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Karisma – Elevating the Family-Friendly Vacation

A colorful plastic step stool stands in front of the bathroom sink in Azul Sensatori Hotel’s Family Jacuzzi Suites.  The resort is divided into three areas, a family section, an adult’s only section, and a premium section open to all.  The Family Jacuzzi Suites sleep two adults and up to three children. Strollers, baby robes, monitors, bottle warmers, and baby tubs are complementary, reducing the amount of stuff parents have to pack and carry on their vacation. Families can also loan Fisher-Price toys from a special menu and have them delivered to the suite. Other family features include the Azulitos Kid’s Club, which offers daily activities and a pool directly across from the family suites wing. The Breeze Teen Club for children ages 13-17 has dedicated pool tables, soft drink bar, and its own music area. The only down side is the extra charge to play in the arcade.  The resort’s spa also offers appropriate treatments for children ages 5-16.

The resort also offers a free service for reunion planning when five or more rooms are booked for a family trip. They also receive complementary activity coordination and a private dinner.

 

 

The Spirit of New Orleans

Since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans (http://www.cityofno.com/) has re-emerged to become once more a major tourist attraction. Much of the area has been revitalized and the spirit of this city has arisen again to provide a fabulous vacation spot for those who love great food, music and the culture of the south. One thing that stands out about New Orleans is a real lack of cookie-cutter buildings. You have the French and European influences that make the city worth visiting just to check out the architecture. Of course, New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras (http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/mgdates.html), and you should be ready to party if this is your reason for visiting the city. But New Orleans also offers the fun of the famous French Quarter where it is very striking that most of the buildings are solid fronts with beautiful courtyards in the middle almost like a fort, which is probably the purpose. It’s also fun to take the old trolley down to the Garden District where you will notice an array of plantation-style mansions mixed in with smaller, older homes. The ride is slow and interesting and worth doing to end at the edge of the district where you can find a restaurant or two to enjoy lunch or dinner. And when it comes to the food … wow! You will find any number of inexpensive restaurants with some of the best food in the world. New Orleans is famous for its jambalaya but also its deep-fried fish sandwich, which is incredible too. You will eat well and not empty your bank account. Don’t forget to find a great club to hear some of the authentic New Orleans Cajun jazz sound too. If you wander anywhere in downtown New Orleans you will run into club after club. Ask your hotel concierge which one is the most vibrant and popular at the time of your visit.

Train Time

 For families with small children nothing beats a train ride. Not a kid exists under the age of 5 that isn’t enthralled by trains. So, if mom and dad need a way to entertain the younger set, but also enjoy some scenic sights, check out the train rides that start at Roaring Camp in Felton, California. You can opt to take the redwood train into the forest or select the Santa Cruz Beach and Board Walk ride that takes passengers right up to the sidewalk that sits parallel to the boardwalk. It returns every hour on the hour so you can make a day of it and play on the boardwalk or head straight for the beach for some sand-and-surf fun. The boardwalk, recently renovated, offers numerous attractions and old-fashion midway rides. You can purchase a full-day pass and spend the afternoon enjoying the old rickety Giant Dipper roller coaster (this author’s very first roller-coaster ride), enjoy the carousel and don’t forget to grab the brass ring, or toss some rings and win a giant stuffed toy. It promises to be a great family afternoon. And then jump back on the train and head back to Roaring Camp through the magnificent giant redwood forest. The scenic ride will be a great way to relax a bit before you jump back in the car and drive to either a local hotel or campground. Use the Santa Cruz Camping Guide  to find the campground right for you. If you would like to have someone else set up your trip and manage the details, send an email to Elisa Taylor at etaylor@worldlesstraveled.com.