Destinations the whole family will love!

KIDDIEUPTRAVEL IS HONORED TO POST THIS DISPATCH FROM ESTEEMED FRONTLINE JOURNALIST/PRODUCER (AND FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR) JOE RUBIN FROM HIS RECENT ESCAPE TO TULUM.

He and his beautiful family had such a fantastic, relaxing and amazing time there over spring break that I’m ready to jump on a plane to head over the border right this minute.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, JOE IN MEXICO

I love independent travel. Even when I’m making serious documentaries for FRONTLINE about the hunt for war criminals in the former Yugoslavia, I relish taking time out to discover a magical hat shop in old Sarajevo (which is becoming a wonderful city again) or to inhale herring sold by street vendors on an icy morning in Amsterdam.

So when our daughter Ginger was born both my wife and I vowed that we would share our love of international travel with her. Busy schedules, lack of funds prevented that from happening.  Last month, with my wife Sarah closing in on six months pregnant, we decided, if not now, when?

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LOUNGE IN THE LAP OF LUXURY, AND TAKE YOUR TEEN OUT FOR A DAY OF VOLUNTEER VACATIONING

Ritz Carlton, Cancun WEBSITE

Maybe you feel a bit guilty for checking into an opulent, luxe resort in Cancun instead of some off-the-beaten track beach hut where you’ll soak up some real culture. Or, maybe you don’t—a chilled face towel delivered poolside by a handsome cabana boy has a way melting that guilt right way. Either way, the Ritz Carlton’s Mayan Adventure volunteer program is a fantastic way to enjoy all the amazing family amenities and touches of this luxe resort (see SLEEPING and PLAYING, below), and log in some rewarding community work, all in one gorgeous vacation.

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A UTAH VACATION THAT REALLY ROCKS: FAMILY-LED FOSSIL HUNT AND GEMSTONE DIG, JUNE 27, 28 & 29

Utah Summer Fossil Dig and Gemstone Hunt WEBSITE

Live out your Indie fantasies (Indiana Jones, that is, not your dream of being the next coming of Pavement/The Shins/Le Tigre) in this 3 day trek organized by Dinosaur Rock founders Neil Brown and Leslie Freund. The husband and wife duo guarantee you and your kid will unearth buried treasure during on this annual edu-tational dig in the spectacular Utah desert. And you’re sure to discover how much fun hanging with the kids can be.

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DINNER FOR YOU, WII FOR THEM. EVERYONE’S HAPPY THANKS TO THE WEEKEND FAMILY GETAWAY SPECIAL FROM THIS THIS NASHVILLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL.

Hutton Hotel FAMILY SPECIAL

Nashville’s swank Hutton Hotel has a deal that is sure to speak to the hearts of parents needing just a little down (and alone) time. Their weekend family deal has everything you need for the whole family to thoroughly enjoy an urban, boutique-hotel weekend getaway. Imagine this, two adjoining rooms for the weekend. In theirs: a Wii (set up),complementary movie and $50 in-room dining credit. For you: a $100 dining credit at the hotel’s delish 18o8 Grille. (Babysitter not included.)

The gorgeous lobby. Nothing too breakable here, right?

You could leave them here. (Don’t worry, they’ll be so engrossed in the Wii they won’t even know you’re gone). 

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photo credits: black and white photo by H. MICHAEL KARSHIS, all other photos, huttonhotel.com

INDIAN SPRING’S OLYMPIC-SIZED MINERAL POOL MAKES THIS ONE SPA SANCTUARY THAT’S A HIT WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY. 

Indian Springs Resort & Spa
WEBSITE

With 16-acres of property to roam, it’s row of family-sized cottages and more than enough room for all to splash around in the Olympic-sized tub, Indian Springs Resort and Spa has been a favorite with families visiting the Napa Valley since it opened almost 150 years ago.

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Heading to Europe? Then look no further than BABY FRIENDLY BOLTHOLES, a travel recommendation and booking site that has the absolute best options for family travel in the continent. Stylish, relaxing and kid-friendly chalets, B&Bs and cottages across the EU and the UK. Baby Friendly Boltholes features a  range of prices, countries and styles to meet every need. And I love the design, as well. Fantastic work, Sian!!!

BABY FRIENDLY BOLTHOLES WEBSITE