About Florida (USA)
The state of Florida is in the southeastern part of the US and borders Georgia and Alabama to the north, the Gulf of Mexico on the west, the Straits of Florida to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It is the eighth most densely populated state of all of the 50 states and is the fourth most populous state. The capital of Florida is Tallahassee and the biggest city is Jacksonville. Miami has the largest metropolitan area. Florida’s coastline is about 1350 miles, which is the largest coastline in all of the fifty states.
Florida has a nickname of “Sunshine State”, and there is plenty of sunshine but there is also quite a bit of severe weather throughout the year. In any of the states, Florida has the highest average level of precipitation. It is also known as the lightning capital of the US. Florida experiences the most lightning strikes than any other part of the country.
Family Activities in Florida
Florida is known for family vacations! There are so many different parts of the state that offers things to do with children.
Orlando boasts one of the main attractions of Florida for kids: Disneyworld! Disneyworld in itself includes a few different attractions including Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. There is also Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Besides hotels, pools and beaches to keep your family occupied every day on vacation, there are also plenty of other attractions. Some of these attractions include: Jungle Island, Miami Children’s Museum, Sea Grass Adventures and the Miami Science Museum.
Cape Canaveral is home to the Kennedy Space Center. Despite the shuttle program winding down this destination is still a must-see for kids as there is plenty to do for an entire day. Other attractions that are in Cape Canaveral is the Brevard Zoo, Air Force Space and Missile History Center, Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory, and the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.
Busch Gardens is one of the many family attractions in Florida. Other attractions in Tampa Bayinclude: The Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Legoland.
Family Vacation Packages in Florida
There are few places in the United States that have more family vacation packages to choose from than Florida.
Of course Disneyworld offers family vacation packages as they own quite a few family resorts. One fabulous package can be found at Disney’s Art of Animation. This resort is based on storybook landscape scenes from Disney Pixar movies. You can choose from themed family suites to character themed resort rooms. Throughout the hotel you will find wondrous details from different movie classic such as Cars, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and Finding Nemo. Packages offered can include meal plans and tickets to the Disney theme parks.
Another option is to do a vacation property rental, especially to keep costs down. One great area to rent a vacation property is Clearwater Beach area. Vacation Rentals offers plenty of vacation rentals for you to choose from. This option is also beneficial if there is a group of people going, so why not take along your best friend’s another family and share the expenses?
In Miami, Loews Hotel is a fantastic family beach hotel, especially if you have teenagers with you. This upscale South Beach lodging has luxury amenities including an oceanfront jacuzzi and swimming pool, cabanas with private little rooftops and daily poolside entertainment. The resort is right on the Atlantic ocean and boasts 900 feet of sandy beach.
How much will Florida cost?
Family vacations in Florida can range from very cheap to luxury. For a very cheap vacation, there are plenty of campsites to choose from, especially in the tourist areas. Keep in mind though, that if you choose to camp around an attraction (ie Disneyworld), expect to pay significantly more than in more remote areas. There are also lots of budget hotels if you prefer to stay indoors. Many of the big chain of hotels, especially those that are less expensive, offer a continental breakfast. For one low rate, your family can stay in a clean but basic room and get a good meal. Florida packages can also be at the other end of the spectrum. Luxury resorts can be found in any large cities throughout Florida.
About Canada
Canada is a country that is in North America. It is made up of three territories and ten provinces. Canada is quite large, in fact, it is the second largest country by total area in the world at 6.2 million miles in total. It is also the world’s 4th largest country by land area. Canada has a population of just over 35 million people and about 4/5 of the population lives within 93 miles of the US border.
Canada’s head of state is Queen Elizabeth II and it is a federal parliamentary democracy. It is known as one of the of the most multi-cultural and ethnically diverse countries in the world, resulting from the large-scale immigration from countries all over the world. It also has one of the largest advanced economies in the world. It relies mainly on the abundant natural resources and highly developed trade network found in the country.
Family Activities in Canada
Similar to the US, there are tons of fun things to do with your family while vacationing in Canada.
The province of Ontario is a great place to visit, with plenty of fun, kid-friendly things to do within a small area. In Toronto, the CN Tower is a fantastic attraction for kids. There is a Glass Floor section on an observation deck so kids can see 148 stories down. Another thrill there is the Himalamazon motion theatre ride. The Toronto Islands with the Centreville Amusement Park Summer offers fun that includes over 30 rides and games plus wading pools, bike rentals, and supervised beaches. Ontario Place is an unique amusement park open only during the summer including a giant soft climbing structure, foam ball play area, a drop tower and super slide just to name a few.
Quebec offers beautiful views from all over the province. Montreal has many fun things for families to do throughout the year. For instance, for the Hallowe’en season, visit the Botancial Gardens for two special activities: The Great Pumpkin Ball and the Magic of Lanterns. Old Montreal is another spot to check out – there is always something happening there, especially in the summer.
Prince Edward Island has plenty of attractions, especially around Charlottetown. Some attractions include the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, Jurassic Bart’s Dinosaur Museum and Petting Farm, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium, The Made Dr’s Spooky Haunted Mansion. Take a tour around the town on the Hippopotabus – an open bus tour.
Family Vacation Packages in Canada
There are many different ways to see the country of Canada while having fun with your family. Just a note, if you are looking to camp or take a road trip, it might be advisable to do so in the summer months. The winters can be harsh but they also provide some unique experiences, especially if you are from the southern part of the US and haven’t experienced a Canadian winter.
One road trip that might be fun is driving across the country, visiting some of the major cities in Canada. If done during the warmer months, camping might be a great way to experience the Canadian nature. It might take some extra planning, but it can be a fun road trip.
Via Rail offers some vacation packages so visitors can experience Canada by rail. Packages to see all of Canada from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Ocean start in New York. They also offer hotel and rail packages for short getaways from 4 days or less or 5 days and longer.
There are also little getaway packages in places like Niagara Falls. Great Wolf Lodge is a popular place for a family getaway. This waterpark has activities for kids of every age with its square feet of water-packed fun. This resort includes massive slides for thrill seekers or even zero-depth entries for little kids.
How much will Canada cost?
In Canada, vacation packages are more costly than a lot of other international destinations. Your accommodations will likely be the biggest expense, followed closely by transportation costs. The most expensive provinces are British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta and the 3 territories will be even more expensive. The cheaper places to visit are the the Prairie and Atlantic provinces. A decent vacation including meals out and a car rental will be about $175-200 a day, whereas these costs can be decreased to about $90 a day by camping, self-catering and taking public transportation. Thankfully, discounts can be widely found for students, children as well as seniors which can help to reduce some of the costs. Also, a lot of the attractions offer family admission prices, which can also save families quite a bit of money.
About St. Lucia
St. Lucia can be found in the Eastern Caribbean Sea and is a piece of the Lesser Antilles. It is surrounded by Saint Vincent, Barbados and Martinique. It has a land area of about 240 square miles. The population is about 175,000 residents. The capital city is Castries. This sovereign island has seventeen electoral segments and each segment elects a Parliamentary Representative to the House of Assembly.
The country offers varied landscapes and diverse cuisine and culture. The cuisine is comprised of Indian, British, African, Spanish, French and Caribbean influences. Saint Lucia is a volcanic island, but one that is very mountainous – more so than most of the other Caribbean islands. The largest peak is Mount Gimie at 3120 feet above sea level. The island also hosts a drive-in volcano, one of the few in the world. The climate is quite tropical, with the wet season being shorter than the dry season.
Family Activities in St. Lucia
Family activities in St. Lucia are top on the list for many families visiting St. Lucia – and they won’t be disappointed. Visitors will just have to decide which activities are right for them. The common ones are: snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, hiking through nature or attending a music festival. If your family is looking for something different, check out some of these spots.
Soufrière is located in the south-western part of the island. The Diamond Estate’s botanical gardens are located in Soufrière. This tourist spot is not just gardens, there is a breathtaking waterfall and impressive mineral baths that date back to 1784. These baths were built for King Louis XVI and his troops for therapeutic healing. Another tourist attracting are the Pitons. These two volcanic mountains are quite the attraction for families with children of all ages.
Castries is the capital city of St. Lucia. It is a port of call for many cruise ships throughout the year. The ships dock at Pointe Seraphine, which is a duty free shopping center. Other attractions in Castries include the Derek Walcott Square, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Charlotte and the City Library. If you prefer to relax on a beach, then Vigie Beach is perfect for families.
Family Vacation Packages in St. Lucia
Many of the resorts in St. Lucia are all-inclusive. One such resort is St. James Club Morgan Bay. This resort is a favorite place for many couples and families. They offers a wide array of activities, water sports and amenities plus a great children’s program. Some of the amenities for kids are kiddie pools, activity centers and playgrounds.
Cap Maison Villa Resort and Spa is a luxury resort that welcomes families with children. It offers a good mix of family-friendly outdoor activities and accommodations. The rooms are quite private with most of them having their own plunge pools. The central building for all guests to use includes a game room, small spa and a pool area. A family package this resort offers includes children under 12 years old eating free, an evening of babysitting, an upgrade for the room as well as a fully-stocked family starter pack.
Mango Beach Inn located in Marigot Bay that welcomes children of all ages. It is just a quick stroll away from the boardwalk for some exploring of Rainforest Lagoon. A ferry, Captain Bravo, runs twenty-four hours a day. With a vacation package, visitors receive an un-limited ferry pass. There are lots of games available as well to keep children occupied.
How much will St. Lucia cost?
If you are planning to visit St. Lucia, be prepared to spend more money than some of the other Caribbean destinations. In a recent survey, St. Lucia was found to be among the top 10 most expensive destinations in the world. Obviously there are some cheaper resorts and places to stay other than the large, luxury resorts but for the most part St. Lucia is not a cheap destination. When considering your trip, do your research and weigh the pros and cons of an all-inclusive versus just a room. In some hotels, there is a breakfast option which may be well worth the extra fee. Typically these breakfasts are quite good and you might be able to get away with just a quick bite for lunches.
About The Bahamas
The Bahamas is made up of 700 islands that are spread out over 100,000 square miles. These islands are a popular vacation retreat for millions and millions of visitors each year, in particular American citizens and cruise ship guests. The islands start about fifty miles from Florida. The Bahamas boasts the third largest barrier reef in the world. It has the clearest water on the whole earth, and has a visibility of more than two hundred feet.
Music is a huge role in the Bahamian culture, throughout the whole country. You will hear bits of Caribbean calypso, African rhythms, Bahamian goombay music with English folk songs. The music combines European colonial influences with the African musical traditions. As for Bahamian cuisine, visitors can find any type of food there, in addition to Bahamian food, which is quite spicy and flavored. If you are a seafood lover, the Bahamas is a good choice as seafood is a staple in the Bahamian diet.
Family Activities in The Bahamas
The islands of the Bahamas lure visitor to their beautiful beaches, clear water, duty free stores and scuba diving excursion as well as luxurious accommodations. There are mega resorts on the islands that attract families but those are not the only activities that families can participate in on the islands.
Grand Bahama is a natural paradise, sprinkled with popular tourist spots. For instance the Lucayan National Park was used as the backdrop for the beach scenes in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” by Disney. There are nature tours that take travelers by kayak through the mangroves in the park, out to the beach. As well, the Dolphin Experience offers families a chance to interact with bottlenose dolphins in one of the Caribbean’s largest dive programs.
The Thunderball Grotto can be found in Exuma. This is a top scuba diving and snorkeling spot that appeared in 2 of the James Bond movies. The Thunderball Grotto is an underwater maze that is intricate and inticing. It is enclosed by cave ceilings that are sky-high and have holes that are just large enough to let a bit of sun in and provide reflections off the water. Kids will have a ball feeding bread crumbs to the fish.
Nassau is home to the official Junkaroo night parade that occurs on December 26, New Year’s Day as well as during the summer. It is the biggest celebration of the year, with parades, costumes, dancing and music. If these times don’t suit your vacation schedule, then Paradise Island’s Marina Village offers mini versions of Junkaroos on a weekly basis.
Family Vacation Packages in The Bahamas
Family vacation packages in the Bahamas are plentiful. Do a bit of research though before booking, considering all of your options that are available to you.
Atlantis is a world-renowned resort in the Bahamas, offering loads of things for families to do. There is a massive underwater world with sea creatures and fish, waterfalls, fountains and waterslides among ten swimming areas plus seven acres of saltwater swimming areas. There is a watersports lagoon, a kids club for children, a teen club that offers computer games as well as a dance floor. Visitors to Atlantis will be hard-pressed to find another resort that will offer anything more for children than Atlantis does.
Another option is the Comfort Suites Paradise Island. This hotel is adjacent to Atlantis and allows all its visitors to use the Atlantis amenities, free of charge. This hotel is perfect for those who want to experience all that Atlantis has to offer without the busyness and noise of staying at Atlantis.
If you are looking for a quieter vacation package than a resort like Atlantis, the Hut Pointe Inn may be a good choice. These vacation packages include two bedroom suites with full kitchens – perfect for families. This boutique resort allows families to fully enjoy the island of Eleuthera. The resort is close enough to attend the local events that are family-friendly.
How much will The Bahamas cost?
There is no way of getting around it – the Bahamas is an expensive travel destination. It is popular with honeymooners, cruise ships and resorts, meaning that visitors should expect to pay more. Accommodations is expensive, even if you are planning on staying at a hostel or budget hotels. You are still looking at about $75 a night. As for food, expect to pay about $8 for a meal that includes fish, side dish and a dessert. If you are looking to eat American fare, these will be much more expensive – up to $25 a plate. Water taxis are frequently employed as a method of transportation. A simple ride on a mail boat between islands could be up to $45 each way. These are infrequent so many people turn to inter-island flights which are fairly reasonably priced and more time conscious.
About Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is made up of forty islands and cays in the Caribbean. Only eight of the islands are inhabited. There are approximately thirty thousand year-round residents plus over two hundred thousand tourists each year. Tourism is an important part of the economy of Turks & Caicos. Salt production is also one of the major sources of revenue for the country. The islands of Turks & Caicos are surrounded by shallow waters, making them ideal for salt raking. One the downside, these waters become a nautical navigation nightmare. In the country’s history, there are more than one thousand ships that were wrecked to and from the country. The hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30 each year. Turks & Caicos boasts one of the highest crime-solved rates and the lowest crime rates in all of the Caribbean.
Family Activities in Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is a well-known place for family vacations, with plenty of activities for people of all ages to do.
On the island of Providencials, there are plenty of activities for families to participate in. If the family is interested in hanging out at the beach, Taylor Bay and Grace Bay are great places to go. Providenciales is also the home of Bight Reef. This reef has mini-caves to visit as well as plenty of crevices to swim into to see plenty of different kinds of fish.
Little Water Cay is also known as Iguana Island. This cay hosts the remaining endangered population of Turks & Caicos’ rock iguanas. Another population family activity is walking along the long boardwalks on the cay and learn about the vegetation and wildlife that is native to Turks and Caicos.
Grand Turk hosts the Turks & Caicos National Museum. This museum showcases the natural history of the island as well as chronicling the lives of some of the country’s former slaves. It also shares information about the shipwrecks that have happened around the islands.
Family Vacation Packages in Turks & Caicos
The Beaches resort in Turks & Caicos offers all-inclusive vacations for the entire family. It boasts a 45000 square foot waterpark, twelve miles of beach surrounded by clear blue waters and activities for totos to tweens to teens to adults. For tots some of the activities include shows that feature Sesame Street characters. For tweens there is an XBox Play Lounge and for teens there is a disco called Liquid. Pirates Island is filled with pools, swimup soda bars and gigantic waterslides. The resort even offers vacation packages for single parents which can be uncommon in the Caribbean.
The Venetian on Grace Bay includes 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suites that overlook the ocean. All suites come complete with washers and dryers, and kitchens. There are plenty of beach and water sports that are included in the vacation packages. Families can choose to dine in the suite with just a quick call in advance to ensure that there are groceries stocked prior to arrival. There are also six restaurants on-site to choose from. before your arrival) or at one of six restaurants when staying at the Venetian.
How much will Turks & Caicos cost?
If you are traveling to Turks & Caicos on an all-inclusive package or if you are staying at a luxury resort, then the cost of your vacation increases quite a bit. Keep in mind that the Christmas time period is busy and is also one of the most expensive times of year to visit Turks & Caicos. By shopping for groceries at stores, you will be able to cut down on some of your costs however, food is fairly expensive wherever you go on the islands. For example, a gallon of ice cream is about $10 and a box of cereal could run you $8. Be prepared to pay about $20 for an entree and soda at a decent restaurant; this can increase significantly (possibly up to $50) if you are looking for a meal at a fine restaurant.
