Cold Be Gone! Escape Winter with a Sunny Family Getaway Gabby Teaman December 22, 2010 Family Travel, Holiday Travel, Interests 1 Comment It’s official – winter is here! And for many of us, this means shoveling snow and lots of time indoors. When the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, why not head south for a sunny escape with the family? Just after New Year’s, there are tons of family travel deals for you to take advantage of and escape the cold. So, before you’re ready to say brrr and hunker down into your warmest blankets and a flannel onesie, check out these sunny winter escapes instead! San Juan, Puerto Rico The big perk when you’re visiting Puerto Rico is that you get an island getaway without the added hassle of passports for the whole family. San Juan has it all for families looking for relaxation, adventure, and sun. There are quite a few vacation resorts in Puerto Rico that cater to kids, including horseback riding, speed boats, and the bioluminescent bay on the island of Vieques. Though you’ll be tempted to stay on-site with all the amenities and activities resorts can offer, a day trip to Old San Juan will provide some culture and history to your family vacation. Siesta Key, Florida Siesta Key, which is situated on a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, is known for its soft, white sand beaches and warm Gulf water. You’ll be in good company as snowbirds flock to the area to bask in the Florida sun, even on “cold” days. There’s an endless number of family activities, including snorkeling alongside dolphins, kayaking, paddleboarding, and — for the really adventurous — parasailing high above the beach, with spectacular views of the ocean and the seashore. With all of these activities, you’ll have to remind yourself to take time and relax. Enjoy low rates on lodging in January and early February. Related: 5 of the Best Winter Vacation Spots in the US for Every Frosty-Weather Fanatic! Port St. Lucie, Florida Sandpiper Bay is nestled on the east coast of Florida between Miami and Orlando. It’s also one of the only all-inclusive family resorts in the United States. Dad can enjoy world-class golf, while mom can lounge by the pool and the kids have fun on the flying trapeze. Meals, drinks activities, and childcare are all included, making this a stress-free getaway. If you like to keep active, you can play tennis, basketball, volleyball, or work out at the resort gym. If the little ones get restless, they can play sports and hang out with other kids their age at the Kids’ Club. Barcelona, Spain Barcelona is great for families, but especially those with teenagers. If your kids want to practice their Spanish, this is the city to do it. But there’s also tons of activities for the little ones of all ages. Tibidabo Amusement Park has a vintage charm, as well as Ferris wheels and roller coasters galore. Raising a budding scientist? Head over to CosmoCaixa and check out all the cool exhibits, from mini hot air balloons to a recreated Amazonian rainforest. Plus, if you’re looking for a great city to start or end a Mediterranean cruise, check out MSC Meraviglia cruises. Barcelona MSC policies offer free cruises for kids 18 and younger at certain ports, while kids two and under always sail for free. Teens will especially enjoy the ship’s massive game room and 985-seat movie theater. Kids with an eye for adventure will also enjoy the Meraviglia’s Himalayan Rope Course — which winds around the outside of the ship — and the waterslides at the Polar Aqua Park. Orlando, Florida Orlando: Which city could possibly be better for you and the kids to visit? This beautiful city is home to Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, beautiful beaches, and much, much more. You can also check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and lots of museums. Plus, you can find tons of family-friendly cruise options from to and from Orlando as well, from Disney’s cruises to the Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. If you’re looking for food your family will love, check out Joe’s Crab Shack where your little ones will enjoy the pirate-themed playground or The Waterfront, which has a swing set and burgers galore. San Diego For many travelers, San Diego is California’s go-to spot for family vacations. Known the world over for its pristine natural beauty and great beaches, San Diego is also home to several zoos and amusement parks that are perfect for a family vacation. Kids with an interest in animals will be spellbound when they come face-to-face with a lion at the San Diego Zoo. They’ll be in awe of the majesty of the marine world as they sit down for a dolphin show at SeaWorld. Families looking for a more a traditional vacation experience can also check out Legoland. Next, head to the Old Town neighborhood of the city for one of the finest seafood dinners in the country. Travelers with an interest in shopping can also head to the Gaslamp Quarter, a part of the city known for its fashionable boutiques. The Bahamas Home to white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the Bahamas are a must-see for you and your family. A trip to the Bahamas is a great option, especially for families who love swimming, snorkeling, dolphins, scuba diving, and all things aquatic. Plus, there are tons of family-friendly resorts. For example, Baha Mar Resort is home to Baha Bay, the resort’s astounding 15-acre water park, is regarded as one of the most beautiful luxury water parks in the world. Atlantis is also a wonderful option with its state-of-the art waterpark. No matter where you decide to stay, your Bahamas trip is sure to be a once-of-a-lifetime adventure. Where will you be escaping to this winter? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
