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Focus on Family Fun
Believe it or not, family travel can be stress-free and fun! Whether you're planning a group trip or an outing for your own family, the key to successful family travel is planning, planning and more planning. Location means everything: family-friendly destinations must appeal to a wide-range of interests, from the Sesame Street-loving toddler to the Hannah Montana-worshipping tween. Accommodations need to include kiddie and family pools, connecting rooms, TVs with game consoles, game rooms, kid's and teen clubs, and restaurants offering a wide range of kid-friendly options. Family travelers crave fun, safe and educational activities to enjoy together. Taking a walk on the wild side at the zoo; journeying under the sea at the aquarium; skiing down the slopes; swimming with the dolphins – it's all about making memories together as a family.
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Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler is the perfect year-round travel destination for families. Less than a two-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is the site of the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Fun-filled activities for all ages in this year-round wonderland create families memories that will last a lifetime.
Winter in Whistler, with incredible downhill skiing at Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, has made the area world famous. No matter what level of experience or type of terrain desired, Whistler offers everything from beginner to expert runs. Family activities include custom ski school, snowboarding, ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Summer in Whistler is just as spectacular. Mountaintop sightseeing, world-class golf, mountain biking, hiking, in-line skating, horseback riding, sightseeing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and even glacier skiing are but a few of the activities the area provides in the summer months.
Click here to learn more about Whistler.
The Fairmont Chateau WhistlerFamilies will enjoy impeccable service, outstanding cuisine and luxurious accommodations at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, the Chateau is an all-season luxury resort just a five-minute walk from the village of Whistler. A recipient of numerous travel awards, this landmark Chateau is Canada's number-one-ranked ski resort. |
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What's the Buzz
Families Need to Prepare for New Travel Security Regulations
Family Travel Forum urges families flying to the U.S. to prepare for new security regulations in place at international airports around the world.
Since Northwest Flight 253 was threatened on Christmas 2009 by a passenger carrying explosives, the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and many international governments have imposed air travel security measures that will impact travelers around the world. All travelers, especially families with young children who may be carrying gift items or toys, need to be prepared for the enhanced and possibly invasive security procedures.
What does this mean for the family traveler? For the international traveler, here's a breakdown of what's likely to happen on their next airport visit. See list.
Source: Family Travel Forum (1-4-10)
Visit TSA.gov for the most up-to-the minute travel security information.
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Deals and Steals
Four Seasons Special Meetings Offer 1Q10
Special Meetings Offer - In the new Meetings with More* package, the offer is available on new bookings reserved before March 31, 2010 and held by October 31, 2010.
- Complimentary continental breakfast daily
- 10% savings on banquet menus
- Complimentary Internet access in guest rooms and general session meeting room
- One complimentary room per 30 room nights occupied
- 25% attrition allowance up to 7 days ahead of arrival
- And 10% of your event's actual room revenue will be credited toward your next event
at any Four Seasons worldwide.
To see full offer, click here.
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Travel Tip
Parents and Travel Planners take note: Increased security measures could create bored and cranky kids. Here's a list of items to keep the little ones entertained during long airport delays. Oh, and don't forget to pack snacks!
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Upcoming Events
14th Annual Event Solutions Conference & Tradeshow
The 14th Annual Event Solutions Conference & Tradeshow will take place March 8-10, 2010, at the Paris Las Vegas & the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
Click here for more information.
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Open Mic
Do you like to be heard? Open Mic is your opportunity to voice your opinion or share your expertise on travel-related topics. Today's Open Mic, submitted by Go-Girl April, focuses on travel trends at the start of a new decade. To submit an article for Open Mic, send an email to dcondron@zipsetgo.com.
Travel Trends at the Start of a New Decade
As I sit in my office at the start of 2010, I am reflecting on the travel industry events of 2009 and what has already happened in the industry in this young year. 2009 was revolutionized by social media – instant information in the new age and new words like "twitter" and "facebook"; travelers knew what was happening while it was happening and had hundreds of new followers and friends! Is this a good thing? Only time will tell….. read more
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Comments
I enjoyed your article, and would like to remind your readers that a cruise is a great option for family get-aways. Ships include activities, meals and entertainment that appeal to every generation. There are built-in age-appropriate programs and facilities for kids and teens in a safe, secure environment - so grown ups can relax and have their own fun!