Blunt With Bable
Posted by Bable on Sunday, June 5, 2011
Under: Advice
Q:Hello Bable, I want to start out I am a Big Fan of yours! I noticed you went on vacation and thought I would ask how was your Vacation and if you don't mind me asking did you leave the states by chance? I was wondering if you could give me some on advice on a vacation spot for a family of 5 my youngest is 14 months old and oldest is 16.
A: First of all I want to say thank you for reading my advice column. I did go on vacation 9 Glorious days of good ol down home relaxation. I did not leave the states but i do have a few suggestions if you are thinking of leaving the states on vacation, and i have a few in the state vacation spots.
Out of the states vacation spots :
Belize, Central America
South of Mexico and next to Guatemala, Belize is a great budget family destination. English is the spoken language in this Massachusetts-sized country and lodging prices are a bargain, with scores of rooms, cabanas, lodges, and beach huts for $15 to $50 a night (meals are $1.50 to $4). June and July see significant discounts on already-low prices due to the rainy season. Fly into Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City, then travel to one of the five regions or the cayes, the islands floating in the azure Caribbean Sea. Don't miss the Belize Zoo in Belize City, or the Community Baboon Sanctuary, about a half hour inland from the coast. Then there's the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve in the Stann Creek region. For an island experience, a 15-minute boat or inexpensive flight accesses literally hundreds of spectacular islands, which in turn access the world's second-largest barrier reef (Ambergris feels more western, Caulker more rustic).
South of Mexico and next to Guatemala, Belize is a great budget family destination. English is the spoken language in this Massachusetts-sized country and lodging prices are a bargain, with scores of rooms, cabanas, lodges, and beach huts for $15 to $50 a night (meals are $1.50 to $4). June and July see significant discounts on already-low prices due to the rainy season. Fly into Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City, then travel to one of the five regions or the cayes, the islands floating in the azure Caribbean Sea. Don't miss the Belize Zoo in Belize City, or the Community Baboon Sanctuary, about a half hour inland from the coast. Then there's the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve in the Stann Creek region. For an island experience, a 15-minute boat or inexpensive flight accesses literally hundreds of spectacular islands, which in turn access the world's second-largest barrier reef (Ambergris feels more western, Caulker more rustic).
Negril, Jamaica
This section of Western Jamaica is dubbed the "Capital of Casual" as it used to be a legendary hippie hangout. In contrast to the all-inclusive resorts that dominate much of the island, Negril has a lot of family-run, family-friendly lodges that offer rooms for well under $50 per night (look for summer-season discounts). Negril is famous for its laid-back seven mile long beach, with gentle waves and a kid-friendly shoreline. Older kids can rent kayaks and paddle out to the coral reef for snorkeling. There are plenty of day-trips to take from Negril; Mayfield Falls is beautiful and generally not crowded. Summer discounts are often available for flights into Montego Bay.
This section of Western Jamaica is dubbed the "Capital of Casual" as it used to be a legendary hippie hangout. In contrast to the all-inclusive resorts that dominate much of the island, Negril has a lot of family-run, family-friendly lodges that offer rooms for well under $50 per night (look for summer-season discounts). Negril is famous for its laid-back seven mile long beach, with gentle waves and a kid-friendly shoreline. Older kids can rent kayaks and paddle out to the coral reef for snorkeling. There are plenty of day-trips to take from Negril; Mayfield Falls is beautiful and generally not crowded. Summer discounts are often available for flights into Montego Bay.
A couple in states vacation spots are:
Washington D.C.
There's no better way to make learning about history and politics fun that a visit to our nation's capital. Free entry to all 19 Smithsonian museums (including the National Zoo with giant pandas, Sumatran Tigers, and baby rhinos), the National Gallery of Art, and to national monuments will definitely help keep expenses down. Hotels can be expensive downtown, but great public transportation system—the Metro—lets you stay in less-expensive lodging outside the National Mall. Older kids will love the International Spy Museum, while a more somber reflection this country's history can be had at the spectacular Holocaust Museum. Fun day trips include Civil War battlefields like Gettysburg, Bull Run, and Manassas, or visits to Mount Vernon, George Washington's placid home.
There's no better way to make learning about history and politics fun that a visit to our nation's capital. Free entry to all 19 Smithsonian museums (including the National Zoo with giant pandas, Sumatran Tigers, and baby rhinos), the National Gallery of Art, and to national monuments will definitely help keep expenses down. Hotels can be expensive downtown, but great public transportation system—the Metro—lets you stay in less-expensive lodging outside the National Mall. Older kids will love the International Spy Museum, while a more somber reflection this country's history can be had at the spectacular Holocaust Museum. Fun day trips include Civil War battlefields like Gettysburg, Bull Run, and Manassas, or visits to Mount Vernon, George Washington's placid home.
The Black Hills, South Dakota
The region enjoys unmatched Old West history, some of the best camping and trout fishing in the country, and incredible, wide-open vistas. Families can explore the Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore, Wounded Knee, the expansive Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, Devil's Tower (in bordering Wyoming), and the towns of Sturgis and Deadwood. In addition to six national parks, the mountains and forests contain 100-plus miles of national scenic byways, so consider bringing along bicycles.
The region enjoys unmatched Old West history, some of the best camping and trout fishing in the country, and incredible, wide-open vistas. Families can explore the Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore, Wounded Knee, the expansive Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, Devil's Tower (in bordering Wyoming), and the towns of Sturgis and Deadwood. In addition to six national parks, the mountains and forests contain 100-plus miles of national scenic byways, so consider bringing along bicycles.
These are just a few vacation spots, just to give you an idea of the array of things you can do with your family, and the best things is these are inexpensive trip ideas for a family of 5. I hope you have a wonderful vacation, and please send us some PICTURES! :)
Good Luck!
Bable
In : Advice