Travel Guide

ViaMichelin : street map, maps, map UK, route finder, route planner, directions, road map, route map Route planner , maps , tourist information , hotels and restaurants Home page Maps Driving directions Traffic Weather The Michelin guides My ViaMichelin Store Hotels | Restaurants | Tourism Advantages | My account | My saved items Help My addresses Address, station... Postcode City, area... EUROPE Search for nearby hotels Help My addresses My addresses Address, station... Postcode City, area... EUROPE Address, station... Postcode City, area... EUROPE Stopovers, options... On the road Lexus RX 400h: the first hybrid 4x4! A concentration of technologies which far from neglects the pleasures of driving. Dodge Nitro: its dynamite! The first compact off-roader from the American marque with the ram logo, the Dodge Nitro has been specially designed for the European market. Yamaha MT-03: a versatile single-cylinder roadster which proves its worth in town and on small winding roads. Also discover the Michelin Airless , a wheel without air for scooters. Tourism and Gastronomy Budapest or how to appreciate the Danube pearl. The capital of Hungary ideally combines the pleasures of art, gastronomic delights and the bathing ritual, a veritable philosophy of well-being. Champagne - a living legend! Our selection invites you to to rediscover the magic of real, fine champagne! Meetings in Spain: business success. Spain's importance as a destination for international meetings has increased notably in recent years. Discover why Spain is synonymous with success in this type of events. New Technology and Mobility Homelink: connecting home and car. It is now possible to open your garage door from a distance without getting out of your car or even opening the window... News Castrol gets the EDGE over the competition! EDGE is our best, made for demanding drivers, who love their machines. Gain free access to the online Michelin guides Save your searches (addresses, maps, route plans...) Register for FREE! NEW! ViaMichelin Navigation X-930 All-in-one portable GPS navigation system 389 € Tungsten E2 Navigation Companion United Kingdom & Ireland Discover all our services on... PDA PND In-car GPS navigation systems ViaMichelin business solutions Business geolocation services: adaptable turnkey website solutions or flexible services integrated into existing business applications Advertise on ViaMichelin.com Choosing your tyres... Which tyres? Advice on your tyres Add ViaMichelin to your Favourites list Help-FAQ | Site map | Configuration | Product registration | Fun & games | Map directory Who are we? | Press area | Privacy policy | Legal notice | Recruitment | Our partners Route planner , maps , tourist information , hotels and restaurants Street map , maps , map UK , route finder , route planner , directions , road map , route map Michelin 2001 - 2005 Franais Espaol Italiano Deutsch

Spain Travel

Tourist Office of Spain - Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain Our Office Useful Addresses How to get there Travel Tips Activities Travel Bulletin Tour Operators' Index Request Information Home Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There is a perfect destination for everyone -choose yours. Visit our main Web site: Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain PASSPORT - MONEY - CUSTOMS PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS : No visa for Spain is required for Canadian, US passport holders and nationals of European Unions countries for stays up to 3 months as a tourist. For stays exceeding this period, other nationalities or work permits please contact the Consulate of Spain nearest you. The addresses and telephone numbers of the Spanish Consulates are as follows: Toronto : 200 Front Street, Suite 2401, Toronto, Ont. M5V 3K2. Tel. (416) 977 1661 cgspain.toronto@mail.mae.es Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Montreal : 1 Westmount Sq. Ste 1456, Montreal, P.Q. H3Z 2P9. Tel. (514) 935 5235 consular@total.net Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information click here . INOCULATIONS : No inoculations are required when entering or leaving Spain. MONEY: As of January 1st, 2002, the new Spanish currency, as in most European Union countries, is the Euro. The currency will have notes and eight coins. The notes will have face value of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 or 500 euros. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and the coins will range in value from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 euros. Tourists may bring up to 6,010.12 euros (approximetly $10,000 Canadian dollars) without declaring the amount at customs. The current rate of exchange varies from week to week. For an updated exchange rate, check with newspapers or banks. Travellers cheques are most practical and Canadian currency can be exchanged at banks, airports, main hotels, etc. In order to get the most for your money, we advise you to buy some euros before leaving (for first day expenses) and exchange the rest of your dollars or travellers cheques at the bank once in Spain (although banking hours might be subject to change, presently they are: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Major credit cards are honoured in most hotels and restaurants, main stores, rent-a-car companies and others, although this should be checked before each transaction. The convenient Interact System can also be used throughout Spain, providing one of the easiest and cheapest ways of obtaining cash abroad; consult with your bank about your particular card and fees. For Currency converter click here . CUSTOMS: You may bring the following into Spain: personal effects, a personal laptop, one video camera or two still cameras with ten rolls of film each. A portable radio or portable tape recorder per person is admitted free of duty, as well as 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. One bottle of wine and one of liquor per person. The following sports equipment is also allowed: fishing gear, one bicycle, skis, tennis or squash racquets and golf clubs. PETS: Pets do not need to be held in quarantine prior to entering Spain. A certificate stating that an animal is in good health and has been inoculated against rabies (for dogs and cats) is required. The document must be issued by a veterinarian and certified at the nearest Consulate of Spain. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN SPAIN Railways: Spain has an extensive railroad system with fast and comfortable trains, offering some of the best fares in Europe. The national network is known as RENFE. Internet address: www.renfe.es . One of Europes most luxurious sightseeing trains is the AL ANDALUS EXPRESS with classic cars restored and refurbished in modern "grand luxe" style. There is 5-stars accommodation in the bedroom/salon cars. All excursions and meals are included. The AL ANDALUS EXPRESS have several itineraries, although it usually goes from Madrid south to Andalusia. The TRANSCANTABRICO, another sightseeing train, covers the northern and north-western parts of Spain know as Green Spain, from San Sebastian in the Basque region to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The train is air-conditioned and has showers, a bar and live music. All excursions and meals are included. AVE, Spains sleek bullet train, is the rail link between Madrid and Seville, going through Ciudad Real and Cordoba. This ultramodern train, which travels at a speed of up to 185 miles per hour, makes the Madrid-Seville run in 2 hours 30 minutes. TALGO is an ultramodern, fully air-conditioned train operating throughout Spain. New fast and sleek trains called EUROMEDS are going along the Mediterranean Coast, significantly cutting your travelling time from Barcelona to Valencia. Tickets can be purchased through RAIL EUROPE: 1-800-361 RAIL , which sells special rail passes only for Spain. Train Passes, such as EUROPASS and FLEXIPASS can also be purchased through RAIL EUROPE. Buses: Public bus service in Spain is comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines which cover long distances, buses are specially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres. Local tourist offices can provide you with schedule information. Ships: Travellers who wish to visit the Spanish Islands may depart from the mainland using the COMPAIA TRANSMEDITERRANEA. this national carrier has regular scheduled ferries from Barcelona and Valencia to the Balearic Islands and from Cadiz to the Canary Islands. TRANSMEDITERRANEA also offers inter-island service. The same company offers service to North Africa: from Almeria and Malaga to Melilla and from Algeciras to Tangiers and Ceuta. For reservations please call the headquarters in Madrid. Tel. : 011-341-431-0700, fax: 011-34- 431- 0804. Website: http://www.trasmediterranea.es Modern Hydrofoil ships are now linking Mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands, Algeciras to Tangier and between the Canary Islands. Inquire in our Office for more details about ferries. Driving in Spain: In order for Canadians to drive in Spain, they must: Have an International Driving Licence Be 18 years of age or older Be a tourist Traffic Offences: On the spot payment of fines (reduced by 20%) is compulsory for non-residents. Taxis: All major cities in Spain have metered taxi service. Any extra charges must be posted in the vehicle. For further information click here . ACCOMMODATION There are more than 10,000 hotel accommodations in Spain. They are divided into several categories, among them Hotels, Residence-Hotels, Apartment-Hotels, Motels and Pensions. All of them have a plaque at the entrance showing their official category, from one to five stars. Establishment classified, as "Residence-Hotels" does not provide meals. Official forms are available at hotels and any complaint concerning service may be registered. PARADORES DE ESPAA is a state-run network of hotels. Many of them are castles, convents, or palaces restored and furnished with every modern amenity. Most of them are scenically located. Reservations can be made directly to: Central of Reservations in Madrid, Tel: 011 34 91 5166666 and the fax: 011 34 91 516657/8 - Web site: http://www.parador.es For further information please visit Tourism Spain main Web site or contact our Tourist Office in Canada. New representatives in Canada: Adsum Tourism Services 4159 Dundas St. West, Suite 218 Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4 Phone : 416-237-1930 Fax: 416-237-9212 paradores-ca@adsum.ws Apartments and Villas: There are many for rent, especially along the coastal resort areas. It is advisable to stay a few days at a hotel or pension and look around for a suitable place. Prices can vary according to the season, area or location. An Official Guide to Apartment-Hotels can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Call us for a list of addresses. Camping: Spains excellent campsites can be found along the coast, on the islands, as well as in scenic areas. Campings are also classified under a star rating system which can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Rural Tourism: A magnificent alternative to visit the real Spain off the beaten track. Accommodation in traditional country farms is available all over Spain and most of then offer complementary activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, etc. OTHER INFORMATION Taxes: A 7% VAT is to be added to rates for all restaurants and hotel rooms. Service is included. Getting your VAT back: Travellers to Spain are entitled to a reimbursement of the 16% VAT tax they pay on all purchases as long as these add up to no less than 90.16 euros (approximately $150) per store. The vendor must provide the purchaser with a duly filled out invoice, which includes the price of each good, the VAT paid for each item, as well as the identification for both the vendor and purchaser. The goods must be brought out of Spain whitin three months. At the time of departure, the invoice must be submitted to the Spanish Customs Officer in charge of VAT refunds at the international port, gate or airport (there is a specific booth for this purpose just prior to the entrance to the international area). The Customs Officer will stamp the original copy, which should be turned in at a bank in the airport for reimbursement. Tipping: Service is generally included in the bill. Tips are at your own discretion, although a 10% tip is customary. Language: Castilian (Spanish) in the whole territory. Catalan, Basque (Euskera) and Galician in their respective autonomous regions. English is usually spoken in the tourist areas along the Mediterranean coast as well as French, although a booklet with the most common phrases in Spanish is always helpful. Electric Current: 220 volts (50 cycles) are commonly used in Spain, although 110 still exist in some areas. Round prong plugs are used in all outlets. Standard Canadian plugs will not fit into Spanish outlets. Bullfights: The season starts in March and runs until the middle of October. Shopping in Spain: This is not only an exciting venture but also practical as Spain offers today some of the best prices on many articles. Spain has a long tradition in making leather goods (shoes, luggage, bags, coats, dresses gloves, etc.), clothing (original fashion designers or ready-made), embroidery and lace; jewellery (classical or modern designs, as well as artisan gold and silver works); blown glass, pottery, antiques (some of the antique galleries in Madrid, Barcelona or Seville are among the best in Europe); furniture; interior decorating items (the famous Lladro porcelains, iron grille designs, silver and other metals such as candelabra, trays, bowls, etc.); toys; musical instruments (Spanish guitars are know to be the best in the world). Madrid and Barcelona are of course the major cities for shopping. In Madrid, the main commercial areas are: the Goya, Principe de Vergara and Serrano districts for exclusive fashions; Narvaez, Conde de Penalver and the old downtown area of Puerta del Sol, Alcala, Gran Via, Carretas and Arsenal, a place also to find major Department stores. A must is the Sunday flea market of El Rastro, where you can find anything from a hatpin to a masterpiece. In Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia and Diagonal for elegant shopping; the Ramblas and Plaza de Catalunya for almost anything; and the area around the church of Sta. Maria de los Reyes for antique galleries. Other excellent areas for shopping are tourist centres, such as Torremolinos and Marbella in Costa del Sol, Benidorm in Costa Blanca, Playa de Aro in the Costa Brava, Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands (mainly Tenerife and Gran Canaria) specially, since they are duty-free ports. Shopping Hours: Although big department stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, most shops keep traditional business hours, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some stores are open on Sunday. Museums: The standard hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but check with the Tourist Office in Spain nearest you for hours of specific museums. For further information click here . Books and maps on Spain: The Tourist Office of Spain supplies maps, brochures and information circulars free of charge. Persons wishing further information may obtain additional guides and maps at retail stores or, in Spain, from local tourist offices. Travelling with children: Most hotels make reductions for babies and small children, although there are not official regulations. This matter should be arranged with the hotel management. Baby food and disposable diapers are available at most resorts and are obtainable from supermarkets and pharmacies. Baby-sitting arrangements can usually be made locally. The availability and cost should be checked with the establishment directly or through the booking agent. Health Service: Only members of the European Union enjoy free medical assistance under the Spanish Health Service during their stay. You are advised to take out adequate holiday insurance. This is available at your local bank or from most tour operators and travel agents. Although there are multilingual doctors in the tourist areas, those requiring special treatment or diets are advised to carry a letter from their doctor translated into Spanish, indicating the nature of the condition, treatment and medicines required. Special dietary products are available from health shops and pharmacies. Telephoning Home: Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Spain is 9000-99-0015 where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or on the Internet: ( www.canada-direct.com ) Radio Canada International: Radio Canada International ( RCI ) broadcasts on short-wave in Spain. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI web site ( www.rcinet.ca ). You may also e-mail RCI at rci@montreal.radio-canada.ca or call ( 514 ) 597 7555 Casinos: Gambling is legal in Spain. There are 22 casinos in operation. Lists are available upon request. Public Holidays: January 1, New Years Day January 6 Good Friday March 19 May 1, Labour Day August 15, Feast of the Assumption October 12, Spains National Day November 1, All Saints December 6, Constitution Day December 25, Christmas day Each of the 17 Autonomous Regions and Municipalities in Spain has extra official public holidays celebrated only within its boundaries. Important Web site address: (in English) General information: www.tourspain.es IBERIA: www.iberia.com/ibusa RENFE: www.renfe.es PARADORES: www.parador.es SPANISH EMBASSY IN CANADA: www.docuweb.ca/SpainInCanada/ Information on Commercial matters: Please contact the Commercial Office of Spain at: 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Tel.. (416) 967-0488. e-mail: buzon.oficial@toronto.ofcomes.mcx.es THE CLIMATE IN SPAIN SPRING is an ideal time to visit the central regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean Coast and the Balearic Islands. The climate is generally very good, but expect occasional rain. SUMMER is a good season to visit the northern regions, especially the resorts along the Cantabrian Coast, from Hondarribia on the French-Spanish border to La Guardia at the Portuguese-Spanish frontier. FALL is perhaps the best season of the year to visit the entire country. The climate is excellent, with sunny days and blue skies. WINTER is a good season for the Mediterranean regions, particularly the Costa del Sol, Alicante (Costa Blanca) and the Balearic Islands. The high mountain ranges offer excellent conditions for winter sports. The Canary Islands have an even and pleasant climate all year round. For further information click here . Site Content Our Office Useful addresses Travel Bulletin Travel Tips Activities Tour operators index How to get there Information request Home page ACTIVITIES Cultural: Spain has a very intense cultural life; opera, ballet and concerts can be enjoyed in the major cities - Madrid and Barcelona have their opera, ballet and concert season. Spanish theatre is very popular with more than 30 theatres in Madrid playing daily. There are also the famous "Fiestas". Every city, town and village has its own, usually commemorating their patron saint, including bullfighting, folklore dances, outdoors fairs and events. Larger cities often include ballets, plays and flamenco spectacles. For dates and information please contact our Office. For further information click here . Gastronomy and Restaurants: Food in Spain is taken very seriously. Dining is an indispensable ingredient, in the countrys ebullient social lifestyle. Meals are long and leisurely, providing an opportunity to enjoy good company freshly prepared dishes, and fine wines, such as the world-famous Riojas. Lunch is the big meal of the day and is generally served between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Dinner is traditionally served between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Vertical forks (from one to five) rate restaurants on a plaque outside the entrance. Prices must be listed both inside and outside the establishment. Ask for the tourist menu, usually an all- included meal very reasonably priced according to the category of the restaurant. Spanish cuisine is based on the healthy Mediterranean diet. Prized Spanish olive oil, garlic, fresh daily produce and wine are the staples. The striking cultural contrasts between regions in Spain are reflected in the tremendous variety of cooking styles. The central plateau of Castile is known for its delicious roasts: lamb, kid, suckling pig, and game such as partridge. Try the garlic soup, hearty bean stews, and famous Manchego cheeses. Valdepeas and Ribera del Duero make exceptional red wines. Catalans are very inventive cooks, combining game and poultry with seafood, and savoury meats with sweet sauces of dried fruits and nuts. Basque cooking is considered the most sophisticated and innovative in Spain. The city of San Sebastian is exemplary, with many restaurants serving some of the finest food in Europe. Traditional cuisine is at its best in fish and shellfish. The north-western region of Galicia is Spains source of a wide variety of fresh shellfish, and delicacies such as barnacles and spider crab. Try the octopus accompanied by the famous Albario and Ribeiro wines. Andalusia is home to the refreshing gazpacho and garlic-almond soup, delicious olives, and world-famous Sherries. The rice fields of Valencia gave birth to the paella as well as a wide variety of excellent rice dishes. Spains greatest contribution to gastronomy may well be the tapas. These little portions of regional specialities are served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain and are generally accompanied by wine, beer or sangria. 2004 Tourist Office of Spain in Canada 2 Bloor West, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2 Tel.: (416) 961-3131, Fax.: (416) 961-1992 E-mail: toronto@tourspain.es Developed by DesignByBaxter This web page last updated: Wednesday, May 25, 2005

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... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... 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Ski Vacation . From

Skiing In Canada, Canada Ski Vacation, Vacations for Winter Vacation Packages What's New! Travelling To & Around Free Vacation Guides Maps » Home » Skiing & Winter Fun » Skiing in Canada They told you that you couldn't have your cake it and eat it, too. In Alberta, you can. Skiing in Canada is affordable upper crust. Here, snow is the light, fluffy icing on the cake. So go ahead - take a slice of the high life in Alberta, with a Canada Ski Vacation . From high-speed six-seater lifts (known as "six packs") and luxurious lodges to rugged wilderness areas and backcountry huts, Alberta has everything under the sun to help you enjoy the ultimate Canada ski vacation. Alberta's Alpine Ski Resorts Offer Many Vacations for Winter Alberta may look like the land of a million Christmas trees but it's more than just a pretty visual. When planning your family winter vacation remember that winter in Alberta is about a season that offers unparalleled Canada ski vacations at diverse resorts all over the province. Deep in the south lies an unknown powder hound's heaven called Castle Mountain (with new terrain and new slopeside digs at cheap prices); just west of Calgary lies Nakiska (home of the XV Winter Olympics) and Fortress (also known for its dry, fluffy powder and inexpensive accommodation). Farther west is Mt. Norquay (legendary for its hang-on-tight steeps and proximity to Banff), Sunshine Village (brags of Canada's longest ski season and all-natural snow) and Lake Louise (Canada's single largest ski area) - and all offer great winter vacation packages. Veer north and you'll find the newly expanded, family-friendly resort of Marmot Basin, in Jasper National Park. And skiing in Canada is doubly attractive in Alberta, the only province without a provincial sales tax, which makes it a very affordable family winter vacation. For complete ski packages, mouse around here . Terrain Parks & Pipes Where there's a major ski resort, there's a terrain park. Spines, table tops, quarter pipes, jumps, berms and banks are standard fare in Alberta, as are weekend races. Riders, hungry for fresh terrain, should get their boards down to the new Eagle Ridge wilderness area at Marmot Basin, opening in the 2003/04 season - just another example of more skiing in Canada! Skiing in Canada Includes the Nordic Variety Despite Alberta's magnificent backdrop of the Rockies, the perfect terrain for downhill ski resorts, we don't stop at alpine skiing. Hosting the XV Olympic Winter Games blessed Alberta with the Canmore Nordic Centre, an exhilarating 60-km tumble of track-set trails. In nearby Kananaskis Country, the Ribbon Creek system also has 60 km of groomed trails as well as 75 km of additional trails in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (check out the annual Ski Marathon a.k.a. as the Cookie Race, held every February), another terrific skiing in Canada event. Right next to this nordic area is Nakiska (and 15 minutes further is the downhill resort of Fortress), so combining nordic and alpine skiing is easy in Alberta, the ultimate in Canada ski vacations. In the southwest corner of Alberta you'll find Waterton Lakes National Park, also laced with family-friendly trails, that makes for a great choice when selecting a vacation for winter. Nordic racers from around the planet annually flock to the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival, (every February), held in Edmonton and Strathcona County (two other areas loaded with track-set trails). Named for a Norwegian family renowned for saving the life of a crown prince by skiing 55 km over three mountain ranges, it's the biggest classic ski race in North America. For more Canada ski vacations, check out our winter packages page or for the ultimate Skiing in Canada road trip, mouse around here . In order to help you plan an idyllic Canada ski vacation, visit these sites for the most current sir reports and conditions at Alberta's individual resorts: » Lake Louise Ski Resort - Live Ski Cam » Sunshine Village Ski Resort - Live Ski Cam » Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park - Live Ski Cam » Ski Banff @ Norquay » Fortress Mountain » Nakiska » Castle Mountain Resort Back to Top Skiing In Canada | Canada Ski Vacation | Vacations For Winter focus pages built by anduro technologies

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