6 Sure Fire Destinations For Families

As a travel agent, I handle a ton of family travel: traditional families, extended families and, more recently, single-parent families. I'm not sure how I developed the niche, but I suspect it came as a result of being a single dad with three young kids of my own. Sure, we can all head to the amusement parks and theme parks and have a great time -- that is a given. But when you dig a bit deeper, there are some fantastic destinations just screaming for families to explore. This week, I offer the down-and-dirty scoop on six family- and kid-friendly destinations that may not have crossed your mind.

1.San Diego

There's a lot to like in San Diego. Nature, beaches, wildlife -- San Diego has it all.

* Call of the wild. The San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park is a favorite of adults and kids alike. The animals are probably some of the best-treated anywhere, and in the animal park, they are free to roam in their (manmade) natural habitats.
* Surfs up, dude. Pack your tote bag and spend a day or two on the beaches. Southern California is known for the laid-back life and the beaches at La Jolla are no exception. La Jolla Shores Beach has plenty of public grills for an impromptu barbecue, and the calm waters and warm sand are enough to make anyone happy. Not far is the smaller beach of La Jolla Cove, which offers some of the best snorkeling in Southern California.
* LegoLand. OK, so I have dissed amusement parks and theme parks before, but this one is different (how is that for some kid logic?). Located about 30 miles north of San Diego in Carlsbad, it makes a great day trip. The lines are not too bad, the kids can ride the rides, and the adults can admire the artistry of the creations. Can you imagine a city built of Legos?

2. Chicago

Most parents shy away from big cities for family vacations, but hold on a sec. Chicago is a compact, easy-to-navigate city, and it has a lot to offer families, including some of the best pizza in the world (OK, the U.S.).

* Beaches. Yes, this is Chicago, not San Diego, but in the summer, you can find throngs of people (and thongs, too) on the shores of Lake Michigan. Not as warm as Southern California, but just as much fun.
* Millennium Park. This park is a tribute to all that is Chicago -- the art, the food, Wrigley Field, the music and more. It is the center of the Chicago cultural scene and one of the world's largest outdoor art venues. It even has ice skating. Of particular note is Cloud Gate, a huge polished orb that reflects the city and passers-by in a fun-house kind of way. If you are up for a little splashing, check out the Crown Fountain, a modern creation featuring video images of Chicagoans who sometimes spew water at you (remember it is a fountain).
* The L. The L (short for "elevated train") is an easy and inexpensive way to explore the city and get around. My kids love that at some points it runs so close to the adjacent apartments, you can see people brushing their teeth! Take the L out to Lincoln Park and see the Lincoln Park Zoo -- it's free.

3. Maui

Once you get over the flight time (bad from the West Coast and worse from the East), Maui is a great place and one of my favorites for both kids and adults. It has a good balance of adventure, nature and, of course, water everywhere you look.

* Swimming. The ocean, the hotel pool and the island's many roadside waterfalls offer abundant opportunities to get wet. I recommend that you rent a four-wheel drive and find a place of your own. Snorkeling? Try Makena State Park, but avoid Little Beach if you are offended by a clothing-optional experience (or would rather not explain it to the kids!).
* Whales. The whale-watching season is late December to April; outside that window, sightings are very hit or miss, and you may waste your money on a mere boat ride if you are looking for a whale of a time (sorry, couldn't resist). Humpback whales are incredible creatures; you will be amazed at their agility when you see them seemingly leap from the water. Your hotel hospitality desk can arrange a tour for you.
* Biking. Hey, even I can do this one! The trip down (key word, "down") from Haleakala Crater is a breathtaking experience. I recommend a trip that takes you to the summit (just over 10,000 feet, cold and hard to breathe) in time to see the sun rise. It feels like you are on top of the world -- and you are pretty close. Bike down the mountain at your own pace, stopping at the Kula Lodge for breakfast. The lodge is reasonably priced and offers spectacular views of the island.

4. Vancouver, British Columbia

There is a strange phenomenon that I have encountered many times when traveling outside the U.S. -- most foreigners are infatuated with children, and they are typically very accommodating and friendly to children, families and particularly single parents. Vancouver is no exception.

* The city. Vancouver is a thriving city filled with parks and activities for the kids. Stanley Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the world, has a 150-year-old forest, and the Bloedel Conservatory has tropical plants and exotic birds flying free. The city also has many interesting ethnic neighborhoods. Its Chinatown, which is slightly smaller than the one in San Francisco, offers the sights, sounds, smells and cuisine of Shanghai. The Gastown neighborhood is the one of the oldest in the city and has some of the best restaurants. The cobblestone streets are home to some great jazz and, believe it or not, some decent Spanish food -- tapas and sangria.
* The water. While not a mecca for swimming, Vancouver is surrounded by water. Cruise ships are in port regularly during the summer, and the harbor is teeming with ferries and water taxis. A fun trip is a ferry ride to Granville Island, a renovated industrial district that is now home to many very nice shops.
* The Kids Market. The Kids Market in the center of Granville Island is loaded with toy stores (hold on to your wallets, Mom and Dad) and offers plenty to entertain the kids all day. There is even a water park next door!
* Confections. Also on Granville Island is a terrific bakery called "Cupcakes." While there are plenty of other goodies, the specialty is -- you guessed it -- cupcakes. There are little bite-sized ones which are perfect for the kids, and the array of flavors puts Baskin-Robbins to shame!

5. Steamboat, Colorado

I am not a skier. I'm the guy hanging out by the fireplace with a hot toddy. This recommendation comes from my best friend, who is an enthusiastic skier.

* Ski school. Need to learn to ski? Steamboat offers both half- and full-day classes to gear you up for your trail trips. It also gives Mom and Dad some quality time to escape on their own.
* Convenience. Many hotels are what they call "ski in/ski out," which means you can literally ski up to the door. In the morning, getting to the slopes is easy. Want to head back to your hotel or resort for lunch? Ski in. Tuckered out? Ski in. Broke a leg? Sled in.
* Hot springs. Steamboat is just 45 minutes away from the therapeutic Strawberry Park Hot Springs, where 150-degree water spews from the earth and cascades down into four pools of varying temperature. Heaven.
* Mountain eating. Steamboat has a gondola that you can take up the mountain to dine at more than 15 slopeside restaurants. With varied menus and fun names like "Café Diva" and "Brunch on the Mountain," you are sure to find something to whet your appetite.

6. Cruising

The first time I took the kids on a cruise, all my friends thought I was nuts. Take the kids miles out to sea with no easy means of escape? Crazy. But they were wrong. Today's cruise ships offer so much more for kids than the ships of yesteryear.

* Kids programs. Every major cruise line has them. Some begin at age 2 and others at age 3. The kids love the age-appropriate activities, including crafts, video games, destination education and the ever-popular shipwide scavenger hunt. And while the kids are occupied, Mom and/or Dad can have some adult fun on their own. There is no charge for kids programs. The only drawback is that you will likely have a tough time getting the kids to leave.
* Amazing food. Yes, there is a lot of food on a cruise. "A lot" doesn't begin to describe it. Kids love the buffets, and even the pickiest eaters will find more than enough to enjoy.
* Cool ports. On a cruise, you get to see a lot of places in a little time. My kids think of the port calls as snapshots of the world, each from a unique perspective. Me, I think of port calls as tryouts. If the destination passes muster, it goes on my list of places to explore at some later date - when not on a cruise.
* Inclusive. Notice I don't say "all-inclusive." Cruises are not all-inclusive. Mostly inclusive, yes. Expect to pay for your booze and sodas (buy a soda card for about $45 a week if you want unlimited soda) and any activities and expenses off the ship. Tipping is additional ($10 per person, per day is a good rule of thumb), as are some specialty restaurants and any shipboard gambling or shopping you may do. When I disembark, my shipboard tab for a family of four usually runs about $1,000. We are not extravagant, but we are not misers, either.

The next time a vacation comes up with the usual suspects, why not haul out this list and consider a new destination? I guarantee that you and your kids will be pleasantly surprised.

Do you have a favorite "off-the-radar" destination for a family vacation? E-mail me and share the wealth! Or, if you want to share with a bunch of other families, check out one of the parenting forums.

When is the best time to....

When a client sits with me to plan a trip, I usually get at least one question that begins, “When is the best time to … ” Having been in the travel business for over a decade, and having traveled the world with my three kids, I have considered a lot of these clock and calendar questions. Today, I offer 13 timely tips to make your travels go more smoothly.

When is the best time to …

1. Take off in an airplane?

Answer: Between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on a Tuesday or a Saturday. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Tuesday and Saturday have the highest percentage of on-time flights -- 82 percent on both days. Another good reason to fly on Tuesday is that you avoid crowds of vacationers, who travel on the weekend, and business travelers, who fly at the beginning and end of the work week. And the earlier the departure the better, because there is less chance of getting caught in delays caused by problems with earlier flights and weather.

2. Go to the top of the Empire State Building?

Answer: At night, in the middle of the week. The building is open until 2 a.m. on most days, and the nighttime views of Manhattan are spectacular! Crowds are smaller late at night than during the day, and midweek crowds are smaller than weekend ones. As many as 16,000 people visit the observation floors on a busy day, and each one has to stand in three separate lines: for security, tickets and elevators. The wait can range from 30 minutes to three hours -- and you thought the airports were bad! Best bet: Call ahead to check on the wait times (212-736-3100).

3. Take in the lights of Broadway?

Answer: Tuesday or Wednesday nights have the smallest crowds of theatergoers. The months of January through April are especially good bets because you miss the holiday crowds and can catch shows before the Tony nominations are announced in mid-May. For late tickets, check in directly with the theaters. They hold seats for visiting celebs (like my crush Paris Hilton) and will release them up to a week before the show, and they are usually fantastic seats. You can also get same-day tickets from TKTS; its kiosk in the middle of Times Square opens at 3 p.m. and tickets to most shows that night can be had for $40 to $50, Cash only. Remember, most theaters are “dark” on Mondays (that means “closed”!)

4. Haggle with a street or market vendor?

Answer: At the end of the day. Shopping right before vendors pack up their wares and tally the day's profits can profit you; in fact, you can probably name your price. The less they have to haul away, the better. And here’s a useful tip: The wares change often, so if you see something you like, get it. It might not be there when you come back later.

5. Score a reservation at the hottest restaurant in town?

Answer: Three to six months ahead of time will pretty much guarantee you a table. Some restaurants take reservations only one or two months in advance; call to find out, and then mark your calendar accordingly. If you are having trouble, ask for the maitre d’ and calmly and confidently explain that you are calling on behalf of Paris Hilton … No, no no, explain that it is a special occasion and you would like to experience all the great things you have heard. Usually, the restaurant will accommodate you. Get the reservations agent’s name and be sure to give a tip and hearty “Thank you!” when you arrive. Your travel agent will often have the connections to make this happen for you, as well. Just ask!

6. Land a standby seat?

Answer: Planes are less crowded on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check with your travel agent, or log on to the airline's Web site before heading to the airport and check the availability. If there are empty seats, most airlines will accommodate you. Caution, some airlines will charge a standby fee (but no increase in the fare) -- greedy airlines!

7. Visit Disney World or Disneyland?

Answer: When school is in session. The busiest times, by far, at Disney theme parks are during school vacations, especially over Christmas and during spring breaks. If you can go when school is in full swing, you'll find significantly shorter lines. One of my most memorable trips to Disney World was the week following Thanksgiving. The park was decorated for the holidays, the temperature was great, and the crowds were nonexistent.

8. Visit popular tourist destinations?

Answer: It depends. Every destination has a high season and a low one. High season tends to be harmful to your wallet, and low ones tend not to offer the experience you had in mind. So determine the destination’s “shoulder season” (not sure where this term comes from, but that’s what the in-between of “on” and “off” season is called) Typical shoulder seasons offer lower prices, fewer tourists, just OK weather … you get the picture. Here are the shoulder seasons of some popular destinations.

• Las Vegas: May and September
• Florida: Late April, May, Late August, October
• New York City: April, September, October
• Los Angeles: January, April, May
• Caribbean: July, August, November
• Colorado: June
• Hawaii: September, October, November, January
• Canada: April, May, September, October
• Mexico: February, Early December
• Europe: April, Early May, September, January

9. Visit a museum?

Answer: After 1 p.m. on a school day. Tour groups visit in the morning, so by early afternoon they're gone and you'll pretty much have the run of the place. Keep an eye on the weather; museums tend to be people magnets on rainy days. And if you don’t have holiday plans and the museum is open, head on out; chances are it will be empty.

10. Buy a new suitcase?

Answer: April, May or June. Suitcases are like clothes: They have seasons -- though, sadly, their shows are nothing like the Victoria’s Secret show. Early spring and summer are good times for deals on last year’s models (the luggage models not the Victoria’s Secret models). If you travel a lot, or plan to, good luggage (I recommend Briggs & Riley) is a good investment. It will cost a bit more, but it will pay dividends in the long run as it will last forever and possibly offer a lifetime guarantee.

11. Take that perfect snapshot?

Answer: Early morning or late afternoon. The first and last hours of daylight offer the most flattering light. Professional photographer Ned S. Levi, of Philadelphia, calls these the “magic hours.” “During early morning and late afternoon hours, when the sun is low on the horizon, the light is orange and gold, and gives photographs the warmth and glow we see in front a fireplace during a romantic evening rendezvous,” Levi says. The worst time to shoot: between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun casts shadows from above (although, according to Levi, these times can be excellent for monuments and buildings).

12. Visit the Grand Canyon?

Answer: Since we are looking for perfect photos. The last two weeks of August. A lot of families go back to school in the middle of August, and the foreign visitors are often told not to come until after Labor Day, so the end of August is perfect. Temperatures are also cooler than during the brutal part of the summer, and it rains more often, which also helps keep things cool. The ideal time is two to three hours before sunset. The final moments of the sun dropping below the horizon are great, but the hours leading up to it, when the setting sun is bouncing off the walls of the canyon, are truly spectacular. See tip 11!

13. Renew your passport?

Answer: If you had asked me this question this time last year, I would have said 1980, but the State Department seems to have gotten its act together after months of vacation-ruining delays. According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which issues passports, the best time to renew is November. Passports usually take six weeks to process; if you need yours sooner, pay for the expedited service and have it in “about” two weeks. Most passport applications can be processed at most post offices. If you don’t have a passport, just apply for one now. You will need one at some point and it is a universal identification -- and at $10 a year, it is a cheap one at that!