Asia Travel || Indonesia

ASIA TRAVEL - BANDUNG TRAVEL INFORMATION Travel Information of Bandung How to get there || Shopping || Hotels || Places to eat || Map of Bandung WELCOME TO BANDUNG Bandung , City of Flowers, is the provincial capital of West Java and Indonesia' s third largest city. Known in colonial times as the Paris of Java because of its European ambiance and sophistication, Bandung shares with Miami a fine legacy of Tropical Deco architecture dating from the 1920's. Situated on a plateau in the beautiful Parahayangan mountains, Bandung's pleasant climate and lush surroundings have offered an escape from the heat of the lowlands since the mid 19th century when it was the heart of the region's most prosperous plantation area. Host to the historic Asia Africa conference in 1955, Bandung is now a center of higher education ,commerce and aircraft industry which despite its modern amenities still retains much of its colonial era charm. Bandung is also renowned for its shopping, particularly for shoes, textiles, clothing and denims which are found in the colourful Jeans street . Easily reached from Jakarta by train , road or air (the scenic train trip is recommended), Bandung, with its cool mountain air is a popular second stop for those visiting the national capital and an essential stay-over for travellers enroute through Java. HOW TO GET THERE By Air Husein Sastranegara domestic airport Iinks Bandung with Jakarta and most major cities in Java. Services are provided by Merpati Sempati and Bouraq. Merpati Nusantara Airlines (about 40 minutes) Monday - Saturday 9 times flight : at 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 10.00 am, 12.00 noon, 1.00 pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm. Special for Sunday 7 times flight: 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.00 noon, 2.00 pm, 3.00 pm, 5.00 pm. Price : Executive: Rp. 90.700,- Business: Rp. 87.500,- Economy: Rp. 65.000,- Sempati Air 8.00 am - 8.50 am, 16.15 pm - 17.05 pm. Price :: Rp. 65.400, By Train The best way to get to Bandung from Jakarta is by train, taking the beautiful scenery enroute. Regular departures leave Jakarta's Gambir station. The executive class is recommended. The trip takes around three hours. From Bandung trains also travel to Yogyakarta Parahyangan Train (it takes about 3 hours) Everyday :Departure at 5.05 am, 5.30 am, 7.30 am, 8.30 am, 9.30 am,10.30 am, 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 13.30 pm, 14.30 am,15.30 pm, 16.30 pm, 17.30 pm, 18.30 pm, 19.30 pm,20.30 pm, 21.30 pm. Price : Executive: Rp. 26.500,- Business : Rp. 15.000,- Argo Gede Train Everyday : Departure at 9.00 am - 11.20 am, 18.00 pm - 20.20 pm. Price : Rp. 33.000, By Car The best way to get around Bandung is by taxi or minibus hired via your hotel . The city center can be comfortably discovered on foot Jakarta - Bandung via PuncakRp. 6.500,-- Jakarta - Bandung via Cikampek / SubangRp. 6.500,- Top SHOPPING As the capital city of West Java, Bandung's shops are filled with products of this far-flung archipelago as well as imported goods. Shopping in Bandung is fun, simple and extensive. Pasar Kota Kembang , a narrow lane with shops and stalls lining along it, could be a perfect place for bargaining cheap clothes, belts, shoes or handbags. Next to it is a shopping center specializing in textiles. This market lane connects Jl. Asia-Afrika with Jl. Dalem Kaum. The first market in Bandung located in Kampung Ciguriang, behind Kapatihan was built in 1812. In the middle of l9th century, the market caught on fire. Later,the merchants gathered around Chinatown and established a new market, Pasar Baru . Once it was a beautiful place surrounded by Chinese-Dutch style shops . Now, only a few are left. Nevertheless, it's still the hub of commerce in Bandung. Plenty of textiles, batiks and clothes in cheap and moderate prices are available. You can test your bargaining skill here. A vegetable market is in the basement. Go to Jl. Pasar Utara. A row of stalls sell all sort of snacks, most of them Bandung specialties. You're welcome to have a taste before you buy the snacks. Jalan Pasar Selatan is lined with jeans shops trying to copy the ones in Jl. Cihampelas. Some of these shops are old ones. With the permission of the owner, old building enthusiasts could enter the old shop and take photographs. Pasar Jatayu , on Jalan Arjuna, is a flea market mixed with motorbike parts shops. After jostling around, you'll find two antique shops in the dark and crammed market. You'll feel like finding a treasure island. Nearby is a row of shops selling military paraphernalia, and the Ciroyom terminal is next to them. These three markets will be a nightmare for a claustrophobic. Known as The 'Flower City', Bandung certainly has a flower market, located on Jl. Wastukencana. The flowers are supplied from cool uplands that surround Bandung. Nice place to refresh your eyes. The rather bizarre 'Jean Street', on Jl. Cihampelas, offers all sorts of jeans and T-shirts while offering fantastic shopfronts to view. The shop owners vie for the most elaborate shopfront design in an attempt to lure business. Shopping centers are in abundance. The Alun-alun area is surrounded by shopping centers, particularly in Jl. Dalem Kaum. Bandung Indah Plaza is the most luxurious shopping center in Bandung. Nearby City Hall in Jl. Merdeka, it is a new favorite place for the young. On Jalan Braga, you could find souvenir and antique shops, such as Sin Sin established in 1943. Leather shoes and garment at Leather Palace . Snake skin bags, shoes and all sort of suitcases at Cuero . Bookshops in Braga offer a great range of English books and magazines. Top PLACES TO EAT Bandung is heaven to satisfy your taste buds. From traditonal food sold by street vendors up to international ones in fancy restaurants. A warung is regarded as a poor man's restaurant. But on Jl. Bungsu next to Puri Mas Bakery, you could see the newest BMW and Mercedez parked in front of a small lane famous for its Sekoteng Ice . By far the best food money can buy and is served in these makeshift foodstalls with canopies, hardwood benches or stools, and glowing with hissing gas lamps. Open after 5:30 pm. Groups of nightstalls located in the corner of JI. Merdeka and JI. L.L.R.E. Martadinata spread mouthwatering smells from sizzling sate on red hot glowing charcoal braziers. Try Madurese, chicken, beef, or mutton sate and various kinds of soto, an Indonesian thick soup. Jl. Cikapundung Barat stalls (occupying sidewalks used as a selling place for secondhand books at noon) serve all kinds of popular Indonesian food. Sate Padang Pak Datuk is worth a try. Near the RRI building on Jl. Diponegoro, you can taste local delicacies such as gorengan (sort of Japanese tempura) from tofu, sweet potato, taro, pineapple, jackfruit, banana and comro (mashed cassava filled with fermented soybean cake). A sip of bandrek -ginger drink- and bajigur -coconut milk sweetened with palm sugar- in a cool night is a nice treat. A piece of sweet awuk (coneshape rice cake with layers of palm sugar) can be enjoyed in Awuk Cibeunying stall. Roasted corn on a cob with four flavors, seafood, Indonesian style Chinese food, pecel lele (fried eel fish with yummy sauce), fried goldfish and chicken porridge all are available. Feel thirsty when strolling around Alun-alun, go to PakAceng's ice juice pushcart on Jl . Kapatihan in the mouth of a blind alley, next to 'Damai' shop (pay attention to 'Shinly' &'Krizia' billboards). Es campur (mixed ice) or if you want a sterile one, just ask for fresh orange juice with young coconut water placed in a plastic will be made for Rp. 750,-. Since 1967, Pak Aceng has been a famous es campur seller. As a rule of thumb, warungs line and crowd in almost every intersection. But a good sense and luck play an important part in finding a good warung with fair price and nice food which does not upset your stomach. Lotek Kalipah Apo , famous for its lotek and gado-gado since 1953, serves all kinds of sweet tasty kolek with thick coconut milk plus pieces of bananas, and rice cakes. A variety of rujak, Indonesian fruit salad, is ready to be tasted. Be wary of the hot sauce of the rujak. Avocado juice, mixed ice, young coconut ice and cendol ice, -colored rice drink with palm sugared coconut milk- can make you real aficionados of these desserts. Stalls along Jl. Rama offer Indonesian style fried chicken, Chinese food, and much more. The best pempek -a sort of fish meatballs dipped in hot vinegar sauce- can be eaten in one of the stalls here. It's a Palembang specialty. Craving for western delights, Tizi has a wide range of German touch bread, cakes, cookies, pan cakes, and steaks. A cart selling colenak(roasted fermented cassava root )at the mouth of Jl. Kidang Pananjung is also worth a try. Glosis with romantic lighting and cooler climate of an uphill area could be a perfect place for dinner. Braga Permai with its original Dutch era cake recipes would be a cozy place to recall the atmosphere of old Braga Street. Queen Restaurant offers luxurious Chinese food while Dai Shogun serves qualified Japanese food, sit facing its heartsoothing garden. Paregu offers less expensive Japanese food with eat your fill Yakiniku and Shabu-shabu. Hanamasa on Jl. Merdeka serves buffet Yakiniku. Top Asia Travel || Indonesia Hotels & Resorts

family vacations, family vacation

family vacations ezine family vacations directory - family vacation ideas travel tips reviews - Family Travel Files .com Search Family Travel Files family vacations, family vacation reviews, ideas, travel articles, news, deals and specials Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Family Travel Ezine Vacation Reviews News Articles & more Family Travel News Family Vacations Ideas and Options Vacations On File Family Events Field Trips Vacation Reviews Vacation Advice Teen Takes Vacation Deals Site Map Free Newsletter Trip Planner Vacation Reviews Ideas Options Deals USA Vacations World Vacation Guide Canada Vacations Mexico Vacations Central America South America Caribbean Vacations Europe United Kingdom Australia Vacations New Zealand Asia & Pacific Rim Tennessee: Pigeon Forge for the Holidays. Imagine crisp invigorating mountain air; enjoy as lightly slower pace; shopping options that never end; entertainment created to inspire the soul and cause plenty of laughter think Pigeon Forge for the holidays. Prepared to celebrate, the area twinkles with thousands of lights and hundreds of ways to engage in the fun. Dollywood offers the magic of Christmas with enchanting lights and inspirational music. Do absolutely nothing or do everything, getting away with the kids will make all of the difference. More Virginia: Virginia Beach, Holiday Lights 2005. Leaping dolphins, Santa, and half a million bulbs light up Virginia Beach's Boardwalk for the holiday season. The same time each year Virginia Beach allows motorists to drive the Boardwalk and experience a fantasia of holiday lights wrapped with music of the season. More Florida: Fort Myers, Give the Gift of Sail Power. Few experiences in life are more rewarding than sailing or power boating with friends and family. Doing it well is a combination of learning a new skill and feeling safe and confident at all times. A gift of sail or power training is a perfect choice for the adventurer or dreamer on ones holiday gift list this year. Gift certificates in $100 increments can be purchased as a deposit for any course or clinic offered by Offshore Sailing School and its Power Cruise School. Ontario: Toronto, Trips To Middle-Earth Now Available. J.R.R. Tolkiens book trilogy has sold in excess of 200 million copies. The award winning three-film adaptation broke box office records. Now, The Lord of the Rings world premiere arrives on stage in Toronto February 2, 2006. After two years in the making the cast has been set and rehearsals are underway. Brent Carver will convey Gandalf with the support of a diversely talented staff. The 36-week show run of The Lord of the Rings is the most ambitious theatrical production ever staged in Toronto. Awesome in concept, the show promises to deliver an exceptional theatre experience. Massachusetts: Cambridge, Be Treated Like a Jedi Knight. Its neither a long time ago nor in a galaxy far, far away May the force be with you as you experience the Museum of Sciences outstanding exhibit which highlights numerous parallels between technologies in the Star Wars films and real-world technology. Encounter new technologies and witness first-hand intriguing similarities between how scientists and filmmakers think while you discover high level guest service and thoughtful amenities at the Hotel Marlowe, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel located along the banks of Charles River overlooking Boston. Cruises: NCL, Cruising Hawai`i, Freestyle with the Kids. Norwegian Cruise Line's "Freestyle Cruising" provides guests with a rich menu of choices making it easy to create the perfect family cruise experience. Diverse ages, eating habits and sleeping cycles meld easily when official schedules are not part of the cruise vacation itinerary. NCLs Hawaii Freestyle Cruising is ideal for those who desire variety, flexibility, and the freedom to choose how they cruise Hawai`i. More Florida: Key West and Lower Keys, Taking the Kids. A vacation in the Florida Keys can be almost magical. The Overseas Highway (a.k.a. U.S. Route 1) is an extraordinary rolling field trip. Distance is measured by mile markers, the closer to Key West the smaller the number. Cross the Seven-mile Bridge and you will be in the Lower Keys. From Big Pine and Grassy Key all the way to Key West there are dozens of opportunities for mini adventures and plenty of stuff for building one-of-a-kind memories. More Jamaica: Montego Bay, Taking the Kids. A mountainous island of captivating beauty, Jamaica is an emerald in the Caribbean Sea. Known for natural beauty inland and awesome beaches along the sea, enchanting music and great coffee, the island is a friendly easy paced retreat where visitors are invited to test the Dont worry, be happy. island philosophy. More Snow Places: Cross Country Skiing the Ultimate Field Trip. For Devon McCarney and her mom cross country skiing has always been part of their winter vacation fun. Now almost eight winters old she is seasoned and gives beginners three times her age advice. According to information released by the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) North American travel patterns are changing. Vacations are closer to home and emphasize family. Curacao: Willemstad, Swimming with the Dolphins. When a dolphin comes alongside, swim with it and try to make eye contact. They will swim with you, the trainer seemed insistent as she gave us the instructions. I discovered that was not as easy to do as it sounded. The Curacao Sea Aquarium conducts a variety of encounters with sea life. I chose the Dolphin Swim. Moving awkwardly to the entry platform, my fins feeling enormous, I listened obediently to the dolphin trainer instruct us on how to interact with the dolphins. Our group was small and we were paired in twos for the adventure. The manmade lagoon looked safe enough with no chance of waves distracting from the experience. U SA: Tutankhamun Treasures Bring Ancient Egypt to Life. Make plans to take the kids and go. It will be the field trip of the decade. Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago and Philadelphia will host the Boy King between now and 007. Where else can you see firsthand the regal artifacts dating from 1550 B.C. and hear more about the mysteries surrounding the boy-king. U SA:Ride the Rails, Celebrate the Holidays -- East of the Mississippi. Storybook travel is pure fun and during the winter months traditional Santa Trains, make enjoying Christmas even better. At many stations the family holiday tradition has a new twist provided by the heart warming film version of Chris Van Allsburgs book, The Polar Express. Featured below you will find our favorite train excursions for families. From pretend journeys to the North Pole in winter and bunny trains in the spring to mystery nights, spooky tales and pizza runs, taking a train with the kids is more fun than ever. All aboard! USA: Ride the Rails, Celebrate the Holidays -- West of the Mississippi. During the winter months traditional Santa Trains, make enjoying Christmas memorable. At many stations the family holiday tradition has a new twist provided by the heart warming film version of Chris Van Allsburgs book, The Polar Express. Featured below you will find our favorite train excursions for families. From pretend journeys to the North Pole in winter and bunny trains in the spring to mystery nights, spooky tales and pizza runs, it is the season to ride the rails. See you at the station. U SA: Ski 14 New England Mountains for One Low Price. As the snow begins to fly Go Ski Card - New England is ready. The timely, easy to use card features completely unrestricted skiing and riding at a choice of 14 mountains located throughout Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Even better news for families, there are no blackout dates. Deal Log: Family Vacation Bargains. We have identified places and experiences with a high value/low cost ratio. The short list is updated weekly. You will find our growing list resorts and hotels in the Cheap Sleeps folder. Advice: Reducing the Hyper Part of the Holidays. The holidays often become more stressful than intended. For adults as well as children of all ages days are filled with events, on top of normal schedules. The result is stress and exhaustion even before the turkey and the pumpkin pie. SnowPlaces: Snow Fun 101. Everyone needs to enjoy more and stress less. Interview a seven-yearold and you will get the drift. The old ideas have been reinvented by the current generation. The fun factor has not been diminished. Home 1998-2005 Travel Communications Inc. privacy statement webmaster link to us about us Advertise Pressroom Contact Family Vacation Directory USA Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio family Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Virginia Beach Washington Washington D. C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Family Travel Files Ezine Family Adventure Vacations Family Beach Vacations Cheap Sleeps Family Cruises Family Vacations Mountains Theme Parks Links Use of Travel Communications, Inc. , websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use Best viewed using IE 6.0 or higher Revised12/09/05

EUROPE Travel Guide Home

VirtualTourist.com - Europe Travel Guide - Pictures, Tips and Reviews Europe Travel Guide. Tips, Reviews & Photos plus Hotels, Restaurants, Activities & More in Europe member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums EUROPE Travel Guide Home » Travel Guides » Europe Destinations Members Keywords Europe Hotel Rates City: Check-In Date: Check-Out Date: Guests: 1 2 3 4 Hotels by OneTime.com Europe Flight Rates From: To: Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Passengers: 1 2 3 4 Flights by OneTime.com Europe Forum Join a Discussion transportation in europe (5 replies, 3:09 AM Dec. 26, 2005) eurailpass or not (1 replies, 12:33 AM Dec. 26, 2005) Unusual Activities in these places (5 replies, 2:23 AM Dec. 26, 2005) Be the first to reply to these questions Euros or Credit Cards (no replies yet) Mixing Business with Pleasure (no replies yet) Rome to Pisa (no replies yet) » All Europe Discussions » Post a Europe Discussion Travel Resources Car Rental Cruises Vacations Luggage NEW! Europe Deals Extra Cheap Germanwings Flights (5 comments, 3:25 PM Dec. 26, 2005) Crazy Swiss Christmas Specials (0 comments, 12:45 AM Dec. 23, 2005) Packages from the US - Includes air and hotel! (0 comments, 6:22 PM Dec. 14, 2005) » All Europe Deals » Post a Europe Deal FREE VT Deals Newsletter great deals, inside tips & no spam Popular Europe Hotels In: London Paris Prague Amsterdam Rome Barcelona Popular Destinations in Europe London Paris Prague Amsterdam Rome Barcelona Venice Vienna Budapest Berlin Brussels Dublin Munich Stockholm Athens Moscow Florence Madrid Lisbon Helsinki Countries in Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France FYR of Macedonia Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Isle of Man Italy Jan Mayen Jersey Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia and Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City Top Pages About Europe 1. Travelling Through Europe.... by sim1 137 Tips 152 Pictures 2. The Very Best Places Of Europe by globetrott 162 Tips 170 Pictures 3. Much Ado About Europe Or Europe's Top 100. by E-Diogo 100 Tips 100 Pictures 4. 32 Flavors (and Then Some) by Guantanamera 80 Tips 81 Pictures 5. Europe - The Old World by Leipzig 84 Tips 111 Pictures » View all rated pages (247) » View newest pages » Build your own Europe page Tips and Photos about Europe in General Overview General Tips Tips: 978 - Pictures: 629 Restaurants Tips: 238 - Pictures: 105 Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 253 - Pictures: 103 Things To Do Tips: 1,242 - Pictures: 1,087 Nightlife Tips: 118 - Pictures: 47 Off the Beaten Path Tips: 348 - Pictures: 290 Tourist Traps Tips: 130 - Pictures: 43 Warnings or Dangers Tips: 182 - Pictures: 93 Transportation Tips: 283 - Pictures: 141 Local Customs Tips: 253 - Pictures: 124 Packing Lists Tips: 151 - Pictures: 70 Shopping Tips: 54 - Pictures: 52 Sports Travel Tips: 36 - Pictures: 33 » See tips about a specific place in Europe Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Local Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Italy Travel

Italy Travel Pictures | Italy Travel Photos Italy Travel resources, links and information for Italy. Click on the thumbnails to read stories and see travel pictures. Book your hotel Book a hotel in Italy Book a hostel Book Youth hostels in Italy Fly your way! Book your flight to Italy online - saving 40% or more! Other countries: Andorra Austria Bulgaria Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Liechtenstein Lithuania Malta Monaco Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey United Kingdom Vatican City If any country has everything at once to offer, Italy must be it. Great cuisine with world-wide fame, culture comes around every corner, and nature ranges from high mountains in the Alps to attractive bays at the seaside. Stories and pictures: Milano Sculptures Milan Duomo Colosseum Pigna Santa Sabina Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II San Paolo fuori le Mura Trastevere Venetian Canals San Marco Florence Cathedral Pantheon Pompei and Herculaneum Naples Streets Santa Chiara Reggia Caserta Fountains in Rome Cinque Terre Villa Adriana Abruzzo Landscape Torcello San Michele Cemetery Castello Sforzesco Useful travel links: Book your hotel in Italy Lonely Planet Weather Travelogues for Italy Currency exchange Many more links on Italy ! Suggest a site Go directly to: Africa Asia Europe North America Oceania South America Join our mailinglist: If you want to be updated about developments at Around the World in 80 Clicks, subscribe! Your E-mail address: Travel Forum Join others in discussions on Europe Also on this site: read and sign the guestbook send us your suggestions ! send this site to a friend read about the background of this site publications on this site meet new friends for travel, dating or just fun! Around the World in 80 Clicks All rights reserved - www.traveladventures.org - 1999-2005 Share your comments

Family Vacations - ideas

Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > More Beach Vacations > Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Florida Family Vacations Florida is a magnet for families, with its double whammy of theme parks and popular beaches; but beyond the best-known spots, other great Florida family vacations await. Below are a number of ideas and reviews (moving roughly clockwise around the state). Florida Family Vacations: Amelia Island Amelia Island --in the northeast near Jacksonville-- has lovelybeaches, a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters, aquaint town with historic sections, delicious sea-food, and two fineresorts that welcome families. The AmeliaIsland Plantation covers 1350 acres, has Kids' Camps for several ages, a daily "family -play" time with poolside activities. More Florida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to do in Orlando Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World Florida Resorts Florida Family Vacations overview Florida Vacations deals: Orlando Islands of Adventure - Universal Orlando -fun theme park The Ritz-Carleton hasa kids' program, fine dining, kiddie pool, indoor pool, and lovely beach where shallow lagoons are great for tots. Both properties have golf, fitness centers, etc. The Ritz makes a special point of celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, and July 4th. Space Coast 45 minutes from Orlando is 72 miles of shore known as Florida's Space Coast : the place where the moon launches blasted away from earth, and site of the shuttle launches today. Big draw here is the Kennedy Space Center , and beautiful beaches. Less known are the eco-tours: this area has saltwater estuaries, marshes, and 250 sq. miles of wildlife refuges. Orlando/CentralFlorida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando How much more fun can one city take? Here's our picks for fun in Orlando, from character meals to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Seuss Landing to Sea-World's elite sister, Discovery Cove (a Caribbean experience in the middle of Florida.) Thinkingof visiting the mecca of family holidays, Walt Disney World?? Have a look at BeforeYou Book Lodgings first. See also WaltDisney World Resorts :Five top picks, from the luxury at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (right), to the budget-lovers' favorite, All Star Sports Resort. Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World South Florida Family Vacations Club Med: Sandpiper A rare a ll-inclusive within the US, this Club Med is on the St. Lucie River, two hours from Miami or Orlandoairports, one hour from West Palm Beach. Club Med Sandpiper has a great ambiance and outstanding kids programs: a Baby Club with separate groups for different ages and stages, and excellent clubs for older kids also. Activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, trapeze, inline skating, golf. Guests can also take optional excursions to Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, etc. Sonesta Key Biscayne Beach Afamily-friendly resort at Key Biscayne, right on Miami's doorstep . Miamioffers lots of fun with kids. CheecaLodge and Spa I n the Florida Keys, Cheeca offers: snorkeling overNorth America's only natural coral reef; "snuba", a wayto dive 20 feet down without scuba gear, ok for kids as young as eight; saltwater lagoon stockedwith fish Camp Cheeca for ages 6-12, is "an award-winningmarine education/environmental awareness program". FlamingoLodge: Everglades National Park The place to stay, if you're visiting the Everglades: the only resort inthis wonderful National Park is unpretentious but comfortable, with screened-inpool and barbeque, and nearby family-friendly restaurants. Close to manyactivities. Read more about visiting the Everglades. SanibelIsland Off the west coast and near the bottom of the Florida peninsula are Sanibel Island and Captiva Island: two beautiful islands for nature lovers.No beach pollution; visitors find miles and miles of beachesperfect for kids because of the gentle waves and shallow shoreline. The islands arefamous for shelling, too. For families, the SanibelHarbor Resort and Spa is a top-rated 80-acre oceanfront resort thatoverlooks Sanibel and Captiva islands; it's noted for a Victorian style with big verandas and wicker rockers on the porch. Kids Club for ages 5-12. The Sanibel Inn has 8 acres of tropical garden, free educational activities for all ages(such as Shell Safari, or Dolphin Watch), and "nature-themed discoveryprograms" for children ages 3-12. Read more about Sanibel Island and other places to stay. South Seas Resort, Captiva Island "Paddle a kayak into a mangrove forest in search of sea turtles and hawks". Rent a boat; bike, jog; at the beach, have fun with body boards, banana boats, inner tubes. Go fishing. Rent a Hobie, or a canoe; try parasailing. Such is the life at the South Seas, which has Fun Factory kids' programs, and teen and family activities. Florida Family Vacations:Tampa Bay Area St. Pete / Clearwater Beach Dubbed "Orlando's Beach", this affordable west coast area two hours from Orlando has nature outings, cultural gems, and miles of top-rated beaches. Read about local attractions such as the (free) Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary; fun outings such as dolphin-spotting, shelling, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise; and three resorts that welcome families: The Radisson Sand Key an all-suite resort near Sand Key Park, Clearwater Beach. the Sheraton Sand Key - right on Sand Key Beach, where sea turtles nest the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. The family-friendly TradeWinds Grand has a giant inflatable slide and meandering little river you can navigate in a paddleboat. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay This 335-acre theme park has four thrill-ride roller coasters, three water-rides, lovely landscaped grounds, attractive African theming, and opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. A fun, pretty park that's manageable to do in one day. Swim with Manatees: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge 75 miles north of St. Petersburg is one of the best places to see-- and even swim with-- these large gentle creatures in a natural habitat. (November to May are the best months.) More West Coast ColonyBeach Resort Thisisland resort on Longboat Key is just off the coast of Sarasota (central westcoast), south of the Tampa Bay area. (You can drive right to the property.)Children's programs, for ages 3-6 and 6-12; teen programs; tennis; lots of watersports. Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville, Florida Locatedon the "Emerald Coast" in Northwest Florida, and voted "One of America's Top 10 Family Resorts" by Family Circle. 36 holes of golf, marine, biking and hiking trails, 4 pools, playgrounds. Northwest Florida Vacations Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort This giant 2400-acre resort has a beach side on the Emerald Coast (Gulf of Mexico) and also a bay side, with many activities: kids' sailing, kids' tennis, kayaking, putting course, Jolee Island Nature Park with pirate-ship playground, and a Kidzone with programs for ages 4-6 and 7-12. Watersports include body-surfing and Boogie boards (complimentary). Kids might also enjoy the Junior Golf Academy, with excellent instructors. Best way to get around this huge giant resort is on bikes. The centre of gravity of this huge resort is the picture-perfect Village of Baytowne Wharf. Read a review of Sandestin at TWKids, and see many photos too. Wakulla Spring In a state park in the "Panhandle" near Tallahassee is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Swim or snorkel in the natural pool above the spring; see alligators on a river boat tour; or do a glassbottom boat ride; dine and/or stay at a historic lodge; take nature hikes. And from About's Guide for Florida for Visitors, covering the whole state: Florida Summer Fun from A to Z 26 suggestions, from Astronaut Encounters to Zip Up Your Saddlebags (- horsey fun in Ocala.) You'll be surprised at the variety. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... 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Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...