008741472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008741472,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9008741472?profile=original" /></a></p><p><br /> I sat there for a few moments, thinking about what this meant. Why do people like me, travelers, choose to be so far away from the people they love, first and foremost, our families? It seems like a cruel way to pay back those who helped raise us, helped us become the people we are today.<br /> <br /> I rarely meet other travelers who keep in touch with their family as well as I do. Part of that is natural - I'm closer to my parents than most people. But there's another side that I find more perplexing, tied to the perceived aura of independence and self-sufficiency of traveling. In this world, being too close to home, relying on your parents or friends, is a sign of weakness, while at the same time, we often praise the cultures in which family connections are strongest.<br /> <br /> This proverb, though, put it best. I travel because I feel that I need to - to understand the world in order to help it make it a better place. Staying in Kansas City or San Diego wouldn't have been good for me, or my family who genuinely want to see me succeed. My parents always know where I am, and I enjoy sharing my travels with them. It's not an easy decision to leave home and travel far away, but I've never felt any pride when meeting people who don't get homesick. I often get homesick. And it feels good - that there is something back home worth missing, and knowing that people at home miss me.<br /> <br /> What do you think?</p><p></p></div>Make Traveling With Kids a Fun Adventure With These Top Tipshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/make-traveling-with-kids-a-fun-adventure-with-these-top-tips2012-11-16T14:10:11.000Z2012-11-16T14:10:11.000ZDanny Solano Alvarezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DannySolanoAlvarez<div><p><strong><a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-03.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-03-300x200.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="KID-03-300x200.jpg?width=300" /></a></strong></p><p></p><p>My cousin is probably the most efficient family traveler I know. She has her work cut out for her with 2-year-old and 4-year-old girls. Like a well-oiled machine, she’s ready for every contingency as if preparing for a survival operation. Sticky hands or nowhere to wash before eating? She pulls packets of wet wipes from a handy pocket of her carry-all, akin to Mary Poppins’ bottomless carpetbag. Hungry? She keeps Ziploc bags of healthy snacks and small juices or waters at the ready. Cold? Hot? Or dirtied your shirt? She pulls out fresh changes of clothes and layers from the bag. Need a blanket for a nap? She has one of those too.</p><p><strong><a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-12.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-12-300x236.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="KID-12-300x236.jpg?width=300" /></a></strong><br /> Keep them entertained is the firm conviction my sister believes. A happy, entertained child is much nicer to travel with than a bored, cranky, screaming one. True, and it works. Coloring books, crayons, sticker sheets, paper, reading books, a portable kid’s computer programmed with educational games, and portable DVD players loaded with her girls’ favorite movies all fill my sister’s arsenal.</p><p>Did you know that children can be the ideal travel companions? Their excitement at nearly everything, interest in the smallest of details, energy, adaptability and rapid ability to pick up other languages makes them fun and valuable too. You’ll find that cute smiling children break down all international language barriers and bring forth smiles and warmth from adults of all countries. On the flip side, when things aren’t going so great, crying children can elicit sympathy and open doors fast by adults who aren’t used to crying bouts.</p><p><a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-07.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-07-199x300.jpg?width=199" width="199" alt="KID-07-199x300.jpg?width=199" /></a></p><p></p><p>Any travel with children is an educational opportunity impacting more learning than in the classroom. Kids become students of life, culture, language, geography, history, nature, art and music when taken on journeys locally or across borders.</p><p>Most of the wisdom on the internet offering helpful advice for traveling with children boils down to a top 10 core points to follow:</p><ol><li><strong>Make it fun, festive and happy!</strong> As in all things with kids, make it fun and interesting. For children, it’s 100% about the journey – every bug, plant, animal, rock, button or lever – along the way.</li><li><strong>Plan</strong>. Pack, plan and prepare for every possible event – at least in small quantities.</li><li><strong>Study</strong>. Know where you’re going, what the weather is like, activities you may do, any local cultural particularities you need to be aware of, medical contingencies, food in the area, etc. The internet stores a wealth of information. Traveler’s blogs and chat forums pertaining to the area give you first-hand insider knowledge and people you can ask questions. Involve older children in pre-trip studying and you not only increase the excitement, you also multiply your brain-storage capacity for details.</li><li><strong>Pack lightly</strong>. I know, easier said tha<a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-11-300x199.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="KID-11-300x199.jpg?width=300" /></a>n done when you have to follow point #2 to plan for every possible scenario. When flying, your carry-ons are your most important piece of luggage – here is where you need your changes of clothes, blanket, snacks, medicines, Band-Aids, and your entertainment arsenal (see above). Kids age 4 and up can manage their own carry-on bags, giving you more room to spread it all around. The latest kid’s carry-on I just saw is a red “Lightning McQueen” race car (think Disney’s “Cars” movie) mini plastic backpack-of-sorts on wheels. Fun and perfect for kids to easily wheel around. Make sure to check airline regulations in advance to know what you can and cannot take on board.</li><li><strong>Feed them</strong>. Have snacks and water available at all times – in the car, at the airport, on the plane, etc. When you get past security at the airport, stock up on water bottles to bring on board the plane. Don’t rely on airline carts for your nourishment or you’ll be left waiting and wanting. There’s nothing worse than a hungry or thirsty child … or adult, for that matter.</li><li><strong>Start early</strong>. Take advant<a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-06.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-06-300x199.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="KID-06-300x199.jpg?width=300" /></a>age of higher energy in the mornings to start your travels. If afternoon nap time falls during your flight, try to make your child as comfortable as possible to sleep. Otherwise, when you land, get to your destination in as short a time as possible so you can all rest. I don’t advocate ever traveling on a night flight with children, unless you’re going to board the plane near normal bedtime of 8:00 or 9:00 pm and fly long-haul for 11-12 hours; be prepared to have a sleeping child on your lap most of the way. The “Start Early” tip applies to activities during your travels as well – go do that morning tour and leave the afternoon for relaxing.</li><li><strong>Take breaks and take it easy</strong>. This one is important. You might be used to go-go-go, but your child might not be. Take breaks when possible. Make a mini-activity out of breathing deeply and stretching together to relax. Remember, a stressed-out parent cues a stressed-out child. When you get to your destination, follow the “take it easy” mode by choosing activities with short travel times.</li><li><strong>Make the airport easy</strong>. This means arriving early for your flight – everything takes longer with kids. You’ll hopefully have already checked in on-line and have your seat assignments pre-set. You’ll have packed your carry-on bags security snag-free. Everyone dress comfortably with slip-on shoes, little jewelry, and no belts if you can help it, so security check is a breeze.</li><li><strong>Wear them out</strong>. <a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-05.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/KID-05-247x300.jpg?width=198" width="198" alt="KID-05-247x300.jpg?width=198" /></a>For travel to the popular top-international destination, turn to <a title="Team CRT for tailor-made Costa Rica travel" href="http://www.costarica4u.com/" target="_blank">Team CRT</a> for all of your travel needs. Team CRT gives you more than 20 years of expert guidance and personalized service; tell them what you want and they’ll design your dream vacation for you. The reliable and professional Costa Rica travel agency suggests 2 different <a title="Team CRT family vacation itineraries" href="http://www.costarica4u.com/tour-package/educational-vacation-costa-rica-great-natural-class-room" target="_blank"><strong>family vacation itineraries</strong></a>, and is happy to personalize your trip just for you.</li></ol><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>By Shannon Farley</em></p></div>Family Travel Bloggers Unite Again: This Time, Dallashttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/family-travel-bloggers-unite-again-this-time-dallas2012-11-08T13:30:00.000Z2012-11-08T13:30:00.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008739654,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008739654,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="358" alt="9008739654?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Despite the flight disruptions caused by Hurricane Sandy, 75 travel professionals will convene at the second <a href="http://www.familytravelconference.com/" target="_blank">Family Travel Conference (FTCDallas)</a> to be held at the Omni Dallas Hotel at the Convention Center Nov. 9-11, 2012. You may recall my <a href="http://newmediatravel.com/%E2%80%8Bwomen-family-travel-bloggers-rule/" target="_blank">New Media Travel</a> post about FTC1, in which I raved, "This group of bright, engaged mothers (and some dads) who travel with their kids and run homes and blogs, now run the family travel market and drive some of the most exciting conversations on line."</p><p><br /> The two-day conference, again organized by Kim Orlando of <a href="http://www.TravelingMom.com" target="_blank">TravelingMom.com</a>; Eileen Ogintz of <a href="http://www.TakingtheKids.com" target="_blank">Taking The Kids</a>; Kyle McCarthy of <a href="http://www.MyFamilyTravels.com" target="_blank">Family Travel Forum;</a> and JoAnne Vero of <a href="http://www.TravelMediaShowcase.com" target="_blank">Travel Media Showcase</a>; features a dynamic program of workshops aimed at improving the quality of writing and video production among family travel bloggers and reviewers.<br /><br />The once toddling vacation niche has grown up; family travel now accounts for 100+ million trips a year and booming grandparents are making it one of the most lucrative leisure travel segments.<br /><br />The conference producers aim to up the ante by empowering journalists to record their impressions on video: putting hotels, cruise lines, and destinations in the media spotlight so that vacationers will know in advance what they'll get for their hard-earned travel dollars.</p><p><br /> FTCDallas Workshops will focus on a variety of subjects, including video editing, use of social media and monetizing brands. FTC Speakers include Genevieve Shaw Brown of ABCnews.com; Wendy Perrin, director of Conde Nast’s Consumer News and Digital Community, and many other industry leaders. Kudos to the sponsors: Disney Parks, The Dallas Zoo, Omni Hotels and Resorts, Southwest Airlines, CityPass and Park City Mountain Resort among many others, who aren't afraid to "smile" for the camera.<br /> <br /> I'll be there to report on the outcome.<br /> <br /> <br /> <em>Kyle McCarthy of <a href="http://www.familytravelforum.com" target="_blank">Family Travel Forum</a> was a major contributor to this post.</em><br /><br /><br /></p></div>CityPASS Helps Travelers See Their Own Cities: Staycationshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/citypass-helps-travelers-see2010-05-15T15:09:39.000Z2010-05-15T15:09:39.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MtEy_ctwSnA5SRD8Pyy4gvof0dzRa7ymPcRZ9zZ0Nsc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/S-2l8kh8SzI/AAAAAAAAB04/IvJmGFjZqEE/s800/Boston%20Logo.jpg" alt="Boston%20Logo.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/FromKaleel?authkey=Gv1sRgCIaWy9qJ5r_9WA&feat=embedwebsite">From Kaleel</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Travel Tip: The Stay At Home Vacation: Staycations<br /><br />A weak economy drives families (and all travelers) to seek value-driven vacations, which now often means travel in one’s own back yard, a “Staycation,” a kind of travel that fosters a sense of community, lets people discover their own city, and saves money<br /><br />We think the best way to enjoy a “Staycation” is with The <a href="http://www.citypass.com">CityPASS</a> ticket booklet. Thinner than your iPod, and full of homegrown bargains and deals at a dozen or so top cities, like Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, it’s a great way to vacation at home.<br /><br />The company’s intention is to get travelers and locals to enjoy their own city’s cultural attractions, to draw people throughout the city and appreciate the neighborhoods, streetscapes and attractions that get taken for granted.<br /><br />Besides saving money, CityPASS ticket booklets let families avoid most ticket lines, because they’re actual tickets, not passes or vouchers. <br />Show your CityPASS, and you’re in. <br /><br />In New York, for example, attractions include the Guggenheim Museum, MoMA, Metropolitan Museum of Art & The Cloisters.<br />Going to the head of those lines is a big help, especially with kids in tow. <br /><br />The CityPASS web site is graphics-driven and makes price comparisons easy, so I chose to look at Boston<br />The deal gives me five top Boston attractions:<br />•New England Aquarium<br />•Museum of Science<br />•Museum Fine Arts, Boston<br />•Skywalk Observatory<br />•Harvard Museum Natural History or John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum<br /><br /><a href="http://www.citypass.com/price/boston.html">CityPASS Boston</a><br />costs $46.00 for adults, and $29.00 bucks for kids (3-11), for entrance to all five places.<br /><br />When I did the math for the five attractions separately, the combined admission cost was $84.95. With CityPASS it was $46.00. For kids, the regular combined admission cost was $50.45; with CityPASS it was $29.00. But keep in mind that most attractions allow children under 3 -7 in for free. <br />So, figure that in too.<br />But it’s still a significant savings.<br /><br />Each CityPASS ticket booklet is valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use. Booklets include contact information for the attractions, hours of operation, information on how to get to and from the attractions using public transportation, and tips on the least crowded times to visit. <br /><br />How does CityPASS compare to its closest competitor, <a href="http://www.smartdestinations.com">Smart Destinations</a>? For one-day stays, Smart Destinations may be the better choice. But for a 2-5 day visit, CityPASS is the better value, and a spokesperson from CityPASS said they urge customers to make comparisons because, as she said, “we want people to be happy with CityPASS when they buy one.”<br /><br />The CityPASS itself comes nicely wrapped, rather classy.<br /><br />Sounds like a deal!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Things to do in Maui with Kids: Maui Sugar Cane Trainhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/things-to-do-in-maui-with-kids-maui-sugar-cane-train2014-05-28T18:04:07.000Z2014-05-28T18:04:07.000ZSteph Wiestlinghttps://tripatini.com/members/StephWiestling<div><div id="attachment_6065" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width:310px;"><a href="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0530.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6065" title="Sugar Cane Train Maui Steam" src="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0530-300x199.jpg" alt="Sugar Cane Train Maui Steam" height="199" width="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Releasing steam - photo credit: Stephany Wiestling</p></div><p></p><p><em><a href="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/2012/05/17/things-to-do-in-maui-with-kids-maui-sugar-cane-train/" target="_blank">(reprinted from BestKidFriendlyTravel.com)</a></em></p><p>My 6 year old boy loves trains, much like any other boy his age, so we HAD to ride the Sugar Cane Train while in Maui.</p><p>Initially, our hotel concierge suggested we take the train to Lahaina and then walk to our whale watching tour spot. However, upon talking to the gal at the Pacific Whale Foundation who said it’s about a 6 mile walk and too far for a little one, we did our train ride into Lahaina on a sightseeing day instead. I mention this in case YOUR hotel concierge tries to fool you into doing this together like mine did. He clearly had not made the walk himself, or at least not with a small child.<span id="more-5424"></span></p><p><a href="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Maui-2011-048.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6066" title="Sugar Cane Train Departures" src="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Maui-2011-048-300x225.jpg" alt="Sugar Cane Train Departures" height="225" width="300" /></a></p><p class="wp-caption-text">Sugar Cane Train Departures - photo credit: Stephany Wiestling</p><p>The Sugar Cane Train departs the Ka’anapali Station across from the <a href="http://reservations.bestkidfriendlytravel.com/hotel/10024352-11300289O.html">Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas</a> at various times throughout the day and stops in Lahaina about 20 minutes later.</p><p>I’ve got to be honest here, though. If your child doesn’t LOVE trains, you can skip this attraction. The route takes you through the backyards of some run-down neighborhoods and industrial areas the closer you get to Lahaina, so the views are less than stellar, to be polite.</p><p> </p><div id="attachment_6067" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width:310px;"><a href="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Maui-2011-072.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6067" title="Sugar Cane Train Engine" src="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Maui-2011-072-300x225.jpg" alt="Sugar Cane Train Engine" height="225" width="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sugar Cane Train Engine - photo credit: Stephany Wiestling</p></div><p>Assuming your child does really LOVE trains, then let me tell you the cool stuff about the trip! The train is an antique steam train that, well, let’s off some steam! They do this right over the “rickety” bridge for effect and a cool photo op. I have “rickety” in quotes because it’s made to look all old-timey, but it’s solid.</p><p>It’s fun to sit right next to the windows, but be aware that the bushes and foliage gets a natural trim by whipping against the train and unsuspecting passengers too close to the window. So try to keep the littlest ones by the aisle.</p><p>The train conductor/narrator offers some fun (cheesy) Hawaiian humor and interesting anecdotes about the places as you pass by. Some of these are quite funny.</p><p>We got on at Ka’anapali in the morning and got off at Lahaina, did some sightseeing, had lunch, and took the last train back to Ka’anapali. If you were staying in Lahaina, you could take it to the beach in Ka’anapali and ride the train back in time for dinner.</p><div id="attachment_6068" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width:310px;"><a href="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0532.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6068" title="Sugar Cane Train Lahaina Station" src="http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0532-300x199.jpg" alt="Sugar Cane Train Lahaina Station" height="199" width="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sugar Cane Train Lahaina Station - photo credit: Stephany Wiestling</p></div><p>A note about getting off in Lahaina… it’s a little awkward. The first time, we walked west through a back-alley commercial neighborhood and then had to walk along the highway back to the train station area. Don’t do that. Instead, when you get off the train, go toward the east… they still may not have a sidewalk and so you’ll have to walk on the grass, but go toward this little strip mall next door to the east of the station. From there you can cross the highway safely into Lahaina. (insider tip: in that strip mall is a great place to get Hawaiian shirts and souvenirs for a great price!)</p><p>Overall, it’s a full little way to spend some time together, have a snack, hear some jokes, and experience a little bit of Old Time Hawaii.</p></div>Flying the Family-Unfriendly Airportshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/flying-the-familyunfriendly2011-06-09T22:43:38.000Z2011-06-09T22:43:38.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008630467,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="275" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008630467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9008630467?profile=original" /></a><br /><strong>Flying the Family Unfriendly Airports</strong><br /><br />Crying kids, stressed parents and unhappy families may not be exactly typical of families flying from our nation’s airports, but the scene is all too familiar.<br /><br />And it’s not the families’ faults.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.skyscanner.com">Skyscanner</a>, the flight comparison site, asked 1000 family travelers what they thought about their airports, and, unsurprisingly, about two-thirds said airports are not family-friendly places, lacking facilities for families and doing nothing that caters to their needs.<br /><br />Then <a target="_blank" href="http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/43580?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=show_page/43580&utm_campaign=TravelDailyMainTitle">Travel Daily News</a> , a travel and tourism portal, noted that the stress caused by inadequate facilities affected the overall quality of the family vacation... even before the flying families got off the ground. <br /><br />Chief complaints: <br /><br />• Fifty-one percent of those responding said long lines “were the worst thing about the airport experience.” <br /><br />• Lack of entertainment was the second most frequent complaint (29 percent), followed by long walks to the departure gate and lack of adequate food.<br /><br />Mary Porter, Skyscanner PR manager, and mother of two, said that kids who have already endured long lines, delays, no entertainment “are prone to meltdowns by the time they board the aircraft, creating a negative family-travel experience before the trip begins.<br /><br />A significant majority of family travelers (60%) asked for soft playing areas at airports and a place where children could watch TV or suitable movies. <br /><br />The needs are pretty easy to fulfill and we wonder why airports haven’t caught on.<br /><br />How difficult can it be to provide, say, a storyteller or a kids cafe and bar with complimentary beverages?<br /><br />A secure play area with toys and books for kids under five would be a great help, according to many respondents, as would bottle-warming facilities.<br /><br />The wonder is that it took a poll to highlight airport shortcomings. <br /><br />All any airport manager would have to do is walk through his or her airport to get the picture of frustrated family travelers looking for help. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>