HIT THE ROAD AND CREATE SOME UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY MEMORIES WITH LONELY PLANET’S ROAD TRIP GUIDES

LONELY PLANET TRIPS BUY

There’s an antidote to the abuse commonly known as airline travel (constant flight delays, surly staff, outrageous baggage fees)—the great American roadtrip. If your reliance on your GPS system and GoogleMaps has you a little lost when it comes to planning an on the road adventure, Lonely Planet has you covered. Their Trips series will have you running out to check the oil and tires, and your teens groaning at the prospect of being trapped in a car with you for 3 days.

Part of Lonely Planet’s US Trips line, this six book series covers pretty much every inch of drivable territory in the contiguous US. And like the rest of the Lonely Planet’s offerings, the themed itineraries in the Trips series are imaginative, inspiring and cover a full range of tastes and timelines. I personally can’t wait to head off on the 2-day trip along Highway 1 to Santa Cruz for my upcoming birthday (watch this space for a review of the DREAM INN). And to head off on the 4-day trip exploring the Alice Water’s Culinary Tour. Starting in Santa Monica, you’ll eat your way up the coast to end—where else—in the Gourmet Ghetto of Water’s hometown of Berkeley.

Besides easy-to-follow itineraries, each trip includes handy recaps of ‘where to’ eat, sleep and drink. And my favorite feature is the “Link This Trip” callouts, so you can extend your trip or just take a quick detour.

Here’s one themed trip in the Pacific Northwest the kids might actually get into.

Another trip on my list.

Kiddieup Travel’s ultimate road trip vehicle.

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photo credits: camper image from http://countryhomescampers.com.

HIPPIE MEETS HIPSTER AT THESE TWO PAIA INNS—AND MAKES FOR A PERFECTLY LAID BACK FAMILY VACATION

PAIA INN (WEBSITE)
THE INN AT MAMA’S FISH HOUSE (WEBSITE)
Both located in the town of Paia, Maui
About 15 minutes from the Kahului airport, about 30-50 minutes to the towns of Wailea and Lahaina

Maui often gets a bad rap for being too touristy. But here’s two Paia-based inns that feel oceans away from the chaos of the canned hula tunes and luau frenzy of the usual visitor destinations.

The islands of Hawai’i hold a very special place in my heart. I admit I fall head over heels for the spirit of aloha—From the first pluck of a ukelele string, or a sniff of a plumeria and I’m a goner.
Little gems like the town of Pai’a (as a 2-block stretch of businesses, I use that term loosely) offer visitors the chance to make a detour from the beaten paths and experience the beauty of island time. I was first introduced to the town of Paia by my friend YVES BEHAR, an avid windsurfer who hit up this part of the island for its perfect windsurfing conditions. Paia is far from a ‘locals only’ area—It’s more a haole (that means white/caucasian in local-speak) enclave that’s a hippie/surfer/undercover yuppie mecca. Which means that it’s visitor-friendly and still offers a little taste of the magic of the islands. It’s also a great choice for families looking for an alternative to the big resorts—small, slow-paced, relatively close to other destinations on the island and home to many gorgeous beaches.

PAIA INN
A boutique hotel right on the main drag (i.e. the pedestrian-friendly 2-block stretch), the Paia Inn is a favorite of young, hip singles. But  this small inn is a fantastic choice for families who want some of the amenities of a hotel (concierge services, 500 thread count sheets, toiletries, etc), but still need the conveniences of a cottage.

The Junior Suite at the Paia Inn with king size bed, pull out sofa, kitchenette and private lanai.

The Inn’s cozy courtyard.

It’s not a four-star resort, but the Paia Inn gets rave reviews for it’s boho charm, attention to detail and unbeatable location.

PLAYING
• The Paia Inn’s courtyard flows directly into a private, white-sand beach (see the picture at the beginning of this post).
• You’re in the heart of downtown Paia, and easy walking to galleries, shops, restaurants.

EATING
• There’s lots of inexpensive choices as well as upscale eateries as well. And many rooms come with a kitchen or kitchenette for small meals and snacks in your room. I always have to have some grub on hand to keep my little native subdued.

SLEEPING
• The Paia Inn’s Junior Suites on up feature multiple bedrooms and/or pull out couches and kitchenettes.

TIPS
• Nina, the manager, is super helpful and has one crib available on a first-come, first-serve basis. (fyi: It’s a hand-me-down from the owner.) For other baby needs, she suggests contacting Lisa who runs the Maui-area BABIES AWAY, 808 344 2219
• Laundry service is available per load ($20 for wash/dry/fold) or on a per-item basis.
• Bring the flip-flops, and leave the business heels at home. Ahhhhh.

THE INN AT MAMA’S FISH HOUSE
I fell in love with Mama’s when I dined here in ‘02. Granted, I was on my honeymoon and it could have been the glow of the occasion, but it just felt like Mama’s was a very special place. Set on a secluded, picturesque beach, coming to Mama’s feels like you’ve stumbled upon some amazing, secret. The restaurant is an island treasure, set in a converted beach home. Fish is the focus, and the  menu doesn’t just give you a rundown on the flavor of each ocean-based entreé, they provide you a complete resume of every Monchong or Ahi with information on the fisherman, his boat and more. That same care and attention extends to the cottages and inn attached to its famous restaurant. Located just outside of the main drag, it’s not the choice for a family who wants to be in the heart of the action, but if you’re looking for getaway of tranquil luxury, this is the spot for your ‘ohana (that means family in Hawaiian).

A cottage bedroom.

Another interior view.

Let’s head outside the cottage…

White sand and surf, just steps away.

PLAYING
• There’s a small and gorgeous beach only footsteps away.
• It’s a short distance to the town of Paia, but the road isn’t walkable.

EATING
• Each of the cottages comes with its own outdoor area and grill and most with a kitchen or kitchenette (the kitchenette is very bare bones, nothing near the facilities you’d need to cook a family meal).
• Of course, Mama’s Fish House is also steps away, but it’s prices don’t make it a good choice for every day meals.

SLEEPING
• There’s many cottages to choose from; the 2 bedroom cottage is the best choice for families of older children

TIPS
• Free laundry service is available.
• Check out the many local farmer’s markets and groceries stores for your in-room dining.

PAIA INN (WEBSITE)
THE INN AT MAMA’S FISH HOUSE WEBSITE
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photo credits: images taken from paiainn.com, mamasfishouse.com and tripadvisor.com.

SOUTH CAROLINA’S LITCHFIELD BEACH AND GOLF RESORT OFFERS THE OTHER SORT OF GREEN VACATION: ACRES OF AWARD-WINNING GOLFING, PLUS SWIMMING AND SUNNING FOR THOSE WHO DON’T WANT TO GET ALL TEE’D OFF ON A FAMILY VACATION.

LITCHFIELD BEACH AND GOLF RESORT
Pawley’s Island, South Carolina
(which isn’t really an island at all but does have an island-worthy beaches)
About 30 mins south of Myrtle Beach
WEBSITE

Hot off the heels of KiddieupTravel’s Gulf Getaways newsletter is another option sure to whet your appetite for a taste of Southern fried sunshine. The Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort has all the amenities that make it a family-friendly vacation no-brainer: lots of space, lots of sun, a kid and adult-friendly pool scene, sandy beaches only minutes away, and more condo-rental choices than you can shake a golf club at…

No, I didn’t forget to mention the Litchfield’s most acclaimed feature: acres and acres of award-winning golf courses. It just doesn’t rank high on my radar, unlike the many plaid-clad vacationers milling around the Litchfield. I loved the few years I spent living near a golf course when I was a kid. Memories of roaming the greens at night under a giant bowl of stars still makes my heart race with awe. I even gave the sport a try on historic Scottish courses, taking actual golf classes. But it’s just not my thing. So forgive me if I don’t wax on about one of the Litchfield’s more famous attractions. What I love about this place is the perfect mix of comfortable, fairly reasonably priced accommodations and the easy access to gorgeous pools and beaches. Sure, it still gets ‘busy’ but it’s got nothing on say Waikiki or Malibu, but SC’s beaches can certainly go head-to-head against any of the more popular choices with its miles of white sands and friendly surf. But shhhhh, don’t tell anyone…..

The Litchfield pool enjoys a moment of calm.

The pool’s ‘Lazy River’ feature—perfect for kids or enjoying your favorite beverage while bobbing along in an inner tube.

Here comes a Lazy River fan now!

Lovely South Carolina beaches are only footsteps away.

Lodging options cover almost every possible combination and budgets from grand, 4-bedroom homes like the Charlestone Grant…

To charming, 3-bedroom Compass Point homes,

To the bright, Avian Forest Villa.

PLAYING
• The pool’s Lazy River is a big fave with the kids. It’s basically a 3ft deep kiddie pool flowing in a circle, but it keeps them entertained for hours. And it’s perfect for adults enjoying an innertube ride with their favorite cocktail as well.
• The beach is only a short walk away from almost every property on the resort where you can enjoy white sand and salty goodness for miles.
• Nearby attractions include Brookgreen Gardens, the first public sculpture gardens.
• The big attraction are the golf courses. In the resort, around the resort—they’re everywhere. And nice ones, too. Check for the Kids Golf Free specials that let the jr. putters tee off free of charge when playing with an adult. Fore score!

EATING
• Virtually all the condos and homes features kitchens and kitchenettes, check with each property description for a full list of amenities.
• The Myrtle Beach area has a slew of restaurants from family dining to upscale eateries. And there’s a Starbucks in the Litchfield Resort Lobby.

SLEEPING
• The resort offers a wide selection of options from hotel rooms to studio condos to luxurious 4-5 bedroom homes perfect for large gatherings. And unlike your Aunt Martha’s house on the Cape, these have plenty of plumbing options so the whole family won’t be fighting for time in the lone shower in the whole house.
• They also offer rooms with Murphy Beds (available in the Bridgewater Suites). Another favorite with the kiddos.

TIPS
• Like all the other vacation destinations along the Eastern seaboard, a rental car is recommended.
• Crib rentals are through an outside service and do carry a daily fee. Call the resort ahead of time to reserve (highchairs and other items also available).

LITCHFIELD BEACH AND GOLF RESORT

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photo credits: images taken from litchfieldbeach.com and tripadvisor.com

Ahhh, stuck in the car for days on end with whiny children, watching as the next layer of Nutter Butters gets ground into your floorboard (only to be sealed with a juice box). The joys of a family road trip are truly beyond compare.
In all actuality, road trips are still one of the best, and most fun, forms of the family vacation. Sure, things have changed— I certainly didn’t get to watch SpongeBob until my mind turned to mush. We looked out the window at nothing but highway and we liked it.
Okay, enough of my rambling, what I’m really here to say is to champion the road trip along with Lonely Planet. Now through Labor Day, they’re offering free downloadable road trip itineraries on their Facebook page in honor of the release of their upcoming book, USA’s Roadtrips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America. I’ve downloaded several already and have been plotting the torture of my small children for many summers to come. They’re going to love the Wet & Wild West Coast trip. Even if takes them 20 years to realize it.

Start downloading your road trip itineraries HERE.
And while you’re at it, become a FAN of Kiddieuptravel.

Relaxing at Tranquility Bay, Florida. Just one of the Gulf area getaways you’ll find in Kiddieuptravel’s latest newsletter.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Gulf Area getaways in my late summer ‘10 newsletter. If for some crazy reason you haven’t subscribed to the kiddieuptravel newsletter, well, sign up below. And since you missed this one, you can read it here.

‘GIVE BACK TO THE GULF GETAWAYS’ NEWSLETTER

Although I guess the 4th should have me thinking about Philly (what with the Liberty Bell and all), my thoughts tend to wander northward on 95 towards NYC. So following this wonderful long, 4th of July holiday, there’s no better time for my review of the must-have guide book for any family planning on taking a bite out of the Big Apple.

Vacationing in NYC is a bit daunting for a family. As a parent (at least to younger children) you live and die by naps and bedtime. So just how does a vacation to the city that never sleeps fit in? Amazingly, with a little help from Fodor’s.
The experts in travel do what they do best in this easy-to-read and succinct enough-to-tote-in-the-diaper bag guide to NYC. But don’t let the smallish size of Fodor’s Family New York City With Kids fool you—there’s enough ideas to keep a family entertained and informed for days and days and days on end.
Covering everything from a general overview of the city to special recommendations grouped by a kid’s interest (dino buffs to princesses in training), NYC with Kids goes in depth on each major neighborhood and surrounding boroughs. The recommendations in each section are cross referenced with the chapters dedicated to museums, restaurants, hotels and maps. My personal favorite feature is the handy ‘Where can I find a …. ” for each neighborhood that includes not only parks but also the essential public bathrooms listings. Although, I have to say I have never gotten turned down at any restaurant when I walk in with a toddler in tow and ask to use the restroom.

While you don’t usually think of Fodor’s unless you’re thinking of travel, this is a great little book for visitors and residents alike, covering the well-known spots (Tavern on the Green, Rockefeller Center) to lesser-known gems (real fishing in central park, the Peanut Butter & Co Sandwich Shop). And they do it in a way that really works for parents—in-depth enough to be informed, but to the point enough to not tax a parent’s already maxed out brain cells.

$10.95+tax and shipping. Buy yours HERE.

Ice cream, parks, bathrooms. What more could you need?

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Kids with Liberty performers photo by VICTORIA PECKHAM

You, and the kids, are going to flip over this deal. 

We all know how kids and parents love the ideas of kids clubs. It gives kids a chance to be people who are actually fun, and it allows parents a break from entertaining the kiddos for a few hours. The down side is that all that entertainment can be a bit pricey. But there are bargains to be had. Like the fabulous deal at the Aston Kaanapali Shores where they’re offering kids clubs for $25 dollars per session. And with tickets running about $300-400 round trip to Maui (from the West Coast) this summer, it’s time to go hawaiian.

The kids club activities have a lot of island flavor. Activities on offer are hula instruction, ukulele lessons and lei making, as well as the usual beach activities and arts and crafts.

Yes, Kaanapali is a very touristy area. But it’s Maui, and in my opinion, pretty much any location is beautiful paradise or even more beautiful paradise. I stayed in this area on my honeymoon (in the big pink hotel) and was completely happy with the location. And there are swanker areas or more boho areas, but the condo/hotels are a great option for families. They’re not super fancy, but they’re big, they have kitchens, they’re a good deal and you can’t beat the views.

Click HERE for more information and booking.

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photo from tripadvisor.com

Our winner was chosen by photo director extraordinaire and my colleague from my *SURFACE magazine days, Victoria Kelly. Today she’s the kick-butt new media director for LA’s eco-friendly child boutique (and my fave store) THE LITTLE SEED. Be sure to check out all the bo-hunks at kiddieup’s DILF PHOTO ALBUM. Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to start snapping your hotties in anticipation for next year’s competition.

I’ll be taking submissions between now and Thursday JUNE 17 and announce the winner Friday, June 18th, in time for Father’s Day.

The lucky DILF, I mean, Dad, will receive a cool KIMMELKIDS tote filled with amazing eco/craft/cool kids stuff. Here it is:

The giftbag.

The bag flowers are a bit fluorescent, but not this bright, or this rippled around the edges…anyways, I took this picture because my dress matches the print. And now you can rip this amazing gift bag out of my hot little hands!

That’s more like it…you’ll get the awesome orange one on the right. 

The bag is very similar to the one given away at the last KimmelKids craft weekend extravaganza at the ACE HOTEL in Palm Springs. Inside you’ll find:

Converse Sneakers/Undefeated t-shirt/Further liquid hand soap/Pop chips/Smart Water/Tasty Baby Gummy treats/Kind snack bar/Sun print kit/Envirosac reusable tote/Smith Row spin top/Yummy Fun Kooking DVD/Parents Magazine/Urbanic notepad & coupon/Two Plums crafting kit/Geoff McFetridge wallpaper/print by Pottuk/American Apparel adult tee/33 Things to Know About Raising Creative Kids

It’s practically ready to hit the beach. And the tote is really cool and super-sturdy. Yes, the print is a tad fluorescent, but in the best possible way. I can’t believe I’m not keeping this for myself. But I am indeed giving it away. Here’s how to win:

• Post your favorite hot daddy on facebook.com/kiddieuptravel
• The dad must be showing a bit of skin
• He has to have a kid in the picture as well—he’s got to be actively parenting or it doesn’t count
• Being on vacation can’t hurt your chances, but it’s not necessary

So send in pictures of your DILF for all the world—not just you, the kiddos and his mom—to love. One lucky person will receive this amazing gift bag!And I'll kick it off with my favorite DILF, here on vacation at the FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CABIN in Wisconsin.

Get to FACEBOOK.COM/KIDDIEUPTRAVEL and enter your favorite DILF today!

Succulent gardens in progress.

Potato print flags flying proudly. 

Customizing the Converse. I was way less inventive when I was a kid, I just used a black sharpie.

I’m sure they’ll host another weekend of crafting, artwork, pool time and just Palm Springs fun. Another weekend crazy with macramé, disco pinatas, underwater photography, taco nights, more s’mores. Okay, enough daydreaming…click HERE for more info and updates on the next event.

AND WATCH THIS SPACE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A KIMMELKIDS GIFT BAG.

Movie night. Or a rave. No, wait, definitely movie night. 

Confetti System pinatas. I’m semi-obsessed with these.

S’mores!

A snap from the underwater photography session.