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May 25, 2018 by Chase Vandros

5 Exciting Fort Lauderdale Activities for the Adventurous Family

For families looking for more adventure in Florida than theme parks and beaches, look no further than Fort Lauderdale. This Fort Lauderdale travel guide will help with your thrill-seeking activities during your visit to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Go on a Wildlife Adventure

Thrill your family with an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades. Journey into this incredible ecosystem and learn about the history and area wildlife. As boats leave from Sawgrass Recreation Park and skim across the water, visitors often get to see snakes, gators, turtles, fish, and birds. Daytime and nighttime tours are available, as well as exhibits on the native and non-native wildlife species that can be found in the Everglades.

Take the Scenic Route

Skip travel on roadways and get different views of the city by purchasing tickets on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi. Tickets are valid for 12 hours and allow guests to travel to any of the 15 convenient stops around the city. These stops take passengers to destinations such as restaurants, shopping, historic locations, and beaches. Along the way, passengers are treated to spectacular views of the mansions and mega yachts along Millionaire’s Row.

Journey to a Tropical Isle

Families can take a trip along Fort Lauderdale’s New River aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat. Various guided tours are available, including shorter 90-minute tours, evening tours, and dinner tours. Longer tours include a stop at the Jungle Queen tropical isle, where guests can see exotic birds, alligators, and other wildlife. Guests on the dinner cruises are also treated to an all-you-can-eat dinner with live entertainment during their island visit.

Enjoy a Day on the Ocean

Enjoy a day on the Atlantic Ocean by going on a chartered fishing trip. Most trips provide everything passengers need, including fishing rods, tackle, and bait. Just a few miles from shore, guests can catch seasonal fish, such as snapper, grouper, trigger fish, and amberjacks. Crew members help passengers with various fishing techniques and provide complimentary fish cleaning. Half-day and full day charter trips are available.

Dine While Watching an Exciting Show

After a day along the waterways, enjoy a three-course meal and an exciting show at Mai Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Decorated in the style of 1950s tiki bars, guests feast on award-wining Cantonese and American dishes. During dinner, families experience lively and vibrant performances by Polynesian dancers, singers, musicians, and other traditional acts, including the Samoan Fire and Ice dance.

No matter the length of your family’s stay, they are sure to experience adventure in the Venice of America.

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March 22, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Enhancing Your Vacation: Much More Than Just Sitting On A Beach

Vacations are something that many of us really look forward to. In fact, the majority of us will plan our year based around vacation time and book the destinations way in advance. We work hard to save the money for these trips and so, the truth is, we want to ensure that we get as much out of that time away as possible. Many people get to enjoy a vacation once a year, and they really countdown the days until they head off. Not all of us like the idea of just sitting on a beach for two weeks. Sure, for some, that might be heaven, but I wanted to share with yous one of the other things you could consider doing on your vacation. Helping you to get the most out of it. So if a beach lounger doesn’t inspire you too much, here are some of the other ways you could enhance the vacation this year.

Consider camping instead of a hotel

Holidays don’t always need to be spent going somewhere hot, booking into a hotel and spending your days lounging around the pool or the beach. Why not try something different this year? Camping is fast becoming a viable choice, not just for families, but for groups of friends or even as a couple. It is a real different way of enjoying a vacation and with websites like Tents and Camp gear providing you with all the essentials, you can even enjoy some of the home comforts you are accustomed to. Camping under the stars, enjoying being at one with nature, and spending some quality time together with your friends and family really sounds like the perfect ingredients for a smashing vacation.

Go hiking and exploring

Maybe you like the idea of venturing off somewhere warm or in a different country, however, once you are there why not use the opportunity to explore and see the destination from a different side. Hiking and exploring in a different area can be very exciting, and many locals or accommodation staff will be only too pleased to tell you about amazing walks you can embark on or secret sights that are a little off the beaten track. This is your chance to experience some of the beauty of the location you have chosen, so don’t delay.

Research different sightseeing opportunities

If you like the idea of learning or want to quiet the historic buff inside you then doing plenty of research ahead of your vacation should highlight some of the main attractions and sightseeing opportunities. No matter where you go, I guarantee there will be something exciting and different to see. A temple or some ancient ruins, a cactus garden or the local town. Explore a little and don’t be afraid to try new things. It might present you with a great chance to hire a car and head out on the road to some of the best attractions out there. You may be surprised with what you find.

Combine a few locations into one vacation

Who says you can only go to one place for your vacation? No one. If you have two weeks why not look at the surrounding areas of your chosen country or destination and see if you can combine a few other stops along the way? Maybe a few different cities or even jumping on a plane and traveling somewhere else for a few days. Cruises are a great opportunity for this if you like the idea of destination hopping but you don’t want the hassle of booking flights or different accommodation. Many cruises will enable you to see different countries in one vacation, and often these locations can be pretty amazing. Alaska. Europe. The Panama Canal. Some of these places you may never get to see in one holiday.

Go back to your youth

Finally, why not take a leaf out of the students book and travel a little? Life as backpacker has to be experienced at least once, right? Student son GAP years use the time to travel around and see different places, often the locations that are the most popular are Australia and Asia. You may not want to do it for months at a time, but you could try it out for a week or two and see some of the more rural locations that are yet to be touched by tourism.

I hope that this has inspired you to consider some of the other ways you can spend your vacation time. Sitting on a beach is great, but there is so much more you could do, wouldn’t you agree?

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March 9, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Royal Holiday’s Vacations Club List of the 5 Hottest Attractions in Las Vegas

Las Vegas in known for high-class dining, lavish nightlife, and good old-fashioned gambling. Make the most of your excursion to Sin City by seeing the world-famous neon lights, acclaimed entertainment, and perhaps even some of Las Vegas’ natural beauty.

Royal Holiday Vacations Club provides club members with two luxurious lodging options and a ton of advice on dining options in Las Vegas. Station yourself on the strip at The Jockey Club, or reside near the Las Vegas Convention Center at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel. On your decadent foray into the City of Lights, be sure to check of these five hot attractions.

1. The Las Vegas Strip
 The Las Vegas strip is legendary. This is where the gamblers come to hobnob with show girls, and tourist come to watch it all go down. Simply walking down the strip exposes you to the gorgeous and extravagant architecture Las Vegas is known for. Walk inside any casino–such as the New York-New York, MGM Grand, or the Monte Carlo–to take a step into another world.

2. Cirque du Soleil
 If you see only one show while you are in Las Vegas, make it a Cirque du Soleil show. This colorful and exotic brand of circus performance is designed to blow your mind and stimulate your senses. Watch classically trained acrobats do things you never thought possible, complemented by intricate costumes and bold music. There are several different Cirque du Soleil shows running in Las Vegas at any given time. Select the show that speaks to you.

3. High Roller Observation Wheel
 The High Roller Observation Wheel is a 550-foot tall, 520-foot diameter Ferris wheel. This giant ride, located on the Las Vegas Strip, provides an unparalleled view of gorgeous downtown Vegas. High Roller is a great choice for families, but with a full bar, it also makes a fun option for rowdy adults. Consider riding at night to see that signature glitzy neon glam.

4. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
 The Bellagio houses an intricate, sky-lit atrium filled with seasonal flowers, trees, and other botanicals. Take a break from the flashy intensity of downtown Las Vegas to take a stroll through this carefully crafted botanical garden.

5. Scenic Helicopter Tours
 Hop onto a helicopter in fabulous Las Vegas, and take a breathtaking tour of the surrounding area, including beautiful Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime sight. Viewed from the sublime comfort of a coasting helicopter, the Grand Canyon is certain to take your breath away.

If you love to travel and decide Las Vegas isn’t the city for you then there are tons of other great vacation options available like the Grand Park Royal in Cozumel, Mexico.

 

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January 15, 2018 by Chase Vandros

3 Ideas for a Family Trip

There comes a time when the family needs to get away from it all. That said where might your family he headed soon? Taking a family trip can mean different things to different people. Lets look at ideas for a family trip, while your really want that fishing trip it might not be the best idea for a fin family vacation.

For example, some families like to go to the mountains and have some peace and quiet. For others, it may mean a trip to the beach and soaking in the sun and surf with countless others. Taking your family on holiday makes your children happier.

Still other families like to head off to a theme park attraction. In doing this, they can enjoy the rides and variety of entertainment and shows. No matter where your next family trip may take you and your group, have the time of your lives.

ideas for a family trip

Different Strokes for Different Folks

In preparing for your next family getaway, here are three ideas for a family trip to consider:

  1. Theme parks – There are a myriad of theme park attractions waiting for you and your loved ones to visit and enjoy. As an example, whether you opt for a one-time visit or annual pass to Disneyland, this venue has been a hit. When you have children, keeping them busy at a theme park is usually not a major obstacle. With Disneyland and others to choose from, your children should have more than enough to do. Along with fun rides, there are shows and more. Best of all, a trip to Disneyland means seeing Mickey, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and many others.                                                                                                                                          
  2. Mountains – If you and your family enjoy camping, what better place is there to go than the mountains? One of the great things with a trip to the mountains is you get away from the daily grind. Not only is that a plus, but you also get to take in some of the best that nature has to offer. So, consider packing the bags and the family vehicle to head off to a mountain getaway for a weekend or even longer.
  3. Beaches – What can prove more relaxing than a day at the beach? Well, it might be two days or even a full week. Whether you choose to go to a beach near you or one many miles away, take advantage of all beaches can offer. Not only do you have the chance to work on your tan, but there is also the opportunity to hit the water. From swimming to surfing and more, that can be fun and relaxing for countless individuals. If you do take your family to the beach, make sure that safety is never overlooked. Although accidents can happen on any trip, being in the water etc. can prove dangerous at times. This is especially true if you have one or more little ones with you.

 

Get That Planning Started Now

In working on your next ideas for a family trip, do not be one of those families waiting until the last minute to plan things out. Always remember that the best deals tend to be those scooped up early on.

That said try and book your trips as far in advance as possible. By doing this, you can not only oftentimes get better prices, but you have dates to look forward to. The latter will help you get through the daily grind.

So, if a family trip is on the horizon, where might you land?

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December 26, 2017 by Chase Vandros

5 Vacation Hot Spots in Ecuador

When considering a vacation to South America, Ecuador does not normally come up first on bucket lists. Adventure seekers and nature lovers would be remiss to overlook this marvelous country filled to the brim with sights left relatively unspoiled by modern civilization. It can be a bit difficult knowing where to go and what to see first without a travel guide to Ecuador, so here are a couple of sights that should be on any prospective traveler’s list.

Baños de Agua Santa

Sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to the Amazon,” Baños is a pleasant town sitting at the base of a volcano. The town is named for its numerous waterfalls and natural hot springs. The town has become a popular spot for spas, making good use of the abundance of thermal waters in the area. It is also a great spot for outdoor extreme sports such as zip-lining, rafting, mountain biking, bungee jumping, and rappelling.

Cuyabeno National Reserve

Cuyabeno is a national park located in the Amazon tropical rain forest and is famous for being one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. Visitors can take a canoe ride down the Amazon river and explore the dense jungle on one of many guided tours. Tourists can spend evenings in one of several comfortable eco-lodges in the heart of the rain forest, surrounded by trees and animals. It’s a wild experience that is sure to to please folks that love to go wildlife spotting.

Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are a cluster of volcanic islands located off the coast of Ecuador, well known for the plethora of plants and animals unique only to these islands. The Galápagos offer hiking, snorkeling, diving, and bird-watching opportunities. Charles Darwin famously visited these islands and his observations of the region helped him to develop his theory of evolution through natural selection.

Mantañita

Had too much of plants and animals and want to reconnect with civilization instead? Mantañita is the location to head to for those looking to party. Located on the Santa Elena Penuinsula, Mantañita also offers incredible waves for surfing enthusiasts. After a day of surfing visitors can explore a variety of bars and nightclubs into the wee hours. The party is never far whether on the beach or in one of the restaurants lining the streets, the beer is always flowing in this bohemian city.

The Quilotoa Loop

One of the best places to hike in Ecuador, the Quilotoa Loop is a gorgeous crater lake. After hiking the circle of Andean mountains, would be adventurers are treated to crystalline green water with a mirror-like surface. Those that make it to the lake can enjoy kayaking and camping before making the trek back over the mountains. It is a hidden slice of paradise that is absolutely worth the trip.

These are only a small number of the sights available in Ecuador with many more opportunities for eager tourists looking for a little excitement and adventure. It’s a great vacation spot to choose for those looking to enjoy the beauty of nature.

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