Bed and Breakfasts - Romantic and Relaxing

Thankfully the days are long gone when staying at a bed and breakfast entailed sleeping in someone's spare room with basic amenities (possibly including a tired shag carpet) and a shared bathroom "down the hall". Hardly romantic!

In fact, the change is so pronounced that smaller boutique hotels are now incorporating some of the successful qualities of bed and breakfasts into their renovations. The bywords of good quality B&Bs are perfect for those seeking a romantic retreat: intimacy, cosiness, high quality surroundings and a relaxed quiet friendly atmosphere.

According to the Travel Industry of America, over 42 million people in the USA had at least one trip last year for occasions such as a honeymoon or anniversary. This is a market to which bed and breakfasts have responded. Many are in attractive older homes which ooze charm, furnished by antiques set in lovely décor. You can lazily luxuriate in fine linens on a comfortable bed, soak in a two-person bubbling whirlpool bathtub and snuggle up in armchairs to enjoy the ambience of a fireplace - just the place for a romantic break.

At our Victoria bed and breakfast we love to hear the oohs and aahs as our guests first enter their room, beholding the beauty of the surroundings they have chosen for their special time. It is very rewarding. Even more rewarding has been the discovery that some guests have become good personal friends.

Personable hospitality is provided by the innkeepers in whose home you stay. They are not there just for an eight hour shift for a pay cheque twice a month. Their livelihood depends on what they offer and how they offer it, so you will rarely be disappointed.

Planning.

Whilst there can be pleasure in acting spontaneously it is best to take some time in advance to plan your retreat away. Use the internet to research B&B websites in your area of choice to find the right amenities and setting at the right price. Browse through local B&B associations' websites as well as those of individual establishments. Some will feature romance packages. Perhaps the trip could be a surprise for your partner.

Plan to stay for more than one night to allow time to unwind and enjoy the locality as well as to relax. If the occasion is special it merits paying a little extra to enjoy the finer things of life. Remember that a B&B may be less expensive than an equivalent hotel if only because a full memorable home-cooked breakfast is included in the overnight rate.

Activities v non-activities.

Togetherness in a different environment is wonderful therapy. Mix rest and activity;

perhaps reading in gardens or strolling on a beach and visiting a local attraction or browsing through antique shops. (Leave work behind – no such conversation, no laptop, perhaps no cell phone.)

Bring special treats with you like favourite CDs and DVDs, wine, chocolates, bubble bath etc. Do check if candles and massage oil may be used.

Bed and breakfast hosts are glad to extend genuine helpful hospitality so ask your innkeeper for local recommendations - cosy restaurants, a spa, shopping guidance, activity suggestions and the best places for whatever you are interested in.

If this is your first bed and breakfast experience it will probably not be your last.

About The Author
Martin Vernon, and his wife Linda, have operated a Victoria Bed and Breakfast in British Columbia, Canada for nine years. The Gazebo has been selected as one of "Victoria's Finest Bed and Breakfasts": see www.gazebo-victoria.com.
stay@gazebo-victoria.com

Top Ten Reasons To Pick A Vacation Rental

We are planning a family trip for just a few days. That is my family, my brother's family, and my other brother's family. Our mother will be joining us, too. That makes four households, seven adults and six children all under three years old. Praise to my brave (foolish?) wife who has somehow volunteered to coordinate the arrangements.

Even reserving months in advance, we were unable to get four rooms adjoining at the motel, all with the right view and on the right level. If we were going for longer, we would probably rent a house as we have done before. There are vacation rentals in almost every corner of the world, but they are particularly common in high-tourist areas like Florida, California and the Mediterranean countries.

Here is my top ten list of why a family should pick a vacation rental (and specifically a vacation rental home):

1. Not toiling to find ideal, adjoining rooms.

2. Everybody gets privacy, without having to worry about where the kids are.

3. You don't have to share the common area with strangers, but you can still lounge around together.

4. More than one bathroom. Need I say more?

5. Lots and lots and lots of more room. This is usually the main selling feature.

6. Private pool, in most cases. "Great to swim with the sound of insects....fortunately outside the 'cage'", wrote one visitor in the guestbook of Lesley & Gerry's villa. http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/?villa_id=15&x=21&y=7

7. Usually cost less than hotels.

8. Store cold drinks, ice creams, fresh fruit or any other snacks you fancy, which is a huge cost saver, suggests villa owner Christine Creasy. And a great convenience, too. http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/?villa_id=65&x=26&y=7

9. Barbecue any time you want. You can still eat out, but you don't HAVE to.

10. You don't have to take home several weeks' supply of dirty laundry.

There you have it. My top ten reasons to choose a vacation rental. I've written before on the benefits of renting private accommodations:

http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa-hotel.html

Of course, I still prefer a tent in a wilderness park, but I might have some difficulty convincing my mother to join us there.

About The Author
David Leonhardt is a freelance writer.
Visit his happiness website at:
http://www.thehappyguy.com
Or his vitamin website at:
http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net.
For Florida vacation villa rentals:
http://www.lastminutevillas.net .
For Orlando vacation home rentals:
http://www.orlandovillaowners.com
Info@thehappyguy.com

Family Cruises Guide

Family cruises are the ideal solution when you're in need of a stress-free family vacation that's fun for everyone. No need to worry about traffic jams, valet parking or keeping the kids entertained. You can just relax in the comfort of your plush onboard surroundings, and let the kids explore a mind-blowing array of cruise entertainment or you can join in the activities too!

Throughout the year there is no shortage of cruise ships catering for families leaving ports all around North America. Family cruises to Disney are popular as are themed family cruises during spring break and summer vacation time. Destinations such as Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Bahamas are all within easy reach of east coast ports. On the west side, Mexico, Canada and Alaska are equally accessible too for family cruises.

Further afield, family cruises along the Amazon or fly-cruises around Europe offer great value for your dollar. Besides the wealth of onboard entertainment for all the family to enjoy, what child would not be impressed by a close encounter with pink dolphins on the Amazon, or the sight of gladiators re-enacting Roman times in an Italian amphitheater? There's no end of fun to be had, and all at a price that is affordable, especially when compared to land-based vacations of a similar standard!

Family cruises for kids

Kids of all ages can expect a dazzling array of entertainment to greet them on family cruises. For younger children games rooms and video rooms showing cartoons are available on many cruise ships that cater for families. There are video games, sports activities, dancing classes and organized activities under the direction of the ship's crew for older children to delight in. Some cruise liners even have 'kids-only' swimming pools.

Family cruises for parents

For parents everything from golf to poolside massages are available on family cruises. Kids can be left in the capable hands of the cruise liner's staff leaving you free to enjoy some 'you' time. Most cruise boats offer a babysitting service. So, why not take advantage of it and steal an evening walk under the stars together or share a romantic meal at the ship's restaurant? You might just find that it is the most enjoyable and relaxing vacation you've been on in years!

About The Author
Jonathan Medcalfe writes about all types of cruise vacations including bahamas cruises, alaska cruises luxury cruises and much more. If you want more information about interesting cruises, visit his site here: http://www.fgcruise.com.

Five Family Friendly Vacations Ideas and How To Make Them Affordable

Does the cost of travel have you wondering whether or not you can afford to take your family on a vacation this year? Your much needed and well deserved vacation should be a priority in your life and we are providing ways to make your family vacation time more affordable and more enjoyable.

1. Kids and Cruises –Traveling by ship is a way for families to visit several places on one trip without constantly having to pack and unpack which is a big benefit for parents with young children. Additionally most cruise lines offer children's programs and kids will love the freedom of life on board a cruise ship.

Way to save on cruising: Travel agents specializing in cruises and businesses that book blocks of cabins can offer quite a savings on rooms. Cruising prices are also dependent upon the season you choose to cruise. Look for off season specials or cruises that include airfare as part of the deal. Many of the cruise lines offer a kid sail free program.

2. All Inclusive Packages – Look for family friendly locations. Family package destinations will offer activities for both parents and children. Entertainment for everyone plus food, drink and activities are all in one place.

Ways to save on packages: Mid week departure and arrivals will save you money on airfare. Also schedule your travels for off season.

3. Renting a House – Renting a house for your family vacation in the location you want to visit will provide the benefits of learning the local culture plus you get more for your vacation dollar. You can experience life with all its local flavors. If find out all the info about a location before the trip you will experience all the fun and excitement and not miss anything once you get there

Ways to save on rentals: The internet offers huge resources for finding a rental in the location you prefer. Local newspapers for the areas which are often published on line can help you find a great deal also. Look for coupons to save money on food and activities. It's a great money-saving idea to split the cost of the house rental with another family whether it be family or friends.

4. Adventure Packages – Adventure vacations are designed to teach basic skills and how to respect the environment. Whether you choose white water rafting or hiking in the wilderness, your family's safety will be a top priority with your nature guide. Most of the time all equipment is provided and often will include all meals for the day.

Ways to save on adventure trips: Book your trip with an adventure travel specialist. You will be sure to get the best price with the most features.

5. Camping Vacations – Outdoor vacations such as camping provide families ways to work together and play together. Campgrounds normally offer plenty of activities to keep children entertained. Camping can be either in a tent or many places even offer cabins. Additionally you can rent an RV to experience RV camping.

Ways to save on camping: Many national campground locations offer membership cards that offer benefits to its regular campers. Cooking your food at camp rather than eating out will help you save money.

Wherever you decide on the family vacation, whether it's an airline ticket or a hotel room, never take the first price your quoted. Always attempt to negotiate for a better price. Ask about any available discounts. Be a flexible traveler. If you're willing to give up your seats on a flight for someone flying standby, you'll be rewarded with free tickets. Set aside the dates you want to travel and then watch for last minute deals. When on vacation skip the souvenirs and start a postcard or refrigerator magnet collection. If you plan properly you can be assured of your family having a fun and affordable family vacation.

About The Author
Article by Patricia Kopp. Please visit our site for more family vacation tips.. If you'd like to save money on your next vacation visit Cheap-Vacation-Guide.com.
patkopp423@adelphia.net

Family Vacation Deals

Ah, the family vacation. It can strip of you every ounce of patience, and leave you strapped for cash. When all is said and done, you're left feeling more stressed than you were before taking your holidays!

Maybe there is another way. To be sure, traveling with the entire family can be expensive and hard to plan; but there are some holiday destinations that will actually help you get great family vacation deals.

Family Cruises

Cruises are awesome choices for family getaways. There are plenty of deals available, when you know where to look. Search the Internet for cruise websites and you can stumble upon a good deal on a great cruise for your family. Some cruises offer discounts for certain age groups, like "kids stay and eat free" with paid adults. These are the deals that you should watch for. Other package deals can include family-friendly tours and extras, like Disney cruises.

Florida Vacations

If Florida is your idea of a great family vacation, you're in luck. There are great family vacation deals available for all sorts of Florida destinations. Some packages will include free tickets to the most popular tourist spots, like Universal Studios and theme parks. Many hotels included in package deals will provide free meals for kids--and anyone with hungry mouths to feed will know what a huge saving this can be. Most Florida hotels are kid-friendly and welcome families by offering discounted rates and kids' activities.

Air travel

Ask questions when you book your airline tickets. While they may not advertise it, some airlines have deals for young passengers. You may save half or even the full price of your child's ticket when you purchase yours. Other airlines offer special rates for kids under a certain age. These savings can really add up, particularly if you have several children.

Many travel agencies, resorts and airlines offer promotional periods when they will accommodate your entire family for one great price. These special packages are generally offered once or twice a year as a means to promote their businesses. Ask around to see which companies will be offering special family promotions, and when they will be available. If you've already booked your time off, don't be afraid to adjust it if it means saving a few hundred dollars.

If you are still in the preliminary stages of booking your holidays, find out where the family vacation deals are. Locate the big bargains; narrow them down to find the ones that suit your family's needs and fit your budget, then decide together. Some agencies and resorts are so family-friendly, they'll offer tips and tricks to help you find the biggest savings. Do a little research before you book. The time you spend looking for family vacations now will pay off in big savings and a holiday that's truly fun and relaxing.

About The Author
Nancy Anderson contributes to several online magazines, including http://jebog.com and http://recreation-site.com.

Traveling With Family In A Caravan For The Vacation

There is one time in a year, when most of the families get excited about traveling to a very nice place for their vacation. Usually it is during the time, when all the members of the family have their holidays.

We as human beings need a break from our daily routine, for parents their daily routine could be their work, for children it is school or college. But when we talk about vacation, it is the time, when children and parents look forward for it.

A little time once again to get all bonded up, in the daily routine work of life, family members tend to get exhausted and perhaps have a very little time to spend together. It is the only time when all the members once again can rejuvenate and start by once again having fun together.

Families during vacations usually like to spend time on their own without having work or anyone interfering between them. So the places they chose are away from their home, most of the families do like to travel in a caravan. As most of us already know what a Caravan is? It is very convenient because of some of the facilities it has within it, like a small kitchen, and two small bedrooms.

There are families who already have caravan that they own, but there are families who have to hire caravan during vacations. Which they hire and book before hand that is before the vacations start.

Now that could be a drive, and that is the purpose. They can choose to go camping to various different places along with the caravan, most of them carry maps along with them so they don't get lost and also so that, wherever they find nice climate and nice place they can take halt anytime. It is easier to travel in a caravan, because it is also safe specially when there are little children too. Although I have to say there are some safety measures that they can take care of too.

Precautions to be taken while traveling in a caravan, they have to carry first aid, since if you are in the interiors and God forbid if something happens, you already have your first aid kit tool so that you take mandatory steps. And it would also not put you into anxiety about worrying the whole time, incase if some one falls ill, or have a fall or something.

Children and Parents love caravan, because of the small kitchen in the caravan and they don't have to worry about, staying hungry all the time. Even for parents it is less of a worry and usually when children are happy then parents are also happy that makes all of them have a beautiful and fruitful time.

About The Author
Cathy Peterson writes about http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com ,http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/Site59.com and http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/Hotels.com.

Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole Family

It's time to plan the family vacation and you're running into trouble again. Just once you'd like to find something that everyone will love, but you don't think you can find it; after all, you have the twins who are six years old, a terminally bored teenager, and a preteen daughter whose idea of the perfect vacation is a trip to the mall. Your husband loves to golf, and your idea of a vacation, frankly, is anywhere you can just relax and take it easy for a change!

You could try asking the whole family where they'd like to go for a vacation, but you could get answers like this:

Somewhere I can go shopping for some really cool stuff!
The beach, so I can get some surfing in.
A golf resort would be nice – I'd like to improve my handicap.
Can we go someplace where there are rides? And lots of games?
I think the kids should learn something on this trip; let's go someplace cultural.

There's no place that meets those standards anywhere in the world better than Mexico! If you want to everyone to enjoy themselves and spend a week or two without ever hearing, "There's nothing to do," then Mexican beach vacations are the perfect choice!

Sun, sand and surf

Family beach vacations have always appealed to every generation, and for good reason. There's something universal about the pull of the ocean. Warm, white sands that are soft under your feet and lapis blue waters that are crystal clear invoke relaxation and a sense of peace and renewal that can't be found anywhere else. Mexico has thousands of miles of soft white beaches that are family-friendly with miles of gorgeous surf.

While you relax with a Pina Colada and a good book and enjoy the sea breeze, the twins can be dashing in and out of the tide, collecting sea shells and admiring hermit crabs as they dart into their holes. Your daughter can work on her tan or stroll over to one of the booths where locals wait to cornrow her hair.

And don't forget the terminal case of boredom – he's trying out a surfboard that he rented from the cabana at the hotel. Tomorrow he plans to try his hand at windsurfing or parasailing. Your husband is catching everything on film for later.

And when evening rolls around...

When night falls there's still plenty to do on a beach vacation. Most resorts offer a choice or restaurants from family-friendly pizza parlors to fine dining with a great wine cellar. Or you can explore the local town for a sampling of local cuisine that's sure to surprise and delight you and your children. If you enjoy seafood, there's nothing that beats finding a local seafood joint with seating on the beach for atmosphere and fun.

After the sun goes down, take a stroll on the beach at night and look for sea turtles if the season is right. These magnificent creatures are an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

If you head to the boardwalks that abound along most beaches, you're sure to find games and rides for the whole family. Your six year olds will be delighted with a Ferris wheel ride with a spectacular view of the ocean while your daughter gets her caricature done by a local artist.

When you step away from the beach, there's still plenty to do

Beach vacations in Mexico don't stop at the edge of the water. All of those fabulous beach resorts are located near wonderful little resort towns that have colorful bazaars and market districts, so the shopping is fantastic! Remember to do some holiday shopping, and look for a few colorful pieces of clothing to show off when you get back home!

Mexico is full of cultural and historical bounty, so don't forget to visit some of the rich historical treasures of the area while you're visiting. Your family will be amazed by the impressive size and grandeur of Mayan ruins just miles from the beaches. These ancient ruins are a reminder of the area's rich heritage and shouldn't be missed.

When visiting the ruins take the time to admire the villages and towns you pass through; Mexico is a rich mix of heritages. Descendants of the Maya, Inca and Spanish settlers all make up the rich heritage of today's Mexico.

Meanwhile, back on the beach...

After a few days of sightseeing, shopping, and golfing even the most energetic family members will want to relax, and that's why beach vacations are the best thing going – total relaxation!

Close your eyes and think about the beach and you can almost feel yourself relax, can't you? Imagine your children building elaborate sand castles in toasted white sands and decorating them with delicate sea shells they've collected along the shore. Picture your teenagers lazily swimming on the rolling waves, ducking under the crystal-clear blue of tropical waters to watch fish flicking about around their legs.

Beach vacations can also give you the opportunity to learn something new and exciting together. Try parasailing – there's nothing as exhilarating as sailing through the sea breezes as you look down on the coast from the air like a seagull! If you've always wanted to try sailing, a beach vacation will give your whole family the opportunity to go out on a sailboat for the day.

There are so many tremendous opportunities to do things when your family takes a beach vacation to Mexico. Whether you want to enjoy the sand and sun, try a little bit of adventure, sample great local foods and wines or make the kids squeal with laughter, you'll find more than enough to fill every day on our fabulous Mexico beach vacation packages!

Finally, keep in mind that, since family vacations usually mean traveling in the summer months, a Mexico beach vacation can be a great bargain. Since these months are considered "off season" in this area of the country, you'll be surprised by just how affordable a really fabulous stay on a stretch of white sand beach in Mexico can be while your kids are on summer break.

About The Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about beach vacations, family vacations, and mexico vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, "Hot, Hot, Hot," throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau.
www.beach-vacations-4u.com
cbmacgregor@shaw.ca